We're back with Bourbon Community Roundtable number 112 to continue tackling the controversial topic of the three-tier distribution system. Our panel dives into how consumers can actually help their favorite smaller brands get distribution, offering real-world advice on retailer outreach and using social media for buzz. We then dissect what massive political or economic shift would be required to see meaningful reform. Finally, we debate the powerful question: if the whole system disappeared tomorrow, who would win—the hustling craft distilleries or the heritage brands with deep pockets?. This one is packed with high-stakes debate.

In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of those releases for everyone who couldn’t make that inaugural Founder Hour. Kenny and Ryan walk through what makes each of these barrels special — from a 12-year Bardstown sibling to the legendary 017, to a 20-year Tennessee giant that officially becomes the oldest whiskey in Pursuit Spirits history. We talk about how long they’ve been sitting on some of these barrels, what patience really looks like when you’re building a brand, and why Founder Hour might be the most personal experience they’ve ever created.

Blue Run is back with one of its wildest experiments yet: Glimmer, a Kentucky straight bourbon finished in Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin barrels and dressed in a flashy, color-shifting bottle.

A Fiscal Court in Eastern Kentucky will regulate bio-digestion facilities, Shiner Bock is now entering bourbon, and Pursuit Spirits launches founder hour and 4 new single barrels.

Today we're joined by Greg Keeley, the founder and distiller of Larrikin Bourbon Company. Greg’s background is wild: He’s taking us through his early days in Australia’s Margaret River wine industry and his 22-year career in the military, and explaining how those very different experiences shaped his philosophy on whiskey. Greg recounts the path that took him from military life in Washington, D.C., to the hemp industry, and then—in a move fueled by pure passion—to founding a bourbon company. We dive deep into the name "Larrikin," which is an Australian term for a rebellious, mischievous person, and how that spirit is bottled into every drop. We get candid about the major challenges of launching a brand, including the necessary rebranding from Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company to its current, distinct identity. With plenty of laughs and valuable insights, Greg highlights why authenticity, quality, and a strong sense of camaraderie are key to surviving (and thriving) in the modern bourbon landscape.

This 6 year old whiskey is is 111.5 proof and $80 MSRP.

Japan’s Kirin Holdings has put Four Roses up for sale, Big Thirst and Pour Now have partnered to launch an AI-driven e-commerce platform for the alcohol industry, and Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is releasing the Warehouse Series.

We’re tackling the massive shift happening in American whiskey right now. While the Bluegrass State has its grip, the surging production in states like New York, Texas, and Colorado is raising a serious question: Are we seeing the rise of a new whiskey category that could actually rival Kentucky's dominance? Our conversation zeroes in on Iowa's Cedar Ridge, examining why they’re catching national attention. We dive deep into the real challenges facing out-of-state distillers, discussing how community support, innovative marketing, and quality consistency are their most powerful tools. It’s an uphill battle for craft distillers trying to gain recognition against established giants in prestigious competitions, and we break down the strategies that actually work.

This 9-18 year old whiskey is is 109.3 proof and $100 MSRP (375 ml).

Sazerac is investing more than $38 million to expand its bottling and production, 2025 Craft Spirits Data Project results are in, and it’s not surprising, and Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Special Release Tanyard Hill Rye.

We're sitting down with Conor O' Driscoll, the Master Distiller at Heaven Hill. He's taking us on a journey through the company's remarkable history, from its founding in 1935 to its massive expansion with the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, capable of pumping out 1,500 barrels a day. Conor talks to us about how every facet of the new distillery was planned from fermentation techniques to how they will continue to innovative with their Grain to Glass series. We also get into the latest market trends, including if Conor thinks barrel proof expressions are on the decline.

This 7 year old bourbon is is 100 proof and $60 MSRP.

TTB Shutdown Plan Details, Kentucky has reached an all-time high of 16.1 million aging barrels of Bourbon, and Pursuit Spirits has released Pursuit United Kodama Mizunara Bourbon.

We hit on one of the most polarizing and divisive topics that is in our world today, and that's distribution. Love it, hate it, whatever you want, it doesn't matter, it's not going anywhere, and it is the system that we are currently in because of the history of Prohibition, and you're going to learn about that and more. Plus, we're going to start hitting on our own trials and tribulations of living through the three-tier system and some stories from the front lines. Then we wrap up with what you can do as a consumer to help fight back. Got questions for the next episode? submit them at https://brbn.at/q112

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Rye Whiskey 2025 Edition Review

Dr. Heist is breaking down the full, fascinating journey of Wilderness Trail—from its incredibly dedicated early days to the huge, strategic partnership with Campari. And you know Pat and his background in microbiology, so we had to talk about yeast for a bit. But it’s not just about science; we also explore his unexpected second career in music with his band, Zella May, and what he's now doing with his wealth of investing in other businesses. Plus, we dive into the glass with a tasting of some new bourbon and rye whiskeys they are about ready to share.

This 10 year old bourbon is is 120.5 proof and $90 MSRP.

A million dollars worth of whiskey has been stolen from Westland, Diageo has temporarily paused whiskey production at its Balcones and George Dickel, and The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is launching the Tennessee Collective.

Today, we're sitting down with two leaders in the short-form video game, Kevin Carlson and Mike Yates. They give some insight into building a following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and how they’re tackling the biggest challenges of creating content today—from the struggle of video editing to audience engagement. Then we get into a lively game of "Over, Under, or Properly Rated," where we debate everything from "hazmat" bottles to the authenticity of influencers. The conversation gets real about home barrel projects and if building a relationship with your local liquor store owner is still the most valuable move you can make.

This non-age stated wheat whiskey is 114.7 proof and $100 MSRP.

Turkey has officially removed its 70% retaliatory tariff on U.S. spirits, Black Button Distillery has been saved from Bankruptcy, and Angel's Envy is releasing Angel’s Envy 10.

We're welcoming back Beau Beckman, a name you may remember from past shows, who is with a new venture called Hogshead. In this episode, we get into the challenges faced by both consumers and new brands in this confusing market. Beau is pulling back the curtain on the "gold rush" mentality and showing us how Hogshead aims to use technology to create a transparent, online marketplace for barrels. He's also sharing some powerful reflections on his own deep bourbon heritage and the experience he had running the largest private barrel program while at Buffalo Trace. He shares what's really happening behind the scenes in bourbon sourcing world.

This non-age stated bourbon is 117 proof and $125 MSRP.

Van Winkle 2025 Lineup Is Announced, 2XO has released its first rye, and Penelope Bourbon has partnered with FCancer for two limited-edition whiskeys.

The idea of sourcing has been around a very long time but it's a new concept for some while it's old hat for some. Are we at the point where sourcing is more widely accepted? What's it going to take to overcome it? Knowing that we are going to see an abundance of available sources here real soon, will it become more popular? Or even maybe more popular than distilling your own?