Bourbon Pursuit
Bourbon Pursuit
Bourbon Pursuit
The Official Podcast of Bourbon! The best in news, reviews and interviews with people making the bourbon whiskey industry happen. Join hosts Kenny Coleman, Ryan Cecil, and Fred Minnick as they talk with prominent guests and provide insight on American whiskey 3 times a week. Catch all new episodes every Thursday with special Whiskey Quickie reviews on Tuesday and get caught up on bourbon news with This Week in Bourbon on Friday.
TWiB: Andy and Charlie Nelson repurchase Green Brier, Stoli is returning to the US, Knob Creek Trailmaster Edition
It's This Week in Bourbon for November 13th, 2026. Andy and Charlie Nelson have repurchased full ownership of Nashville's Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Stoli is returning to the US, and Knob Creek Trailmaster Edition.Show Notes: Andy and Charlie Nelson repurchase full ownership of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery from Constellation Brands Sazerac Distillers proposes $605.9 million investment across four Kentucky facilities The Private Rickhouse prepares to open in Dallas’s Deep Ellum neighborhood on November 20 Green River launches Bullsh!t Refund offering $20 rebates on overpriced live-event expenses Breckenridge Distillery introduces quarterly 2 Mile High Whiskey Club membership Stoli Group resumes US distribution through MHW following Chapter 11 bankruptcy settlement Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store owner faces misdemeanor charge for unlicensed alcohol sales Knob Creek unveils limited-edition 375mL Trailmaster Edition in camouflage packaging Old Potrero brings back 10-year 2026 Christmas Spirit distilled from spiced ale Blue Note Bourbon announces the return of its 17-Year Barrel Proof Tennessee Straight Bourbon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 13
39 min
592 - CEO Talk with Mark Erwin of Bardstown Bourbon Company
26 years in the military, 14 years of that serving in elite Delta Force units, and now the CEO of Lofted Spirits, the umbrella brand of of Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling. Mark Erwin joined the board at Bardstown Bourbon Co. in 2019 eventually stepping up as CEO. We talk about how the private equity deal with Prtizker made more strategic sense than selling out to a major spirits conglomerate, the acquisition of Green River. and how they support craft brands from custom mash bills all the way to bottling. Plus, in a market facing shifting demand, inventory corrections, and industry cutbacks, Mark shares how Lofted is navigating current market headwinds while continuing to innovate. Show Notes: Mark Erwin shares lessons from 26 years in the military, 14 years in Delta Force, and how combat teamwork translates to executive leadership. Transitioning from defense contracting and international business to joining Bardstown Bourbon Company's board and becoming CEO in 2019. Why Bardstown Bourbon Co. chose to partner with PPC for growth capital instead of selling off to a legacy spirits giant. How acquiring Green River expanded production capacity and added a powerhouse, historic brand to the portfolio. How Lofted Spirits supports custom clients from grain-to-glass, and why they strictly separate contract operations from brand operations. Mark's take on current whiskey market dynamics, balancing inventory with production cutbacks, and stabilizing contract distilling. A sneak peek at innovative new projects, including a real-honey finished Green River whiskey and a historic U.S. Army 250th anniversary release. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 12
1 hr 12 min
Whiskey Quickie: Penelope Plays the Classics?!
Penelope The Classic brings a new everyday bourbon at 92 proof and just $45. Caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, and a surprising grape candy note give this approachable pour a little something extra. Is this new classic worth adding to your shelf?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 10
4 min
TWiB: Republic National Distributing faces Chapter 11, 2026 DTC Spirits Shipping Report released, John Wick Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
It's This Week in Bourbon for November 6th, 2026. Republic National Distributing Company, is pressing forward with its Chapter 11, 2026 Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report has been released, and John Wick Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.Show Notes: Industry publishing legend Marvin R. Shanken dies at 83 Republic National Distributing Company advances Chapter 11 liquidation plan KEG 1 Kentucky completes acquisition of RNDC’s statewide operations Whiskey House of Kentucky launches interactive Customer Portal 2.0 ACSA report shows 68% of Americans favor expanding DtC spirits shipping Town Branch debuts 17-Year Archive Series Kentucky Single Malt Four Roses introduces Experimental Series No. 003 finished in chestnut wood Barrel Global unveils officially licensed John Wick Kentucky Straight Bourbon Extinct Spirits debuts with limited Dodo Bird single-cask release Larrikin Bourbon Company launches 9-Year cask-strength Foxtrot Series Dierks Bentley announces ROW 94 Trespasser's Proof and Nashville tasting room Chattanooga Whiskey and New Riff release The Confluence Project: Volume 2 Knob Creek introduces limited 375mL Trailmaster Edition in camouflage packaging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 6
42 min
591 - The Viral Sensation That Is Johnny Drinks with John Rondi
That's the infamous sound you hear when Johnny Drinks is making a cocktail on your screen. John Rondi—better known to millions across the internet as Johnny Drinks— let his son film him making a cocktail at home, and it overnight exploded into millions of views?This single viral video back in 2020 completely transformed his life, that led him to walk away from corporate finance in 2021 to doing content full-time with his son. We talk about the iconic glass "clank" and camera setups to how they transitioned into cooking and hosting tips. We even talk about what it's like navigating father-son business dynamics, handling internet trolls, and the surreal moment Dana White invited him to make a drink at his private office at the UFC HQ. Show Notes: Johnny Drinks shares how a simple cocktail video filmed by his son in 2020 turned into millions of views and a viral career. Why Johnny considers himself an everyday host rather than a mixologist, focusing on approachable drinks, good food, and hospitality. The story behind the signature glass "clank," unique camera angles, and keeping content spontaneous versus brand-partnered. Leaving a 30-year career in mortgage financing in 2021 to jump into full-time content creation with his son. How Johnny deals with social media feedback, platform differences, and tuning out online hate. The fun, balance, and realities of building a successful media business with your kid. That wild time Dana White invited Johnny to throw together a custom bar setup and drinks at the UFC Apex. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 5
1 hr
Whiskey Quickie: Heaven Hill Double Mash: Double the Flavor?!
Heaven Hill Double Mash combines traditional and wheated bourbon mash bills in a 9-year, 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond release. Bright raspberry, citrus, and brown sugar sweet tea bring an unexpected twist to this $50 bourbon. Does double mash mean double the character?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 3
5 min
TWiB: Fawn Weaver denied halt of sale, Tennessee Whiskey Trail's new launch, Heaven Hill Phoenix
It's This Week in Bourbon for October 30th, 2026. Fawn Weaver’s attempt to halt the sale has been denied, Tennessee Whiskey Trail is launching Fireside Tennessee, and Heaven Hill Phoenix.Show Notes: Judge denies Fawn Weaver's bid to pause Uncle Nearest asset sale amidst receivership Tennessee Whiskey Trail launches seasonal Fireside Tennessee experience across eight distilleries Kentucky Distillers' Association honors Brown-Forman's Chris Morris with Lifetime Board designation and UK scholarship Heaven Hill unveils Phoenix 18-Year Bourbon featuring pre-1996 fire whiskey to mark 30th anniversary Barton 1792 Distillery announces new 1792 Wheated Full Proof Bourbon at 125 proof Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 30
27 min
590 - It's Tenacity That Wins with Sid Dilawri of Filibuster Bourbon
So what happens when a retail guy from D.C. decides he’s going to jump into the whiskey business? We're sitting down with Sid Dilawri, Founder and CEO of Filibuster Distilling, to talk about his journey. After moving from Delhi to the U.S. in 2007, Sid got his start working at a local liquor store where he discovered orange flavored vodka. He wasn't much of a drinker at the time. But In 2010, his family bought a struggling D.C. liquor store and Sid helped turn it around growing annual sales from under $400K to over $1.2 million simply by changing up the product mix and introducing customers to great bourbon. After an eye-opening trip to Four Roses to select his very first single-barrel, he worked towards his new idea. Sid launched Filibuster using sourced barrels but eventually transition to a full-scale distilling operation in Virginia, including figuring out how to run a column still himself. With lots of tenacity, Sid gives us an honest look at building a legacy brand for his kids and crafting a true everyday pour. Show Notes: Sid Dilawri shares his journey moving from Delhi to the U.S. in 2007 and learning the retail ropes on the liquor store floor. How turning around a struggling D.C. shop in 2010 by pushing bourbon sparked his passion for the industry. The Four Roses barrel pick that convinced Sid to leave retail and launch Filibuster. Starting with MGP sourced juice, early French oak finishes, and navigating distributor portfolios when craft bourbon was just taking off. Transitioning to distilling in Virginia, installing a column still, and teaching himself how to run the equipment when his team walked out. The ins and outs of local grain sourcing, fermentation practices, and managing over 6,200 aging barrels. Why patience, product quality, and smart pricing matter when building a legacy brand for the next generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 29
1 hr 23 min
Whiskey Quickie: Is Jefferson’s 20 Year Bourbon Worth $500?!
Jefferson’s Founder’s Reserve brings a 20 year Kentucky bourbon finished in French Bordeaux wine casks. With only 250 bottles available, this rare release delivers old oak, dried cranberries, leather, and tobacco. But does it live up to its $500 price tag?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 27
5 min
TWiB: Fawn Weaver appealing Uncle Nearest, Bourbon and Board Games Are hot this week, Old Elk Distillery Blended American Whiskey
It's This Week in Bourbon for October 23rd, 2026. As Uncle Nearest Comes to an End, Fawn is still appealing, Bourbon and Board Games Are hot this week, and Old Elk Distillery Folds of Honor Blended American Whiskey.Show Notes: Judge sets accelerated briefing schedule on Uncle Nearest asset sale appeal Bib & Tucker collaborates with Hasbro to launch MONOPOLY collector's edition Old Fitzgerald and Jonathan Adler partner on luxury backgammon gift set Bulleit and Mike’s Hot Honey announce 15-city nationwide mobile bar tour MGP Ingredients rebrands corporate identity as Sempreon with CASK ticker Knob Creek brings back 21 Year Old Bourbon at 100 proof for $249.99 New Era Distillery debuts Marquee Exclusive Small Batch Bourbon at $49.99 Liberty Pole Spirits launches High Rye Straight Bourbon at 100 proof Penelope Bourbon releases FCancer Batch 5 alongside $250,000 donation pledge Booker’s Bourbon unveils Southern Thunder Batch at 127.3 proof for $99.99 15 STARS launches First West Cigar Blend finished in three cask types Jack Daniel’s debuts 2026 Coy Hill Rye Single Barrel at barrel proof Chattanooga Whiskey introduces Bad Chattanoogan finished with playable wooden records Middle West Spirits and Old Elk launch Blended American Whiskey for Folds of Honor 15 STARS First West Cigar Blend sells out online in one day Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 23
44 min
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