Podcast
Bourbon Pursuit
Hosted by Bourbon Pursuit · EN
The Official Podcast of Bourbon! The best in news, reviews and interviews with people making the bourbon whiskey industry happen. Join hosts Kenny Coleman, Ryan Cecil, and Fred Minnick as they talk with prominent guests and provide insight on American whiskey 3 times a week. Catch all new episodes every Thursday with special Whiskey Quickie reviews on Tuesday and get caught up on bourbon news with This Week in Bourbon on Friday.
68episodes
Episodes
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TWiB: Fawn and Keith Weaver have been terminated, Canadian US alcohol boycott investigated, Barton new 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
5d ago00:55:50Tap to summarizeIt's This Week in Bourbon for July 10th 2026. Fawn Weaver and Keith Weaver have been terminated from Uncle Nearest, a new investigation into Canada's ongoing boycott of American alcohol, and Barton now has their 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.Show Notes:Court-appointed receiver terminates Fawn and Keith Weaver from Uncle Nearest, Inc. amidst Humble Baron's collapseJack Daniel Distillery partners with USO for national "United We Toast" campaign honoring the Armed ForcesWhistlePig Whiskey sells Moriah Business Park auxiliary facility for over $17,000,000 to Zags 26Wyoming Whiskey returns to local ownership as WW Partners, LLC acquires an 80% stake from EdringtonCongresswoman Claudia Tenney introduces the "Canada Act" to investigate Canada's ongoing boycott of American alcoholCountry Boy Brewing expands into spirits production with Country Boy Distilling launching this autumnShady Knoll Orchards & Distillery fights Washington's direct-to-consumer shipping restrictions in federal appeals courtKentucky Bourbon Trail expands to 74 total stops by welcoming four new distilleries to the trailBuffalo Trace Distillery debuts "Camp Buffalo Trace" immersive overnight adult summer camp experienceKnob Creek introduces limited-edition 9-Year-Old Independence Edition with a blue wax seal for America's 250thRedwood Empire Whiskey officially releases Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon, a premium four-grain blendWoodinville Whiskey Company launches national rollout of premium Single Barrel Bourbon and 100% Rye programSagamore Whiskey announces nationwide launch of its 108-proof High Rye Straight Bourbon WhiskeyBrush Creek Distillery expands 2026 Heroes Edition Straight Bourbon Whiskey release to three barrelsBuffalo Trace Distillery unveils the third limited-edition release of its historic medicinal Prohibition CollectionB.H. James Distillers launches Spirit 76 line of flavored Kentucky Bourbons at 76 proofJackson Purchase Distillery debuts its first house-branded Bottled in Bond and Select BourbonsBarton 1792 Distillery introduces permanent Straight Rye expression alongside ultra-aged 1792 XV BourbonGarrison Brothers Distillery announces the return of Laguna Madre alongside a new Cask Strength companion bottle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →574 - The 1995 Gamble That Changed D.C. Whiskey with Prav Saraff of Dream Spirits
6d ago01:10:00Tap to summarizeLong before the modern bourbon boom, one family bet everything on a credit card cash advance business—and turned a single D.C. storefront into a legendary whiskey empire. On this week’s episode, we sit down with Prav Saraff and talk about an unbelievable immigrant success story that transformed a single, cash-strapped Washington, D.C. storefront into a premier destination for ultra-rare spirits and legendary barrel picks. Prav takes us back to his family’s roots—moving from India to Nepal before grinding through grueling hours in America as dishwashers and gas station attendants to finally buy their first liquor store in 1995. We talk about what it was like balancing high school by day and retail shifts by night, and how a chance encounter with a mentor customer completely shifted their business model away from the low-margin hustle and straight into luxury wine, dusty Van Winkle decanters, and vintage Willett bottles the rest of the industry ignored. Long before the modern bourbon boom, the Saraff family treated hard-to-sell, expensive inventory as a long-term asset, ultimately using their early producer relationships to help put powerhouse brands like Smooth Ambler, Smoke Wagon, and New Riff on the map. Prav breaks down how those foundational single barrel programs revolutionized their operation and laid the groundwork for Dream Spirits—a brand launched to honor his father's ultimate legacy. Show Notes:From India to Northern Virginia: The Saraff family’s journey and the early days of American hustleBetting the future on a 28% interest rate credit card loan to buy a D.C. liquor store in 1995Balancing high school with retail shifts: How a customer mentor unlocked the world of high-end wine and spiritsBuying what others ignored: Taking early risks on Van Winkle decanters, A.H. Hirsch, and vintage WillettTreating expensive, slow-moving inventory as long-term liquid goldHow early store picks helped put Smooth Ambler, Starlight, and Smoke Wagon on the mapLaunching Dream Spirits: Honoring a father's legacy through independent blending and curationInside the new Virginia estate designed for immersive, memory-making barrel pick trips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Whiskey Quickie: Best Angel's Envy Yet?
1w ago00:05:50Tap to summarizeAngel’s Envy celebrates 15 years of Cask Strength with one of its most ambitious releases yet. This 117.8 proof port-finished bourbon delivers rich blackberry jam, honey, tobacco, leather, and sweet oak notes that had us rethinking everything we thought we knew about Angel’s Envy. Is this the ultimate version of a bourbon fan favorite?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →573 - What's Next with Four Roses? on BourbonCommunity Roundtable #120
2w ago01:07:37Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Bourbon Community Roundtable, our panel is tackling the single biggest shockwave to hit the industry this year: Gallo’s massive acquisition of Four Roses. We're diving headfirst into what this tectonic ownership shift means for one of bourbon’s most fiercely protected heritage brands. We dissect the massive changes coming to the marketing playbook as corporate retail giant Gallo takes the driver's seat, debating whether we’re about to see aggressive national distribution, mainstream sports sponsorships, or an entirely new strategy to scale the brand beyond the enthusiast bubble. Of course, it wouldn't be a roundtable without confronting the ongoing allocation drama and the future of the beloved private barrel program. The team breaks down the internal inventory pressures that strained Four Roses' retail relationships, and we debate whether Gallo’s massive logistical network can actually repair that broken industry trust. Finally, we throw down over the controversial new Experimental Collection and its debut Mizunara Oak finish, debating whether the core 10-recipe lineup should remain sacred or if it's time for the brand to push new boundaries under its new corporate umbrella. Pour a glass and join the conversation as we look past the label to see what Gallo's next move means for your wallet. Show Notes: Evaluating the industry fallout of E. & J. Gallo’s acquisition of Four Roses Fred Minnick on the Seagram's exile, the Kirin rescue, and Jim Rutledge's legendary brand revival The marketing gap: Overcoming Four Roses’ historically quiet consumer footprint Streamlining the portfolio, fixing the Small Batch Select naming issue, and eyeing mainstream sports sponsorships How inventory strain damaged the beloved Four Roses private barrel program Can Gallo’s distribution footprint rebuild broken trust with retailers and whiskey clubs? The Experimental Collection debate: Pushing boundaries with Mizunara Oak vs. protecting the core 10 recipes Why the panel believes finishes and RTDs need separate branding to protect the Four Roses legacy Why Small Batch Select is still a mandatory buy on today's liquor store shelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Whiskey Quickie: Kentucky Bourbon Meets Japanese Whisky
2w ago00:06:29Tap to summarizeBardstown Bourbon Company’s Mars collaboration blends Kentucky bourbon and Japanese single malt in a first-of-its-kind co-aging experiment. The result? Creamy chocolate, Rice Krispie treats, stone fruit, and a finish that completely surprised us. Is this Bardstown’s most unique release yet?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →TWiB: Willett Distillery opens Washington Co. facility, Bourbon Capital new Certification Experience, Four Roses debuts Experimental Series
3w ago00:33:08Tap to summarizeIt's This Week in Bourbon for June 26th 2026. Willett Distillery has officially marked a major milestone at its brand-new Washington County facility, filling its very first barrel, The Bourbon Capital Alliance has announced the launch of its new Bourbon Capital Diplomat Certification Experience, and Four Roses Distillery is stepping into a new era of bourbon innovation with the debut of its highly anticipated Experimental Series.Show Notes: Belmark partners with ADI Distilling for revenue and packaging uptime webinar Willett Distillery fills first barrel at brand-new Washington County expansion facility American Whiskey Association pushes for commercial access in historic U.S.-India trade talks Federal judge approves $2.595M Martha’s Vineyard estate sale in Uncle Nearest financing case Bourbon Capital Alliance launches Diplomat Certification Experience in Bardstown Four Roses debuts historic Experimental Series with Mizunara Oak-finished No. 001 Chattanooga Whiskey launches four-year Intergalactic Comet Crusher at 102 proof Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →572 - The Logistics of Bourbon with Rebecca Estes of Mister P Express
3w ago00:57:21Tap to summarizeEver wonder how your favorite bottle actually gets onto the liquor store shelf? I'm not talking from a production standpoint but from the actual shipment. This is a fun episode becuase we're going to cover something almost completely invisible ito the consumer, trucking and logistics. Joining the show is Rebecca Estes, VP of Sales and Marketing at Mr. P Express. At Pursuit, we talk to logisitcs companies all the time because we're shipping pallets out the door but there's so much going on that most take for granted. Rebecca was eyeing to be a college professor but left to join the family-owned shipping network founded in 1987. Rebecca takes us through her journey from joining the family business in 2011 to managing a non-stop, 365-day operation where weather patterns, scheduling margins, and road safety dictate whether or not distilleries hit their numbers. This episode is a look into the high-stakes supply chain infrastructure that keeps the entire bourbon trail moving. Show Notes: Rebecca Estes’ pivot from aspiring college professor to navigating a legacy family trucking business The invisible logistics web managing raw grains, glassware, and heavy barrel movements across the country Demystifying direct vs. brokered freight, BOLs, pro numbers, LTL, and FTL shipments Alcohol hauling regulations, DOT compliance checkpoints, and the immense pressure of control state delivery windows The dark side of whiskey supply chains: Deconstructing modern cargo theft, electronic paperwork fraud, and load diversion Fleet safety protocols, advanced tracking systems, driver training, and rigorous fleet maintenance structures The physics of hauling barrels, calculating axle weight limits, and managing rigid legal driver hours Trailer mechanics, truck cab configurations, and an honest executive outlook on autonomous self-driving fleets Inside the community-first mission of Mr. P Express, including their specialized driver training school programs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Whiskey Quickie: Blood Oath Pact 12: Brilliant or Bizarre?!
3w ago00:05:38Tap to summarizeBlood Oath Pact 12 blends 7, 9, and 12-year bourbons with an Italian wine-finished component, creating layers of strawberry compote, pound cake, dark fruit, and earthy complexity. One of the more interesting wine-finished bourbons we've tried lately... but is it a hit or a miss?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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TWiB: Green River Releases Toasted Double Oak Bourbon, The debut of SHANG , Lost Lantern announces U.S. Bourbon collection
4w ago00:38:46Tap to summarizeIt's This Week in Bourbon for June 19th 2026. Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak Bourbon, the debut of SHANG from the whiskey house, and Lost Lantern has announced the launch the United States of Bourbon collection.Show Notes: Spec’s Family Corp. acquires Lee’s Discount Liquor in first move outside Texas Give 270 launches restored 1989 Ford Bronco raffle for Kentucky Jailers Association Liberty Pole Spirits and MB Roland team up for America's 250th anniversary blend Green River Distilling Company debuts 8-Year Toasted Double Oak Bourbon Coors launches exclusive 110.5-proof Blended American Malt Whiskey in expansion into premium spirits Whiskey House of Kentucky and global partners debut innovative SHĀNG baijiu whiskey line Town Branch Distillery releases groundbreaking Bourbonola Tropical Style banana seltzer Industry veteran Jason Wooler makes comeback with launch of Wooler Brands whiskey Lost Lantern launches United States of Bourbon featuring first-ever 50-state blend Belmark and ADI Distilling partner for distillery packaging and revenue webinar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →571 - How Dinner Table Conversations Change Bourbon Forever with Craig Beam of Jackson Purchase
4w ago01:04:34Tap to summarizeWhat does it actually look like when your family dinner table conversations literally shape the history of American whiskey? Well today we're sitting down with a true legend of Kentucky distilling royalty: 2025 Bourbon Hall of Fame Inductee, Craig Beam. Growing up with a last name that defines the entire category, Craig shares what it was really like sitting at the table listening to his father, Parker Beam, and grandfather, Earl Beam, talk shop about Heaven Hill’s fermentation and equipment hurdles while simultaneously working cattle and farming. Craig takes us through his early days of pulling grunt work in vacant rickhouses in 1983, learning the legendary family jug yeast process, and eventually stepping up as Master Distiller. We even get to hear Craig's story about how casual conversations while working the farm led to the birth of Elijah Craig, Evan Williams single barrels, and the iconic Parker’s Heritage Collection. A master distiller's job used to mean grain buying, pressure washing, and lab work and not just marketing campaigns but that's why he's here today to give us the details about his exciting next chapter at Jackson Purchase Distillery. Show Notes: Craig growing up listening to Parker and Earl Beam balance Heaven Hill distilling mechanics with western Kentucky farming Craig’s journey from sweeping out empty rickhouses in 1983 to mastering the family's secret jug yeast lineage An inside look at how farming conversations birthed legendary labels like Elijah Craig and Parker’s Heritage Why historic distilling roles required hands-on labor, from grain buying and lab work to pressure washing warehouses How Craig Beam and Terry Ballard teamed up in 2021 to scale a hidden contract distilling powerhouse Technical insights into how a warmer regional climate impacts early barrel color extraction and aging physics Mapping out Jackson Purchase’s experimental library, including wheated mash bills, air-dried staves, and American single malts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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