Bourbon Lens The Bourbon Lens

Our guest today is Andy Battjes, Brown-Forman’s Director of Global Environmental Sustainability.  With responsibility over the company’s diverse, global spirits portfolio, Andy is a company leader who drives their sustainability initiatives around the globe. Through his work over the last 18+ years, Battjes has guided Brown-Forman in targeting areas within the supply chain and beyond where they can implement green initiatives.  Brown-Forman (home to iconic brands such as Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Old Forester, Tequila Herradura, and Woodford Reserve) is working on making the world a little greener, one bottle at a time.
Some of the largest initiatives of Brown-Forman include:
White Oak Initiative: Brown-Forman has helped to spearhead the White Oak Initiative with the American Forest Foundation. While waiting for bourbon to mature can seem long, it takes 60 - 80 years for a white oak to mature to the point that it's good for a whiskey barrel. This creates a long term sustainability concern. The White Oak Initiative is a diverse coalition of partners committed to the long-term sustainability of America’s white oak forests as well as the economic, social, and environmental benefits they provide. Sustainability from Farm to Bottle: Brown-Forman is committed to zero waste and transforming the way business is conducted using circularity principles, designing out waste, and keeping products and materials in use. From more sustainable packaging to watershed stewardship to creating a resilient, agile agricultural supply chain with regenerative farming practices, Brown-Forman is committed year-round to sustainability. Wind Powered Whiskey: Brown-Forman was the first US wine or spirits company to enter into a purchase power agreement and has since met their goal to offset more than 90% of electricity usage at U.S facilities through their investment into wind power from the Solomon Forks Wind Project.  Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. 
We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.
Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.
Check out BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.
Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens
 
More About Brown-Forman and Sustainability:
Caring for natural resources and the climate isn’t simply a business concern for us. From the fields that grow our grains, agave, and grapes, to the water we transform into our spirits, to the oak for our barrels, we depend on the earth’s bounty. It’s about committing to the environment that sustains us, caring for the resources we share with our community, and nurturing what we have for those that come after us.
Climate Action - We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our owned operations and supply chain. Our goal is to halve our emissions by 2030 and become net-zero GHG emissions by 2045. Water Stewardship  - We are committed to protecting the health of key watersheds in our communities. Our goal is to ensure that 100% of our high-risk and business critical watersheds achieve water balance by 2030. Circularity - We are committed to zero waste and transforming the way we conduct business using circularity principles, designing out waste, and keeping products

Jake is joined by Brian Nation to talk about Keeper’s Heart Whiskey and catch up since his first appearance back in Bourbon Lens Episode 153. Keeper’s Heart is a unique blend of Irish Whiskeys and American Whiskeys.  Bringing together two unique distilling traditions, O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. and Keeper’s Heart are led by industry legend, Master Distiller Brian Nation, previously of Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton.
Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. 
We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.
Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.
Check out BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.
Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens
 

About Keeper’s Heart:
Cousins Patrick and Michael O’Shaughnessy founded Keeper’s Heart with the mission to create world-class whiskeys for the occasions in life that connect us and bring people together.
Keeper’s Heart currently produces and matures triple pot distilled whiskeys in the traditional Irish style that will be released over the coming years. These new expressions will allow Keeper’s Heart to showcase how they continue to reimagine whiskey’s traditions.
Based in Minneapolis, Keeper’s Heart is created at The O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company, a state-of-the-art facility that they’re delighted to share with the public. Keeper’s Heart offers distillery tours and events, as well as a world-class bar and restaurant. They also offer a Cask Society program that gives members access to one-of-a-kind releases and special offers.
For More Information: 
keepersheartwhiskey.com
Image Credit: O'Shaughnessy and Keeper's Heart

Jake and Scott are talking about bourbons that are perfect for special occasions.  As we head into Derby season here in the Bluegrass State and the upcoming Kentucky Derby 150, we couldn't help but think that it would be a perfect event to crack open some special bottles.  We discuss some advice on finding a special bottle to celebrate an occasion, event, or a special person.  The best part is, a special occasion pour doesn’t always have to be priceless or unobtainable.  Some of the best choices might be right under our noses.  What’s one bottle that you are saving for a special occasion?
Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. 
We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.
Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.
Check out BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.
Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Jake and Scott sit down with the two newest Batches of the Jack Daniel's Aged Series of Tennessee Whiskey.  These include Batch 2 of the 12 Year and Batch 3 of the 10 Year.  How do they stack up and are they worth the hunt?  Find out in today's episode!
The Jack Daniel Distillery recently announced the release of Batch 2 of its 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey and Batch 3 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey. The expressions are the latest in the Jack Daniel’s Aged Series, an annual release of age-stated expressions launched in 2021 to honor the brand’s whiskey-making traditions.
While batches within the Aged Series will have slight variations, the predominant notes of oak, butterscotch and tobacco can be found in each whiskey. Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Batch 2 has predominant notes of pipe tobacco, oak, and butterscotch, while Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Batch 3 is oak-forward with layers of fruit and cocoa.
Both expressions were charcoal mellowed and aged in new, toasted, and charred American white oak barrels first in the upper floors of our barrelhouse before being relocated to the lower ricks to extend the maturation process. Both share the same grain bill as the classic Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey of 80% corn, 12% malted barley and 8% rye.
Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2 is offered at 107 proof (53.5% abv) and Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 3 at 97 proof (48.5% abv). They are available in limited quantities across the United States this month in 700 mL bottles for suggested retail prices of $94.99 and $84.99, respectively.
Image Credit: Jack Daniel's Distillery
Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. 
We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.
Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.
Check out BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.
Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

The worlds of Bourbon and NASCAR collide in this week’s episode of Bourbon Lens.  Kyle “Rowdy” Busch and Master Distiller John Rempe from Lux Row Distillers talk all things Rebel Bourbon. For the first time ever, Kyle’s #8 Chevy Camaro is fully wrapped in Rebel Bourbon branding this weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series in Richmond.  We discuss the partnership between Rebel Bourbon and Kyle Busch, the importance of sponsors in the sport, and how Kyle exemplifies the Rebel Spirit.  Master Distiller John Rempe talks about his work at Lux Row Distillers, production of the Rebel line of spirits, and working with Kyle to teach him more about Kentucky Bourbon.  Don’t miss this episode of Bourbon Lens and be sure to tune into Sunday's Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway to see the Rebel Bourbon Camaro on track!!
Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. 
We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.
Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.
Check out BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.
Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens
 
About the Partnership:
Who is Kyle “Rowdy” Busch and RCR?
Kyle Busch, also known as “Rowdy,” is a professional stock car racing driver currently driving for RCR, short for Richard Childress Racing, in the NASCAR Cup Series. He’s known for his aggressive driving style and competitive spirit, earning him numerous victories and championships throughout his career.
RCR is a renowned team in the world of NASCAR. They have a long history of success and have fielded some of the most iconic drivers in the sport, including Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Kevin Harvick.
What the Rebel Spirit Means to Rowdy
“Freedom, defiance, and attitude.” This is why Kyle, RCR, Rebel Bourbon, and the No. 8 Chevrolet are the perfect match. A match made in heaven? Whiskey heaven, maybe.
“We wanted a team who does their own thing and embodies the essence of our brand. With Kyle and the RCR team, we found the perfect partner to bring the spirit and attitude of the Rebel brand to fans who feel the same way.” – Philip Lux, brand manager for Rebel Bourbon.
The Spirit of NASCAR
The intensity of Rebel Bourbon and NASCAR embody a spirit of daring and defiance, where it’s not about reaching limits but shattering them.  Kyle “Rowdy” Busch doesn’t just drive – he lives and breathes the spirit of a rebel. He knows that to taste victory, you have to tip a little at the edge of tradition.
About Rebel® Bourbon
Distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe, Rebel Bourbon features a wheated mash bill that is true to its original recipe dating back to 1849. Known for its smoother, sweeter flavor, highlighted by delicious caramel and vanilla flavor notes, Rebel celebrates the “Rebel spirit in all of us” – especially those who embrace freedom, defiance and a little attitude. In 2023, Rebel Bourbon 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Double Platinum ASCOT award. The brand’s Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded gold medals at the 2023 SIP and ASCOT awards.
About Luxco®
Founded in St. Lou

Our guest this week is Aaron Harris, Head Distiller at Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro Kentucky.  Aaron is tasked with stewarding this historic distillery and ensuring its presence as a modern whiskey powerhouse.  We discuss Aaron’s background in whiskey, distillery operations, their latest release of Green River Straight Rye Whiskey, and his goals for the brand in the future. Check out this week’s insightful episode featuring Green River Distilling Co.
For more details on Green River Rye Whiskey, check out the release info on BourbonLens.com.
Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. 
We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.
Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.
Check out BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.
Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens
 
About Green River Distilling Co.
Originally founded in 1885 by J.W. McCulloch, Green River Distilling Co. (DSP-KY-10) is the 10th oldest licensed distillery in Kentucky. The brand quickly became synonymous with quality and regarded as some of the finest bourbon from Kentucky. Known as "the Whiskey Without Regrets," the brand enjoys a long, rich history as the official medicinal whiskey of the U.S. Marine Hospital and has been referenced as the most expensive whiskey ever sold - 20 barrels were once traded for an interest in a Colorado gold mine before a distillery fire and prohibition relegated the brand to history. Reestablished in 2022, Green River Distilling Co. is a proud citizen of Owensboro, Kentucky and serves as the westernmost outpost of the Kentucky Bourbon TrailTM. Built off classic mash bills, Green River has a growing portfolio of whiskeys that have all been created onsite offering a smooth and welcoming taste profile to the consumer, a true testament to simplicity and quality going hand-in-hand. Green River is part of Bardstown Bourbon Company, a top 10 distiller in the U.S. For more information, visit greenriverwhiskey.com.