Bourbon Pursuit

The Official Podcast of Bourbon! The best in news, reviews and interviews with people making the bourbon whiskey industry happen. Join hosts Kenny Coleman, Ryan Cecil, and Fred Minnick as they talk with prominent guests and provide insight on American whiskey 3 times a week. Catch all new episodes every Thursday with special Whiskey Quickie reviews on Tuesday and get caught up on bourbon news with This Week in Bourbon on Friday.

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1
532 - Will Sourcing Become Popular Soon? on Bou...
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?
61 min
2
Whiskey Quickie: Conviction Double Oak 1929 Bou...
This non-age stated bourbon is 104.8 proof and $65 MSRP.
4 min
3
TWiB: Heaven Hill opens doors at Heaven Hill Sp...
Heaven Hill officially opens its doors at Heaven Hill Springs, Jos. A. Magnus & Co. has announced the return of its Private Cask Program, and Freddie Noe announce the launch of Booker’s, The Reserves 2025.
41 min
4
531 - The Kentucky Bourbon Trail's Big Challeng...
We're talking with Adam Johnson from the Kentucky Distillers Association, who for nearly two decades has been at the forefront of the Kentucky bourbon scene. We’re diving into the state of bourbon tourism, and as Adam reveals, visits to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are absolutely going through the roof, transforming the experience from a day trip into a full-on bucket-list adventure. We also get into the legislative challenges facing our industry, from the battle for Direct-To-Consumer shipping rights to the elephant in the room: the cannabis beverage market, and why Adam believes it needs to play by the same rules. Adam also shares some great insights on how the collaborative nature of the bourbon community is actually fueling collective growth. If you’re planning a trip to Kentucky or just curious about the future of bourbon, you won't want to miss this one
51 min
5
Whiskey Quickie: Frank August Small Batch Rye W...
This non-age stated rye is 100 proof and $70 MSRP.
4 min
6
TWiB: US alcohol competition order revoked, Hea...
An executive order has been revoked that looked into the competition in the U.S. alcohol industry, Heaven Hill Distillery announces two brand new releases, and Rabbit Hole Distillery is releasing Regallier.
27 min
7
530 - A Moonshiner Turned Legit with Royce Neel...
We're sitting down with Royce Neely, the owner of Neely Family Distillery, whose family has been moonshining for generations. Royce isn't just carrying on a legacy; he's bringing it out of the backwoods. He’s taking us through his fascinating journey, from studying at Transylvania University to building his own distillery from the ground up. He's diving deep into the science and the art behind his craft, explaining his obsession with yeast, the secrets of sweet mashing, and what it takes to produce an award-winning absinthe. We're also getting an exclusive look at what's next for his distillery, including the installation of a one-of-a-kind three-chamber still designed to take his game to a whole new level.
61 min
8
Whiskey Quickie: Woodinville 8 Year Rye Whiskey...
This 8 year old rye is 100 proof and $130 MSRP.
4 min
9
TWiB: Bourbon & Banter hosts 12th Bourbon Chall...
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.
33 min
10
529 - Inside Ohio's Liquor Playbook with Anne D...
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.
62 min
11
Whiskey Quickie: Redemption 18 Year Bourbon Review
This 18 year old rye is 103.4 proof and $400 MSRP.
3 min
12
TWiB: Four Roses Distillery's new Small Batch B...
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.
38 min
13
528 - Is Uncle Nearest Done For? on Bourbon Com...
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.
79 min
14
Whiskey Quickie: New Riff Balboa Rye Whiskey Re...
This 4 year old rye is 100 proof and $55 MSRP.
3 min
15
TWiB: Pursuit Spirits officially opens on Whisk...
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.
28 min
16
527 - From Popcorn to Bourbon: The 15 Stars Story
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.
58 min
17
Whiskey Quickie: Larrikin Rosewater Bourbon Review
This non-age stated bourbon is 86 proof and $70 MSRP.
4 min
18
TWiB: Uncle Nearest is sued for $100M, IW Harpe...
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.
45 min
19
526 - Beyond the Bottle: The Data Driving Moder...
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.
68 min
20
Whiskey Quickie: Michter's 10 Year Bourbon Review
This 10 year old bourbon is 94.4 proof and $195 MSRP.
4 min
21
Behind The Pursuit: Pursuit University Part 1
34 min
22
525 - Behind the Pour: Unpacking Whiskey Subscr...
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.
57 min
23
Whiskey Quickie: Maker's Mark The Keeper's Rele...
This non-age stated bourbon is 109.2 proof and $75 MSRP.
4 min
24
TWiB: Luca Mariano files for chapter 11, Kentuc...
Luca Mariano files for chapter 11, Kentucky’s Attorney General files a lawsuit against Temu, and Sazerac releases Sazerac Rye 100.
23 min
25
524 - Bourbon Community Roundtable 108
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.
59 min