Bourbon Lens

Bourbon Lens

Bourbon Lens is the podcast for every whiskey drinker. During this project, we look to explore the whiskey and bourbon industry, learn more about our favorite spirit, and interview industry insiders, makers, entrepreneurs, and business people. We welcome you on this journey with us. Bourbon Lens was founded by Jake and Scott from Louisville, Kentucky. We have grown our appreciation for Kentucky's native spirit and look to learn all that we can about every type of whiskey. We welcome you to pour a glass of whiskey and join us. We are always looking for show topics, discussion starters, and new whiskies to try. Contact us on social media or send us an email to: Info@BourbonLens.com with ideas, comments, or questions.

  1. hace 15 h

    Is Birthday Bourbon Worth the Hype? A Bourbon Heritage Month Review | Five Minute Friday's

    It's Bourbon Heritage Month, and on this episode of Five Minute Fridays, Jake goes straight to where it all started: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, one of the most talked-about — and most divisive — releases in the bourbon world. This year's edition lands at 11 years old and 97 proof, released earlier this month. Fresh off Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Jake sits down (with a little personal timing — his daughter's birthday is just days away) to break down the nose, palate, and finish of this year's Birthday Bourbon, compare it to Old Forester's recent "Kentucky Boy" release, and explain why he thinks this might be one of the best versions of Birthday Bourbon he's tasted yet. In this episode: Why Birthday Bourbon is one of the most controversial releases on the marketTasting notes: burnt sugar, crème brûlée, brown sugar, caramel, French vanilla custard, tobacco, and cherry cordialHow this year's release compares to Old Forester's "Kentucky Boy"Why Jake thinks Old Forester and Brown-Forman are "on a heater" right nowThe team behind the blend — Caleb, Melissa, and ChrisFinal verdict: would Jake buy it at SRP? Approximate Timestamps0:00 – Intro: Bourbon Heritage Month & Birthday Bourbon's controversial reputation0:58 – This year's release: 11 years old, 97 proof1:29 – Why today's tasting is personal (daughter's birthday)2:11 – Nose: burnt sugar, crème brûlée, caramel, French vanilla, baking spice, tobacco2:49 – On the 97 proof and the blending conversation from Kentucky Bourbon Festival3:36 – Palate: oak, tannin, brown sugar, caramel4:21 – Finish: tobacco, cherry cordial4:58 – Comparison to Old Forester's "Kentucky Boy"5:38 – Final verdict and the team behind the blend

    Is Birthday Bourbon Worth the Hype? A Bourbon Heritage Month Review | Five Minute Friday's
  2. hace 15 h ·  Contenido extra

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for the Best Possible Life with Oprah and Jim Murphy from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOK! Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy https://amzn.to/4rhK0ul Performance coach and bestselling author Jim Murphy’s book Inner Excellence took the world by storm and rocketed to #1 after NFL wide receiver A.J. Brown was spotted reading it during a playoff game. Seemingly overnight the book became a New York Times bestseller, resonating far beyond the world of sports. Drawing from the powerful lessons in Inner Excellence Jim shares the mental tools you can cultivate to help manage your mind, unlock your potential and expand what's possible in your life. He also discusses his transformative new book, The Best Possible Life, revealing how you can cultivate greater peace, purpose and fulfillment. 00:00:00 - Welcome Jim Murphy, author of Inner Excellence 00:04:40 - Jim’s path to inner excellence 00:07:40 - The pursuit of joy  00:11:40 - How to manage our minds  00:13:20 - 5 questions to clear a mental block 00:15:30 - 2 paths in life  00:18:40 - Post sports identity 00:21:30 - The definition of Zoe  00:24:10 - Jim’s advice to those on the journey  00:27:00 - How to figure out what matters  00:30:30 - How to detach from the outcome of your goals  00:35:50 - Power of intention  00:39:55 - We are all human  00:41:20 - Keeping our ego in check  00:47:55 - The pursuit of success   Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast
  3. hace 2 días

    Whiskey Thief Is Now Sourcing Whiskey! Big News from Kentucky Bourbon Festival | Thursday Thoughts

    Special edition of Thursday Thoughts, recorded live at Kentucky Bourbon Festival! Bourbon Lens sits down with Walter of Whiskey Thief for breaking news straight from the farm. In this episode, Walter announces that Whiskey Thief is officially sourcing whiskey — a major strategic shift for the brand after explosive growth (60,000+ visitors last year, 65,000+ expected this year at the farm, and 100,000+ at their Louisville-area location). Rather than release younger whiskey to keep up with demand, Whiskey Thief is going straight to the best barrel warehouses in Kentucky to bring fans exceptional juice while their own production scales up. Also in this episode: Two new stills acquired — production is ramping up fastMaster blender Lisa Wicker is leading Whiskey Thief's first blended releasesUltra-limited "Outtakes" bottles — small-batch releases made from the flavorful, oxidized whiskey left behind after barrel-thieving (only ~30 bottles per release)The new "Hazmat Rye," an early-pulled twist on their Mayday RyeWhiskey Thief's 14th anniversary celebrations happening throughout OctoberWhiskey Thief Fest — two days of music on October 9–10, presented with Adam Duritz of Counting Crows' Underwater Sunshine Festival (rebranded "Underwater Moonshine Festival" for this event)Whiskey Thief has always been single-barrel, straight-from-the-barrel, uncut and unfiltered — and Walter promises full transparency (mash bill, proof, everything) continues even as sourced products roll out. 📍 Visit Whiskey Thief right off I-64, just half a mile from Keeneland — perfect for a game day / Keeneland / Whiskey Thief triple-header this fall. Subscribe to Bourbon Lens for more bourbon industry news, distillery visits, and conversations with the people behind your favorite pours. Approximate Timestamps0:00 – Live from Kentucky Bourbon Festival, welcoming Walter0:28 – Breaking news: Whiskey Thief is now sourcing whiskey0:56 – The growth behind the decision (60K+ to 100K+ visitors)1:56 – Two new stills, production investment2:24 – Lisa Wicker and the move into blended whiskey2:54 – Older-than-the-distillery bottles on the way3:23 – Staying Kentucky-focused (for now)4:19 – What's next: labels, bottles, and a 2027 headline4:49 – The "Hazmat Rye" release5:19 – The "Outtakes" series explained7:07 – Why fall is the time to visit Frankfort7:32 – Whiskey Thief Fest, October 9–10, with Adam Duritz's Underwater Moonshine FestivalFollow & Subscribe To The Bourbon Lens🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community.Follow on Instagram: @BourbonLensVisit: BourbonLens.comJoin: Patreon.com/BourbonLensMerch: Bourbon Lens ShopMailing List: The Weekly PourDiscord: Discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU

    Whiskey Thief Is Now Sourcing Whiskey! Big News from Kentucky Bourbon Festival | Thursday Thoughts
  4. hace 4 días

    400: Stepping On Hallowed Ground A Sit Down At Stitzel-Weller

    Episode SummaryTo celebrate their landmark 400th episode, The Bourbon Lens crew heads to one of the most hallowed sites in American whiskey — Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively, Kentucky — for a sit-down with Nicole Austin, Diageo's Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities. Nicole pulls back the curtain on the mystery of why decades-old bourbon aged in Stitzel-Weller's rickhouses defies the conventional wisdom that American whiskey "expires" past a certain age. The conversation covers barrel consolidation (topping off), the historic rickhouse design patented by Frederick Stitzel, and the launch of the new Blade and Bow 12-Year Solera — a 104-proof, sub-$65 bourbon built using a fractional-blending Solera process borrowed from sherry and adapted for American whiskey. Main ThemesThe "magic" of Stitzel-Weller's rickhouses — why extreme-age American whiskey (25–40+ years) is proving possible here, and how airflow, rickhouse architecture, and shade trees may matter as much as the mash bill.Barrel consolidation ("topping off") — a labor-intensive practice borrowed from Scotch and Canadian whiskey that halts the "snowball effect" of angel's share loss and staving damage in half-empty barrels.The Solera method, Americanized — how Nicole adapted sherry's fractional-blending system into a 12-year-minimum-age bourbon blend using vintage cognac, port, muscatel, and Bordeaux vats.Craft philosophy over collectibility — Nicole's approach favors consistent quality and drinkability over hype-driven, numbered limited releases.Proof point and dilution culture — a pushback on "proof-chasing" in the bourbon community, and why a 104-proof whiskey can outperform higher-proof releases in balance and accessibility.Bourbon history and place — Shively's forgotten legacy as a distilling capital, and Stitzel-Weller's connection to figures like Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle.Featured GuestNicole Austin — Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities, Diageo. Former general manager and master blender at Cascade Hollow (George Dickel), now overseeing extended-age and innovation projects at Stitzel-Weller, including the Stitzel Reserve line and Blade and Bow. Featured WhiskeyBlade and Bow 12-Year Solera Bourbon Minimum age: 12 years (in new American oak)Proof: 104MSRP: $64.99Process: Fractional Solera blending across vintage cognac, port, muscatel, and Bordeaux vatsQuick LinksFollow The Bourbon Lens on Instagram for bottle drop alertsVisit Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively, Louisville, KY

    400: Stepping On Hallowed Ground A Sit Down At Stitzel-Weller
  5. 6 sep

    399: Why New Riff’s American Single Malt Changes Everything

    Explore the craft of American Single Malt whiskey with the team at New Riff Distillery. In this episode, we dive deep into New Riff's oldest whiskey release to date, exploring their hands-on approach to mash bills, barrel maturation, and complex blending strategies. Learn how different barrel types, unique yeast strains, and warehouse climate management shape the rich, evolving flavor profiles of Kentucky single malt. We break down everything from cocktail versatility and annual release coding systems to the intricate maturation curve that turns experimental grain bills into award-winning pours. Whether you are a seasoned whiskey collector or curious about the rapid rise of American Single Malts, this deep-dive interview delivers essential insights into modern craft distilling. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to New Riff Distillery & Single Malt Program01:07 - Unveiling Their Oldest Whiskey Release02:21 - Mash Bills, Blending & Inventory Management04:11 - Warehouse Management & Barrel Care Techniques07:03 - Craft Distillery Expansion & Scaling Success11:16 - Developing the American Single Malt Whiskey Program25:01 - Defining Kentucky Single Malt Characteristics26:15 - Barrel Types, Wood Casks & Maturation Impact27:29 - Breaking Down Flavor Profiles & Tasting Notes29:37 - The Blending Process & Vatted Malt Experiences29:59 - Decoding the Annual Release & Coding System33:39 - Cocktail Versatility & Pairing Ideas50:28 - Yeast Strain Selection & Production Consistency53:53 - Maturation Cycles, Aging & Flavor Evolution01:13:31 - Final Release Details & National Distribution 🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.comMerch: https://bourbon-lens-shop.printify.me/productsDiscord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSUHashtags: #BourbonLens #NewRiffDistillery #AmericanSingleMalt #SingleMaltWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #CraftDistillery #WhiskeyBlending #BourbonCommunity #KentuckyWhiskey #WhiskeyPodcast

    399: Why New Riff’s American Single Malt Changes Everything
  6. 3 sep

    Chef Brian Landry on Food, Music & Bourbon: The Kitchen Table Story | Thursday Thoughts

    Chef and restaurateur Brian Landry joins Bourbon Lens to share his journey from line cook to multi-concept hospitality owner — and the story behind his new book exploring the deep connection between food and music. In this episode, Brian walks through the origin of his acclaimed Kitchen Table restaurant, the Beam family history woven into its story, and why community focus — not trends — has been the real driver of his success across multiple locations. We dig into how storytelling shapes every menu and beverage program he builds, including a pizza program that highlights the yeast strain from Jim Beam's original yeast. Brian also previews the upcoming Icons Dinner and its bourbon pairing menu, talks candidly about the challenges of expanding a hospitality group through COVID-19, and shares what's next for his growing restaurant ventures — plus the inspiration behind his new book on food and music. In this episode: Brian Landry's culinary background and early restaurant experienceThe concept and true story behind the Kitchen TableWhy community focus sustains restaurant success long-termThe role of storytelling in food and beverage experiencesA first look at the Icons Dinner and its bourbon pairing menuThe inspiration and content behind Brian's new bookHow food and music intersect to shape culture and communityNavigating restaurant expansion challenges during COVID-19What's ahead for Landry's hospitality venturesTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Brian Landry and his culinary journey 01:56 – How Brian got started in the restaurant industry 03:59 – The importance of community in restaurant success 05:59 – Details about the Kitchen Table and its story 07:59 – The connection between food, music, and storytelling 10:00 – Upcoming events: Icons Dinner and bourbon pairing 12:02 – The inspiration behind Brian's new book 14:02 – Future plans for Landry's hospitality ventures 🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com Merch: https://bourbon-lens-shop.printify.me/products Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU

    Chef Brian Landry on Food, Music & Bourbon: The Kitchen Table Story | Thursday Thoughts
  7. 30 ago

    398: Penelope Bourbon 5 Years Later: Danny Polise on Growth, Blending & the Classic Series Launch

    Danny Polise, Founder and Master Blender of Penelope Bourbon, joins Jake Lewellen and Scott Dilley for a long-overdue Bourbon Lens catch-up — five years after his last appearance on the show. In this episode, Danny walks through how Penelope Bourbon has grown from a three-product lineup into a full portfolio spanning the Cooper Series finishes, light whiskey single barrel picks, ready-to-pour cocktails, and the brand-new Kentucky-made Classic Series. The crew talks through Penelope's expansion since the MGP Luxco acquisition, why the light whiskey releases took off with drinkers, and how ready-to-pour flavors like Apple Cinnamon, Peach, Black Walnut, and Blackberry fit different seasons and serving styles. Danny then unveils the Classic Series — a straight Kentucky bourbon and a straight rye (built from Indiana 95.5 and 51.49 rye stock) aimed at everyday drinkability at accessible price points. Jake and Scott give their first taste impressions of both 92-proof expressions, breaking down notes of citrus, orange candy, vanilla, and light herbal spice in the rye. The conversation wraps with a deep dive into Danny's blending process, how he moves through inventory faster today, and how Penelope balances consistency with experimentation across its barrel and tank combinations — plus a look at how the Architect Series became the golf-themed Golf Series concept. ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Reintroducing Danny Polise after five years01:56 – Cooper Series & the MGP Luxco acquisition04:43 – Why Penelope's light whiskey took off09:01 – Tasting through the full lineup11:25 – Ready-to-pour cocktails & seasonal flavors16:00 – Barrel experimentation & smoked Old Fashioneds17:13 – Introducing the Kentucky Classic Series20:31 – Building the rye blend & sourcing Kentucky barrels25:19 – Danny's evolved blending process30:17 – From Architect Series to the Golf Series36:55 – Tasting notes: Classic Series bourbon & rye41:46 – Wrap-up and see you next time🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com 🛍️ Merch: https://bourbon-lens-shop.printify.me/products 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU Hashtags#BourbonLens #PenelopeBourbon #DannyPolise #ClassicSeries #KentuckyBourbon #StraightRye #BourbonPodcast #WhiskeyPodcast #BourbonReview #BourbonCommunity #MGPIngredients #CooperSeries #ReadyToPourCocktails #BourbonNews #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonCulture #CraftWhiskey #KentuckyWhiskey #BourbonLife #SipListenDiscover

    398: Penelope Bourbon 5 Years Later: Danny Polise on Growth, Blending & the Classic Series Launch
  8. 27 ago

    Wyoming Whiskey Is Back in Wyoming Hands: David DeFazio on What's Next | Thursday Thoughts

    Wyoming Whiskey just got its biggest reset in years — and David DeFazio explains why bringing the brand back into Wyoming ownership could change everything. Jake Lewellen sits down with the longtime friend of the podcast to break down the buyback, the emotional reaction from locals, and why this moment feels like a second chance to earn trust all over again. What starts as a quick catch-up turns into a real look at the future of the distillery — from barrel strategy and brand positioning to the practical realities of taking control of your own story. David shares the behind-the-scenes details of how the deal came together in just three months, why bringing back longtime blender Nancy Fraley matters, and how "letting the barrels tell you what to do" is shaping what's coming next. You'll discover: Why the team believes "hitting singles" beats chasing home runs in whiskey growthHow the buyback is giving Wyoming Whiskey a chance to reset its reputation with locals and fansWhat David says about bringing back Nancy, rethinking releases, and letting the barrels lead the decisionsWhy age statements like 10, 12, and 15 years could be a major part of the next chapterHow a new whiskey library, older stock, and distillery-only bottles could fuel exciting future dropsDavid also opens up about historic lows in national alcohol consumption, smart inventory planning for a smaller producer, and why small, practical ideas from the team on the ground in Kirby could shape the next wave of releases — including a possible cutthroat trout series inspired by Wyoming's own waters. If you like your whiskey talk honest, specific, and full of big-picture strategy, this one belongs on your playlist. Essential listening for Wyoming Whiskey fans, age-statement hunters, and anyone who loves hearing how a great brand gets a second chance. Timestamps: 00:00 – The big news of new ownership 01:15 – Impact of the change and community reaction 03:03 – Hitting singles vs. home runs: the new approach 07:08 – Why now: the reasons behind the transition 09:04 – Bringing back Nancy and key team members 10:12 – Creating a whiskey library from old stock 13:10 – Expanding into age statements and rye 17:15 – Planning production for the future 19:02 – Refining processes and building a legacy 22:49 – Consumer preferences and what's next Subscribe🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com Merch: https://bourbon-lens-shop.printify.me/products Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU Hashtags#WyomingWhiskey #DavidDeFazio #BourbonLens #CraftWhiskey #WeededBourbon #AgeStatementWhiskey #WhiskeyPodcast #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyIndustry #KirbyWyoming #JacksonHole #WhiskeyNews #IndependentDistillery #BourbonCollector #AmericanWhiskey

    Wyoming Whiskey Is Back in Wyoming Hands: David DeFazio on What's Next | Thursday Thoughts

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Bourbon Lens is the podcast for every whiskey drinker. During this project, we look to explore the whiskey and bourbon industry, learn more about our favorite spirit, and interview industry insiders, makers, entrepreneurs, and business people. We welcome you on this journey with us. Bourbon Lens was founded by Jake and Scott from Louisville, Kentucky. We have grown our appreciation for Kentucky's native spirit and look to learn all that we can about every type of whiskey. We welcome you to pour a glass of whiskey and join us. We are always looking for show topics, discussion starters, and new whiskies to try. Contact us on social media or send us an email to: Info@BourbonLens.com with ideas, comments, or questions.

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