Bourbon Lens

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Bourbon Lens episodes

July 06Ep: 390 Angel’s Envy: Master Distiller Owen Martin on Secondary Maturation & More
What does it take to lead one of the most iconic names in finished American whiskey? In this episode, we sit down with Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angel’s Envy, for a masterclass on the physics of barrel aging, the art of secondary maturation, and what the future holds for the brand's legendary line of spirits.
Owen peels back the curtain on the meticulous science behind their wood programs. We explore how toast levels on French oak and finishing in secondary rum or tequila casks reshape flavor profiles. Discover how warehouse microclimates, barometric pressure, and precise barrel placement across different floors completely alter a whiskey's path. Owen also breaks down his rigorous approach to blending at scale while continuing to push boundaries with the brand's premium Cellar Series and Cask Strength offerings.
Beyond the liquid, Owen shares how personal milestones like fatherhood change his perspective on long-term craftsmanship. Plus, we dive into some unexpected fun, connecting global sports to whiskey culture with a look at European cultural shifts and how flavors bridge global communities.
Whether you are a casual fan of Angel's Envy or a serious collector eager to learn the secrets of innovative wood finishes, this conversation delivers an unmatched deep-dive into modern whiskey innovation.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction to Owen Martin and his role at Angel's Envy
(00:45) - Deep Dive into Wood Finishing: French Oak, Rum, & Cask Management
(02:15) - The Intricacies of Blending and Barrel Sampling at Scale
(03:30) - Warehouse Physics: How Location & Elevation Change Flavor Profiles
(05:10) - Craftsmanship & Fatherhood: A Distiller's Changing Perspective
(07:00) - Global Sports & Culture: Reflections on the World Cup & European Palates
(10:30) - First Look at New Releases: Age Statements & Experimental Lines
(13:20) - Walking the Tightrope: Balancing Heritage with Disruptive Innovation
(15:00) - The Logistics of Barrel Reuse, Proof Fills, and Repositioning
(17:10) - The Future of Angel’s Envy: Upcoming Projects and Seasonal Calendar
(19:05) - The Science of the Finish: Deciphering French Oak Toast Levels
(21:00) - Wood Chemistry: Understanding Toast, Char, and Stave Seasoning
(25:00) - The Tasting Panel: Maintaining Consistency Across Thousands of Barcells
(27:08) - Cask Strength Bourbon, Cellar Series, and Premium Packaging Strategy
(32:18) - Tequila Finishes, Storytelling, and Closing Thoughts on Community
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Angel’s Envy Official Website: https://www.angelsenvy.com
Follow Owen Martin on LinkedIn
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Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU
33 min
July 04Special Episode: United States of Bourbon with Lost Lantern
What does America taste like in a glass? In honor of America’s 250th Semiquincentennial anniversary, independent bottler Lost Lantern Whiskey did the seemingly impossible: they sourced straight bourbon from all 50 states to create the groundbreaking "United States of Bourbon" collection.
In this episode, we sit down with Adam from Lost Lantern to break down the massive logistical mountain, wild road trips, and blending wizardry required to bring this historic project to life. From tracking down micro-distilleries in states with virtually no whiskey footprint—like Hawaii and North Dakota—to navigating tricky local compliance laws, Adam shares the behind-the-scenes secrets of this 50-state sourcing marathon.
We dive deep into the crown jewel of the release: the highly collectible 1776 Edition. Inspired by the original colonies, this ultra-limited blend (restricted to exactly 1,776 bottles) captures unique regional terroir and coastal salinity. Discover how Lost Lantern’s Master Blender Nora Ganley-Roper constructed a harmonious, multi-regional profile using heavy-hitting bases from historic whiskey regions like Maryland, North Carolina, and Iowa's Cedar Ridge, while maintaining complete transparency and authenticity.
Whether you’re a whiskey history buff, a collector chasing cask-strength rarities, or curious about the true state of American terroir, this episode showcases how blending is elevating the American whiskey landscape to competitive new heights.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with Lost Lantern
(00:26) - Adam’s First Father’s Day & Personal Reflections
(01:06) - The Wild Vision: A Bourbon from All 50 States
(02:07) - Sourcing Across the Map: Vermont to Mississippi
(03:05) - Sourcing Hurdles & Maintaining 100% Transparency
(04:21) - The 50-State Road Trip: Finding Whiskey in Hawaii & the Dakotas
(06:02) - Navigating Tough State Compliance Markets
(08:23) - Breaking Down the "1776 Edition" vs. The 50-State Collection
(09:12) - Proof Breakdown & Tasting Notes: Cask Strength vs. Bottled Proof
(11:15) - Nora’s Blending Process: Crafting Regional Character
(12:01) - The Foundation: The Role of Cedar Ridge & Key Distilleries
(15:01) - Exploring Regional Terroir & Micro-Climates
(17:14) - Market Release Numbers & Early Consumer Reception
(19:02) - How This Project Elevates the Art of American Blending
(23:12) - Building the Intricate Base Blend for the 1776 Bottle
(26:03) - Ocean Air & Salinity: Coastal Influences on the Palate
(28:04) - Future Releases & Lost Lantern's Lasting Legacy
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#bourbon #whiskey #lostlantern #americanwhiskey #craftdistillery #bourbonblend #whiskeyhistory #caskstrength #bourbonlens #whiskeypodcast
27 min
June 28389: Can WhistlePig Convert Bourbon Country to Rye? Inside "The Vault" Louisville
What happens when Vermont’s most rebellious rye whiskey brand sets up a permanent outpost directly in the heart of Bourbon Country?
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, we visit The Vault by WhistlePig in Louisville, KY. We sit down with Lead Research Distiller Mitch Mahar and GM Kevin Didio to explore how they are challenging Kentucky’s bourbon dominance with bold rye innovation.
Mitch shares the legacy of Dave Pickerell and breaks down their wildest blending experiments, including The Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame—aged rye finished in pulque curado de cacao barrels with a kick of native chili peppers. Then, Kevin takes us inside their experiential vault tasting room to discuss their viral signature cocktail, The Flying Pig, which is served to guests via automated pneumatic tubes overhead!
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Live from Louisville: WhistlePig’s The Vault Experience
00:26 - Mitch Mahar on rye whiskey diversity and innovation
01:09 - The legacy of Dave Pickerell & reviving pre-prohibition rye
03:50 - Decoding The Boss Hog XII: Fermented pulque & chili peppers
06:12 - Invading Kentucky: How bourbon drinkers respond to premium rye
15:14 - Louisville Tourism & scouting the historic NuLu site with Kevin Didio
17:26 - The Flying Pig: The viral pneumatic tube cocktail system
23:19 - Behind the Heavy Door: Inside the private Vault tasting single barrels
29:19 - The "Wow" Factor: Why experiential retail is the future of spirits
🔗 Resources & Links:
WhistlePig Whiskey Website
The Vault by WhistlePig Louisville
🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community.
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Hashtags
#WhistlePigWhiskey #TheVaultLouisville #RyeWhiskey #BourbonLens #BossHogXII #MitchMahar #KevinDidio #WhiskeyInnovation #LouisvilleTourism #FlyingPigCocktail
Keywords
WhistlePig Whiskey, The Vault Louisville, Mitch Mahar, Kevin Didio, Boss Hog XII, rye whiskey review, Dave Pickerell, pneumatic tube cocktail, Louisville whiskey trail, craft rye blending, premium whiskey, pulque finished whiskey, single barrel rye, Bourbon Lens, Bourbon Lens News
38 min
June 26Does Red Corn Make Woodford Reserve Better?
What happens when you swap traditional yellow corn for a rare, deep-pigmented heirloom grain? You get one of the most unique, grain-forward releases in the history of the Bourbon Lens.
In this episode, we review the newly unveiled Woodford Reserve Distillery Series: Red Corn Bourbon. Clocking in at 90.4 proof and packaged in their collectible 375ml format ($64.99 MSRP), this limited edition showcases a massive push into agricultural innovation led by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall.
The story behind this whiskey is a true testament to Kentucky terroir and pure resilience. The heirloom red corn was grown on a local farm directly adjacent to the historic distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. However, during the growing season several years ago, a massive summer storm swept through Woodford County, flattening and destroying a significant portion of the stalks. The resulting low yield means the remaining harvest—and the liquid inside this bottle—is exceptionally rare.
Jake breaks down how this deep-pigmented heirloom corn shifts the flavor wheel completely away from standard Woodford sweetness into a bolder, softer, and highly savory presentation. We dive into a rich nosh of dark chocolate, spiced cherry, and green apple, followed by a warm palate medley of baking spices, tarts custard, and sun tea. Find out if this weather-damaged experiment holds its own against traditional yellow corn mash bills!
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Groundbreaking Grain: Intro to Woodford Reserve's heirloom red corn innovation
00:26 - The 51% Rule: Breaking down standard bourbon regulations vs. heirloom varietals
00:36 - Destructive Terroir: How a massive Kentucky storm cut the crop yield and created rarity
01:06 - Agricultural Chemistry: The atmospheric elements shaping modern craft distillation
01:34 - Nosing the Glass: Unpacking rich notes of dark chocolate, baking spice, and green apple
02:28 - Flavor Profile: Unlocking deep layers of dried cherries, toasted pecans, and mocha
02:54 - First Sip: Checking approachability, tart cherry custard, and balanced wood tannins
03:24 - Mid-Palate Shift: Savoring nuances of brown sugar, clove, cinnamon, and pepper
03:44 - Texture & Finish: Analyzing the velvety viscosity, lingering spice, and sun tea notes
04:12 - Changing the Mash Bill: Market appeal and how red corn creates a softer whiskey
04:29 - Head-to-Head: Comparing Woodford Red Corn to other grain innovators like Frey Ranch
04:58 - Final Thoughts: Is this limited 375ml Distillery Series release worth the hunt?
05:11 - Pour Recommendations: Tailoring advice for seasoned enthusiasts vs. casual drinkers
05:41 - Outro: Inviting listener feedback and wrap-up
6 min
June 21388: How Woodford Reserve Masters Tradition & Innovation with Elizabeth McCall
Dive into the rich history, craftsmanship, and innovative spirit of Woodford Reserve in this exclusive interview with Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. Since bursting onto the scene in 1996, Woodford Reserve has been a driving force in revitalizing the Kentucky bourbon industry and inspiring the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
In this episode, Elizabeth pulls back the curtain on how the iconic brand maintains its premium, complex flavor profile while remaining remarkably accessible to whiskey lovers everywhere. We explore their unique triple pot distillation process, the critical role of Kentucky limestone water, and how meticulous sensory and analytical testing ensure flawless batch consistency.
Plus, get a firsthand look into the future of bourbon as Elizabeth shares details on Woodford’s cutting-edge agricultural innovations—including the Heirloom Red Corn release and the Kentucky Rye Project. Whether you're a casual fan of their signature Double Oaked or a seasoned whiskey connoisseur, this episode is packed with insights into the art and science of bourbon making.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller
02:39 - History of Woodford Reserve and its role in Kentucky bourbon revitalization
04:00 - The significance of water source and Kentucky's limestone influence
06:33 - Innovation and leadership in premium bourbon through packaging and flavor development
07:36 - Balancing luxury perception with accessible pricing
08:47 - The meticulous process of quality control and batch consistency
10:10 - The spectrum of flavor attributes in Woodford Reserve whiskey
11:26 - Sensory profiling and the brand’s signature flavor complexity
12:08 - Personal favorites and the appeal of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
13:56 - Unique distillation methods, including Irish-inspired triple pot distillation
14:25 - Batch formulation and the challenge of maintaining consistency in natural products
17:37 - Agricultural innovation: The Red Corn project and its flavor implications
19:07 - Insights from growing heirloom varieties and the importance of farming practices
20:50 - The role of grains like rye and corn in whiskey’s agricultural landscape
22:48 - The master distiller's role in understanding and managing agricultural inputs
24:12 - Navigating label laws, production costs, and consumer value
25:36 - The breadth of Woodford Reserve’s portfolio and ongoing innovation
27:07 - Future outlook: Balance between tradition, experimentation, and brand integrity
28:54 - Elizabeth's legacy and aspirations for the next decade
29:58 - Closing remarks and appreciation for curiosity and tradition in whiskey-making
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30 min
June 19Rolling Fork’s REWCO Rye Review: Can It Match the Hype of Bourbon de Luxe? | Five Minute Fridays
Can the blending masters at Rolling Fork Spirits pull off the exact same magic with a historic rye whiskey that they did with their massive Bourbon de Luxe revival?
On this episode of Five Minute Fridays, Jake Lewellen cracks open and reviews the highly anticipated REWCO 6-Year Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. Clocking in at 109.4 proof and priced at an approachable $59.99 MSRP, this bottle carries some serious historical weight.
Named after R. E. Wathen (Richard E. Wathen), president of American Medicinal Spirits during Prohibition, REWCO is a brand resurrected straight out of the Wathen family’s 200-year distilling legacy. But how does it actually drink today?
Jake breaks down the incredibly unique, hybrid flavor profile of this small batch. Blending three barrels of traditional 74% rye with two barrels of high-spice 95% rye, this pour delivers an unexpected wave of sweet corn, baking spices, citrus zest, and grilled peaches on the nose, followed by a deeply complex tropical fruit sweetness on the palate.
Is this Pre-Prohibition revival "The Zenith of Possibility in Whiskey Quality," or does it get lost in a crowded rye market? Find out in under five minutes!
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - The Ultimate Test: Can REWCO Rye beat Bourbon de Luxe?
00:40 - The History of R.E. Wathen & American Medicinal Spirits
01:10 - First Impressions: Bottle design and visual aesthetic
02:35 - Tasting Notes: Diving into a nose of baking spices and grilled peaches
02:55 - Flavor Profile: Unpacking the tropical fruit sweetness and citrus zest
03:32 - Palate Experience: How the 109.4 cask strength proof holds up
03:58 - Mouthfeel & Smoothness: Textural breakdown of the hybrid mashbill
04:27 - The Finish: Subtlety, persistence, and lingering rye spice
05:22 - Final Verdict: Is this $60 limited release worth the hunt?
05:49 - Celebration ideas, future batch potential, and closing thoughts
🔗 Resources & Links:
Rolling Fork Spirits Official Website
Connect with Jake Lewellen: Twitter | LinkedIn
🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens
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Hashtags
#RewcoRye #RollingForkSpits #FiveMinuteFridays #BourbonLens #RyeWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #BourbonDeLuxe #CaskStrength #PreProhibition #KentuckyRye
Keywords
REWCO rye whiskey, Rolling Fork Spirits, R.E. Wathen, Bourbon de Luxe, whiskey review, Kentucky straight rye, cask strength rye, Turner Wathen, independent bottler, craft spirits, American Medicinal Spirits, Prohibition whiskey revival, whiskey tasting notes, craft rye blend, Seelbachs rye, Bourbon Lens, Bourbon Lens News
6 min
June 14 387: Old Grand-Dad Legacy & Beam's High-Proof Revolving Door: Tasting & Brand Strategy
Old Grand-Dad is a titan among budget bourbons, known for its punchy, high-rye mash bill. But the brand is evolving. In this episode, Jake and Scott dive into the deep history of Old Grand-Dad, tracing it from the 1800s through its current era under the Jim Beam umbrella.
We explore the expanded lineup, from the standard 7-year bottled-in-bond to ultra-premium, age-stated releases like the rare 16-year. The core of this discussion, however, centers on the beloved 114 proof and the launch of the new signed single barrel variant. Can aging hide the signature OGD profile? Does Beam’s extensive line expansion threaten its core brands?
We break down tasting notes, discuss warehouse terroir, and offer recommendations for all levels of bourbon explorers navigating this crowded, complex market.
🌐 Visit Our Website: https://www.bourbonlens.com 👕 Get Your Bourbon Lens Merch: https://www.bourbonlens.com 💬 Join Our Discord Community: https://www.bourbonlens.com
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Welcome and overview of bourbon topics
00:28 - Trip to the Clermont Supper Club
01:22 - The experience at Clermont Supper Club and community vibe
02:15 - Food, cocktails, and the immersive bourbon events
03:17 - State-of-the-art chefs, bartenders, and the culture of bourbon tastings 04:05 - Favorite cocktails, including the New York Sour
05:11 - Unique cocktail experiences at the Supper Club
05:42 - Highlighting the delicious food options and the Claremont location
06:15 - The whiskey shop and rare bottles like Old Grand-Dad 114
06:56 - Historical background of Old Grand-Dad and its origins
08:02 - The evolution of Old Grand-Dad under Jim Beam’s ownership and its high-rye mash bill
08:55 - The expansion of Old Grand-Dad lineup, including bottling proof and age statements
09:53 - The value and quality of the 7-year bottled-and-bond and 114 proof variants
11:33 - The contrast between regular Old Grand-Dad 114 and higher-age options like the 16-year
12:06 - Beam’s stock and availability of premium releases
13:42 - Introduction of the new Old Grand-Dad 114 single barrel, signed by Freddie Noe
14:03 - The industry trend of launching line extensions and premium offerings
15:27 - Market dynamics, pricing, and the future outlook of bourbon
16:37 - The flavor profiles of different Old Grand-Dad variants
17:03 - The nuances of cannibalization within whiskey brands and lineup strategy
18:18 - How Beam maintains a strong core lineup of affordable, quality bourbons
19:27 - The impact of age statements, proof, and price on consumer choices
20:05 - Recommendations for beginner to intermediate bourbon drinkers
21:36 - The role of recognizable brands in navigating a crowded bourbon market 22:20 - The evolution of whiskey knowledge and the host's own journey
23:40 - Sharing trust with your audience and personal recommendations
24:54 - Tasting notes on Old Grand-Dad 114 and the single barrel release
25:31 - Calorie content and drinking it responsibly
26:33 - Tasting profile: notes of corn, fruit, baking spices, and oak
27:11 - The proof’s influence on flavor and a perfect pour on a cube
27:36 - Flavor complexity and the fruit and spice medley
28:28 - Spice notes and balance in the flavor profile
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Please drink responsibly.
29 min
June 12FMF: Celebrating Eddie Russell’s 45th at Wild Turkey: The Legendary Russell’s 13 Return
A summer job that turned into a 45-year legacy! In this episode of Bourbon Lens, we raise a glass to Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell to celebrate his incredible 45th anniversary milestone at the distillery.
We break down the highly anticipated spring release of Russell’s Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon, featuring a special commemorative label honoring Eddie’s craftsmanship. Bottled uncut at a unique 121-proof barrel proof, this rare and highly allocated expression brings a rich blend of history and flavor. Discover the inside story of how a rare 18-year-old barrel hand-pulled by Eddie during the filming of his new documentary, "His Own Way," made its way into this legendary 13-year blend.
We also explore the pour's complex tasting notes, from initial aromas of citrus, baking spice, and cola, down to a heavy palate layered with rich fruit, sweet cola, rich tobacco, and smooth leather finishes. Plus, we share details on upcoming premiere events and exclusive screenings held at the Wild Turkey Visitor Center.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Wild Turkey’s Russell’s 13 and Eddie Russell’s milestone
00:44 - Details of the limited release, proof, and historical context
01:44 - Description of the whiskey’s packaging and thematic elements
02:14 - The role of 18-year-old barrels in this blend
02:44 - Upcoming cultural events: June 23rd screenings and tastings
03:14 - Ticket info for the June 30th visitor center experience
03:00 - Tasting notes: nose and aroma of citrus, baking spice, cola
03:45 - The significance of Wild Turkey’s limited editions and Eddie’s dedication
04:00 - Final thoughts on enjoying and sharing this special bourbon
4:30- Closing remarks and toast to Eddie Russell and the Russell family
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Hashtags
#BourbonLens #WildTurkey #RussellsReserve13 #EddieRussell #BourbonTasting #LimitedRelease #MasterDistiller #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyHistory
Keywords
Russell's 13, Wild Turkey, Eddie Russell 45th anniversary, Russell's Reserve 13 year, barrel proof bourbon, bourbon lens, wild turkey visitor center, his own way documentary, whiskey tasting notes, limited edition bourbon, allocated whiskey price, jimmy russell, kentucky straight bourbon, bourbon lens news
6 min
June 07The Science of Rye Terroir: How Far North Spirits Styles Farm-to-Glass Whiskey with Michael Swanson
Most whiskey fans have never experienced a spirit that truly captures the essence of the land—until now. In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, we head to Minnesota to sit down with Michael Swanson, co-founder of Far North Spirits, to explore how agricultural choices, crop genetics, and soil health directly influence whiskey flavor.
Michael shares his fascinating journey from farm kid to pioneering distiller, revealing how a passion for traditional agricultural techniques and groundbreaking scientific research are shaking up the craft distilling industry. Discover how planting specific rye varieties like AC Hazlet can transform a flavor profile in ways big industry can't replicate, and learn how Far North Spirits earned a major innovation award for proving the reality of whiskey terroir.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Far North Spirits and the episode focus
02:02 - Michael Swanson's background — from farming to whiskey distillation
04:54 - The story of AC Hazlet rye and flavor profile discovery
07:18 - Research proving varietal impacts on whiskey flavor
08:45 - Interaction with large distillers and grain qualities
10:12 - Laboratory findings linking rye variety to flavor compounds
12:22 - Soil and environment effects on rye flavor profiles
13:33 - Recognition of place-based innovation in whiskey
15:01 - Climate effects on aging and angel share dynamics
16:27 - Crop rotation, pollinators, and soil health for flavor benefits
18:10 - The importance of regional agriculture practices and terroir
20:37 - Old techniques and rediscovering traditional farming knowledge
22:48 - Collaborative projects with blends and industry partnerships
26:36 - Impact of farming scale on grain identity and flavor
29:12 - The evolution of American whiskey and sense of place
32:21 - Whiskey tasting notes: Hazlet and Rhochner profiles
33:55 - Price points and market positioning of estate-grown whiskey
36:19 - Future aging plans and bottle releases
39:14 - Crafting gin and Demerara-style rum from regional ingredients
43:36 - Climate considerations for ultra-aging and long-term storage
45:54 - The influence of Minnesota oak and northern terroir
50:32 - Whiskey as a celebration of community and tradition
54:37 - Final thoughts and how to support Far North Spirits
Whether you are a bourbon enthusiast, a fan of rye whiskey, or curious about the science of soil-to-sip spirits, this episode will completely change the way you think about the landscape captured in your bottle.
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Hashtags
#BourbonLens #FarNorthSpirits #RyeWhiskey #WhiskeyTerroir #FarmToGlass #CraftDistilling #WhiskeyScience #MichaelSwanson #EstateWhiskey
54 min
June 05Craft Whiskey Milestones: New Riff’s 10-Year-Old High Note Bourbon and Rye
In this episode of Five Minute Fridays, we explore an incredible milestone in the craft spirits movement: the triumphant resurgence of aged craft whiskeys. Leading the charge is Northern Kentucky’s own New Riff Distilling with their highly anticipated, limited-edition 10-Year-Old High Note Bourbon and Rye releases. We dive deep into the production details, mash bills, and proof strengths, alongside an honest review of the sensory tasting experiences.
The Rise of Double-Digit Craft Whiskey
For years, major legacy distilleries dominated the double-digit age statement landscape. However, craft powerhouses like New Riff, Starlight, and Peerless are proving that patience pays off in the craft whiskey world. As these distilleries cross the 10-year mark, they are unleashing rich, deep flavor profiles that rival any bottle on the shelf.
Head-to-Head: The Mash Bills & Proofs
New Riff's latest decade-old duo showcases the distillery’s flagship recipes, allowed to mature to peak complexity:
10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Clocking in at 116.9 proof, this expression features a high-rye mash bill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley.
10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye: This 118-proof powerhouse utilizes a traditional 95% rye and 5% malted rye mash bill.
Tasting & Sensory Review
Inspired by John from the Embellished Podcast, this review emphasizes the crucial value of revisiting high-integrity whiskey over multiple days to truly unlock its full, evolving complexity.
New Riff 10-Year Bourbon Notes
Nose: Rich aroma highlighted by deep tobacco, plum, and a bright layer of citrus rind.
Palate: A complex interplay of mature oak tannins, dark cherry, and honeyed peach.
Finish: Long, spicy, and satisfyingly warm with a heavy rye-driven influence.
New Riff 10-Year Rye Notes
Nose: Expressive and punchy with dominant spearmint, vanilla, and sweet honey.
Palate: A beautifully juicy, well-rounded mouthfeel layered with sweet cinnamon sugar, lemon zest, and hints of ripe peach.
Finish: Distinctly spiced and balanced. While our host personally leans toward the bourbon, both bottles are undeniable contenders for whiskey of the year.
Limited Release Details
These high-integrity, barrel-proof, and non-chill-filtered whiskeys are limited-run creations. If you are a resident of or visitor to Northern Kentucky, do not miss your chance to head to the distillery, secure these rare bottles, and taste history in the making.
Featured Resources & Connections
Distillery Info: https://newriffwhiskeyclub.com/
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7 min

About Bourbon Lens

From the publisher's feed

Bourbon Lens is the podcast for every whiskey drinker. During this project, we look to explore the whiskey and bourbon industry, learn more about our favorite spirit, and interview industry insiders, makers, entrepreneurs, and business people. We welcome you on this journey with us.