It's This Week in Bourbon for August 21st 2026. Heaven Hill is joining the fun on E!’s upcoming mixology competition series, Cocktail Wars, Bardstown Bourbon Company has two new releases, and Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2026.

Show Notes:

• Heaven Hill partners with E!’s Cocktail Wars competition series featuring Deep Eddy and PAMA
• Give 270 launches Bourbon Raffles Serial No. 013 benefiting the Hanger Foundation
• St. Louis Bourbon Society announces 2026 St. Louis Bourbon & Cocktail Festival for October 9
• Bardstown Bourbon Company reveals 2026 releases: Lochs of Jura Finish and 2026 Discovery
• Redemption Whiskey introduces Single Barrel Bonded Bourbon and returns 18-Year-Old Ancients expression
• Stranahan's debuts historic 11-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Whiskey
• Branch & Barrel Distilling launches first-ever corn-forward Straight Rye Whiskey in Colorado
• New Riff Distilling brings back award-winning Sherry Finish Malted Rye at barrel proof
• Koopers Whiskey releases limited 8-Year Texas Oak Bourbon finished in local toasted barrels
• Maker's Mark announces Cellar Aged 2026 release blending 11-, 12-, and 14-year bourbons

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Single barrels have changed. It was once a time where it was a simple trip to a Kentucky warehouse but now it's morphed into a tech-driven, digital community experience. On this episode, we sit down with Michael Nagdi, co-founder of The Prime Barrel, and Garry—better known as "Mr. G"—chief taster and host of the Prime Barrel Chronicles. Michael shares his journey from retail into pivoting during the pandemic, taking his traditional retail setup into an online barrel club built on Discord, education, and exclusive access. But Prime Barrel isn't just picking regular old barrels—they’re leveraging tech like NFTs as digital membership cards and embedded NFC chips on bottles that let their club members unlock tasting notes, watch videos from the pick, and even provide that information back to distilleries for real-time data on where bottles are actually being opened and enjoyed.

Show Notes:

• Behind the scenes of building The Prime Barrel and pivoting from retail to an online-first model during COVID.
• How Discord and digital access transformed a local bottle-picking group into a thriving nationwide community.
• Using NFTs and NFC-chipped bottles to unlock exclusive tasting notes, videos, and real-time consumer data.
• Mr. G's journey into bourbon, selecting barrels for diverse palates, and hosting the Prime Barrel Chronicles.
• Current market trends: high age statements, the shift away from finished whiskeys, and upcoming distillery experiments.

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Evan Williams celebrates America’s 250th with a blue wax, 117.76 proof single barrel that takes a surprisingly different turn. Cinnamon pastry, burnt kettle corn, herbal spice, and a funky finish make this one anything but ordinary.

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.

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It's This Week in Bourbon for August 14th 2026. The Bourbon and Beyond line up with set times has been announced, US Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed the decision on Bad Spaniels, and Chattanooga Whiskey has announced Chattanooga Whiskey Moldovan Ice Wine Cask Finished.

Show Notes:

• Festival details and culinary lineup revealed for 8th annual Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville
• 9th Circuit Court rules for VIP Products, overturning Jack Daniel’s dog toy sales ban
• California craft distillers face deadline as direct-to-consumer delivery rights near expiration
• Next Century Spirits acquires Chicken Cock Whiskey and Grain & Barrel Spirits portfolio
• Brown-Forman partners with E! network for new "Cocktail Wars" competition series
• Indianapolis-based Circle City Whiskey Co. celebrates major growth as an independent bottler
• Copper & Kings expands reach with new direct-to-consumer online shipping program
• Hard Truth Distilling announces Master Distiller’s Reserve Dark Roast Rye for fall release
• Garrison Brothers reveals 2026 Cowboy Bourbon at 141 proof for September release
• Chattanooga Whiskey launches Moldovan Ice Wine Cask Finished bourbon

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In this episode, we’re bringing you live, boots-on-the-ground coverage directly from the Pursuit Spirits booth at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown. This action-packed compilation captures the energy, debates, and dynamic voices shaping modern whiskey culture. We kick off by tackling the push-and-pull between digital marketing, detailed tasting notes, and the essential trust built through live tastings. From there, we explore how fresh, diverse perspectives are breaking traditional industry molds, why balance and distillate quality beat arbitrary age statement numbers every time, and how tight-knit communities keep enthusiasts connected beyond the bottle. Plus, we throw down in a live debate comparing the innovation of craft distillers against the scale of heritage titans, and wrap up with a look at how social algorithms, hype, and online content creators drive today’s bourbon market. Pour yourself a drink and experience the best of the festival floor with us!

Show Notes:

• Live coverage directly from the Pursuit Spirits booth at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown.
• The balance between digital marketing, detailed tasting notes, and building trust through live tastings.
• How fresh, diverse voices and perspectives are reshaping traditional whiskey culture.
• Why distillate quality and overall balance matter far more than age statements.
• The role of tight-knit communities in keeping whiskey enthusiasts connected beyond the bottle.
• A live debate comparing the innovation of craft distillers against the scale of heritage brands.
• How social media algorithms, hype, and online content creators drive today’s bourbon market.

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Another PursuitPalooza is officially in the books. If you’ve never made it out for one, the whole idea is to pull back the curtain and give our listeners a completely immersive experience right here in our backyard, leveraging all the relationships we’ve built over years of running this podcast. This year’s lineup was heavy. We spent the weekend hitting spots like Old Carter, Wild Turkey, Larrikin, and Whiskey Thief—giving everyone access to rare pours, a deep dive into the actual distillation process, and a chance to hang out with some of the best folks in the whiskey community. Plus, we finally christened our new home right on Whiskey Row with a live AMA podcast recording, capped off with an exclusive single barrel selection for the Pursuit Series crew. On today’s episode, we’re recapping the whole chaotic, incredible weekend.

Show Notes:

• Pursuit Palooza Background & History
• Unique Distillery Visits and Experiences
• Community Building and Fan Engagement
• Honey Hog Bourbon Release Reflection
• Prepping for Kentucky Bourbon Festival

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We fresh-cracked the 2026 Michter’s 10 Year Rye to see if it still lives up to the hype. Sweet oak, cherry, and a surprise tropical twist made this one a fun pour to revisit.

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.

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It's This Week in Bourbon for August 7th 2026. Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11YR, Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Selection #17 High Angel’s Share Straight Tennessee Whiskey, and Uncle Nearest now has a proposed court date.

Show Notes:

• Uncle Nearest legal dispute moves forward as parties propose an October 2027 trial date.
• MGP Ingredients reports a 59% drop in bulk whiskey sales despite growth in premium brands.
• Chevalier Casks launches an online exchange for trading barrels, bulk spirits, and cooperage.
• Author D.T. Poole releases The Men Who Made American Bourbon to explore the real history of six pioneers.
• Overholt debuts its 11-year-old Extra Aged Cask Strength American Rye 2026 Edition.
• Middle West Spirits launches the Old Elk 10-Year Collection following its brand acquisition.
• Historic whiskey brand H. Obernauer & Co. revives in Pittsburgh after 110 years.
• Jack Daniel’s unveils its 10-year, 138.4-proof High Angel’s Share Tennessee Whiskey.
• Wyoming Whiskey releases State of the Union, a limited 6-year-old straight bourbon.
• Dancing Goat Distillery launches Stillman's Sonder with new bourbon and single malt releases.
• Jefferson’s Bourbon debuts an ultra-rare 20-Year-Old Founder’s Reserve finished in Bordeaux casks.

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What does it take to pivot from selling the hottest consumer tech of the early 2000s into leading, not one but two, distilleries? Today's guest is Luis Gonzalez. We've known Luis on our first trip out to Old Elk and he forever made an impression on us. If you've ever heard Ryan say "sanity over vanity" this the guy that shared that wisdom. Luis has an interesting journey of starting in mall kiosks selling BlackBerry before making his way to executive status at OtterBox and got the call to help build Old Elk from the ground up. His next big move is now stepping into the Chief Commercial Officer role at Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio after the acquisition of Old Elk. For nearly two years, Middle West has been quietly operating in custom contract distilling, aging, and bottling behind the scenes. We talk about how Luis manages massive inventory networks, maintain transparency with customers, and how to avoid the race-to-the-bottom price wars. Plus, we get into how Middle West is already distilling Old Elk’s custom mash bills and what the future holds for all their brands.

Show Notes:

• How a career-ending baseball injury led Luis from Baton Rouge to consumer tech sales at BlackBerry and OtterBox
• Building Old Elk from the ground up and mastering the long-term lead times required in whiskey forecasting
• Transitioning to Middle West Spirits as Chief Commercial Officer and managing commercial operations across multiple facilities
• The hidden power of contract distilling and how Middle West has quietly served the industry for nearly two years
• How Middle West manages inventory, warehouse operations, and custom mash bills while avoiding price wars
• What the transition of Old Elk mash bills to Ohio means for transparency, blending, and future releases

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Bomberger’s 2026 brings a wild mix of historic Pennsylvania whiskey heritage, unique oak finishing, and some seriously unexpected flavor notes. Think cola, fruit, spice, and a pour that kept us guessing from nose to finish.

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.

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It's This Week in Bourbon for July 31st 2026. 24th class of inductees into the prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame have been announced, More tariff wars resume, and Bardstown Bourbon Company is launching Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey.

Show Notes:

• Kentucky Distillers' Association announces 24th Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame class
• Apogee 21 acquires Luca Mariano Distillery and Rod & Hammer's
• President Trump levies 50% tariffs on select Canadian imports
• Uncle Nearest receiver files major counterclaim alleging lender oversight and fraud
• Starlight Distillery celebrates 25th anniversary with limited-edition releases
• Bourbon Women SIPosium returns to Louisville for 15th anniversary event
• Alabama Cooperage to close Trinity plant by September 2026
• US removes 10% tariff on Scotch whisky imports
• Moonshine University to cease operations at the end of 2026
• RNDC files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and winds down operations
• James B. Beam Distilling Company announces 2026 Old Grand-Dad 7-Year Bottled-In-Bond
• Goose Island unveils 2026 Bourbon County Brand Family stout lineup
• New Riff Distilling brings back annual Headliner release for 3rd year
• B.H. James Distillers launches Spirit 76 line of flavored Kentucky bourbon
• Heaven Hill Distillery debuts Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash 9-year bourbon
• Maker's Mark launches travel retail exclusive Artist Series – City Edition
• Brother's Bond Bourbon launches 7-year bottled-in-bond straight bourbon
• Garrison Brothers Distillery announces 1st-ever pre-sale for Hye Rye Bourbon
• Bardstown Bourbon Company debuts Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey
• Old Forester debuts The 117 Series Triple Char Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• St. Louis Bourbon Festival returns to Lemp Mansion on October 16, 2026
• Bib and Tucker introduces 8-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Tennessee Bourbon
• Still Austin Whiskey Company opening massive 15,000-sq-ft venue in Austin
• Jefferson's Bourbon debuts ultra-limited Founder's Reserve 20-Year-Old

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