Bourbon Lens

Our guest this week is Nelson Eddy, historian for Jack Daniel's Distillery. Nelson has represented the Jack Daniel's brand for more than 34 years and learned the history and lore surrounding the brand working for its very first marketing director, Mr. Art Hancock.  In 1988, Eddy helped introduce the first new whiskey from the Jack Daniel Distillery in more than a century – Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey.  He has since crafted numerous brand communications for Jack Daniel's, including a book, touring show, countless videos and films. As the Jack Daniel Historian, he has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, NPR, Atlantic Magazine, CNBC, the History Channel and the National Geographic Channel.  For his work, he has won numerous regional and national Addy Awards, the New York Art Director's Andy Award and the One Show Pencil.  He holds a master's degree in English from Middle Tennessee State University with an emphasis in the study of the Beat Generation.  

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 freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Bourbon Lens Coverage of Jack Daniel's:

• Jack Daniel's Limited Edition Toasted Pecan Tennessee Whiskey
• Jack Daniel's Never Resting On Their Laurels With Newest Release - Bourbon Lens
• Sweet or Savory? What Happens When You Toast Maple Barrels - Bourbon Lens
• Jack Daniel's Innovates with Rye Whiskey and Not Bourbon?
• Jack Daniel's Pursues Innovation With Latest Release - Bourbon Lens
• 174: Jack Daniel's Launches New Bottled in Bond Whiskies - Bourbon Lens

Our guest this week is Robert Haynes, former bartender at Chicago's Violet Hour and the creator of Sunday's Finest Gold Fashioned. Robert is looking to reimagine the "ready to drink" cocktail to put an elevated spin on the Old Fashioned.  In fact, Sunday's Finest is re-defining this iconic cocktail using some of  the best ingredients on the planet, including Afghan Saffron and Tahitian Vanilla. This is the 2nd release of the Gold Fashioned and features a blend of bourbon and rye composed of a 15 year bourbon, an 8 year bourbon, and a 5 year rye.  We discuss the origin story of the brand and what may be in store for future releases from Sunday's Finest.  The Gold Fashioned might make the perfect bottle to bring along to your holiday parties this year; save yourself some time at the mini-bar and pour your friends an elevated Old Fashioned instead.  

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 freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Sunday's Finest & Gold Fashioned

We've created the world's first luxury RTD cocktail: the Gold Fashioned. It's impeccably sourced with split base whiskeys, our house-made saffron bitters blend, an orange atomizer and runs $150/btl. Last year's blend (5k bottles) sold out and Esquire dubbed it 2021's best bottled cocktail. We're running it back (mid Oct) with a 15y bourbon to up the ante. We believe premium bottled cocktails are here to stay and we'd love the opportunity to chat with you about bringing this conversation and our story to your audience. If you're intrigued, keep reading. 

The 2022 blend of the Gold Fashioned cocktail was just released in mid October and can be purchased online. Last year's inaugural offering caused quite a stir. Crafted by former The Violet Hour bartender, Robert Haynes and made with 8yr Bourbon, 5 yr Rye, and Saffron bitters each bottle came complete with a beautiful gift box and a revolutionary orange zest atomizer.  At $150 per bottle, it was the first true luxury RTD to hit the market and a total game changer for the space.

Each ingredient in the house-made Bitters blend is of the absolute highest quality and sourced from the country of origin: We're talking Afghan Saffron, Grade A Tahitian Vanilla, Single Estate Ecuadorian Cacao, Seville Orange Peel, Wild Harvest Gentian from the French Alps.

Another thing that really sets this one apart is the Orange Zest atomizer.  No other RTD engages all of the senses. Finishing the cocktail with a spritz of fresh orange aromatics puts it on par with any cocktail from even the finest of cocktail bars.

Just like last year, this will be a limited release - 3000 bottles - we expect it to move quickly. 

Links:

• Sunday's Finest Gold Fashioned 
• Why Sunday's Finest Gold Fashioned Cocktail Costs $150 A Bottle 

We're celebrating our 200th episode of Bourbon Lens this week. And we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than with The Last Drop Distillers. Last Drop recently released their rare, ultra premium blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskies. Our guests today are Rebecca Jago, managing director of The Last Drop Distillers, and Drew Mayville, Sazerac Master Blender and founding member of The Last Drop Assembly. Find out more about this ultra-exclusive release which retails for $3,999 in this week's episode. You can read our full tasting notes here in our recent review on BourbonLens.com.

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 freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Press Release from September 22, 2022: 

The Last Drop Distillers of London continues its quest for curating and creating the world's rarest and most remarkable spirits with the release of its second Signature Blend: Release No 28: The Last Drop Signature Blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys. Created by Sazerac Master Blender Drew Mayville, a founding member of The Last Drop Assembly's panel of spirits industry experts, this bespoke spirit comprises a blend of vintage straight bourbon and rye whiskeys. Impossible to replicate, 1,458 bottles will be released worldwide and available in the U.S. as of October 2022 at a suggested retail price of $3,999 (750ml/121.4 proof).

Since becoming Sazerac's Master Blender in 2004, Drew has cultivated a dream of creating an ultra-rare whiskey for the most discerning of connoisseurs. To achieve this, he began preserving extremely small quantities of his favorite whiskeys at Buffalo Trace Distillery to fulfill this vision. He was confident that using his lifetime of expertise, knowledge and his masterful palate, combined with the incredible liquids available to him, he could make a unique and unparalleled blend.

To bring his vision for The Last Drop to life Drew blended vintage whiskeys that he had been saving since he joined the Buffalo Trace Distillery team. He tasted more than 40 different vintage bourbon and rye whiskeys, creating multiple combinations of these spirits before arriving at the final masterpiece that bears his signature. Bottled at 121.4 proof, Drew left this high-proof blend uncut and unfiltered to maximize its flavor and complexity. The resulting liquid is a celebration of the art of blending, allowing the individual components to shine while creating a majestic whole that is truly remarkable and impossible to replicate. Drew uses the analogy of an orchestra to explain his intention:

"As a master blender, I wholeheartedly believe that one can take individual components that are already exceptional to create an extraordinarily-beautiful end product," says Drew. "As with music, a clarinet can be beautiful in its own right. However, when you combine it with other instruments in an orchestra you create a symphony – a masterpiece. This blend fully epitomizes this notion, and it's been a dream come true to create this truly one-of-a-kind spirit for my friends at The Last Drop."

Drew's Blend follows The Last Drop Distillers first Signature Blend: a 50 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky created by Master Blender Colin J.P. Scott. Released in July 2021, this was the brand's first foray into the creation, as well as curation, of extraordinary spirits by the talented members of The Last Drop Assembly.

"It has been a wonderfully exciting experience to work with my friend, colleague and inspiration, Drew Mayville, to create this phenomenal blend," says Rebecca Jago, managing director, The Last Drop Distillers. "The creation of The Assembly in 2020 was one of The Last Drop's proudest achievements: to see the visions of such stellar icons of the industry come to life in a Last Drop bottle is, for me, a dream come true." 

Drew Mayville's Tasting Notes:

• COLOR: A rich, golden amber hue speaks of the wood, the age and the maturation these whiskeys have been through. The high proof can be seen in the long legs which linger on the glass.
• NOSE: This reminds me of walking into one of Buffalo Trace's most famous warehouses, built all those years ago: the atmosphere, the history and the provenance – it packs an evocative punch. Deep, dark fruit, figs, and dates on the nose, some raisins, and an aromatic spiciness, with citrus zest. There is some spiciness from the straight rye, and a creamy, vanilla from the bourbons, yielding a complex and layered flavor.
• PALATE: To begin with, there are dark fruits, candy and orange peel upfront. From there, we begin a journey through a veritable spice merchant's storeroom, and into a saddle room full of worn leather and wax. The ages of the whiskeys in this blend, and the magnificent impact of the American oak are here in perfect balance with the individual elements of the blend. A crescendo of rich and raw spiciness transitions across your palate: that balance is pure magic.
• CONCLUSIONS: The spiciness is challenging the dark fruit, the chocolate notes, and the sweet vanilla. This is the balance and sophistication that arises only rarely when the tangy spice of the rye and the creamy chocolate of the bourbon whiskeys - combined with the sublime influence of the oak - all collide in perfect harmony.

Each bottle of The Last Drop Signature Blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys is individually numbered and bears Drew's physical signature. As with all recent Last Drop bottlings, it is artfully-contained in a bespoke bottle that suspends mid-air in an oak frame, held within in a signature green leather case alongside a 50ml miniature for private enjoyment, certificate of bottling and pocket-sized tasting book.

About Drew Mayville, Sazerac Master Blender:

Drew Mayville has more 40 years of experience with some of the largest companies in the beverage alcohol industry. Drew joined Sazerac (at its Buffalo Trace Distillery location) in 2004 as the Master Blender and Director of Quality. The vast breadth of his experience comes from almost 23 years of experience with Seagram's, where Drew was the last Master Blender to serve under the Seagram dynasty.

At Sazerac, Drew has worked hands on with all the award-winning products produced at Buffalo Trace in addition to the other highly acclaimed spirit categories of the company. Drew is active in overseeing a number of award-winning products produced at various locations for Sazerac, and promoting and educating the public on some of the world's finest spirits. His passion is not only to make the finest quality products but also to delight and excite the consumer with his work.

About Rebecca Jago:

Rebecca Jago is the only daughter of Tom Jago, co-founder of The Last Drop Distillers, and legend of the drinks industry. She grew up in London with her parents and three brothers, learning about wine, beer and spirits (and Baileys!) almost by osmosis. Following a degree in linguistics and a career in the design industry, Rebecca joined The Last Drop in 2014 to work alongside her father and his co-founder James Espey. She is now the Managing Director, leading the team as they bring the wonders of The Last Drop bottles to customers around the world.

Rebecca is in her element sharing the stories of The Last Drop discoveries and her passion for the business with friends new and old. She has two grown up children: her daughter has the distinction of having our intuitive decanter, Phoebe, named after her.

Rebecca's favourite of our releases (so far) is the 1925 Grande Champagne Cognac: in her own words "as well as being a truly delicious cognac, with a remarkable story to tell, it has the added significance of having been distilled the year my father was born, and bottled the year he died: a fitting testament to a wonderful man."

About The Last Drop Distillers:

The Last Drop Distillers was founded in 2008 by two icons of the spirits industry, Tom Jago and James Espey with over 80 years of experience between them. Their aim was to curate the world's most remarkable spirits by finding treasures across aged spirit categories and sharing them with those who seek the genuinely extraordinary. In 2016, The Last Drop was acquired by the Sazerac Company, one of America's oldest private, family-owned, distillers. Rebecca continues to lead The Last Drop as Managing Director. To date, The Last Drop Distillers has released just 28 limited bottlings across Scotch Whisky, Cognac, Bourbon and Rum and Japanese Whisky, comprising fewer than 12,000 bottles. Seeking nothing less than exceptional in the spirits they curate, the company's unwavering commitment is to the quality of the liquid and the pleasure of sharing the treasures they uncover. For more information about The Last Drop visit https://www.lastdropdistillers.com and @lastdropdistillers. For more information about Sazerac visit https://www.sazerac.com.

About The Last Drop Assembly:

Drew Mayville is one of the six founding members of The Assembly, formed by The Last Drop in 2020. The Assembly is a carefully selected panel of experts drawn from across the spirits industry, each a renowned world-leader in their own category. The inspiration for The Assembly arose from The Last Drop's passion for sharing: not just the delights of exceptional spirits, but also the knowledge, ideas, expertise and creativity that sit at the heart of the industry. This cross-category forum, unique in the world of spirits, encourages the exchange of knowledge and experience from different industry fields, bringing fresh ideas and new thinking to help inspire and drive The Last Drop's pursuit of the extraordinary. 

The Assembly members also include: Colin Scott, Master Blender for The Last Drop, Richard Seale, Master Distiller & Blender, Foursquare Rum, Louise McGuane, Owner & Bonder, JJ Corry Irish Whiskey, Michael D'Souza, Master Distiller & Blender, Paul John Whisky and Denis Lahouratate, Cellar Master, Domaine de Sazerac, Cognac.

 Online & In the News:

• Last Drop Distillers
• Exploring The World Of Rare Spirits With The Last Drop Distillers 
• The Last Drop Releases Some Of The World's Rarest Whiskies
• The Last Drop Distillers Launches New American Whiskey Blend – Robb Report
• The Last Drop Distillers Introduces Release No. 28 - BevNET.com
• The Last Drop Distillers: a brand history - The Spirits Business

It's the return of our "Salute to Service" Veteran's Day podcast. This week, we are saluting the service of our guest, Arch Watkins, and his partner, Mark McLaughlin, from Old Line Spirits.  Old Line Spirits is based in Maryland and has had a gritty story of building a top class American Single Malt distillery.   We hope you enjoy this episode and toast to Veterans this week!  If you are looking for a Veteran-Owned distillery to support, may we suggest Old Line?

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 freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Old Line Spirits:

Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins met in the Navy flying EA-6B Prowlers, ended up stationed in the same reserve squadron in Baltimore, and embarked on civilian careers after retiring from the Navy.

But when you've spent decades flying off aircraft carriers and being stationed all over the world, a desk job isn't enough. The solution? Whiskey. American Single Malt, to be exact. In 2015, they connected with the owners of Golden Distillery, two Vietnam vets looking to pass the torch. Their tutelage and equipment was the start of Old Line Spirits. McLaughlin and Watkins opened Old Line Spirits in 2017 with plenty of distillery space, a courtyard bar and The Ready Room, Maryland's first full beer, wine and spirits cocktail bar in a distillery. They produce American Single Malt whiskeys and aged Caribbean rums.

Their Sherry Cask Finish ASMW was just named the Best American Single Malt and awarded double platinum in the Ascot Awards. McLaughlin and Watkins are also actively involved in the campaign to get the TTB to standardize a definition for the American Single Malt category.

For more info on Old Line Spirits, visit their website: Old Line Spirits 

Our guests this week are Steven Grasse and Aaron Goldfarb who are set to release their latest book: Brand Mysticism. The book releases on November 8th and is a must read for anyone looking to add creativity to their life and brand.  This isn't your typical "booze book" and definitely will raise some eyebrows in the marketing world, but Steven Grasse doesn't mind that one bit.  His portfolio speaks for itself; he's created some of the biggest brands including Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum and helped bring new life to some of the world's best brands including Guinness and Miller High Life.  Steven Grasse is an authority on building an authentic, enduring, and deeply beloved (viral) brands.  And Aaron Goldfarb, he's the novelist, author, and journalist responsible for wrangling all these ideas and creativity into one cohesive book.  Bourbon Lens has followed Aaron's work for a long while and were honored to pick his brain for this episode.  A huge thank you to Steven, Aaron, and Punch Media for making this episode happen.  We hope you enjoy it and grab a copy of the book for yourself!

Pre-order or purchase your copy of the book via Amazon or buy wherever you find books locally. 

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 freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Len

About the Book: BRAND MYSTICISM: CULTIVATE CREATIVITY AND INTOXICATE YOUR AUDIENCE

Written By Steven Grasse & Aaron Goldfarb;
Illustrated by Ron Short 

From the marketing mastermind behind countless iconic booze brands comes an irreverent and wide-ranging treatise on building and maintaining a standout brand in business and life: BRAND MYSTICISM.

Steven Grasse made a name for himself as not only an offbeat distillery owner but also the brains behind beloved brands like Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum and the guy who made cheap-beer-standbys like Narragansett and Miller High Life cool again. Through his work in advertising and marketing, Grasse has changed the game in the booze world and become an authority on building an authentic, enduring, and deeply beloved brand. Food & Wine has called him "the punk-rock prince of small-batch spirits."

"Think of me as the Ben Franklin of hooch, the Thomas Edison of booze. Or just think of me as a crazy middle-aged man who is going to tell you some really funny sometimes slightly fucked-up stories that will hopefully make you laugh and maybe realize there's quite a bit of merit to having fun trolling people doing art for art's sake, simply trying shit and not really giving a rat's ass," said Steven Grasse. "You might wonder how I became such a Big Cheese in the world of booze. I sometimes wonder the same thing, and while everything you read in my new book is true, it is also total bullshit."

 So how did he do it? Through irreverent tips (why being a troll can be so vital), case studies (when marketing cigarettes taught him about virality) and magical ingredients (who knew beaver anus would change his fortunes), BRAND MYSTICISM guides you through the steps it takes to channel your own entrepreneurial spirit into a business, a creative practice, or a life that breaks with tradition to achieve the remarkable.

