Bourbon Pursuit

What do the Bears, Blackhawks, Cubs, Sox, and Bourbon have in common? That's life for Carmen DeFalco, ESPN Chicago Radio host of Carmen and Jurko. Carmen and Kenny were introduced over twitter and through Carmen's tweet storm of local sports, he has a following of people that want to know more about bourbon. Carmen joins the show to talk about his Chicago hunting tales and when he breaks open big bottles for Stanley Cup victories.Show Notes: We had some trouble getting started and we now see our kids can navigate technology better Talk about your radio show, Carmen and Jurko on ESPN Radio Chicago. http://www.espn.com/espnradio/podcast/archive/_/id/3095452 What's your bourbon story? Your Dad was in the wholesale business. Did that have a big influence? Were your friends at 21 making fun of you for being a whiskey drinker? Has it flipped where people now go to your house and rummage through your whiskey collection? Are you more of a Binny's person or do you have your hole in the walls? How long have you been going through the cycle of traveling and hunting? Maker's Mark is like a gateway into this world. What was next for you? Can you remember any of those resources you used when you started learning more about bourbon? How much do you talk about bourbon on the air? What's really becoming more hard to find? Do you ever drink on air? Do you have a particular whiskey to align with what sport your watching? Now that you have had some older vintages you could use those as trading for better values Do you get chastised for not being a cubs fan? Bourbon and Bacon Fundraiser Event - https://chicagobourbonandbacon.eventscff.org/ Follow Carmen on Twitter - https://twitter.com/carmendefalco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Rutledge is a household name in bourbon because his wealth of knowledge is unsurpassed and famed history of reviving Four Roses. We talk about those days and ask him why he really left something so great. But, there's a new chapter to write! This week his TTB label for a revival of an old brand, Cream of Kentucky, was approved. We talk about this bourbon, where it's headed, as well as the entire industry on this new exclusive episode.Show Notes: This weeks Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about the importance of social media and online forums by whiskey geeks. New TTB Laws wrap-up by Sku on K&L wines blog. https://spiritsjournal.klwines.com/klwinescom-spirits-blog/2018/12/3/ttb-proposes-new-regulations-modernizing-alcohol-labeling Episode 011 and 012 with Jim Rutledge Rewind us back to your retirement because it seemed like you didn't want to stay retired for long What's your involvement at Castle and key? Whatever happened to that rye? Did you see a different passion at Castle & Key while it was building vs Four Roses that was a well-oiled engine? What sort of corners were being cut at Seagrams at the time when you were trying to turn it around? Talk about rebuilding the brand of Four Roses through acquisition, fighting, and more. Be straight. Why did you leave Four Roses? Did you stand up a lot to upper management? It sounded like Four Roses was family. So why leave? Is it hard to work at a distillery where you're only filling 3 barrels a day? Did you hire Brent Elliott? What was your relationship with Brent while at Four Roses? How does one go about becoming your #2? Talk about funding and how to raise money to build a distillery? Talk about Cream of Kentucky and the history of the label Cream of Kentucky TTB filing - https://www.ttbonline.gov/colasonline/viewColaDetails.do?action=publicFormDisplay&ttbid=18325001000092 Where is the growth going to be for this particular label? Where do you see the American whiskey category trending over the next 5 years? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Whiskey Row series of Old Forester represent pivotal dates in history for the brand. Deciding how to make them coincide with flavor profiles takes a Master Taster. Jackie Zykan returns to the show as we discuss sensory training and how to sniff out binders at our local stores before diving into the Whiskey Row series and trying 1910 Old Fine Whiskey. We wrap up the show talking about President's Choice and if dusties inspire or not.Show Notes: Do you have a new title now? Talk about the sensory training What’s different about going through this process versus just drinking bourbon everyday? What tips can you give to someone about learning to nose? How do you know when a barrel ready to be pulled? How much time are you spending at the distillery vs bottling vs anywhere else for tasting? Talk about why you dilute so low for tasting? So you have this really cool story about Old Forester 86 and 100 history Talk about the Whiskey Row series The dates all mean something What was the idea to make permanent line extensions instead of doing the money grab on limited releases? So in a time when people say there is a bourbon shortage, what's your response to that? Talk about 1910 and what happened that year Do you pay attention to the Facebook and bourbon forums out there? Why not have a 2014 series to commemorate the new distillery? Talk about President's Choice and your integral part in it What’s your ideal bourbon profile? What’s the oldest Brown-Forman product you’ve tried? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Share those bottles and create some memories with your loved ones. There's a few interesting topics in the news this week. We touch on distillery expansions of Heaven Hill and Kentucky Owl while diving into the second part of this segment on the hottest topic of all, single barrel stickers. Show Notes: Bourbon Pursuit Private Barrel Club information - https://www.patreon.com/bourbonpursuit C+C Pursuit Series Episodes 001 and 002 will be released soon - http://pursuitspirits.com/ This week's Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about being a good bourbon steward as Santa comes to town. Heaven Hill announces $65 million expansion - https://www.distillerytrail.com/blog/heaven-hill-announces-65-million-plan-to-expand-distillery-experience-in-the-bourbon-capital-of-the-world/ KY OWL Park renderings and their pyramid rackhouses. $150 million. https://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article183535861.html Kentucky Owl Park Video - https://www.facebook.com/bourbonpursuit/videos/256139931742168/ Can $300 bourbons and $200 ryes be able to sustain this long-term? Superfly Bourbon Club came out with a retro Knob Creek label that completely covered up the Knob Creek label. Is this legal? More on stickers is the 101st label done by RareBird101 Honest Thoughts: One & A Century - https://rarebird101.com/2018/11/18/one-a-century/ David Jennings gives us the inside scoop on a new Wild Turkey book! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just the thing you needed to kick start your Thanksgiving season. We've had Jimmy and Eddie on the show and we've got upcoming episodes featuring Bruce and Joann, but I don't think anyone has ever had all 4 of these people sit down at one time and talk. We go into bourbon itself, the family, the roles they are playing within the business, the new Kentucky Spirit glass design, and lots more. It's a family affair with some exchanges of compliments from each around the table. Show Notes: Our first barrel pick for 2019 is going to be Buffalo Trace. View all of our barrel picks at https://www.patreon.com/bourbonpursuit Fred published his article in Forbes for the 2018 best American Whiskey every day sipper. Fred does Instagram Live for Best of 2018 Fred talks about his holiday gift guide on Forbes and why it was really hard to coming up new pairings in this week's Above the Char - https://www.forbes.com/sites/fredminnick/2018/11/13/holiday-gift-guide-2018-the-most-money-minded-bourbons/ Bruce, they are really pressuring you to move back soon Bruce, remember that panel we were on together? Are you excited to have Bruce back Eddie? Jimmy, how old were you when you started at the distillery? What has changed from the operations standpoint from when you first started? Have you all done recently to certify your warehouses or check them out after the Barton incident? Jimmy when you were coming up the ranks, federal government would check everything. Not so much anymore Do you think the distilling industry misses the oversight of the government? What does "Master Distiller" mean to you, Eddie? What about the flip side that a "Master Distiller" is just a marketer now? You did have to change the entry proof at one time. Was that corporate pressure? Why does some proof go down vs go up in some warehouses? When people come in for a visit, do they want that level of detail? Do you read your Yelp reviews? Is the bartending community the gate to your future? What's the worst part about signing bottles? Where do you see barrel finishes in the Wild Turkey line since the last Master's Keep was finished? It seems like a lot of flavored whiskeys have died down over time Why are we still not experimenting with different mashes? Bruce, you're trying to revive the rye. talk about that. Are you a scotch person? Jimmy, what have you learned by the younger generations? From RareBird101, what's your honest opinion on the new Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit bottle? So why isn't the top level listening to you? Choose an individual and take one word that embodies the person View all Wild Turkey Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don't know a bourbon enthusiast that doesn't love Four Roses. But this one goes into the depths of expert level opinions behind mash bills, hype behind certain runs, single barrels, mutated yeast, and more. Brett Atlas and Travis Hill join the show to talk about their experiences with Four Roses, their 10 recipes, and how they blend and create their own Limited Edition Small Batches.Show Notes: Farewall to Dave Pickerell. Enjoy our podcast with him http://bourbonpursuit.com/2018/03/29/man-behind-100-distilleries-dave-pickerell/ The Lounge with Will Chambers - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lounge-with-will-chambers/id1440284845 This week's Above The Char with Fred Minnick reflects on the past of Dave Pickerell. Was it cask strength that got you hooked into Four Roses or was it a standard offering? Give a break down of how to decipher the recipe for something like OBSQ vs OESF Do you think the tasting notes on the back of the hang tag is inaccurate? How often have you tried all recipes side by side? Do you have a favorite 4R recipe and why? Have you ever had a bad barrel? Does the hype factor just play into a particular recipe? How come everyone thinks OESK is the best? What do you see as the typical recipe selections at a private barrel pick? Have you ever walked out and never picked a barrel? What do you think is a misconception of larger stores and their selections? Do you think picks done by Brent Elliott are better or worse than ones done by a store? Some words for Brent How do you go about trying all 10 recipes? Talk about trying to create your own Limited Edition Small Batches Why do you think Four Roses doesn't put out barrel proof Small Batch? The ages of barrel picks have been exponentially decreasing. Can they still keep this pace? Would you lose your mind over a Four Roses pick? Do you think the tags on the bottle showing the rack and details of the barrel are for the distillery to trace back anything for quality purposes or is it for the bourbon geeks? Are higher aged Four Roses that are 17 or 23 years old any good? Can you talk about the mutated yeast that contributed to the 125th anniversary bottle in 2013? Has the ME warehouse fad passed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Legend Series brings podcast guests, Wes and Kyle Henderson, back on the show with the newest face of the clan joining the family ranks, Andrew. The focus on family touches on the impact Lincoln Henderson made on Angel's Envy before his passing and what the generations after him remember the most. Fred also tries to squeeze out some juicy details behind sourcing, acquisitions, and favorite bourbons outside of their own.Show Notes: Are you paying more for barrel proof whiskey? Wade Woodard breaks down the math https://tater-talk.com/2018/10/29/value-proposition-of-higher-proof-us-whiskies/ KY Derby Museum Legend Series are on sale. First one begins in Jan buy your tickets at derbymuseum.org/legendsseries This week's Above the Char with Fred Minnick discusses bourbon at large retail chains and it's impact on local business What's the story about a pickle? Talk about your dad, Lincoln Henderson, for a moment Was bourbon a part of your childhood? What was some nasty stuff you used to drink? Andrew, talk about your science experiments Is Kyle a good teacher? What are the moments you miss Lincoln the most? During the initial launch, talk about the process of choosing port barrels. It's a never ending discussion, is this bourbon? Would you like to see a special designation for barrel finishes? Take us through the process of putting it through the port barrel finish Is the barrel dry or wet? Where can we purchase the bourbon you use before port finishing? Wes, what's your official title now? Let's try the rye whiskey finished in rum barrels Is rye more flexible to blend? When Bacardi acquired you, when did they come in as a minority investor? What was that time like when you needed capital and needed to raise funds? What's your favorite bourbons outside of Angel's Envy? Lets talk about the Cask Strength Limited Release What is your future on an individual basis? Where is your warehouse growth needs? Talk about the design of the bottle. Past Angel's Envy Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I guess this is our silver anniversary! We are joined by Josh Reidford who is the producer for the new AMC movie, BULLITT COUNTY, that opens in theaters this Friday the 26th. We discuss the fears of what would happen if a bourbon enthusiast won the 1.6 Billion Mega Millions lottery then wrap up the show talking if we would ever see a buyout of another large brand.Show Notes: Pursuit Series launch by Pursuit Spirits This week's Above the Char with Fred Minnick examines the "dad tax" and encouraging more bourbon and food pairing to raise the bar Did anyone else realize is Sober October or Mocktober or whatever Bullitt County Producer Josh Riedford joins as a special guest BULLITT COUNTY tells the story of four friends who reunite for a bachelor party in the Fall of 1977 to hunt for buried Prohibition money on the Bluegrass Bourbon Trail only to become ripped apart by greed, corruption, and murder. Winner of SIX BEST PICTURE AWARDS from film festivals nationwide Trailer - https://vimeo.com/278106182 Do you see more bourbon coming into your world of movie production. Lottery at 1.6 billion. If you had enough money for bourbon, what would you do? What distillery has the most American whiskey interest? Fred gave his lowest score of all time in Forbes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you see a 45 year old bourbon priced at $1800 retail, do you ask yourself, "Who are they kidding!?". That's exactly what Kenny thought before sitting down with our guest today. James "Buddy" Thompson brings more to this story than a bottle of bourbon. He was the Forman chairman of Glenmore Distillery and donated over $300,000 from the profits of James Thompson & Brother Final Reserve to charities that support Veterans. This episode will capture not only the history of Glenmore Distillery, but also make you intrigued to know what something that has aged 45 years in an oak barrel tastes like and the journey those barrels took until they were actually bottled. Show Notes: The “Private Labels” Ruling Whiskey’s Black Market from PunchDrink.com Join our Private Barrel Club at https://www.patreon.com/bourbonpursuit We are now on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5Z3v7diyoqu0Zx7naH29jc This week’s Above The Char with Fred Minnick is a short list for 2018 American Whiskey of the Year and a Call to Action for listeners to tell him what to drink! Scott Scinta, how did you get into it? What was your initial reaction to the product or story? Buddy, tell us about your path into the spirits industry What happened between Brown and Thompson? Talk about your time at Glenmore Distillery Can you talk about Kentucky Tavern history and during those times at Glenmore? Were you overseeing operations? What was your role comprised of? Why not a 50 year? Are you a veteran yourself? Talk about your military past? How often were you going back and testing these barrels? Are they sad about losing their best tenant ever for resting these barrels? Talk about the extravagant packaging? Why a snifter rather than a glencairn? So this really wasn’t a big profit game? What's the release cycle of these look like? Why not make one big batch? How did Bill Thomas of Jack Rose become involved? Let’s start sampling This nose is incredible! It says "double oaked". So it's been barreled twice What was the entry proof 40+ years ago? What were some of your go to whiskies back then? Were you trying to find a target consumer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lets face it. We go over to a buddy's house so we can try bourbon we don't have or because their collection is better than ours. How did they get their hands on it? Why are they so cool about sharing it? Michael St. Pierre and Aaron Stine are familiar names in the Facebook bourbon community. You've probably seen them buying, selling, or trading bottles but what's their end game? Learn how these seasoned vets have transformed their bourbon bunkers into what many would call, a bourbon candy land.Show Notes: Get your copy of Bourbon Justice Subscribe to Bourbon+ for only $30 a year This week's Above The Char with Fred Minnick tries to define "What's a bourbon asshole?" Michael and Aaron, talk about how you got introduced to bourbon When did the itch hit you to start getting high end bourbons? Talk about your collection so we can baseline Talk about how you amass to the point where you have these crazy bottles in your collections Do you see Van Winkle bottles as being the ace in your pocket? You don't think the new Van Winkles are worth their weight now, so do you look at it as trade bait? Is there a shelf bourbon you even go to anymore? Do you waste your time getting Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Elmer T Lee for for trading up? Have any of those open bottles turned into sample swaps? Given the expense of the rarities, what is your price limit for a bottle? What's your white whale? Do you have one more piece of advice for transforming your bunker?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices