Bourbon Pursuit

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Latest Episodes:

592 - CEO Talk with Mark Erwin of Bardstown Bourbon Company Nov 12, 2026

Show notes

26 years in the military, 14 years of that serving in elite Delta Force units, and now the CEO of Lofted Spirits, the umbrella brand of of Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling. Mark Erwin joined the board at Bardstown Bourbon Co. in 2019 eventually stepping up as CEO. We talk about how the private equity deal with Prtizker made more strategic sense than selling out to a major spirits conglomerate, the acquisition of Green River. and how they support craft brands from custom mash bills all the way to bottling. Plus, in a market facing shifting demand, inventory corrections, and industry cutbacks, Mark shares how Lofted is navigating current market headwinds while continuing to innovate.
Show Notes:

Mark Erwin shares lessons from 26 years in the military, 14 years in Delta Force, and how combat teamwork translates to executive leadership.
Transitioning from defense contracting and international business to joining Bardstown Bourbon Company's board and becoming CEO in 2019.
Why Bardstown Bourbon Co. chose to partner with PPC for growth capital instead of selling off to a legacy spirits giant.
How acquiring Green River expanded production capacity and added a powerhouse, historic brand to the portfolio.
How Lofted Spirits supports custom clients from grain-to-glass, and why they strictly separate contract operations from brand operations.
Mark's take on current whiskey market dynamics, balancing inventory with production cutbacks, and stabilizing contract distilling.
A sneak peek at innovative new projects, including a real-honey finished Green River whiskey and a historic U.S. Army 250th anniversary release.

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Whiskey Quickie: Penelope Plays the Classics?! Nov 10, 2026

Show notes

Penelope The Classic brings a new everyday bourbon at 92 proof and just $45. Caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, and a surprising grape candy note give this approachable pour a little something extra. Is this new classic worth adding to your shelf?
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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TWiB: Republic National Distributing faces Chapter 11, 2026 DTC Spirits Shipping Report released, John Wick Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Nov 06, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for November 6th, 2026. Republic National Distributing Company, is pressing forward with its Chapter 11, 2026 Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report has been released, and John Wick Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Show Notes:

Industry publishing legend Marvin R. Shanken dies at 83
Republic National Distributing Company advances Chapter 11 liquidation plan
KEG 1 Kentucky completes acquisition of RNDC’s statewide operations
Whiskey House of Kentucky launches interactive Customer Portal 2.0
ACSA report shows 68% of Americans favor expanding DtC spirits shipping
Town Branch debuts 17-Year Archive Series Kentucky Single Malt
Four Roses introduces Experimental Series No. 003 finished in chestnut wood
Barrel Global unveils officially licensed John Wick Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Extinct Spirits debuts with limited Dodo Bird single-cask release
Larrikin Bourbon Company launches 9-Year cask-strength Foxtrot Series
Dierks Bentley announces ROW 94 Trespasser's Proof and Nashville tasting room
Chattanooga Whiskey and New Riff release The Confluence Project: Volume 2
Knob Creek introduces limited 375mL Trailmaster Edition in camouflage packaging

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591 - The Viral Sensation That Is Johnny Drinks with John Rondi Nov 05, 2026

Show notes

That's the infamous sound you hear when Johnny Drinks is making a cocktail on your screen. John Rondi—better known to millions across the internet as Johnny Drinks— let his son film him making a cocktail at home, and it overnight exploded into millions of views?This single viral video back in 2020 completely transformed his life, that led him to walk away from corporate finance in 2021 to doing content full-time with his son. We talk about the iconic glass "clank" and camera setups to how they transitioned into cooking and hosting tips. We even talk about what it's like navigating father-son business dynamics, handling internet trolls, and the surreal moment Dana White invited him to make a drink at his private office at the UFC HQ.
Show Notes:

Johnny Drinks shares how a simple cocktail video filmed by his son in 2020 turned into millions of views and a viral career.
Why Johnny considers himself an everyday host rather than a mixologist, focusing on approachable drinks, good food, and hospitality.
The story behind the signature glass "clank," unique camera angles, and keeping content spontaneous versus brand-partnered.
Leaving a 30-year career in mortgage financing in 2021 to jump into full-time content creation with his son.
How Johnny deals with social media feedback, platform differences, and tuning out online hate.
The fun, balance, and realities of building a successful media business with your kid.
That wild time Dana White invited Johnny to throw together a custom bar setup and drinks at the UFC Apex.

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Whiskey Quickie: Heaven Hill Double Mash: Double the Flavor?! Nov 03, 2026

Show notes

Heaven Hill Double Mash combines traditional and wheated bourbon mash bills in a 9-year, 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond release. Bright raspberry, citrus, and brown sugar sweet tea bring an unexpected twist to this $50 bourbon. Does double mash mean double the character?
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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TWiB: Fawn Weaver denied halt of sale, Tennessee Whiskey Trail's new launch, Heaven Hill Phoenix Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 30th, 2026. Fawn Weaver’s attempt to halt the sale has been denied, Tennessee Whiskey Trail is launching Fireside Tennessee, and Heaven Hill Phoenix.
Show Notes:

Judge denies Fawn Weaver's bid to pause Uncle Nearest asset sale amidst receivership
Tennessee Whiskey Trail launches seasonal Fireside Tennessee experience across eight distilleries
Kentucky Distillers' Association honors Brown-Forman's Chris Morris with Lifetime Board designation and UK scholarship
Heaven Hill unveils Phoenix 18-Year Bourbon featuring pre-1996 fire whiskey to mark 30th anniversary
Barton 1792 Distillery announces new 1792 Wheated Full Proof Bourbon at 125 proof

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590 - It's Tenacity That Wins with Sid Dilawri of Filibuster Bourbon Oct 29, 2026

Show notes

So what happens when a retail guy from D.C. decides he’s going to jump into the whiskey business? We're sitting down with Sid Dilawri, Founder and CEO of Filibuster Distilling, to talk about his journey. After moving from Delhi to the U.S. in 2007, Sid got his start working at a local liquor store where he discovered orange flavored vodka. He wasn't much of a drinker at the time. But In 2010, his family bought a struggling D.C. liquor store and Sid helped turn it around growing annual sales from under $400K to over $1.2 million simply by changing up the product mix and introducing customers to great bourbon. After an eye-opening trip to Four Roses to select his very first single-barrel, he worked towards his new idea. Sid launched Filibuster using sourced barrels but eventually transition to a full-scale distilling operation in Virginia, including figuring out how to run a column still himself. With lots of tenacity, Sid gives us an honest look at building a legacy brand for his kids and crafting a true everyday pour.
Show Notes:

Sid Dilawri shares his journey moving from Delhi to the U.S. in 2007 and learning the retail ropes on the liquor store floor.
How turning around a struggling D.C. shop in 2010 by pushing bourbon sparked his passion for the industry.
The Four Roses barrel pick that convinced Sid to leave retail and launch Filibuster.
Starting with MGP sourced juice, early French oak finishes, and navigating distributor portfolios when craft bourbon was just taking off.
Transitioning to distilling in Virginia, installing a column still, and teaching himself how to run the equipment when his team walked out.
The ins and outs of local grain sourcing, fermentation practices, and managing over 6,200 aging barrels.
Why patience, product quality, and smart pricing matter when building a legacy brand for the next generation.

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Whiskey Quickie: Is Jefferson’s 20 Year Bourbon Worth $500?! Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

Jefferson’s Founder’s Reserve brings a 20 year Kentucky bourbon finished in French Bordeaux wine casks. With only 250 bottles available, this rare release delivers old oak, dried cranberries, leather, and tobacco. But does it live up to its $500 price tag?
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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TWiB: Fawn Weaver appealing Uncle Nearest, Bourbon and Board Games Are hot this week, Old Elk Distillery Blended American Whiskey Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 23rd, 2026. As Uncle Nearest Comes to an End, Fawn is still appealing, Bourbon and Board Games Are hot this week, and Old Elk Distillery Folds of Honor Blended American Whiskey.
Show Notes:

Judge sets accelerated briefing schedule on Uncle Nearest asset sale appeal
Bib & Tucker collaborates with Hasbro to launch MONOPOLY collector's edition
Old Fitzgerald and Jonathan Adler partner on luxury backgammon gift set
Bulleit and Mike’s Hot Honey announce 15-city nationwide mobile bar tour
MGP Ingredients rebrands corporate identity as Sempreon with CASK ticker
Knob Creek brings back 21 Year Old Bourbon at 100 proof for $249.99
New Era Distillery debuts Marquee Exclusive Small Batch Bourbon at $49.99
Liberty Pole Spirits launches High Rye Straight Bourbon at 100 proof
Penelope Bourbon releases FCancer Batch 5 alongside $250,000 donation pledge
Booker’s Bourbon unveils Southern Thunder Batch at 127.3 proof for $99.99
15 STARS launches First West Cigar Blend finished in three cask types
Jack Daniel’s debuts 2026 Coy Hill Rye Single Barrel at barrel proof
Chattanooga Whiskey introduces Bad Chattanoogan finished with playable wooden records
Middle West Spirits and Old Elk launch Blended American Whiskey for Folds of Honor
15 STARS First West Cigar Blend sells out online in one day

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589 - Pappy Raised Prices Anyway and Is Allocation Leaving Retail? on Bourbon Community Roundtable #124 Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

Van Winkle announced the 2026 collection on September 11 with price increases. This lands in a year of a 16-million-barrel glut, craft sales down a third straight year, a distributor in liquidation, and a softening mid-tier secondary. Back on BCR #42 in 2020 this panel specifically praised Sazerac for not pricing Pappy at what the market would bear. Six years later they moved the number up in a down market. Was the restraint we praised always temporary? Look at October’s release calendar. Woodford’s 30th anniversary bundle is distillery-only at $225. New Riff’s six-year wheated went to whiskey club members with distillery pickup only. Pursuit’s own XS Double Oak to P. Club members before anyone else. Is thi the beginning of a much larger shift where allocation migrating out of retail?
Show Notes:

What does the Van Winkle price increase mean for demand
Has Pappy’s appeal changed among bourbon enthusiasts
Who benefits more from the Van Winkle–Sazerac partnership
Could Pappy be released through the Buffalo Trace gift shop
Are limited releases shifting from retailers to distilleries and clubs
How can brands balance direct sales with retail distribution
Could regional and online releases provide other ways to reach buyers

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