Bourbon Pursuit

It used to be that picking a single barrel was something reserved for the most dedicated enthusiasts. But today? They're everywhere. Every content creator has a club. There are regional and national facebook groups dedicated to it. And there's thousands of retailers all pushing their own single barrels. It has become an obsession that has completely transformed our industry. In this episode, we’re talk about the evolution of the single barrel craze from its massive explosion back in 2014 to abundance we’re navigating today. We share some personal stories and debate over "sticker" culture. We also hit on the business side where major distillers are favor high-volume accounts while the small retailers get left behind. Another issue we're seeing is the skyrocket prices for legacy programs like Four Roses. There's a lot of players in this game and we give our suggestions on what opportunities lie head for new brands to step in and thrive. I'm sure you're like me and you've got a shelf full of barrel picks and you've got the FOMO because that next single barrel, that's the special one. Show Notes: The rise and evolution of single barrel whiskey programs Personal experiences in barrel selection The influence of the pandemic on the whiskey market Balancing relationships with small and large retailers Pricing challenges in the single barrel segment Future sustainability for smaller whiskey clubs and emerging brands The significance of connections within the bourbon industry The role of innovation in the next chapter of single barrel selections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angel’s Envy takes bourbon back to basics with their Two-Grain Bourbon. Made with 90% corn and 10% malted barley, this limited release delivers nostalgic cereal notes, light baking spice, and an easy-drinking profile at 112 proof.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 December 26th 2025. Jim Beam halts production at its Clermont Facility, the Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition has signed another petition for trump to remove retaliatory tariffs, and new Doc Holliday Huckleberry Edition release.Show Notes: Jim Beam pauses Clermont distillation for 2026, shifting production to Boston, KY plant Toasts Not Tariffs coalition petitions President Trump to eliminate retaliatory spirits taxes Lux Row Distillers launches "One Lux Row" subscription service for rare bottle releases John Cena reveals The Undertaker’s "hard" locker room tradition of gargling bourbon World Whiskey Society debuts 70-proof Doc Holliday Huckleberry Edition flavored whiskey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve seen plenty of people try to make the jump from enthusiast to industry pro, but nobody has done it quite like Jay West. It’s been a few years since he was last on the show, and we’re thrilled to welcome back the mastermind behind the massive r/bourbon barrel program on Reddit and the Principal Whiskey Maker at Reveries. This is Jay's second time on the show and this time without the cload and veil. He went from a quiet contributor and guy behind the scenes on a subreddit to one of the most respected voices and blenders in the game. We dive into the staggering growth of the Reddit whiskey community—now 300,000 members strong—and why keeping that culture supportive and nontoxic is so important to the overall whiskey community. We also geek out on the barrel-picking process and how he’s managed to scale up to hundreds of barrels a year to meet the insane demand for unique bottles people are searching for. Of course, we also had to talk about Jay’s brand, Reveries, and his unique philosophy on acquiring great barrels, blending and storytelling. Show Notes: Jay West’s evolution from anonymity to industry leader Current growth of the r/whiskey community Insights into the expanding barrel-picking process The role of moderation and community engagement Reveries brand philosophy and blending techniques Highlights of standout whiskey blends from Reveries The interplay of creativity, storytelling, and community feedback Ways to support Reveries and engage with r/bourbon on Reddit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2025 brings a sweet mash twist to the annual release. At 12 years old and 92 proof, it delivers a standout nose with confectioners sugar, fried dough, and oak, but does the low proof leave something missing? We break it all down in this Whiskey Quickie.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