Bourbon Lens

Barrell Craft Spirits invited Bourbon Lens to their new Jeffersontown Kentucky blending facility to record this week’s episode of the podcast. We’re joined by Founder Joe Beatrice and Tripp Stimson, Director of Distillery Operations. During the episode, we discuss the new facility, its impressive design, and how it was built from the ground up with efficiency and quality at the forefront. We also discuss some of the recent whiskey releases from BCS, including Foundation, New Year 2024, and some of their cask finishes. Don’t miss out on this episode and learn more about one of the original independent whiskey blenders in America.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers, Scott and Jake Bourbon Lens

About Barrell Craft Spirits:

Barrell Craft Spirits® Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits® is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for its blending expertise since 2013, BCS skillfully designs, produces, and launches leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike. The award-winning line of BCS releases are currently sold in 49 U.S. states. For more information, visit barrellbourbon.com.

About Joe Beatrice, Founder:

Joe Beatrice has built his career on new ideas. A former marketing and technology entrepreneur, Joe founded his first company, Blue Dingo Digital, in the 1990s to help companies use the Internet to establish, brand, and grow their products.

But after 20 years, Joe was ready for a change. A longtime homebrewer, Joe saw the true magic of spirits after a transformative experience tasting whiskey straight from the barrel for the very first time. In 2013, he launched Barrel Craft Spirits in Louisville, Kentucky, the epicenter of the American spirits industry.

Instead of building his own distillery, Joe questioned the conventional wisdom and took a different course. He sourced and blended exceptional casks from established producers, bottled whiskeys at cask strength, and sold them as transparently as possible.

That approach was unique in the United States, but not the world. Scotland's long-established independent bottlers were a major inspiration, and Joe was captivated by their ability to elevate barrels of whisky into something greater than the sum of their parts. He sensed that American consumers, too, would embrace the chance to explore whiskey in an entirely new way.

Joe sold early releases case by case, personally pounding the pavement to drum up interest from bartenders and retailers. It turned out his visionary instincts were spot on once again. Barrell Craft Spirits' cask-strength small-batch and single-barrel releases quickly became an influencing force in American whiskey, picking up awards from the world's most prestigious spirits competitions.

Joe remains intimately involved with every step of the production process at Barrell Craft Spirits, using his exceptional palate alongside master blender Tripp Stimson to choose and create great spirits. Creative finishes, a liberated approach to blending, and a deep-seated commitment to releasing each whiskey at cask strength and without chill filtration - just like that fateful barrel tasting years ago-continues to guide every product release.

Tripp Stimson, Director of Distillery Operations & Chief Whiskey Scientist:

Tripp hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2004, following his graduation from Tennessee Technological University with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, he was recruited as a Research and Development Scientist for the Brown Forman Co...

We are joined by Tim Heuisler, American Whiskey Ambassador for Beam Suntory, to discuss the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection of Whiskey. We taste through the lineup of Basil Hayden and talk about all things Beam. A big thanks to Beam Suntory for allowing us to try the lineup.

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers, Scott, Jake, & Michael Bourbon Lens

About Basil Hayden®

Crafted in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden introduced a more subtle side of bourbon compared to its counterparts. Inspired by bourbons with high-rye mash bills, Booker set out to create a bourbon that would offer an approachable taste profile and defy preconceived bourbon perceptions. Basil Hayden Bourbon welcomes new drinkers into whiskey and showcases new occasions to drink it. Beyond its flagship Basil Hayden Bourbon, the brand has pushed the boundaries of innovation in recent years. These intriguing offerings have included expressions such as Basil Hayden Dark Rye, Basil Hayden 10 Year, the limited time release of Basil Hayden 10 Year Rye Whiskey and Basil Hayden Toast.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher's, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com

Basil Hayden® Toast is the new permanent super-premium bourbon expression for the brand. This uniquely crafted 80 proof whiskey consists of an entirely new mash bill. In lieu of traditional rye grain, Basil Hayden Toast is made using US-grown brown rice, which adds a hint of sweetness and a touch less spice with increased depth of flavor that comes from secondary aging in a toasted then flash-charred oak barrel.

