Bourbon Lens

Bourbon Lens
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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.

  1. 1d ago

    395: Mugen Spirit: A Love Letter from Kentucky to Japan With Kojin Tashiro Founder of Mugen Spirit

    What happens when Kentucky bourbon meets Japanese storytelling? In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down bar-side with Kojin Tashiro of Mugen Spirit for a tasting and wide-ranging conversation about building a whiskey brand as a cultural bridge between Kentucky and Japan. Kojin breaks down his recent trip to Japan and how it tied directly into launching Oni, Mugen's first small batch blend — built from roughly 20 barrels, bottled around 117 proof, and wrapped in artwork by Japanese artist Yuko Shimizu rooted in folklore. He walks through the rest of the Mugen lineup, including Tengu, the wheated kuko release, and Nobunaga from the shogun series, and explains why Mugen treats Japanese culture as a lens rather than forcing every release into a "Japanese whiskey" mold. Jake and Kojin also dig into how Japanese whiskey culture evolved out of American whiskey's popularity in the 1980s, the generational shift in how young drinkers in Japan and the U.S. discover whiskey, and how Mugen balances premium positioning with genuine accessibility and community. It's a conversation about intentionality — in blending, in branding, and in building something that bridges two cultures without diluting either one. Key topics: Kojin's Japan trip and the launch path for OniWhy Mugen Spirit calls itself "a love letter from Kentucky to Japan"How Japanese whiskey culture grew out of American whiskey's 1980s popularityEducating Japanese consumers on the American whiskey story before talking tasting notesThe generational shift in whiskey culture and mentorship in Japan and the U.S.Oni's barrel makeup, proof, and the folklore-inspired label artworkThe rest of the Mugen lineup: Tengu, Cuckoo, and NobunagaNobunaga's East-meets-West profile and Chichibu cask finishingWhy "blended" shouldn't be a dirty word in whiskeyMugen's future: more intentional releases, deeper presence in Japan and the U.S., and direct-to-consumer dropsNotable quotes: "We're a love letter from Kentucky to Japan." "I'm gonna make this a weapon in a good way." "The right way to drink it is however you want to drink it." Chapters: 00:00 – The Introduction to Mugen Spirit06:00 – Bridging American and Japanese Whiskey Culture11:00 – The Art of Blending and Creating Oni16:30 – Nobunaga: A Blend of East and West22:31 – The Future Aspirations of Mugen SpiritSubscribe🔔 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

    395: Mugen Spirit: A Love Letter from Kentucky to Japan With Kojin Tashiro Founder of Mugen Spirit

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

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  3. Aug 2

    394: Whiskey Thief x Louisville Bats: Bourbon Meets Baseball at Louisville Slugger Field

    What happens when bourbon culture collides with America's pastime? In this episode of Bourbon Lens, we sit down with Walter of Whiskey Thief to unpack the brand's partnership with the Louisville Bats at Louisville Slugger Field — a collaboration redefining what experiential bourbon looks like. We dig into the "Backstop" branded experience zone bringing whiskey tastings into the ballpark, how Whiskey Thief makes bourbon approachable for first-timers, and the local storytelling behind touches like the Mashers jerseys. Walter also breaks down the shift in stadium concessions from beer-only to story-rich spirits experiences, scaling barrel thieving events, and navigating distillation innovation and compliance amid headwinds like the bourbon surplus. Whether you're a bourbon obsessive, a baseball fan, or just curious how craft spirits brands are finding new platforms to connect with consumers, this conversation is packed with insight on branding, direct-to-consumer growth, and the future of experiential bourbon. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Whiskey Thief's innovative stadium partnership 02:06 – The significance of the Louisville Bats collaboration for brand exposure 07:30 – Using the "Backstop" as a branded experience zone for whiskey tastings 10:20 – Bringing whiskey cuisine and vibe to sports fans unfamiliar with whiskey 12:43 – Bourbon history and homage through local branding like the Mashers jerseys 13:50 – The cultural shift in baseball from beer to diverse experiential offerings 16:50 – Expanding Whiskey Thief's presence in Louisville and its strategic growth 19:14 – Unique barrel thieving experiences and storytelling for consumers 22:34 – Maintaining growth while staying true to the brand's roots amid industry headwinds 24:54 – Logistics and innovation around the distillation process and compliance 28:16 – Addressing bourbon surplus and the value of experiential consumption 30:12 – Personal stories of barrel tasting and the appeal of accessible, story-rich products 32:01 – Recommendations for travelers: Whiskey Thief as a must-visit spot for bourbon fans 34:25 – The future of distillery tours, automated systems, and unique product releases 37:49 – The importance of innovation, compliance, and community engagement in the industry 39:47 – Upcoming opportunities at baseball games and bourbon festivals to experience Whiskey Thief Resources & Links: Louisville Bats: https://www.milb.com/louisville-batsWhiskey Thief official website: https://whiskeythief.com/Bourbon & Spirits Innovation: https://www.spiritsbusiness.com/SubscribeSubscribe 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

    394: Whiskey Thief x Louisville Bats: Bourbon Meets Baseball at Louisville Slugger Field

  4. Jul 26

    393: The Dalmore's Newest US Release — Sherry Cask Secrets and Maturation with Craig Bridger

    Step inside the newly reimagined Dalmore Distillery with Craig Bridger, Head of Advocacy at The Dalmore, as he sits down with Jake Lewellen to unpack the artistry behind one of Scotland's most iconic single malt Scotch whiskies. After a three-year renovation that doubled production capacity and reinvented the visitor experience, The Dalmore is entering a new era — and this conversation goes deep into what that means for whisky lovers everywhere. We explore the launch of The Dalmore 17-Year-Old in the United States and how it compares to the beloved 15-Year-Old, breaking down tasting notes like toffee, salted caramel, and dried fruit that come from meticulous sherry cask maturation. Craig walks us through the exclusive Gonzalez Baez sherry casks and how different sherry styles — Matusalem, Apostoles, and Amoroso, each leave a distinct fingerprint on the final spirit. We also dig into the role of American oak, the blending process behind The Dalmore's signature flavor profile, and why proof point (42% ABV) matters for flavor nuance. Beyond the glass, we talk whisky tourism — why visiting a distillery in its place of origin changes how you experience the spirit — and the communal, social side of whisky enjoyment that makes every dram better in good company. Whether you're a seasoned single malt collector or just getting into Scotch, this episode is packed with insight into cask selection, rare and limited releases, and the craftsmanship behind every Dalmore bottle. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to The Dalmore's latest innovations and distillery reopening 02:02 – The detailed renovation and capacity doubling at Dalmore in Scotland 03:19 – The immersive experience of Dalmore's new still house and distillery tour highlights 04:49 – The role of community, shared experiences, and ambiance in whisky enjoyment 05:50 – Spotlight on The Dalmore 17-Year-Old, sherry cask influence, and tasting notes 07:47 – The proof point of The Dalmore 17 and its flavor nuance at 42% ABV 10:55 – Cask selection, Gonzalez Baez sherry, and the aging process 14:01 – Rich, viscous notes: toffee, salted caramel, and dried fruit 15:57 – Comparing The Dalmore 15-Year-Old and 17-Year-Old 17:43 – Sherry finish versatility and pairing ideas, from desserts to ice cream 18:48 – Palo Cortado and other sherry styles' flavor nuances 20:13 – Blending and aging in American oak versus sherry casks 23:28 – Limited cask access and craftsmanship behind rare releases like Matusalem and Apostoles 27:48 – Deep appreciation and experimental exploration of sherry-influenced whisky 30:24 – The rigorous cask selection process and its impact on flavor complexity 33:08 – The story behind the 15-Year-Old versus the 17-Year-Old 37:40 – Final tasting impressions and the sensory journey through The Dalmore whiskies Links: 🥃 The Dalmore Official Website: https://www.thedalmore.com/ 🔔 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

    393: The Dalmore's Newest US Release — Sherry Cask Secrets and Maturation with Craig Bridger

  5. Jul 24

    Wild Turkey Gold Foil 16 Year Review: Is This $400 Bourbon Worth It? | Five Minute Fridays

    In this episode of Five Minute Fridays, Jake Lewellen breaks down the Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives Gold Foil, a limited-edition 16-year-old, 120-proof whiskey that pulls straight from Wild Turkey's 1980s and '90s heritage. This one's a nostalgic throwback dressed up in a bold, high-proof finish — and Jake puts it to the test. Jake walks through the nose — confectionery sugar, leather, dark oak, and cherry — before diving into the palate, where intense oak, stewed cherry, and spice build into a smooth, leathery finish. He talks through why letting this one open up matters, how it stacks up against Russell's Reserve 13 Year and the 45th Anniversary edition, and the influence Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell had on shaping this release. Then comes the real question: is $400 justified for this bottle? Jake gives his honest take on where Gold Foil lands in the broader Wild Turkey lineup, how it fits into his top whiskey picks for 2026, and whether the nostalgia factor is enough to carry the price tag. In this episode: Heritage and origin of the Gold Foil 16 Year releaseFull nose-to-finish tasting breakdownValue debate: does this bourbon earn its $400 price point?Head-to-head comparison with Russell's Reserve 13 YearBruce Russell's role as Associate Master BlenderWhere Gold Foil ranks among Jake's top releases of 2026We want to hear from you — what's your favorite Wild Turkey release? Drop it in the comments or join the conversation on Discord. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Wild Turkey Gold Foil 16 Year 00:30 Heritage and background of the Gold Foil 01:00 Tasting approach and initial impressions 01:27 Nose nuances: confectionery sugar and leather 02:00 Flavor profile: dark oak and stewed cherry 02:18 Encouragement to let the whiskey open up 02:39 Palate experience: oak, cherry, and spice 03:08 Finish: leather, oak, and subtle spice 03:38 Value discussion: is $400 worth the experience? 04:06 Comparison with Russell's 13 and personal rankings 04:36 Final thoughts: nostalgia, uniqueness, and overall impressions 05:05 Call to action: audience feedback and closing remarks 🔔 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 #WildTurkey #GoldFoil16 #WildTurkeyGoldFoil #FiveMinuteFridays #BourbonLens #BruceRussell #RussellsReserve #BourbonReview #WhiskeyReview #HighProofBourbon #LimitedEditionBourbon #BourbonCommunity #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonTasting #AustinNichols

    Wild Turkey Gold Foil 16 Year Review: Is This $400 Bourbon Worth It? | Five Minute Fridays

  6. Jul 23

    Inside Private Cask Ownership: Rare Scotch, Bespoke Whisky & James Mackay of Artisan Cask

    In this episode of Whiskey Lens, we step into the world of bespoke, age-old Scotch whisky with James Mackay of Artisan Cask (Artisanal Spirits Company). From rare drams to the art of private cask ownership, this conversation unpacks how exclusive cask experiences can elevate your entire whisky journey — and what it actually takes to own one. James shares stories from his years in premium Scotch, including one of the rarest pours of his career: a 52-year-old grain whisky that sold at auction for $20,000. We dig into the unique profile of the Mortlach 1991 Artisan Cask No. 304590 — its natural cask strength, craftsmanship, and surprising approachability for bourbon drinkers — along with why cask re-racking and multi-stage maturation matter so much for building complexity. The conversation also covers: What it's actually like to own a private cask — sampling, aging decisions, and bottle deliveryThe social and personal side of ownership, including exclusive events and communityRegionality and terroir in Scotch, with real examples from Islay, Speyside, and beyondHow cask type — sherry vs. bourbon — shapes flavor over timeThe right glassware for tasting high-end Scotch, and why presentation mattersScotch's growing role in cocktail culture and pairing ideasA deep dive into Bunnahabhain 1989 and long-maturation complexityPeated Islay whisky and how peat profiles evolve over decades of agingWhat it takes to actually partner with Artisan Cask — minimum investment, entry pricing, and the full processWhether you're a Scotch collector, a whisky-curious bourbon drinker, or just fascinated by how the ultra-premium end of the spirits world works, this episode is packed with insider knowledge you won't find anywhere else. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Whiskey Lens and guest James Mackay 00:45 Overview of Artisan Cask and bespoke cask ownership 01:30 James Mackay's background and experience in premium Scotch 03:00 Highlighting rare whiskies, including a 52-year-old grain whisky auction 04:40 The story behind the auction-winning whisky and its significance 05:15 Tasting notes and profile of the Mortlach 1991 Artisan Cask 06:57 How non-typical casks create unique flavors 08:00 Artisanal Spirits' approach to cask selection and individual character 10:40 The nose and palate of the Mortlach cask and approachability for bourbon drinkers 11:26 The ownership process: sampling, aging, and bottle logistics 12:54 Ownership intimacy: tasting samples and choosing bottling time 14:26 Personal stories about cask ownership and its lasting impressions 15:50 Tasting experience and glassware preferences 16:42 Exploring Bunnahabhain 1989 and complexity from long maturation 18:36 Cask management and secondary maturation processes 20:18 Impact of re-racking and depth of whisky development 22:42 Specifics on cask types: refill bourbon, sherry, and their influence 24:38 Pairing whiskey with desserts and cocktails 25:28 The social aspect of ownership: exclusive events and community 26:38 High-net-worth audience and the premium experience 27:09 Scotch in cocktails and regional diversity 31:03 The nuances of peated Islay whiskies and aging effects 34:01 The uniqueness of a special peated Islay cask 36:14 The evolution of peat profiles over long aging periods 38:27 Using cask-strength Scotch in premium cocktails 39:20 Choosing a "desert island" cask for endless refills 48:01 The partnership process with Artisan Cask: minimum investment and next steps 50:21 Entry point and pricing details for exclusive cask ownership 53:19 Final thoughts, thanks, and future meet-ups

    Inside Private Cask Ownership: Rare Scotch, Bespoke Whisky & James Mackay of Artisan Cask

  7. Jul 20

    392: How Chip Tate Blends Bourbon | Gambit No. 6 & Ampersand

    Chip Tate (Foley Family Wine & Spirits) joins Bourbon Lens to break down the creative process behind some of the most talked-about whiskey projects on the market today — including Gambit No. 6 and Ampersand. In this episode, Chip dives deep into Gambit No. 6, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished across wine, apple brandy, sherry, and Tokaji casks. He explains how the final blend is built like a Bordeaux — layered, structured, and balanced with fruit, tannin, texture, and complexity — and breaks down the role of retasted Chardonnay barrels, the impact of deep toasting on wood character, and why secondary maturation can add nuance without overwhelming the whiskey underneath. Jake and Chip also get into: How American whiskey drinkers are warming up to blending and finishingWhy tasting notes are personal, not prescriptiveHow a whiskey can be both highly complex AND easy-drinkingThe idea of "session whiskey" — subtlety, approachability, and complexity in one glassWhat makes a whiskey feel like "home"The versatility of whiskey across cocktails, highballs, and neat poursThe episode wraps with a look at Ampersand 51/49, an experimental rye and Calvados-based release, plus a preview of Gambit 2.0 — a hundred-proof expression built for a different kind of drinking experience. Whether you're a bourbon collector, a whiskey finishing nerd, or just curious how a master distiller thinks about blending, this conversation is packed with insight straight from one of the industry's most respected voices. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Foley Family Wine and Spirits 01:03 Ampersand and Opimus Release 01:21 Diverse Projects and Collaborations 02:29 Role and Responsibility at Foley Family 04:01 Game of It Number Six: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 08:41 Secondary Maturation and Extended Age Cask Maturation 12:56 Toasting and Impact on Chardonnay Barrel 23:29 Tasting Notes and Personal Experience 25:00 The Art of Session Whiskey 26:00 Complexity and Approachability 27:18 The Essence of Home 28:00 American Influence in Whiskey 29:13 The Versatility of Whiskey 30:44 Ampersand: A Unique Blend 32:03 Exploring New Boundaries 33:54 The Appeal of Ampersand 35:11 The Highball Experience 37:06 Gambit 2.0: A Hundred Proof Experience 42:10 Blending and Ideal Audience 🔔 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

    392: How Chip Tate Blends Bourbon | Gambit No. 6 & Ampersand

  8. Jul 12

    391: Redwood Empire's Master Blender Lauren Patz on Crafting Whiskey That Tells a Story

    What does it take to craft a whiskey that actually tells a story? In this episode, Jake Lewellen sits down with Lauren Patz, Master Blender for Redwood Empire Whiskey, to pull back the curtain on one of the most creative and regionally inspired brands in American whiskey today. Lauren walks us through her journey to becoming a master blender, the philosophy behind Redwood Empire's unique flavor profiles, and how the brand balances artistic vision with the consistency that whiskey lovers expect bottle after bottle. They dig into the brand's approach to storytelling, what regionalization really means in today's whiskey market, and why approachability and value are more important than ever for brands trying to break through the noise. Plus — chocolate and whiskey pairings. Yes, really. And it works. Whether you're a longtime Redwood Empire fan or just discovering the brand, this conversation gives you a genuine look at what goes into building a whiskey lineup that stands for something beyond what's in the bottle. In this episode: How Lauren found her way into master blending and what the role actually looks like day to dayThe story behind Redwood Empire and what makes their distillation process differentHow regionalization is reshaping the American whiskey marketBalancing consistency and creativity across a full whiskey portfolioChocolate and whiskey pairings — what works and whyWhere Redwood Empire is headed and how they're positioning for the future🔔 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: #RedwoodEmpire #BourbonLens #AmericanWhiskey #MasterBlender #WhiskeyPodcast #BourbonPodcast #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyLovers #LaurenPatz #RegionalWhiskey #WhiskeyBlending #BourbonReview #WhiskeyLife KEYWORDS: Redwood Empire Whiskey, Lauren Patz master blender, American whiskey podcast, bourbon podcast, craft whiskey blending, whiskey flavor profiles, regionalization whiskey market, Redwood Empire review, whiskey storytelling, bourbon blending process, approachable whiskey, value whiskey 2026, chocolate and whiskey pairing, Redwood Empire distillery, Jake Lewellen bourbon, Bourbon Lens podcast, whiskey community, master blender interview, craft bourbon, whiskey portfolio

    391: Redwood Empire's Master Blender Lauren Patz on Crafting Whiskey That Tells a Story
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4.7
out of 5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Bourbon Lens
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    441
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bourbon Lens
  • Show Website
    Bourbon Lens

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