Bourbon Pursuit Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: TWiB: Uncle Nearest is sued for $100M, IW Harper releases a 34-year-old bourbon, Parker’s Heritage #19 details are announced

Release Date: August 8, 2025

1. Introduction and Headlines

The episode begins with the hosts, Kenny Coleman, Ryan Cecil, and Fred Minnick, presenting the latest headlines in the bourbon industry:

• Uncle Nearest faces a $100 million lawsuit.
• IW Harper releases a rare 34-year-old bourbon.
• Parker’s Heritage #19 details are unveiled.

Timestamp: [00:00 - 04:27]

2. Major Lawsuit: Uncle Nearest is Sued for $100 Million

Overview: Uncle Nearest and Uncle Nearest Green Distillery are embroiled in a multi-million dollar lawsuit initiated by their creditor, Farm Credit Mid America PCA. The lawsuit alleges that the company defaulted on over $100 million in loans.

Key Allegations:

• Misuse of Loan Proceeds: Funding the purchase of a $2 million home and selling bourbon barrels to pay other vendors.
• Financial Misrepresentation: Failing to maintain a net worth of at least $100 million in 2024 and overstating the borrowing base by approximately $21 million.
• Default on Payments: Allegations that Uncle Nearest has been in default since January 2024, with delayed responses to resolution attempts.

Response from Uncle Nearest: Fawn and Keith Weaver, owners of Uncle Nearest, have publicly denied the allegations, stating that the claims are "demonstrably false." Weaver emphasized that the Martha's Vineyard home was a legitimate business expense and not a personal benefit. He also highlighted the company's continuous growth and international expansion.

Hosts' Analysis: Ryan Cecil provides insight into the complexities of financing in the bourbon industry, noting the declining value of bourbon barrels and increased scrutiny from banks. Kenny Coleman expresses concern about the potential impact on Uncle Nearest's reputation and operations.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Cecil [11:13]: "Uncle Nearest is facing a multi-million dollar lawsuit, alleging default on $100 million in loans..."
• Keith Weaver [12:44]: "The suggestion that we haven't paid the bank in over a year is just not true."

Timestamp: [11:00 - 20:43]

3. Trademark Dispute: Maker's Mark vs. Wiggle Wow

Case Summary: Maker's Mark has reached a settlement with Wiggle Wow, a Louisville-based gourmet dog treat company, over the trademark dispute concerning "Maker's Bark." The lawsuit was prompted by Maker's Mark's claims of brand dilution and intentional infringement.

Settlement Details:

• Wiggle Wow agrees to retire the "Maker's Bark" product by August 19, 2025.
• Terms of the settlement remain undisclosed.
• Wiggle Wow, a company employing individuals with Down syndrome, faced the legal battle due to its product mimicking Maker's Mark's branding.

Hosts' Perspectives: Kenny Coleman expresses sympathy for Wiggle Wow, emphasizing the company's charitable mission. Ryan Cecil discusses the balance between protecting trademarks and supporting community-focused businesses.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny Coleman [21:45]: "It's unfortunate that Wiggle Wow, a company that helps provide jobs for people with Down syndrome, had to give up production due to trademark issues."

Timestamp: [20:08 - 22:21]

4. National Bourbon Week Announcement

The hosts announce the return of National Bourbon Week to Bardstown from June 14th to 21st, 2026. The week-long celebration will feature tastings, distillery dinners, limited edition releases, educational experiences, and a street concert.

Hosts' Excitement: Ryan Cecil shares his positive experiences from the previous year's event, highlighting the vibrant street festival and live music performances.

Timestamp: [23:45 - 24:37]

5. New Bourbon Releases

The episode delves into several exciting new bourbon releases:

a. Proof and Wood's Tumblin Dice Single Barrel Rye

• Details: Finished in Laird’s Apple Brandy barrels, 7 years aged followed by 1 year in brandy barrels.
• Production: Limited to 10 barrels.
• Availability: Select markets and retailers.

b. New Riff’s Second Annual Headliner Release

• Celebration: Marks 11 years of whiskey excellence.
• Proceeds: Benefit the Brighton Center of Northern Kentucky.
• Varieties: Includes corn whiskey and rye expressions.
• Availability: Through New Riff’s Whiskey Club.

c. Buffalo Trace’s Ultra-Aged Wheated Whiskey Innovations

• Releases: Weller 18 Year Old and Weller Millennium Edition.
• Distribution: Available exclusively at global travel retail locations like LAX, JFK, and London Heathrow.

d. World Whiskey Society’s Modern Bottle Straight Kentucky Bourbon

• Aging: 9 years old.
• Proof: 54% ABV.
• Price: $159.
• Packaging: Opulent bottle design.

e. IW Harper’s 34-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

• Details: Aged 34 years, bottled at cask strength (63.1% ABV).
• Availability: Limited to 5 barrels auctioned at Sotheby's.
• Benefit: Proceeds support Native Sun, aiding the black queer community.

f. Larrikin Bourbon Co.'s Tennessee Barrel One

• Type: 121.5 proof, single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon.
• Launch: Exclusively at the Southern Food and Whiskey Festival in Franklin, Tennessee.
• Extended Lineup: Includes Rosewater Bourbon and Maple Cream.

g. Heaven Hill’s Parker's Heritage Collection #19

• Composition: Blend of wheated bourbon, corn whiskey, and rye whiskey.
• Aging: 15 years old, bottled at 122.5 proof.
• Price: $180.
• Benefit: Supports ALS research in memory of Parker Beam.

h. Smith Bowman’s Hungarian Oak

• Series: Final release in the Abraham Bowman Oak series.
• Details: Aged 12 years in charred Hungarian oak barrels, bottled at 115 proof.
• Availability: Online lottery from August 11th to 18th, priced around $80.

i. Flavored Whiskey Updates

• Blue Note BlackBerry: Newly added to their flavor lineup, 70 proof, available in 750ml.
• New Riff's Red Turkey Wheat: Releasing their first wheated straight bourbon in four years.

j. Ready-to-Serve Cocktails

• Penelope Bourbon’s Black Walnut Old Fashioned: Pre-mixed bourbon cocktail at 76 proof, priced at $30.
• Yellowstone’s Cocktail Lineup: Includes Gold Rush Old Fashioned and Espresso variants, priced at $24.99.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Cecil [29:15]: "Love me some New Riff’s. So sure it's good."
• Kenny Coleman [37:32]: "IW Harper’s 34-year-old bourbon is a limited release..."

Timestamp: [28:29 - 51:36]

6. Discussion on Flavored Whiskey

The hosts engage in a conversation about the rising trend of flavored whiskeys. Ryan Cecil critiques the authenticity of some flavored options, suggesting they are similar to homemade mixes and offer better value.

Suggested Experiment: They propose a blind tasting segment where they mix base bourbon with local honey to compare with commercial flavored whiskeys.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny Coleman [35:56]: "If we were to create a flavored whiskey, what would you like it to taste like? And everybody goes oak. That's it."
• Ryan Cecil [36:03]: "Anytime like Crown comes out with a new flavor, it flies off the shelves."

Timestamp: [35:20 - 46:09]

7. Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on the extensive topics covered, including significant legal challenges and exciting new product launches in the bourbon world. They tease upcoming segments and encourage listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth analyses and tastings.

Timestamp: [51:07 - End]

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Bourbon Pursuit offers a comprehensive look into the dynamic and sometimes tumultuous bourbon industry. From high-stakes lawsuits affecting prominent distilleries to the unveiling of rare and innovative bourbon releases, the hosts provide valuable insights and thoughtful commentary. Their discussion on flavored whiskeys adds a relatable touch, encouraging listeners to explore both commercial and homemade options. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or a casual drinker, this episode delivers informative and engaging content tailored to your interest in American whiskey.