About the Authors: 

Steven Grasse is an entrepreneur equally influenced by punk rock and New England transcendentalism. Steven has created some of the most outrageous booze brands of the twenty-first century: Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, Art in the Age Craft Spirits—all seemingly out of thin air. He is the part-owner and creative mastermind behind Narragansett beer, and his agency, Quaker City Mercantile, has brought similar success to beer icons Pilsner Urquell, Guinness, and, most recently, Miller High Life. His first distillery, Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile, opened in 2015 and gained international press and awards within its first year. Steven is also the author of The Cocktail Workshop, Colonial Spirits: A Toast to Our Drunken History, The Good Reverend's Guide to Infused Spirits, and Evil Empire. He lives and works in Philadelphia. 

Aaron Goldfarb is a novelist, author, and journalist, who frequently writes about the spirits industry and drinking culture for Esquire, Playboy, PUNCH, and VinePair. His two most recent books are Hacking Whiskey: Smoking, Blending, Fat-Washing, and Other Whiskey Experiments and Gather Around Cocktails: Drinks to Celebrate Usual and Unusual Holidays. His 2018 VinePair article on Grasse, "How Do You Make a Booze Brand Go Viral?," fittingly, went viral itself and has since been shared online hundreds of thousands of times.

Press and 'In The News':

• Purchase your copy of the book via Amazon
• Meet Steven Grasse | Quaker City Mercantile
• Steven Grasse | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster
• How Do You Make a Booze Brand Go Viral? The Master of Craft Explains | VinePair 
• 20 New Cocktail and Spirits Books to Read in Fall and Winter 2022
• Brand Mysticism: Cultivate Creativity and Intoxicate Your Audience
• New Hampshire Distillery Makes Whiskey Out of Invasive Crabs | Smart News| Smithsonian Magazine
• Invasive Green Crabs Turned Into Whiskey By Tamworth Distilling
• Worldwise: Gin Distiller Steven Grasse's Favorite Things in Philadelphia & Beyond | Barron's
• Art in the Age: Ex-Ad Man Steven Grasse's Wonderfully Weird Spirits
• How Guinness Became a Global Powerhouse | Wine Enthusiast
• These New England distilleries are among the best in America, according to USA Today readers
• Sacred Profane: The Anti-Hype Brewery in Biddeford, Maine | PUNCH
• 13 New Ecommerce Books for Fall 2022

Check out Aaron's Work:

• Hacking Whiskey: Smoking, Blending, Fat Washing, and Other Whiskey Experiments: Goldfarb, Aaron: 9780999661246: Amazon.com 
• How Do You Make a Booze Brand Go Viral? The Master of Craft Explains | VinePair 
• How the 'Cigar Batch' Became a Bourbon Industry Sensation | VinePair
• The Most Famous (and Infamous) Moments in Modern Bourbon Collecting | VinePair
• How Heaven Hill Bounced Back From Disaster to Become One of the Most Successful Bourbon Brands in America | VinePair
• Wilderness Trail and the Rise of Whiskey's Fermentation Fever | PUNCH
• Your Guide to Bourbon Whiskey Terms | PUNCH
• Bourbon Thrives in a Post-Pappy Era | PUNCH

We're joined by the founders of American Mash & Grain, CEO Devin Ershow & COO Chase Langdon. Devin and Chase have created a website documentary project to highlight the American Craft Whiskey movement, regularly giving full featured reviews and telling the stories of the best craft whiskey distilleries.  The next progression for their project is marrying some of their favorite featured distilleries into a unique blend of American Whiskey.  Their first volume features 4 varied whiskies that they meld together for "Borrowed Page Volume 1".   

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 freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About American Mash & Grain 

American Mash & Grainbrings together four unique styles and producers to redefine American Whiskey.

Borrowed Page Volume 1 is the first release in a limited release series. A partnership between American Mash & Grain and the craft whiskey distilleries we've featured on our site. Each volume will be different from the last, weaving the tale of a uniquely American collaboration, a blending of culture, craft, and passion that honors its makers and hopes to move the story of American Whiskey forward.

"For so long American whiskey has been thought of as one thing. There are a growing number of craft producers in the U.S. that are working hard to challenge this convention and establish their own local identity of American Whiskey." - Devin Ershow, CEO American Mash & Grain

"American whiskey is as diverse in thought, expression and approach as America itself. We wanted to create a product that highlighted some of the many pioneers, leaders and innovators working hard to redefine American made whiskey." - Chase Langdon, COO American Mash & Grain

Volume 1 is a blend of bourbon, rye and single malt whiskey.

• 34% Watershed Distillery, Columbus, OH (Straight Bourbon)
  • "The passion Devin and Chase put into this project shows through in their whiskey. Borrowed Page is an authentic collection of spirits and people that have come together to create something special. We are excited about this partnership and are certain these bottles will sell out quickly!" - Greg Lehman, Founder/CEO Watershed Distillery
• 32% Wigle Whiskey, Pittsburgh, PA (Pennsylvania Straight Rye)
  • "We are so thrilled to partner up with American Mash & Grain. Our Blender, Taylor Bostock, picked one of our favorite Rye barrels from our barrelhouse for this blend to represent Pennsylvania Monongahela Rye. Devin and Chase have brought together some of the most innovative and dedicated craft spirit makers in the US to create a blend that captures the best flavors of this moment in craft distilling. We are so proud to be a part of the Borrowed Page project," - Alexander Grelli, Co-Founder and Owner Wigle Whiskey.
• 24% Spirits of French Lick, West Baden Springs, IN (Lee Sinclair Bourbon)
  • "American Mash and Grain have been great supporters of Spirits of French lick and craft distilling in general. When we heard they wanted to focus on making a blended whiskey using craft spirits it went without saying that we wanted to be as much a part of that project as we possibly could be. The American craft whiskey movement has become in recent years a true talking point in regards to quality, unique flavors, and the expansion of the American whiskey experience. Using these unique profiles to produce a blended whiskey and present it to an expanded audience that may not be familiar with each independent contributor is a great way to create new customers interested in exploring what once was fringe but is now re-writing what American whiskey distilling can be. It was our distinct pleasure to include a unique 62 gallon, Number 2 char barrel, of our Lee W. Sinclair Bourbon to the project." - Alan Bishop, Head Distillery Spirits of French Lick
• 10% Whiskey Del Bac, Tucson, AZ (Mesquite Smoked Single Malt)
  • "We love what the team at American Mash & Grain is doing with the Borrowed Page project and are honored to be included. History is being made right now in American whiskey as we and other incredible distilleries across the country are crafting American single malts with our own stamps of place and terroir. It's an exciting time for both whiskey makers and drinkers." -Stephen and Amanda Paul, Co-founders of Whiskey Del Bac. - Stephen Paul, Co-Founder/President Hamilton Distillers Group/Whiskey Del Bac

Tasting Notes:

Butterscotch, Maple Syrup, Tobacco, Cinnamon, Mesquite BBQ Smoke.

More Notes:

• Borrowed Page American Whiskey exclusively sold on the American Mash & Grain website (mashngrain.myshopify.com) for $75 (exclusive of tax and shipping)
• American Mash & Grain launched on July 4th, 2020 with the purpose of elevating the profile of the American craft whiskey movement.
• The blend was created in collaboration with Anne Dimmick.
• Sourcing as a concept is not a new idea, but so much of it is hidden behind NDAs. We are opting for hyper transparency, featuring our distillery partners on the front of the label.
• "American Whiskey" is currently stigmatized as "cheap" or "poorly made." We want todestigmatize American Whiskey.
• "American Whiskey" is a catch all for any American whiskey that doesn't meet the guidelines for standardized whiskies like bourbon or rye.
• With "American Single Malt" on the precipice of becoming a standardized category, "American Whiskey" is the last bastion of unbridled innovation and experimentation.

Links:

• American Mash & Grain
• Bourbon Lens Review of Mash and Grain Borrowed Page Volume 1
• Purchase a Bottle Here

We're joined by the "International Man of Whisky", Nate Gana.  He's the man behind Bevridge, a carefully curated whisky experience that ships straight to your door, and currently has over 125K followers on his Instagram.  We discuss his views in the world of whisky and the growth of American Single Malt as well as the international impact of Bourbon.

About Nate Gana:
Nate is the Founder of @NateGana on Instagram (formerly known as @SingleMaltDaily), a platform of over 130K+ followers, as well as a writer who consistently writes for Food and Wine Magazine, Forbes, Bloomberg and Men's Journal.  Nate is a San Francisco World Spirits Competition Judge and an Aspen Food and Wine Panelist.  He is also the Co-Founder of Bevridge; Bevridge brings together curated tasting experiences, compelling on-demand content, and opportunities to engage with industry experts.

Nate Gana in the News and Online:

• Nate Gana (@nategana) • Instagram photos and videos
• Single Malt Daily
• Bevridge.co
• Whisky Hunting: 20 Rare and Incredibly Hard-to-Find Whiskies Worth the Investment
• Single Malt Daily's Nate Gana Breaks Down The World Of Whisk(e)y Investing
• Nate Gana - Food & Wine
• 10 Best Whiskies to Start Your Collection
• 9 Best Bourbons to Start Your Collection
• Nate Gana's Profile | Freelance Journalist | Muck Rack
• How whisky became a smart investment: millennial Asian collectors are bidding big for rare single malts from Macallan, Suntory, Talisker and Laphroaig

Our guest today is Tim Pitts, the Senior District Manager for Kentucky and Tennessee for William Grant & Sons Inc.  Working in the land of Kentucky Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey, Tim is up for the challenge of bringing some of the world's best Scotch Whisky to consumers in the area.  William Grant & Sons is an independent, family owned premium spirits company. Their core lineup includes some of the most well-known brands in spirits: Glenfiddich, Grant's, The Balvenie, Tullamore D.E.W., Drambuie, Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum and Monkey Shoulder. 

Editor's Note:  Please excuse the brief audio issue with our guest's audio during 1:17 - 2:50 Timestamp.  The audio returns to normal for the remainder of the episode.

About William Grant & Sons:

William Grant & Sons is an independent, family owned premium spirits company.  When our founder William Grant established our company in 1887, he had a vision to make the best dram in the valley, and that vision stands true today as we build brands that are loved the world over.

These include our eight core brands: Glenfiddich, Grant's, The Balvenie, Tullamore D.E.W., Drambuie, Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum and Monkey Shoulder. 

We have distilling and bottling operations in Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, India, the US and Mexico and a team of over 2,600 people at 48 global locations. 

We consistently win the industry's top accolades, which are testament to the quality of our liquid, our dedication to our craft and the talent of our people. 

One hundred and thirty four years on, we are leaders in the international spirits industry and have ambitious plans for growth to ensure our business is sustainable for the long term. 

William Grant was a true pioneer. He worked with a close-knit team of talented and passionate people to create a legacy that endures and their spirit is very much at the heart of our culture today.

Learn more on their website: http://www.williamgrant.com 

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 freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

William Grant & Sons In The News:

• William Grant lifts profit despite supply chain woes | Scotland | The Times
• William Grant & Sons launches Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection
• Thirstie Launches William Grant & Sons First U.S. Branded E-Commerce Sites With The Balvenie And Glenfiddich Online Shops
• Glenfiddich-maker William Grant & Sons sees sales rebound but warns of 'challenges and unrest' | The Scotsman
• William Grant & Sons sees turnover and profit increase - DRAM Scotland
• William Grant & Sons Hendrick's Neptunia Gin - Product Launch - Just Drinks
• William Grant & Sons bolsters travel retail team

It is the Finale Episode of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens". And, to celebrate the Finale, we are releasing our Single Barrel Selection of Off Hours Bourbon.  This is an extremely limited release of less than 100 bottles.  We couldn't think of a better way to cap off this successful podcast mini-series run.  If you've enjoyed this content, do us a big favor and pick yourself up a bottle to share with your friends and family in your 'Off Hours'.   Bottles are available online and shipped to your door, check out the full tasting notes and product listing here:  SharedPour.com Off Hours x Bourbon Lens Single Barrel Selection

This week's episode features Seth Benhaim, founder of Broken Barrel Whiskey. Broken Barrel and Bourbon Lens have collaborated on several podcasts and even our very own whiskey over the last 4 years and we were excited to sit down with him for this episode.

Don't miss your chance to purchase your own bottle via SharedPour.com. 

This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours.

Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

We're wrapping up our coverage of the 2022 Kentucky Bourbon Festival and Bourbon Heritage Month with some live recordings on-site at the Festival.  We're joined by some great brands and distilleries like Kentucky Peerless, O.H. Ingram, Broken Barrel, RD1 Spirits, Old Steelhouse Distillery, and Bardstown Bourbon Co. Don't miss out on the 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, sign up for their newsletter via KyBourbonFestival.com. 

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 freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens