Bourbon Pursuit

Does the whiskey industry need more experts, or does it just need better storytellers? Today, we’re joined by Daniel Whittington, the Chancellor of Wizard Academy and co-founder of the Whiskey Marketing School, and we talk about how narrative and community are the real drivers behind your favorite bottles. Daniel shares his transition from the wine world into how a secret whiskey group eventually evolved into a mission to change how we educate our palates. There's more to the pour and it's the technical and psychological side of the whiskey that I really enjoy when I watch Daniel's videos. As one of the OGs of the YouTube world, he built an incredible community with Whiskey Tribe and but things hit a stopping point with his co-host and we talk about how that impacts relationships, friendships, and how the public eye percieves it. But he's also champtioning independant bottlers with a whole new look on tranparency and why those bottles are something you should be looking for.
Show Notes:
The community-centered mission of Difference Bourbon

Daniel’s transition from wine to whiskey and its impact

The role of storytelling in whiskey education

Insights on the evolving quality of whiskey and the importance of connection

The rise and challenges of the Whiskey Tribe YouTube channel

Navigating audience engagement and content creation

Clarifying whiskey classifications for consumer education

The launch of AmericanIndy.com focused on transparency in independent bottling

Celebrating the human connections within the whiskey community

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Garrison Brothers returns with the 2025 Cowboy Bourbon, a hazmat-level 146.4 proof Texas release hand-selected by master distiller Donnis Todd. With bold vanilla cola, cream soda sweetness, peppery Texas spice, and deep barrel intensity, this high-proof bourbon delivers big flavor without overwhelming heat. We break down whether this limited annual release is truly worth the hype and the $250 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.
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It's This Week in Bourbon for March 27th 2026. Uncle Nearest back at it again, Heaven Hill Distillery has announced the inaugural release of Elijah Craig Single Barrel 15-Year-Old, and Evan Williams is releasing five limited-edition Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles.Show Notes:
Van Gogh Fast feature film set to shoot at Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries this spring

Receiver requests gag order and $75,000 in sanctions against Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver

Reyes Beverage Group to acquire RNDC operations across 10 states and Washington, D.C.

Bardstown Bourbon Co. countersues former HR VP over alleged disclosure of confidential information

Gulf Coast package stores sue Ruan Transport over state liquor warehouse software glitch

Remus Bourbon launches Remus Bottle Club quarterly direct-to-consumer subscription service

Four Roses Distillery debuts permanent “Meet Me With Four Roses” brand campaign

Heaven Hill Distillery adds Elijah Craig Single Barrel 15-Year-Old Bourbon to permanent portfolio

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. debuts 10-Year-Old Henry Kraver’s Reserve Bourbon

Jake Norris returns to Colorado craft scene with The Curated Barrel Project online-only releases

Blue Run Spirits and Atlanta Braves partner for commemorative 60th-anniversary bourbon

Buffalo Trace Distillery unveils $550 Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat aged 10 years

Evan Williams drops five limited-edition Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles

Jack Daniel’s announces sweepstakes for latest Aged Series bottle releases in Lynchburg

Lux Row Distillers announces Blood Oath Pact 12 finished in Italian wine casks

Horse Soldier Bourbon launches ultra-premium 13-year Liberty Edition for America’s 250th anniversary

National Bourbon Week returns to Bardstown, Kentucky, June 14-21, 2026

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Can a North Carolina distillery really take on the heavyweights of the Bluegrass? Today, we’re joined by Pete Barger, the co-founder of Southern Distilling Company, to talk about how he’s disrupting the craft bourbon landscape from just outside of Charlotte. Pete brings a unique background of engineering and agricultural expertise to the table, and he’s sharing the story of how they built a massive, state-of-the-art operation that’s doing everything from contract distilling for powerhouses like Brothers Bond to winning double golds with their own Paragon wheated bourbon. Pete breaks down their commitment to regenerative farming and how sourcing local North Carolina grains creates a flavor profile that stands out in a crowded market. We also taste their American Single Malt and just wait until you hear Ryan's reaction. This is what American Single Malt has been missing.
Show Notes:
The craft bourbon movement's landscape in North Carolina

Merging engineering with whiskey-making

Tackling the whisky provenance debate: quality vs. origin

Collaboration insights: Brothers Bond and regenerative agriculture

The role of barrel selection and innovative finishes

The introduction of honey-cask bourbon and its market strategy

Future plans for Southern Distilling and commitment to community

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Can a North Carolina distillery really take on the heavyweights of the Bluegrass? Today, we’re joined by Pete Barger, the co-founder of Southern Distilling Company, to talk about how he’s disrupting the craft bourbon landscape from just outside of Charlotte. Pete brings a unique background of engineering and agricultural expertise to the table, and he’s sharing the story of how they built a massive, state-of-the-art operation that’s doing everything from contract distilling for powerhouses like Brothers Bond to winning double golds with their own Paragon wheated bourbon. Pete breaks down their commitment to regenerative farming and how sourcing local North Carolina grains creates a flavor profile that stands out in a crowded market. We also taste their American Single Malt and just wait until you hear Ryan's reaction. This is what American Single Malt has been missing.
Show Notes:
The craft bourbon movement's landscape in North Carolina

Merging engineering with whiskey-making

Tackling the whisky provenance debate: quality vs. origin

Collaboration insights: Brothers Bond and regenerative agriculture

The role of barrel selection and innovative finishes

The introduction of honey-cask bourbon and its market strategy

Future plans for Southern Distilling and commitment to community

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