On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Fireside Hazmat Proof Bourbon. This 6 year old bourbon is 141.2 proof and $65 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.

Whiskey Quickie: Fireside Hazmat Proof Bourbon Review

It's This Week in Bourbon for March 1st 2024. Brown‑Forman Corporation has sold its Jack Daniel Cooperage to Independent Stave Company, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America say that premiumization is dead, and Lost Lantern releases their Spring 2024 collection.Show Notes:
Brown‑Forman Corporation has sold its Jack Daniel Cooperage

The Ripken Experience

Maker's Mark labels for inspirational woman

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey has opened a whiskey lodge in Aspen

Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America say that premiumization is dead

Justins’ has sued Kentucky ABC

Kentucky lawmakers are moving to close loopholes in the Vintage Distilled Spirits law

FC Dallas partnership with Campari America

Kentucky Bourbon Festival ticket sale dates

Jaywalk Straight Rye

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing City Series Singapore Edition

Lost Lantern Spring 2024 collection

Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon with a commemorative 52nd Edition Gold Pegasus Pin

Still Austin Whiskey Co Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey

Total Eclipse Kentucky Straight Bourbon

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams and Garrison Bros Whiskey Pecan & Pralines

@jackdaniels_us @brownforman @makersmark @stranahans @fcdallas @campariusa @wildturkey @longbranchbourbon @kybourbonfest @lostlanternwhiskey @evanwilliamsbourbon @ewbourbonexperience @stillatx @caseyjonesdistillery @garrisonbros @mcconnellsicecreams 

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TWiB: Brown‑Forman Sells Its Jack Daniel Cooperage, WSWA Says Premiumization is Dead, Lost Lantern Releases the Spring 2024 Collection

The barrel is a magical component to the creation of bourbon and nearly 95% of all bourbon goes into white oak. But what's the problem with this? Bourbon can only be used in a charred barrel once. After that, it needs to find a new home. Now that may sound wasteful but the bourbon market is only a very small contributor to the current white oak problem. To help us better understand about forestry and the white oak supply I've invited Daana Baxley from the Nature Conservancy in Kentucky to join the show. She gives some great insight into the current state of white oak trees and what is currently being done to protect our forests. I've never known what it takes to manage forests and this episode will give you an insight into grading and how invasive species of trees continue to decline the white oak population. But more so, Daana gives us some insight if we will ever experience a white oak shortage in the future and what we can do to help protect it. 

 Show Notes:

Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about running out of old bourbon.

What took you on a path to nature preservation?

How are you able to achieve your mission without using scare tactics?

Why is Appalachia so important?

What does "protection" mean in the sense of a nature conservancy?

What is the current status of the white oak species?

What is the proper way to manage these forests?

What does high grading mean?

How has ash or maple impacted the population?

How many years into the future are we looking at when we will see a big white oak problem?

Is the bourbon industry a problem or is there another industry to blame?

Do bourbon drinkers even care if there is sustainability practices happening?

Do other industries join in conversation practices like the white oak initiative?



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451 - Is There a Real White Oak Shortage? with Danna Baxley of The Nature Conservancy

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jack Daniel's Distillery Series #12 Tennessee Whiskey Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks. This non-age stated whiskey is 90 proof and $42 MSRP (375mL). 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.

Whiskey Quickie: Jack Daniel's Distillery Series #12 Review

Subscribe to Behind The Pursuit: From Bourbon to Brand
On today’s show we discuss the topic of innovation in the bourbon industry and explore the different ways brands differentiate their products. We question whether there is anything left to innovate and the reasons consumers are drawn to finished whiskeys. The conversation touches on the marketing strategies of brands and the perception of American finished whiskeys compared to other products such as Scotch whisky. We also discuss the potential for future innovations and trends in the industry.
We hit on:

The bourbon industry has seen a proliferation of finished whiskeys as a way for brands to differentiate their products.

Consumers are drawn to finished whiskeys because they are marketed as unique and innovative.

Do you think brands see these as products missing in the market, or is it a way to grab new consumers?

There is still room for innovation in the use of different types of oak and wood influences in bourbon production.

The perception and marketing of finished whiskeys differ between bourbon and Scotch whisky.

Future innovations in the industry may involve exploring new flavors and blending techniques.


and much more.
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.

Behind The Pursuit: What is Left to Innovate?

There's a few things we talk about from time to time on the show. Sometimes it's RTDs, sometimes it's tequlia, and one spirit that seems to make it's way into more conversations is American Single Malt whiskey. However, I told myself that if we're going to talk about American Single Malt whiskey then we need a person that can really go indepth. What better person than Steve Hawley who is the President of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. Steve joins the show to talk about his background starting Westland Distillery and then formed the commission. We talk about the growth of the category, production methods, exports, and it's current journey to being recognized by the rest of the world. 

 Show Notes:

Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the effect of climate change.

How did you get into the whiskey business?

If barley grows so well then why isn't there a history of it?

What is the importance of trying to make American Single Malt an approved category?

How did you become the president of the commission?

How have case sales grown from 2010 till today?

Is the SMWC analogous to DISCUS or KDA?

What is the proposed definition of American Single Malt and what's the current status of it?

What rules were valid versus ones that seemed really weird?

Why do people prefer pot still for single malt production?

When a heritage brand creates a single malt like Jim Beam and Heaven Hill, does this hurt or help?

Are American Single Malt producers starting to look at exports instead of domestic education?



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450 - Is American Single Malt On The Rise? with Steve Hawley, President of American Single Malt Whiskey Commission

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Hemingway Rye Signature Edition. This non-age stated rye is 102 proof and $80 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.

Whiskey Quickie: Hemingway Rye Signature Edition Review

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 16th 2024. Bulleit and Redemption whiskey brands are back at it in court, MGP is suing the city of Williamstown, Kentucky, and Woodford Reserve has released its annual limited-edition, high-proof expression Woodford Reserve Batch Proof.Show Notes:
Woodford Reserve teams up with Sergio Hudson and Anifa Mvuemb for fashion

Bulleit and Redemption whiskey brand are back at it in court

Staghorn has named Lisa Wicker as the first Master Distiller

MGP is suing the city of Williamstown, Kentucky

Woodford Reserve Batch Proof

Bulleit American Single Malt

High n’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Chattanooga Whiskey Barrel Finishing Series: White Port Cask Finished

Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop

@woodfordreserve @bulleit @redemptionwhiskey @chattwhiskey @drdre @snoopdogg 

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TWiB: Bulleit and Redemption Are Back in Court, MGP Sues the Town of Williamstown, Kentucky, Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Announced

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we finally see the re-emergence of Ed Bley. Ed has been a previous guest on the podcast that was from way back in 2018. So if you just started listening to Bourbon Pursuit, then you probably have no idea of the impact Ed had on the bourbon world during that time. Ed went into hiding and went on a mission to bring some new whiskey to the world and he's now back presenting his new line called Old Stubborn. We talk about his background in blending and the journey he took from working at Cork N Bottle, picking barrels, and being a big influence in the larger bourbon community to losing hope on building a distillery and then quickly pivoting to find whiskey that wasn't available on the open market. This is one of the most anticipated interviews for many of you long-time listeners so enjoy this episode with Ed Bley.

 Show Notes:

Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about sustainability and new oak barrels.

What is your background and what were you doing on the retail side?

How often do you reject barrels during a barrel selection?

Can you give some background on Old Baldy?

Why would you want to leave a comfortable position to do your own thing?

Why would you want to start a distillery versus sourcing barrels?

How did you search for whiskey to use?

Why did you call the whiskey Old Stubborn?

Is there a reason why you put the word "old" on your bottles?

Can you talk about how you ended up on the bottle?

What went into this first release?

How did the conversations start to acquire your whiskey stocks?

Is this high price a sustainable business model?

What does your product strategy look like?

What is your plan for distribution and expansion?