Rather than charring the barrel with open flame, the toasting process exposes the barrel to a long and gentle heat. The softer notes from the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey receive the flavors from the toasted barrels, which is then blended back with non-Toasted bourbon to add complex flavor grounded in sweet vanilla, complemented by rich roasted notes – ideal to be sipped and savored neat, on the rocks, or stirred into your favorite aperitif-style cocktail with close company.

TASTING NOTES

• COLOR: Dark amber
• AROMA: Toasted oak complemented by dried fruit and caramelized sugar
• TASTE: Toasted wood and vanilla with a light mouthfeel
• FINISH: Sweet caramel
• PRICING: $49.99
• PROOF: 80 (40% ABV)
• AVAILABLE: 8/2/21

Jackie Zykan, Master Taster for Old Forester, is back on the Bourbon Lens Podcast. This time, we talk about the unique, new offering from her 117 Series; Warehouse K Barrels. We discuss the various warehouses of Old Forester and what makes some of them unique and different; including the spiders of Warehouse K. A true bourbon nerd is going to love the insight Jackie provides in this episode. We discuss the construction of various warehouses, heat cycling warehouses, finding the perfect balance of proof and flavor, and more. Enjoy this episode and be sure to let us know what your favorite Old Forester Whisky is!

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers, Scott, Jake, & Michael Bourbon Lens

Press Release: Old Forester’s The 117 Series: Warehouse K Barrels Batch

Louisville, Ky. (August 11, 2021) – Today, Old Forester Distilling Co. announces the release of the second expression in the 117 Series -- a blend of barrels from historic Warehouse K.

The 117 Series is a limited-expression lineup created in Spring 2021, directed by the unique palate of Old Forester Master Taster Jackie Zykan.

117 Series: Warehouse K features a blend of barrels aged on different floors from a warehouse known to produce exceptional liquid. Constructed in 1953, Warehouse K uses the time-honored tradition of heat-cycling and has long been one of Old Forester’s favorite places for Single Barrel expressions.

"Warehouse K has gained a cult following among bourbon connoisseurs,” Zykan said. “This blend is a representation across multiple floors and locations within this warehouse, giving a more holistic example of the profile its barrels yield."

This year marks Old Forester’s 151st anniversary, making it the only bourbon brand with an uninterrupted history, sold by the same family company before, during, and after Prohibition.

Old Forester Warehouse K is bottled at 110 proof and will be available starting August 12th at the retail shop at Old Forester Distilling Co. for $49.99 in limited quantities -- and at select Kentucky stores. Visit OldForester.com for more information.

Distillery Notes:

• Color: Rich honey
• Aroma: On the nose, creamy chocolate, caramel, and brown sugar lead, with a hint of golden raisin and a foreshadowing of the pepper the finish will unveil.
• Taste: The palate brings with it a full-bodied and rich viscosity, peripheral spice, and a touch of black cherry alongside bitter molasses.
• Finish: The robust yet balanced spice finish completes the story of the well-known complexity which is the K warehouse.

Links:

• Old Forester - First Bottled BourbonTM
• 95: Old Forester Master Taster, Jackie Zykan - Bourbon Lens
• Old Forester 117 Series: Warehouse K Bourbon Review

Image Credit: Old Forester and Brown-Forman

The Legacy of Brown-Forman begins with Old Forester - Old Forester Bourbon History & a Legacy of “Firsts”

• 1846 George Garvin Brown (GGB) was born in Munfordville, KY.
• 1870 GGB, a young pharmaceutical salesman starts J.T.S. Brown and Bro. with his half-brother with $5,500 in saved and borrowed money.
• Old Forester becomes America’s First Bottled Bourbon​, the first bourbon to be sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles to ensure quality and consistency, an innovative approach at a time when whisky is commonly sold by the barrel.
• Their offices are housed at 322 W. Main Street
• Old Forester was blended from different distilleries, including Mattingly, Atherton and Mellwood to create a ...

On this week’s episode we sit down with Broken Barrel Whiskey Founder and CEO, Seth Benhaim. Seth started the Infuse Spirits Company in 2012 when he was 25 years old. The Infuse Spirits line focuses on naturally infusing and blending spirits with natural fruits and spices. Seth's passion for infusing spirits led him to become the youngest brand owner to ever win Best-in-Show and Double-Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

While the Infuse Spirits line primarily focuses on blending and infusing Vodka spirits, Seth realized he wanted to expand his blending experience to whiskey. This created the spin off from Infuse Spirits to Broken Barrel. We sat down with Seth and shared some pours of his Single Oak series of Broken Barrel Whiskey. The premise of this project, was sourcing Kentucky and Indiana whiskey, and then additional aging in steel containers, using staves from used barrels. In the single cask series, Seth has created a Mizunara finish, a Peated Scotch finish, and an Amontillado Sherry finish. Seth's process for accomplishing this, is to use reclaimed barrels that have seen a life of aging other whiskies. Once Seth receives the used barrels at his Los Angeles warehouse, he removes the barrel hoops and then the fun part, smashing the barrels with a sledge hammer, giving him the staves needed to age his whiskey and created unique flavor profiles.

It was fun getting to sit and talk with Seth for this podcast. Seth is not a Master Distiller, he is a spirits enthusiast who loves to blend sourced spirits and create new and interesting flavors that stand out in a crowded market. So pour yourself a dram and enjoy the show as we discuss what it’s like to start a business in the spirits industry and the inspiration behind creating the Broken Barrel Single Cask Series: Mizunara, Isle of Peat, and The Cask of Amontillado.

Cheers!

Details on The Single Oak Series Lineup from Broken Barrel Whiskey:

Isle of Peat

Mizunara

The Cask of Amantillado

Read The Cask of Amontillado from Edgar Allen Poe

As always, we would appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach.

Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to.

Where is Broken Barrel Whiskey / Infuse Spirits Available?

Available across the US (ask your retailer) In Kentucky (small sampling):

• TOTAL WINE & MORE
• BARDSTOWN BOURBON CO
• MAMMOTH LIQUORS
• LIBBYS COVINGTON
• DEPS FINE WINE & SPIRITS COVINGTON
• DEPS FINE WINE 424 ALEXANDRIA PIKE FORT THOMAS
• CORK & BOTTLE 584 BUTTERMILK PIKE FT MITCHELL
• GO BIG BLUE LIQUOR 1260 FOX CREEK RD STE B LAWRENCEBURG
• LUCKYS MARKET LIQUOR 210 N HURSTBOURNE PKWY LOUISVILLE
• ASPEN CREEK #376 8000 BARDSTOWN RD LOUISVILLE
• DOC CROWS SMOKEHOUSE 127 W MAIN ST LOUISVILLE
• JS LIQUORS 2216 NEW HARTFORD RD OWENSBORO
• SOUTHSIDE WINE & SPIRITS 222 S MAYO TRL PIKEVILLE
• THE BOURBON BARN 640 W KY 92 STE 1 WILLIAMSBURG

The winner of our Tournament of Whisky is finally announced. If you've stayed up with us on Instagram and our live feed, you may already know the winner. We discuss the "controversy" surrounding our pick for best whiskey from our 16 selections. We also discuss if larger bourbon producers, like Woodford Reserve and Jim Beam, have a stigma in the industry. We dive into another controversial product head on and debunk any negativity towards it. And Jake hits us with the quote of the week when discussing some infighting in the bourbon community: "Popularity doesn't make good bourbon."

And finally, we discuss why we are feeling like it's the holidays in Louisville and around Kentucky. It's Derby season!! In a series of tough choices, we discuss favorite drinks during Derby time and which horse track is our favorite, Churchill Downs or Keeneland.

Show Links:

• $1,000 mint julep ingredients are aging to perfection in Churchill Downs' Twin Spires
• Should Bourbon Be Cask Finished?
• Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
• The Kentucky Derby
• Keeneland Race Track
• Churchill Downs

Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to.