Bourbon Lens

The guys challenge each other to create a diverse whiskey bar but only using one Distillery. Find out which Distillery each of us select and our logic behind the choice. And one of us maybe gets a little too creative with their choice.  Does it follow the rules?  Let us know which Distillery you'd pick to craft the perfect "Five Bottle Whiskey Bar". 

Download 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 continued to support us. We must give a huge shoutout 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].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens

*Image Credit: Lux Rox Distillers and MGPI

We're discussing New York Rye Whiskey this week with Alex Clark, Founder of Fort Hamilton Distillery in Brooklyn. We taste through 4 offerings from Fort Hamilton, including Single Barrel Rye, Double Barrel Rye, Double Barrel Bourbon, and a private selection of Rye.  We enjoyed chatting with Alex about his background in the cocktail world and what drove him to start a rye whiskey distillery in New York.  If you are looking for a new rye whiskey, grab a bottle of Fort Hamilton.

Download 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 continued to support us. We must give a huge shoutout 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].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens

The world famous Churchill Downs is home to Matt Winn's Steakhouse and we were invited to a one-of-a-kind bourbon experience inside its jaw-dropping "The Bourbon Room". Tim Knittel is the Official Bourbon Ambassador of Churchill Downs and has curated a tasting and dining experience for us as we sit down to record at the historic racetrack. We taste through a flight of private selection bourbons from the restaurant's impressive bourbon inventory. We hope you enjoy this podcast as we discuss history, the Kentucky Bourbon lifestyle, culinary experiences, and more. 

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

About Tim Knittel:

Tim Knittel is the first Official Bourbon Ambassador of Churchill Downs where he developed the Bourbon program for the new Matt Winn's Steakhouse. He has over 15 years of experience in the Bourbon industry including managing the culinary and VIP hospitality programs at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. In 2016, he founded Distilled Living which provides Bourbon education, tourism and consulting services and is the world's largest combined virtual and in-person Bourbon tastings company. He additionally holds the title of Adjunct Professor of Bourbon Studies at Midway University where he teaches tourism and hospitality courses with a focus on KY Bourbon tourism.

About Matt Winn & Matt Winn's Steakhouse:

Matt Winn attended his first Kentucky Derby, the first Kentucky Derby, in 1875 at the age of 14. Over the next 75 years, he served as a pioneer and innovator of horse racing at the iconic Churchill Downs Racetrack and his impact would change the landscape of the Kentucky Derby forever.

Winn's passion for Churchill Downs is evident in the many traditions that we still hold dear today: the design of the coveted Derby Trophy, the official Mint Julep glass, the garland of roses, the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home" during the post parade and the pari-mutuel wagering system just to name a few.

Matt Winn's Steakhouse pays homage to the legacy of Colonel Winn. Oh, if these walls could talk… Millionaires Row, the fabled Room 20 – Colonel Winn's private nook, Derby history – rich with lure and tall tales… to new beginnings forging new traditions. Matt Winn started it all. His treasured view is now in your gaze. Take a look around. From the endless veranda to a lap around the handsome bar. Cushy seating, incomparable service, tableside charcuterie and a bourbon selection that is second to none. It's all in front of you, but don't worry, we understand, your best bet is the show out the window.

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout 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].

Cheers,
Scott, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens

Buffalo Trace's mashbills #1 and #2 go head-to-head in this week's episode. We taste two solid single barrels; Blanton's and E.H. Taylor Single Barrel. Find out our thoughts on the house styles of Buffalo Trace Distillery and two hard to get bottles of bourbon. 

Download 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 continued to support us. We must give a huge shoutout 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].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens

We're heating things up with 3 barrel proof bourbons that each are a dozen years old. We also discuss storing opened bottles long term and the bourbon and American Whiskey export market. Knob Creek 12 Year Cask Strength goes up against Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Lux Row's Limited Edition 12 Year Double Barrel. How do they stack up? 

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

Image Credit: Lux Row Distillers

We are thankful for everyone who has continued to support us. We must give a huge shoutout 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].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens

We're discussing Bottled in Bond bourbon this week, including whether this designation is still important in today's whiskey world. Whether the distillery is a major producer or a craft whiskey maker, the reasons for labeling their spirits as "bonded" will differ. But is this important for the consumer?  We also line up 3 Bottled in Bond Kentucky Bourbons from some of the larger producers in the state.  How do they hold up in a blind tasting and which is our favorite? Download 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 continued to support us. We must give a huge shoutout 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].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens

We're exploring 3 Double Oaked Bourbons this week, including Peerless, Woodford Reserve, and Starlight Distillery. We discuss the purpose of double oaking and why we believe that it elevates a bourbon to new levels.  How do these three double oaked bourbons stack up? Be sure to let us know which double oaked bourbons we missed in this episode.  Do you have a favorite Double Oaked Bourbon? Download 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 continued to support us. We must give a huge shoutout 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].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens

Show Links:

• The Best New American Double-Barrel Whiskies Of 2021 - Maxim
• What's the Deal with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon?
• Kentucky Peerless Distilling Releases A Double Oak Bourbon - The Whiskey Wash
• Review: Peerless Double Oak Bourbon
• Peerless Keeps Winning All the Whiskey Awards. Here's Why. - InsideHook
• 7 Easily Findable And Damn Fine Bourbons Under $70 - LEO Weekly

We're back together and discussing the top trends in whiskey that we are expecting for 2022 and beyond. We also discuss some trends that we wish would fizzle out and die. And finally, we have some thoughts on some distilleries and brands you should be watching for in 2022. Download 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 continued to support us. We must give a huge shoutout 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].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens

Show Links:

• Top 10 'Trending' Bourbon Whiskeys For 2022, Tasted & Ranked
• That Expensive Bourbon You Bought May Be a Fake - The New York Times
• The 15 Best Whiskeys to Drink in 2022 | VinePair
• Top Bourbon Brands Report 2022: Drinks International
• Castle & Key Distillery partners with RNDC to enter more states
• Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the US for 2022 | The Manual
• Bourbon Pricing Is Getting Out of Control, and Only the Consumers Can Stop It - Paste

The gang's all here and we've cracked open two heavy hitting, barrel proof bourbons from Buffalo Trace Distillery. We compare two Mashbill #1 Bourbons, including Stagg Jr (Batch 13: Fall, 2019 – 128.4 proof) and EH Taylor Barrel Proof (Batch 10; 2021,  127.3 proof). These bottles have skyrocketed in secondary marketplaces and have become rare sights on store shelves, but are they worth the price?  

Show Links:

• EH Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof
• Stagg Jr.
• Colonel EH Taylor Jr Barrel Proof Releases
• Buffalo Trace Is Dropping the "Jr." from Stagg Jr. Bottles - Paste
• Stagg Jr. is Growing Up: Changes Coming for Batch 18 - The Bourbon Review
• Bourbon Pricing Is Getting Out of Control, and Only the Consumers Can Stop It - Paste

Buffalo Trace Statue Image Courtesy of Buffalo Trace Distillery*

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout 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].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens

Our guest this week is Miles Munroe, Lead Distiller for Westward Whiskey. Westward is reimagining Single Malt and adding an American Whiskey spin to elevate the category. American Single Malt Whiskey is a growing category and Westward is one to lead the charge as the United States moves towards well-defined standards of identity for the category. Miles brings a brewer's mentality to whiskey-making and goes above and beyond to craft high quality whiskies in Portland Oregon. Download this episode on your favorite podcast player by clicking here. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us in 2021. A huge shoutout 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].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens