In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down one-on-one with Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist at Barrell Craft Spirits. This in-depth conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most innovative non-distilling producers (NDPs) in American whiskey.

The Art of Blending at Barrell Craft Spirits

Tripp unpacks what sets Barrell apart in a crowded whiskey market, especially its blender-first approach to crafting high-quality, small batch and single barrel releases. Listeners will get an insider’s view of how Barrell sources and blends its whiskey, and how its team maintains consistency and creativity across each unique release.

Addressing the Rumors

Jake and Tripp also dive into some of the rumors surrounding Barrell Craft Spirits, including its long-term plans in the bourbon world.

Spotlight on New Releases: Foundation and Toasted Vantage

This episode also covers Barrell's exciting Double Barrel Foundation Release, a core expression of the brand’s identity, as well as the Toasted Vantage Limited Release. Tripp shares how these expressions were conceptualized and what makes them special additions to the Barrell portfolio.

Whether you're a whiskey nerd, collector, or new to the category, this episode offers a compelling look at one of the most respected names in American craft whiskey.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.

We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X. Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out BourbonLens.com to find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott take you inside their exclusive VIP private blending experience at J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. From hands-on barrel sampling to creating custom bourbon blends, this immersive experience is a must for any whiskey enthusiast.

A special thanks goes out to Amy Preske for arranging this memorable day, and to Dakota and the entire J. Mattingly team for the warm hospitality and deep knowledge of bourbon blending. The episode also touches on the recent severe weather in Kentucky, including destructive tornadoes, historic flooding, and other storms that have deeply affected communities across the Commonwealth.

If you'd like to support Kentucky disaster relief efforts, here are some trusted organizations:

• Team Kentucky Relief Fund
• American Red Cross – Kentucky Region
• Franklin County Emergency Management
• Kentucky Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (KY VOAD)

Listen now as we sip our unique whiskey blends.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.

We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X. Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out BourbonLens.com to find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

In this latest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down with Julie Macklowe, the founder of The MACKLOWE, known as the first luxury American Single Malt Whiskey. During the episode, they taste both the American Single Malt and Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey releases from The MACKLOWE, discussing the unique qualities that set these spirits apart in the world of whiskey.

Julie shares her insights on building a successful whiskey brand, her deep passion for high-quality spirits, and how The MACKLOWE stands out in an increasingly competitive market. They also dive into the current state of the whiskey industry and discuss trends shaping the future of premium spirits.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.

We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X. Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out BourbonLens.com to find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Image Credit: The MACKLOWE Whiskey

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Augusta Distillery’s master distiller, Alex Castle. Alex shares the story of her journey to Augusta after her time at Old Dominick Distillery in Tennessee, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her transition and the innovative direction she's taking Augusta Distillery.

During the conversation, we dive into Augusta's approach to sourced whiskey, their unique commitment to producing single cask and cask strength bourbons, and the philosophy that drives their craft. Alex also shares insights into their future plans as they continue to lay down large quantities of premium distillate, ensuring that every bottle meets the highest standards of quality.

This episode provides an informative view on the fast-growing Augusta Distillery and the vision Alex Castle has for its future in the world of bourbon.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.

We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X. Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out BourbonLens.com to find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, host Jake sits down with Mason Walker and Clay Risen from Bourbon Lore®, a unique community of bourbon enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs built around a shared love for the best American whiskey has to offer. Together, they discuss the history of bourbon, delving into its origins, the iconic figures behind its rise, and the enduring legacy that has made it one of America’s most celebrated spirits.

Tune in and discover the origin story of Bourbon Lore! If you’re ultra-passionate about bourbon or want to learn more about its most legendary bottles, figures, and lore, check out all that Bourbon Lore has to offer.

Listen to the full episode now!

About Mason Walker:

Mason Walker, a fourth generation Arizonan, has a lifelong passion for collecting and storytelling. As the son of an antique dealer and a connoisseur in the history and culture of the American Southwest, he developed a deep appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship.

Over the past decade, Walker has curated one of the nation’s most extensive collections of American whiskey, serving as the foundation for Bourbon Lore® A brand dedicated to celebrating the rich legacy and lore of America’s spirit.

About Clay Risen:

Clay Risen is a founding partner of Bourbon Lore and the author of several books on American whiskey, including "American Whiskey, Bourbon and Rye: A Guide to the Nation's Favorite Spirit," "Bourbon: The Story of Kentucky Whiskey," and, most recently, "Bourbon Lore: Legends of American Whiskey."

Image Credit: Bourbon Lore

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.

We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X. Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out BourbonLens.com to find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, hosts Jake and Scott take a trip to the new location of Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in the heart of NuLu, Louisville. We sit down with Walter Zausch to learn about the distillery’s exciting new space and what visitors can expect when they visit either of their locations. From the one-of-a-kind experience of thieving unique whiskies directly from the barrel to the vibrant atmosphere of NuLu, this episode dives into the distinct experience Whiskey Thief offers its guests. Walter shares behind-the-scenes insights into the distillery's growth, the evolving bourbon scene in Louisville, and what makes their approach to bourbon tasting truly special. Whether you're a local or planning a trip, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. offers a memorable experience for all bourbon lovers.

Tune in for an inside look at the latest chapter in Whiskey Thief's journey!

About Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.:

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is the first and only Kentucky distillery to offer every visitor a unique, straight-from-the-barrel Bourbon tasting and thieving experience, uncut and unfiltered. Guests are invited to fill their own bottle of Kentucky Bourbon and rye whiskey straight from the barrel, at barrel strength. Distilling for over a decade on their 127-acre working farm in Franklin County, Kentucky, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. celebrates single-barrel bourbons and whiskeys distilled from grain grown on-site.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.

We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X. Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out BourbonLens.com to find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, we take a trip to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Whisky Row, located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. We sit down with two of Heaven Hill’s finest, Bernie Lubbers and Adam Edwards, to dive deep into the world of Bottled in Bond.

As one of the most significant designations in the bourbon industry, Bottled in Bond holds a special place at Heaven Hill. Bernie and Adam provide invaluable insight into its history, its meaning to both bourbon enthusiasts and consumers, and why this category is still thriving in today’s bourbon landscape.

Tune in as we explore the legacy of Bottled in Bond, its importance to Heaven Hill, and how it continues to shape the future of bourbon.

Don’t miss out — listen to the full episode now!

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.

We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X. Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out BourbonLens.com to find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens