Episodes

  • 559 - That Distillery in North Carolina You'll Hear About Real Soon with Pete Barger Southern Distilling

    559 - That Distillery in North Carolina You'll Hear About Real Soon with Pete Barger Southern Distilling
    Mar 26 2026
    Can a North Carolina distillery really take on the heavyweights of the Bluegrass? Today, we’re joined by Pete Barger, the co-founder of Southern Distilling Company, to talk about how he’s disrupting the craft bourbon landscape from just outside of Charlotte. Pete brings a unique background of engineering and agricultural expertise to the table, and he’s sharing the story of how they built a massive, state-of-the-art operation that’s doing everything from contract distilling for powerhouses like Brothers Bond to winning double golds with their own Paragon wheated bourbon. Pete breaks down their commitment to regenerative farming and how sourcing local North Carolina grains creates a flavor profile that stands out in a crowded market. We also taste their American Single Malt and just wait until you hear Ryan's reaction. This is what American Single Malt has been missing. Show Notes: The craft bourbon movement's landscape in North Carolina Merging engineering with whiskey-making Tackling the whisky provenance debate: quality vs. origin Collaboration insights: Brothers Bond and regenerative agriculture The role of barrel selection and innovative finishes The introduction of honey-cask bourbon and its market strategy Future plans for Southern Distilling and commitment to community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Whiskey Quickie: Toasted Barrel Flavor Bomb?! | H.K. Young Wheated Bourbon

    Whiskey Quickie: Toasted Barrel Flavor Bomb?! | H.K. Young Wheated Bourbon
    Mar 24 2026
    H.K. Young leans into the wheated bourbon craze with a 7 year, 122.4 proof release finished in two custom toasted oak barrels from Independent Stave Company. We dive into the cranberry, raisin, juicy fruit gum sweetness and bold toasted oak to see if this hyped wheated bourbon lives up to expectations.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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    6 mins
  • TWiB: Uncle Nearest Saga has taken a wild twist, Kentucky Bourbon Fest announced ticket sales, Bardstown Bourbon Company new release

    TWiB: Uncle Nearest Saga has taken a wild twist, Kentucky Bourbon Fest announced ticket sales, Bardstown Bourbon Company new release
    Mar 20 2026
    It's This Week in Bourbon for March 20th 2026. Uncle Nearest Saga has taken a wild twist, Kentucky Bourbon Festival has announced ticket sale dates, and Bardstown Bourbon Company will release its Distillery Reserve Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish.Show Notes: Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and countersues lender for $529M Court receiver moves to block Uncle Nearest bankruptcy filing and seeks $75K in sanctions Judge stays $2.6M sale of Uncle Nearest Martha’s Vineyard property pending independent appraisals Chicken Cock Whiskey rebrands Louisville speakeasy as “The Coupe” with grand opening March 26 Kentucky Bourbon Festival 35th anniversary tickets go on sale April 14 for September event Lux Row Distillers debuts Lux Row Estate Bourbon featuring corn grown on-site Evan Williams adds 65-proof Blackberry expression to its nationwide flavored whiskey portfolio Barrell Craft Spirits introduces multi-cask finished Barrell Cigar Blend Bourbon for $85 Augusta Distillery launches cask-strength Small Batch and Wheated Single Barrel expressions Blue Note Bourbon reveals 2026 Special Reserve featuring a nine-cask finish blend Booker’s Bourbon kicks off 2026 with 129.1-proof "Big Easy" Batch Bardstown Bourbon Company unveils Distillery Reserve Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • 558 - Is Brandy America's First Native Spirit? with Rob Bourdon of Copper and Kings

    558 - Is Brandy America's First Native Spirit? with Rob Bourdon of Copper and Kings
    Mar 19 2026
    Is American Brandy finally ready to step out of bourbon's shadow? Today, we’re joined by Rob Bourdon, the new owner of Copper & Kings, to discuss his vision for revitalizing one of Louisville’s most creative distilleries. I've had the great pleasure of knowing Rob for years because he was part of Tennesee Distilling Group and led a lot of their new fill and barrel contracts. Rob shares his past where was professional hockey player but we quickly pivot to talking about why brandy. When I heard he was buying Copper & Kings I was a bit shocked but Rob puts a great spin on it to see the opportunity in brandy versus the crowded bourbon market. But don't get me wrong, there's still a lot of really great brandy, bourbon, and tequila plays here. So if you're coming to Louisville and need a break from the bourbon, go check out Copper & Kings to see what he's got going on over there and pick one up on your shelf when you need to change things up. Show Notes: Challenges and developments in the Tennessee distilling industry Rob’s vision for Copper and Kings and the significance of American brandy Discussion of innovative products and unique distillation approaches Tasting notes featuring their apple brandy and other specialties Importance of educating consumers about brandy Plans for community engagement and revitalizing distillery events Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Whiskey Quickie: YouTuber Launches a Bourbon… Did He Nail It?! | Drum Key “The Debut”

    Whiskey Quickie: YouTuber Launches a Bourbon… Did He Nail It?! | Drum Key “The Debut”
    Mar 17 2026
    Jason from The Mash & Drum just dropped his first bourbon: Drum Key Spirits “The Debut.” A 123-proof blend of 7 to 9 year Green River barrels. We break down the toasted oak, brown sugar old fashioned vibes, apricot citrus, and strawberry shortcake notes to see if this first release lives up to the hype.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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    7 mins
  • TWiB: Buffalo Trace new online system, Uncle Nearest hiding a $20M loan, Maker’s Mark launches its Wood Finishing Series

    TWiB: Buffalo Trace new online system, Uncle Nearest hiding a $20M loan, Maker’s Mark launches its Wood Finishing Series
    Mar 13 2026
    It's This Week in Bourbon for March 13th 2026. Buffalo Trace Tried doing a new online bottle release system, Uncle Nearest is back in the news with hiding a $20M loan, and Maker’s Mark launches its Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release.Show Notes: Five Southern Glazer’s executives indicted for eight-year bribery and shelf-placement scheme Farm Credit Mid-America alleges Uncle Nearest funneled $20M loan to hide assets Sazerac takes control of Garrard County Distilling Co. after purchasing $26M debt Give 270 receives $11,350 grant from Karis Management Group for community support National Bourbon Week returns to Bardstown June 14–21 with 10 partner distilleries Milam & Greene launches Bluebonnet Bourbon benefiting Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center New Riff debuts 2026 Silver Grove series featuring six-year Bourbon and Rye Kentucky Senator honors Jim Bunning with seventh small batch release aged 8.5 years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • 557 - Barrel Finishes, Dusty Futures, and Fads from Patreon Q&A on Bourbon Community Roundtable #116

    557 - Barrel Finishes, Dusty Futures, and Fads from Patreon Q&A on Bourbon Community Roundtable #116
    Mar 12 2026
    It’s time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and we’re handing the reins over to our Patreon supporters to see what’s actually on your minds. We’re pulling back the curtain on our chaotic group chat to debate the "Dusty" vs. Modern era and why some single barrel picks just hit different. Ryan is still leading the charge for high-proof heat, while Blake breaks down why balance is the only thing that keeps a brand relevant in a crowded market. We’re also digging into the finished whiskey craze and what the latest round of distillery consolidations means for your wallet. At the end of the day, we’re looking past the labels to find the soul of the industry. Does a great story still trump a massive marketing budget? We’re breaking down the trends, the hype, and the reality of being an enthusiast in 2026. Pour a glass and join the conversation. Show Notes: The art of cocktail creativity: Best unexpected spirit swaps Are finished barrel whiskeys a fleeting trend? Insights on modern bottling techniques and the revival of "Dusty" bottles How distillery consolidation impacts consumer choices High-proof spirits: Preference shifts and cocktail accessibility The journey of craft distilleries and the stories behind their creations The role of storytelling in enriching the bourbon experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Whiskey Quickie: Old Soul Tintype #3: Southern Heat, Big Barrel Flavor

    Whiskey Quickie: Old Soul Tintype #3: Southern Heat, Big Barrel Flavor
    Mar 10 2026
    Old Soul Tintype Series No. 3 honors blues legend Kenny Brown with an 11 year, 103.5 proof bourbon built on a high rye MGP mash bill. We break down the sweet tea and strawberry notes, rich brown sugar caramel, and that bold charred barrel kick that Southern aging brings. Does the heat make the difference? Let’s find out.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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    7 mins