What’s really going on in the bourbon industry? This week, I’m joined by Fred Noe, 7th Generation Master Distiller of Jim Beam.

I sit down with Fred to discuss:

• The business side of the recent Jim Beam production news and industry shifts.

• Growing up at "The Kitchen Table" and the lessons learned from his father, Booker Noe.

• His perspective on the current "bourbon glut" and why he’s focused on the long game.

• Preparing the 8th generation to lead the legacy forward.

Join me for a deep dive into the heart of the bourbon business with one of its most iconic leaders.

Thank you to my sponsors:

• Town & Country Ford | fordlouisville.net

• The Kentucky Bourbon Festival | Sept 10–13th in Bardstown. Tickets available at kybourbonfestival.com

Subscribe & Listen:Follow the show on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and listen live on WBNA and 970 AM.

What does it take to build a culinary empire rooted in community? This week, we’re joined by the legendary Ouita Michel. Most know her from Holly Hill Inn and her multiple James Beard nominations, but today we’re diving into her latest project: the You Belong Here docuseries.

We discuss:

• The secret to her "Kentucky-first" culinary philosophy.

• Her transition into hosting and producing digital media.

• Why "lifting as she climbs" is the key to her success.

Listen in for a masterclass in hospitality and passion!

Thank you to my sponsors:

• Town & Country Ford | fordlouisville.net

• The Kentucky Bourbon Festival | Sept 10–13th in Bardstown. Get your tickets now at kybourbonfestival.com

Subscribe & Listen:Find me on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and listen live on WBNA and 970 AM.

From Wisconsin cheese curds to Kentucky’s finest barrels—how do you manage the "rock stars" of the spirits world? 🎸🥃

In Episode 14, host Claudia Coffey talks with Randy Prasse, COO of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, about the logistics of a record-breaking sell-out and why the 35th Anniversary (Sept 10-13) will be the biggest one yet. Plus, Randy shares the best advice he’s ever received and which festival he’d love to "redo."

🎟️ TICKET ALERT: Sales open April 13 & 14! Don't miss out: kybourbonfestival.com

WHERE TO LISTEN:Find The Best Bet on the iHeart App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or catch us on WBNA Ch 21 and 970 AM.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:Town and Country Ford | fordlouisville.netPresented by the Kentucky Bourbon Festival

#Bourbon #KentuckyBourbonFestival #Podcast #Bardstown #iHeartRadio #TownAndCountryFord

Kaveh Zamanian didn’t just join the bourbon industry; he disrupted it. The founder of Rabbit Hole Distillery joins us to discuss his journey from Tehran to Louisville, the "crazy" decision to trade a couch for a copper still, and how he met his Kentucky muse on a windy night in Chicago. We’re talking about the science of taste, the art of the pivot, and why Rabbit Hole is the "best bet" he ever made.

Town & Country Ford: This episode is powered by Town & Country Ford. Ready for your next adventure? Check out the latest lineup at FordLouisville.net—your drive, your way.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival: We are officially in the countdown to the 35th Anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival! The ultimate pilgrimage returns to the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, KY, September 10-13, 2026.

🚨 MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Tickets go on sale to "Bourbon Insiders" on April 13th and to the general public on April 14th. This event has sold out four years running—don’t get left behind! Head to kybourbonfestival.com to sign up for early access.

#TheBestBet #KavehZamanian #RabbitHoleDistillery #BourbonCountry #EntrepreneurLife #iHeartRadio #KyBourbonFest #FordLouisville

Chef Brian Landry was on track for medical school until the pull of the kitchen became too strong to ignore. From the white tablecloths of Galatoire’s to the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, Brian has spent his career defining Southern excellence. Today, he’s the force behind The Kitchen Table at the Jim Beam Distillery, blending legendary spirits with world-class cuisine. We’re talking career pivots, "insider" restaurant secrets, and what it’s like working with the biggest icons in the bourbon world.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

• Town & Country Ford: Your Louisville destination for all things Ford. Visit fordlouisville.net.

• Kentucky Bourbon Festival: Joining us Sept 10-13, 2026. Tickets go on sale April 13 (Insiders) and April 14 (Public). Head to kybourbonfestival.com to secure your spot!

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Is Major League Baseball reaching a breaking point with player salaries? Rick Redman, VP of Corporate Communications for Hillerich & Bradsby (Louisville Slugger), joins the show to discuss the intersection of sports, business, and media.

Rick shares his journey from an Emmy-winning sports producer to the gatekeeper of one of America’s most iconic brands. We talk about the "Best Bet" he ever made, the craziest things he saw on the sports beat, and why the Kentucky spirit is the heart of the game.

Town & Country Ford: This episode is brought to you by our friends at Town & Country Ford. Whether you need a truck that works as hard as you do or a ride for the weekend, head over to FordLouisville.net and tell them The Best Bet sent you!

Kentucky Bourbon Festival: Mark your calendars! The ultimate bourbon pilgrimage is back for its 35th Anniversary. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival returns to Bardstown September 10-13, 2026. Tickets go on sale soon—don't miss out on the world's premier bourbon event. Details at kybourbonfestival.com.

What happens when two baseball dads decide to take a risk and open a whiskey bar?

In this episode of The Best Bet, Claudia Coffey sits down with Tommy Craggs and Josh Howes, the founders of Watch Hill Proper — now known as the largest American whiskey bar in the world, with more than 2,000 bottles of American whiskey behind the bar.

What started as a conversation while watching their kids play baseball turned into one of the most talked-about whiskey destinations in Kentucky — and a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Best Bar in America.

They share the story behind the risk, what it takes to build something truly different in bourbon country, and what might be coming next.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and the iHeart Podcast Network
📺 Also airing on WBNA Channel 21 and 790 AM

Sponsored by
Town and Country Ford – Learn more at fordlouisville.net

Presented by
Kentucky Bourbon Festival — returning September 2026. Big news coming soon.
Tickets and details: kybourbonfestival.com

From Ireland to the heart of Bourbon Country.

In Episode 9, I sit down with Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill Distillery, to talk about his unexpected path into American whiskey, stepping into one of the biggest roles in the industry, and what’s next for the brand.

We dive into leadership, legacy, distilling philosophy, and the surprising chapters of his résumé you probably didn’t know about.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & iHeartRadio
📻 790 AM | 📺 WBNA Channel 21

Sponsored by Town & Country Ford Kentucky — fordlouisville.net
Presented in partnership with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (September 2026 | Tickets on sale April at kybourbonfestival.com)

Join host Claudia Coffey as she talks with Chef Nokee Bucayu, former Executive Chef at Wiltshire Pantry and a Food Network champion. Nokee opens up about the defining decisions of her career—from overcoming homesickness through her grandmother’s recipes to pioneering the "Filipino-Southern" fusion scene in Louisville.Discover the secrets behind her Bourbon Banana Stack Cake, the punny brilliance of the Toc Bilog, and how she’s using her platform to celebrate her heritage one plate at a time.Sponsor:
This episode is proudly presented by Town & Country Ford. Whether you’re looking for a new ride or expert service, the team at Town & Country Ford is Louisville’s "Best Bet" for quality and community. Check them out at fordlouisville.net.

Think you know bourbon? Think again.In this episode, we sit down with the "mad scientist" of the whiskey world, Dan Callaway. Recently featured on CBS 60 Minutes, Dan has one of the most unconventional paths in the industry—from playing the French horn in professional orchestras to becoming the Master Blender at Lofted Spirits and leading innovation for the world-renowned Bardstown Bourbon Company.In this episode, we dive into:

• The Art of the Blend: How Dan uses his musical background and Sommelier training to "conduct" award-winning whiskeys.
• The 60 Minutes Experience: Behind-the-scenes stories from his viral segment with Bill Whitaker.
• The "Cathedral" Bourbon: The incredible story of sourcing wood intended for the Notre Dame Cathedral to finish Kentucky bourbon.
• Outside the Bluegrass: Why bourbon is the world's most exciting spirit right now, no matter where you live.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just looking for your next Friday night pour, this deep dive into the "alchemy" of the barrel is a must-watch.Sponsored by Town and Country Ford
Serving the Louisville community and beyond with the best selection of Ford trucks and SUVs. Whether you're heading to the distillery or the office, drive there in style. Visit us at fordlouisville.net.