Podcast
Bourbon Lens
Hosted by Bourbon Lens · EN
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.
Bourbon Lens was founded by Jake and Scott from Louisville, Kentucky. We have grown our appreciation for Kentucky's native spirit and look to learn all that we can about every type of whiskey. We welcome you to pour a glass of whiskey and join us. We are always looking for show topics, discussion starters, and new whiskies to try. Contact us on social media or send us an email to: Info@BourbonLens.com with ideas, comments, or questions.
41episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
383: Reconstructing History with Ari Sussman of Whiskey Jypsi
2w ago00:42:46Tap to summarizeCan 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 Sussman02:15 | The Jypsi Lineup: Legacy, Explorer, and Tribute Series07:45 | Celebrity Brands Done Right: Eric Church and Authentic Leadership10:30 | Noble Grains: Heirloom Varietals and Agricultural Philosophy15:00 | The Cutting Edge: Can Gene Editing Revolutionize Whiskey Grains?20:45 | Wood & Stave Innovation: Designing Cross-Category Complexity25:30 | Reclaiming the Past: The Rise and Fall of Maryland-Style Rye30:20 | Tasting The Declaration: Blending Indiana, Canada, and Virginia34:20 | Bottle Storytelling: The Hidden History in the 115.74 Proof Statement38:00 | Scarcity & Allocation: Where to Find Legacy Batch 00342:00 | Final Thoughts: Shaking Up the American Blended Whiskey Category🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSUHashtags#BourbonLens #WhiskeyJypsi #AriSussman #EricChurch #TheDeclaration #MarylandRye #WhiskeyReview #BlendedWhiskey #MountVernonDistillery #HeirloomGrains #MGP #AmericanWhiskeyKeywordsWhiskey Jypsi Legacy Batch 003, Ari Sussman Whiskey Maker, The Declaration Whiskey Review, Eric Church Whiskey Brand, Maryland Style Rye, Mount Vernon Apple Brandy Barrels, Blended Whiskey Categories, Heirloom Grains in Spirits, 115.74 Proof Meaning, Bourbon Lens,
Transcribe →
The Rise of Honey-Finished Bourbon: 3 Bottles You Need to Try
3w ago00:16:15Tap to summarizeIn 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🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. Keep this at the bottom 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #HoneyFinishedBourbon #GreenRiverBourbon #BlueNoteWhiskey #WhiskeyCocktails #BourbonLens #CraftSpiritsKeywords: honey finished bourbon review, best honey whiskey 2026, Green River Honey Bourbon price, Blue Note Honey Cask strength, Southern Stars bourbon review, honey cask whiskey, Gold Rush cocktail recipe, bourbon tasting notes.
Transcribe →
382: Celebrating Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Milestone Release
3w ago00:30:36Tap to summarizeA 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.ChaptersIntroduction and WelcomePeerless Distillery Overview10-Year Bourbon ReleaseCrafting and Tasting ProcessChallenges and AchievementsFuture Plans and InnovationsClosing Remarks🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSUHashtags#BourbonLens #KentuckyPeerless #PeerlessBourbon #HenryKraver #10YearBourbon #SweetMash #JohnWaddell #BourbonReview #LouisvilleBourbon #WhiskeyCollector #DSPKY50KeywordsKentucky Peerless 10 Year Bourbon, Henry Kraver Old Reserve Review, John Waddell Master Taster, Sweet Mash Bourbon, Peerless Distillery Louisville, 10 Year Age Statement Whiskey, Peerless 117.6 Proof, Bourbon of the Year 2026, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Bourbon Lens Podcast
Transcribe →
Is The Dalmore Finally Worth It? | Select Editions 2007 & 2010 Review
3w ago00:07:58Tap to summarizeWelcome 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. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSUHashtags#BourbonLens #WhiskyLens #TheDalmore #ScotchReview #SingleMalt #WhiskyCollector #DalmoreSelectEdition #SherryCask #LuxuryWhisky #BourbonDrinkers
Transcribe →
Whisk(e)y Lens: The Bourbon Lover’s Guide to Scotch
4w ago00:12:50Tap to summarizeWelcome 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 PerspectiveScotch vs. Bourbon: Grain, Wood, and LawThe Five Regions: A Flavor RoadmapThe Bourbon Cask Influence: A Symbiotic RelationshipMisconceptions, Peat, and Expert Recommendations🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU
Transcribe →
The Labor of Love behind Tears of Llorona
4w ago00:24:19Tap to summarizeIs 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).#CincoDeMayo2026 #PremiumTequila #AgaveLove #MexicanHeritage #SummerSipping #LuxurySpirits #TequilaTastingExtra Añejo Tequila, Triple Cask Aging, Scotch and Sherry Barrels, Blue Weber Agave, Master Tequilero, the Pappy of Tequila, Whiskey-drinker’s Tequila, Non-additive Tequila, 5-year aged, High-altitude agave, Estate-grown, , NOM 1146, Sipping Tequila, Luxury Spirits MarketThe Bourbon Lens TakeawaysAgave 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.Timestamped Chapters00:00 | 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.
Transcribe →
381: Bourbon, Derby, and Creativity: A Journey Through Whiskey and Spirit Trends
4w ago00:25:42Tap to summarizeIn 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.Show Notes & Timestamps00:00 – May the Fourth and Derby season catch-up01:04 – Star Wars rankings: From Jar Jar Binks to modern spin-offs02:50 – Derby sponsorship: How brands win at Churchill Downs03:03 – The Merger that Wasn't: Why Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman walked away03:57 – Diageo Montgomery: $415M investment and the future of Alabama distribution05:44 – Sazerac’s big moves: 818 Tequila investment and the $15B Brown-Forman bid06:32 – RTD Innovation: BuzzBallz meets Fireball’s cinnamon heat07:34 – The Mint Julep Masterclass: Batching, steeping, and the "pebble ice" rule12:21 – Recipe Alert: How to make "The Perfecta" (Old Forester + Pineapple + Ginger)16:40 – Inside the Finish Line Suites: A look at the Churchill Downs renovations19:00 – Woodford Reserve Master Tasters and the 2026 limited-edition flights24:49 – Global Whiskey: Future plans for Peerless, Suntory, and Yamazaki🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU#BourbonLens #KentuckyDerby #WhiskeyNews #BrownForman #Sazerac #MintJulep #DerbyCocktails #BourbonTrends #WhiskeyBusiness #WoodfordReserveBourbon, Whiskey, Kentucky Derby, Brown-Forman, Pernod Ricard, Sazerac, Fireball BuzzBallz, Mint Julep Recipe, The Perfecta Cocktail, Diageo Alabama, Woodford Reserve, Peerless Distillery, Bourbon Lens, Bourbon Lens News
Transcribe →
380: Politics, Pours, and Portfolios: Inside Kentucky Senator Bourbon with Damon Thayer
Apr 2700:44:04Tap to summarizeIn 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.Show Notes & Key TakeawaysBipartisan 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.Timestamp Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kentucky Senator Bourbon & Damon Thayer07:31 Expansion Strategy: Growth and Distribution in the Bluegrass State16:55 The Intersection of Politics: Influence and Future Brand Plans23:16 Deep Dive: The History of Kentucky’s Most Famous Senators29:52 The USP: Why the 107 Proof and Age Statement Matters39:59 Personal Anecdotes: Horse Racing, Legacy, and Closing Remarks🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU#BourbonLens #KentuckySenatorBourbon #DamonThayer #BourbonHistory #KentuckyDerby #WhiskeyTasting #SmallBatchBourbon #AmericaNativeSpirit #BourbonInfluencers #KentuckyDownsBourbon Lens, Kentucky Senator Bourbon, Damon Thayer, Andre Regard, Kentucky Bourbon history, 107 proof bourbon, Kentucky Derby betting tips, Alben Barkley Bourbon, Jim Bunning Bourbon, John Sherman Cooper release, small batch bourbon, Kentucky politics, bourbon podcast, whiskey reviews, bourbon influencers, bipartisan bourbon
Transcribe →
379: The Future of Craft Spirits: With Tamworth Distilling's Steven Grasse
Apr 1900:29:17Tap to summarizeThe spirits industry is at a crossroads. As consumer preferences shift toward intentional drinking and premiumization, the old playbook for craft distilleries is being rewritten. In this episode of The Bourbon Lens, we dive into the evolving market dynamics of 2026 and why the most successful brands are ditching national expansion to own their home state first.We break down the critical importance of product differentiation and why innovation is no longer optional—it’s the only way to survive a crowded shelf. Whether you are a distillery founder looking to build a loyal local following or a bourbon enthusiast curious about the "why" behind your favorite pours, this discussion offers a deep look into the creativity driving the modern whiskey movement.Key Discussion Points:The 2026 Shift: How market dynamics are changing for craft producers.Hyper-Local Branding: Why winning your backyard is the key to sustainable growth.Innovation vs. Gimmick: Using creativity to stand out in a sea of brown spirits.Consumer Psychology: What the modern whiskey drinker is actually looking for in a bottle.🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.comDiscord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSUHashtags#BourbonLens #CraftSpirits #WhiskeyIndustry #BourbonTrends #DistilleryLife #SpiritsMarketing #WhiskeyCommunity #DrinkLocal #Bourbon2026 #EntrepreneurshipKeywordsBourbon, Whiskey, Craft Distilling, Spirits Industry Trends 2026, Whiskey Marketing, Bourbon Branding, Local Distilleries, Product Differentiation, Liquor Industry News, Podcast for Bourbon Lovers
Transcribe →
378: The Art of the Sourcing: NDPs vs. Independent Bottlers in Bourbon
Apr 1300:36:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we pull back the curtain on the massive world of Non-Distilling Producers (NDPs) and Independent Bottlers. While many bourbon fans prioritize "grain-to-glass," some of the most innovative and prestigious bottles on the market today come from those who don't actually own a still.We break down the technical distinctions between an NDP and an Independent Bottler, the importance of transparency in labeling, and why sourcing isn't a "dirty word"—it’s a craft of its own. Plus, we dive into a live tasting, sharing our favorite whiskey and highlighting the specific brands that are elevating the industry through masterful blending and finishing.Inside This Episode:Defining the Players: The fundamental differences between NDPs and Independent Bottlers.The Transparency Movement: Why knowing the source matters to the modern consumer.Curated Tastings: Our top picks for whiskey brands that prove you don't need a distillery to make a world-class spirit.Pairing Guide: How to match complex bourbon profiles with the right culinary flavors.🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community.📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.comDiscord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU#BourbonLens #NonDistillingProducer #IndependentBottler #BourbonWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #CraftSpirits #BourbonEducation #SourcedWhiskeyKeywords: bourbon, whiskey podcast, non-distilling producers, NDP, independent bottlers, whiskey tasting, bourbon pairing, sourced bourbon, blending, craft spirits, MGP, Bardstown Bourbon Company, whiskey reviews, bourbon industry trends
Transcribe →