In this captivating episode of The Bourbon Road, hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter sit down with Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian at the distillery’s stunning downtown Louisville location for a twofold journey: one through the glass, and one through time. Their guest isn’t just a master distiller and entrepreneur — he’s now an author, and his new book, Mother of Bourbon: The Greatest American Whiskey Story Never Told, brings the remarkable story of Mary Dowling into the spotlight.

As the episode unfolds, Kaveh shares how a footnote in an old text sparked years of research into Dowling’s forgotten legacy. A pioneering woman who ran successful distilleries, survived Prohibition by moving operations to Mexico, and may have influenced the 1964 congressional act recognizing bourbon as America’s native spirit — Dowling’s story is equal parts myth, grit, and American ingenuity. Zamanian's book gives her the recognition she never received… until now.

But this isn’t just a history lesson — it’s also a tasting session. The team begins with the Mary Dowling Wheated Bourbon, a 93-proof pour made from 65% corn, 25% wheat, and 10% malted barley. Aged in toasted and charred barrels and barreled at a low 110 proof, the whiskey surprises with bright cherry, cereal grain, and soft spice notes. With its luxurious mouthfeel and balanced finish, it reflects the same craft and care Zamanian brought to the storytelling in his book.

Listeners also get a sneak peek into the upcoming Tequila Barrel-Finished Mary Dowling expression, inspired by Dowling’s cross-border Prohibition-era distilling. Though not tasted in this episode, it’s clear this release continues the theme of honoring history through bold innovation.

Between sips and stories, Kaveh walks listeners through the serendipitous acquisition of the Dowling and Waterfill & Frazier trademarks, his connections to descendants of Robert Gould (former owner of what became Wild Turkey), and the deep creative process that brought both whiskey and book to life.

Whether you’re a bourbon buff, a history enthusiast, or simply love a great story in your glass and on your shelf, this episode is a masterclass in how legacy, craftsmanship, and storytelling can beautifully collide.

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