Bourbon Pursuit

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Latest Episodes:

TWiB: Tariffs removed between Scotland and the US, ACSA unveils the Certified Craft Seal, Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey May 08, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for May 8th 2026. Tariffs between Scotland and the US have been removed, the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) has unveiled the Certified Craft Seal, and Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey.
Show Notes:

President Trump pledges removal of 10% Scotch whisky tariffs to restore trade relations
John McKillop releases novel Bourbon Brothers featuring rare real-world bottles
Give 270 hosts Bourbon Strong 50-4-50 raffle benefiting Feeding America
American Craft Spirits Association launches TTB-approved Certified Craft Seal
Old Fourth Distillery rebrands spirits portfolio starting with Cane-Based Vodka
Chicken Cock and Laird’s collaborate on Old Glory Rye and Apple Brandy blend
Jack Daniel’s debuts ultra-premium Halo MK1 McLaren F1 Team collaboration
Stitzel-Weller releases $3,000 Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon at 163.2 proof
15 STARS debuts Kentucke County™ line to celebrate America's 250th anniversary

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565 - Could Sazerac Actually Acquire Brown-Forman? on BourbonCommunity Roundtable #118 May 07, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s Bourbon Community Roundtable, the team is throwing down over the biggest rumor to hit the industry in decades: Is Sazerac really trying to buy Brown-Forman for $15 Billion, or is this the ultimate PR stunt? We’re breaking down the health of these two giants and asking the tough questions: Does Brown-Forman actually need Sazerac, or is this just a shark smelling blood in the water? We dig into the strategic timing of the offer and the massive cultural divide between the two companies. From Sazerac’s "boots on the ground" influencer tactics to the legacy-driven machine of Brown-Forman, we analyze the financial mechanics that make this potential deal both fascinating and terrifying. One thing is for sure: the landscape of your local liquor store shelf might never be the same.
Show Notes:

Sazerac's potential acquisition of Brown-Forman: excitement and implications
Financial dynamics and what they mean for both companies
Brand loyalty's role and its impact on bourbon consumers
Predictions on the merger's likelihood and challenges
Comparing marketing strategies between Sazerac and Brown-Forman
Regulatory considerations in the acquisition talks

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Whiskey Quickie: People WAIT in Line for This?! May 05, 2026

Show notes

Michter’s 10 Year is back and the lines are real. This 2026 release (94.4 proof) delivers big fruit, creamy soft serve vibes, and rich cherry oak. Is it worth the wait?
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: Brown-Forman & Pernod Ricard merger talks end, 4 North Carolina lobbyists indicted, Blade and Bow re-releases 22-Year-Old Bourbon May 01, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for May 1st 2026. Merger discussions between Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard are over, four North Carolina lobbyists have been indicted for organizing a bourbon tasting, and Blade and Bow re-releases of its ultra-premium 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Show Notes:

Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard merger talks collapse, reopening the door for Sazerac’s $15B bid
Bardstown Bourbon Company launches NFC-enabled "Bourbon Gifting Reimagined" for personalized digital messaging
North Carolina lobbyists indicted for illegal bourbon trip while "Operation High Octane" sweeps illicit secondary sales
Maker’s Mark partners with basketball star Kelsey Plum for "Yam Jam" Private Selection and charity cocktail
Major spirits brands pivot to TikTok as platform finalizes age-gating for organic and influencer content
Blade and Bow re-releases ultra-premium 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon for April 2026
Wenzel Distillery announces Batch 2 of Sherry Barrel Finished Bourbon following World Whiskies Award win
A. Smith Bowman returns to rye after 16 years with experimental 11-year Abraham Bowman release
Blue Run Spirits debuts Blueprint Series as its new national flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Starlight Distillery unveils inaugural Dana Huber signature Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon release

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564 - Matt Pittman on Investing and Cowboys Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

Is there a better pairing in the world than smoke and oak? Well, today we’re welcoming back to show, Matt Pittman, the founder of Meat Church. Did you know he was a waterboy for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and now he has become the official pitmaster of the Cowboys. Matt built a literal empire out of backyard tailgates and high-quality rubs but his love for barbecue and bourbon are finally coming together. It’s been a minute since we last chatted, and a lot has changed—including Matt joining the Pursuit family is as an investor in Pursuit Spirits. We talk about the parallels between blending a perfect barrel and crafting a world-class brisket, and Matt gives us the inside scoop on his new cola-based sauce and the latest Traeger collab. But the real kicker? We’re officially announcing the Honey Bourbon collaboration between Meat Church and Pursuit Spirits, featuring real Texas wildflower honey.
Show Notes:

From Cowboys water boy to official pit master
The bond between barbecue, bourbon, and creating memories
Matt's new seasoning products and business evolution
Sneak peek into the Honey Bourbon project with Pursuit Spirits
The lifestyle brand of outdoor cooking and family activities

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Whiskey Quickie: This Rare Perfection Is INSANE?! Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Rare Perfection 10 Year from Preservation Distillery brings a 3-barrel micro blend at 130.7 proof… and it gets wild. Sweet oak, chocolate milkshake vibes, smoky savory notes, and one of the most surprising pours of the year.
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: Sazerac offers $15 billion to buy Brown Forman, Uncle Nearest potential shut down within 30 days, Buffalo Trace Distillery releases Eagle Rare 30 Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

It's This Week in Bourbon for April 24th 2026. Sazerac has formally offered $15 billion to buy Brown Forman, Uncle Nearest could be forced to shut down within 30 days, and Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced the release of Eagle Rare 30.
Show Notes:

Jeptha Creed Distillery launches new visitor experiences and single-barrel programs to mark 10th anniversary
Sazerac launches $15 billion acquisition bid for rival Brown-Forman
Uncle Nearest faces potential shutdown and insolvency amid financial crisis and default
Diageo opens new $415 million automated manufacturing facility in Alabama
Buffalo Trace announces Eagle Rare 30, its oldest age-stated bourbon, for $12,500
Kentucky Senator Bourbon and PDJF partner for limited 140-bottle charity release
Jack Daniel Distillery debuts Special Release Small Batch Rye aged 10 years
Michter’s announces first-ever release of US*1 Barrel Strength Sour Mash in May
Hard Truth Distilling Co. unveils limited Mizunara Finished Wheated Bourbon
B.R. Distilling launches unfiltered Blue Note Small Batch Wheated Bourbon
Maker’s Mark releases 2026 edition of wheat-forward Star Hill Farm Whisky
Four Roses rolls out second rotation of its Single Barrel Collection nationwide

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563 - The State of Contract Distillation for 2026 Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

Is the era of the secret sourced bottle finally over, or are we just getting started? Today, we’re digging into contract distillation. We’re tracing the roots from the early days of "shhh, don't tell them it's MGP" to the massive, high-tech operations like Bardstown Bourbon Company that have turned being a NDP into a badge of honor. But as you, the consumer, gets more sophisticated, the demand for transparency is hitting an all-time high, and we’re talking about why "faking the funk" with a made-up story just doesn't fly in 2026. We also tackle the elephant in the room: market oversaturation. With speculative investments pouring in and foreign tariffs squeezing exports, the landscape is shifting under our feet. It's not all bad news. We’re envisioning a true whiskey renaissance as those massive inventories of aging barrels finally hit the market, likely leading to some of the most unique, high-quality releases we've ever seen.
Show Notes:

Historical significance and evolution of contract distillation
Increased consumer interest in whiskey authenticity and sourcing
Key players in the current contract distillation landscape
Risks and opportunities for new distilleries entering the market
Discussions on market oversaturation and speculative investments
Effects of foreign tariffs on the whiskey export business
Predictions for a bright future in whiskey with innovative barrel-aged flavors
Importance of strong customer relationships for contract distillers

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Behind The Pursuit: The Relentless Pursuit Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

We’ve been living out of suitcases lately. Between officially opening up the West Coast and those back-to-back market visits, it’s been a whirlwind, but it’s the only way to really see how the brand is landing on the ground. On today’s episode, we’re recapping those travels and diving deep into the inception of Pursuit United Sakura Bloom Bourbon. We talk about the momentum we’re seeing from one release to the next and how a successful launch like this actually dictates our LTO strategy as we start mapping out the calendar for the rest of 2026 and even into 2027. We also get into the weeds on the "finishing" craze. There is a lot of noise in the market right now, so we’re asking the hard questions: Does a wood-finished product actually land better with the consumer than a wine, spirit, or even a honey-maple finish? Plus, we get honest about the "gut feeling"—could we tell Sakura Bloom was going to be a hit before it ever touched a shelf, or is it always a gamble until the first reviews start rolling in?
Show Notes:

Market Challenges and Opportunities
Product Development: Sakura Bloom Bourbon
Consumer Reception and Market Trends
The Anticipation of Product Success
Building Trust with Consumers
The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection
Future Product Strategies and Market Adaptation

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Whiskey Quickie: What Happens When Bardstown Finishes Bourbon in Garryana Oak? Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Bardstown Bourbon’s new Cascadia Garryana Finish takes straight bourbon whiskey and gives it a unique Garryana oak barrel finish. The result brings rich baking spice, cocoa, brown sugar, and a surprising pear cobbler note that makes this one seriously memorable.
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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