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449 - Ed Bley is Back with Old Stubborn Whiskey

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Heart of Mystic Bourbon. This 3 year old bourbon is 114.6 proof and $40 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.

Whiskey Quickie: Heart of Mystic Bourbon Review

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 9th 2024. 2023 Bourbon Economic Impact Study is out, Bardstown Bourbon Company introduces the “House of Bardstown," and Heaven Hill releases Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Bourbon.Show Notes:
2023 Bourbon Economnic Impact Study is out.

Bardstown Bourbon Company introduces the “House of Bardstown"

Old Forester named Caleb Trigo as Assistant Master Distiller

Distilled Living is an Official Sponsor of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Bourbon Strong 50-4-50 charity raffle

Distilled in Washington, A History new book

Will the Apple Vision Pro change the drinks industry forever?

The Fielder’s Choice Collection

Four Gate Triple Oak

Puncher’s Chance THE UNIFIED BELT

Jack Daniel's Batch 2 of its 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey and Batch 3 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey

Path of Totality Bourbon Whiskey

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124

Penelope Bourbon Tokaji Cask Finish

Kentucky Old Fashioned Bourbon Barrel Ale

Heaven Hill releases Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Bourbon

@bardstownbourbonco @oldforester @distilledliving @give270 @jriegerco @fourgatewhiskey @puncherschancebourbon @jackdaniels_us @haynerdistilling @elijahcraig @penelopebourbon @heavenhilldistillery @heavenhillbrands @alltechbrews

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TWiB: 2023 Bourbon Economic Impact Study, Bardstown Bourbon Company's “House of Bardstown", Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18 Year

Whether it's 2 or 12 years old, the age statement on a bottle seems to be an attractor to many. But as we start diving more into our bourbon journey we start realizing that age is just a number. I've had some really great bourbons at 4 years old and some really great at 14. With all that being said, at what point should you proudly display that age statement on the bottle? In this roundtable, we dive into this topic and look at the history of age statements and when we started paying attention to them. There's also brands that have a lot of success without an age statement like Maker's Mark and most of the Buffalo Trace portfolio. And now that the modern bourbon consumer has been accustom to seeing age statements, would you pass on a bottle just because it said 4 years old on it?

 Show Notes:

bove the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about people hating Buffalo Trace products.

When Does An Age Statement Matter?



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448 - When Does An Age Statement Matter? on Bourbon Community Roundtable #90

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Nelson Brothers Rye. This non-age stated rye is 92.5 proof and $37 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.

Whiskey Quickie: Nelson Brothers Rye Review

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 2nd 2024. Eijah Craig returns as the Official Bourbon of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Southern Glazer’s is being sued by online platform Provi, and Buzzard’s Roost introduces their American Whiskey.Show Notes:
ReserveBar partners with delivery.com

Old Forester featured in Argylle

Southern Glazer’s is being sued by online platform Provi

Elijah Craig  is the Official Bourbon of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Buzzard’s Roost introduces their American Whiskey

@reservebarspirits @oldforester @deliverdotcom @oldforester @elijahcraig @buzzardsroostwhiskey

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TWiB: Elijah Craig and AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Southern Glazer’s Sued By Provi, Buzzard’s Roost American Whiskey

We're all too familiar with the barrel and it's impact on whiskey but what about it's life after whiskey? Actually, there's quite a lot. These barrels can be used for aging other spirits, beer, furniture, bbq smoking chips, the list is endless. But did you ever stop to think how those used barrels go from one man's trash to another man's treasure? Well, there's one company that has made a name for themselves and that's Midwest Barrel Company. Ben and Jessica Loseke join the show to talk about how Ben got into the used barrel business and the economics behind it. If you ever find yourself glued to an episode of Storage Wars or Pawn Stars, you'll love to hear how Ben stumbled into used barrels and everything else he tried to flip in the process. Today, Midwest Barrel Company is brokering tons of used bourbon barrels and talks about how he develops his sales pipeline and acquires new customers.

Show Notes:

Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about price and quality opinions.

How did you discover a business in used barrels?

Do you remember for you first big score?

Did you ever get in legal trouble buying and flipping stuff?

What year did you buy your first barrels?

How many empty barrels can you fit on a full truck?

Who were your main customers?

How did you figure out how to scale this business?

How hard was it to let go of certain aspects of the business?

How do you find new suppliers and new customers?

Is this considered commodity trading?

Is this a cutthroat industry where you are overbidding others?

How fast can you turn around a barrel once you receive it?

What are you doing when you steam a barrel?

What other things are people making with barrels?

How do you know what your pipeline looks like for sales and purchasing?



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447 - The Economics of the Used Barrel Market with Ben and Jess Loseke of Midwest Barrel Company

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Man Winter Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 109.8 proof and $160 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.

Whiskey Quickie: Old Man Winter Bourbon Review

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 26th 2024. Craft Spirits Data Project has released is 2023 data, New Riff Distilling announces a master distiller, and
Green River Distilling will release its highly anticipated Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.Show Notes:
Craft Spirits Data Project has released is 2023 data

New Riff has named a master distiller

Diageo has lost its appeal to dismiss a lawsuit

Lexington beams messages to outer space

Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Multifarious and Purple Karma Pinnacle from Patty Green Whiskey Distillers

Nelson Brothers Maple Cask Finish

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon

@newriff @woodfordreserve @greenriverdistillingco @nelsonsgreenbrier 

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TWiB: 2023 Craft Spirits Data Project, New Riff Appoints a Master Distiller, Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Cracking the can on a warm day sounds like something out of commercial. Over the past year we talked about the RTD or ready-to-drink category beginning to explode because of High Noon and now major bourbon brands are moving into the ready-to-drink space since the canned cocktails' accessibility, lower alcohol content, and mixability make them an appealing gateway for newcomers while still leveraging whiskey's premium status. Though launching requires significant investment, the potential for brand awareness and category growth is alluring. In this episode, Ryan, Fred, and Kenny sip on 5 different bourbon-based RTDs and give our theories on canned cocktail popularity, health concerns, ingredients, and where the category could expect to go.
Show Notes:
Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the best rickhouse in the industry.

Drinking Jim Beam Highball

Why do brands decide to get into the RTD category?

Drinking Jack Daniel's Honey Lemonade

How important is sugar content in the RTD?

Can RTDs be a gateway to more bourbon drinkers?

Is it better to have brand recognition before starting a RTD?

Drinking Home School Blood Orange Manhattan

Is it too expensive to get into the RTD game?

What is the shelf life of a RTD?

How do you define a RTD?

Drinking CANVAS Bourbon Lemon Spice

Is Bourbon Cream a RTD?

Do prefer carbonation or no carbonation?

Drinking Thomas Ashborn Classic Old Fashion

Does it matter what kind of bourbon you put into it?

Where is this category going to go?


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446 - What Do RTDs Do For Bourbon?

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Ironroot Harbinger Tribarrel Blend Bourbon. This bourbon is 132.8 proof and $86 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.

Whiskey Quickie: Ironroot Harbinger Tribarrel Blend Bourbon Review

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 19th 2024. Uber is shuttering alcohol delivery service Drizly, Woodford Reserve has partnered with award-winning gourmet chocolate brand for Valentines Day, and Old Forester® announces the newest release in its Whiskey Row Series 1924.Show Notes:
Woodford Reserve partners with Compartés  for Valentines Day

RD1 Spirits has unveiled plans for its $4.8 million brand destination

Uber Technologies is shuttering alcohol delivery service Drizly

The States That Drink the Most Alcohol in America

Diageo and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs have settled their legal disputes

Staghorn is opening its first distillery, Garrard County Distilling Co.

Old Forester 1924

Garrison Brothers 2024 Guadalupe

six-year-old Rabble Rouser Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whisky from Catoctin Creek

@woodfordreserve @rd1spirits @compartes @vinepair @oldforester @garrisonbros @catoctincreek 

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