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. 4d ago

    408: Silverthorn Reserve with Founder and Master Blender Drew Thorn

    Drew Thorn helped build Sagamore Spirit from a three-person startup and later became its CEO. In 2026 he launched Silverthorn Reserve, a Maryland bottler focused on 10- to 14-year-old whiskeys and small, intentional blends. In its first year, Silverthorn's Blender's Art Bourbon scored 98 points and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It's now a Best-in-Class finalist, and the winner will be announced Nov. 8. Drew walks Jake through how he sourced barrels in six months and why he bottled a 13-year-old Georgia whiskey. He explains the three-part bourbon blend, which includes a high-malt MGP bourbon originally distilled by Greg Metze. He also explains why he thinks the 10- to 14-year range is the sweet spot of the aging curve, and why he'll only bottle what he likes himself. Chapters Time Chapter 0:00: Welcome, with Scott on vacation1:02: Crab cakes, the Ravens and the Terps2:31: From craft beer to Sagamore Spirit6:27: Pulling a retirement hobby forward: Silverthorn Reserve7:18: First bottling and a soft launch in Baltimore8:46: Licenses, subleases and sourcing barrels in six months11:21: Why 13-year-old Georgia whiskey?15:31: Small-batch blends and the NDP advantage16:32: Inside the Blender's Art bourbon blend20:32: Malt, grapefruit and balance at 115 proof23:15: Blending at Sagamore, and how Drew builds a blend26:26: Two Double Golds at San Francisco28:24: The 13-year-old MGP rye single barrel30:40: The portfolio and the $100 price point32:20: Do age and proof matter to buyers?35:21: Why the founder's own palate matters38:31: What 2027 looks like: staying in Maryland and DC41:47: Where to buy SilverthornChapter times come from the Riverside edit; confirm against the final published file. Blender's Art bourbon blend, batch 1 Component Share NotesKentucky bourbon62%10 years old, 74% corn, 18% rye, 8% maltMGP high-malt bourbon28%34% malted barley, distilled by Greg Metze and acquired through Old ElkGeorgia four-grain bourbon10%14 years old, from Ivy Mountain stock bought through Bardstown Bourbon Co.The blend is 10 years old and 115 proof. Its awards are 98 points, a Double Gold and a Best-in-Class finalist spot at SFWSC 2026. Percentages are as discussed on the show. Drew notes that batch 2 differs slightly. In this episode Guest: Drew Thorn, Founder and Master Blender, Silverthorn ReserveHost: Jake LewellenLinks Buy or learn more: silverthornreserve.com and Seelbach'sSupport the show: Patreon · The Weekly Pour newsletter · YouTube · InstagramKeywords: Silverthorn Reserve, Silverthorn Reserve Blender's Art, Blender's Art Bourbon, Drew Thorn, Silverthorn whiskey, Maryland whiskey, Sagamore Spirit, non-distiller producer, NDP whiskey, bourbon blend, high malt bourbon, Georgia whiskey, Ivy Mountain, 13 year rye, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026, Best in Class, double gold bourbon, Seelbach's, whiskey podcast, Bourbon Lens, Bourbon Lens News #bourbon #whiskey #whiskeyaging #silverthornreserve #marylandwhiskey #bourbonlens

    408: Silverthorn Reserve with Founder and Master Blender Drew Thorn

  2. Nov 6

    Heaven Hill Phoenix Review: The 18-Year Bourbon That Rose From the 1996 Fire | Five Minute Fridays

    In November 1996, fire swept through Heaven Hill's original Bardstown distillery, sending a river of burning bourbon down the campus with smoke visible for miles. Not one life was lost, and Heaven Hill rebuilt. On the eve of that anniversary, Jake Lewellen reads Executive Chairman Max Shapiro's reflection on the fire and tastes the brand-new Heaven Hill Phoenix. Phoenix is 18-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon aged in heavy-char barrels, enriched with a rare touch of 30-year-old reserves distilled at the original Heaven Hill distillery. It's bottled at 107 proof with a suggested retail price of $325. In this Five Minute Fridays tasting, Jake covers: 🔥 The story of the 1996 Heaven Hill fire, in Max Shapiro's words 🥃 How Phoenix is built: 18-year bourbon plus 30-year reserves from the original distillery 👃 Nose: tobacco, leather, brown sugar, caramel, maple and baked apple pie 👅 Palate: rich baking spice, char, tobacco and crème brûlée with tannin on the finish 🏆 Why it shot to the top of Jake's favorite whiskeys of 2026 Timestamps 0:00 Welcome to Five Minute Fridays 0:28 Max Shapiro on the November 1996 fire 0:58 "Not one life was lost" 1:27 "What we chose to do next" 1:57 Introducing the Phoenix batch 2:33 The pour 2:51 Nose 4:10 Palate 4:52 "Bold, dark, rich, but sweet" 5:20 A top whiskey of 2026 5:50 Price and Heaven Hill's tasting notes 6:50 A toast to Heaven Hill and Bardstown Catch this week's full conversation with Adam Edwards of Heaven Hill on the channel. Have you tried Phoenix? Tell us in the comments 👇 Please drink responsibly. Must be 21+. SubscribeSubscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community.Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlensVisit: www.bourbonlens.comMerch: https://bourbon-lens-shop.printify.me/productsDiscord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU #HeavenHill #HeavenHillPhoenix #Bourbon #BourbonReview #KentuckyBourbon #Bardstown #FiveMinuteFridays #BourbonLens #WhiskeyPodcast Heaven Hill Phoenix, Heaven Hill Phoenix review, Heaven Hill fire 1996, Heaven Hill 18 year, 30 year bourbon, 18 year old bourbon, ultra-aged bourbon, Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown bourbon, Kentucky straight bourbon, Max Shapiro, Heaven Hill new release 2026, limited edition bourbon, best bourbon 2026, bourbon tasting, bourbon review, heavy char barrel, 107 proof bourbon, Five Minute Fridays, Jake Lewellen, bourbon podcast, whiskey podcast, Bourbon Lens, Bourbon Lens News

    Heaven Hill Phoenix Review: The 18-Year Bourbon That Rose From the 1996 Fire | Five Minute Fridays

  3. Nov 1

    407: Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash with Adam Edwards

    Adam Edwards of Heaven Hill is the first five-time guest on the Bourbon Lens. He joins Jake and Scott at Kentucky Bourbon Festival to break down Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash. It's a 9-year-old, $49.99 blend of Heaven Hill's traditional and wheated bourbon mash bills, and Adam calls it "one of one" on the market. Adam explains why rye overpowers wheat in four-grain bourbons and why the blend needed nine years instead of seven. He also does the math on just how rare an age-stated bottled-in-bond blend is. Then the conversation widens to cover following in Bernie Lubbers' footsteps, the Old Fitz and Larceny flavor spectrum, why barrels older than eight years start to "fail," and why Heaven Hill is building more capacity during a bourbon slowdown. Chapters 0:00: Live from Kentucky Bourbon Festival with five-time guest Adam Edwards0:58: Following in Bernie's footsteps2:19: A deep portfolio, a 40-second brand training and Christian Brothers3:37: Two iconic mash bills in one bottle6:21: Why rye dominates four-grain bourbon8:09: Inside the blend, and why it's nine years old instead of seven9:29: Tasting notes with Scott11:13: $49.99 and "one of one": the bottled-in-bond rarity math13:33: How the Heaven Hill name went premium15:09: "Bourbon is dead?" Max Shapira's long view17:49: Will Double Mash stay consistent?18:45: The Heaven Hill bottled-in-bond portfolio20:13: Old Fitz, Larceny and the Decanter Series flavor spectrum22:13: Why barrels older than eight years start to "fail"24:47 ;Bernheim, Old Springs and 3,000 barrels a day25:44: Why big companies are betting on bourbon27:21:Wrap-up and cheersDouble Mash at a glance Detail: Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double MashBlend: About 2/3 traditional bourbon (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley) and 1/3 wheated bourbon (68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley)Age: 9 yearsProof: 100, Bottled-in-BondOfficial tasting notes:Toasted oak, honey and white pepper on the nose; honey and citrus oil on the palate; caramel and baking spice finishPrice: $49.99 SRPAvailability: Limited quantities nationwide since August 2026In this episode Guest: Adam Edwards, Heaven HillHosts: Jake Lewellen and ScottRecorded at Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown, Ky.Links Learn more: heavenhilldistillery.comSupport the show: Patreon · The Weekly Pour newsletter · YouTube · Instagram

    407: Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash with Adam Edwards

  4. Oct 30

    High West's A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 14 with Tara Lindley | Five Minute Fridays

    High West turns 20 this year, and it's marking the occasion with the boldest version of its most famous release. Jake sits down with Tara Lindley, Director of Sensory & New Product Development at High West, to talk about A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 14. For the first time, the Rendezvous Rye blend includes whiskey finished in Amontillado, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, alongside the usual Ruby and Tawny port barrels. It also includes High West rye that sat in port barrels for six years. Tara explains how she builds the blend, why Act 11 is her personal favorite, and why you should let this one rest in the glass for 30 minutes before you drink it. Chapters Time Chapter 0:00 Welcome to the Bourbon Lens 0:37 Celebrating High West's 20th anniversary 2:03 From 14-component Rendezvous to a deep whiskey library 2:58 A decade of Midwinter Night's Dram, from Ruby port to Tawny 4:26 What's new in Act 14: sherry casks and six-year port barrels 5:53 Acts vs. scenes, explained 6:56 How Tara builds the blend 9:41 The sensory panel, and why Act 11 is Tara's favorite 11:13 How to drink it: let it rest for 30 minutes 12:16 The rye "bell curve" on the palate 12:59 Older stock or barrel influence? 14:32 Dark fruit, sweetness and balance 17:10 Wrap-up and cheers Act 14 at a glance Detail Act 14 Base whiskey: High West Rendezvous Rye, straight rye whiskeys aged 4–10 years Finish:Ruby and Tawny port barrels, plus Amontillado, Oloroso and PX sherry barrels Proof: 98.6 (49.3% ABV) Filtration: Non-chill filtered, no flavor added Price: $124.99 SRP Availability National limited release, High West General Stores and highwest.com In this episode Guest: Tara Lindley, Director of Sensory & New Product Development, High West DistilleryHost: Jake LewellenLinks Buy or learn more: highwest.comSupport the show: Patreon · The Weekly Pour newsletter · YouTube · Instagram

    High West's A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 14 with Tara Lindley | Five Minute Fridays

  5. Oct 29

    Thursday Thoughts: Still Austin Part 2 — Inside The Still Austin Quarter

    People are drinking Still Austin so fast the distillery had to grow. In Part 2 of our conversation, co-founder and CEO Chris Seals walks Jake and Scott through The Still Austin Quarter: a move from one and a half buildings to ten buildings on six and a half acres, with a live music venue built as the home of "The Musician" from their label. Chris takes us room by room. The Atrium honors Austin musicians before they were famous, with portraits of artists at age 17. The Vinyl Lounge holds 5,000+ records and a bar shaped like a Stratocaster. And thanks to concert posters donated by the Steamboat's owners, the Music Room recreates the legendary 1977 Austin venue — "a room where literally anything can happen." The Quarter's public grand opening is Thursday, Nov. 5, with Shakey Graves in the Music Room at 7:30 p.m. and Adrian Quesada DJing the Vinyl Lounge from 7 p.m. Chapters Time Chapter 0:00 Welcome back to Thursday Thoughts 0:28 "We're gonna run out": why Still Austin is expanding 1:27 The back fence becomes the front door: The Still Austin Quarter 2:24 Telling Austin's story without a marketing experience 3:05 Building the musician's home 4:22 The Atrium: before they were famous 5:26 The Vinyl Lounge: 5,000 records and a Stratocaster bar 6:58 A Stevie Ray Vaughan mixtape and the Steamboat 8:38 "We recreated the Steamboat" 9:12 Liquid courage and the life of an Austin musician 10:07 Wrap-up and thanks Chapter times come from the Riverside edit; confirm against the final published file. In this episode Guest: Chris Seals, co-founder and CEO, Still Austin Whiskey Co.Hosts: Jake Lewellen and ScottVenue: The Still Austin Quarter, 4211 Willow Springs Road, Austin, TXLinks Catch Part 1 from earlier this week: 406: Still Austin Brings Kentucky-Style Bourbon to TexasRead more: The Still Austin Quarter Opens in South Austin, With Shakey Graves Headlining the Nov. 5 Grand OpeningVisit: stillaustin.com/still-austin-quarter · Instagram @stillatxquarterSupport the show: Patreon · The Weekly Pour newsletter · YouTube · Instagram

    Thursday Thoughts: Still Austin Part 2 — Inside The Still Austin Quarter

  6. Oct 25

    406: Still Austin: Texas Bourbon, 100% Rye & the Élevage Method with Chris Seals

    Is Texas bourbon really bigger? Jake and Scott head south to find out with Chris Seals of Still Austin, one of the most unique craft distilleries in America. Still Austin makes traditional Kentucky-style bourbon and rye in the Texas heat, and the whiskey doesn't taste like it. Chris shares the story behind the distillery. It started as a "feasibility study" meant to bond with his retired dad and turned into a grain-to-glass operation now raising about 23,000 barrels. In this episode: How a father-son bonding project became Still AustinWhy Texas grain is different: white corn, Brassetto rye, and the highest starch content in the U.S.The élevage maturation philosophy, borrowed from Cognac and Armagnac, and what makes Still Austin the largest whiskey producer using itSlow water reduction, aged water, and how they tame tannins in a hot climateTasting The Artist (100% rye) vs. the Cask Strength Rye, a "watercolor vs. technicolor" comparisonThe Musician bourbon mash bill (70% white corn, 25% Brassetto rye, 5% malted barley), plus the Musician Cask StrengthBarrel entry proof, age statements, and what "aged at least two years" really meansInside the new Still Austin Quarter in Austin's Saint Elmo Arts District: 10 buildings on 6.5 acres, a recreated Steamboat music venue, and a musician's home built around 5,000 vinyl albumsWhether you're a bourbon fan, a rye lover, or curious about Texas whiskey, this one will change how you think about whiskey made outside Kentucky. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode on YouTube. 🔔 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 #StillAustin #TexasWhiskey #TexasBourbon #BourbonLens #BourbonPodcast #WhiskeyPodcast #RyeWhiskey #CaskStrength #CraftDistillery #AustinTexas KEYWORDS Still Austin, Still Austin Whiskey, Chris Seals, Texas bourbon, Texas whiskey, Texas rye whiskey, Still Austin Musician, Still Austin Artist rye, Still Austin cask strength, 100% rye whiskey, Brassetto rye, white corn bourbon, élevage whiskey, Nancy Fraley, slow reduction whiskey, craft distillery Texas, Austin distillery, Saint Elmo Arts District, Still Austin Quarter, grain to glass, bourbon podcast, whiskey podcast, Bourbon Lens, Jake Lewellen, Scott Bourbon Lens, cask strength bourbon, Texas distillery tour

    406: Still Austin: Texas Bourbon, 100% Rye & the Élevage Method with Chris Seals

  7. Oct 22

    Whiskey Lens 4| Aberfeldy Scotch Tasting: 12, 16 & New 18 Sangiovese Finish

    Can a bourbon drinker fall for Highland single malt? Jake Lewellen tastes Aberfeldy for the first time with Gareth Howells, North American brand ambassador, including the brand-new Aberfeldy 18 Year Old finished in Sangiovese casks. In this episode of Whiskey Lens, you'll learn: ✅ Aberfeldy's 127-year story in the heart of Scotland ✅ Why a 70+ hour fermentation creates that honeyed profile ✅ How ex-bourbon, sherry and wine casks shape each bottle ✅ Why the 18's nose reminds Jake of bourbon ✅ Why Aberfeldy is unpeated and not all Scotch is smoky 🥃 Tasted in this episode Aberfeldy 12 (40% ABV): honey, vanilla, citrus, baking spice Aberfeldy 16 (40% ABV): first-fill Oloroso sherry finish, dark chocolate, dried fruit Aberfeldy 18 Sangiovese Cask Finish (46% ABV): limited release, candied citrus ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Welcome 0:48 Gareth's favorite American whiskeys 2:44 The Bacardi whisky portfolio 5:43 Aberfeldy's history, 1898 to today 11:34 Long fermentation and the honeyed house style 12:55 Cask makeup explained 14:52 Tasting: Aberfeldy 12 23:17 The US lineup and wine cask series 26:02 Pricing and value 30:05 Tasting: Aberfeldy 16 36:32 The blending question 39:24 Tasting: Aberfeldy 18 Sangiovese 44:27 Was it French oak? 50:16 Scotch isn't all peat 51:04 Wrap-up Listen on your favorite podcast platform and tell us in the comments: what's your gateway Scotch for bourbon drinkers? Please drink responsibly. Must be 21+. 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 #WhiskeyLens #Aberfeldy #ScotchWhisky #HighlandSingleMalt #WhiskyTasting #BourbonLens #WhiskeyPodcast Keywords Aberfeldy, Aberfeldy 18 Sangiovese, Aberfeldy 12, Aberfeldy 16, Aberfeldy review, Highland single malt, Scotch tasting, Scotch for bourbon drinkers, Sangiovese cask finish, wine cask whisky, Gareth Howells, Jake Lewellen, Dewar's, whisky podcast, whiskey tasting, new Scotch release 2026, Whiskey Lens, Bourbon Lens, Bourbon Lens News

    Whiskey Lens 4| Aberfeldy Scotch Tasting: 12, 16 & New 18 Sangiovese Finish

  8. Oct 19

    405: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Tasting: Jura, Garryana Oak & Pineapple Whiskey

    Bardstown Bourbon Company Master Blender Dan Callaway joins Jake and Scott of Bourbon Lens to taste and break down three of the year's most talked-about American whiskeys: the 99-point Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish, the Garryana Oak 2026 Discovery, and the polarizing Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish. Dan explains how Bardstown Bourbon Company blends Indiana and Kentucky bourbon and rye with single malt barrels, Barbados pineapple rum casks, and rare Pacific Northwest Garryana oak. He also covers the 2026 label redesign, the growth of Green River Whiskey in Owensboro, the first-of-its-kind honey bourbon, and what it was like to appear on 60 Minutes. If you love bourbon reviews, whiskey blending, finished bourbon, and Kentucky distillery stories, this episode is for you. In this episode: Why Bardstown redesigned its core bottle and how it makes ordering at the bar easierLochs of Jura: a 32-month finish in ex-Jura single malt barrels (ex-bourbon and ex-sherry), 104 proofGarryana Oak Discovery: campfire, s'mores, and wood sugar from handmade barrelsVictoria Pineapple Barrel Finish: 27 months in rum casks, then fresh pineapple and stavesHow rickhouse floor placement changes a whiskeyCocktail ideas: highballs, tiki drinks, and a PainkillerChapters: 0:00 Welcome and meet Dan Callaway 1:04 Bardstown Bourbon's 2026 package redesign 4:09 Green River Whiskey, Distillery Select, and Owensboro 5:35 The honey bourbon and the barrel-leak lessons 8:03 Dan on 60 Minutes 9:30 From Distillery Reserve experiments to national releases 10:49 Tasting #1: Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish 21:41 The 99-point IWSC score 23:13 Tasting #2: Garryana Oak Discovery 27:35 Barrels, rickhouse floors, and the art of blending 31:11 Tasting #3: Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish 38:34 How to drink it: highballs and tiki 38:55 Where to find it: Kentucky Bourbon Festival 39:08 Final thoughts Chapter times come from the raw recording. Please check them against your final edit before posting. 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 #BourbonLens #BardstownBourbon #BardstownBourbonCompany #LoftedSpirits #LochsOfJura #Garryana #PineappleWhiskey #BourbonReview #BourbonTasting #WhiskeyPodcast #BourbonPodcast #KentuckyBourbon #FinishedBourbon #DanCallaway #GreenRiverWhiskey Keywords Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown Bourbon review, Dan Callaway, Lofted Spirits, master blender interview, Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish, Jura single malt barrels, Bardstown Bourbon Discovery 2026, Garryana oak whiskey, Garryana oak bourbon, Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish, pineapple rum cask whiskey, finished bourbon, split base whiskey, 95/5 rye bourbon, Green River Whiskey, Distillery Select, honey bourbon, IWSC 99 points, Kentucky Bourbon Festival, bourbon podcast, bourbon tasting, whiskey review, bourbon cocktails, Bourbon Lens

    405: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Tasting: Jura, Garryana Oak & Pineapple Whiskey
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4.7
out of 5
111 Ratings

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
    467
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bourbon Lens
  • Show Website
    Bourbon Lens

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