In this dynamic episode of Bourbon Pursuit, host Kenny Coleman engages a panel of bourbon aficionados including Fred Minnick, Blake Seelbach, Eric from Breaking Bourbon, and Brian Sipp from Sip and Corn. The conversation kicks off with light banter about technical hiccups and distillation woes before delving into the intricacies of launching a bourbon brand today versus five years ago. Blake notes that while starting a brand is more accessible due to available resources, brand survival relies heavily on smart distribution strategies within a consolidating market. The group discusses crucial topics such as consumer education, the art of storytelling, and the competitive landscape with established brands. Fred highlights the evolving expectations of consumers, underscoring the necessity for new brands to offer both quality and effective marketing.

This 8 year old bourbon is 101 proof and $45 MSRP.

Whiskey House and The Koetter Group will build 12 state-of-the-art rickhouses, Maker's Mark has announced a new exhibition by contemporary artist Dale Chihuly, and Dierks Bentley is introducing ROW 94 Broken Branches.

In this episode, Bernie takes us through his fascinating career, including his pivotal role in bringing bottled-in-bond back into the spotlight, how tasting events have evolved, and the impact of age statements on bourbon production. Get ready for some fantastic anecdotes as Bernie shares his passion for whiskey, why quality always comes first, and his take on current market trends, like the growing demand for older, stronger bourbons. Of course, we couldn't have Bernie without a tasting, so we're pouring Bernheim Barrel Proof and William Heaven Hill – a true celebration of unique whiskeys among friends. As he reflects on his new Ambassador Emeritus role and what "retirement" actually means for Bernie Lubbers, he gives us some amazing insights into the relationships and creativity that truly fuel the bourbon community. Plus, stick around for some exciting teasers of upcoming releases and Bernie's signature blend of whiskey education with a dash of bluegrass!

This 6-7 year old bourbon is 104.5 proof and $125 MSRP.

The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame announced new inductees, Bardstown Bourbon announces their new club program, and Stitzel-Weller Distillery is launching Stitzel Reserve.

You might know Randy Sullivan from Bourbon Real Talk or his brand, Prideful Goat. Randy shares a truly heartfelt story about how personal loss, specifically the passing of his brother, became a catalyst for him to create welcoming spaces for whiskey lovers. This conversation is packed with genuine moments – from hilarious reflections on his early days and the unique connections he's made, including how challenge coins got introduced into the scene! Randy is incredibly open about his own battles with mental health and the powerful impact the whiskey community has had on him. We also touch on the spontaneous journey behind co-founding Prideful Goat, focusing on quality and authenticity. Ultimately, this episode is a powerful reminder from Randy about the warmth and support found in the whiskey community and the simple, yet profound, importance of connection and looking out for one another

This non-age stated rye whiskey is 104.2 proof and $270 MSRP.

Lisa Wicker joins Whiskey Thief, Binder’s Stash announced a partnership with Willett Distillery, and Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond is officially released

That's the topic we're diving into today in a really special episode featuring myself, Ryan, and Fred Minnick. Prompted by a listener asking about the significance of bottles beyond their monetary worth, we each opened up our personal collections – not just the unicorns, but the bottles tied to moments in our lives. You'll hear some incredibly personal stories, from Ryan saving a specific bottle for his son's future birthday, to my own reflections on a signed Maker's Mark from my college days, and Fred sharing the significance of a Maker's 46 sample straight from Bill Samuels himself. It's a reminder that while the hunt and the hype are fun, the true value of bourbon often lies in the memories made and the connections shared over a glass.

This 4 year old whiskey is 86 proof and $45 MSRP.

Today, we're doing a deep dive into these unique spirits with an incredible panel: the always insightful Brian Haara, the ever-knowledgeable Blake Riber, and our good friend Nick Beiter. We're exploring the history and the recent surge in popularity of these bourbons, tracing their lineage back to legendary names like Maker's Mark and Stitzel-Weller. But the conversation quickly shifts to a spirited debate: what truly makes a bourbon wheated?

This 9 year old whiskey is 107 proof and $80 MSRP.

Scotch producer Loch Lomond Group has made its first move into American whiskey with the purchase of New York Distilling Co., ORCA golf has a new bourbon inspired golf bag line, and Milam & Greene Whiskey introduce The Answer.

Kicking off day 2 is Chris Chapanar of Whiskey Noobs telling us what you should be paying for bottles, then it's Chad and Sara of It's Bourbon Night on how to make cocktails easy at home, next is TJ of Brewzle who says the three tier system is destroying craft distilleries, Frank Dobbins who writes for UPROXX gives insight into how many bourbons are all derived from a single mashbill, and we wrap up the day with Jack Beguedou who will take us on a sensory experience.

This 14 year old whiskey is 126.3 proof and $150 MSRP.

Old Elk has been acquired by Middle West Spirits, Bardstown Bourbon Co has named a Master Blender, and Blue Run releases the Blue Run Flight Series

This first day features Chris Blatner known at the Urban Bourbonist talking about session cocktails, Jacob Kiper from Coming Whiskey with the origins of the three tier system, Mark Rucker of The Bourbon Life discussing how to turn a passion into a way of life, Tyler Zoller of Louisville Bourbon Buzz gives tips on whiskey content creation, and we wrap up day 1 with Heather Wibbels known as the Cocktail Contessa, telling us how to select the perfect bourbon for your cocktail.

This 6-8 year old bourbon is 96 proof and $120 MSRP.

E.H. Taylor comes to the BTAC, Pursuit releases 4 new expressions and new packaging, Heaven Hill releases new Grain To Glass and Old Fitz.

Amine's path is unorthodox, transitioning from a safe career in engineering to living a life behind the counter of a struggling liquor store in Old Louisville. At that store, he learned about the business and how to navigate the three tier system. He also had some foresight where he took profits from the store and started buying barrels at MGP years ago but he didn't know what to do with them. Fast forward a few years, he's got a healthy stock of double digit aged barrels and an idea of creating a new brand. His past life with the retail ingrained a sense of hospitality which is one of the reasons why he has fostered a community that grabs up all his releases.

This 19 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $300 MSRP.

National Bourbon Week in Bardstown releases event schedule, Derby Week insider annoucements from Brown Forman, and Star Trek Spirits and Stellum collaborate on new whiskeys.