Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for March 6th 2026. Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. and the Louisville Bats have announced a multi-year partnership, Heaven Hill has 2 new releases, and Pursuit Spirits has the new Sakura Bloom Bourbon.Show Notes:
Whiskey Thief and Louisville Bats partner to debut home plate speakeasy and stadium club

Give 270 announces 20/20 Unicorn raffle featuring 1988 vintage Old Rip Van Winkle

Hotel Distil launches Peerless Distilling Suite featuring historical artifacts and immersive tastings

Pursuit Spirits debuts Pursuit United Sakura Bloom Bourbon finished in Japanese cherry wood

Burnt Church Distillery celebrates fifth anniversary with 100% Seashore Black Rye Whiskey

Bulleit releases Mesquite Smoked Malt Bourbon as its first permanent rye-free expression

Barrell Craft Spirits adds 12-Year Toasted American Oak Finish to premium Red Label Series

Larrikin Bourbon Co. unveils 2026 Rosewater Bourbon proofed with house-brewed botanical water

Heaven Hill launches Deatsville 13-Year-Old as first entry in commemorative site tribute series

Heaven Hill Heritage Collection returns with 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon at barrel proof

Jack Daniel’s and McLaren F1 debut 86-proof limited edition for 1000th Grand Prix milestone

Log Still Distillery and Archdiocese of Louisville release second annual Bishop’s Blend

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Is the bourbon market hitting a breaking point, or are we just drowning in a sea of average whiskey? Or maybe we're just trying to pick at things because that's what we do! Today's show didn't have a theme other than airing some grievances we see across the bourbon landscape. And the guy who has all the hot takes is Matt "The Colonel" Kusek. Matt never pulls his punches, and today we'll talk about the non-stop barrage of Limited Time Offerings (LTOs) and if NDPs are more exciting now than traditional heritage distilleries. We kick things off with a candid look at the struggle of creating fresh content in a saturated market and ask the tough question, has the rush to release more bottles caused a massive dip in quality? We've seen it in secondary markets because if every release is special then nothing is special. We also dive into the psychology of the "hunt" and why consumer demands are shifting. Matt poses a challenge to the big brands, questioning if they're falling behind while smaller, more nimble players to innovate. And we debate the future of "trophy" bottles like Pappy Van Winkle and whether collectability can survive. If you’ve ever looked at a shelf of $100 bottles and wondered if any are actually worth it, maybe this episode will tell you it's all psychology.
Show Notes:
The challenges of producing engaging content in the bourbon industry

The current state and originality of limited-time offerings

Consumer behavior and the perception of high-status brands like Pappy Van Winkle

The impact of non-distiller producers on quality and collectible options

Humorous tales from personal barrel picks and bourbon adventures

Predictions for the future of collectible and innovative whiskeys

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30 years in the barrel. $1,200 price tag. A mysterious mash bill and just 42 barrels blended. We dive into Blade & Bow 30 Year Bourbon and break down the dusty funk, cherry Smarties, pecan pie richness, and whether this ultra-aged release truly outshines the usual trophy bottles. This one surprised us.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 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

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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

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