Bourbon Pursuit

We talk about barrel picks all the time on the show and we do 40-50 barrels selections per year with our private barrel program. But instead of hearing us talk about it, let's hear some stories from the people that live and breathe it every day. We're joined by Macaulay Minton of Wilderness Trail and John Wadell of Peerless Distilling. Both of these guys run the barrel select programs for each distillery. We get to know more about the programs and the dos and don'ts of going on a barrel pick.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about his dental routine.
• How did you get into bourbon and working on single barrel programs?
• Is there a certain percentage you are allowed to allocate to private barrels?
• What do you like and not like about other barrel picks?
• How do remote picks work?
• Are remote picks harder than in person?
• Are there some people that are hard to please with picks?
• What gets you blacklisted?
• What are things you shouldn't do on a pick?
• What do you think of stickers?
• What is the most positive thing that has happened for you working in a private barrel program?
• @thebourbonswami, @wildernesstraildistillery, @sir_jwadell, @kentuckypeerless

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Heaven's Door Redbreast Master Blenders Edition. This 10 year old finished bourbon is 100 proof and $100 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.

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Lisa Wicker should be a household name to any bourbon enthusiast. You will get to learn about her pedigree of industry and blending experience in this episode. Before ever meeting Lisa, people in the industry would tell me she had one of the best palates. She has been involved with lots of brands from the very beginning and played a critical role to their future success. Now, she leads Widow Jane and gives us some tricks on her blending techniques.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about bottle modifications.
• What is the craziest fashion trend you've ever worn?
• How did you get into working in whiskey?
• How did you end up at Widow Jane?
• Was it a big change moving from the Mid West to NYC?
• Who is Widow Jane? What is the history of the brand?
• Do you store barrels in the mine?
• Why do you use the mineral water for proofing?
• How do you decide which distillate goes into each product?
• Do you enjoy the challenge of putting a unique spin on a sourced whiskey?
• Do you have a whiskey blending playlist?
• @widow_jane @lbwicker

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Still Austin Cask Strength. This 2 year old bourbon is 118 proof and $65 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.

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As bourbon grows with popularity, so do the prices. The roundtable comes together to discuss how to price bourbon and if there is a good formula that can make everyone happy. There are lots of new sourced brands on the market, and more and more investors coming in every week to buy barrels, what will the sourced market look like in a few years? Lastly, we examine the business side of the industry and we try to figure out who is more important, the master distiller or the salesperson?

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about private barrel picks.
• How should you appropriately price bourbon?
• What's the future of the sourced whiskey market?
• Who's more important, the master distiller or the salesperson?

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Michter's 10 Year Bourbon 2021 Release. This 10 year old bourbon is 94.4 proof and $150 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.

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Back in 2018 when we launched Pursuit Series single barrels, we didn't know where we were headed. We just knew it was fun to select barrels and get them out there. Little did we know, we would be heading down a path that would create a blend that just won Runner-Up in the first ever Ascot Awards. Pursuit United is a culmination of over a year of work by partnering with distilleries to create a bourbon that would appeal to the mass market of educated bourbon consumers, like you. In this episode, Fred asks Kenny and Ryan the questions on what it took to get here and what the future entails.

Pursuit United will be available once again starting in July of 2021 on @drinkseelbachs and on retail shelves across KY, TN, TX, GA, IL, and CO. Stay tuned for more updates by following @pursuitspirits, including the anticipated release of Pursuit United Rye.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about pairing bourbon with food.
• Talk about the packaging.
• How did you come up with your blend?
• Tell us about each of the components.
• What were the challenges when creating this product?
• What did you think about the feedback?
• How do you feel about the negative feedback?
• When is the next release?
• @pursuitspirits

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Daviess County Straight Bourbon Finished in French Oak Casks. This non-age stated bourbon is 96 proof and $47 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.

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The name Ingram may ring some bells. If you are in the tech space, you may have heard of Ingram Micro. If you are in logistics you may know Ingram Barge Company. If you are in the Nashville area, the name Ingram is well known for philanthropy. And now, Ingram is taking on bourbon. We're joined by Hank Ingram, the founder of Ingram River Aged Whiskey. The concept is pretty simple. Take a bunch of barges they own, put a bunch of bourbon barrels on it, and let them age in a floating warehouse. Hank tells us more about his family, what led him to start this company, and the legal hurdles you face when you are trying to store thousands of gallons of bourbon on a river.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about dusties.
• What was your favorite video game growing up?
• Tell us about your family history.
• How did you go from tow boating to bourbon?
• How did you raise capital?
• Talk about your floating rickhouse.
• What were the initial barrels that convinced you the bourbon changed on the river?
• Can you explain the vessels?
• What makes the barge unique to the aging process?
• Did you ever work on a barge?
• Does the barge have to stay stationary?
• What's the strangest thing your family has had to move on a barge?
• Do you envision having more barges aging whiskey in the future?
• Have you thought about aging barrels for other brands on the river?
• Where do you source from?
• How did you decide who to partner with?
• What have been your biggest hurdles?
• @IngramWhiskey

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A121. This 12 year old bourbon is 123.6 proof and $70 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. @elijahcraig

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Bernie Lubbers is one of the great treasures of the modern whiskey era. A few years ago, he gave us a deep dive on Bottled in Bond in episode 89, but now he's back and we're talking Mellow Corn, Parker's Heritage selections, and where the market is headed with pricing bourbon on the shelf. Stay tuned until the end for a performance of Whiskey, Honey, and Loving.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about flasks.
• Has Bottled in Bond changed since the last time you were on the show?
• How many bourbons are Bottled in Bond?
• Do you still love Bottled in Bond?
• Talk about corn whiskey.
• Tell us about the process for selecting Parker's.
• Where do you think we are going with pricing in bourbon?
• Do you get any pushback from retailers about having allocated items in your gift shop?
• What are your thoughts on private barrel picks?
• Talk about the Black Velvet acquisition.
• @BernieLubbers

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Michter's Barrel Strength Kentucky Rye Whiskey. This non-age stated rye is 110.8 proof and $100 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. @michterswhiskey

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Today's roundtable tackles a new topic that took most of us by surprise. About 3 weeks ago, when I was doing a label approval for our Four Roses barrels, I was given an additional contract to sign that was called a non-mutilation agreement. Basically stating that we agree to not add any stickers, wax, or anything that alters the package. Will other distilleries follow suit? What happens if someone breaks the contract? We give our opinions on that plus, if we think blends are going to become the new single barrels.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about what smooth means.
• Four Roses bans stickers for private barrels. Is this good or bad?
• Do you think other distilleries will start banning stickers?
• How do you enforce the ban?
• Does the ban violate freedom of speech?
• How can you set your pick apart from other picks?
• Are blends the new single barrels?
• Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining.

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Forester The 117 Series: High Angels' Share. This non-age stated bourbon is 110 proof and $50 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.

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We talk to the largest liquor retailer that you never knew about...Kroger. Yes, the huge grocery chain that has liquor stores adjacent to almost every location. When you add it up, it's thousands of square feet of retail space spread over hundreds of stores. We're joined by Chris Blandford, who is the Adult Beverage Field Specialist for Kentucky, Southern Indian, and Southern Illinois Kroger stores. We talk about the challenges of operating over 115 stores, distribution, competition, barrel picks, and of course allocation.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about spirits competitions.
• What is your fast food restaurant of choice on a road trip?
• How do you manage inventory for so many stores?
• How do you use data to predict what people will buy?
• What are the challenges of distribution?
• Talk about the store experience.
• Are larger or smaller stores more difficult to manage?
• How do you distribute products?
• What is the most stolen item?
• How do you approach pricing?
• Do you try to compete with pricing against the larger liquor stores?
• What is the method for allocated items?
• If Sazerac increased their pricing on Pappy, would there still be lotteries?
• Talk about your barrel picks.
• Do you have a favorite barrel pick?
• Any other challenges?
• What product doesn't move as well as you think it would?
• Are there any plans to grow?
• Will Kroger ever deliver or ship?

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jefferson's Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks. This non-age stated rye is 94 proof and $60 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.

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Denny Potter has held multiple roles in the bourbon industry and many thought that being the Master Distiller at Heaven Hill would be the pinnacle of anyone's career. In 2018, Denny left Heaven Hill and assumed the role of Master Distiller at Maker's Mark which surprised many. In this episode, we talk about career growth as a Master Distiller and advice to give others aspiring for this role in the industry. And Fred tries to convince Denny to release a 12 year old Maker's Mark.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the three tier system.
• What made you decide to go to Maker's Mark?
• Do you feel like you have an opportunity to grow or have you hit the ceiling as a Master Distiller?
• What's it been like working with Rob Samuels?
• What do you bring to the table as a Master Distiller?
• How long should someone work in operations before becoming a Master Distiller?
• Will you ever put out a 12 year old product?
• Talk about the operations at Maker's.
• What are the challenges of scaling while trying to keep the integrity of the brand?
• What was different when you came back to Maker's?
• What is the difference between operating Maker's vs. Bernheim Distillery?

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Maker's Mark FAE-01. This non-age stated bourbon is 110.6 proof and $60 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.

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One of the biggest crazes right now is the single barrel. That special barrel that was chosen from a select few and shared with a bunch of people, most likely with a sticker on it. And as Ryan so eloquently puts it, it's the perfect product. It's a consumable, it's one of a kind, and there will never be another. Myself, Ryan and Fred have done our fair share of single barrels, probably selecting over 250 combined and probably tasting over a thousand at different distilleries. We've seen it all. In this episode, we talk about what we prefer when we do a private barrel selection experience. And speaking of single barrels, don't forget we have our own private barrel club where we select over 40 different barrels every year.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about deciding what to drink.
• What is your favorite part about a barrel pick?
• Would it still be exciting if everyone drilled into the barrel vs. thieving?
• What do you think about distilleries pre-picking barrels to select from?
• What is a good number of barrels you should be able to taste through when picking?
• How do you feel about proofing down the barrel pick?
• Do you have a glassware preference?
• Snacks or no snacks during a barrel pick?
• Should distilleries provide lunch?

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond Spring 2021. This 8 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $85 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.

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On this 56th Bourbon Community Roundtable, we discuss what it means to Kentucky Owl now that Dixon Dedman is leaving the brand, what does Indiana Rye Whiskey mean as a new legal designation, and now that there are 10 million barrels aging in Kentucky, will we see an oncoming glut of bourbon in a few years?

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the color of whiskey.
• Dixon Dedman leaves KY Owl. What does that mean for the brand?
• What does Indiana Rye Whiskey mean as a new legal designation?
• Now that there are 10M barrels aging in KY, will we see a glut of bourbon in a few years?
• Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining.

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Very Fine Rare Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 90.4 proof and $130 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.

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What does it mean to be an influencer? Actually, what's the deal with bourbon and Instagram and why is it so popular? We're joined by Eric Kim of @scotchandtime and James Ashcraft of @bourbonenthusiast to analyze these questions and many more. It's a great insight into how social media and whiskey join forces to provide hours of entertainment, but also some annoyances.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about independent liquor stores.
• Are you a thrill seeker or do you enjoy relaxing?
• How did you start and grow your Instagram account?
• When did you get your first media sample?
• Do you see more brands using Instagram influencers?
• Do you think Instagram has a good ROI for brands?
• Why do people love day themed Instagram posts?
• How often do you post and when?
• Have you seen an influx of new bourbon content creators and is there enough room for everyone?
• How much time to you put into your Instagram account?
• What do you think of accounts who pay for followers?
• What do you think of people only posting pictures of sealed bottles?
• Talk about your whiskey reviews.
• What really is an influencer?
• What good things have come out of Instagram for you?
• Follow @scotchandtime and @bourbonenthusiast on Instagram.

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Wheel Horse Bourbon. This 2 year old bourbon is 101 proof and $32 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.

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The Last Drop Distillers is known for acquiring extremely old and rare spirits from across the world. We chat with Rebecca Jago, Managing Director of The Last Drop Distillers, to hear their story. It's an interesting history of generational knowledge and their release of the 1980 Buffalo Trace is what caught our attention. We even got a chance to try it on a past Whiskey Quickie and it blew us away. Listen to hear about their partnership with Sazerac and how they plan to sustain their business model.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about used rye barrels.
• What is on your bucket list?
• What is The Last Drop Distillers?
• Do you have an emotional standard when tasting a rare whiskey?
• How do you grow and sustain a business like this?
• Do you seek out sellers or do they seek you out?
• How do you determine if something is really unique or rare?
• Talk about the 1980 Buffalo Trace.
• Tell us about the rationale behind the pricing.
• Do you think bourbon is deserving or price point like this?
• @lastdropdistillers

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Rod & Hammer's Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This 2 year old bourbon is 90 proof and $42 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.

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On today's episode, the team sits down to discuss young whiskey. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? There are all sorts of angles because in this ever-changing landscape of losing age statements, craft distillers putting out amazing products at young ages, and bourbon drinkers continually looking for something new, we have to ask ourselves... is the age of the whiskey less important?

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about daily bourbon drinking limits.
• What is your whiskey age range preference?
• What about craft distillers outside of Kentucky?
• How do craft distillers treat consumers differently than the bigger distillers?
• What do you think about using different grains?
• How do you fight the stigma of young whiskey?
• Let's talk about pricing young whiskey.
• How important is packaging for craft whiskey?

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Single Cask Nation 1994 Kentucky Bourbon. This 24 year old bourbon is 94.8 proof and $295 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!

DISCLAIMER: This whiskey in this review was purchased by Bourbon Pursuit for reviewing. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

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The roundtable is back with another discussion about bourbon news and our take on it. We discuss Heaven Hill vs Log Still Distilling over the use of the Dant name and trademark, what does direct to consumer shipping in Kentucky mean now that distilleries can cut out the wholesalers, and if you were to spend your $1,400 stimulus check on bourbon, what would get?

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about posting bourbon on Instagram.
• Heaven Hill has opened up a lawsuit against the Dant family for trying to use their family name as it infringes upon their label.
• Kentucky HB415 has been signed into law with new direct to consumer laws that bypass the 3 tier system.
• $1,400 stimulus checks are going out. If you are going to spend $1,400 on bourbon, what are you getting?
• Thanks to @Bourbonr, @Sippn_Corn, and @BreakingBourbon for joining.

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Wm. Tarr Manchester Reserve. This 7 year old whiskey is 114 proof and $80 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.

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On today's show, we get to feature two great people at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Dan Callaway and Nick Smith. Bardstown Bourbon Company exploded on the scene as a destination hot spot for anyone visiting the trail and Dan was instrumental to the early success of creating a red carpet environment for anyone who visited. As whiskey production ramped up, Nick Smith brought his knowledge from working at Jim Beam to help customers create custom mash bills and guide them in the right direction to put a new spin on the distillation process that would be uniquely theirs. So next time you're headed to Bardstown, don't forget to make Bardstown Bourbon Company a must visit.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about bourbon branded credit cards.
• What made you decided to come work at Bardstown Bourbon Company?
• What was the original vision for Bardstown Bourbon Company and how has it changed?
• Are banana croquettes a real thing?
• What lessons did you learn coming from Jim Beam to Bardstown Bourbon Company?
• How do you accommodate so many different mash bills?
• How do you work together?
• Is there a baseline for the mash bills?
• Are there any limitations on the mash bills?
• How do you guide customers to different cooperages?
• Do you help brands with marketing and packaging?
• Can this be a tourist destination for brands that contract through you?
• Tell us about the Discovery Series.
• Talk about the vintage library.
• What is the timeline for the bottling facility?
• How much of the distillery process is automated?
• What's a changeover?
• What is Pete's Place?
• Tell us about the Kentucky Proud product.
• Follow @bbc_whiskeynick, @dannybardstown, @bardstownbourboncompany

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Buzzard's Roost Toasted Barrel Rye. This 3 year old rye is 105 proof and $80 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.

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There's a lot of whiskey out there and sometimes we get caught up in our bubble of bourbon. On this episode, I'm joined by Chris Perugini who does private tastings and boasts a lot of worldly whiskies on his instagram account @SingleMaltSavvy. He sent me a few blind samples and we discuss them to see what resonates with me as a bourbon drinker.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about pairing music with bourbon.
• For more information about the Scotches discussed in this episode visit: https://www.singlemaltsavvy.com/guides/scotch-for-the-bourbon-drinker/
• What was your first car?
• Scotch Tasting
• What's a good brand for a new scotch drinker?
• What are the differences between Scotch and bourbon?
• Tell us about the Scotches you selected.
• How are these priced?
• Are they removing age statements from Scotch like they are in bourbon?
• What is the Pappy of the Scotch world?

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Still Austin The Musician. This 2 year old bourbon is 98.4 proof and $45 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.

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Belle Meade is a very recognizable brand to bourbon enthusiasts. But how did that brand get revived and what's the story behind Nelson's Green Brier? We're joined by Charlie Nelson, Co-Founder of Nelson's Green Brier, who shares his story of stumbling into the bourbon business when his dad purchased a quarter of a cow.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about helping others understand your bourbon hobby.
• What's your best halloween costume?
• How did this journey begin?
• Talk about building your business plan.
• Do you consider Belle Meade your flagship?
• When using old labels from the archive, did you have to get them re-approved?
• What is your DSP?
• Where did you get your recipes?
• Talk about building the Belle Meade and Nelson's Green Brier Distillery brands.
• Tell us about the success of the Belle Meade brand.

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Saint Cloud 7 Year Single Barrel. This 7 year old bourbon is 122.4 proof and $150 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.

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We're back with another BCR and this time we have 3 topics to discuss. The rise and fall of facebook groups since it seems like no group is safe now. Does knowing the source of a bourbon impact your willingness to buy or not buy? At what point does craft bourbon stop being craft?

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about losing your sense of taste after being sick.
• Are bourbon Facebook groups dead?
• Does knowing the source change your mind about a product?
• When does craft bourbon stop being craft?

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review The Prideful Goat. This 15 year old bourbon is 115 proof and $100 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.

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There's a few OGs in the world of whiskey, and one of the most notable names is Ryan Maloney. You may not know that name, but you've likely heard of his store in Massachusetts called Julio's Liquors and the famous picks done by the Loch & Key Society. Ryan takes us on a trip down memory lane when private barrel selections were abundant and limited releases weren't so limited.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about storing vintage spirits.
• What carnival food can you not resist?
• Tell us about Julio's the and Loch & Key Society.
• When did you realize how important barrel picks would be?
• Have you ever picked a Van Winkle?
• Tell us about some of your barrel picks.
• What's on the forefront of barrel picks?
• Have you created your own private label or do you plan to?
• Talk about blending.
• What is your thought process on collaborations with other stores?
• Are you getting less allocations because of the rise in popularity of bourbon?

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye. This non-age stated whiskey is 132 proof and $70 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.

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MGP has been in the news recently with their acquisition of Luxco and on the last roundtable we discussed how this will enable MGP's brands such as Remus to gain a nationwide presence with a bigger salesforce. We're joined by Andy Mansinne, Vice President of Brands for MGP, to learn more about their brands and the impact of other brands winning awards based on product sourced from them. We also ask about acquiring brands and their thoughts on the current contract distillation marketplace.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about how to clean glencairns.
• Where would you travel if you knew there was a chance you would have to stay there for up to a year?
• Tell us about your background.
• What do you think about other brands getting awards with your distillate?
• Do you feel like your brands are more accepted in the whiskey world now than when you first started?
• When you were looking at creating a brand, what were your thoughts on building from the ground up vs. acquiring an established brand?
• What do you think about MGP rye having such a big impact on the market?
• What are your thoughts on your contract distilling competition?
• How do you forecast?
• Tell us about your brands.

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Widow Jane The Vaults 2020. This 15 year old bourbon is 99 proof and $200 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.

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Single barrel picks are the new unicorns. And if you add a fancy sticker, after market wax or some glitter, bourbon nerds can't control themselves. For this podcast, the team thought it would be a fun idea if our audience sent us samples from their New Riff barrel selections and we put them in a bracket challenge. We decide who selected the best barrel and gets Bourbon Pursuit bragging rights.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about tipping for high end pours.
• Why did we pick New Riff for this bracket?
• New Riff Tasting
• Cleveland Bourbon Club - “New Riff Passed Elijah” - Ryan Lintz
• Charred Barrel - “Happy Little Riff” - Chris Perugini
• Knoxville Beer & Brown Water Society - ”Kings of Grain Jackpot" - Jimmy Tucker
• Sacred Sippers - “Holy Water 19:1" - Mike Utech
• Brown Bunker Coalition - “The Colin Bottle"- Dirk Glahn
• Wright-Patt Whiskey Club - Andy Hostetter
• Kentucky Bourbon Brotherhood - “Ken Riffey Jr” - Todd Hall
• Great Lakes Whiskey Club - “Riff Ross" - Mike Schuette

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Thomas S. Moore Port Cask Finish. This non-age stated bourbon is 98.9 proof and $70 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.

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MGP, the major powerhouse distillery in Indiana, has purchased Luxco who owns Lux Row distillers in Bardstown that produces legacy and heritage brands such as Rebel Yell, Ezra Brooks, Davies County, and many more. But what does this mean? The roundtable gets together and speculates on what we can expect for these brands as well as MGP's existing brands such as Remus. But what does this ultimately mean for brands that have been sourcing MGP bourbon and rye for decades? Have we just witnessed the end of one avenue for sourced markets?

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about pairing bourbon with Girl Scout Cookies.
• MGP buys LuxCo. What does this mean for the largest supplier of contract whiskey?
• Was this a good move?
• What will happen to the MGP sourced brands?
• What do you think will happen with Yellowstone?
• Will Luxco use MGP distillate?
• Do you think Luxco will do contract distillation?
• Thanks to Blake from Bourbonr.com, Nick from BreakingBourbon.com, and Brian from SippnCorn.com for joining.

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blue Run Bourbon 13 Year Winter Release. This 13 year old bourbon is 113 proof and $169 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.

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Dr. Pat Heist blew our minds back on episode 121 going deep on yeast. If you haven't listened to that episode yet, go listen to that one first before starting this, I promise it will be worth your time. Pat has one of the most unique backgrounds in bourbon and has even had the opportunity to do a TED Talk which is amazing for our industry. We discuss the crazy growth at Wilderness Trail.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about blind tastings.
• What's your title?
• Would you rather travel back in time to meet your ancestors or the future to meet your descendants?
• Any new products in the pipeline?
• How do you forecast?
• How much are you producing per day?
• Who's idea was it to invest so much in the business?
• Tell us about your TedX talk.
• What's your next milestone?
• Where can people buy Wilderness Trail?
• How have you and your bourbon been received across the country?
• How do you chose a yeast variety for your product?
• How does your process compare to other distilleries?
• What happens when people dip their finger in the fermentation tanks?
• Can you recreate whiskey from the 70s?

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Remus Repeal Reserve IV. This 12 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $80 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.

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Gregg Walker joins the show to share some inside stories about the history at Maker's Mark. Gregg was the second salesperson hired by Maker’s Mark and took part in 3X growth. Hear some of his stories about the struggle of growth, but also how him and Bill Samuels Jr. had a lot of fun as well.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about raffles.
• What song would you pick for karaoke?
• When did you get into the liquor business?
• Did you have to take the personality test before working at Maker's Mark?
• Were you part of any of the Maker's taste offs?
• Tell us about traveling for Makers.
• How do you plan for aggressive growth?
• What was the tipping point?
• How many cases were they selling?
• Talk about Maker's marketing.
• Were you there when the did the special edition UK bottle in 1996?
• Any memories with Bill Samuels that you'll never forget?
• What was your sales force like in the later years?
• What do you do today?

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition. This non-age stated bourbon is 90.4 proof and $2,000 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.

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