Bourbon Showdown Podcast

Greg King returns to The Bourbon Showdown for a deep dive into the legendary world of Lagavulin. From Scotland's whisky regions and what defines a true Scotch to the history behind one of Islay's most iconic distilleries, Greg shares the stories behind every sip. Along the way, we taste Lagavulin 11 Year Old Sweet Peat, the 2025 12 Year Old Special Release "Grain & Embers," and the legendary Lagavulin 16. Whether you're a longtime Scotch fan or just beginning your journey, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Nicole Austin returns to The Bourbon Showdown to discuss the launch of Blade & Bow's new 12-Year Solera Reserve. We dive into the heritage of the Blade & Bow brand, the development of this highly anticipated release, and Nicole's approach to crafting one of the year's most exciting new bourbons. Then, of course, we pop the top on this new expression and take it for a test drive! If you're a fan of great whiskey, behind-the-scenes stories, and honest tasting notes, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

On this week's episode of The Bourbon Showdown, Jesse heads across the pond to Scotland with Greg King, Diageo's Single Malt Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador, for an in-depth look at one of Scotland's most beloved whisky's: Oban.

As Season 12 continues its exploration of world-class whiskies beyond bourbon, Greg guides the conversation through the fundamentals of Scotch whisky, what legally defines it, how it compares to American whiskey, and the rich history behind the iconic Oban Distillery.

Of course, no Bourbon Showdown episode would be complete without a tasting. Jesse and Greg sip their way through Oban's celebrated lineup, including the classic Oban 14 Year Old, the powerful Oban 12 Year Cask Strength, and the deliciously complex Oban 15 Year Port Cask Finish.

Whether you're a lifelong Scotch enthusiast or a bourbon fan looking to expand your palate, this episode offers an approachable and entertaining deep dive into one of Scotland's great whisky traditions.

Pour yourself a dram and join us for a conversation about great whisky, great stories, and the people who make it all possible.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown, we head back to Scotland with Diageo Luxury Brand Ambassador Ewan Morgan for a masterclass on one of the world's most iconic single malts: Talisker.

Ewan takes us deep into the history of the Talisker brand, the science of ultra-aged whisky, and what it takes to guide a spirit to 30, 45, and even 47 years of maturation.

Of course, we don't just talk about great whisky—we drink it. Jesse and Ewan taste through an extraordinary lineup featuring

• Talisker 30 Year Old
• Talisker Glacial Edge 45 Year Old
• Talisker Magma 47 Year Old.

If you're a fan of Scotch, luxury spirits, or the craftsmanship behind some of the world's rarest whiskies, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Season 12 starts with a trip to Ireland as Jesse Jones welcomes Redbreast Irish Whiskey Master Blender Dave McCabe to The Bourbon Showdown Podcast!

In this episode, Dave McCabe takes us deep into the world of Redbreast and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, exploring the rich history behind the brand, the art and science of blending, and how Redbreast continues to maintain the craftsmanship that has made it one of the premier Irish whiskeys in the world today. Dave also shares insight into the future of the brand and what excites him most about where Irish whiskey is headed next.

If you enjoy great whiskey conversation, behind-the-scenes insight from the people shaping the industry, and a few laughs along the way, this is an episode you do not want to miss.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, we welcome Bardstown Bourbon Company back to the show as Director of Distillation & Head Distiller Nick Smith joins us in Charlotte, NC to talk all things Bardstown.

Nick walks us through his journey to the head distiller chair and shares how Bardstown Bourbon Company has built a reputation for exceptional whiskey through transparency, innovation, and a bold vision from day one. As one of the OG's of this brand, Nick offers firsthand insight into how the brand was built, the philosophy behind their process, and their mission to bring truly outstanding whiskey to whiskey lovers everywhere.

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most forward-thinking distilleries in America — and a true whiskey masterclass you won’t want to miss.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, we pop the top with the team behind the whiskey brand that has been voted the “Best in the World” — Never Say Die Bourbon.

Brian Luftman from Lexington and his UK counterpart Martha Dalton sit down with us to do a deep dive on the incredible origin story behind this award-winning brand — a story that truly has everything. From horse racing and royalty to the Beatles and a transatlantic bourbon voyage.

Never Say Die packs a lot of flavor into each pour and we dive right as we crack open both their Bourbon and Rye, discussing mash bills, barrels, and the journey this whiskey makes from grain to glass. 

So grab a glass and get ready for another flavor-packed episode of The Bourbon Showdown Podcast.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, Jesse sits down with whiskey maker Ari Sussman of Whiskey JYPSI to pop the top and pour through the new LEGACY Batch 003: The Declaration.

Jesse and Ari dive into the brand’s history and explore how Ari and Eric Church have worked tirelessly since day one to craft a true bourbon symphony—creating a volumetric, 3D whiskey experience with every release. Legacy Batch 3 is a perfect showcase of that passion and precision. Along the way, Ari drops a few Easter eggs hidden within this release, some dating all the way back to Revolutionary times, as the two break down the mash bill, grains, barrels, and the meticulous blending that brings this whiskey to life.

It’s a flavor-packed, behind-the-scenes conversation filled with great stories, Eric Church moments, and some seriously memorable pours. So pour yourself a big pour of Whiskey JYPSI and get ready for this week’s episode of The Bourbon Showdown Podcast.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, Jesse Jones sits down with — 8th Generation Master Distiller of James B. Beam Distilling Co., Freddie Noe!

Jesse and Freddie dive deep into the Beam legacy while sipping on the ultra-rare Knob Creek 21 Year. Freddie shares his journey to the Master Distiller chair, the philosophy behind Booker’s, Knob Creek, Little Book, and his experimental Infinity Series, and what it takes to carry forward one of bourbon’s most iconic family lineages.

It’s a flavor packed, behind-the-scenes conversation filled with stories, insight, and some seriously great pours. So pour yourself a big pour of your favorite Beam and get ready for this weeks Bourbon Showdown Podcast.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown, we’re joined by Kaveh Zamanian, Founder of Rabbit Hole Distillery. We crack open the new Amrulé Rye, finished in Maple Brûlé casks, and dive into Kaveh’s journey from hospitality and psychology to building one of Kentucky’s most distinctive whiskey brands.

We talk about the evolving whiskey landscape, what sets Rabbit Hole apart, and how thoughtful branding paired with exceptional liquid creates a truly standout experience. It’s a fun, insightful conversation as we follow Kaveh down the Rabbit Hole on this week’s Bourbon Showdown.