
Bourbon Pursuit
The Official Podcast of Bourbon! The best in news, reviews and interviews with people making the bourbon whiskey industry happen. Join hosts Kenny Coleman, Ryan Cecil, and Fred Minnick as they talk with prominent guests and provide insight on American whiskey 3 times a week. Catch all new episodes every Thursday with special Whiskey Quickie reviews on Tuesday and get caught up on bourbon news with This Week in Bourbon on Friday.
Latest episodes

Dec 31, 2024 • 6min
Whiskey Quickie: Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B Bourbon Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B. This non-age stated is 120.2 proof and $300 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 27, 2024 • 35min
2024 Whiskeys Of The Year, Wrapping up 2024, Pursuit Plans for 2025
Bourbon Pursuit's year-end wrap-up with our Whiskeys of they Year and plans for 2025.Show Notes:
Year-End Reflections
Podcast Highlights
New Studio Excitement
Pursuit Spirits Vision
Anticipating PursuitPalooza
Distillery Visits and Experiences
Looking Ahead to 2025
Membership and Engagement Plans
Whiskeys of the Year
Closing Thoughts and Cheers
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Dec 27, 2024 • 6min
Whiskey Quickie: Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Heritage Barrel Rye Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Heritage Barrel Rye. This non-age stated rye is 100 proof and $75 MSRP (375ml). Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 26, 2024 • 1h 5min
494 - The Hard Truth About Sweet Mash with Bryan Smith of Hard Truth
You want to hear about sweet mash whiskey? Well, this is the episode for you. We first got introduced to Hard Truth a few years ago and when we tried their rye, we were floored. It only took a small amount of time for many others to find out and now Hard Truth has become a recognizable name in the world of crafy whiskey. Their Master Distiller, Bryan Smith, joins the show to talk about their beginnings and how a conversation with Shane and Pat from Wilderness Trail put them on a path to be known as the purveyors of sweet mash rye whiskey.
Show Notes:
The Story of Hard Truth Distilling
The Sweet Mash Technique
Visitor Experience and Brand Growth
Diversifying the Product Portfolio
Navigating Market Confusion in Whiskey Branding
The Origin of the Hard Truth Name
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
The Importance of Authenticity in Whiskey
Challenges of Distribution and Market Penetration
The Role of the Master Distiller
Future Trends and Market Positioning in Whiskey
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Dec 24, 2024 • 30min
Whiskey Quickie: 2024 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) Review
On this special edition of Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the 2024 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The collection includes: Eagle Rare 17 Year, William Larue Weller, George T. Stagg, Sazerac Rye 18 Year, and Thomas H. Handy. Each bottle has a suggested retail price of $150. What's our favorite this year? Watch to find out. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 20, 2024 • 1h 11min
TWiB: More Barrel Lending Programs, FTC and Southern Wine & Glaziers Go To Court, Fall 2024 Edition of Old Fitzgerald
It's This Week in Bourbon for December 20th, 2024. More barrel lending programs are becoming available, The Federal Trade Commission and Southern Wine & Glaziers are headed to court, Heaven Hill releases the Fall 2024 edition of Old Fitzgerald.Show Notes:
Bardstown Bourbon Company and Brindiamo Group launch an exclusive barrel leasing program
Whiskey House and Whiskey Capital partner to provide non-dilutive, barrel-backed financing solutions for whiskey brands
Jim Beam launches the Beam Private Barrel Club
The FTC sues Southern Glazer’s for alleged anticompetitive pricing practices
Balance Distilling Company resurrects the historic Mammoth Cave Bourbon brand
Nordic Bourbon Company introduces direct-to-consumer shipping for American whiskey in Europe
Fred Minnick hosts a top-tier whiskey and music event during Super Bowl week
The TTB officially recognizes the American Single Malt Whiskey category
Old Forester 117 Series Warehouse I
Hidden Barn Series One Slow Fade
Pendleton 1910 Bourbon
Oakley Spirits 20-Year Bourbon
High West & Casa Noble Partnership
Town Branch Single Malt Archive Series
Old Fitzgerald Fall 2024 Release
Woodford Reserve Batch Proof
Chattanooga Whiskey Vault Series Return
Penelope Bourbon Havana
Van Winkle Whiskey Collection 2024
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Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 17min
493 - PursuitPalooza 2024 AMA Part 2
Here's our follow up from last week's ask me anything episode from PursuitPalooza 2024. This is part 2 that was during a live recording where audience members could ask us anything they want.
Show Notes:
00:00-Introduction to Bourbon Pursuit and AMA
06:26-The Evolution of Bourbon Ingredients
12:30-The Impact of GMO and Organic Practices
17:40-The Role of NDAs in the Bourbon Industry
28:18-Developing Sensory Skills in Tasting Bourbon
33:36-Whiskey and Memory: The Art of Tasting
37:47-The Future of Distilling: Growth and Expansion
42:56-Jiu-Jitsu Journey: Health and Personal Growth
46:59-Market Trends: The Bourbon Boom and Its Sustainability
54:30-Navigating Regulations: The Challenges of Distribution
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Dec 17, 2024 • 6min
Whiskey Quickie: Chattanooga Whiskey Bottled in Bond Fall 2020 Vintage Bourbon Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Chattanooga Whiskey Bottled in Bond Fall 2020 Vintage. This 4 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $53 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 13, 2024 • 50min
Behind The Pursuit: Early Goals For 2025
Subscribe to Behind The Pursuit: From Bourbon to BrandIn this episode of Behind the Pursuit we reflect on the past year, focusing on both growth and challenges. Kenny and Ryan delve into their goals for 2025, including the opening of our new downtown location, the importance of connecting with consumers, and the strategies for direct-to-consumer sales. The conversation also touches on the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, the challenges of marketing in the spirits industry, and the need for innovative approaches to stand out in a crowded market.We hit on:
As we wind down 2024, what are some goals you are focusing on for 2025 and beyond?
What are you thinking about doing in the downtown space to help people relate to the brand, and what is the breakdown of focus on Pursuit Spirits vs. Bourbon Pursuit?
What are the pros and cons of focusing on a DTC distribution model? What does scale look like for something like that vs. the existing distribution model?
Where have you found success in terms of marketing and how do you see that changing or staying the same in 2025?
How do you navigate the importance of being involved as much as possible but hands off as much as possible for healthy growth?
and much more.Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at podcast@pursuitspirits.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 12min
492 - Is This The End of Kentucky Owl? on Bourbon Community Roundtable #101
For Bourbon Community Roundtable number 101, where we dive deep into the recent news of Stoli and its subsidiary Kentucky Owl filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This important conversation touches on the implications for the bourbon community, the brand's significant history, and our personal connections to its legacy. The group discusses how Kentucky Owl, once a celebrated brand under Dixon Dedman's careful curation, managed to capture the hearts of bourbon enthusiasts with limited releases that truly stood out. We unpack the challenges leading to Kentucky Owl's current predicament, we examine how Stoli's acquisition strategies may have shifted the brand’s identity. Will Stoli choose to sell the brand as part of its restructuring? Show Notes:
Kentucky Owl's Bankruptcy: A Reflection
Future of Kentucky Owl: What Lies Ahead?
Closing Thoughts on Kentucky Owl's Journey
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