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In this episode of Bourbon With Friends. The team sits down with Brian Nation & David Perkins to discuss Keepers Heart Iris American Whiskey. 

Brian Nation  is an absolute legend in the world of Irish Whiskey and we couldn’t be more proud to call him a member of our family. Brian’s experience speaks for itself. For the last 7 years he was Master Distiller for some of the most renown and high quality Irish whiskeys in the world.

It is not just Brian’s taste for whiskey that brought him to Keeper’s Heart—Brian was captivated by the opportunity to bring his skills and family to America in order to explore new expressions in whiskey, bringing together two whiskey traditions to create something entirely new. We are thrilled he is part of the family.

David Perkins  is a Liquid Collaborator and Advisor, David works alongside Master Distiller, Brian Nation, to marry the best of Irish and American whiskey making traditions.

David’s pedigree as one of America’s most exciting whiskey makers comes from his role in founding High West in 2008. During his time as Founder & CEO, High West quickly developed into a world-renowned whiskey, earning numerous awards and accolades.

In his current role, David continues to push the boundaries of whiskey traditions bringing with him his unique style and approach to whiskey making.

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Kentucky Eagle INC. - Kentucky Eagle is growing and in need of talented people with a passion for wine and spirits. We are looking for sales positions and operational roles. We are a family owned and operated company that offers above industry average compensation, up to 7.5% 401K match, health-life-dental-vision-life insurance, car allowance, and cell allowance. Positions are available in markets around Kentucky. Please visit kyeagle.net\careers to apply.

Check out their website - www.kyeagle.net

Blind Barrels - Blind Whiskey Tasting Kit that was born to disrupt the whiskey industry by showcasing American craft whiskey that don’t make their way to liquor store shelves due to distribution limitations. Blind tastings are all about discovery, education, and removing brand bias, and Blind Barrels hits home with whiskey communities by supporting the very best in smaller distillers who are making the most amazing, innovative, and delicious products that you can't get at your liquor store.

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In this episode of Bourbon With Friends. The BWF Crew sits down with country music superstar John Rich of Lonestar and Big & Rich. 

John Rich is an American country music singer-songwriter. From 1992 to 1998, he was a member of the country music band Lonestar, in which he played bass guitar and alternated with Richie McDonald as lead vocalist. After departing from the band in 1998, he embarked on a solo career on BNA Records in the late 1990s, releasing two singles for the label and recording Underneath the Same Moon, which was not released until 2006. In 2001, he self-released Rescue Me, an album he was inspired to record by a cancer patient named Katie Darnell. By 2003, he joined Big Kenny to form the duo Big & Rich, who released three albums on Warner Bros.

So of Course, Johns success also brought a whiskey brand down the road! 

Since its launch in February of 2018, Redneck Riviera Whiskey has donated more than $1,000,000 to Folds of Honor, providing dozens of scholarships to America’s most deserving families.

John Rich had a very specific flavor profile in mind and was adamant that the ingredients be ALL AMERICAN! 

With this thought in mind, John assembled a legendary team with countless years of award winning whiskey creation. The goal? To build the smoothest and most approachable whiskey on the planet that would rival ANY Domestic or Canadian blends.

Hundreds of samples (and a few hangovers) later, Redneck Riviera American Blended Whiskey was born.

The final test? Making sure that it could get past even the toughest whiskey critic, Granny Rich! We are proud to say that it’s certified.

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Fudge Kitchen - In business for over 50 years. Fudge Kitchen ships delicious fudge, chocolates and sweet treats all across the USA. Fudge kitchen makes a perfect gift or decadent snack at all hours of the day!

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Kentucky Eagle INC. - Kentucky Eagle is growing and in need of talented people with a passion for wine and spirits. We are looking for sales positions and operational roles. We are a family owned and operated company that offers above industry average compensation, up to 7.5% 401K match, health-life-dental-vision-life insurance, car allowance, and cell allowance. Positions are available in markets around Kentucky. Please visit kyeagle.net\careers to apply.

Check out their website - www.kyeagle.net

Blind Barrels - Blind Whiskey Tasting Kit that was born to disrupt the whiskey industry by showcasing American craft whiskey that don’t make their way to liquor store shelves due to distribution limitations. Blind tastings are all about discovery, education, and removing brand bias, and Blind Barrels hits home with whiskey communities by supporting the very best in smaller distillers who are making the most amazing, innovative, and delicious products that you can't get at your liquor store.

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In this episode of Bourbon With Friends. The BWF crew sits down with the founders of Regimental Spirits. 

Regimental Spirits Company was born on the abandoned rooftop of the Ba’ath Party Headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq in 2007. There, two thirsty US Infantrymen shared a cigar, a conversation and a dream about creating a quality brand of whiskey that would represent the greatest men and women of their country—those who serve in the United States Military.

A vision of toasting to a shared love and loyalty, yet comprised of unique experiences, branches and communities. A toast to the Regiment.

Our founders are dedicated to creating “American-Made” spirits that embody the same core values of all our military branches—duty, honor, respect, loyalty, courage, integrity and selfless service.

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Fudge Kitchen - In business for over 50 years. Fudge Kitchen ships delicious fudge, chocolates and sweet treats all across the USA. Fudge kitchen makes a perfect gift or decadent snack at all hours of the day!

Check out their website - https://fudgekitchens.com/

Kentucky Eagle INC. - Kentucky Eagle is growing and in need of talented people with a passion for wine and spirits. We are looking for sales positions and operational roles. We are a family owned and operated company that offers above industry average compensation, up to 7.5% 401K match, health-life-dental-vision-life insurance, car allowance, and cell allowance. Positions are available in markets around Kentucky. Please visit kyeagle.net\careers to apply.

Check out their website - www.kyeagle.net

Blind Barrels - Blind Whiskey Tasting Kit that was born to disrupt the whiskey industry by showcasing American craft whiskey that don’t make their way to liquor store shelves due to distribution limitations. Blind tastings are all about discovery, education, and removing brand bias, and Blind Barrels hits home with whiskey communities by supporting the very best in smaller distillers who are making the most amazing, innovative, and delicious products that you can't get at your liquor store.

Instagram - blindbarrels
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In this episode of Bourbon With Friends. The team sits down with UFC legend Bruce Buffer and former Campari CMO Umberto Luchini.

Puncher’s Chance Kentucky straight bourbon inspired by two great American traditions: whiskey and fighting for what we believe in. This bourbon is made with heart and honor for those who know how far they’ve come. For those who started early. Stayed late. Day after day. Year after year, For those who have the courage and strength to do what others won’t.

Puncher’s Chance is straight Kentucky bourbon with an uncompromising mission. A bourbon whose time has come – it’s distilled, aged and bottled ​all ​in the heart of Kentucky. Crafted in the experienced hands of our Master Distiller, Kevin Curtis, a seasoned pro who refined his career as a former distiller of some of the most prestigious world-class bourbons. For Puncher’s Chance, Kevin uses a marriage of 5 and 6-year bourbon barrels. The mash bill is a 90-proof combo of 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% barley.

Bruce Anthony Buffer is an American professional mixed martial arts ring announcer and the official octagon announcer for UFC events, introduced on broadcasts as the "Veteran Voice of the Octagon". Buffer's catchphrase is "It's time!", which he announces before the main event of the UFC.

Umberto Luchini left his CMO position at Campari America in 2017 after 17 years with the company. He founded Wolf Spirit Distillery that same year, and within three years had created two brands and launched four: Blood x Sweat x Tears™ Vodka, Puncher’s Chance® 100% Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Tom of Finland Organic Vodka™, and Bosscal Mezcals®, with more on the horizon. Umberto’s gut-sense marketing is what is allowing this independent distillery to play in every major category

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Fudge Kitchen - In business for over 50 years. Fudge Kitchen ships delicious fudge, chocolates and sweet treats all across the USA. Fudge kitchen makes a perfect gift or decadent snack at all hours of the day!

Check out their website - https://fudgekitchens.com/

Kentucky Eagle INC. - Kentucky Eagle is growing and in need of talented people with a passion for wine and spirits. We are looking for sales positions and operational roles. We are a family owned and operated company that offers above industry average compensation, up to 7.5% 401K match, health-life-dental-vision-life insurance, car allowance, and cell allowance. Positions are available in markets around Kentucky. Please visit kyeagle.net\careers to apply.

Check out their website - www.kyeagle.net

Blind Barrels - Blind Whiskey Tasting Kit that was born to disrupt the whiskey industry by showcasing American craft whiskey that don’t make their way to liquor store shelves due to distribution limitations. Blind tastings are all about discovery, education, and removing brand bias, and Blind Barrels hits home with whiskey communities by supporting the very best in smaller distillers who are making the most amazing, innovative, and delicious products that you can't get at your liquor store.

Instagram - blindbarrels
www.blindbarrels.com

Support the show

Follow us on:
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In this episode of Bourbon With Friends. The BWF crew sits down with the founders of Regimental Spirits. 

Regimental Spirits Company was born on the abandoned rooftop of the Ba’ath Party Headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq in 2007. There, two thirsty US Infantrymen shared a cigar, a conversation and a dream about creating a quality brand of whiskey that would represent the greatest men and women of their country—those who serve in the United States Military.

A vision of toasting to a shared love and loyalty, yet comprised of unique experiences, branches and communities. A toast to the Regiment.

Our founders are dedicated to creating “American-Made” spirits that embody the same core values of all our military branches—duty, honor, respect, loyalty, courage, integrity and selfless service.

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Check out our sponsors!

Fudge Kitchen - In business for over 50 years. Fudge Kitchen ships delicious fudge, chocolates and sweet treats all across the USA. Fudge kitchen makes a perfect gift or decadent snack at all hours of the day!

Check out their website - https://fudgekitchens.com/

Blind Barrels - Blind Whiskey Tasting Kit that was born to disrupt the whiskey industry by showcasing American craft whiskey that don’t make their way to liquor store shelves due to distribution limitations. Blind tastings are all about discovery, education, and removing brand bias, and Blind Barrels hits home with whiskey communities by supporting the very best in smaller distillers who are making the most amazing, innovative, and delicious products that you can't get at your liquor store.

Instagram - blindbarrels
www.blindbarrels.com

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In this episode of Bourbon With Friends. The BWF crew is on site at Castle & Key Distillery. We sat down with Brett Connors. National Brand Embassador for Castle & Key. To whom Connor more lovely nicknamed, the whiskey wizard. We had a great time at C&K as well as having a live audience pop in on our recording! This is an episode you don't want to miss!

In 1887, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr built a new kind of distillery destination in Millville, Kentucky. Inspired by European architecture, the site featured a Castle, a classical Springhouse, and a Sunken Garden. What he built became the birthplace of bourbon tourism.

Prohibition forced the closing of the distillery in 1920. Over the next century, the property changed owners and occupants several times, eventually falling into ruin.

In 2012, Will Arvin came across photographs of the abandoned distillery. He couldn’t stop thinking about its legacy and potential. He decided to visit the property to see for himself.

At the distillery, Will found caved-in roofs, boarded-up windows and doors, and vegetation so overgrown he had to use a flashlight — in the middle of the day — to navigate. But, he felt an affinity for the property. It was then that he resolved to restore the historic bourbon icon.

Wes Murry shared Will’s love for adventure and restoration. At Will’s invitation, Wes agreed to tour the property. Within minutes, it was clear to Wes that they could build a brand at this distillery.

They loved Kentucky bourbon culture, but had a dream of something different. Something new. They chose to follow intuition over the advice of industry experts. They were galvanized by those who called them crazy.

The two became partners in a new adventure. Knowing the path ahead would be challenging, unpredictable, and invigorating, Castle & Key was created.

In 2014, they purchased the Old Taylor Distillery, in ruins. Then they got to work, building a team of like-minded people, often from outside of the industry, who shared in their vision. Together, we did not renovate the distillery – we restored it.

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Check out our sponsors!

Fudge Kitchen - In business for over 50 years. Fudge Kitchen ships delicious fudge, chocolates and sweet treats all across the USA. Fudge kitchen makes a perfect gift or decadent snack at all hours of the day!

Check out their website - https://fudgekitchens.com/

Blind Barrels - Blind Whiskey Tasting Kit that was born to disrupt the whiskey industry by showcasing American craft whiskey that don’t make their way to liquor store shelves due to distribution limitations. Blind tastings are all about discovery, education, and removing brand bias, and Blind Barrels hits home with whiskey communities by supporting the very best in smaller distillers who are making the most amazing, innovative, and delicious products that you can't get at your liquor store.

Instagram - blindbarrels
www.blindbarrels.com

Support the show

Follow us on:
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In this episode of Bourbon With Friends. The BWF crew sits down with Holladay Distillery Master Distiller Kyle Merklein & Director of Marketing Noelle Hale. 

The Holladay Distillery was founded in 1856, making it both the oldest distillery in the state of Missouri and the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi still operating on its original site. The property sits on active limestone springs that were first charted by Lewis and Clark in 1804, more than fifty years before Ben Holladay purchased the land that would later become his legacy.

Ben Holladay Bourbon is classified as a Real Missouri Bourbon under a 2019 law requiring that any whiskey labeled as Missouri bourbon must not only meet the federal standards for bourbon, but also be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in the state; aged in oak barrels manufactured in the state; and—beginning January 1, 2020—made with corn exclusively grown in the state. It is also Bottled-in-Bond, a rare and prestigious designation in the distilled spirits industry, signaling that the product is distilled, aged, and bottled in the same location and assuring a mark of authenticity.

This six-year-old, Bottled-in-Bond, Real Missouri Bourbon is crafted with the same mash bill that was developed by Ben Holladay in 1856. This whiskey represents the perfect union of distilling tradition and modern-day production.

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Fudge Kitchen - In business for over 50 years. Fudge Kitchen ships delicious fudge, chocolates and sweet treats all across the USA. Fudge kitchen makes a perfect gift or decadent snack at all hours of the day!

Check out their website - https://fudgekitchens.com/

Blind Barrels - Blind Whiskey Tasting Kit that was born to disrupt the whiskey industry by showcasing American craft whiskey that don’t make their way to liquor store shelves due to distribution limitations. Blind tastings are all about discovery, education, and removing brand bias, and Blind Barrels hits home with whiskey communities by supporting the very best in smaller distillers who are making the most amazing, innovative, and delicious products that you can't get at your liquor store.

Instagram - blindbarrels
www.blindbarrels.com

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In this episode of Bourbon With Friends. The BWF crew are all together for the first time at RD1 in Lexington Kentucky. We are with Barry, Co- Owner of RD1. Former Kentucky linebacker and brand ambassador Kash Daniel. And the man who made it all possible, veteran Will Argueta. Will attended the Bourbon Ball in may and bid on a podcast and private tasting at RD1 and made a very generous donation to Folds Of Honor for that!

This is easily one of the funniest episodes we have ever done. Don't ask us how we get on a 30 minute convo about Bigfoot, what kinda whiskey Bigfoot would drink and cocktails we could make with Bigfoot milk...just enjoy it laugh with us!

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Check out our sponsors!

Fudge Kitchen - In business for over 50 years. Fudge Kitchen ships delicious fudge, chocolates and sweet treats all across the USA. Fudge kitchen makes a perfect gift or decadent snack at all hours of the day!

Check out their website - https://fudgekitchens.com/

Blind Barrels - Blind Whiskey Tasting Kit that was born to disrupt the whiskey industry by showcasing American craft whiskey that don’t make their way to liquor store shelves due to distribution limitations. Blind tastings are all about discovery, education, and removing brand bias, and Blind Barrels hits home with whiskey communities by supporting the very best in smaller distillers who are making the most amazing, innovative, and delicious products that you can't get at your liquor store.

Instagram - blindbarrels
www.blindbarrels.com

Support the show

Follow us on:
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In this episode of Bourbon With Friends. The BWF crew is joined by Paul Heshemi, founder of the SIP Awards. 

The SIP Awards were created with a simple question in mind, “What about the consumer’s opinion?” The goal was to fill this void, bringing the people who regularly consume your product together to decide which brands deserve this prestigious award. We set out to create a fair competition by strategically choosing consumers from all demographics, conceiving an event that cuts to the core of public opinion as a starting point, rather than an afterthought, in branding and product development.

