Bourbon Pursuit

Building a brand on sourced whiskey is difficult. When you’re not the one distilling the product, it’s hard to be price competitive. At the same time, you're at the mercy of the market on barrel availability so it's hard to determine the continuation of a product. In this episode, we're joined by McCauley Williams, CEO of Big River Distilling, who is behind brands like Blue Note Bourbon and Riverset Rye. We talk about how to run a large scale business that relies on sourcing and how you protect the brands flavor integrity for the future.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about empty bottles.
• What game show would you want to be a contestant on?
• How did you get into this business?
• What was the first step to start a spirits business?
• How did you raise capital to make this happen?
• Tell us about your brands.
• Did you have a proof of concept?
• How do you select a distillation partner?
• Talk about the competitiveness of the sourced market.
• Tell us about the pricing of sourced whiskey.
• How do you differentiate your products?
• Why 93 proof?
• How do you get a brand to market?
• Any states you've seen success in that you didn't expect?
• Which is a better ROI, liquor stores or bars/restaurants?
• Do you experience any frustrations with acquiring packaging materials?
• Any other frustrations with the business?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Heaven Hill 85th Anniversary. This 13 year old bourbon is 107 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's podcast is looking forward in 2021. No one could have predicted the events of 2020, but let's look into our magic 8 ball and see what we think will happen to bourbon in 2021.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about bottle closures.
• We discuss our 2021 predictions for the bourbon and whiskey market.
• Thanks to Blake from Bourbonr.com, Nick from BreakingBourbon.com, and Brian from SippnCorn.com for joining.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blackened Cask Strength. This non-age stated whiskey is 110.7 proof and $55 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bourbon societies are becoming prolific across the globe. But here's the thing, they all do something different that makes them unique. In this episode, we are joined by representatives from the Dallas Bourbon Club, The Bourbon Society of Greater Cincinnati, and KOBBE (Kentucky's Original Black Bourbon Enthusiasts). We get a deeper understanding of how each society operates from a social, educational, and philanthropic perspective. If you're looking to start a society or grow your own, here's a chance to listen how these fellas do it.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about StraightBourbon.com.
• We are joined by Jamar Mack (KOBBE), Pete Schmidt (Dallas Bourbon Club), and Todd Carnes (Bourbon Society of Greater Cincinnati).
• What's the weirdest food you've ever eaten?
• How are you trying to reach new members?
• How is your group different from other bourbon groups?
• Do you have a motto?
• How are you putting on events?
• How are you involved with charities?
• Do you do any bourbon education?
• How do you get people to present to your group?
• How many women do you have in your group?
• Talk about your barrel picks.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jefferson's Reserve Single Barrel. This non-age stated bourbon is 100 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You all see and hear from Kenny, Ryan, and Fred, but there's a critical fourth member of this team. Lauren Coleman has been in the media space for her whole career and took the quality of Bourbon Pursuit episodes to another level. In this quick interview, get to know a little bit about Lauren.

Show Notes:

• Tell us about your podcast editing process.
• How did you get into video editing?
• How many days a week do you miss working for Heaven Hill?
• Are you ever worried about Kenny spending too much on bourbon and not being able to pay the mortgage?
• What's one thing most people don't know about Kenny and Ryan that you think they should know?
• If you were to host a podcast, what would it be about?
• How do you keep a work/life balance?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review The Last Drop XIX Buffalo Trace 1980. This 40 year old bourbon is 90 proof and $4,600 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode features the Master Distiller from Barton 1792, Danny Kahn. Danny comes from a background of brewing beer that led him to working with some high profile names, that ultimately took him to whiskey. Danny brought some samples to try where the lowest proof was 125 and then they creep up to 160 proof! We talk about what happens when he finds barrels like these and our wishes for what we could do with them. Who wouldn't want a single barrel of it?

