Bourbon Lens

Discover the unique American spirit of Chicken Cock’s Old Glory, a special, highly innovative whiskey crafted in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. In this episode of Bourbon Lens, we explore the historic significance, stunning patriotic artwork, and the remarkable liquid collaboration behind this iconic bottle.

We break down the innovative liquid profile: a 100-proof marriage of premium Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and Laird's Apple Brandy. You will get our full, unfiltered personal impressions and detailed tasting notes—from the initial baking spice and citrus zest on the nose to the complex stewed fruit and balanced vanilla notes on the palate.

Whether you are a hardcore fan of traditional rye whiskey, an admirer of historic apple brandy traditions, or a collector looking for an affordable way to commemorate American distilling heritage, this heritage brand mashup is a must-try bottle that absolutely delivers on value. Dive in with us as we experience a true taste of Americana!

• 00:00 - Introduction to Chicken Cock's Old Glory Whiskey & America's 250th
• 00:28 - Liquid Breakdown: Kentucky Rye Meets Laird's Apple Brandy (100 Proof)
• 01:58 - Historical Context: Two Heritage Spirits Brands Aligning
• 02:22 - Official Tasting Notes: Nose, Palate, & Flavor Profile Insights
• 03:13 - Personal Impressions & Cultural Significance for American Distillers
• 03:42 - Community Involvement, Swag, Merchandise, & Patreon Perks

• Featured Whiskey: Chicken Cock Old Glory Whiskey
• Support the Show: Bourbon Lens Patreon
• Want Our Merch: Buy Now

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Most bourbon brands focus solely on production volume—but Rabbit Hole Distillery proves there is a much smarter way to stand out in a crowded market. On this episode of Bourbon Lens, host Jake Lewellen sits down with the visionary founder of Rabbit Hole, Kaveh Zemanian, to explore how bold architectural design, regional storytelling, and uncompromised craftsmanship are actively reshaping the future of American whiskey.

As the spirits industry faces a massive cyclical shift, Kaveh shares an expert masterclass on brand resilience. We go behind the scenes of Rabbit Hole’s small-batch and experimental spirit programs, unpacking everything from innovative wood finishes to the strategic rise of flavored whiskeys designed to invite a new wave of consumers into the category. Kaveh breaks down the complex market dynamics of 2026—including the strategic choices behind their historic Mary Dowling brand extension, the reality of a global whiskey oversupply, and the massive ongoing transformation of alcohol distribution via e-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) channels.

Whether you are an aspiring spirits entrepreneur, a marketing strategist, or a whiskey connoisseur, this episode delivers actionable insights on carving your own lane, leveraging experiential tourism in Louisville, and building an authentic, future-proof whiskey brand.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 | Introduction & Episode Overview
• 01:03 | The Past 20 Years: Macro Landscape of the American Bourbon Industry
• 02:46 | Surviving the Cycle: Managing Downturns and Building Brand Resilience
• 03:39 | Geographics of Spirit Growth: Regional Identity vs. National Expansion
• 05:07 | Destination Distilling: The Architectural Distillery as a Visitor Magnet
• 06:22 | Beyond the Standard Barrel: Crafting Small-Format & Experimental Whiskeys
• 07:36 | Product Formatting: Innovating Expression Profiles for Consumer Appeal
• 09:33 | Expanding the Tent: Utilizing Flavored Whiskeys to Attract New Drinkers
• 10:55 | Liquid Gifting: Consumer Trends in Premium Bottle Gifting
• 12:33 | The Legend of Mary Dowling: Reviving a Unique Historical Story
• 14:05 | Timeline of a Brand: Launch Strategies and Long-Term Development
• 16:02 | Deep Dive: The Journey and Creative Process Behind Offshoot Expressions
• 17:38 | Flavor Chemistry: Collaborative Innovations with Premier Flavor Houses
• 18:48 | Logistics of Liquid: Balancing Sourcing, Blending, and Custom Production
• 20:11 | The Recovery Strategy: Rebuilding a Premium Brand in Today’s Economic Climate
• 21:30 | The Three-Tier Challenge: Evolving Distribution Landscapes and Digital Shifts
• 24:25 | The Aged Whiskey Surplus: Market Impacts and Consumer Opportunities
• 25:53 | Market Swings: How Macro Changes Impact Distilling Communities
• 27:17 | Bourbon Tourism: Louisville’s Role in Community and Economic Revitalization
• 29:11 | Honoring the Roots: Historical Distilling Support for Local Agricultural Communities
• 30:25 | The Next Chapter: Authenticity, Experiential Marketing, and the Future of Whiskey Tourism

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Can a celebrity-backed whiskey brand actually change the way American spirits are made? In this episode of Bourbon Lens (383), Jake Lewellen sits down with the ultimate industry outsider turned mad scientist: Ari Sussman, the whiskey maker behind country star Eric Church’s Whiskey Jypsi.

We take a deep dive into their most ambitious and historically significant release yet: Legacy Batch 003: "The Declaration." Conceived as a liquid tribute to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, this bottle completely reimagines Colonial-era Maryland-style rye. Ari breaks down the insane logistics behind this 60/30/10 cross-category blend, which features 8-to-12-year-old Indiana rye finished in apple brandy casks sourced directly from George Washington's Mount Vernon Distillery, 25-year-old Canadian corn whiskey, and a touch of Virginia single malt. From the pioneering use of agricultural gene editing (like the "Lavender Haze" grain) to the hidden Easter egg behind its 115.74 proof statement, this episode proves why Whiskey Jypsi is leaving standard sourced bourbon behind to stage an American whiskey revolution.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Outsider Ethos: How Ari's background in French wine harvests shapes his approach to "noble grains."
• Deconstructing "The Declaration": Breaking down the components of an ultra-complex $200 blend.
• The Mount Vernon Connection: Finishing MGP 95/5 rye in actual historic apple brandy barrels.
• Punk-Rock Rye: Why Ari believes rye—not bourbon—is the true whiskey of revolutionaries.
• Agricultural Innovation: Looking at the future of heirloom grains and gene-edited varietals.
• Hidden in the Proof: The incredible historical meaning behind the 115.74 bottling strength.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 | Introduction: Catching Up with Whiskey Maker Ari Sussman
• 02:15 | The Jypsi Lineup: Legacy, Explorer, and Tribute Series
• 07:45 | Celebrity Brands Done Right: Eric Church and Authentic Leadership
• 10:30 | Noble Grains: Heirloom Varietals and Agricultural Philosophy
• 15:00 | The Cutting Edge: Can Gene Editing Revolutionize Whiskey Grains?
• 20:45 | Wood & Stave Innovation: Designing Cross-Category Complexity
• 25:30 | Reclaiming the Past: The Rise and Fall of Maryland-Style Rye
• 30:20 | Tasting The Declaration: Blending Indiana, Canada, and Virginia
• 34:20 | Bottle Storytelling: The Hidden History in the 115.74 Proof Statement
• 38:00 | Scarcity & Allocation: Where to Find Legacy Batch 003
• 42:00 | Final Thoughts: Shaking Up the American Blended Whiskey Category

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In the latest episode of Thursday Thoughts:

Discover why honey-finished bourbons are the hottest trend in whiskey. We dive deep into the profiles of Green River Honey ($24.99), Blue Note Honey Cask (Cask Strength), and Southern Stars (6-Year Aged) to find the best balance of sweetness and proof. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer highball base or a complex dessert pour, we break down the proof, price, and palate of each.

Key Highlights:

• Green River: The best value honey bourbon at $24.99.
• Blue Note: High-proof intensity meets clover honey sweetness.
• Southern Stars: Older, refined bourbon with North Carolina honey roots.

Chapters: 00:00 - Are Honey Finishes Overrated? 00:55 - Green River Honey: Price & Process 02:26 - The Science of Honey Casks 06:04 - Flavor Notes: Mint, Fruit, & Sugar 10:25 - Blue Note Cask Strength Review 14:02 - How to make the perfect Honey Gold Rush

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A decade in the making. Today on Bourbon Lens, we sit down with John Waddell, Master Taster at Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., to discuss the most significant release in the distillery's modern history: The Henry Kraver Reserve 10-Year Bourbon.

Since reviving the Peerless legacy in 2013, the Taylor family has vowed to never source a drop of whiskey. This 10-year release is the liquid proof of that patience. John walks us through the "Sweet Mash" process that defines the Peerless profile and explains why crafting a 10-year expression requires a completely different approach to batching and quality control. From the "wild" palate of burnt brownies and mocha to the nostalgic tobacco-heavy nose, we break down why this bottle is already being called a contender for Bourbon of the Year.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The 10-Year Evolution: The significance of Peerless’s first official age-statement release.
• Sweet Mash Mastery: How fresh mash (versus sour mash) creates a cleaner, more vibrant 117.6 proof spirit.
• The Art of the Batch: John Waddell shares the challenges of pairing prominent 10-year-old barrels.
• History Reborn: Paying homage to founder Henry Kraver and the DSP-KY-50 heritage.
• The "Cult" of Peerless: Why the distillery’s focus on "quality over quantity" has built one of the most loyal followings in the industry.
• The Visitor Experience: Why their downtown Louisville distillery is a must-visit on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Chapters

• Introduction and Welcome
• Peerless Distillery Overview
• 10-Year Bourbon Release
• Crafting and Tasting Process
• Challenges and Achievements
• Future Plans and Innovations
• Closing Remarks

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#BourbonLens #KentuckyPeerless #PeerlessBourbon #HenryKraver #10YearBourbon #SweetMash #JohnWaddell #BourbonReview #LouisvilleBourbon #WhiskeyCollector #DSPKY50

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Welcome to Five Minute Friday's, our new monthly spotlight where we step outside the Bluegrass State to explore the world of spirits. Today, Jake takes a deep dive into two highly anticipated releases from one of the most iconic names in Scotch: The Dalmore.

The Dalmore is famous for its luxury status, but for the serious whiskey enthusiast, the specs haven't always hit the mark—until now.

We are reviewing the Select Editions 2007 (18 Year) and 2010 (15 Year). These aren't your standard The Dalmore bottles; they are non-chill filtered, natural color, and bottled at a higher proof than the core range.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Un-Dalmore" Specs: Why the move to 46%+ ABV and non-chill filtration is a game-changer for the brand’s credibility.
• The Sherry Influence: Exploring the rare Apóstoles, Matusalem, and Amoroso casks from the legendary González Byass bodega.
• Tasting the 2007 (18 Year): A 93.4-proof "Pastry King" full of maple syrup and chocolate notes.
• Tasting the 2010 (15 Year): The "Bourbon Bridge"—why this 98.2-proof expression is the one for our core audience.
• The Value Debate: With price tags of $250 and $550, are these bottles a "must-buy" or just "expensive marketing"?

Chapters:

| Introduction to Five Minute Friday's: Crossing the Atlantic for The Dalmore.

| Select Editions Breakdown: What makes the 2007 and 2010 different from the 12 or 15 year.

| Tasting Notes & Palate Assessment: Bourbon-friendly Scotch?

| The Assessment of Value: We weigh the MSRP against the experience.

We want to hear from you: Does a higher proof and "natural" status make you more likely to pull the trigger on a The Dalmore? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community.

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Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU

#BourbonLens #WhiskyLens #TheDalmore #ScotchReview #SingleMalt #WhiskyCollector #DalmoreSelectEdition #SherryCask #LuxuryWhisky #BourbonDrinkers

Welcome to the debut of Whisk(e)y Lens, a new monthly spotlight where we step outside the Bluegrass State to take a global view of the spirits world. In this inaugural episode, host Jake takes a deep dive into the rugged landscapes and storied distilleries of Scotland.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the "smoke" or confused by the regions, this episode is your roadmap. We aren’t just talking about Scotch; we are exploring the deep-rooted connection between the Scotch industry and American Bourbon. From the influence of ex-bourbon casks to the science behind the "Peat Myth," we are breaking down everything you need to know to transition from the Rickhouse to the Highlands.

In this episode, we explore:

• The "Whiskey vs. Whisky" Debate: Understanding the legal and cultural differences between America’s native spirit and Scotland’s national treasure.
• The Bourbon Connection: Why over 90% of Scotch wouldn’t exist without the American Bourbon industry.
• The Five Regions of Scotch: A flavor-first breakdown of Speyside, The Highlands, Islay, The Lowlands, and Campbeltown.
• Debunking the Peat Myth: Why "smoky" doesn't mean "better" and how to find the right entry point for a bourbon palate.
• Jake’s Recommendations: Which bottles should be on your shelf if you’re ready to expand your lens.

Whether you’re a purist or a curious newcomer, grab a dram and join us as we broaden the horizon of what whiskey can be.

Chapters:

• Introduction to Whisk(e)y Lens: A Global Perspective
• Scotch vs. Bourbon: Grain, Wood, and Law
• The Five Regions: A Flavor Roadmap
• The Bourbon Cask Influence: A Symbiotic Relationship
• Misconceptions, Peat, and Expert Recommendations

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Is Tequila just for margaritas, or is it the next frontier for the serious whiskey collector? This Cinco de Mayo, we’re joined by Luigi Rodriguez, Tears of Llorona national brand ambassador. We dive into why this bottle is frequently called the "Pappy of Tequila," exploring the high-altitude agave farming, the legendary triple-barrel aging process (Scotch, Sherry, and Brandy).

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• Agave is an Agricultural Masterpiece: Unlike grain, which is harvested annually, agave takes nearly a decade to mature. Rodriguez explains the "labor of love" required to farm high-altitude Blue Weber agave and why patience is the most important ingredient.

• The Art of the Crossover: With 5 years of aging in three distinct cask types, Tears of Llorona isn't just "tequila"—it’s a complex, barrel-driven experience designed specifically to appeal to the palates of Scotch and Bourbon enthusiasts.

• 00:00 | Cinco de Mayo & The Tequila Evolution: Why tequila is dominating the summer spirits conversation.
• 06:44 | The Unique Portfolio: How Germán transitioned from his family legacy at Chinaco to creating the ultra-premium Tears of Llorona.
• 13:27 | The Art of Blending & Aging: A deep dive into the 5-year maturation in Scotch, Sherry, and Brandy oak.
• 19:08 | The Labor of Love: The grueling reality of agave farming and why "mass-produced" can't compete with "estate-grown."
• 25:15 | The Elevator Pitch: How to find Tears of Llorona and why it belongs on your top shelf.

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott celebrate the peak of the horse racing calendar and the "May the Fourth" crossover. The guys dive deep into the high-stakes world of spirits business, covering the recently terminated merger talks between Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman, while speculating on Sazerac’s massive cash bid for the Jack Daniel’s owner.

We also explore the innovation side of the industry, from Diageo’s state-of-the-art sustainable facility in Alabama to the headline-grabbing Fireball-infused BuzzBallz. Plus, we get you Derby-ready with a masterclass on the Mint Julep and the debut of the "Perfecta"—the refreshing pineapple and ginger highball taking Churchill Downs by storm.

• 00:00 – May the Fourth and Derby season catch-up
• 01:04 – Star Wars rankings: From Jar Jar Binks to modern spin-offs
• 02:50 – Derby sponsorship: How brands win at Churchill Downs
• 03:03 – The Merger that Wasn't: Why Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman walked away
• 03:57 – Diageo Montgomery: $415M investment and the future of Alabama distribution

• 05:44 – Sazerac’s big moves: 818 Tequila investment and the $15B Brown-Forman bid

• 06:32 – RTD Innovation: BuzzBallz meets Fireball’s cinnamon heat

• 07:34 – The Mint Julep Masterclass: Batching, steeping, and the "pebble ice" rule
• 12:21 – Recipe Alert: How to make "The Perfecta" (Old Forester + Pineapple + Ginger)
• 16:40 – Inside the Finish Line Suites: A look at the Churchill Downs renovations
• 19:00 – Woodford Reserve Master Tasters and the 2026 limited-edition flights
• 24:49 – Global Whiskey: Future plans for Peerless, Suntory, and Yamazaki

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In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, we sit down with Damon Thayer, former Kentucky State Senate Majority Floor Leader and co-owner of Kentucky Senator Bourbon. We dive into the fascinating revival of this historic brand, which originally dates back to the pre-Prohibition era and is now carving out a unique niche by pairing high-quality, aged spirits with the rich political history of the Bluegrass State.

Damon shares the brand’s mission of bipartisan storytelling, where each small-batch release—always bottled at 107 proof and aged at least six years—is named after an iconic Kentucky Senator. From the inaugural Alben W. Barkley release to the more recent Jim Bunning and John Sherman Cooper editions, we explore how the brand honors those who shaped Kentucky’s legacy.

Beyond the bottle, the conversation gets into the "inner circle" of Kentucky culture. Damon offers his expert strategies for betting on the Kentucky Derby, discusses his work in the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, and explains the brand’s expansion plans into new markets. Whether you're a history buff, a political junkie, or just a fan of "America's Native Spirit," this episode offers an engaging look at how bourbon and statecraft go hand-in-hand.

• Bipartisan Spirits: Discover how Kentucky Senator Bourbon bridges the political divide by focusing on shared history and tradition.
• The 107 Standard: Why the brand sticks to its signature 107-proof profile and a minimum six-year age statement (matching a Senator's term).
• Betting the Derby: Damon Thayer shares his personal approach to the track, including how to find value in win, place, and show bets.
• A Brand Revived: The story of how Thayer and Andre Regard brought back a brand once distilled by Crigler & Crigler and Double Springs.
• Kentucky Influence: A look at how legislative advocacy has modernized the bourbon industry into a global tourism powerhouse.

• 00:00 Introduction to Kentucky Senator Bourbon & Damon Thayer
• 07:31 Expansion Strategy: Growth and Distribution in the Bluegrass State
• 16:55 The Intersection of Politics: Influence and Future Brand Plans
• 23:16 Deep Dive: The History of Kentucky’s Most Famous Senators
• 29:52 The USP: Why the 107 Proof and Age Statement Matters
• 39:59 Personal Anecdotes: Horse Racing, Legacy, and Closing Remarks

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#BourbonLens #KentuckySenatorBourbon #DamonThayer #BourbonHistory #KentuckyDerby #WhiskeyTasting #SmallBatchBourbon #AmericaNativeSpirit #BourbonInfluencers #KentuckyDowns

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