The SIP Awards is the only international spirits competition leveling the playing field for established brands and newcomers alike by enlisting consumers as judges. We remain steadfast in our goal of providing one of the most reliable measures of beverage quality rating in the world by delivering the opinions, thoughts, and voices of the consumers to the general public.

Find out more about the SIP awards at https://sipawards.com/

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Check out our sponsors!

Fudge Kitchen - In business for over 50 years. Fudge Kitchen ships delicious fudge, chocolates and sweet treats all across the USA. Fudge kitchen makes a perfect gift or decadent snack at all hours of the day!

Check out their website - https://fudgekitchens.com/

Blind Barrels - Blind Whiskey Tasting Kit that was born to disrupt the whiskey industry by showcasing American craft whiskey that don’t make their way to liquor store shelves due to distribution limitations. Blind tastings are all about discovery, education, and removing brand bias, and Blind Barrels hits home with whiskey communities by supporting the very best in smaller distillers who are making the most amazing, innovative, and delicious products that you can't get at your liquor store.

Instagram - blindbarrels
www.blindbarrels.com

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In this episode of Bourbon With Friends. The BWF team sits down with Country Music Artist and Veteran Ryan Weaver. 

Ryan’s personal story is like no other artist in country music today. Growing up with a family of eleven in a small town in Floral City, Florida, he joined the Army right after high school. After several years of working as a Military Intelligence Analyst, Ryan followed in the footsteps of his two older brothers, Steve and Aaron, by attending Warrant Officer Candidate School and flight school. He graduated top of his class in flight school, becoming a Black Hawk Aviator.  In April 2003, he deployed to Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. Shortly after, one of his brothers, Aaron, was deployed just west of him in Fallujah.

On January 8, 2004, Aaron was killed in action when the Medivac helicopter he was a passenger in was shot down by enemy fire. Ryan certainly understood mortality and the risks of combat…  After all, Aaron had survived the bloody 1993 battle in Mogadishu, Somalia – the same battle that became the basis for the movie, Black Hawk Down. When Aaron died, however, something changed for Ryan. He returned from combat, taking a new position training the next generation of Army aviators and officers at Fort Rucker, Alabama and has not piloted a Black Hawk since that fateful day. 

On December 17, 2013 Ryan’s brother-in-law, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy Billings, was killed in action in Afghanistan when the Black Hawk helicopter he was piloting was shot down by an enemy ground-detonated explosive device.  This second heartbreaking loss made the Weaver family a two-time Gold Star family. Both of his brothers’ ultimate sacrifices continue to fuel Ryan’s fire to accomplish his dreams in music.

In late 2016, Ryan released the music video for his single “Burn,” featuring Kris “Tanto” Paranto and John “Tig” Tiegen from the movie 13 Hours: Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. “Burn” aired nationwide on The Country Network and Heartland, and internationally at over 5,000 retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues throughout the end of 2016 and beginning of 2017. Ryan’s first music video “Crank It” played nationally on ZUUS Country TV and TNN/Heartland Network and spent 8 weeks on their Top 10 Video Countdown – a network record. 

In 2017, Ryan was named the Patriotic Voice of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) for their Celebrate America Campaign.  The World Finals is the biggest global stage in professional bull riding – a booming sport now seen in more than 400 million homes worldwide. The Celebrate America Campaign is a season-long initiative that honors America’s heroes, inspires youth, and brings communities together. Weaver made his debut in the primetime performance slot, which was previously held by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler in 2016. At that time, the PBR officially launched Ryan as a PBR artist and debuted his new EP entitled Celebrate America.  Ryan worked closely with hit songwriter Wynn Varble on the Celebrate America EP, co-writing three of the four songs. He has toured the U.S. and internationally to Australia with the PBR in 2018 and 2019, performing his songs and singing the “National Anthem” at US events. He has several performances scheduled in Australia this year. 

Ryan performed on the first single from the West Point Military Academy’s Benny Havens Band’s  debut album Songs That Save Our Lives. The song was short-listed for GRAMMY Award consideration in the American Roots category. The album also featured Charlie Daniels. 

Follow Ryan on IG - @ryanweavercountry
Also check out his website and cool merch 
https://ryanweaver.net/

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