Bourbon Podcast

Uncut, unfiltered Kentucky straight bourbon produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Released as an early-season batch, this highly allocated whiskey is bottled at a bold 129.3 proof (64.65% ABV) and is prized for its signature rich, cask-strength profile. Listen to what the guys think of this coveted bottle. Cheers!

In the fall of 2022, Owen Martin was appointed the Angel’s Envy Master Distiller. A Kansas City native, Owen now proudly calls Louisville home where he redefines and crafts the future of bourbon at the Angel’s Envy distillery. With a history and passion for maturing, blending, and the art of secondary finishing, he is always searching for new ways to offer an unparalleled bourbon and rye experience by continually pushing distillation boundaries.With Owen’s extensive knowledge of secondary casks, he will ensure the exceptional quality standard across all expressions, core offerings and limited-edition collections. Today, he takes pride in his role at a leading distillery on Louisville’s Whiskey Row. Owen’s demonstrated experience in product development and experimentation regarding what’s next for the industry make him the perfect fit to lead Angel’s Envy into its exciting future. Cheers!

An inaugural limited-release bourbon from Jim Beam that highlights a sweeter, confectionary profile compared to traditional Knob Creek offerings. It features a 10-year age statement, is bottled at 106 proof (53% ABV).Developed by eighth-generation master distiller Freddie Noe and team, this limited release dials back the traditional dry, nutty, and heavily charred notes of standard Knob Creek in favor of a sweeter, richer drinking experience.Knob Creek Blender's Edition No. 1 is widely considered one of the best value-driven bourbons on the market. Compared to other Knob Creek expressions, it hits a very competitive sweet spot. Cheers!

A cask-strength (uncut and unfiltered) rye whiskey produced by Frey Ranch Distillery, a "farm-to-glass" estate operation in Fallon, Nevada.Mash Bill: 100% Cereal Winter Rye grown and harvested on-site at the 2,500-acre Frey Ranch.Proof & Age: Aged for a minimum of six years and typically bottled at around 124.52 proof (batch dependent).Tasting Notes: Known for its bold and viscous profile, it features layered notes of candy cinnamon, cream soda, coffee beans, and a herbaceous, spicy finish.

Prav Saraff is a widely renowned whiskey expert, retailer, and producer, best known as the Director of Operations at 1 West Dupont Circle Wines & Liquors in Washington, D.C. He is highly regarded in the bourbon community for his expertise, his private barrel picks, and his brand, Dream Spirits. Cheers!

Gil Schwarz is a well-known wine and whisky broker, collector, and consultant with over three decades of experience in the global beverage industry. Founder of The Wine Institute of Las Vegas, Gil has built an international career advising retailers, importers, auction houses, and producers—particularly in the fine and rare segment.A frequent judge at international competitions and a seasoned journalist, Gil has contributed to leading publications including World of Fine Wine and FINE Wine Magazine. He is also the author of a newly released book on Pappy Van Winkle, exploring the legacy of one of America’s most storied bourbon families.Through his ventures Enotechnica and The Distinctive Spirits Company, Gil continues to serve high-net-worth clients worldwide with rare cask releases and premium spirits trading. Originally from Denmark and fluent in multiple languages, he now resides in Las Vegas, where he remains deeply involved in the global whisky market.

As of April 2026, Jack Daniel's has released highly sought-after "hazmat" (over 140 proof) single-barrel rye whiskeys, with special releases like the Tanyard Hill or Small Batch variants often ranging between 142.7 and 146.1 proof. These limited, uncut, and unfiltered, Tennessee straight rye whiskeys feature a 70% rye mash bill and are known for intense heat and complex, dark fruit flavorsPrav Saraff is a prominent Washington, D.C.-based bourbon connoisseur, owner of 1 West Dupont Circle Wines & Liquors, and creator of the independent bottling label "Dream Spirits". Known as a major figure in the whiskey industry for sourcing rare bottles and exclusive single-barrel picks, he is highly regarded for his expertise and customer-focused approach.

With over two decades of experience in the spirits industry, Edwards brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise in whiskeys. As the East Coast Ambassador, he represents the brand by educating consumers, trade professionals, and media on the rich history and craftsmanship behind Heaven Hill’s renowned portfolio.Edwards, a Louisville native, has deep roots in Bourbon country, which fuels his commitment to sharing the heritage of Bourbon Whiskey with enthusiasts nationwide. In his previous roles, Edwards gained extensive experience in brand advocacy, trade marketing, and education with many respected names in the industry. Most recently, he served as a National Brand Ambassador for Heaven’s Door, where he was responsible for developing trade relationships, executing events, and educating consumers about the brand’s portfolio. Additionally, he spent time as a Field Marketing Manager for Heaven’s Door Whiskey, focusing on trade advocacy and development for the rapidly growing whiskey brand. Prior to these roles, Edwards worked as a Digital Brand Ambassador and was later promoted to Whiskey Specialist and Single Barrel Experience Manager at Rabbit Hole Distillery, contributing his expertise for nearly four years.Edwards holds several notable certifications, further emphasizing his qualifications in the spirits industry. He is a Certified Executive Bourbon Steward and holds the Spirits WSET II with Distinction Certificate. Edwards also holds a Degree in Music Performance from the University of Louisville, highlighting his diverse background and passion for arts and culture.

Released in February 2026, the King of Kentucky Small Batch is a premium, limited-release bourbon from Brown-Forman, featuring a blend of 12-to-18-year-old barrels. The 2026 series introduced three distinct batches (105, 107.5, and 110 proof) with a $299 SRP. It offers12-year aged, high-proof, complex flavors with a 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley mash bill. Cheers!

The 2026 Elijah Craig Small Batch PGA Championship Commemorative Edition is a limited-release bourbon bottled at -proof ( ABV) to honor the 108th PGA Championship, launching nationally in April 2026 for a suggested retail price of . The release features special packaging with a gold coin cork and is sourced from select barrels in rickhouses N and S. Cheers!

Brad Boswell is the Chief Executive Officer of Independent Stave Company, a leading manufacturer of oak barrels and staves for the beverage industry.As CEO, Brad oversees the strategic direction and overall operations of the company, driving innovation and growth within the plastic, packaging, and containers sector. With a proven track record of success, he previously served as the President of Independent Stave Company, where he was responsible for expanding the company's global footprint and diversifying its product portfolio.

(Episode originally released on 4/6/23)2XO is an award-winning Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey brand from renowned American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman. 2XO, meaning Two Times Oak, refers to the blending process Dixon pioneered where every 2XO expression has additional oak exposure. The additional oak interaction builds the sweetness to balance out the spice from the rye in the mash bills, creating a unique combination of intense flavors, character, and complexity with each expression.Dixon’s vision is to revolutionize the category, a shift away from the overplayed nostalgic American whiskey storyline, and create an innovative Brand backed by the incredible liquid in the bottle.The 2XO brand consists of an everyday blend offering (Oak Series), a series of limited-time, small batch blend offerings (Icon Series), and a series of single barrel releases (Gem of Kentucky).

(Per breakingbourbon.com)-Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey is named in honor of the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Bernheim Distillery was founded in 1992 by United Distillers (who became Diageo in 1997), and then sold to Heaven Hill and renamed Heaven Hill Bernheim Distillery in 1999. It would later become Heaven Hill’s primary distillery after the 1996 distillery fire destroyed Heaven Hill’s Bardstown Distillery along with 90,000 barrels of whiskey. Cheers!

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon is a highly sought-after, uncut and unfiltered Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Bottled at over 125 proof, it offers a robust, intense flavor profile featuring rich caramel, toasted oak, and dried fruit, designed to replicate pre-Prohibition whiskey. Cheers!

(Per BreakingBourbon.com)-In the spring of 2018, Brown-Forman finally answered fans' calls to release a high proof  Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Bourbon. Now, more than 7 years later, the company has decided to release a high proof version of their standard Woodford rye. This release seems unexpected, as the standard Woodford Rye is often overshadowed by its more well-known bourbon counterparts and various limited edition bourbon offerings that the company delivers. This new limited-edition release is presumably intended to be an ongoing series and will most likely see future releases carrying various proof points, much like Batch Proof Bourbon does. Cheers!

To sip Barrel Proof Rye is to experience our Straight Rye Whiskey in its purest form: uncut, straight from the barrel, and without chill filtering. Each bottle is labeled with its unique proof, batch number, and age; but the nose, taste, and finish are pure Elijah Craig.'Each batch of Barrel Proof Rye is bottled with a unique age statement, including the monthand year of the youngest barrel from the batch. The proof also varies with each release.The batch number on the label provides specific information about each batch. The firstletter indicates the order of the release for that year, starting with "A.” The first numberrepresents the month of the release. The third and fourth digits indicate the year. Cheers!

Highly acclaimed, high-proof (often 125–135+ proof) bourbon noted for rich, intense flavors of caramel, brown sugar, oak, and baking spices. It is generally considered excellent, earning ratings around 8.5/10 to 87/100, offering a, complex, and sometimes hot, "Kentucky hug". Cheers!

The Heaven Hill 90th Anniversary 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a limited-edition, 107-proof (53.5% ABV) release honoring the distillery's 1935 founding. Released in late 2025 for $124.99 MSRP, it features a 9-year-old blend of 70% standard barrels and 30% heavy-char barrels filled in 2015. Cheers!

Pappy 12: Highly coveted 90.4-proof (45.2% ABV) Kentucky straight wheated bourbon, known for its balanced, smooth profile featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. While the MSRP is approximately $149.99, high demand drives secondary market prices often exceeding $1,000.Highly sought-after, wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace known for its 12-year aging process, 90 proof, and smooth profile with notes of lanolin, almond, vanilla, and oak. It is generally considered a premium yet accessible "allocated" bourbon, with a retail price around  but often selling for much more on the secondary market.Cheers!

Another great Proof Positive by the guys! Cheers!

The Willett Family Estate Small Batch Bourbon is a commingling of two classic Willett family mash bills. A new addition to the Willett family of brands with legendary roots and fresh elegance. Both mash bills enter the barrel at 125 proof with a final bottling proof to vary among batches based on the discretion of Master Distiller and fifth generation whiskey maker, Drew Kulsveen. Cheers!

Kentucky straight bourbon finished in a second, custom-toasted, lightly charred oak barrel. It features notes of toasted oak, caramel, spice, and milk chocolate. While the standard release is 94 proof, rare, high-proof (120+) single barrel, 8-9 year old is your barrel proof. Cheers!

Highly sought-after, limited-edition Kentucky bourbons and ryes, especially the "Christmas Dream" release, known for rich holiday spice, dark fruit notes (like eggnog, cinnamon, clove, cherry), and complex profiles, often from older, rare casks bottled by Preservation Distillery for Japanese export or select markets, making them prized collector's items. These unique bottlings offer intense, flavorful experiences, with aromas and tastes reminiscent of festive baking and classic Christmas candies. Cheers!

Blanton's Gold Edition is a higher-proof (103/51.5% ABV), limited-release Kentucky straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, known for its richer, spicier, and more complex flavor than the Original Single Barrel, featuring notes of honey, rye, fruit, oak, and vanilla, and is highly sought after by collectors for its intensity and smoothness, offering a bold experience for bourbon enthusiasts. Cheers!

Highly anticipated, limited-edition, cask-strength Texas bourbon, released in December 2025, notable for its extreme 146.4 proof (73.2% ABV) and aged at least 8 years, offering rich notes of burnt wood, spice, dried fruits, and toasted marshmallows from its unique Texas aging, with only 10,000 bottles available globally at an SRP of around $250. Cheers!

It is that time of the year again! The boys wrap up 2025 by picking their whiskey of the year for 2025. See which one the guys pick! Cheers!

Merry Christmas! Each limited edition of William Heavenhill is a unique expression of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. For William Heavenhill, distilling was a family tradition. By some accounts Heavenhill’s Corn Whiskey supplied Bardstown’s historic Talbott Tavern in the early 1800s. But our connection to his legacy runs even deeper. The limestone spring Heavenhill used to make his Bourbon was the same spring that inspired our original name—Old Heavenhill Springs Distillery.

King of Kentucky has cemented itself as one of the most consistent, great-tasting bourbons year after year ever since Brown-Forman began releasing it in 2018. The 2025 version marks the eighth edition for the brand, and like the 2024 release, it is seeing a $50 increase over the previous year. But if one brand has consistently proved its worth, it would be the rightfully named King of Kentucky.  Age statements for the brand tend to fluctuate by only a few years with each release. The 2025 edition features a 17 year age statement, and you’ll taste every bit of it. Released as a single barrel product, this year’s release consists of 63 barrels, which, according to Brown-Forman Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris, were “personally selected and tasted from the highest-quality warehouses, are a true masterpiece.” It's a big talk, but once again, the bourbon speaks for itself. The barrels for this year’s release were pulled from the fourth floor of Warehouse J and the first floor of Warehouse G, and ranged in proof from 124.5 to 135. The total yield for this year’s release was 5,000 bottles, which, while still small, is larger compared to some of the releases in years past.

Chris Fletcher is Vice President, Master Distiller and Director of Distillery Operations at the Jack Daniel Distillery. In this role, he uses an extensive knowledge of the whiskey-making process to supervise and ensure the world’s top-selling whiskey is both in constant supply and true to Jack’s guiding belief that “Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.” Chris is one of only a handful of individuals to have held the title of “Master Distiller” in the distillery’s history, which began production in 1866. A native of Lynchburg, Tennessee, he is proud to accept the enormous responsibility that comes with having one of the most envied jobs in the world. Chris joined the Jack Daniel Distillery first as a tour guide, coming home to work summers during his college years. After earning a degree in chemistry, he gained a complete knowledge of production at Jack Daniel’s including milling, mashing, fermenting, distillation, mellowing and maturation, all passed down first-hand by his grandfather, the late Master Distiller Frank “Frog” Bobo, and other Jack Daniel’s employees with decades of experience. After his stint in Lynchburg, Chris worked for Brown-Forman Corporation in Louisville, Kentucky on Jack Daniel’s quality control. Following two years of gaining valuable experience working for distilleries across North America, he returned to the Jack Daniel Distillery in 2014. This experience primed him to spearhead the quality operation at Jack Daniel’s. Chris plays a key role in any potential new offerings and considerations from the distillery.As the grandson of Bobo, making Jack Daniel’s TennesseeWhiskey comes naturally to Chris.  He recalls visiting his grandfather at the distillery, following closely at his heels and hearing stories about those who came before them. Chris’s first memory of the distillery is watching his grandfather make sour mash and operate the stills. Fletcher not only has a foothold into the heritage and authenticity of Jack, but he also brings a fresh approach to product innovation. As his grandfather often reminded him, the incredible growth Jack Daniel’s has experienced since his days at the distillery is a result of the process and quality controls established by its founder.  

Knob Creek 21 Year Old is a limited-edition, 100-proof straight bourbon whiskey that became the oldest expression in the brand's history upon its release in October 2025. It features complex notes of charred oak, caramel, and fruit from its long aging period, with a rich and robust profile designed to be bold yet balanced

The mighty Sam Bronfman, Seagram’s first master blender, revolutionized the art of blending as he built his Seagram Company into a massive spirits empire. Their Master Blender, Drew Mayville, comes from this Seagram master blender lineage. Before he came to Sazerac, Mayville was the last master blender at Seagram’s and his mentor was Seagram Master Blender Art Dawe, who worked directly with Sam Bronfman. Mayville created this perfect blend through experimentation and precision and it is fittingly bottled at their Old Montreal Distillery in Montreal, Quebec. Cheers!

Named in honor of the whiskey pioneer George T. Stagg, who acquired the historic O.F.C. Distillery from Colonel E.H. Taylor in 1878, this powerhouse bourbon embodies his legacy of boldness and vision. Before taking the helm of what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery, Stagg had built a reputation as a successful whiskey salesman, and today his name graces the boldest expression in the Antique Collection. First introduced in 2002 to meet growing demand for well-aged, barrel-strength bourbon, this year’s George T. Stagg Bourbon was drawn from barrels aged more than 15 years and 4 months. The 2025 release is one of the strongest ever, bottled at 142.8 proof to deliver uncut, unfiltered intensity. The 2023 George T. Stagg release earned top honors, including Best in Class and Double Gold medals at the 2024 Whiskies of the World Competition.

A limited-edition rye whiskey from High West Distillery that continues its annual winter release series, which is inspired by Shakespeare's play. The 2025 release was crafted from a blend of straight rye whiskeys and finished in ruby and tawny port barrels, resulting in a luxurious, fruit-forward whiskey with notes of spice, plum, and dried fruit.  Cheers!

As Eric Church and Raj Alva began the development of Whiskey JYPSI, they sought the help of experienced whiskey masters and blenders who could help them reimagine traditional whiskey industry conventions. After countless meetings with master distillers and blenders, they decided Ari Sussman was the first man for the job.After all, Ari had been the head of Spirits Development for Michigan State’s Artisan Distilling Program and an award-winning whiskey maker. But he also had a healthy dose of the JYPSI Spirit in him. Before entering the whiskey world full time, Ari’s career included winemaking in France, bartending on multiple continents, and working with seed banks to revive historic grain varietals for whiskey making. He also raised ostriches and almonds with Bedouin tribes in the Middle East. And when it comes to whiskey, it turns out he is a remarkable experimenter, tinkerer and innovator. “The mad scientist,” they call him. Which made Ari the perfect choice for creating something new. Called Whiskey JYPSI.

Bottled at barrel strength, the 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch is built around two standout 13-year-old V batches, delivering luscious notes of apricot, vanilla, and caramel. The addition of a bold 19-year-old OESV and OBSK brings layers of antique oak, rye, and depth for a truly balanced and complex profile. From the sweet, fruit-forward nose to the long, soft finish, every sip is a masterclass in craftsmanship - showcasing Four Roses’ signature mellow spice. This is more than a bourbon - it’s a celebration of age, character, and harmony in a bottle. Cheers!

The latest chapter in the legendary Stagg (Jr.) lineage is here, and it's another powerhouse straight from the heart of Buffalo Trace.For the uninitiated, Stagg is a uncut, unfiltered Kentucky straight bourbon that delivers a bold, complex experience every time. Batch 25A continues this tradition with authority. Cheers!

David Thomas Tao writer, reviewer, producer, and spirits expert based in New York City. A Kentucky native and Kentucky Colonel, David’s passion for drinks began in bourbon and has since expanded to all corners of the spirits world. He’s a member of The Barleycorn Society, one of the beverage world’s most prestigious tasting panels.David covers the world of spirits, cocktails, and hospitality, with a particular (but not singular) focus on whiskey.David’s writing has appeared in Fortune, Forbes, Slate, VinePair, Drinkhacker, and Malt Review. In 2016, he co-founded BarBend.com, which grew to become one of the world’s largest independent fitness publishers. David served as BarBend's CEO, leading growth to over 30 million annual readers before the company was acquired in 2023.David graduated from Harvard College and was a Forbes 30 Under 30 list maker for Media in 2019. He’s an active producer of movies, television, and Broadway stage productions. Recent credits include serving as an Executive Producer on “Ferrari” (2023), directed by Michael Mann, as well as “Illinoise” and “Oh, Mary!” on Broadway (both 2024).

The guys partnered with the WVU Hospital Foundation in a barrel pick for charity. Cheers!

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey is a permanent line extension that was announced in August 2025, first reaching United States markets and expanding into international markets thereafter. The release follows limited edition bottlings of the whiskey in 2018 and 2019. For the initial release, a total of 400 barrels were dumped. However, barrels will be dumped on an ongoing basis, with the intention of making the product readily available.

Buffalo Trace Distillery announced two super-premium wheat whiskey innovations from the Original Wheated Bourbon brand, including Weller 18 Year Old, the brand’s oldest age statement to date. Meticulously crafted to push the boundaries of maturation and blending, these releases boldly demonstrate the exceptional aging potential and versatility of wheat in American whiskey production. Cheers!

The guys get a chance to pick a barrel of Elijah Craig Toasted. Listen to what the guys like! Cheers! Made to honor the innovative spirit of Elijah Craig, this twice-barreled expression takes their award-winning Small Batch Bourbon to new heights. After it’s fully matured, they finish it in a second, custom toasted barrel, where it picks up an added layer of sweet oak complexity.

2025 Angel's Envy Cellar Collection Vol.5. Inspired by tequila’s distinct production process, their Master Distiller set out to innovate beyond fortified wine and explore barrels from a new continent and spirit category. What he discovered was an extraordinary find—Patrón French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila barrels that had held agave distillate for four years. Exceedingly rare for both their French Oak construction and extended aging, these barrels lend a rich, spiced finish to their Straight Rye Whiskey.

For someone who wants a more complex bourbon experience, Four Roses Single Barrel embodies the uniqueness of an individual barrel hand-selected by our Master Distiller. It achieves a pronounced yet elegant flavor that is worth savoring. This bottle is the inspiration behind the Single Barrel Collection. Cheers!

Rick and Ricky Johnson return to show to talk some bourborn with the guys! Cheers!There was a time when craft, courage, and character shaped the American frontier. First West is created in that same spirit. These bourbons are made for those who don’t follow the map, but chart their own course. Your journey begins with First West.

In 1753, Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk founded Shenk’s distillery, which was later renamed Bomberger’s Distillery in the 1800s before having its name changed once again to Michter’s Distillery in the mid-20th Century. It is this great heritage that we honor with the release of Bomberger’s Declaration and Shenk’s Homestead which comprise our Michter’s Legacy Series.

Eagle Rare 12-Year Bourbon Whiskey continues Eagle Rare's endeavor to offer enthusiasts innovative new expressions on its journey to make the world's best whiskey. This bourbon is aged for a minimum of 12 years in a meticulously-monitored warehouse and is hand-selected by the distillery's expert team. Eagle Rare is a bourbon that lives up to its name with its lofty, distinctive taste experience.Eagle Rare Bourbon Whiskey is masterfully crafted and carefully aged for no less than ten years. Every barrel is discriminately selected to offer consistent flavor but with a seemingly individual personality. Eagle Rare is a bourbon that lives up to its name with its lofty, distinctive taste experience.

The first release of their new Cigar Sessions series—crafted to elevate the cigar experience, one pour at a time. Chapter 1 is a masterful blend of Straight Bourbon, American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey, aged six years and bottled at 101 proof. Developed in collaboration with master cigar blenders, this rich and balanced expression was designed to complement medium-bodied cigars with depth, complexity, and harmony. Cheers!

Michter's US*1 Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey is made from a mash comprised primarily of fresh, plump rye grains. Once the grains are harvested, they are sheared so that during fermentation, the grains are saturated with more flavor. After the grains have been fermented, they are distilled through a copper-pot still before being matured in charred, American oak barrels. The barrels are allowed to rest in a heat-cycled warehouse, which forces the wood to expand and contract as the temperature rises and falls. This heat cycling causes the whiskey and wood to mingle with each other, and contributes notes of marmalade and light caramel to the rye. Cheers!

Old Fitzgerald Bourbon has a long history of excellence, dating back to 1870. Today, this 7-Year-Old expression is made under the exacting standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act, with a whisper of wheat. Rich and viscous, with notes of brown sugar, baking spices, and oak—this Bourbon is worth sharing. So, make it Your Key to Hospitality. Cheers!

Born in the shadow of the first Old Stubborn, the rye bourbon release had a lot to live up to. A little sibling rivalry was all it took to have this release pushing itself to deliver big. And boy howdy, it’s no slouch. In the spirit of kinship - this release was magically identical in proof to the first, 123.8. It could not have been planned. Like its sibling, it is a hand marriage of 11 barrels, this time comprising of 10, 11, and 12 years, producing just over 1,400 bottles. It has the namesake complexity and long finish you have come to expect. Cheers!