Bourbon Lens

The Bourbon Lens
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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. 306: Kaveh Zamanian of Rabbit Hole Distillery Talks Innovation and New Role at Pernod Ricard

    2 DAYS AGO

    306: Kaveh Zamanian of Rabbit Hole Distillery Talks Innovation and New Role at Pernod Ricard

    In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake sits down with Kaveh Zamanian, the founder and former CEO of Rabbit Hole Distillery, to discuss his journey in the whiskey world, the evolution of Rabbit Hole, and his new role within the spirits industry. Kaveh and Jake also talk about the new Founder’s Collection – 8-Year-Old Boxergrail Rye Whiskey from Rabbit Hole. We also dive deep into Kaveh’s exciting new chapter at Pernod Ricard as he transitions into his role as Chief Operating Officer and Head of North American Distillers. This role brings a significant opportunity to impact the direction of several iconic whiskey brands across the U.S., and Kaveh reveals how his experience in both entrepreneurship and leadership will shape the future of the company’s strategy. Throughout the conversation, Kaveh reflects on the ever-changing whiskey landscape, the importance of sustainability, and the role of craftsmanship in modern distilling. 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 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon 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 find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers, Scott and Jake Bourbon Lens   Kaveh Zamanian Bio: Kaveh Zamanian is a pioneer in the modern American whiskey scene, best known for founding Rabbit Hole Distillery in 2012. With a background in neuroscience and an innate passion for craft spirits, Kaveh set out to revolutionize Kentucky bourbon with a focus on innovation and premium craftsmanship. Under his leadership, Rabbit Hole became a renowned name in the industry, creating high-quality, unique expressions that pushed the boundaries of what bourbon and whiskey could be. Before founding Rabbit Hole, Kaveh’s career took him through diverse fields, including working as a clinical psychologist and as an executive in the tech industry. His eclectic background played a significant role in shaping his approach to both business and whiskey-making. In late 2023, Kaveh took on a new challenge, transitioning to Pernod Ricard as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of North American Distillers. This new role sees Kaveh leading the operations and strategic direction for a portfolio of renowned distilleries and brands across North America, including some of the most iconic names in whiskey. His extensive experience in both entrepreneurship and executive leadership in the spirits industry makes him well-positioned to further elevate the business.  About Rabbit Hole Distillery:  Rabbit Hole was born to blow the cobwebs off the American whiskey category and pierce through the conformity that had kept it stuck in the 19th century. Rabbit Hole’s Founder and Whiskey Maker, Kaveh Zamanian, left a 20+ year career as a clinical psychologist to pursue his long-standing passion for fine spirits. With a mission to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, he set course to develop one-of-a-kind expressions of American whiskey. Through its signature core offerings – Cavehill Four Grain Triple Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Dareringer Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in PX Sherry Casks, and Heigold High Rye Double Malt Kentucky Straig

    39 min

  2. 18 NOV

    305: Benromach's Unique Speyside Scotch Whisky with Keith Cruickshank

    In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, we dive deep into the world of Benromach, one of Scotland's most celebrated distilleries. We’re joined by Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, who walks us through the rich history and what make their subtly smoky Speyside whiskies stand out. We’re honored to taste through their impressive portfolio, including their rare and limited-release 50-Year-Old Scotch, a truly exceptional and costly expression that showcases the artistry and dedication behind Benromach’s craft. Keith shares insights into the distillery’s commitment to traditional production methods, the importance of maturation, and how Benromach balances innovation with heritage. This episode offers a rare opportunity to experience and learn about one of the most exclusive whiskies available today. Whisky Tasting Notes: We taste through Benromach’s range, exploring expressions like the 10-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old, and the highly sought-after 50-Year-Old. Keith offers expert commentary on each, highlighting the unique characteristics of their single malts and the stories behind their creation. In this episode, we discuss: - The history and philosophy of Benromach Distillery   - The making of Benromach’s unique, slightly peated whiskies   - What makes their 50-Year-Old Scotch such a rare and expensive release   - The significance of traditional methods in crafting exceptional Scotch   - Insights into future releases and the distillery’s plans This conversation is a must-listen for whisky enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone curious about what goes into making some of the world’s finest Scotch whiskies. 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 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon 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 find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers, Scott and Jake Bourbon Lens

    41 min

  3. 11 NOV

    304: Fawn Weaver on Her New Book, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, and Honoring Nathan Green

    In this episode of Bourbon Lens, hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Fawn Weaver, the trailblazing founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Fawn takes us on a journey through her remarkable story—how she discovered the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first African-American master distiller, and how she turned that discovery into the globally recognized whiskey brand, Uncle Nearest. Fawn also shares insights into her newly released book, Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest, which honors Nathan Green’s contributions to the craft and spirit of whiskey. We dive deep into how the book came to be, the challenges of uncovering hidden history, and the importance of celebrating the unsung heroes of the bourbon industry. On top of the conversation, we’re excited to announce a special giveaway of one copy of Fawn’s book, Love & Whiskey! Head over to our Instagram page for a chance to win a copy of Fawn’s new book and dive deeper into the story of Nearest Green. Tune in for an inspiring, insightful, and thought-provoking episode as we celebrate history, bourbon, and the power of storytelling with Fawn Weaver. Episode Highlights: - The journey that led Fawn to create Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey   - The story behind discovering Nathan Green's legacy and his impact on the American Whiskey industry   - The inspiration and process behind Fawn’s new book, Love & Whiskey.  - The significance of honoring Nearest Green and his role in shaping whiskey   - Don’t forget to head to Instagram to enter our giveaway for a copy of Fawn’s new book.    Follow Us: - Instagram: @BourbonLens   - Twitter: @BourbonLens   - Website: http://www.bourbonlens.com   Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

    50 min
  4. 303: A Deep Dive with Ross Cornelissen, Master Distiller of 1792 Bourbon

    4 NOV

    303: A Deep Dive with Ross Cornelissen, Master Distiller of 1792 Bourbon

    This week, we’re talking about Barton 1792 Distillery and 1792 Bourbon. Master Distiller Ross Cornelissen joins Bourbon Lens to talk about the workhouse bourbon distillery. Barton 1792 is a historic distillery in the Bourbon Capital of the World and owned by Sazerac Company. We discuss three limited releases from Barton 1792, including Sweet Wheat, Aged Twelve Years, and Thomas S. Moore Port Cask Finished Bourbon. 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 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon 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 find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers, Scott and Jake Bourbon Lens About Barton 1792 Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fullyoperating distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Situated in heart of bourbon country on 196 acres, Barton 1792 Distillery boasts 29 barrelaging warehouses, 22 other buildings including an impressive still house, and the legendary Tom Moore Spring. About Sazerac: With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers and communities around the world. Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including 1792 Bourbon, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more. Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Barton 1792 and Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Lough Gill Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.    To learn more visit 1792bourbon.com or sazerac.com.

    1h 1m

  5. 28 OCT

    302: Sitting Down with Dierks Bentley and His New ROW 94 Whiskey

    We’re joined by multi-Platinum country music artist, Dierks Bentley, in this special episode of Bourbon Lens.  Dierks recently wrapped up his Gravel & Gold Tour and is firmly planted back in Nashville preparing for his next album. We had the privilege to sit down with Dierks to talk about his newest project, Row 94 Whiskey.  Row 94 is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey distilled at the historic Green River Distilling Company.  Dierks aims for Row 94 to be the bourbon you reach for when you’re enjoying a night with friends, listening to live music, or pouring a whiskey neat to celebrate.  Flexible enough for a red solo cup or your nicest whiskey glassware, Row 94 isn’t going to break the bank at its $40 price point either. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of Bourbon Lens featuring Dierks Bentley.  And don't miss our GIVEAWAY in partnership with ROW 94 and Dierks Bentley!!!   GIVEAWAY DETAILS: We are excited to be giving away an autographed Dierks Bentley acoustic guitar with launch of our podcast featuring ROW 94 Whiskey.  If you are interested in winning this authentic guitar, you must: Follow both @BourbonLens and @Row94Whiskey on Instagram. Comment on the Instagram post announcing the podcast launch for 1 entry. Share to your stories for 1 entry. Follow Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast platform and send a screen shot for 1 entry Subscribe to the Bourbon Lens YouTube Channel for 1 entry  Winner will be selected on Instagram live at 9pm ET Sunday November 3rd! Best of luck! 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 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon 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 find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers, Scott and Jake Bourbon Lens   About ROW 94 Whiskey Named after the year Bentley moved to Nashville and Music Row, ROW 94 celebrates his personal journey. The whiskey’s logo features a thunderbird, symbolizing strength, freedom, and Bentley’s dedication to hard work and authenticity—values reflected in every bottle. About Dierks Bentley Dierks Bentley has been a staple of country music for over 20 years, known for blending country with bluegrass. Beginning with his debut single and instant-classic hit “What Was I Thinkin’” in 2003, Bentley’s unique sonic influence and warm vocal rasp have paved the way for the perennial hitmaker, known first and foremost for creative integrity. His career has produced eight Number One albums, 22 No. One songs, eight billion global streams and three CMA Awards – plus 15 GRAMMY® nominations and membership in the historic Grand Ole Opry. In addition to music, Bentley is an entrepreneur, with ventures like the Desert Sun Apparel collection. For more information on Dierks Bentley and ROW 94, visit dierks.com.

    28 min
  6. 301: Restoration and History with Cook’s Mill Whiskey Founder Jason Queen

    20 OCT

    301: Restoration and History with Cook’s Mill Whiskey Founder Jason Queen

    On a recent trip to Myrtle Beach we crossed paths with Jason Queen as he was working to promote his bourbon in South Carolina.  Jason shared a bit of history with us and a whiskey too.  That chance meeting and conversation inspired this latest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast.  Jason, a serial entrepreneur and conservationist purchased Cook’s Mill, an old grist mill in order to restore this once thriving mill. That goal set him on a path to creating a whiskey that is focused paying homage to North Carolina’s past.  Sit back and buckle in for the latest episode of the Bourbon Lens.  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 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon 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 find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers, Scott and Jake Bourbon Lens   About Jason Queen & The Brand Cook's Mill Whiskey owner and founder Jason Queen is also the owner and broker at Monarch Realty in Raleigh, NC. Given his profession, Jason has an inherent interest in historic preservation, which he shares with his wife, Jeanne. For their 10th anniversary, Jason purchased Cook's Mill, an abandoned grist mill that acted as a community gathering place particularly during the Regulator Movement in the 1770s, from Preservation North Carolina so they could restore and preserve it together. While assessing the disrepair and the efforts needed to salvage and revitalize the mill, sacks of heirloom grain were discovered in the mill and inspected by the Agriculture Department of NC State. From there, the idea to reintroduce these heirloom grains to farmlands through whiskey production was born to celebrate the rural heritage of the mill and North Carolina. The Story Behind Cook’s Mill Whiskey Cook’s Mill Whiskey originated after founder Jason Queen, who is also the owner and broker at Monarch Realty in Raleigh, NC, purchased an abandoned 1700s grist mill from Preservation North Carolina, which is located halfway between where he and his wife grew up, as a 10-year anniversary gift for his wife. Both having an inherent interest in historic preservation, the idea was to restore and preserve the piece of history together. Inspired by other craft brands and his background in restaurants and hospitality, Queen decided to create a bourbon whiskey made from corn grown, harvested, distilled and bottled in the state - with a portion of the proceeds going back to the cost of restoring the mill. The brand is named for that pre-Revolutionary Alamance County grist mill, which is one of only two remaining grist mills of the original 41 in Mebane County. Inspired by the proud tradition of farming and distillation in North Carolina, Cook’s Mill officially released in October 20202 after years of being kept a secret. A straight bourbon whiskey aged in new white-oak charred barrels, Cook’s Mill’s first iteration blends supreme flavor as a 3-year-old bourbon made with NC native corn and a dose of history. Across the state, the team worked on farming myriad non-GMO heirloom corns native to NC to yield ideal bourbon whiskey flavor profiles. To do so, Queen and his team partnered with experts at NC State who have dedicated their car

    43 min

  7. 13 OCT

    300: Celebrating a New Milestone with Birthday Bourbon at Old Forester

    We are celebrating a BIG milestone this week as we release the 300th Episode of Bourbon Lens.  Old Forester and Brown-Forman were gracious enough to invite Jake and Scott to Whiskey Row to celebrate.  Bourbon Lens is joined by Melissa Rift and Caleb Trigo from Old Forester to discuss the historic brand, its legacy and future, and to toast our milestone with the 2024 Edition of Birthday Bourbon.  We couldn’t think of a better choice for celebrating this milestone episode and thank the team at Brown-Forman and Old Forester for their support all these years. As we celebrate this milestone, we also want to thank all of our listeners over the past 6 years, our Patreon supporters, and each of the brands that have helped make Bourbon Lens a success.  Cheers to you and the next 300 Episodes! 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 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon 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 find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers, Scott and Jake Bourbon Lens   For more details on Melissa Rift and Caleb Trigo and the critical roles they play at Old Forester, check out these posts at BourbonLens.com: Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift Caleb Trigo Named Assistant Master Distiller Old Forester 2024 Birthday Bourbon

    48 min
  8. 299: Building the Best 5 Bottle American Whiskey Bar

    6 OCT

    299: Building the Best 5 Bottle American Whiskey Bar

    It’s the question that every whiskey enthusiast has been asked: What’s the one bottle of whiskey you keep on your bar?  Since one bottle clearly wouldn’t make a great podcast, we decided to up the ante a bit and decided to build the Ultimate 5 Bottle American Whiskey Bar.  Jake and Scott run through how they would build their whiskey bar if only afforded 5 slots. We’ve given ourselves criteria in hopes of finding a bottle for every niche and occasion.   We run through our choices for 1) best everyday whiskey, 2) best cocktail whiskey, 3) high proof whiskey, 4) Top Shelf whiskey, and 5) a “wild card” whiskey of our choice to round out the bar.  What do we pick?  Tune in to find out.  And be sure to reach out to us on social media and share your #5BottleWhiskeyBar. 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

    35 min
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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
    The Bourbon Lens
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    330
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bourbon Lens LLC 2024
  • Show Website
    Bourbon Lens

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