Bourbon Pursuit

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Latest Episodes:

TWiB: USDA awards DISCUS $1.07 million, Pursuit Spirits releases The Alpha Barrel, Heaven Hill releases 20th Anniversary Bottle Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 27th 2026. The USDA has awarded the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) over $1.07 million to promote American spirits, Pursuit Spirits has released The Alpha Barrel, and Heaven Hill Distillery announces the release of Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition.
Show Notes:

Hotaling & Co. shuttering Pier 50 distillery to focus on brand building and importing
Former HR VP files whistleblower lawsuit against Bardstown Bourbon Company alleging corporate misconduct
American Whiskey Association President addresses industry "normalization" and global growth potential
Iowa House committee approves bill to end state's monopoly on liquor distribution
Mississippi facing severe alcohol shortages due to state-run warehouse technical failures
North Carolina SBI investigating nonprofit "Greater Carolina" over alleged improper distillery lobbying
President Trump invokes Section 122 of Trade Act to impose global 15% import surcharge
USDA awards DISCUS $1.07 million to promote American spirits in global markets
Pursuit Spirits announces "The Alpha Barrel" as its first barrel-proof single-barrel expression
Limestone Branch Distillery launches "The Branch" members-only whiskey society
Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey officially launches 95.6 proof six-year expression
Bourbon & Beyond announces record-breaking artist lineup for September 2026 festival
Heaven Hill debuts Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition
Kentucky Distillers’ Association launches interactive "Build Your Own Bourbon Trail" trip builder
Michter’s shipping highly anticipated 2026 release of its 10 Year Bourbon this March

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555 - The State of Cannabis and Path to Regulation with Jim Higdon of Cornbread Hemp Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

Is the bourbon industry about to meet its biggest competitor? Today, we’re welcoming back a familiar face, Jim Higdon, co-founder of Cornbread Hemp and the author of The Cornbread Mafia. Last time Jim was on Episode 342, we were talking about the history of Kentucky's most infamous drug ring, but today we’re looking at the future of cannabis and how it’s fighting for its life against big bourbon. It's no doubt that THC beverages have been on a meteoric rise and Jim shares a vision of a future where a THC drink is just as mainstream as a vodka soda was back in the '60s. But it’s not an easy road; Right now there is a lobbyist war, where Jim feels bourbon's powerful political engines are squaring off against the hemp industry to protect their shelf space. It gets a bit dicey with Fred taking the counterposition but I won't ruin it for you. Jim also highlights the looming legislative cliff, breaking down the regulatory hurdles and upcoming deadlines that could threaten the entire hemp-derived industry overnight. It’s a conversation about coexistence, regulation, and what you might see a different on your liquor store shelves very soon.
Show Notes:

Comparisons between THC beverages and historical liquor consumption patterns
Growth story of Cornbread Hemp from CBD to THC labels
The impact of bourbon lobbyists on cannabis regulatory issues
Importance of the upcoming November deadline for hemp legality
Variances in THC regulations across different states
Consumer safety and dosage concerns regarding THC beverages
Future collaboration potential between bourbon and cannabis industries
Advocacy strategies for hemp products within the political landscape
Reflection on the ongoing evolution of cannabis regulation and societal perception

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Whiskey Quickie: $300 Russell’s Reserve Rickhouse… Worth the Hype?! Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

Wild Turkey drops one of its most anticipated bottles of the year: Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson E. Floor 5. 128 proof. $300. We break down the sweet oak, blackberry cobbler vibes, leather, spice, and whether this limited release truly earns its price tag. Is this the one to chase?
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: E. & J. Gallo to acquire Four Roses, Uncle Nearest court-ordered receivership, Michter’s Releases Celebration a $6,000 bottle Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 20th 2026. E. & J. Gallo announced its plans to acquire Four Roses, Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership, and Michter’s Releases their Celebration at $6,000 a bottle.
Show Notes:

E. & J. Gallo expands its spirits portfolio with a $775 million acquisition of Four Roses Distillery from Kirin
A U.S. District Judge ruled that Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership through March amid insolvency allegations
Frey Ranch Distillery debuts "Harvest the Savings," a new farm-to-glass subscription program offering up to 15% off and free shipping
A Texas judge blocked the immediate liquidation of Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl, opting for a structured Chapter 11 wind-down
A new Kentucky bill proposes a 4% regulatory fee on alcohol sales, shifting the tax burden from producers to consumers
Unicorn Auctions’ 2025 report reveals a democratized secondary market where 80% of bottles now sell for under $250
Green River launches a 109.3-proof wheated bourbon at a $50 price point across 25 markets this February
Black Diamond Distillery introduces a $25 wheated bourbon "Mineshaft" expression designed specifically for cocktails
Maker’s Mark partners with artist Ashley Longshore on a limited-edition label benefiting women’s leadership through Vital Voices
Yellowstone Bourbon celebrates America’s semiquincentennial with 250 limited-edition Bottled-in-Bond single barrels
Michter’s prepares to ship the rare 2025 Edition of its Celebration Sour Mash, limited to just 315 bottles globally
Buffalo Trace and Chris Stapleton evolve their partnership with the nationwide release of Traveller Whiskey Full Proof at 121 proof
Rebel Bourbon joins forces with NASCAR champion Kyle Busch for a limited 108-proof single barrel release
Penelope Bourbon upgrades its core Barrel Strength expression to a 7-year age statement for a limited 13,000-case release
Southern Distilling Company releases a Statesville-exclusive Southern Star Paragon Bourbon finished in Zinfandel wine casks

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554 - Blenders Without Borders with Justin Aden of Stranahans and Alex Tomas of Bushmills Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

What happens when you put a pioneer of American Single Malt in a room with a master of Irish heritage? Well we’re finding out today as we step outside the bluegrass to explore the global world of malt. We’re joined by Justin Aden from Stranahan's and Alex Thomas from Bushmills to break down the art of the blend and why local ingredients become a key competitve advantage in this market. Justin talks to us about the high-altitude of aging in Colorado and the rise of the American Single Malt category, while Alex gives us a masterclass on Bushmills' legendary triple distillation and the weight of managing a distillery with centuries of history. We dig in further in to how two completely different climates and traditions approach the task of building a consistent, world-class whiskey. We also get into the "friendly" rivalries of the whiskey world and discuss why American Single Malt is finally getting the seat at the table it deserves.
Show Notes:

American single malt production insights
The legacy of Bushmills and blending techniques
The evolution of Irish whiskey and its relation to Scotch
Tasting highlights from Stranahan’s and Bushmills
Cultural dynamics and the rise of American single malts

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Whiskey Quickie: Willett Purple Top… as a Small Batch?! This Was NOT What We Expected Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

Willett Purple Top is legendary and usually ultra-premium. So what happens when Willett turns that DNA into a 4-year small batch bourbon at 127 proof and under $70? We break down the mash bills, the sweetness, the funk, and whether this bold move actually works. This one sparked a real debate.
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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553 - What is the Perfect Proof? On Bourbon Community Roundtable #115 Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

It’s time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and the panel is locked, loaded, and ready to talk about the one number that drives every enthusiast crazy: The Proof. We look at how we all start with those easy-drinking, low-proof staples like Kentucky Tavern before eventually finding ourselves chasing the high-octane allure of barrel-strength pours. We even get into some fun hypotheticals—if you could sample the same bourbon at every proof point from barrel to 80, how would that change your understanding of your favorite brand? Whether you’re a 90-proof purist or a barrel-strength junkie, we’re breaking down why the best bottle on your shelf is ultimately the one that tastes the best to you. Is the industry pushing proof too far, or have we finally found the sweet spot? We’re debating it all.
Show Notes:

Evolution of bourbon drinking from low proof to high proof
Insights into how proof affects whiskey blending and flavor
Discussion on consumer perception of barrel-proof vs. proofed-down expressions
Exploration of notable brands and their proof characteristics
Fun hypotheticals regarding proof sampling experiences
Final thoughts on the importance of proof in the bourbon journey

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Whiskey Quickie: Yellowstone Turned 10… But Is This Anniversary Bourbon Worth $100? Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Yellowstone celebrates 10 years with a special anniversary blend featuring multiple mash bills aged 10 years or more. At 105 proof and $100, this Whiskey Quickie dives into sweet oak, tobacco, citrus, malted chocolate notes, and a bold, well-layered palate. A milestone release worth a closer look.
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: Grim financial outlook for Uncle Nearest, The Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds 10 new stops, Brown Forman's new King of Kentucky Small Batch Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 6th 2026. The court-appointed receiver for Uncle Nearest, presents a grim financial outlook for the whiskey brand, The Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds 10 new stops, and Brown Forman is releasing King of Kentucky Small Batch.
Show Notes:

Uncle Nearest faces insolvency with $164M debt and revenue shortfall
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits enters Colorado with Applejack acquisition
Kentucky Bourbon Trail expands to record 68 stops statewide
Barrell Craft Spirits consolidates blending operations to original Gilmore facility
Supreme Court weighs legality of out-of-state alcohol shipping bans
Kentucky Bourbon industry economic impact surges to $10.6 billion
Jim Beam taps Kenan Thompson for 2026 "Refresh Your Season" campaign
Yellowstone Bourbon partners with Vital Ground Foundation for grizzly conservation
King of Kentucky announces 250th Anniversary Small Batch three-part series
Shortbarrel launches Four Grain Straight Bourbon flagship for nationwide distribution
Buzzard’s Roost unveils 5-year-old Four Grain Double Oak Bourbon
Chattanooga Whiskey debuts Irish-style Batch 047: Single Pot Still

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552 - How Old Crow Went From On Top to Bottom Shelf with Fred Minnick Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Can a forgotten, dusty bottle of bourbon actually save a life? That’s the question we’re tackling today with the one and only Fred Minnick. Fred gives us a first hand account of this personal project from his new book, Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man's Life. Fred gets incredibly candid about his battles with PTSD following his military service and how the legacy of Old Crow, a brand many today just overlook on the bottom shelf, played a pivotal role in his journey toward healing. But it’s not all heavy; in classic Fred fashion, he shares some hilarious and heartwarming personal anecdotes, including the story of his first date with his wife and how she has been someone who has pushed him in his bourbon career. We also go into the history of the legendary James C. Crow and how his innovations shaped the industry we love today. This episode is more than just a history lesson. it’s a powerful look at resilience, the importance of storytelling, and a reminder to keep chasing your passion no matter how tough the road gets.
Show Notes:

Fred's inspiration to write "Bottom Shelf"
How Fred’s military background influenced his bourbon narrative
Funny highlights from Fred and Jacqueline’s early relationship
How Crow shaped modern bourbon practices
What shifts occurred in the bourbon market due to National Distillers
What Fred means by discovering your personal passion
Why honesty is crucial in the narratives of bourbon
How bourbon represents resilience and personal growth

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