Bourbon Pursuit

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Latest Episodes:

TWiB: The Lodge at Trial and Error is open, Jim Gaffigan’s Releases A Bourbon Set on YouTube, Vintage Whiskey Counterfeiter Exposed Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for November 28th 2025. The Lodge at Trial and Error is open, Jim Gaffigan’s Releases A Bourbon Set on YouTube, and Vintage Whiskey Counterfeiter Exposed in Maryland.
Show Notes:

Jim Gaffigan's new bourbon-themed stand-up special, "Live from Old Forester: The Bourbon Set," is now streaming on his YouTube channel
Elijah Craig is debuting a new fragrance, Char No. 3 Cologne, inspired by the warm, smoky scent of their charred oak barrels
A man in Maryland was exposed for producing and selling at least 50 bottles of counterfeit "vintage" whiskeys by refilling old bottles with modern spirits
Black Button Distilling, recently acquired by Blackstar, terminated its entire staff, including the founder, as the company moves to liquidate assets
Give 270's Whiskey Wednesdays raffle offers a chance to win a full Pappy Van Winkle vertical and an exclusive bourbon set signed by comedian Jim Gaffigan
Chattanooga Whiskey's signature recipe, Chattanooga Whiskey 91, is now available in a new, larger 1.5 liter bottle size in Tennessee and Georgia
Foley Family Wines & Spirits, featuring Master Distiller Chip Tate, announced Ampersand, a new collection of unexpected spirits blends including bourbon finished in Tokaji barrels
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542 - Jim Gaffigan Debuts A Bourbon Set Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Did the world need a 45 minute standup set on Bourbon? Probably not but I'm sure glad it's happened. I am thrilled to welcome back the hilarious Jim Gaffigan for his second time on the show! Since his last time on the show when he launched Fathertime Bourbon, Jim has been traveling the country and getting hooked into the bourbon scene at every stop. His journey has gone from curious to borderline hoarder because he reveals that he keeps a spreadsheet of his bourbon purchases, which just proves he's definitely one of us. The real subject of this show is to share the details about his new special, A Bourbon Set. 45 minutes of uncontrollable laughter that only us bourbon nerds will understand because we've all experienced it before. Don't wait, go now to YouTube to watch it because it's already hit 1M streams. And make sure you stay to watch the credits, you may see some familiar faces.
Show Notes:

Jim Gaffigan's entry into bourbon during the pandemic
The importance of bourbon in fostering community and masculinity
Collaboration with Stu Pollard to create Father Time bourbon
Humorous takes on bourbon hunting
The fervor of bourbon collectors and “bourbon nerds”
Charitable contributions in the bourbon community
Promotion of Gaffigan’s special, *A Bourbon Set*
Information on purchasing Father Time bourbon and upcoming meet-and-greet events
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Whiskey Quickie: Maker’s Mark 2025 Cellar Aged Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

Maker’s Mark dropped their 2025 Cellar Aged release, and we were not ready for what happened in the glass. We break down the blend, the proof, the price, and why this year’s edition hits differently. If you’ve been on the fence about the Cellar Aged series, this might be the one that changes your mind.
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: Buffalo Trace does a pop-up in Mumbai, A break-in happened at Castle & Key, Rabbit Hole Distillery introduces Amrûlé Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for November 21st 2025. Buffalo Trace does a pop-up in Mumbai, A break-in happened at Castle & Key, and Rabbit Hole Distillery introduces Amrûlé.
Show Notes:

EU's top court rules non-alcoholic drinks cannot legally be labeled as "gin"
Buffalo Trace launches its 27th annual "Holidays at the Trace" celebration in December, featuring "Spirited Nights" and a complimentary drive-through light show
Sazerac promotes its bourbons in India with a three-day, immersive pop-up experience in Mumbai following the removal of retaliatory tariffs
A new continuing appropriations bill recriminalizes most hemp-derived THC products by setting a strict 0.4 mg total THC limit per container
Three men from Cincinnati face felony charges after breaking into Castle & Key Distillery, stealing bourbon, and damaging property during a two-hour manhunt
New Riff Distilling re-releases its malt-focused Winter Whiskey and barrel-strength Sherry Finish Malted Rye for the holidays
Country music artist Riley Green partners with Morningside Brands to launch Duck Club™ Bourbon, a new brand supporting wetland protection
Rabbit Hole introduces Amrûlé, a limited-edition Sour Mash Rye finished in custom Maple Brûlé barrels
Chattanooga Whiskey announces Batch 046: Spiced Cacao Infused, a bourbon liqueur featuring cacao nibs, cinnamon, vanilla, and two varieties of dried chiles
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541 - Alchemy and Blunts with Macaulay Minton of Dark Arts Whiskey House Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

The bourbon world has a lot of tradition, but what happens when someone throws out the rulebook and decides to treat whiskey making like a scientific pursuit and a creative endeavor? That’s what our guest is doing today. We're sitting down with Macaulay Minton, the self-proclaimed Chief Alchemist of Dark Arts Whiskey House. This is Macauley's second time on the show and if you don't remember here's a bit about him. He was studying law but realized it wasn't his ultimate career path and became the Barrel Program Manager at Wilderness Trail. After Campari acquired Wildernes Trail he left and started his own brand and today he shares the creative vision behind Dark Arts. Macaulay gets candid about the major challenges of launching a brand right in the middle of a pandemic, from securing financing to maintaining a positive mindset. We walk through some of Dark Arts' most innovative—and sometimes controversial—aspects, including their use of unique wood finishes and their famous "Blunt Blend." This is a brand committed to pushing boundaries in a seriously crowded market. Plus, we get the inside scoop on the symbolic meanings behind their distinct labels and their newly opened venue in Lexington.
Show Notes:

Macaulay Minton's transition from law to whiskey-making
The journey from Wilderness Trail to founding Dark Arts Whiskey House
Creativity and positivity in the face of entrepreneurial challenges
Discussion of alchemical principles in whiskey production
Unique offerings of Dark Arts, including wood finishes and experimental blends
Symbolism of Dark Arts labels and storytelling through whiskey
Insight into the creation of the "Blunt Blend"
Vision for the immersive experience at Dark Arts Whiskey House
Importance of community engagement in whiskey appreciation
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Whiskey Quickie: Bluffton Whiskey Carolina Gold Rice Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

We put Bluffton Whiskey Carolina Gold Rice to the test. Expect fresh donut vibes on the nose, sweet almond and brown sugar on the palate, and a soft finish thanks to those ultra pampered barrels. A fun, gentle pour for newcomers and a unique pick for anyone curious about American rice whiskey. 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.

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TWiB: Tennessee Distilling Acquires Waterford Whiskey, Michter’s Drops their 20 Year Bourbon, Willett Distillery announces new Willett Bourbon Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for November 14th 2025. Tennessee Distilling to Acquire Waterford Whiskey, Michter’s Drops their 20 Year Bourbon, and Willett Distillery has announced its new Willett Family Estate Small Batch Bourbon.
Show Notes:

Tennessee Distilling Group (TDG) is in exclusive talks to acquire the collapsed Irish company Waterford Whisky for €6M, excluding its existing cask inventory
Hong Kong authorities report a rise in drug trafficking, with narcotics like liquid cocaine increasingly concealed within alcohol and wine shipments
Buffalo Trace will open "Perfectly Untamed" in Spring 2026, a remote Wyoming tasting room with wild buffalo views, offering guided tastings with Freddie Johnson for a $500 donation
Castle & Key announced its 2025 Cask Strength releases: a 7-year Wheated Bourbon and an Experimental Rye finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks
Southern Distilling Company released the highly anticipated second batch of Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels (108.4 proof) in North Carolina
Garrison Brothers announced the 11th annual release of its Cowboy Bourbon, an 8-year, uncut, and unfiltered straight bourbon bottled at a robust 146.4 proof
Yea Alabama (the NIL entity) partnered with Bespoken Spirits to launch the Yea Alabama Bourbon line, featuring two expressions celebrating the Crimson Tide
Willett Distillery released the Willett Family Estate Small Batch Bourbon, a new cask-strength blend of two distinct mashbills from Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen
Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon (114.2 proof, $1,200 SRP) has been approved and begins shipping to retailers on December 1st
Fr. Jim Sichko concluded his "Papal Series" with a limited 11-year Wheated Bourbon honoring Pope Leo XIV, with proceeds supporting various charities
Jack Daniel's increased its donation to $150,000 for the 15th year of "Operation Ride Home," helping service members travel home for the holidays
Booker's Bourbon's fourth 2025 batch, the "Phantom Pipes Batch" (126.4 proof), is inspired by old distillery remnants and aged over seven years
Bardstown Bourbon Co. concluded its 2025 Reserve series with the Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish, an 11-12 year bourbon finished for 28 months
Buffalo Trace introduced Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof (125 proof) as a new, permanent addition to the Sazerac Rye portfolio, retailing for $39.99
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540 - Your Questions about the Three Tier System Answered on Bourbon Community Roundtable 112 Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

This is the follow-up you asked for! We're back with Bourbon Community Roundtable number 112 to continue tackling the "spicy" and controversial topic of the three-tier distribution system. Last time, we were bombarded with questions in the chat, so this episode is dedicated to answering your submissions. Our panel dives into how consumers can actually help their favorite smaller brands get distribution, offering real-world advice on retailer outreach and using social media for buzz. We then dissect what massive political or economic shift would be required to see meaningful reform. Finally, we debate the powerful question: if the whole system disappeared tomorrow, who would win—the hustling craft distilleries or the heritage brands with deep pockets?. This one is packed with high-stakes debate!
Show Notes:

A follow-up discussion on the three-tier distribution system, specifically addressing consumer-submitted questions
Actionable ways consumers can help their favorite spirits brands get distribution, including direct retailer outreach and using social media to generate buzz
An explanation of LibDib as an alternative, smaller avenue to market, particularly useful for single barrel programs and single-customer orders
Analysis of the necessary political or economic shifts required for meaningful three-tier system reform
The argument that major change is unlikely unless a strong economic interest or consumer-driven demand (similar to Uber or the push for cannabis legalization) forces it
Discussion of the potential for a parallel direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping system for spirits, mirroring the progress made in the wine industry following the Granholme v. Heald case
A deep-dive debate on which segment of the industry—"hustling" craft distilleries or heritage brands with deep pockets—would adapt faster if the three-tier system were to disappear
The argument that the biggest organizations control the power dynamic and maintain the status quo to protect their existing turf
Encouragement for consumers to advocate for change by reaching out to their congressmen and congresswomen
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Behind The Pursuit: What You Missed at the First Founder Hour Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

You’ve heard us talk about single barrels for years, but this time we’re sitting on the other side of the table. Kenny and Ryan just dropped a new round of Pursuit Series bottles — Episodes 77 through 81 — and if you’ve been following the brand since the early days, this lineup might feel like a full-circle moment. These were first unveiled during the debut of Founder Hour, a brand-new, six-seat tasting experience inside the Pursuit Spirits gift shop on Whiskey Row. Think of it as the most intimate flight we’ve ever done, with pours that tell the story of how far this brand has come. In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of those releases for everyone who couldn’t make that inaugural Founder Hour. Kenny and Ryan walk through what makes each of these barrels special — from a 12-year Bardstown sibling to the legendary 017, to a 20-year Tennessee giant that officially becomes the oldest whiskey in Pursuit Spirits history. We talk about how long they’ve been sitting on some of these barrels, what patience really looks like when you’re building a brand, and why Founder Hour might be the most personal experience they’ve ever created. So pour a glass, settle in, and let’s go inside the story of Pursuit Series 77–81 — the bottles that turned a small tasting idea into a full-blown experience.
Show Notes:

Introduction of the Pursuit Founder Hour
Introducing Episodes 77-81
Backstory of Episodes
Tasting the Latest Releases
The Future of Pursuit Series
Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement
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Whiskey Quickie: Gin Meets Bourbon?! The Chameleon Whiskey You Didn’t See Coming Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Blue Run is back with one of its wildest experiments yet: Glimmer, a Kentucky straight bourbon finished in Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin barrels and dressed in a flashy, color-shifting bottle. Kenny and Ryan dive into the nose, taste, and finish of this limited 103.2-proof release to find out if gin and bourbon can actually work together. Fewer than 90 cases exist, so let's see if Glimmer is worth the hunt or just a shiny distraction.
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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