Bourbon & Banter is hosting its 12th annual "30 Days of Bourbon Challenge", Castle & Key Distillery has debuted The Key Collective, and Penelope Bourbon announced its 2025 Estate Collection.

On this episode we get the inside scoop on one Ohio’s unique control state system with Anne Dimmick and Kristen Castle of OHLQ. They breaking down everything from why every bottle has the same fixed price across the state to their incredibly efficient real-time inventory tracking system, which, as you'll hear, is a big contrast to a lot of other places. Anne and Kristen also give us the details on the highly sought-after Single Barrel Saturday events and how they create a fair playing field for smaller brands to compete. We’re also getting into the nitty-gritty, discussing how issues like theft and recent cannabis legalization are impacting the spirits market. Whether you live in Ohio or you're just curious about how these systems work, this is a must-listen.

This 18 year old rye is 103.4 proof and $400 MSRP.

Four Roses Distillery is releasing its 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon, Old Forester is releasing its most anticipated annual whisky: Birthday Bourbon, and The James B. Beam Distilling Co. is releasing a limited-edition Beam Pin Bottle.

In this episode of the Bourbon Pursuit Podcast, host Kenny Coleman is joined by a panel of bourbon experts—Fred Minnick, Ryan Cecil, Nick from Breaking Bourbon, and Blake from Sealbox—to explore the turbulent situation surrounding Uncle Nearest. They delve into the recent lawsuit from Farm Credit Mid-America, which claims Uncle Nearest defaulted on over $100 million in loans due to financial mismanagement and inflated barrel inventory reports. The discussion is both informative and laced with humor as the panel unpacks the legal jargon and financial strategies, with an emphasis on how a prior CFO's actions have complicated the case. As they analyze the impacts of a federal judge's ruling that could place the distillery under receivership, the panel considers the potential fallout for co-founders Fawn and Keith Weaver and the future governance of Uncle Nearest. They also reflect on broader industry trends exacerbated by rapid growth driven by pandemic demand and examine how communication failures between the distillery and its lender contributed to the crisis. The episode wraps up with listener questions and insights on the emotional toll of this case on supporters of the brand—visibly illustrating the gravity of its implications not just for Uncle Nearest but for the entire bourbon landscape.

This 4 year old rye is 100 proof and $55 MSRP.

Pursuit Spirits on Whiskey Row is officially open, Fred Minnick has a new book set to release, and Uncle Nearest is given a gag order.

We sit down with Rick and Ricky Johnson, the father-son team behind 15 Stars Bourbon. Their journey begins in an unexpected place—popcorn—where they turned their specialty brand, Black Jewel Popcorn, into a launching pad for their bourbon venture. The conversation delves into how a college project sparked Ricky's interest in creating bourbon from their unique black corn, leading to a partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company. The Johnsons share their meticulous approach to blending and flavor proofing using older whiskeys, including 14- and 15-year-old blends. They highlight the role of heirloom corn varieties in shaping their bourbon profiles. And yes, we get school again on what 15 Stars means which reflects Kentucky’s bourbon heritage and Americana.

This non-age stated bourbon is 86 proof and $70 MSRP.

Uncle Nearest is being sued for $100M and is publicly fighting back, IW Harper releases a 34 year old bourbon, and Parker’s Heritage #19 details are announced.

In this insightful episode of Bourbon Pursuit, hosts Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil sit down with MASH Networks co-founders Ari Sussman and Bruce Fougere to tackle the crucial topic of direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales in the craft spirits industry. The conversation dives into how technology, data-driven strategies, and powerful storytelling are no longer optional for distillers but essential for survival and growth. Ari and Bruce share how their company, MASH Networks, helps brands like Mammoth Distillery navigate complex regulations and expand beyond local markets by leveraging customer data and creating meaningful engagement. They explain how everything from QR codes on bottles to affinity-group marketing can be used to build a loyal community and drive repeat sales. Ultimately, the episode serves as a masterclass in how small distilleries can embrace a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial mindset to not only survive but thrive in an evolving industry by turning customers into advocates.

This 10 year old bourbon is 94.4 proof and $195 MSRP.

In this episode of Bourbon Pursuit, host Kenny Coleman sits down with Greg Cohen, co-founder of the whiskey subscription service Pour More, and whiskey critic Fred Minnick. The trio explores the evolving subscription model in the whiskey industry, traversing topics from marketing strategies to customer retention. Greg shares his journey into the whiskey world, discussing how Pour More emerged during the COVID boom and his innovative approach to curating whiskey experiences that resonate with consumers. Throughout the conversation, they tackle the challenges of sourcing whiskey amid state laws, the role of customer feedback in shaping offerings, and strategies for attracting a diverse clientele. Notably, Greg aims to break the traditional “whiskey bro” stereotype by showcasing the stories behind the distillers, creating a more inclusive space in whiskey culture. They also discuss the importance of community engagement, highlighting potential live tastings with distillers to foster connections among subscribers. As the episode concludes, they collectively reflect on the future of whiskey subscriptions and the vital role of unique storytelling.

This non-age stated bourbon is 109.2 proof and $75 MSRP.

Luca Mariano files for chapter 11, Kentucky’s Attorney General files a lawsuit against Temu, and Sazerac releases Sazerac Rye 100.

In this episode of Bourbon Pursuit, hosts Kenny Coleman, Jordan Moskal, Fred Minnick, Brian Haara, and special guest Blake Riber tackle the hot topic of hazmat whiskies—those high-proof spirits exceeding 140 proof that have recently surged in popularity. The discussion kicks off with a lighthearted banter about technical issues at the studio before diving into the history and rise of hazmat bourbons. Fred provides context on how these robust offerings were once rare but have become more accessible due to increasing consumer demand. The team debates the misconception that higher proof equals better quality, with Ryan drawing parallels to trends in the craft beer scene. Blake shares insights from a retailer’s perspective on the novelty and sales boost of hazmat bottles, while also addressing the logistical concerns surrounding their shipping. As the conversation unfolds, the hosts speculate on whether the current obsession with such high-proof options can sustain itself in the long run, pondering if future whiskey trends might shift focus back towards flavor over extremes.

This 4 year old bourbon is 105 proof and $60 MSRP.

Stitzel-Weller Distillery is up for sale, Brothers Wright Distilling Co. acquires Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery, and Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council.

I'm excited to welcome Chris Blandford back on the show. He holds the title of Adult Beverage Field Specialist for Kroger. He’s right there on the front lines of consumer trends, and he’s got some amazing insights into the changing landscape of bourbon, and he's also the content development lead for the bourbon and culinary stage at Bourbon & Beyond, a music festival right here in Louisville you've heard us talk about before. We talk about evolving consumer tastes because there is a trend back towards lower proof whiskey and some hilarious stories about those high-potency THC infused drinks that are making waves. Chris also shares his inspiring personal journey of health transformation, which is a fantastic parallel to his work. Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek into the exciting experiences waiting for everyone at Bourbon & Beyond.

This 9 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $130 MSRP.

New Riff Distilling has availability of 6-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon for Selections, Starlight Distillery is releasing its first ever 10-Year Bourbon, and Bardstown Bourbon Company has unveiled Hokkaido Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish.

Bruce Russell joins us again to share how he is carving his own path at Wild Turkey but also honoring the incredible legacy of his father Eddie and grandfather Jimmy. Get ready for some great stories as Bruce opens up about growing up in the Wild Turkey family, his shift back from Texas, and how he's embraced product development, bringing exciting new high-proof offerings and their latest eight-year 101 proof bourbon to life. This episode takes a few different twists as we talk about blending blending, barrel selections, and how Wild Turkey's continual packaging changes. Plus, Bruce gives us an honest look at the challenges of being a public figure in the bourbon world, getting noticed wherever he goes, and gives you a list of his favorite Louisville dining spots.

This 4 year old bourbon is 110.3 proof and $56 MSRP.

Dark Arts Whiskey House has opened doors to their new brand home, Jackie Zykan is stepping away from Hidden Barn Bourbon, and Chattanooga Whiskey has two new experimental liqueurs.