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about whiskey stories.
• Where are you from?
• Do you have any interesting scars?
• Tell us about the whiskey you brought today.
• Talk about your history in brewing beer.
• What were your early recipes like?
• Are you doing any distillery expansion or improvements?
• Tell us about Ridgemont Reserve.
• How long have you been at 1792?
• How does a bourbon get to 160 proof?
• Is it hard to take a high proof aged bourbon and proof it down?
• Tell us about your distilling process.
• How do you forecast the future bourbon needs?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Huling Station Straight Bourbon. This non-age stated high rye bourbon is 100 proof and $38 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Barrell Bourbon comes out with a product, it's never going to be duplicated. We explored that with Joe back on episode 164, but this time Joe puts us to the test. Ryan and I sample through 15 different Barrell products while Joe and Fred become commentators. These are products that have already been released, are to be released, or experiments in the making. We try them blind to see which ones we like and if we can guess the blends and finishes too.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about history on whiskey labels.
• What's the process you go through to pick a favorite during a tasting?
• Blind Barrell Tasting
• How do you blend?
• Anything you would eliminate yet?
• When you blend using finishes, are you trying to make sure you are still tasting the bourbon?
• Joe, why did you select some of these products?
• What are the flavor profile differences in the various styles of rum?
• Are you all coffee drinkers and does that have any affect on tasting?
• Discuss Top 3.
• Blind reveal.
• What's your favorite?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon. This 10 year old bourbon is 94.4 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the last roundtable of 2020 and we discuss the hits and misses with 2020 bourbon releases. Most of the time we're in agreement, but every once in a while there is one that tears the group apart. And Fred goes deep on some interesting history with entry barrel proof and wheated bourbons.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about light whiskey.
• Bourbon Charity Raffle: https://charity.bourbonpursuit.com/christmascharity2020
• What did you buy on Black Friday?
• Repeal Day Expo: https://repealdayexpo.com/
• 2020 Release Hits and Misses

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Rare Perfection 15 Year. This 15 year old Canadian whiskey is 119.7 proof and $160 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may have never heard of Limestone Branch, and you may just now be hearing about Yellowstone bourbon, but you will soon learn the roots of this distillery. Stephen Beam, yep there’s a lot of Beams in the bourbon industry around Kentucky, is a descendant of the Dant family. Yes, that JW Dant you are thinking of right now. This one is full of rich history on the family as well as the labels.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about bourbon gifts.
• Do you believe in aliens?
• What was it like growing up as a Beam?
• Talk about the history of the Dants.
• What happened with the Dants during Prohibition?
• Tell us about Yellowstone.
• Do you watch the show Yellowstone?
• When was JW Dant sold?
• How did you decide to get into the business?
• What were the early days like?
• What was it like starting with moonshine?
• How many barrels of bourbon were you holding back?
• Was it difficult to bring in a partner and give up some control?
• Talk about the partnership with Luxco.
• How have the operations changed?
• Tell us about Minor Case.
• Why don't you call yourself a Master Distiller?
• Tell us about your products.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Three Chord Whiskey Drummer. This 15 year old Kentucky bourbon is 117.9 proof and $190 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re currently experiencing the biggest boom there has ever been with bourbon. But is it going to be overshadowed by the seltzer movement? And we all know that COVID has impacted every single business sector, but what has it done to alcohol and, most importantly, bourbon? From the outside it seems that business is good, but Brandy Rand, COO for IWSR who specializes in drinks analysis and trends, provides a scientific view as well as reality check on where the market is moving.

