Bourbon Pursuit

Is the bourbon industry about to meet its biggest competitor? Today, we’re welcoming back a familiar face, Jim Higdon, co-founder of Cornbread Hemp and the author of The Cornbread Mafia. Last time Jim was on Episode 342, we were talking about the history of Kentucky's most infamous drug ring, but today we’re looking at the future of cannabis and how it’s fighting for its life against big bourbon. It's no doubt that THC beverages have been on a meteoric rise and Jim shares a vision of a future where a THC drink is just as mainstream as a vodka soda was back in the '60s. But it’s not an easy road; Right now there is a lobbyist war, where Jim feels bourbon's powerful political engines are squaring off against the hemp industry to protect their shelf space. It gets a bit dicey with Fred taking the counterposition but I won't ruin it for you. Jim also highlights the looming legislative cliff, breaking down the regulatory hurdles and upcoming deadlines that could threaten the entire hemp-derived industry overnight. It’s a conversation about coexistence, regulation, and what you might see a different on your liquor store shelves very soon. Show Notes: Comparisons between THC beverages and historical liquor consumption patterns Growth story of Cornbread Hemp from CBD to THC labels The impact of bourbon lobbyists on cannabis regulatory issues Importance of the upcoming November deadline for hemp legality Variances in THC regulations across different states Consumer safety and dosage concerns regarding THC beverages Future collaboration potential between bourbon and cannabis industries Advocacy strategies for hemp products within the political landscape Reflection on the ongoing evolution of cannabis regulation and societal perception Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wild Turkey drops one of its most anticipated bottles of the year: Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson E. Floor 5. 128 proof. $300. We break down the sweet oak, blackberry cobbler vibes, leather, spice, and whether this limited release truly earns its price tag. Is this the one to chase?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

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 20th 2026. E. & J. Gallo announced its plans to acquire Four Roses, Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership, and Michter’s Releases their Celebration at $6,000 a bottle.Show Notes: E. & J. Gallo expands its spirits portfolio with a $775 million acquisition of Four Roses Distillery from Kirin A U.S. District Judge ruled that Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership through March amid insolvency allegations Frey Ranch Distillery debuts "Harvest the Savings," a new farm-to-glass subscription program offering up to 15% off and free shipping A Texas judge blocked the immediate liquidation of Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl, opting for a structured Chapter 11 wind-down A new Kentucky bill proposes a 4% regulatory fee on alcohol sales, shifting the tax burden from producers to consumers Unicorn Auctions’ 2025 report reveals a democratized secondary market where 80% of bottles now sell for under $250 Green River launches a 109.3-proof wheated bourbon at a $50 price point across 25 markets this February Black Diamond Distillery introduces a $25 wheated bourbon "Mineshaft" expression designed specifically for cocktails Maker’s Mark partners with artist Ashley Longshore on a limited-edition label benefiting women’s leadership through Vital Voices Yellowstone Bourbon celebrates America’s semiquincentennial with 250 limited-edition Bottled-in-Bond single barrels Michter’s prepares to ship the rare 2025 Edition of its Celebration Sour Mash, limited to just 315 bottles globally Buffalo Trace and Chris Stapleton evolve their partnership with the nationwide release of Traveller Whiskey Full Proof at 121 proof Rebel Bourbon joins forces with NASCAR champion Kyle Busch for a limited 108-proof single barrel release Penelope Bourbon upgrades its core Barrel Strength expression to a 7-year age statement for a limited 13,000-case release Southern Distilling Company releases a Statesville-exclusive Southern Star Paragon Bourbon finished in Zinfandel wine casks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you put a pioneer of American Single Malt in a room with a master of Irish heritage? Well we’re finding out today as we step outside the bluegrass to explore the global world of malt. We’re joined by Justin Aden from Stranahan's and Alex Thomas from Bushmills to break down the art of the blend and why local ingredients become a key competitve advantage in this market. Justin talks to us about the high-altitude of aging in Colorado and the rise of the American Single Malt category, while Alex gives us a masterclass on Bushmills' legendary triple distillation and the weight of managing a distillery with centuries of history. We dig in further in to how two completely different climates and traditions approach the task of building a consistent, world-class whiskey. We also get into the "friendly" rivalries of the whiskey world and discuss why American Single Malt is finally getting the seat at the table it deserves. Show Notes: American single malt production insights The legacy of Bushmills and blending techniques The evolution of Irish whiskey and its relation to Scotch Tasting highlights from Stranahan’s and Bushmills Cultural dynamics and the rise of American single malts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willett Purple Top is legendary and usually ultra-premium. So what happens when Willett turns that DNA into a 4-year small batch bourbon at 127 proof and under $70? We break down the mash bills, the sweetness, the funk, and whether this bold move actually works. This one sparked a real debate.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

It’s time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and the panel is locked, loaded, and ready to talk about the one number that drives every enthusiast crazy: The Proof. We look at how we all start with those easy-drinking, low-proof staples like Kentucky Tavern before eventually finding ourselves chasing the high-octane allure of barrel-strength pours. We even get into some fun hypotheticals—if you could sample the same bourbon at every proof point from barrel to 80, how would that change your understanding of your favorite brand? Whether you’re a 90-proof purist or a barrel-strength junkie, we’re breaking down why the best bottle on your shelf is ultimately the one that tastes the best to you. Is the industry pushing proof too far, or have we finally found the sweet spot? We’re debating it all. Show Notes: Evolution of bourbon drinking from low proof to high proof Insights into how proof affects whiskey blending and flavor Discussion on consumer perception of barrel-proof vs. proofed-down expressions Exploration of notable brands and their proof characteristics Fun hypotheticals regarding proof sampling experiences Final thoughts on the importance of proof in the bourbon journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yellowstone celebrates 10 years with a special anniversary blend featuring multiple mash bills aged 10 years or more. At 105 proof and $100, this Whiskey Quickie dives into sweet oak, tobacco, citrus, malted chocolate notes, and a bold, well-layered palate. A milestone release worth a closer look.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

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 6th 2026. The court-appointed receiver for Uncle Nearest, presents a grim financial outlook for the whiskey brand, The Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds 10 new stops, and Brown Forman is releasing King of Kentucky Small Batch.Show Notes: Uncle Nearest faces insolvency with $164M debt and revenue shortfall ABC Fine Wine & Spirits enters Colorado with Applejack acquisition Kentucky Bourbon Trail expands to record 68 stops statewide Barrell Craft Spirits consolidates blending operations to original Gilmore facility Supreme Court weighs legality of out-of-state alcohol shipping bans Kentucky Bourbon industry economic impact surges to $10.6 billion Jim Beam taps Kenan Thompson for 2026 "Refresh Your Season" campaign Yellowstone Bourbon partners with Vital Ground Foundation for grizzly conservation King of Kentucky announces 250th Anniversary Small Batch three-part series Shortbarrel launches Four Grain Straight Bourbon flagship for nationwide distribution Buzzard’s Roost unveils 5-year-old Four Grain Double Oak Bourbon Chattanooga Whiskey debuts Irish-style Batch 047: Single Pot Still Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can a forgotten, dusty bottle of bourbon actually save a life? That’s the question we’re tackling today with the one and only Fred Minnick. Fred gives us a first hand account of this personal project from his new book, Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man's Life. Fred gets incredibly candid about his battles with PTSD following his military service and how the legacy of Old Crow, a brand many today just overlook on the bottom shelf, played a pivotal role in his journey toward healing. But it’s not all heavy; in classic Fred fashion, he shares some hilarious and heartwarming personal anecdotes, including the story of his first date with his wife and how she has been someone who has pushed him in his bourbon career. We also go into the history of the legendary James C. Crow and how his innovations shaped the industry we love today. This episode is more than just a history lesson. it’s a powerful look at resilience, the importance of storytelling, and a reminder to keep chasing your passion no matter how tough the road gets. Show Notes: Fred's inspiration to write "Bottom Shelf" How Fred’s military background influenced his bourbon narrative Funny highlights from Fred and Jacqueline’s early relationship How Crow shaped modern bourbon practices What shifts occurred in the bourbon market due to National Distillers What Fred means by discovering your personal passion Why honesty is crucial in the narratives of bourbon How bourbon represents resilience and personal growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We found a bourbon that claims it’s aged in a historic railroad boxcar turned “rolling rickhouse”, so of course we had to taste it. Black Diamond (103 proof, $58) brings big chocolate-covered cherry energy with a creamy, candy-box palate, but the finish splits the room. Is train-car aging genius, gimmick, or the future?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