In this exciting new episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, we’re joined by actor Gabriel Macht! Known for his iconic role as Harvey Specter on the hit TV show Suits, Gabriel opens up about his latest venture into the world of whiskey as an investor and partner in Bear Fight Whiskey. 

During this conversation, Gabriel dives deep into his love for fine spirits, the entrepreneurial side of the whiskey industry, and how he found a perfect match with Bear Fight Whiskey. He also reflects on his career in Hollywood, the lasting impact of Suits, and what it’s like to balance acting with his passion for life and whiskey.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Gabriel Macht's Journey to Bear Fight Whiskey: Learn about how Gabriel became involved in this unique whiskey brand and his vision for its growth.
• Inside Look at Suits: Behind-the-scenes stories from the making of Suits and Gabriel’s experience playing Harvey Specter.
• Whiskey Talk: Why Gabriel’s passion for whiskey goes beyond just drinking—it’s about community, craftsmanship, and creating something special.
• Acting & Entrepreneurship: How Gabriel balances his acting career with his business ventures and what it means to be a creative entrepreneur.

Episode Links:

• Bear Fight American Single Malt Review
• Bear Fight Kentucky Reserve
• Gabriel Macht x Bear Fight News
• Bear Fight Whiskey Website
• Gabriel Macht Instagram
• Watch Suits on Netflix

Tune in now to this fascinating conversation where we discuss everything from whiskey to Hollywood, entrepreneurship, and the stories that shape both industries.

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 [email protected].

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

Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, we’re joined by Wes Henderson, the co-founder of Angel’s Envy, as he talks about his exciting new brand, True Story. Wes takes us on a journey through the creation of this new venture, offering insights into the inspiration behind the brand and what sets True Story apart in the world of whiskey. We also dive into two new whiskies from the True Story lineup:  

Wes shares how True Story marks a new chapter in the Henderson family’s distilling history, reflecting both his personal journey and the family’s commitment to crafting exceptional spirits. Tune in as we discuss the challenges, triumphs, and future of this exciting new brand in the competitive world of whiskey.

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 [email protected].

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

Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

About True Story

True Story is a premium whiskey company founded by Wes Henderson, a Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee with a profound family legacy in the American spirits industry. Crafted by Saga Spirits Group, True Story combines timeless tradition with modern innovation to create sophisticated and distinctive whiskeys. Each bottle tells a unique story, inviting drinkers to "pull up a chair" and connect over a shared experience. True Story's portfolio includes True Story Finished Bourbon and True Story Finished Rye, both finished in unique casks for a complex and flavorful profile. For more information, go to TrueStoryWhiskey.com or follow True Story on Instagram.

About Saga Spirits Group

Saga Spirits Group is a US-based spirits company founded in 2023 by industry veteran Wes Henderson, founder of the acclaimed ANGEL'S ENVY. The company is dedicated to crafting exceptional American whiskey products and creating a comprehensive visitor experience. Its flagship project, a new distillery and tourism complex in Versailles, KY, is set to be a significant economic driver in the region. With a focus on quality, innovation, and community engagement, Saga Spirits is poised to impact Kentucky's whiskey industry significantly.

In the newest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, we sit down with Dominic Guglielmi, a Blanton’s Bourbon super fan and author of the new book Warehouse H: The Story of Blanton’s Bourbon, America's Most Influential Whiskey. We dive deep into the history of Blanton’s, its role in shaping the modern bourbon landscape, and the stories from Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Whether you're a die-hard bourbon aficionado or a casual fan, this episode is a must-listen!

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 [email protected].

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

Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

Episode Highlights:

Blanton’s Bourbon History:

Learn about the origins of Blanton’s Bourbon, the first single-barrel bourbon ever released, and its journey from its inception at Buffalo Trace to becoming one of the most sought-after and influential whiskeys in the world. We also explore how Blanton’s played a key role in bringing the craft of bourbon back into the spotlight during the 1980s.

Warehouse H and the Story Behind the Book:

Dominic Guglielmi takes us on a tour of Warehouse H, the historic building at Buffalo Trace that has been central to Blanton’s unique flavor profile. His book, *Warehouse H: The Story of Blanton’s Bourbon, America's Most Influential Whiskey*, tells the incredible story of how the conditions in this special warehouse contribute to the distinct taste that fans worldwide love.

Behind the Scenes at Buffalo Trace Distillery:

Dominic shares rare insights into what makes Warehouse H so special and how Blanton’s Bourbon has evolved over the years. From its close relationship with master distillers to the meticulous aging process, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of why Blanton’s is a beloved favorite.

Perfect Holiday Gift Idea:

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the bourbon lover in your life? Dominic’s book, Warehouse H, is available now for purchase at BlantonsBook.com and WarehouseH.com. It’s the perfect gift for any fan of bourbon or whiskey enthusiast who appreciates the craft and history behind the spirit.

Listen Now on Your Favorite Podcast Player:

Don’t miss this episode! Tune in to the Bourbon Lens Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts, or check out the full episode on our website. For the perfect holiday gift, grab your copy of Warehouse H: The Story of Blanton’s Bourbon from [BlantonsBook.com and WarehouseH.com today.

About WAREHOUSE H: The Story of Blanton’s Bourbon, America’s Most Influential Whiskey

The popularity of bourbon whiskey in America is at an all-time high. Over the past decade it has seen exponential growth and popularity. Legions of new fans are drawn to the spirit every year. What accounts for this growth? It can be traced—at least in part—to the 1984 introduction of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. 

Bourbon, a specific type of whiskey, is a distinctive product of the United States. Legally it can only be produced in America. During its previous heyday in the 1950s through 1960s it was the most popular distilled spirit in America. As the 1970s ushered in, the market collapsed, and bourbon sales plummeted as consumers turned to “lighter and whiter” spirits such as vodka and gin. Throughout the next 30 years the industry struggled, and distilleries were shuttered. Nobody wanted bourbon. 

The introduction of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey in 1984 was historic. As the first single-barrel bourbon, it is bottled one barrel at a time as opposed to first mixing together multiple barrels. It helped define a new “super-premium” category for bourbon, where only the choicest barrels are selected and bottled. One author called the creation of Blanton's "the whiskey equivalent of a Hail Mary pass." Together with other super-premium brands launched in the years following Blanton’s debut, they sowed the seeds of a 21st-century bourbon boom that saved the American whiskey industry from near collapse.

Dominic Guglielmi is widely considered one of the most prolific and knowledgeable collectors of Blanton’s bourbon. He has amassed a nearly unrivaled collection of known Blanton’s releases, including nearly all extremely rare and limited bottles that have been produced. He has worked to document the brand’s history through his website www.warehouseh.com. Warehouse H is Guglielmi’s homage to Blanton’s, capturing the story of the brand as it has never been told before, and chronicling all things Blanton’s from its birth to the present day.

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake sits down with Kaveh Zamanian, the founder and former CEO of Rabbit Hole Distillery, to discuss his journey in the whiskey world, the evolution of Rabbit Hole, and his new role within the spirits industry. Kaveh and Jake also talk about the new Founder’s Collection – 8-Year-Old Boxergrail Rye Whiskey from Rabbit Hole.

We also dive deep into Kaveh’s exciting new chapter at Pernod Ricard as he transitions into his role as Chief Operating Officer and Head of North American Distillers. This role brings a significant opportunity to impact the direction of several iconic whiskey brands across the U.S., and Kaveh reveals how his experience in both entrepreneurship and leadership will shape the future of the company’s strategy.

Throughout the conversation, Kaveh reflects on the ever-changing whiskey landscape, the importance of sustainability, and the role of craftsmanship in modern distilling.

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 [email protected].

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

Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

Kaveh Zamanian Bio:

Kaveh Zamanian is a pioneer in the modern American whiskey scene, best known for founding Rabbit Hole Distillery in 2012. With a background in neuroscience and an innate passion for craft spirits, Kaveh set out to revolutionize Kentucky bourbon with a focus on innovation and premium craftsmanship. Under his leadership, Rabbit Hole became a renowned name in the industry, creating high-quality, unique expressions that pushed the boundaries of what bourbon and whiskey could be.

Before founding Rabbit Hole, Kaveh’s career took him through diverse fields, including working as a clinical psychologist and as an executive in the tech industry. His eclectic background played a significant role in shaping his approach to both business and whiskey-making.

In late 2023, Kaveh took on a new challenge, transitioning to Pernod Ricard as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of North American Distillers. This new role sees Kaveh leading the operations and strategic direction for a portfolio of renowned distilleries and brands across North America, including some of the most iconic names in whiskey. His extensive experience in both entrepreneurship and executive leadership in the spirits industry makes him well-positioned to further elevate the business. 

About Rabbit Hole Distillery: 

Rabbit Hole was born to blow the cobwebs off the American whiskey category and pierce through the conformity that had kept it stuck in the 19th century. Rabbit Hole’s Founder and Whiskey Maker, Kaveh Zamanian, left a 20+ year career as a clinical psychologist to pursue his long-standing passion for fine spirits. With a mission to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, he set course to develop one-of-a-kind expressions of American whiskey. Through its signature core offerings – Cavehill Four Grain Triple Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Dareringer Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in PX Sherry Casks, and Heigold High Rye Double Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon – along with its innovative Founder’s Collection series, stands as the best example of innovation and craft distillation in the country. This distinction is highlighted by its use of truly singular mash bills, signature malted grains, and custom-made, hand-selected, toasted & charred barrels. The state-of-the-art distillery is a cathedral to the art and science of whiskey making and is located in the Nulu neighborhood in heart of downtown Louisville. Designed as a true craft distillery designed to scale, it produces 27,000 barrels every year. Since opening in 2018, it has been heralded as the "Architectural Icon" of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and was recently named "World's Leading Bourbon Distillery Tour" by the World Travel Awards. In 2022, Kaveh was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame’s 20th anniversary class, cementing his place among industry pioneers and visionaries. For more information, visit rabbitholedistillery.com.

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, we dive deep into the world of Benromach, one of Scotland's most celebrated distilleries. We’re joined by Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, who walks us through the rich history and what make their subtly smoky Speyside whiskies stand out. We’re honored to taste through their impressive portfolio, including their rare and limited-release 50-Year-Old Scotch, a truly exceptional and costly expression that showcases the artistry and dedication behind Benromach’s craft.

Keith shares insights into the distillery’s commitment to traditional production methods, the importance of maturation, and how Benromach balances innovation with heritage. This episode offers a rare opportunity to experience and learn about one of the most exclusive whiskies available today.

Whisky Tasting Notes:

We taste through Benromach’s range, exploring expressions like the 10-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old, and the highly sought-after 50-Year-Old. Keith offers expert commentary on each, highlighting the unique characteristics of their single malts and the stories behind their creation.

In this episode, we discuss:

- The history and philosophy of Benromach Distillery  

- The making of Benromach’s unique, slightly peated whiskies  

- What makes their 50-Year-Old Scotch such a rare and expensive release  

- The significance of traditional methods in crafting exceptional Scotch  

- Insights into future releases and the distillery’s plans

This conversation is a must-listen for whisky enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone curious about what goes into making some of the world’s finest Scotch whiskies.

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 [email protected].

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

Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Fawn Weaver, the trailblazing founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Fawn takes us on a journey through her remarkable story—how she discovered the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first African-American master distiller, and how she turned that discovery into the globally recognized whiskey brand, Uncle Nearest.

Fawn also shares insights into her newly released book, Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest, which honors Nathan Green’s contributions to the craft and spirit of whiskey. We dive deep into how the book came to be, the challenges of uncovering hidden history, and the importance of celebrating the unsung heroes of the bourbon industry.

On top of the conversation, we’re excited to announce a special giveaway of one copy of Fawn’s book, Love & Whiskey! Head over to our Instagram page for a chance to win a copy of Fawn’s new book and dive deeper into the story of Nearest Green.

Tune in for an inspiring, insightful, and thought-provoking episode as we celebrate history, bourbon, and the power of storytelling with Fawn Weaver.

Episode Highlights:

- The journey that led Fawn to create Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey  

- The story behind discovering Nathan Green's legacy and his impact on the American Whiskey industry  

- The inspiration and process behind Fawn’s new book, Love & Whiskey. 

- The significance of honoring Nearest Green and his role in shaping whiskey  

- Don’t forget to head to Instagram to enter our giveaway for a copy of Fawn’s new book. 

Follow Us:

- Instagram: @BourbonLens  

- Twitter: @BourbonLens  

- Website: http://www.bourbonlens.com

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

This week, we’re talking about Barton 1792 Distillery and 1792 Bourbon. Master Distiller Ross Cornelissen joins Bourbon Lens to talk about the workhouse bourbon distillery. Barton 1792 is a historic distillery in the Bourbon Capital of the World and owned by Sazerac Company. We discuss three limited releases from Barton 1792, including Sweet Wheat, Aged Twelve Years, and Thomas S. Moore Port Cask Finished 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 [email protected].

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

Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

About Barton 1792 Distillery:

Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fullyoperating distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Situated in heart of bourbon country on 196 acres, Barton 1792 Distillery boasts 29 barrelaging warehouses, 22 other buildings including an impressive still house, and the legendary Tom Moore Spring.

About Sazerac:

With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers and communities around the world.

Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including 1792 Bourbon, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.

Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Barton 1792 and Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Lough Gill Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.   

To learn more visit 1792bourbon.com or sazerac.com.

We’re joined by multi-Platinum country music artist, Dierks Bentley, in this special episode of Bourbon Lens.  Dierks recently wrapped up his Gravel & Gold Tour and is firmly planted back in Nashville preparing for his next album. We had the privilege to sit down with Dierks to talk about his newest project, Row 94 Whiskey.  Row 94 is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey distilled at the historic Green River Distilling Company.  Dierks aims for Row 94 to be the bourbon you reach for when you’re enjoying a night with friends, listening to live music, or pouring a whiskey neat to celebrate.  Flexible enough for a red solo cup or your nicest whiskey glassware, Row 94 isn’t going to break the bank at its $40 price point either. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of Bourbon Lens featuring Dierks Bentley.  And don't miss our GIVEAWAY in partnership with ROW 94 and Dierks Bentley!!!  

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

We are excited to be giving away an autographed Dierks Bentley acoustic guitar with launch of our podcast featuring ROW 94 Whiskey. 

If you are interested in winning this authentic guitar, you must:

• Follow both @BourbonLens and @Row94Whiskey on Instagram.
• Comment on the Instagram post announcing the podcast launch for 1 entry.
• Share to your stories for 1 entry.
• Follow Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast platform and send a screen shot for 1 entry
• Subscribe to the Bourbon Lens YouTube Channel for 1 entry 

Winner will be selected on Instagram live at 9pm ET Sunday November 3rd! Best of luck!

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 [email protected].

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

Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

About ROW 94 Whiskey

Named after the year Bentley moved to Nashville and Music Row, ROW 94 celebrates his personal journey. The whiskey’s logo features a thunderbird, symbolizing strength, freedom, and Bentley’s dedication to hard work and authenticity—values reflected in every bottle.

About Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley has been a staple of country music for over 20 years, known for blending country with bluegrass. Beginning with his debut single and instant-classic hit “What Was I Thinkin’” in 2003, Bentley’s unique sonic influence and warm vocal rasp have paved the way for the perennial hitmaker, known first and foremost for creative integrity. His career has produced eight Number One albums, 22 No. One songs, eight billion global streams and three CMA Awards – plus 15 GRAMMY® nominations and membership in the historic Grand Ole Opry. In addition to music, Bentley is an entrepreneur, with ventures like the Desert Sun Apparel collection.

For more information on Dierks Bentley and ROW 94, visit dierks.com.

On a recent trip to Myrtle Beach we crossed paths with Jason Queen as he was working to promote his bourbon in South Carolina.  Jason shared a bit of history with us and a whiskey too.  That chance meeting and conversation inspired this latest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast.  Jason, a serial entrepreneur and conservationist purchased Cook’s Mill, an old grist mill in order to restore this once thriving mill. That goal set him on a path to creating a whiskey that is focused paying homage to North Carolina’s past.  Sit back and buckle in for the latest episode of the Bourbon Lens. 

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 [email protected].

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

Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

About Jason Queen & The Brand

Cook's Mill Whiskey owner and founder Jason Queen is also the owner and broker at Monarch Realty in Raleigh, NC. Given his profession, Jason has an inherent interest in historic preservation, which he shares with his wife, Jeanne. For their 10th anniversary, Jason purchased Cook's Mill, an abandoned grist mill that acted as a community gathering place particularly during the Regulator Movement in the 1770s, from Preservation North Carolina so they could restore and preserve it together. While assessing the disrepair and the efforts needed to salvage and revitalize the mill, sacks of heirloom grain were discovered in the mill and inspected by the Agriculture Department of NC State. From there, the idea to reintroduce these heirloom grains to farmlands through whiskey production was born to celebrate the rural heritage of the mill and North Carolina.

The Story Behind Cook’s Mill Whiskey

Cook’s Mill Whiskey originated after founder Jason Queen, who is also the owner and broker at Monarch Realty in Raleigh, NC, purchased an abandoned 1700s grist mill from Preservation North Carolina, which is located halfway between where he and his wife grew up, as a 10-year anniversary gift for his wife. Both having an inherent interest in historic preservation, the idea was to restore and preserve the piece of history together. Inspired by other craft brands and his background in restaurants and hospitality, Queen decided to create a bourbon whiskey made from corn grown, harvested, distilled and bottled in the state - with a portion of the proceeds going back to the cost of restoring the mill.

The brand is named for that pre-Revolutionary Alamance County grist mill, which is one of only two remaining grist mills of the original 41 in Mebane County. Inspired by the proud tradition of farming and distillation in North Carolina, Cook’s Mill officially released in October 20202 after years of being kept a secret. A straight bourbon whiskey aged in new white-oak charred barrels, Cook’s Mill’s first iteration blends supreme flavor as a 3-year-old bourbon made with NC native corn and a dose of history.

Across the state, the team worked on farming myriad non-GMO heirloom corns native to NC to yield ideal bourbon whiskey flavor profiles. To do so, Queen and his team partnered with experts at NC State who have dedicated their careers to native NC heirloom corns. The team isolated seven heirloom corns housed in a university vault in small amounts and offered them to Queen and his team for them to grow.

“These are real true heirloom seeds, original genetic varieties of these corns, that we have unique ownership of,” says Queen, “and there are only like a handful of some of these corns. They’ve never been commoditized—you can’t get them out of a catalog.” In fact, he explains, they were probably used by the pre-Prohibition NC moonshiners and distillers—and allowed to go out of production because of the dense GMO corns that are so much easier to grow.

We are celebrating a BIG milestone this week as we release the 300th Episode of Bourbon Lens.  Old Forester and Brown-Forman were gracious enough to invite Jake and Scott to Whiskey Row to celebrate.  Bourbon Lens is joined by Melissa Rift and Caleb Trigo from Old Forester to discuss the historic brand, its legacy and future, and to toast our milestone with the 2024 Edition of Birthday Bourbon.  We couldn’t think of a better choice for celebrating this milestone episode and thank the team at Brown-Forman and Old Forester for their support all these years. As we celebrate this milestone, we also want to thank all of our listeners over the past 6 years, our Patreon supporters, and each of the brands that have helped make Bourbon Lens a success.  Cheers to you and the next 300 Episodes!

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 [email protected].

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

Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

For more details on Melissa Rift and Caleb Trigo and the critical roles they play at Old Forester, check out these posts at BourbonLens.com:

• Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift
• Caleb Trigo Named Assistant Master Distiller
• Old Forester 2024 Birthday Bourbon

It’s the question that every whiskey enthusiast has been asked: What’s the one bottle of whiskey you keep on your bar?  Since one bottle clearly wouldn’t make a great podcast, we decided to up the ante a bit and decided to build the Ultimate 5 Bottle American Whiskey Bar.  Jake and Scott run through how they would build their whiskey bar if only afforded 5 slots. We’ve given ourselves criteria in hopes of finding a bottle for every niche and occasion.   We run through our choices for 1) best everyday whiskey, 2) best cocktail whiskey, 3) high proof whiskey, 4) Top Shelf whiskey, and 5) a “wild card” whiskey of our choice to round out the bar.  What do we pick?  Tune in to find out.  And be sure to reach out to us on social media and share your #5BottleWhiskeyBar.

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 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of 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 [email protected].

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

Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens