Bourbon Pursuit

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Latest Episodes:

Whiskey Quickie: Not Your Typical Toasted Barrel | Michter’s Toasted Barrel Sour Mash Whiskey Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

We take a look at the 2025 Michter’s Toasted Barrel Sour Mash Whiskey, an 86-proof release that delivers bold popcorn and kettle corn notes from nose to finish. This Whiskey Quickie breaks down the aromas, flavors, and overall profile of this unique toasted barrel expression.
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: Meat Church BBQ invests in Pursuit Spirits, Uncle Nearest Files a Civil Suit, Watch Hill Whiskey Company new release Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 9th 2026. Meat Church BBQ Makes an Investment in Pursuit Spirits, The Weavers of Uncle Nearest File a Civil Suit against their former CFO, and Watch Hill Whiskey Company unveils two new limited releases.
Show Notes:

Meat Church BBQ acquires minority stake in Pursuit Spirits to fuel distribution and innovation
Uncle Nearest co-founders file 223-page fraud lawsuit against former CFO Michael Senzaki
Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction unveils rare Elijah Craig and Four Roses "12 Lots" benefiting veterans
Ohio-based A.M. Scott Distillery files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with $3.35 million in debt
Bardstown Bourbon Company earns second consecutive EPA ENERGY STAR certification for energy efficiency
Whiskey House of Kentucky achieves major ISO certifications for quality, safety, and environmental excellence
The Whiskey Social App launches new Clubs feature to enhance community bottle tracking and discovery
Sotheby’s announces first live single-owner American whiskey auction estimated at $1.17M–$1.68M
Give 270 surpasses $2 million in donations and launches Weller “Rainbow” vertical charity raffle
Watch Hill Whiskey Company debuts 18-year Exceptional Series Batch 03 and Chef Series Rye
New Riff Distilling expands single barrel program to include 6-year-old 100% Malted Rye

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548 - How Do You Become a Master of Bourbon? with Will Breeden and Chase Henry Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

We all like to think we’re experts after a few pours at the bar, but what does it actually take to be a certified Master of Bourbon? Today we’re joined by two guys who didn't just stop at being enthusiasts; they went all the way to the top of the credential ladder. We are thrilled to welcome Will Breeden, co-owner of Indiana Small Batch, and Chase Henry, Brand Ambassador for New Riff, to talk about the true grind behind the glass. Will and Chase share their personal journeys, from following family legacies to turning a passion for American whiskey into a full-blown career. But the real meat of this episode is talking about the Master of Bourbon certification through the Council of Whiskey Masters. This isn't just some weekend course; it’s a rigorous, high-stakes process that demands a staggering depth of knowledge. We talk about the educational hurdles, the career doors it opens, and why this prestigious title is becoming a gold standard in the industry. Ryan and I also put our guests in the hot seat and had them answer some oral exam questions to see how they’d handle the pressure, and let’s just say things got real when the tables were turned they asked us the questions. So whether you’re looking to make the jump from enthusiast to professional or you just want to level up your own whiskey IQ, this may set you down the path to becomg the next Master of Bourbon.
Show Notes:

Introducing Will Breeden and Chase Henry, their backgrounds, and paths into bourbon
In-depth discussion on the Master of Bourbon certification and its significance
Will’s unique career transition from nuclear medicine to bourbon
Chase’s evolution from Scotch lover to bourbon ambassador
Breakdown of the examination process, including theory and sensory evaluation
Personal experiences and unexpected challenges during their certification journey
Engaging exchanges with sample oral exam questions
Practical tips for those looking to start their bourbon education
Recommended resources for further exploration of bourbon certification

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Whiskey Quickie: Jack Daniel’s NAILED It | Toasted Barrel Is Now Year-Round Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Jack Daniel’s Toasted Barrel is now a year-round release, and this one absolutely delivers. Big banana notes, toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and pie crust vibes at 100 proof make this a surprisingly balanced and flavorful pour. This might be one of Jack’s best expressions yet.
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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547 - What's The Future of Single Barrels? Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

It used to be that picking a single barrel was something reserved for the most dedicated enthusiasts. But today? They're everywhere. Every content creator has a club. There are regional and national facebook groups dedicated to it. And there's thousands of retailers all pushing their own single barrels. It has become an obsession that has completely transformed our industry. In this episode, we’re talk about the evolution of the single barrel craze from its massive explosion back in 2014 to abundance we’re navigating today. We share some personal stories and debate over "sticker" culture. We also hit on the business side where major distillers are favor high-volume accounts while the small retailers get left behind. Another issue we're seeing is the skyrocket prices for legacy programs like Four Roses. There's a lot of players in this game and we give our suggestions on what opportunities lie head for new brands to step in and thrive. I'm sure you're like me and you've got a shelf full of barrel picks and you've got the FOMO because that next single barrel, that's the special one.
Show Notes:

The rise and evolution of single barrel whiskey programs
Personal experiences in barrel selection
The influence of the pandemic on the whiskey market
Balancing relationships with small and large retailers
Pricing challenges in the single barrel segment
Future sustainability for smaller whiskey clubs and emerging brands
The significance of connections within the bourbon industry
The role of innovation in the next chapter of single barrel selections

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Whiskey Quickie: Angel’s Envy Two-Grain Bourbon Review | Simple Mash, Nostalgic Flavors Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

Angel’s Envy takes bourbon back to basics with their Two-Grain Bourbon. Made with 90% corn and 10% malted barley, this limited release delivers nostalgic cereal notes, light baking spice, and an easy-drinking profile at 112 proof.
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: Jim Beam halts production at Clermont Facility, Toasts Not Tariffs signs anti tariff petition, New Doc Holliday Huckleberry Edition Release Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 26th 2025. Jim Beam halts production at its Clermont Facility, the Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition has signed another petition for trump to remove retaliatory tariffs, and new Doc Holliday Huckleberry Edition release.
Show Notes:

Jim Beam pauses Clermont distillation for 2026, shifting production to Boston, KY plant
Toasts Not Tariffs coalition petitions President Trump to eliminate retaliatory spirits taxes
Lux Row Distillers launches "One Lux Row" subscription service for rare bottle releases
John Cena reveals The Undertaker’s "hard" locker room tradition of gargling bourbon
World Whiskey Society debuts 70-proof Doc Holliday Huckleberry Edition flavored whiskey

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546 - From Reddit to Reveries with Jay West Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

We’ve seen plenty of people try to make the jump from enthusiast to industry pro, but nobody has done it quite like Jay West. It’s been a few years since he was last on the show, and we’re thrilled to welcome back the mastermind behind the massive r/bourbon barrel program on Reddit and the Principal Whiskey Maker at Reveries. This is Jay's second time on the show and this time without the cload and veil. He went from a quiet contributor and guy behind the scenes on a subreddit to one of the most respected voices and blenders in the game. We dive into the staggering growth of the Reddit whiskey community—now 300,000 members strong—and why keeping that culture supportive and nontoxic is so important to the overall whiskey community. We also geek out on the barrel-picking process and how he’s managed to scale up to hundreds of barrels a year to meet the insane demand for unique bottles people are searching for. Of course, we also had to talk about Jay’s brand, Reveries, and his unique philosophy on acquiring great barrels, blending and storytelling.
Show Notes:

Jay West’s evolution from anonymity to industry leader
Current growth of the r/whiskey community
Insights into the expanding barrel-picking process
The role of moderation and community engagement
Reveries brand philosophy and blending techniques
Highlights of standout whiskey blends from Reveries
The interplay of creativity, storytelling, and community feedback
Ways to support Reveries and engage with r/bourbon on Reddit

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Whiskey Quickie: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2025 | Sweet Mash Surprise or Miss? Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2025 brings a sweet mash twist to the annual release. At 12 years old and 92 proof, it delivers a standout nose with confectioners sugar, fried dough, and oak, but does the low proof leave something missing? We break it all down in this Whiskey Quickie.
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: Cannabinoid regulation is underway, ethanol sensing robotic dog system launches, Wilderness Trail releases 10-Year Bourbon Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 19th 2025. Cannabinoid regulation is underway, a trial using a robotic dog with an ethanol sensing system is launched, and Wilderness Trail Distillery has announced the limited-edition release of a 10-Year Wheated Bourbon.
Show Notes:

The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) establishes a strict federal framework for hemp-derived products
President Trump reportedly planning executive order to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III status
Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver issues apology following "dismissive" out-of-context video encounter
Benson Valley Bourbon joins Kentucky Distillers’ Association as newest craft level member
Bourbon on the Banks Festival awards over $100,000 to local nonprofits from 2025 proceeds
Bacardi trials autonomous "Royal Bark-la" robot dog to detect Scotch warehouse leaks
Garrison Brothers announces December 6 release of 2025 Cowboy Bourbon at $249.99
Four Roses launches 375ml Small Batch and Small Batch Select bottles nationwide
Wilderness Trail debuts limited 10-Year Wheated Bourbon for Wilderness Road 250th anniversary
Heaven Hill announces Fall 2025 Old Fitzgerald 11-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond decanter release

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