Bourbon Lens

The Bourbon Lens

  • 43 minutes 15 seconds
    361: Burnt Tavern Bourbon & William Berkele Distillery

    In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott sit down with members of the team behind Burnt Tavern Bourbon, a new bourbon developed by William Berkele Distillery in collaboration with renowned whiskey maker Chip Tate.

    Joining the conversation are Bennett Clark, President of William Berkele Distillery, Royce Blevins, Lead Founder, and Chip Tate, Master Distiller. Together, they discuss the origins of Burnt Tavern Bourbon, the historical inspiration behind the brand, and how William Berkele Distillery is bringing a centuries-old story into the modern whiskey landscape.

    The episode explores the collaborative process behind developing Burnt Tavern Bourbon, Chip Tate's approach to wood finishing and flavor development, and how the team balanced tradition with innovation to create a distinct new American whiskey. Jake and Scott also dig into the challenges and opportunities facing new bourbon brands today, and what sets Burnt Tavern apart in an increasingly crowded market.

    Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

    We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

    You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

    Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].

    Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

    Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens

    Chip Tate – Master Distiller

    Chip Tate is a trailblazer in American craft distilling. He founded his first distillery in 2008, combining his passion for fermentation, culinary arts, and hands-on craftsmanship. With a diverse background spanning brewing, IT, physics, and philosophy, Chip brings a uniquely creative and technical perspective to whiskey making.

    As the founder of Balcones Distilling, Chip hand-built his copper stills and created award-winning whiskies that earned nearly 150 national and international honors, including Whisky Magazine's Icon of Whisky and the World Whiskies Award for Best American Whisky.

    Inspired by William Berkele's centuries-old bourbon heritage and the story of Burnt Tavern, Chip applied his vision and wood-finishing expertise to craft this distinct new bourbon brand. He lives in Texas with his wife, Rachel, and their two children. Outside the distillery, Chip enjoys playing guitar and cooking.

    Bennett Clark – President, William Berkele Distillery

    Bennett Clark is the President of William Berkele Distillery, where he oversees daily operations, logistics, and contract management. With a background in real estate, construction, development, and coaching, Bennett brings broad industry experience and a practical, results-driven leadership style.

    His strengths in sales, project management, and consulting have helped guide the distillery's growth, operational strategy, and collaborative partnerships. A native of Danville, Kentucky, Bennett holds a Bachelor of Arts from Centre College.

    Bennett has lived in Lexington, Kentucky for more than 20 years and is married with three daughters. Outside of work, he is an avid golfer and remains active in his local community.

    Royce Blevins – Lead Founder, William Berkele Distillery

    Royce Blevins is the Lead Founder of William Berkele Distillery, playing a central role in the planning, development, and operations of the company. He brings over 20 years of experience in facilities management, construction, and plant operations.

    Royce holds multiple professional licenses in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, and is EPA certified, providing deep technical expertise across complex production environments. In addition to his role at William Berkele Distillery, he serves as Senior Manager of Facilities and Corporate Services at YUM Brands in Louisville, Kentucky.

    Previously, Royce was the Facilities Director at the Kentucky Horse Park, where he helped manage major events including the 2010 World Equestrian Games and the annual Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. He is also an accomplished NCAA women's basketball official. A lifelong Central Kentuckian, Royce is married and has four children.

    15 December 2025, 12:02 am
  • 37 minutes 29 seconds
    360: Inside the Estate Whiskey Alliance at UK's Beam Institute

    Bourbon Lens heads to Lexington, Kentucky for an on-location episode at the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, located at the University of Kentucky. We sit down with Alexa Narel, Operations Manager for the Estate Whiskey Alliance, and Landon Borders, Director, to explore how the Alliance is reshaping the future of whiskey grain, sustainability, and transparency.

    The Estate Whiskey Alliance (EWA) brings together farmers, distillers, researchers, and industry partners to develop scientifically backed standards for estate-grown whiskey. Alexa and Landon break down what "estate whiskey" means, how grain provenance impacts flavor, and why agriculture is rapidly becoming the next frontier in premium bourbon production.

    This episode offers an inside look at the research and innovations driving estate-grown grains and the future of terroir in American whiskey.

    Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

    We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

    You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

    Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].

    Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

    Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens

    8 December 2025, 12:03 am
  • 41 minutes 56 seconds
    359: Field of Dreams Whiskey - Baseball, Bourbon, and Blending History

    In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Field of Dreams Whiskey Co-founders Andy Keller and Drew Storen, former Major League Baseball pitcher, to talk about how their shared passion for the game and great whiskey turned into one of the most unique whiskey projects in America.

    The conversation dives into the origin story of Field of Dreams Whiskey, Drew's journey through the Major Leagues, and what life looks like after baseball. Andy and Drew share how the spirit of teamwork, community, and nostalgia behind Field of Dreams continues to inspire their approach to whiskey making.

    Listeners will also get an inside look at Field of Dreams Small Batch Bourbon and their newest release, Field of Dreams 2025 All-Star Whiskey — a truly historic blend. This one-of-a-kind whiskey brings together:

    • 30 distilleries in one bottle, the largest blend in whiskey history

    • Field of Dreams Bourbon plus a whiskey component from every major league market

    • Expert blending by Murphy Quint of Cedar Ridge Distillery

    • A mix of bourbon, rye, single malt, wheat, and Canadian whiskeys

    • Average age of 7 years, with barrels aged 1–25 years

    • 108 Proof (54.0% ABV) and limited to 10,000 bottles nationwide

    Whether you're a baseball fan, whiskey lover, or both, this episode tells an inspiring story about passion, creativity, and collaboration.

    🎧 Listen now to hear how the Field of Dreams Whiskey team is blending America's favorite pastime with America's native spirit.

    Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

    We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

    You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

    Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].

    Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

    Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens

    Image Credit: Field of Dreams Whiskey

    1 December 2025, 12:02 am
  • 40 minutes 14 seconds
    358: Southern Distilling's Pete Barger on American Whiskey

    In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott welcome back Pete Barger, Co-Founder and CEO of Southern Distilling Company and Statesville Contract Distilling, for an in-depth conversation about the growth and innovation happening in North Carolina whiskey.

    Pete shares insights into the distillery's world-class production operations and how Southern Distilling has positioned itself as one of the largest producers of American Whiskey in the Southeast. The discussion dives into two standout whiskeys from their portfolio — Southern Star American Single Malt Whiskey and Southern Star Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey — both of which reflect the brand's dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and authenticity.

    Jake and Scott also talk with Pete about Statesville's whiskey, the rise of contract distilling, and what's next for the American whiskey industry. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or simply curious about the craft distilling movement in the South, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the country's fastest-growing distilleries.

    🎧 Listen now to learn how Southern Distilling Company is helping to shape the future of American whiskey — one barrel at a time.

    Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

    We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

    You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

    Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].

    Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

    Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens

    Image Credit: Southern Distilling Co.

    24 November 2025, 12:52 am
  • 35 minutes 46 seconds
    357: Showcasing Westland Garryana 10th Edition American Single Malt

    Jake and Scott sit down with Shane Armstrong of Westland Distillery to explore the growing American Single Malt movement. Westland has helped pioneer the category through innovation, transparency, and a true sense of place in the Pacific Northwest.

    The conversation centers on the release of Garryana 10th edition, Westland's acclaimed limited-edition Garryana American Single Malt Whiskey. Aged a full 10 years, this special release represents the apex of the Garryana story, showcasing the unique influence of Quercus garryana, the rare native oak of the Pacific Northwest.

    Shane discusses how Westland's approach to whiskey-making has elevated American Single Malt to new heights and what this milestone release means for the brand. Westland is committed to pushing the boundaries of American whiskey and preserving its distinctive terroir-driven identity.

    Listen now to hear how Westland Distillery continues to shape the future of American Single Malt and what makes Garryana 10 a truly remarkable whiskey — ten years in the making.

    Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

    We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

    You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

    Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].

    Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

    Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens

    Image Credit: Westland Distillery

    17 November 2025, 12:05 am
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    356: Three Chord Bourbon Volume 2, Vinyl Revival, & Whiskey Maker Ari Sussman

    Bourbon Lens is joined by Ari Sussman, Whiskey Maker for Three Chord Bourbon, to talk about the brand's newly released Volume 2 Series — a refreshed lineup featuring bold new blends, labels, and a creative direction deeply rooted in music culture.

    The Volume 2 collection introduces redesigned packaging that draws inspiration from classic vinyl records and live concert photography, reinforcing Three Chord's connection between the worlds of whiskey and rock-and-roll. Ari shares the creative process behind these new blends and how the brand continues to evolve its identity through both flavor and design.

    The conversation also explores the resurgence of vinyl records, the art of slowing down, and the simple joy of enjoying a great whiskey while listening to your favorite album. For whiskey lovers and music fans alike, this episode captures the spirit of craftsmanship and rhythm that defines Three Chord Bourbon.

    Listen now and join the conversation about how music, creativity, and whiskey continue to inspire one another.

    Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

    We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

    You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

    Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].

    Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

    Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens

    About Three Chord:

    Founded by musician and producer Neil Giraldo, Three Chord Bourbon is dedicated to creating premium bourbon that harmonizes exceptional craftsmanship with a passion for music. Each bottle represents a unique blend, carefully curated and finished to deliver a rich and memorable experience.

    Volume 2 Includes:

    • Flipside Triplewood Bourbon features Guitar Shorty, an incredible blues artist who we lost in 2022. Bob Dylan once said that "Shorty played guitar with everything but his hands." His performances were electrifying. This blend of straight Kentucky bourbons is aged in new charred American Oak barrels and then finished in a mix of new and used toasted French and American oak barrels.
      • 4-7 years old
      • 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley.
      • Finished for 2-3 months.
      • DOUBLE GOLD at SF World Spirits Competition.
    • Hard Pressed Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon features Cordell Jackson, one of the originators of rockabilly and early rock 'n' roll in Memphis. In the 1950s, she owned her own record studio, recorded her own music, and pressed her own vinyl, which was unheard of for a female.
      • 100 proof.
      • Aged for four years
      • 80% corn, 10% rye, 10% malted barley.
    • RIOT Double Bonded Rye features punk group The Darts and is meant to inject something totally different into the whiskey aisle. Its hot pink and black artwork stands out against a sea of green labels in the Rye whiskey section. It's the first-ever Double Bonded Rye, meaning a blend of two Bottled-in-Bond ryes from two different distilleries, MGP and Bardstown Bourbon Company.
      • 4-7 years old
      • 95% rye, 5% malted barley.
      • Gold medal at SF World Spirits Competition.
    • Un-Edited features the singer of Purple Disturbance, an Australian band. The picture just had so much raw energy that it was the perfect fit for our uncut, unfiltered 118-proof bourbon.
      • 4 yr TN (80/10/10), 6 yr IN (75/21/4), 7 year KY (75/21/4).
      • Gold medal at SF World Spirits Competition
    • Strange Collab features Neil Giraldo, shredding away next to his friend and bandmate, Rick Derringer. This one is the only Pinot Noir finished bourbon on the market today. It started as a one-off collaboration for charity and has since won awards and received 90+ point scores. The back label features Johnny Strange, an adventurer with close ties to Neil, who died far too young.
      • A portion of the proceeds go to the Johnny Strange Foundation.
      • 4-7 years old,
      • 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley.
      • Finished for 3-4 months in Strange Family Vineyards' Pinot Noir barrels.

    Image Credit: Three Chord Bourbon

    10 November 2025, 12:01 am
  • 38 minutes 56 seconds
    355: Organic Spirits & Mountain Craft with Warfield Distillery's Alex Buck

    In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with Alex Buck, Co-Founder and Managing Distiller of Warfield Distillery & Brewery in Ketchum, Idaho. The two discuss the origins of Warfield, how Alex transitioned from a career in law to distilling, and the inspiration behind the brand's focus on organic spirits and sustainability.

    Alex shares insight into Warfield's American Whiskey, Gin, and Barreled Gin, each crafted with a dedication to quality ingredients and a commitment to transparency in production. They explore what sets Warfield apart in the spirits world — from its mountain-town roots to its use of organic grains and unique flavor profiles that reflect the spirit of Idaho.

    Listeners will hear how Alex's passion for brewing and distilling evolved into a full-fledged career, and how Warfield continues to push boundaries in the American craft spirits industry under his guidance.

    Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

    We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

    You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

    Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].

    Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

    Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens

    About Alex Buck:

    Alex Buck is the Co-Founder and Managing Distiller and Operations Manager at Warfield Distillery & Brewery. After selling the company in 2023 to Steve Landers Jr., Alex continues to lead distilling operations while pursuing his lifelong passion for craft spirits.

    A former California lawyer, Alex spent his free time brewing beer and studying distillation long before he entered the industry. His recipes serve as the foundation for Warfield's award-winning lineup, including its organic American Whiskey and gin expressions. Today, Alex continues to distill, blend, and brew — helping shape the future of Warfield's organic spirits portfolio from the heart of the Idaho mountains.

    3 November 2025, 12:03 am
  • 28 minutes 18 seconds
    354: Whiskey with a Sense of Place - New Single Warehouse Releases

    In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott explore how certain new whiskey releases capture a true sense of place — from the rickhouses of Kentucky to the hills of Tennessee.

    They start with the latest installment of the Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Collection from Wild Turkey Distillery, featuring barrels aged in the legendary Camp Nelson E rickhouse. Each release in this series reflects the unique environmental conditions that make individual rickhouses so special to the final flavor profile.

    The discussion also touches on the newest Hardin's Creek releases from James B. Beam Distilling Co., continuing the brand's innovative storytelling around age, terroir, and experimentation.

    Jake and Scott then take a deeper dive into the Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Special Release: Tanyard Hill Rye Whiskey, a bold new offering that clocks in at a remarkable 145.9 proof. They share their tasting notes and impressions on this powerhouse whiskey — and discuss what makes high-proof expressions both exciting and challenging for whiskey drinkers.

    The conversation turns reflective as they consider how a glass of whiskey can transport you to another place — whether it's tasting a barrel sample inside a rickhouse or enjoying a pour that vividly expresses its environment.

    Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

    We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past seven years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

    You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

    Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].

    Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

    Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens

    Image Credit: Wild Turkey Distillery

    27 October 2025, 12:02 am
  • 30 minutes 1 second
    353: Heaven Hill Grain to Glass: Exploring Chinquapin Oak Whiskey

    In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott dive deep into Heaven Hill's newest innovation — the Grain to Glass® Specialty Barrel Series. The series launches with three unique whiskeys, each aged entirely in Chinquapin Oak barrels, showcasing Heaven Hill's continued commitment to experimentation and craftsmanship.

    The trio includes:

    • Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 105 proof (Mashbill: 52% Corn, 35% Rye, 13% Malt)
    • Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey – 105 proof (Mashbill: 52% Corn, 35% Wheat, 13% Malt)
    • Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – 107 proof (Mashbill: 63% Rye, 24% Corn, 13% Malt)

    Each whiskey was barreled at 107 proof, a nod to the historic entry proof used by Heaven Hill's founders, and bottled non-chill filtered to preserve the full depth and character developed from the Chinquapin Oak.

    Jake and Scott discuss how these releases reflect Heaven Hill's legacy of innovation while honoring tradition — exploring the flavor differences between each mashbill, the influence of Chinquapin Oak, and what this series could signal for future Heaven Hill experiments.

    Tune in for tasting notes, honest impressions, and a conversation that celebrates one of Kentucky's most respected distilleries continuing to push boundaries in bourbon-making.

    Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

    We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

    You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

    Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].

    Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

    Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens

    19 October 2025, 11:02 pm
  • 30 minutes 13 seconds
    352: Craft Distilleries to Watch in 2025 and Beyond

    In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott turn the spotlight on the craft and independent distilleries making waves across the Bourbon and American Whiskey landscape. From Kentucky to Nevada, Colorado to New York, they highlight more than dozen distilleries to watch in 2025 and beyond — brands that are redefining what it means to craft whiskey in America today.

    The discussion also takes a closer look at the tightening bourbon market, the economic and production challenges that small distilleries face, and how whiskey fans can make a real impact by supporting independent producers.

    Whether you're a collector, a craft whiskey explorer, or simply someone who loves discovering new bottles, this episode offers valuable insights into the next generation of distillers driving creativity, innovation, and authenticity in American whiskey.

    Jake and Scott also invite listeners to share their own recommendations: Which craft distilleries should we keep an eye on in 2026?

    Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

    We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

    You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

    Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].

    Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

    Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens

    Cover Image Generated by Meta AI.

    12 October 2025, 11:07 pm
  • 48 minutes 16 seconds
    351: Minden Mill Distilling with Master Distiller Joe O'Sullivan

    In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Joe O'Sullivan, Master Distiller at Minden Mill Distilling, to discuss his journey in American Whiskey and what makes Minden Mill one of Nevada's most exciting distilleries.

    Joe shares his early experiences learning from one of the greats in American Whiskey, Steve McCarthy, founder of Clear Creek Distillery and widely considered the "godfather of American Single Malt." From there, Joe's path took him across the country as he honed his craft and helped shape the modern American Single Malt category.

    The conversation explores what led Joe to Nevada and the vision behind Minden Mill Distilling — from its straight Bourbon and Rye to its American Single Malt Whiskey lineup. Jake and Scott also dive into Joe's involvement with the new Estate Whiskey Alliance, his advocacy for the "ground-to-glass" movement, and why innovation and heritage both matter in today's spirits world.

    Listeners will hear firsthand how Minden Mill's unique approach to whiskey-making, backed by a state-of-the-art facility and the Carson Valley's rugged character, is positioning the distillery as a rising force in American Whiskey.

    About Joe O'Sullivan:

    Joseph (Joe) O'Sullivan is the Master Distiller of Minden Mill Distilling in Nevada and a respected voice in American Whiskey. He apprenticed under Steve McCarthy, founder of Clear Creek Distillery and a pioneer of American Single Malt, before going on to serve as Master Distiller at Clear Creek and later Hood River Distillers.

    Joe has been an active leader in the industry, contributing to the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, helping establish the category's Standard of Identity certified by the TTB in 2024, and supporting the Estate Whiskey Alliance. He also shared his expertise with the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, shaping global understanding of American Single Malt.

    With nearly two decades of distilling experience, Joe oversees Minden Mill's production of Straight Bourbon, Straight Rye, and American Single Malt Whiskey, as well as vodka and liqueurs. His career reflects a balance of craftsmanship, innovation, and advocacy for American whiskey traditions.

    Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

    We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

    You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

    Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].

    Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

    Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens

    Distillery Images Credit: Scott Shearer

    5 October 2025, 11:05 pm
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