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.
76episodes
Episodes
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TWiB: Sazerac offers $15 billion to buy Brown Forman, Uncle Nearest potential shut down within 30 days, Buffalo Trace Distillery releases Eagle Rare 30
Apr 2400:42:54Tap to summarizeIt's This Week in Bourbon for April 24th 2026. Sazerac has formally offered $15 billion to buy Brown Forman, Uncle Nearest could be forced to shut down within 30 days, and Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced the release of Eagle Rare 30. Show Notes: Jeptha Creed Distillery launches new visitor experiences and single-barrel programs to mark 10th anniversary Sazerac launches $15 billion acquisition bid for rival Brown-Forman Uncle Nearest faces potential shutdown and insolvency amid financial crisis and default Diageo opens new $415 million automated manufacturing facility in Alabama Buffalo Trace announces Eagle Rare 30, its oldest age-stated bourbon, for $12,500 Kentucky Senator Bourbon and PDJF partner for limited 140-bottle charity release Jack Daniel Distillery debuts Special Release Small Batch Rye aged 10 years Michter’s announces first-ever release of US*1 Barrel Strength Sour Mash in May Hard Truth Distilling Co. unveils limited Mizunara Finished Wheated Bourbon B.R. Distilling launches unfiltered Blue Note Small Batch Wheated Bourbon Maker’s Mark releases 2026 edition of wheat-forward Star Hill Farm Whisky Four Roses rolls out second rotation of its Single Barrel Collection nationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →563 - The State of Contract Distillation for 2026
Apr 2301:00:14Tap to summarizeIs the era of the secret sourced bottle finally over, or are we just getting started? Today, we’re digging into contract distillation. We’re tracing the roots from the early days of "shhh, don't tell them it's MGP" to the massive, high-tech operations like Bardstown Bourbon Company that have turned being a NDP into a badge of honor. But as you, the consumer, gets more sophisticated, the demand for transparency is hitting an all-time high, and we’re talking about why "faking the funk" with a made-up story just doesn't fly in 2026. We also tackle the elephant in the room: market oversaturation. With speculative investments pouring in and foreign tariffs squeezing exports, the landscape is shifting under our feet. It's not all bad news. We’re envisioning a true whiskey renaissance as those massive inventories of aging barrels finally hit the market, likely leading to some of the most unique, high-quality releases we've ever seen. Show Notes: Historical significance and evolution of contract distillation Increased consumer interest in whiskey authenticity and sourcing Key players in the current contract distillation landscape Risks and opportunities for new distilleries entering the market Discussions on market oversaturation and speculative investments Effects of foreign tariffs on the whiskey export business Predictions for a bright future in whiskey with innovative barrel-aged flavors Importance of strong customer relationships for contract distillers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Behind The Pursuit: The Relentless Pursuit
Apr 2200:43:23Tap to summarizeWe’ve been living out of suitcases lately. Between officially opening up the West Coast and those back-to-back market visits, it’s been a whirlwind, but it’s the only way to really see how the brand is landing on the ground. On today’s episode, we’re recapping those travels and diving deep into the inception of Pursuit United Sakura Bloom Bourbon. We talk about the momentum we’re seeing from one release to the next and how a successful launch like this actually dictates our LTO strategy as we start mapping out the calendar for the rest of 2026 and even into 2027. We also get into the weeds on the "finishing" craze. There is a lot of noise in the market right now, so we’re asking the hard questions: Does a wood-finished product actually land better with the consumer than a wine, spirit, or even a honey-maple finish? Plus, we get honest about the "gut feeling"—could we tell Sakura Bloom was going to be a hit before it ever touched a shelf, or is it always a gamble until the first reviews start rolling in?Show Notes: Market Challenges and Opportunities Product Development: Sakura Bloom Bourbon Consumer Reception and Market Trends The Anticipation of Product Success Building Trust with Consumers The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection Future Product Strategies and Market Adaptation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Whiskey Quickie: What Happens When Bardstown Finishes Bourbon in Garryana Oak?
Apr 2100:05:47Tap to summarizeBardstown Bourbon’s new Cascadia Garryana Finish takes straight bourbon whiskey and gives it a unique Garryana oak barrel finish. The result brings rich baking spice, cocoa, brown sugar, and a surprising pear cobbler note that makes this one seriously memorable.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: Sazerac proposes merger with Brown-Forman, MGP haults operations at Limestone Branch , Oscar Mayer announces Maple Bourbon Bacon
Apr 1700:44:45Tap to summarizeIt's This Week in Bourbon for April 17th 2026. Sazerac has reportedly approached Brown-Forman regarding a potential merger, MGP stops distilling operations at Limestone Branch Distillery and Lux Row Distillers, and Oscar Mayer has announced its first bacon innovation in five years with the launch of Maple Bourbon Bacon with Evan Williams. Show Notes: Sazerac has approached Brown-Forman with a rival merger bid, complicating Brown-Forman’s ongoing "merger of equals" talks with Pernod Ricard Sazerac has rebranded its La Vergne, Tennessee, site as the AJ Bond Distillery and will launch its first Tennessee whiskey this summer MGP Ingredients is idling distilling operations at two Kentucky facilities for at least 12 months starting May 1, 2026, to address market oversupply Kentucky Artisan Distillery Program launched a new single barrel program offering smaller 15- and 25-gallon barrels to increase accessibility for consumers A new 60-seat speakeasy focused on bourbon history and Prohibition-era legends will open beneath Louisville's Hotel Distil on May 5, 2026 Give 270's 19th Whiskey Wednesdays round, the "Bourbon Buddy Bonus," features weekly raffles for rare whiskey through June 24, 2026 GALLO has acquired Four Roses Bourbon from Kirin Holdings, bringing the historic brand back under U.S. family ownership The Kentucky Bourbon Trail hosted 2.7 million visitors in 2025, with 80% traveling from outside Kentucky and 62% reporting household incomes over $100,000 Foley Family Wines & Spirits launched Gambit No. 6, a 6-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in six different barrel types, priced at $69.99 James B. Beam Distilling Co. launched the Blender's Edition 01, a 10-year-old, 106-proof release priced at $44.99 New Riff/Rhinegeist released DUET American Whiskey, a 6-year-old, 111.2-proof blend of malted barley, raw barley, and rye priced at $79.99 Hard Truth French Oak Finished Bourbon, a sweet mash whiskey finished in French oak casks, is available now for $69.99 Rabbit Hole Raceking’s new 6-year-old, 5-grain mash bill bourbon debuts on April 14, 2026, at its Louisville distillery Buffalo Trace is releasing the Single Oak Rye Bourbon ($74.99) and the Experimental Collection Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon ($46.99) this April Oscar Mayer partnered with Evan Williams to launch a new maple bourbon-cured bacon as part of an annual innovation strategy Koopers is releasing 225 bottles of a 7-year-old, Cognac-cask finished rye on April 11, 2026, priced at $80 per bottle The third "Greats of the Gate" bottle, honoring Hall of Fame horse Northern Dancer, releases April 16, 2026, to support Kentucky nonprofits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →562 - An Intersection of Film and Bourbon with the Balas Brothers
Apr 1601:10:50Tap to summarizeDoes the whiskey industry need another corporate documentary, or does it just need a better script? Today we’re joined by Ryan and Alec Balas, the creative minds behind Whiskeyland TV, to talk about their transition from professional filmmaking to capturing the soul of the bourbon trail. From shooting childhood home videos to their serendipitous entry into the spirits world with their film Runner, the brothers share how a candid "bathtub epiphany" led to a vision for whiskey-centric storytelling that bypasses the big brands to focus on the authentic narratives of smaller producers. In a saturated market that often favors flashy, 15-second clips over substance, Ryan and Alec are focused on nuanced storytelling that resonates with enthusiasts on a personal level. I've been a fan of their work and ever since their debut of Whiskeyland of Pursuit as episode 1, they have certainly made a name for themselves in this space. Show Notes: How childhood experiences influenced Ryan and Alec's creativity The origin story of Whiskeyland TV The importance of authenticity in whiskey storytelling Challenges faced in today's content creation landscape Balancing audience engagement with genuine narratives What to expect next from Whiskeyland TV The connection between bourbon culture and personal stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Whiskey Quickie: Tennessee Whiskey SHOCKER
Apr 1400:07:08Tap to summarizeLeiper’s Fork’s 8 year Single Barrel Cask Strength Tennessee Whiskey completely caught us off guard. At 121.6 proof and $85, this bottle delivers rich raspberry, chocolate mousse, deep barrel char, and layers of syrupy flavor that left us asking: is this one of the best Tennessee whiskeys we’ve ever had?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 →561 - What Does the Brown Forman and Pernod Merger Mean? On Bourbon Community Roundtable #117
Apr 901:00:08Tap to summarizeIt’s time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and we’re diving straight into the tectonic shift that just rocked the industry. In this episode, we dissect the confirmed mutual interest between Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard. Following the massive news of Gallo’s acquisition of Four Roses, we’re debating what this level of consolidation means for the "little guy" and whether craft producers are about to get squeezed off the shelf entirely. We’re navigating the anxiety surrounding job security and brand identity, wondering if icons like Old Forester and Woodford Reserve can maintain their soul under Pernod’s management. We’re breaking down the hype, the heartbreak, and the reality of a changing landscape in 2026. Pour a glass and join the conversation. Show Notes: In-depth analysis of the Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard merger Discussion on distribution effects for smaller whiskey brands Concerns regarding Brown-Forman's community contributions and local charities Insights into the future of Old Forester and Woodford Reserve Speculation on changes in Kentucky Derby sponsorships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Whiskey Quickie: Best Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Yet?!
Apr 700:07:09Tap to summarizeAngel’s Envy’s 2025 10 year cask strength release brings port-finished richness, deep oak, dark fruit syrup, and wild berry pastry vibes at 122.6 proof. We break down why this limited annual release might be one of their most balanced 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
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TWiB: Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard confirm merger, 2 lawsuits dismissed for competing brands, Larrikin releases 3rd “Pour for the Roses"
Apr 300:27:53Tap to summarizeIt's This Week in Bourbon for April 3rd 2026. Brown-Forman Corp. and Pernod Ricard have confirmed mutual interest in a merger, two lawsuits have been dismissed for competing bourbon brands, and Larrikin Bourbon has released its third annual “Pour for the Roses". Show Notes: Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard confirm mutual interest in a "merger of equals" to consolidate two of the world's largest spirits portfolios while maintaining family control Green River Distilling parts ways with Head Distiller Aaron Harris as the Owensboro facility faces further workforce contractions LF Heritage Distilling Co. property ordered to foreclosure and sale following a $5 million debt dispute with construction contractors MGP Ingredients clears securities fraud lawsuit after a judge rules leadership mismanaged market shifts rather than intentionally misleading investors Brough Brothers loses appeals court challenge against Fresh Bourbon over the "first" Black-owned Kentucky distillery claim Larrikin Bourbon launches "Pour for the Roses – 2026 Running," a 9-year single barrel expression featuring vintage feed bag packaging for the Kentucky Derby Proof & Wood introduces its first Bottled in Bond expression with an 11-year Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon featuring a unique 99% corn mashbill Hard Truth Distilling Co. debuts its first 7-year age-stated trio, featuring Sweet Mash Rye, Bourbon, and Wheated Bourbon crafted entirely on their Indiana campus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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