Show Notes:

• Receive IWSR’s weekly industry insights email: https://bourbonpursuit.com/iwsr
• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about labels.
• Who was your childhood actor or actress crush?
• What is IWSR?
• How do you gather data?
• How were you all tracking bourbon growth years ago?
• Do you classify canned cocktails as hard seltzers?
• Do you think cocktails to go will be an on going trend?
• What impact are tariffs having globally?
• Have you seen distilleries pivot their strategy due to tariffs and COVID?
• What has happened to travel retail because of COVID?
• Do you track e-commerce and shipping?
• Do you follow Drizzly's data?
• Where do you see bourbon growth in the next couple of years?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the 14th Edition of the Parker’s Heritage Collection. This 10 year old heavy char bourbon is 120 proof and $120 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the rest of society is busting down the doors on Black Friday for TVs, the beer lovers are hitting up every liquor store to grab the most iconic barrel aged stouts on the market coming from Goose Island. Every year, Bourbon County Stout has beer lovers drooling to see what variants will be released. We’re joined by Bill Savage, a lead brewer for the barrel aging program at Goose Island, to get an inside look into one of my favorite beers of all time. We talk about the time that goes into this yearly release and what happens when yeast goes wild.

Show Notes:

• Kroger’s Ultimate Bourbon Auction: https://one.bidpal.net/zero/welcome
• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about bourbons to pair with Thanksgiving.
• How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?
• How long have you been with Goose Island?
• How did you end up working in the Goose Island Barrel Program?
• Tell us about the process.
• How many barrels are going into the release?
• How long do you age it in the barrel?
• Do you test each barrel?
• Can you over age a barrel?
• Do you reuse barrels?
• What's the rationale for the high ABV?
• How do you pick your variants?
• What's the thought process behind the collaborations with distilleries?
• Are you exploring aging other styles?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey. This 10 year old rye is 92.8 proof and $160 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every business wants to make their marketing dollars stretch further. The focus has shifted to targeting demographics through Facebook campaigns, social media, and even podcasts. We’re joined by Mike Provance of 3x3 to see how brands and liquor stores are using their platform to reach new customers.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about wax.
• What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?
• Tell us about your platform.
• How do you convince retailers to adopt this digital trend?
• How can you make your dollar stretch further with your platform?
• How do stores learn what their customers like?
• What do you use to build audiences?
• Does more marketing spending by a supplier benefit the retailer?
• How is shipping changing your business?
• Influencer marketing vs. targeting marketing?
• What about in-store experiences?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Forester 150th Anniversary Batch #1. This non-age stated bourbon is 125.6 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the 50th Bourbon Community Roundtable! 4.5 years later and we are at a milestone podcast. I won’t get sappy because there is plenty of that towards the end, but we kick off the show talking about the recent news of many secondary groups banning Van Winkle Sales. Then we take a look back at our time together and play a few games of “who said that?”.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about Halloween candy.
•  Secondary groups have banned Pappy Van Winkle sales. What are your thoughts?
• Do we still feel the same about our top 5 bourbons for beginners?
• Are we still tired of $100 MGP… now $150 MGP bourbons?
• Let’s play a game of Who Said That?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Founder’s Collection. This 6 year old rye is 114.6 proof and $195 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joshua Steeley, Marketing Director for Bourbon at Buffalo Trace, joins the show to cover the Old Charter Oak series. It’s a line extension that focuses on the effect different types of oak have on the bourbon. We’re talking oak harvested from all over the world and some of the oak being hundreds of years old.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about decanters.
• What's the most ridiculous thing someone has tricked you into doing or believing?
• Tell us about your role at Buffalo Trace.
• Any brands you are putting more effort behind?
• Are you going to have a part in Early Times?
• How did you get into bourbon and end up at Buffalo Trace?
• Let's talk about Old Charter Oak.
• How do you decide what bourbon goes into each brand?
• Tell us about your experimental process.
• Old Charter Oak Tasting.
• Where do you source your barrels from?
• Talk about what went into the packaging design.
• How hard is it to find this brand?
• What is the price point?
• Any failed experiments?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection in five 60 second reviews. The collection includes: Sazerac Rye 18 Year, Thomas H. Handy, Eagle Rare 17 Year, William Larue Weller, and George T. Stagg. Each bottle has a suggested retail price of $99. 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by Ted, Christian, and Blake to talk about the family history on the farm that led them to have DSP-IN-31, which is a super super low number when it comes to a distilled spirits producer. We take a few twists, but there is one thing we came away with and that’s how this family never settles with a single recipe, single barrel entry proof, single cooperage, or even a single distiller. These three take turns at the helm steering their bourbon in a new direction. After recording, we went to the warehouse and tasted 12 or 15 different barrels and not one of the two was alike. Make sure you try a single barrel selection from Starlight Distillery and you will know what I’m talking about.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about media packages.
• Would you rather be an astronaut or an olympic gold medalist?
• Talk about the history of the farm and distillery.
• What law allowed MGP to operate as a distillery?
• Talk about your brandy.
• What were the learning curves when transitioning from brandy to whiskey?
• Tell us about the bourbon.
• What's the difference between a brandy still and a whiskey still?
• Why do you use so many different cooperages?
• Is there a better time of year to pull barrels?
• Tell us about your corn varieties.
• Talk about your latest releases.
• What is Carl T.?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review King of Kentucky 2020. This 14 year old bourbon is 130.6 proof and $250 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is sourced whiskey? It can mean a lot of different things and many of us bourbon geeks feel some do it better than others. There is contract distillation and there is outright buying barrels, but it’s what you are doing with the bourbon that makes the story. We evaluate some of the most iconic brands that built their legacy off of sourcing and then look at today’s market to see who is doing something special versus simply slapping a label on a bottle.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about barrel finishes.
• How do you know when something is sourced?
• How do you source whiskey?
• What brands are sourced?
• What about pricing sourced whiskey?
• What kind of influence has sourced whiskey had on the industry?
• What is more respectable, starting a brand sourced and then transitioning to your own distillate or starting with your own distillate?
• What about contract distilling?
• What are the primary places to source from?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Angel's Envy Mizunara Cask. It is a blend of 4 and 9 year old bourbon, is 97.8 proof, and $350 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we look at how the size of a distiller will put a focus on their core name brand vs creating extensions. We talk a little bit about what you can and can’t patent in the whiskey business. Next, we examine the new Old Forester 150th anniversary and our thoughts on whether you would rather see single barrel cask strength releases or create a wide release. Lastly, we cover what has gone right and what’s been done wrong with limited edition releases that have happened in person and online.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about how sometimes ignorance is bliss.
• Orange juice, pulp or no pulp?
• Why don't new Distillers/Bottlers differentiate their products more? For instance, Barrell Bourbon, Barrell Rye, Barrell Rum, Pinhook Rye, Pinhook Bourbon, Pinhook Cask Strength. Whereas Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Sazerac Rye, etc.
• What can and can't be patented in the whiskey business?
• Old Forester drops 3 batches of cask strength at $150 per bottle. Before I saw the price, I thought it was going to be a competitor to ECBP or Bookers. Would you rather see wide releases at barrel proof or barrel selections at barrel proof? You can't choose both.
• Angel's Envy Mizunara Cask, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, Four Roses LE Releases. What has been done right and what went wrong?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch. This 12-19 year old bourbon is 111.4 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, you asked for another episode talking cocktails and that’s what you get. On this episode, we talk to Nic Christiansen who runs the single barrel program at Barrell Craft Spirits, but is also a nationally recognized bartender and cocktail competition champion. She talks about the variety of cocktails and how it’s really about swapping out simple ingredients to create endless possibilities. From a classic Old Fashioned or Mint Julep to creating your own bitters, this episode will have you wanting to create something unique of your own.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about bourbon heritage month.
• What was your favorite tv show growing up as a kid?
• Tell us about your background.
• What made you decide to get into cocktails?
• What bad habits did you learn when you first started making cocktails?
• What is involved with being a beverage director?
• How do you train bartenders?
• How did you remember all those cocktails?
• How do you make bitters?
• How do you build a cocktail from an economic perspective?
• What is your Old Fashioned recipe?
• What is a Brown Derby?
• What kind of ice do you prefer?
• What do you think about the growing mixology culture?
• Do you ever enter competitions?
• What is your go to vermouth?
• Rye vs. Bourbon in cocktails?
• What are your thoughts on Rum cocktails?
• How frustrated do you get when a place can't make a good cocktail?
• Do you prefer different cocktails for different seasons?
• Talk about using a raw egg in a New York Sour.
• Where did you get the inspiration for your New York Sour?
• Any upcoming cocktail trends?
• What do you do on a daily basis?
• Does your palate differ from Tripp and Joe?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel. This non-age stated bourbon is 94 proof and $50 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clay Risen somehow narrowly escaped being a guest on the podcast, but we got him. We talk about some of his past work and his newest book, The Impossible Collection Of Whiskey: The 100 Most Exceptional And Collectible Bottles, that will be coming out in October 2020. So of course, we talk about chasing unicorns and our early bourbon regrets.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about unity in bourbon.
• Tell us about your books.
• If you could be best friends with any celebrity, who would it be?
• Do you feel like books need to be refreshed constantly?
• Talk about the different kinds of rye.
• What are your favorite ryes?
• How did you become the whiskey guy?
• What year did you get into whiskey?
• What is one of your favorite pieces you've wrote?
• Tell us about your new book.
• How do you have time to venture out to all different kinds of whiskies?
• Did you include specific vintages in your new book?
• What about exports created for the Japanese market?
• How hard would it be for you to open a rare whiskey?
• Now that you are covering politics, are you drinking more whiskey?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Forester 2020 Birthday Bourbon. This 10 year old bourbon is 98 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Old Forester is really starting to win over bourbon lovers. We are joined by our returning guest, Master Taster at Old Forester, Jackie Zykan, to chat about the 2020 Birthday Bourbon, the new barrel proof offering on the single barrel program, the story behind President's Choice, and much more. Have you tried an Old Forester 1915? Well, if you've never heard of it, get ready to start blending.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about labor strikes.
• If you had a time machine would you go back in time or to the future?
• Let's talk about 1915.
• Tell us about working with Chris Morris and Birthday Bourbon.
• How hard was it to get the single barrel program to be barrel proof?
• What age barrels are going into the Whiskey Row Series?
• How do the barrel picks work?
• Tell us about President's Choice.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye. This non-age stated bourbon is 112.2 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this 48th edition of the bourbon community roundtable, we talk about 80's movies. Yes, it may have gone on a bit longer than anticipated, but it may have been the glory years of iconic movies. Then we dive into Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel and get into release season. Will the shift of having online releases be the new way forward?

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about bourbon heritage month.
• 80's movie showdown.
• Blanton's SFTB now available in the US. $150 is a great price point. However, very limited. So why price this higher than BTAC? Was it Ancient Age that dictated it?
• The Party Source tried to sell Blanton's Bourbon online, website crashed. Are there any good alternatives in the current climate?
• Why are distilleries doing special releases on-site/inline only, but not permitting proxies to pick up?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bulleit Blenders Select. This 9 year old bourbon is 100 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 a Patreon supporter. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baker’s is a brand that we’ve discussed previously with Beam’s ambassador Beth Burrows back on episode 95, but this time we go into the whiskey. A Patreon supporter sent 3 blind samples of Baker's: the new single barrel 7 year, the old 7 year small batch with the black wax that is no longer in production, and the most recent limited release of the Baker’s 13 year. Which one will come out on top? Stay tuned to find out.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about distillery firsts.
• Baker's Tasting: New Baker's 7 Year Single Barrel, Baker's 13 Year, Old Baker's 7 Year Small Batch
• Do you drink coffee?
• Why did Baker's move from a small batch to a single barrel?
• Why don't distilleries want to promote large batches?
• Let's discuss special releases.
• Blind Reveal
• Fred, what did you see on the shelf back in the early 2000's?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Basil Hayden's 10 Year Rye Whiskey. This 10 year old rye is 80 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to put all your money on the line, ignore the experts, fight the law, and spend years experimenting with different mash bills and barrels? That’s what Tim Piersant, CEO, and Grant McCracken, Head Distiller, of Chattanooga Whiskey did. Against all odds, they launched a bourbon that features Tennessee High Malt. We talk about the early successes and challenges of the business and get into the whiskey itself.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about SRPs.
• What kind of music do you like?
• Tell us about your background.
• How did you get into whiskey?
• Do you have a favorite kind of beer?
• When did it become legal to distill in Chattanooga?
• Tell us about the early days of the business.
• How did you fund the business?
• How did you decide what kind of whiskey you wanted to make?
• Talk about the experimental distillery.
• Why did you decide to use malt?
• How did you know it would have future potential?
• How did you recreate the process to scale up?
• How did you know when it was ready to be released?
• Tell us about your entry and distillation proof.
• Talk about the high proof version.
• What can we expect to see in the future?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Filibuster Single Estate. This 2 year 5 month old bourbon is 117.6 proof and $50 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast, we look to see if there are any distilleries in New York that can take on good old fashioned Kentucky bourbon. Dan Walkski, Manager of Fine Spirits at Midvalley Wine and Liquor in Newburgh, NY shares some of his favorites from the region and we taste them in a blind battle. There’s a few surprises thrown in that cause some major upsets. Tune in to see what state comes out on top.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about age statements.
• How did you get into bourbon?
• What is the bourbon scene like in Newburgh, NY?
• What is the largest growing spirit in your store?
• Tasting of New York and Kentucky whiskies.
• Do you get a lot of allocated bourbon?
• What do encourage your customers to try since you don't get a lot of allocated items?
• What is a good gateway bourbon?
• How to you price bottles in the store?
• Do you put all your bottles for sale online?
• Have you visited all these NY distilleries?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Knob Creek 15 Year. This 15 year old 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We look at the recently released results of the Weller CYPB data and ask ourselves if this data matches up to a normal consumer or a bourbon enthusiast. Make sure you check out yourperfectbourbon.com to see how well the site and survey is done. We then examine Basil Hayden and our thoughts behind the brand’s evolving character of having blends, finishes, and high aged expressions. And what’s up with all the toasted barrels recently? Will there be more to come? Lastly, we wrap it up with our favorite bourbon so far in 2020.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about craft distillers.
• Weller CYPB and the data. Does it add up?
• Basil Hayden and it's shifting identity.
• Are Toasted Barrels all the rage now? Old Forester 1910, Michter's, and now Elijah Craig.
• What's the best bourbon you've tried so far this year?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B520. This non-age stated bourbon is 122.2 proof and $50 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nancy Fraley is world-renowned for her expertise on blending… or is it mingling? In this podcast, we talk about the difference between blending and mingling, but also go into barrel sizes, terroir, and the art of barrel finishing. Spoiler alert, here’s another industry veteran who isn’t a fan of small barrels.

Show Notes:

• This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about hats.
• Tell us about your background.
• How did you get on the blending path?
• What is a french style?
• What are other styles of blending?
• Let's talk blending vs. mingling.
• Talk about blending trends you are seeing internationally and in the US.
• What is terroir?
• What characteristics are you looking for when blending?
• Tell us about the impact of barrel size and climate on the bourbon.
• How do you decide what kind of cask you want to finish a bourbon in?
• How do you test a finish?
• What type of whiskey works better for finishing?
• How often do you sample?
• How do you figure out how long you finish a bourbon in a barrel?
• Are there any tried and true casks?
• Should the finishing barrel be empty?

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Wild Turkey Master's Keep 5th Edition. This 17 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $175 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.

Support this Podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices