Maker’s Mark dropped their 2025 Cellar Aged release, and we were not ready for what happened in the glass. We break down the blend, the proof, the price, and why this year’s edition hits differently. If you’ve been on the fence about the Cellar Aged series, this might be the one that changes your mind.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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TWiB: Buffalo Trace does a pop-up in Mumbai, A break-in happened at Castle & Key, Rabbit Hole Distillery introduces Amrûlé
It's This Week in Bourbon for November 21st 2025. Buffalo Trace does a pop-up in Mumbai, A break-in happened at Castle & Key, and Rabbit Hole Distillery introduces Amrûlé.Show Notes:
EU's top court rules non-alcoholic drinks cannot legally be labeled as "gin"
Buffalo Trace launches its 27th annual "Holidays at the Trace" celebration in December, featuring "Spirited Nights" and a complimentary drive-through light show
Sazerac promotes its bourbons in India with a three-day, immersive pop-up experience in Mumbai following the removal of retaliatory tariffs
A new continuing appropriations bill recriminalizes most hemp-derived THC products by setting a strict 0.4 mg total THC limit per container
Three men from Cincinnati face felony charges after breaking into Castle & Key Distillery, stealing bourbon, and damaging property during a two-hour manhunt
New Riff Distilling re-releases its malt-focused Winter Whiskey and barrel-strength Sherry Finish Malted Rye for the holidays
Country music artist Riley Green partners with Morningside Brands to launch Duck Club™ Bourbon, a new brand supporting wetland protection
Rabbit Hole introduces Amrûlé, a limited-edition Sour Mash Rye finished in custom Maple Brûlé barrels
Chattanooga Whiskey announces Batch 046: Spiced Cacao Infused, a bourbon liqueur featuring cacao nibs, cinnamon, vanilla, and two varieties of dried chiles
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541 - Alchemy and Blunts with Macaulay Minton of Dark Arts Whiskey House
The bourbon world has a lot of tradition, but what happens when someone throws out the rulebook and decides to treat whiskey making like a scientific pursuit and a creative endeavor? That’s what our guest is doing today. We're sitting down with Macaulay Minton, the self-proclaimed Chief Alchemist of Dark Arts Whiskey House.
This is Macauley's second time on the show and if you don't remember here's a bit about him. He was studying law but realized it wasn't his ultimate career path and became the Barrel Program Manager at Wilderness Trail. After Campari acquired Wildernes Trail he left and started his own brand and today he shares the creative vision behind Dark Arts. Macaulay gets candid about the major challenges of launching a brand right in the middle of a pandemic, from securing financing to maintaining a positive mindset. We walk through some of Dark Arts' most innovative—and sometimes controversial—aspects, including their use of unique wood finishes and their famous "Blunt Blend." This is a brand committed to pushing boundaries in a seriously crowded market. Plus, we get the inside scoop on the symbolic meanings behind their distinct labels and their newly opened venue in Lexington.
Show Notes:
Macaulay Minton's transition from law to whiskey-making
The journey from Wilderness Trail to founding Dark Arts Whiskey House
Creativity and positivity in the face of entrepreneurial challenges
Discussion of alchemical principles in whiskey production
Unique offerings of Dark Arts, including wood finishes and experimental blends
Symbolism of Dark Arts labels and storytelling through whiskey
Insight into the creation of the "Blunt Blend"
Vision for the immersive experience at Dark Arts Whiskey House
Importance of community engagement in whiskey appreciation
Support this podcast on Patreon
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541 - Alchemy and Blunts with Macaulay Minton of Dark Arts Whiskey House
The bourbon world has a lot of tradition, but what happens when someone throws out the rulebook and decides to treat whiskey making like a scientific pursuit and a creative endeavor? That’s what our guest is doing today. We're sitting down with Macaulay Minton, the self-proclaimed Chief Alchemist of Dark Arts Whiskey House.
This is Macauley's second time on the show and if you don't remember here's a bit about him. He was studying law but realized it wasn't his ultimate career path and became the Barrel Program Manager at Wilderness Trail. After Campari acquired Wildernes Trail he left and started his own brand and today he shares the creative vision behind Dark Arts. Macaulay gets candid about the major challenges of launching a brand right in the middle of a pandemic, from securing financing to maintaining a positive mindset. We walk through some of Dark Arts' most innovative—and sometimes controversial—aspects, including their use of unique wood finishes and their famous "Blunt Blend." This is a brand committed to pushing boundaries in a seriously crowded market. Plus, we get the inside scoop on the symbolic meanings behind their distinct labels and their newly opened venue in Lexington.
Show Notes:
Macaulay Minton's transition from law to whiskey-making
The journey from Wilderness Trail to founding Dark Arts Whiskey House
Creativity and positivity in the face of entrepreneurial challenges
Discussion of alchemical principles in whiskey production
Unique offerings of Dark Arts, including wood finishes and experimental blends
Symbolism of Dark Arts labels and storytelling through whiskey
Insight into the creation of the "Blunt Blend"
Vision for the immersive experience at Dark Arts Whiskey House
Importance of community engagement in whiskey appreciation
Support this podcast on Patreon
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We put Bluffton Whiskey Carolina Gold Rice to the test. Expect fresh donut vibes on the nose, sweet almond and brown sugar on the palate, and a soft finish thanks to those ultra pampered barrels. A fun, gentle pour for newcomers and a unique pick for anyone curious about American rice whiskey. Cheers!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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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.
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