Bourbon Pursuit

Copyright: © The work here is copyrighted and owned by Bourbon Pursuit LLC. You may not reproduce or use clips in monetized content unless approved. Embedding is permissible.

Latest Episodes:

519 - Does Ambassador Emeritus Mean Retirement? with Bernie Lubbers of Heaven Hill Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

You know, there are some people in the bourbon world who aren't just part of the industry, they are the industry. And our guest today absolutely fits that bill. We are incredibly excited to welcome the one and only Bernie Lubbers to the show, the newly appointed Ambassador Emeritus at Heaven Hill! Bernie started his journey with Heaven Hill back in 2005, and since then, he's basically rewritten the book on making bourbon fun and accessible through his incredible storytelling and humor. In this episode, Bernie takes us through his fascinating career, including his pivotal role in bringing bottled-in-bond back into the spotlight, how tasting events have evolved, and the impact of age statements on bourbon production. Get ready for some fantastic anecdotes as Bernie shares his passion for whiskey, why quality always comes first, and his take on current market trends, like the growing demand for older, stronger bourbons. Of course, we couldn't have Bernie without a tasting, so we're pouring Bernheim Barrel Proof and William Heaven Hill – a true celebration of unique whiskeys among friends. As he reflects on his new Ambassador Emeritus role and what "retirement" actually means for Bernie Lubbers, he gives us some amazing insights into the relationships and creativity that truly fuel the bourbon community. Plus, stick around for some exciting teasers of upcoming releases and Bernie's signature blend of whiskey education with a dash of bluegrass!
Show Notes:

His transition to Ambassador Emeritus at Heaven Hill and the journey that led him there.
The revitalization of bottled-in-bond whiskey in modern bourbon culture.
Navigating the complexities of age statements and consumer demand in the bourbon industry.
The significance of storytelling and tasting events in enhancing whiskey appreciation.
The evolution of consumer tastes towards barrel-proof whiskeys.
Upcoming releases from Heaven Hill and the harmonious blend of bluegrass with whiskey storytelling.
Support this podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whiskey Quickie: Frank August Case Study: 05 Wheated Bourbon Review Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Frank August Case Study: 05 Wheated Bourbon. This 6-7 year old bourbon is 104.5 proof and $125 MSRP. Let us know what you think. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TWiB: New Bourbon Hall of Fame Inductees, Bardstown Bourbon The Reserve, Stitzel Reserve Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for June 13th 2025. The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame announced new inductees, Bardstown Bourbon announces their new club program, and Stitzel-Weller Distillery is launching Stitzel Reserve.
Show Notes:

Rare Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year single barrel sells for $800,000, benefiting California wildfire relief.
ASW Distillery expands with new bourbon releases, awards, and a new bar at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
Kentucky Distillers’ Association announces 2025 Bourbon Hall of Fame inductees and Chris Morris's lifetime achievement award.
University of Kentucky launches "Estate Whiskey Certified" program for locally-sourced, estate-produced whiskeys.
Bardstown Bourbon Co. introduces "The Reserve," an exclusive whiskey club with curated allocations.
Cannella Media DTC launches Wine, Watches & Whiskey, a new FAST channel for luxury lifestyle content.
Remus Bourbon releases the ultra-limited 2025 Remus Babe Ruth Reserve at $149.99.
Buzzard’s Roost Distillery unveils "Ambuzzadors Select," a new 115-proof, five-year-old single-barrel rye for $85.
Buffalo Trace Distillery introduces Eagle Rare 12, a 12-year-old, 95-proof bourbon at $49.99.
Mugen Spirit releases the second barrel in its limited Yokai Series, a 141.8-proof expression called Tengu Series.
Stitzel-Weller Distillery launches Stitzel Reserve, a new series of rare aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon, with a 24-Year-Old available on-site.
Support this podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

518 - The Heart of Whiskey Community with Randy Sullivan of Bourbon Real Talk Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

At Bourbon Pursuit, we always talk about the community aspect of whiskey, but rarely do we get to sit down with someone whose personal journey so deeply intertwines with building that community. That's why I was so excited to welcome Randy Sullivan to the show today. You might know him from Bourbon Real Talk or his brand, Prideful Goat. Randy shares a truly heartfelt story about how personal loss, specifically the passing of his brother, became a catalyst for him to create welcoming spaces for whiskey lovers. This conversation is packed with genuine moments – from hilarious reflections on his early days and the unique connections he's made, including how challenge coins got introduced into the scene! Randy is incredibly open about his own battles with mental health and the powerful impact the whiskey community has had on him. We also touch on the spontaneous journey behind co-founding Prideful Goat, focusing on quality and authenticity. Ultimately, this episode is a powerful reminder from Randy about the warmth and support found in the whiskey community and the simple, yet profound, importance of connection and looking out for one another
Show Notes:

Randy Sullivan's heartfelt journey in whiskey
The impactful role of Jack Daniels in his life
Founding Someone Say Whiskey and fostering positivity
The concept of "challenge coins" in whiskey networking
Navigating mental health dialogues within the whiskey community
The inception of Prideful Goat and its core values
The power of relationships and cherished memories through whiskey
Randy's uplifting message about love and support for the community
Support this podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whiskey Quickie: Angel's Envy Cellar Collection Volume 5 Rye Whiskey Review Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Angel's Envy Cellar Collection Volume 5. This non-age stated rye whiskey is 104.2 proof and $270 MSRP. Let us know what you think. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TWiB: Lisa Wicker Joins Whiskey Thief, Binder’s Stash And Willett Partnership, Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for June 6th 2025. Lisa Wicker joins Whiskey Thief, Binder’s Stash announced a partnership with Willett Distillery, and Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond is officially released
Show Notes:

Lisa Roper Wicker joins Whiskey Thief Distilling Company as Director of Distilling.
"Hitchcocktails: Lethal Libations Inspired by the Master of Suspense" cocktail book by Laurence Maslon available July 29, 2025.
Mellow Moments Club Hub launches for member benefits and updates.
Sazerac debuts Legacy de Forge, a global e-commerce platform for rare spirits.
Republic National Distributing Company to exit California by September 2, 2025.
Binder’s Stash partners with Willett Distillery for access to inventory and bottling.
Four Roses releases 15yr OBSF for Father's Day.
Heaven Hill releases Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof.
15 STARS releases Founders Reserve Fine Aged Rye at 95 proof.
Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon and new President’s Choice Rye now available nationwide.
Castle & Key and Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild release "The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4" at 104 proof.
Derby City Gaming releases The Great Gambit, a 16-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon at 122.22 proof.
Lost Lantern announces Summer 2025 Collection of estate blends and single casks.
Wyoming Whiskey launches Buffalo Bill Cody, a 6-year, 97 proof, Wyoming-exclusive bourbon.
RD1 Spirits introduces Kentucky Straight Whiskey Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak at 102 proof.
High West releases The Prisoner’s Share, bourbon and rye finished in red wine barrels.
Penelope Bourbon debuts Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 at 101 proof.
Support this podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

517 - Our Most Precious Bottles and The Stories They Hold Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

We talk a lot about rarity, allocated bottles, and market prices on this show, but what about the bottles that mean something more? What about the ones that aren't worth a fortune on paper, but hold irreplaceable memories? That's the topic we're diving into today in a really special episode featuring myself, Ryan, and Fred Minnick. Prompted by a listener asking about the significance of bottles beyond their monetary worth, we each opened up our personal collections – not just the unicorns, but the bottles tied to moments in our lives. You'll hear some incredibly personal stories, from Ryan saving a specific bottle for his son's future birthday, to my own reflections on a signed Maker's Mark from my college days, and Fred sharing the significance of a Maker's 46 sample straight from Bill Samuels himself. It's a reminder that while the hunt and the hype are fun, the true value of bourbon often lies in the memories made and the connections shared over a glass. We get into the culture of trading and even touch on the financial side, but ultimately, this conversation is all about the joy, the nostalgia, and the heartfelt connections that make these bottles truly priceless to us.
Show Notes:

Emotional connections tied to bourbon collections.
Personal anecdotes behind treasured bottles.
The significance of sharing experiences over rare finds.
Fred’s humorous caution about revealing bottle names.
Ryan’s Rowan's Creek bottle for his son's future birthday celebration.
Kenny’s college memories associated with a signed Maker's Mark.
Insights into bourbon trading and its emotional rewards.
Celebrating connections formed through memorable bourbon experiences.
Candid discussions about the financial aspects of collecting.
Reflecting on the joy of bourbon journeys and friendships.
Support this podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whiskey Quickie: Whiskey JYPSI Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon Review Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Whiskey JYPSI Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon. This 4 year old whiskey is 86 proof and $45 MSRP. Let us know what you think. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behind The Pursuit: The Year of Pursuit May 30, 2025

Show notes

Subscribe to ⁠Behind The Pursuit: From Bourbon to Brand⁠

Six months ago (back on Episode 077) we mentioned an upcoming packaging update, one that not only helps us stand out against other brands on the retails shelves but also simplifies the language we use in an effort to help consumers understand our product better. Today we launch that new packaging, and with it comes new 88 proof and cask strength offerings of our classic United Bourbon and Rye. On today's podcast the guys talk about some of the struggles with the design over the last 18 months, the new products in the collection, and the broader audience we hope the brand may reach with the changes and additions.

We hit on:

Overview of the New Packaging and Design Launch
The Journey of Custom Glass and Cork Design
Label Language and Consumer Clarity
Bottling Process Challenges and Innovations
New Flagship Products and Market Strategy
Looking Ahead: Future of Pursuit Spirits

and much more.

P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you’ll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn’t just a membership—it’s your all-access pass to Pursuit. ⁠⁠Sign up today⁠⁠.

Come and see us on Mellwood! Be sure to visit⁠⁠ pursuitspirits.com⁠⁠ and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at ⁠⁠podcast@pursuitspirits.com⁠⁠.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

516 - What is a Wheated Bourbon? on Bourbon Community Roundtable #106 May 29, 2025

Show notes

You know, if there's one topic that sparks debate and curiosity among bourbon enthusiasts, it's definitely wheated bourbons. Today, we're doing a deep dive into these unique spirits with an incredible panel: the always insightful Brian Haara, the ever-knowledgeable Blake Riber, and our good friend Nick Beiter. We're exploring the history and the recent surge in popularity of these bourbons, tracing their lineage back to legendary names like Maker's Mark and Stitzel-Weller. But the conversation quickly shifts to a spirited debate: what truly makes a bourbon wheated?
Show Notes:

Kenny leads a roundtable discussion on the rise of wheated bourbons
Brian shares his initial experiences with wheated expressions
Blake discusses the historical legacy of Maker's Mark and "poor man's Pappy"
A debate on how to define a wheated bourbon, including brands like Penelope
Examination of marketing's role in consumer understanding of wheated bourbons
Insights into how wheated bourbons compare to rye-based counterparts
Speculation on the future evolution of the wheated bourbon category
Support this podcast on Patreon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected