Bourbon Lens

The Co-Founder of Art of Alchemy Blended Spirits joins us today to talk about Blend No. 1.  Mac Macsovits discusses the origins of Art of Alchemy and how they fit into the American Whiskey landscape as independent blenders and bottlers. This blend is a unique one and we cannot wait to see how Art of Alchemy conjures up some magic in their future releases. Their Blend No. 2 just launched recently and you can learn more about Art of Alchemy on their website here: Art of Alchemy.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Art of Alchemy:

In an industry of undisclosed sourcing and inaccessible vintages, Art of Alchemy (AoA) roots itself in friendship, community, and collaboration. Founded by four friends with a mission to create something that is equal parts experience as it is an exceptional distillate, our expertly crafted blends are designed with intention to provide the most curious spirits available.

None of this is about ego, celebrity, or glamour. We are friends who had a unique opportunity to crack into an extremely difficult business, and we said yes. We believe in saying yes more often. Time with friends, exploring new adventures, scratching the itch of curiosity, and taking some risks. We all have regrets, but this isn't one of them, and our objective in living full lives is to have fewer as we age.

We aren't going to tell you what to taste, because everyone is different. We believe in the idea of creative expression, but we are also fanatical about quality and flavor. All of our releases were made with awe, joy, humility, and purpose…things that we hold dear, and we hope you feel the same way when you are drinking our bottles.

Connection, collaboration, and community are at the center of what we dig…and we look for it in everything we do. We love our families and friends, and can't wait to make more. May this be a vehicle that brings people together, as we are lucky to have a platform such as Art of Alchemy from which to share.

About Co-Founder Mac Macsovits

Starting out as an enthusiast and collector of bourbons and whiskeys, Macs' passion grew into a desire to create a spirit brand of his own. He dove in headfirst, becoming intimately involved in the whiskey sector and fostering relationships with top distillers and brand owners across the country. Mac is enthusiastic about the liquid, but just as passionate about the stories that a great whiskey tells and sharing these experiences. While Colorado is now home for Mac, he is a Southerner at heart as a North Carolina native.

Our guest this week is Todd Wiesel, Founder and CEO of BAXUS.  We discuss whiskey collecting, spirits investing, and how BAXUS is seeking to be the leading platform to buy, sell, and invest in rare spirits.  

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens 

About BAXUS

BAXUS is the future of wine and spirit trading. The brainchild of a whiskey trader and a software engineer, BAXUS is revolutionizing the spirit investment market by making it easier and more secure to buy, sell, and invest in spirits. BAXUS harnesses the power of blockchain technology to allow collectors and investors to safely store and secure their assets while maintaining proof of ownership.

BAXUS has partnered with large and small collectors to authenticate and safely store their spirit collections. BAXUS keeps all authenticated assets in their state of the art vault. BAXUS uses a proprietary proof of presence technology to ensure your bottle is secure at all times.

BAXUS believes that security should not hamper transparency. Once you have tokenized your collection with BAXUS and your bottle is secure in the BAXUS vault, their platform allows you to track the value of your portfolio in real time, as well as access historical sales data. BAXUS tracks over 45 different sources to make sure you have the most up to date pricing, all in one convenient place.

How It Works: Solidify your ownership and start trading with BAXUS in 4 simple steps:

1. Send BAXUS your collection
   • Get connected with our BAXUS on-boarding team to safely transport your collection to our vault.
2.  BAXUS  authenticates & stores your collection
   • BAXUS experts inspect each bottle to ensure its authenticity. They then store and insure your assets in a temperature controlled vault. BAXUS use proprietary proof of presence technology for extra security and ease of identification.
3. Your Collection is Tokenized
   • BAXUS mints an NFT on the Solana blockchain that validates your proof of ownership and the authenticity of the spirits. This creates a permanent record of ownership and facilitates hassle-free trading.
4. You trade
   • List assets in your collection for sale on OpenSea and seamlessly trade across the Solana blockchain. The transaction is secure and instantaneous, all while the bottle remains in the BAXUS vault. BAXUS's services also include real time portfolio valuation and management, for those who prefer a hands off approach.

Baxus Related News:

• How New Tech Is Making Wine Cellars Smarter – Robb Report
• Meet the night owl CEOs rejecting the 5 a.m. club | Fortune
• How BAXUS Offers an NFT Solution to Spirits Collectors | Alcohol Professor 
• The labor shortage is bringing job seekers all kinds of new perks: Pick-your-pay, student-loan benefits, bonuses, and flexible work
• NFTs And The Future Of The Alcoholic Beverage Industry
•  

Nelson Eddy rejoins Bourbon Lens for a "Part 2" episode on all things Jack Daniel's.  You will recall Eddy's last appearance back on Episode 202 when we discussed the legends and lore behind the brand.  As we teased in that episode, Eddy joins us today to talk about Jack's surge into the mainstream and its place in pop culture, media, and its place on the world's stage.  

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Images Credit to Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey

Stories and Media:

• Jack Daniel's Secret: The History of the World's Most Famous Whiskey - The Atlantic
• It Took Brilliant Marketing to Turn Jack Daniel's Into the World's Most Popular Whiskey 
• Jack Daniel's | Culture Wikia
• 10 Jack Daniels Facts Every Enthusiast Should Know - Catawiki
• 10 Country Songs About Jack Daniel's
• 13 Glimpses Of Whisky In Pop Culture - WhiskyFlavour
• Friends for life: the story of Jack Daniel's and Frank Sinatra - Whisky Magazine
• The Love Song of Frank and Jack: How Sinatra Put Jack Daniel's on the Map - Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
• Jack Daniel's Product Placement Seen On Screen
• 'Chasing Whiskey' Documentary Brings the Untold Story of Jack Daniel's to Cinema Audiences Nationwide - May 11 Only

Our guest this week is Richard Seale, Master Distiller & Master Blender of Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados.  Aged Rum is an area we've not explored but a recent trip to Barbados inspired Jake to curate this episode for our Bourbon Lens listeners.  Well-aged rum stocks draw similarities to the bourbon world and for those who are looking to expand their palate, this is a must taste.  

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Foursquare Rum Distillery:

Foursquare Rum Distillery is located on a former sugar plantation that dates back to approximately 1720, within the tiny Caribbean island of Barbados. The distillery was re-opened by the Seale family in 1996, distilling operations and blending are currently directed by Richard Seale, 4th Generation Trader/Distiller of R.L. Seale & Co.

Exceptional Cask Selections represent the unique, and rare offerings of Foursquare Rum Distillery that Richard has hand selected – his personal projects only released when he feels they are of exceptional quality. These are one of a kind expressions, available only for a limited time, and showcasing truly unique approaches to both Rum blending and maturation.

About Richard Seale - Master Distiller & Master Blender, Foursquare Rum Distillery

Richard Seale, the great grandson of the original R.L. Seale, Reginald Leon Seale who founded R L Seale & Co in 1926, is the fourth generation to work in the family rum business. Richard joined the family craft in 1993.

Innovation has been Richard's hallmark over the last 12 years whether reflected in the precision control of fermentation or distillation of rum under vacuum pressure. Richard firmly believes rum's rightful place is among the world's finest spirits and this is what drives his passion to make the very best rums.

With an obsessive attention to detail and a questioning attitude, he has never been fearful to bring change to a very conservative industry. He was the driving force behind the new distillery at the historic Foursquare site, completed back in 1996 and sought out the very best engineers to help develop his new ideas. The result? A world-renowned distillery which not only boasts ultra-premium rums but a unique design that makes Foursquare the envy of the Caribbean.

Richard began his education in Barbados at Harrison College where on graduation he was awarded the prestigious Barbados Government Scholarship. Richard then completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees at the University of London and now resides in St. Philip, with his wife Gayle and two children Christian and Victoria. In his spare time Richard has a keen passion for Cooking, Horse Racing and Formula 1. Richard continues to live up to his destiny daily at the distillery and carries on the family legacy with dedicated passion and love for his work.

"A questioning, opinionated Barbadian is leading rum into the 21st century" – Dave Broom, spirits expert and author of "RUM".

(Image Courtesy of Altmar Brands and Foursquare)

Foursquare and Aged Rum in the Media:

• Foursquare Rum Distillery Exceptional Cask Selections | Altamar Brands
•  Foursquare Rum Distillery Blends Modernization and Tradition 
• Barbados: Transforming Through Innovation and Sustainability
• Will Barbados Rum Finally Get Its Own GI? It's Possible.
• The 7 Best Rums to Gift This Holiday (2022) | VinePair
• Rum Disrupter: Foursquare Calls Out Sweetened Rums And 'Absolute Poppycock' Perceptions
• The 14 Best Rums to Buy Right Now, From Refined Sippers to Cocktail Mixers

Jake is joined by Gerard Garland, Whiskey Ambassador for Irish Distillers and Method + Madness Irish Whiskey.  They discuss the explosive growth of Irish Whiskey as it competes globally in the Whiskey World.  Irish Whiskey is experiencing a rebirth as is evident by its growth and popularity.  We were excited to have the opportunity to branch out and try  some of the recent releases from Method and Madness.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

(Image Credit: Method and Madness Irish Whiskey)

About Method and Madness:
Inspired by spirits that go beyond the bounds of tradition, Method and Madness Irish whiskey has been hatched from the minds of the Masters and Apprentices of Midleton Distillery.  Innovation is nothing new to Midleton, but the Method and Madness micro distillery has provided the copper canvas for experimentation to run free. The whiskeys coming from this distillers' playground provide a new taste inspired by Irish whiskey history.

The range includes Method and Madness Single Grain Irish Whiskey finished in Virgin Spanish Oak, Method and Madness Single Malt Irish Whiskey finished in French Limousin Oak, Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey aged in French Chestnut and Method and Madness Irish Micro Distilled Gin with Black Lemon and Irish Gorse Flower.  Always innovating, the Masters and Apprentices explore different mashbills and wood types resulting in new and unusual limited-edition releases including the Method and Madness Japanese Trilogy, Method and Madness Oats and Malt and Method and Madness Rye and Malt.

For more information, please visit Method And Madness Whiskey and follow them on Instagram @methodandmadness & Facebook @MethodandMadness.

Our guest today is Drew Hannush, who is helping us kick off our coverage of Irish Whiskey for St. Patrick's Day.  Drew is an author, podcaster, world traveler, and incredible storyteller.  Drew Hannush is the author of the best selling book "Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon" and his latest book, "Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Irish Whiskey". He also hosts two whiskey podcasts, Whiskey Lore - The Stories & Whiskey Lore - The Interviews.  Drew has traveled extensively throughout Scotland, Ireland, and the United States touring distilleries, picking up stories, and helping inspire travelers and whiskey lovers through his social media posts, book, and whisk(e)y tasting experiences. He uses his knowledge and authoritative voice to empower others.  We are excited to chat about Irish Whiskey and his travels in Ireland with Drew in this episode and we hope you enjoy too.

Drew understands that the way to bring history alive is to humanize it through entertaining stories. His Whiskey Lore Podcast takes the wonderful legends and myths gathered from distilleries around the globe and transports the listener behind the label of their favorite spirits. From telling the story of Shackleton's whisky through master blender Richard Paterson to the historic rising of Four Roses, told through the memories of brand ambassador Al Young, Drew reveals the stories that bring you closer to your favorite whisk(e)y.   Find out more about Drew and Whiskey Lore on his website.  You can grab copies of his books here:

• "Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon" 

• "Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Irish Whiskey"

Irish Whiskey in the News:

• Purchase Drew's latest book: "Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Irish Whiskey"
• The State of Irish Whiskey - Daily SevenFifty 
• Drew's Book featured in Irish News
• Irish Whiskey Tourism Soared in 2022
• Irish whiskey market size to grow by USD 1.54 billion from 2021 to 2026: A descriptive analysis of customer landscape, vendor assessment, and market dynamics - Technavio
• Whiskey Tourism in Ireland Increased By 425 Percent Last Year | VinePair
• Brands Report 2023: Irish Whiskey - Drinks International - The global choice for drinks buyers
• The History of Irish Whiskey
• Irish Distillers Files NFT Patent To Launch Virtual Bars – Jameson In Metaverse
• 'I only see good things at the moment' – Irish Whiskey Association chair James Doherty on a booming | Business Post
• Amid an Irish Whiskey Renaissance, the World's Oldest Licensed Whiskey Distillery Comes of Age | VinePair

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

We're joined by the Founders of Lucky Seven Spirits, a spirits brand inspired by the Hollywood of old.  It's name and packaging is an homage to the film world, including Hollywood's Stage 7 (known as Lucky Seven). The stage gained its name because three Warner Bros. best picture winners — The Life of Emile Zola, My Fair Lady and Casablanca — and 10 best picture nominees were shot here.  We taste through two expressions of Lucky Seven, including The Frenchman and Holiday Toast. 

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Lucky 7 Spirits:

Lucky 7 Spirits brings together a complex mix of qualities; each flavor highlighting our unique tone of voice. We are classy, confident and curious. We always tip our hats, invite the outsider to join our table and embrace the notion that life is a precious gift. We are quirky, fun and relaxed yet we know our stuff, inside and out. We are professionals, connoisseurs, fanatics, friends and ultimately family. We love good bourbon, good people and good times.

Co-founders Michael Lahalih and John Pals have been best friends since their college years and share a common bond of bourbon and cinema. In fact, the Lucky 7 namesake is derived from the infamous Stage 7 in Hollywood, CA, where some of the greatest movies in cinema history were filmed. The warehouse-sized stage produced so many award-winning films that the industry started calling it "Lucky Stage 7."

Be it luck, or be it magic (or maybe a bit of both) – finding a bourbon as delicious as Lucky 7, well… that's worth celebrating. We are but Curators of Fine Spirits, carefully sourcing and then meticulously blending only the rarest bourbons. Nothing is going in to a bottle of Lucky 7 unless it is of the finest spirits you could find. And it is with great pride that Michael and John offer these unique, limited-edition releases. Cheers!

For more info on Lucky 7 Spirits, visit their website.

Our guest this week is Craig Bridger of Whyte & Mackay. Craig brings us an impressive lineup of The Dalmore Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, including their 12 Year, USA-Exclusive 14 Year, Port Wood Reserve, and an exquisite and rare 18 Year Single Malt. Our US listeners should definitely keep their eyes out for the 14 Year.  The 14 Year joins The Dalmore Principal Collection, exclusively in the USA. Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass led its development, the first expression to be finished in hand-selected, rare Pedro Ximénez casks from the House of Gonzalez Byass.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About The Dalmore:

Founded by Sir Alexander Matheson, entrepreneur and international businessman, The Dalmore was born with a different purpose: to create a sumptuous single malt whisky unlike any other. Today, The Dalmore continues down that path as pioneers of exquisite cask curation, resulting in a whisky of legendary depth.

The Dalmore seeks to continue an age old heritage that treasures the sanctity of the cask. Their spirit is finessed in exceptional casks, hand selected by Master Whisky Maker, Gregg Glass and Master Distiller, Richard Paterson, sourced from the world's finest bodegas and exclusive wineries.

The Dalmore's Highland Distillery is located along spectacular Scottish coastline, on the shores of the Cromarty Firth. Guests can tour to discover their exceptional Single Malt whisky that they have made since 1839.

About Whyte & Mackay:

Founded Glasgow in 1844. Glasgow continues to be home to our international headquarters today. We are award-winning whisky makers celebrating 175 years of heritage. We proudly produce exceptional whiskies at our five distilleries across Scotland, that are celebrated around the world.

Our award-winning portfolio of brands includes four internationally recognised Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin.  Our premium whisky portfolio includes our namesake Whyte & Mackay Blended Whisky, alongside John Barr Blended Whisky, Claymore Blended Whisky and Glayva Liqueur.

In recent years, the Whyte & Mackay portfolio has and continues to enjoy significant growth and investment. In 2016, we welcomed the reborn Tamnavulin Single Malt Whisky to the portfolio. The following year, we honoured our relationship with Sir Ernest Shackleton, launching a contemporary whisky that bears his name. In 2018, Woodsman Whisky and Wildcat Gin joined the portfolio as modern contemporary spirits. 2018 saw further investment in our Single Malt Whisky portfolio, with the launch of a repositioned Fettercairn and Jura in 2018.

Our success across 175 years is built on our continued entrepreneurial spirit. That is as true today, as it was in 1844. It is reflected in our people across our business, all around the world. It is at the heart of the exceptional whisky we produce.

The Dalmore in the News:

• TheDalmore.com
• Follow Craig on Instagram 
• The Dalmore 14 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review - Paste
• There are Only Three Bottles of The Dalmore Luminary No. 1 Single Malt Scotch Available – Robb Report
• The Dalmore unveils two vintage whiskies - The Spirits Business
• https://whiskeyraiders.com/scotch/dalmore-14-year-old-single-malt-us-only/
• The Dalmore: 100 years of elegant shots | Philstar.com 

Bourbon Lens is excited to play host to a roundtable discussion featuring three organizations aimed at making bourbon accessible for all.  We are joined by the Founders of Bourbon Women, Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, and BIG Bourbon Club.  Join us as we discuss some important topics as we seek to pull back the red velvet rope of the Bourbon Industry to ensure everyone feels welcome sharing a pour of America's Native Spirit.  

About the Panelists:

Peggy Noe Stevens - Founder of Bourbon Women Association

• Peggy is a woman of many firsts. She founded PNSA and The Bourbon Women Association. She is the first woman in the world to receive the title of Master Bourbon Taster. Formerly of Brown-Forman, Peggy was their Global Event Planner for iconic brands such as Woodford Reserve. She brings her decades of experiential marketing and professional presence development to PNSA designing and building brand architecture for places and people. In 2019 Peggy was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame by the Kentucky Distillers Association and in 2020 she was inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame.
• To follow Peggy, check out:  PeggyNoeStevens.com.

Robert Beatty - Founder of Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild

• Robert Beatty is the founder of KBBG and a local Lexingtonian entrepreneur. During a summer 2018 tour that Mr. Beatty conducted to three distilleries and a museum in Bardstown KY, the conversation arose about African American and multicultural influence in the industry pre-prohibition. Through many conversations with industry gurus, history buffs and other bourbon societies, the decision was made to form an organization that will educate minority consumers about the spirit and properly acknowledge all of the ethnic groups that contributed to the robust industry it is today.
• For more info on the KBBG, head to the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild website.   

Steve Higdon - Founder of BIG Bourbon Club

• Steve is the Founder of BIG Bourbon Club, which was created as a spinoff his wildly successful TikTok account, Uncle Steve (@60secondbourbonreview) | TikTok.  According to BIG Bourbon Club, the club will serve as your passport to the world of bourbon. The club seeks to expand the universe of bourbon lovers by giving access to bourbon how to's,  history, the personalities, barrel picks, distillery tours, tastings, and much more. Through their app, they have created the first virtual Bourbon Club where you can access everything, regardless of where you live.  They aim to bring the world of bourbon to EVERYONE.  EVERYONE is welcome. Bourbon should not be exclusive.
• For more info on Steve, his explosive growth on TikTok, and BIG Bourbon, check out this feature on VinePair.com: 'Uncle' Steve Higdon: The Boomer Taking Over Bourbon TikTok. 

Diversity and Inclusion in Bourbon Media  Coverage:

• Distilling.com - The Story of Black Distilling Is Being Written Now
• These Women Distillers Are Rising With the American Whiskey Boom - The New York Times
• 5 Female Disruptors Shaping the State of Bourbon in Kentucky 
• Old Forester bourbon names first openly gay master taster | Lexington Herald Leader
• How liquor brands are shrugging off the family-run ethos to better diversify their workforces | Fortune
•  America's Largest Distillers Are Losing Their Top Talent, as the 'Great Resignation' Hits Bourbon | VinePair
• The Wine Industry Pledged to Improve Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity. Has Anything Changed?
• Black-owned wine and spirits makers you should know about | Fortune
• Women in Whiskey Talk Inclusivity and Representation in the Industry
• Six ways the drinks industry can support racial diversity - The Spirits Business
• Northside Distilling Co. to release bourbon whiskey for the visually impaired
• How the Cofounders of Taste Select Repeat Are Making Whiskey Culture More Inclusive
• This Christmas whiskey ad about trans acceptance is warming hearts around the world - LGBTQ Nation 

Our guest this week is Victoria Eady Butler, Master Blender for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Victoria had a rather unconventional path to the whiskey world, but her story is a great one and we were excited to have this opportunity. She's honoring the legacy of her Great-Great-Grandfather in her role as the Master Blender of one of the top trending brands in American Whiskey. Uncle Nearest honors the world's first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the first spirits brand in the world to be named after a Black American. Their portfolio is the Most Awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey of 2019, 2020 & 2021.  We were excited to feature Uncle Nearest and Victoria in this week's episode.  We hope you enjoy! 

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there.

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Victoria Eady Butler:

Victoria Eady Butler is a relatively new face in the spirits world, but whiskey is in her blood. The Great-Great-Granddaughter of Nearest Green. African-American master distiller on record, Butler is the Master Blender of the award-winning Unce Nearest Premium Whiskey. Victoria oversees the blending process of Uncle Nearest whiskeys as well as the selection of all 1820 Single Barrels. Butler also serves as a member of Uncle Nearests executive team and oversees the Nearest Green Foundation, a 501(s)(3) non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Nearest Green's descendants that is funded, in part, by the sales of Uncle Nearest whiskey. 

Butler blended the very first batch of 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, which launched in July 2019, and was appointed Master Blender in November 2019 after the immense success of the first two batches. Since then, Butler has taken many courses to hone her skills, including becoming an Executive Bourbon Steward through Stave & Thief Society in Louisville, KY, the first bourbon certification program recognized by the bourbon industry. 

Prior to joining the Uncle Nearest team in March 2019, Butler worked as an Analytical Manager with the Regional Organized Crime Information Center in Nashville, which she joined upon graduating Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Butler had just retired from a more than 30-year tenure when Fawn Weaver, Co-Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, approached her about becoming involved in the Uncle Nearest brand. The opportunity to carry on her family legacy first-hand and to help to concrete Nearest's name in history was one that she couldn't pass up. 

Butler is a mother, grandmother and a Tennessee native, currently residing in Murfreesboro, TN located just 20 miles up the road from the current Nearest Green Distillery. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and volunteering with several non-profit organizations. She's also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Coverage of Uncle Nearest:

• The Top Trending American Whiskeys of 2022 per 'Drinks International' 
• Uncle Nearest Is Shaking Up the Spirits Realm - The Manual
• Uncle Nearest's Eady Butler Becomes First to Win Back to Back Master Blender of Year Awards - Fred Minnick
• Uncle Nearest and Jack Daniel's Partner to Support Black Distillers | VinePair
• How Fawn Weaver Created Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey From Hidden History
• All-female leadership team guides Uncle Nearest whiskey to historic growth
• WineMag.com - 5 Questions with Victoria Eady Butler of Uncle Nearest
• Q&A: Uncle Nearest whiskey blender to visit Columbus
• Uncle Nearest hits $100m in sales - The Spirits Business
• Uncle Nearest Releases New Rye Whiskey – Robb Report
• Black-Owned, Award Winning Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Tops Esteemed Inc. 5000 List
• Uncle Nearest Rye - Story by David Levine for Malt Review