Bourbon Pursuit

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Latest Episodes:

Whiskey Quickie: Bourbon Aged in a TRAIN CAR?! | Black Diamond Bourbon Review Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

We found a bourbon that claims it’s aged in a historic railroad boxcar turned “rolling rickhouse”, so of course we had to taste it. Black Diamond (103 proof, $58) brings big chocolate-covered cherry energy with a creamy, candy-box palate, but the finish splits the room. Is train-car aging genius, gimmick, or the future?
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: Sotheby's sets record for most valuable bourbon, Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction's new lot, Nelson brothers relaunch Belle Meade whiskey Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 30th 2026. Sotheby's has set a record for the most valuable bourbon ever sold at auction, Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction has announced a historic collaborative lot titled “United We Stand”, and Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson have reclaimed and are relaunching their Belle Meade whiskey.
Show Notes:

Bardstown Bourbon Company unveils packaging redesign for core portfolio and new wheated single barrel option
Uncle Nearest founders file emergency motion to end receivership amid plummeting sales and market value
Sotheby’s sets $2.5M record for most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold at auction
Off Hours Bourbon named "Official Partner of the Detroit Pistons" in multi-year sports collaboration
Pursuit Spirits and partners announce "United We Stand" collaborative barrel auction for veteran charity
Old Forester's 156-year legacy celebrated in new "Whiskeyland" documentary by the Balas Brothers
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength receives premium bottle redesign and debut age statement
Garrison Brothers to release first-ever Bottled in Bond Texas Bourbon on Texas Independence Day
Nelson brothers reclaim Belle Meade brand for independent regional relaunch in Tennessee

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551 - What Can A Copacker Do For You? with Jeff Wuslich of Cardinal Copacking Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how all these brands get into a bottle without owning a multi-million dollar distillery? We've talked about sourcing before but that's just one part of the puzzle. In this episode, we're going to talk about that second step, co-packing. We’re joined by Jeff Wuslich, he's the President of Cardinal Spirits and Cardinal Copacking, to break down what it takes to actually manufacture booze at scale. Jeff has a background in manufacturing and slowly became a cornerstone of the Indiana craft scene. Jeff also has their own brands they use to showcase their abilities and have relationships with powerhouses like MGP. One thing that interested me was RTDs and the explosion of the canned cocktail movement, but as Jeff will talk about there are some massive compliance headaches that come with them. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own label or just want to know how the industry actually moves behind the scenss, this one side you need to understand..
Show Notes:

The journey of launching a spirits brand in Indiana
Understanding the co-packing process and client communications
The relationship with MGP and its effects on business
Emerging trends in the spirits industry, including ready-to-drink options
Compliance issues and industry regulations in co-packing
Financial insights and pricing dynamics in co-packing
Tips for aspiring distillers navigating the co-packing landscape

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Behind The Pursuit: The 2026 Expansion Reality Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

While most of the industry uses December to wind down and coast into the new year, we’ve been doing the exact opposite. January hit and it was an immediate sprint. We’ve been back on the road, opening up new markets, and staring down the barrel of distributor meetings and case goals. If you look at our single barrel requests right now, everything is looking "up and to the right," but in this business, the view from the top is always a little precarious. The real question isn't just how you grow, but how you stay there. In this episode of Behind the Pursuit, Ryan and I are pulling back the curtain on what it actually looks like to enter new markets in 2026. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of distributor communications and why a solid on-premise strategy may be the only way to survive a landscape that is getting more crowded by the day. We also get honest about the challenges smaller brands face when trying to stay nimble while consumer preferences are shifting right under our feet. It’s a look at the balance between aggressive growth and the strategic planning you need to make sure that "up and to the right" trend doesn't just become a flash in the pan.
Show Notes:

Introduction and Market Overview
Product Launches and Consumer Demand
Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
On-Premise Strategy and Cocktail Placement
Challenges and Competition in the Whiskey Market
Future Goals and Strategic Planning

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Whiskey Quickie: We Went Bourbon Hunting… And Found a Steal | Duck Club Bourbon Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

We go bourbon hunting and land on Duck Club Bourbon, a smooth, easy-sipping blend with classic brown sugar, vanilla, and oak notes. At 92 proof and under $30, this one delivers big value.
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: Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl in liquidation, B3 Beverage Company acquires Casey Jones, Penelope Bourbon collaborates with Serena & Lily Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 23rd 2026. Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl have moved into a Chapter 7 liquidation, Casey Jones Distillery has been acquired B3 Beverage Company, and Penelope Bourbon is doing a collaboration with Serena & Lily.
Show Notes:

Few Spirits founder Paul Hletko officially departs distillery
Meta restricts alcohol business pages on Facebook, slashing organic reach
Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl move to Chapter 7 liquidation
Court orders $34.5M sale of newly completed Luca Mariano Distillery
Casey Jones Distillery joins B3 Beverage Company portfolio
Kirin Holdings reportedly exploring $1B sale of Four Roses Bourbon
New Riff Distilling announces return of award-winning Balboa Rye
Penelope Bourbon and Serena & Lily debut Charleston-inspired "Beaufain" collaboration
Knob Creek launches limited Eli Manning’s Bold Pick 2026 Cask Strength Bourbon

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550 - Leaving Jack Daniels to Start New with Jeff Arnett of Company Distilling Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

Where do you go when you're on top? That could be said for elite quarterbacks or CEOs of top 20 global companies. But if you're the master distiller for the largest whiskey brand on planet earth, what could you possibly do next? We get to answer that today as we are honored to have Jeff Arnett back on the show. He was a prior guest back on Episode 150 when he carried the title of Master Distiller for Jack Daniel's. Since then, he's gone into a new venture and is now testing his grit in startup life as a partner with Company Distilling. We talk about the feelings he had when he left and what sort of vision he set for himself with this new role. We get into the business a bit further with distribution and more but I won't spoil the insight he shares.
Show Notes:

Jeff's pivotal decision to leave Jack Daniel's after 20 years
The creative freedom he found at Company Distilling
Insights on crafting a weeded bourbon with a unique maple finish
Analysis of the whiskey market's evolution and consumer trends
A look at Company Distilling’s community-centric vision
Reflections on his passion for cars and the shift towards electric vehicles

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Whiskey Quickie: This Rye Collab Is Wild | Willett x Wolves Whiskey Review Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Willett and Wolves team up on a bold rye whiskey collaboration blending Kentucky and California aged barrels. Packed with vibrant citrus, pine, ginger candy, and unexpected IPA-like vibes, this Whiskey Quickie dives into one of the most unique rye profiles we’ve tasted recently.
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: First Whiskey warehouse using KRAX, Sazerac wins trademark dispute against Liv Golf , High West releases its annual cask strength Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 16th 2026. Whiskey House finishes its first warehouse using KRAX, Sazerac wins an initial trademark dispute against Liv Golf, and High West releases its annual cask strength.
Show Notes:

KBCA unveils "Revolution" auction lots featuring King of Kentucky and Old Forester experiences
Artisan Distillery in San Antonio announces permanent closure effective January 2026
Pennsylvania opens January 2026 lottery for Van Winkle, BTAC, and E.H. Taylor
Whiskey House of Kentucky completes its first seven-story K-RAX innovative rickhouse
Reyes Beverage Group in talks to acquire RNDC operations in seven major markets
Sazerac wins partial trademark victory against LIV Golf’s “Fireballs GC” team name
Rebel Bourbon brings back Rebel Root Beer Whiskey nationwide at 70 proof
High West Distillery releases limited-edition Cask Strength blend of 6-20 year bourbons

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549 - Our 2026 Predictions on Bourbon Community Roundtable #114 Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

It’s that time of year when we polish off the crystal ball and try to guess exactly where the bourbon industry is headed in 2026. The panel dives into some high-stakes predictions on the rise of exclusive distillery clubs and the portential rise of the craft sector by leaning into Direct-to-Consumer sales. We also get into some scarier territory—think tariffs and the possibility of major distilleries actually pausing production—while others weighs in on the acquisition frenzy that’s continuing to reshape the landscape. We also tackle the death of FOMO on limited releases, the push for even higher-proof offerings, and the wild possibility of NIL deals between universities and distilleries. Will your favorite college quarterback have a signature bottle pick soon? We’re breaking it all down to see how economic and political factors will keep the bourbon scene shaking in the year ahead.
Show Notes:

Bourbon Pursuit explores 2026 predictions for the bourbon industry
Insights on the future of distillery clubs and exclusive consumer offers
Discussion on tariff impacts and potential production pauses
The rising prominence of craft distilleries and direct sales strategies
Evolution of FOMO among bourbon consumers
Speculation on NIL partnerships within the bourbon sector
Insights into how GLP-1 medications might affect drinking habits
Reflections on past predictions and the industry's direction

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