Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 27th 2026. The USDA has awarded the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) over $1.07 million to promote American spirits, Pursuit Spirits has released The Alpha Barrel, and Heaven Hill Distillery announces the release of Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition.Show Notes:
Hotaling & Co. shuttering Pier 50 distillery to focus on brand building and importing

Former HR VP files whistleblower lawsuit against Bardstown Bourbon Company alleging corporate misconduct

American Whiskey Association President addresses industry "normalization" and global growth potential

Iowa House committee approves bill to end state's monopoly on liquor distribution

Mississippi facing severe alcohol shortages due to state-run warehouse technical failures

North Carolina SBI investigating nonprofit "Greater Carolina" over alleged improper distillery lobbying

President Trump invokes Section 122 of Trade Act to impose global 15% import surcharge

USDA awards DISCUS $1.07 million to promote American spirits in global markets

Pursuit Spirits announces "The Alpha Barrel" as its first barrel-proof single-barrel expression

Limestone Branch Distillery launches "The Branch" members-only whiskey society

Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey officially launches 95.6 proof six-year expression

Bourbon & Beyond announces record-breaking artist lineup for September 2026 festival

Heaven Hill debuts Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition

Kentucky Distillers’ Association launches interactive "Build Your Own Bourbon Trail" trip builder

Michter’s shipping highly anticipated 2026 release of its 10 Year Bourbon this March

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the bourbon industry about to meet its biggest competitor? Today, we’re welcoming back a familiar face, Jim Higdon, co-founder of Cornbread Hemp and the author of The Cornbread Mafia. Last time Jim was on Episode 342, we were talking about the history of Kentucky's most infamous drug ring, but today we’re looking at the future of cannabis and how it’s fighting for its life against big bourbon. It's no doubt that THC beverages have been on a meteoric rise and Jim shares a vision of a future where a THC drink is just as mainstream as a vodka soda was back in the '60s. But it’s not an easy road; Right now there is a lobbyist war, where Jim feels bourbon's powerful political engines are squaring off against the hemp industry to protect their shelf space. It gets a bit dicey with Fred taking the counterposition but I won't ruin it for you. Jim also highlights the looming legislative cliff, breaking down the regulatory hurdles and upcoming deadlines that could threaten the entire hemp-derived industry overnight. It’s a conversation about coexistence, regulation, and what you might see a different on your liquor store shelves very soon.
Show Notes:
Comparisons between THC beverages and historical liquor consumption patterns

Growth story of Cornbread Hemp from CBD to THC labels

The impact of bourbon lobbyists on cannabis regulatory issues

Importance of the upcoming November deadline for hemp legality

Variances in THC regulations across different states

Consumer safety and dosage concerns regarding THC beverages

Future collaboration potential between bourbon and cannabis industries

Advocacy strategies for hemp products within the political landscape

Reflection on the ongoing evolution of cannabis regulation and societal perception

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wild Turkey drops one of its most anticipated bottles of the year: Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson E. Floor 5. 128 proof. $300. We break down the sweet oak, blackberry cobbler vibes, leather, spice, and whether this limited release truly earns its price tag. Is this the one to chase?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

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 20th 2026. E. & J. Gallo announced its plans to acquire Four Roses, Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership, and Michter’s Releases their Celebration at $6,000 a bottle.Show Notes:
E. & J. Gallo expands its spirits portfolio with a $775 million acquisition of Four Roses Distillery from Kirin

A U.S. District Judge ruled that Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership through March amid insolvency allegations

Frey Ranch Distillery debuts "Harvest the Savings," a new farm-to-glass subscription program offering up to 15% off and free shipping

A Texas judge blocked the immediate liquidation of Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl, opting for a structured Chapter 11 wind-down

A new Kentucky bill proposes a 4% regulatory fee on alcohol sales, shifting the tax burden from producers to consumers

Unicorn Auctions’ 2025 report reveals a democratized secondary market where 80% of bottles now sell for under $250

Green River launches a 109.3-proof wheated bourbon at a $50 price point across 25 markets this February

Black Diamond Distillery introduces a $25 wheated bourbon "Mineshaft" expression designed specifically for cocktails

Maker’s Mark partners with artist Ashley Longshore on a limited-edition label benefiting women’s leadership through Vital Voices

Yellowstone Bourbon celebrates America’s semiquincentennial with 250 limited-edition Bottled-in-Bond single barrels

Michter’s prepares to ship the rare 2025 Edition of its Celebration Sour Mash, limited to just 315 bottles globally

Buffalo Trace and Chris Stapleton evolve their partnership with the nationwide release of Traveller Whiskey Full Proof at 121 proof

Rebel Bourbon joins forces with NASCAR champion Kyle Busch for a limited 108-proof single barrel release

Penelope Bourbon upgrades its core Barrel Strength expression to a 7-year age statement for a limited 13,000-case release

Southern Distilling Company releases a Statesville-exclusive Southern Star Paragon Bourbon finished in Zinfandel wine casks

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you put a pioneer of American Single Malt in a room with a master of Irish heritage? Well we’re finding out today as we step outside the bluegrass to explore the global world of malt. We’re joined by Justin Aden from Stranahan's and Alex Thomas from Bushmills to break down the art of the blend and why local ingredients become a key competitve advantage in this market. Justin talks to us about the high-altitude of aging in Colorado and the rise of the American Single Malt category, while Alex gives us a masterclass on Bushmills' legendary triple distillation and the weight of managing a distillery with centuries of history. We dig in further in to how two completely different climates and traditions approach the task of building a consistent, world-class whiskey. We also get into the "friendly" rivalries of the whiskey world and discuss why American Single Malt is finally getting the seat at the table it deserves.
Show Notes:
American single malt production insights

The legacy of Bushmills and blending techniques

The evolution of Irish whiskey and its relation to Scotch

Tasting highlights from Stranahan’s and Bushmills

Cultural dynamics and the rise of American single malts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices