Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 12th 2025. WhistlePig Distillery has opened The WhistlePig Vault in Louisville, Garrison Brothers Distillery has released a limited-edition Spurs Single Barrel bourbon, and The Old Forester 117 Series is releasing their Prohibition Era Still Proof. Show Notes: WhistlePig opened "The Vault" in Louisville—an immersive experience in a bank featuring a blending room and unique cocktail service via ATM tube Maker's Mark became the first Official Spirits Partner of the Unrivaled women's basketball league, their first-ever sports league sponsorship Jack Daniel's Distillery Series #16, a Tennessee Rye, was released after finishing in Southern table syrup barrels (exclusive to Tennessee) Garrison Brothers released a limited-edition Spurs Single Barrel to celebrate the San Antonio Spurs' City Edition uniforms return Old Hickory launched two new age-stated whiskies: a 12-year Straight Rye BiB and a 15-year Barrel Proof Whiskey Ole Smoky Distillery expanded nationwide into the premium straight whiskey category with a four-year-old Tennessee Straight Bourbon Old Forester 117 Series released the Prohibition Era Still Proof at 130 proof, marking Repeal Day with a historic strength Cathead Distillery introduced Tintype #3 'Kenny Brown,' an 11-year, high-rye, uncut & unfiltered Old Soul Bourbon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know music and whiskey just inherently go together, but how do you actually build a successful business around that synergy? In this episode, we're sitting down with Ryan Gill, the Director of Marketing and Brand Development for Three Chord Bourbon. Ryan’s journey is pretty cool because he started his life in music production. He takes us through his early days running liquor stores in Memphis, where he first saw the magic of music and whiskey intertwine, straight through to his current role leading brand vision at Three Chord. We get into the inception of Three Chord and where Neil Girlado becomes a face of it. Plus, we dive into their innovative tactics, from artist collaborations to cool limited releases, and he even pitches us some great ideas for immersive experiences, like acoustic sessions right there in the liquor store. I'm you're a huge music junkie, this one's for you. Show Notes: Ryan Gill's origins in retail and concert promotion Journey from liquor store manager to brand leader at Three Chord Bourbon The role of Dock 52 in his whiskey career Three Chord's mission to bridge music and whiskey cultures Creative branding strategies and artist collaborations Insights into the whiskey blending process Building community within the whiskey and music industries The concept of immersive retail experiences through acoustic sessions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We cracked open the 2025 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon to see if this year’s blend lives up to the hype. Full tasting notes, honest reactions, and whether it’s worth chasing for $250. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 5th 2025. The founders of Uncle Nearest Distillery have filed an emergency motion, Catoctin Creek is trying to raise US$5 million, and Goose Island Brewery and Heaven Hill Distillery have partnered to release the 2025 Bourbon County Brand Reserve Stout. Show Notes: Bourbon Pursuit video contradicted Adam Herz's report by suggesting the vintage whiskey counterfeiter's bottles might have shown up at Unicorn Auctions instead of Lot 14 Uncle Nearest founders filed an emergency motion to prevent a court-appointed receiver from sharing sensitive trade secrets with potential rival buyers Nova Scotia will sell off US$14 million in US alcohol stock pulled due to tariffs and donate the US$4 million net profit to community food organizations. Catoctin Creek Distilling is raising up to US$5 million via a Private Placement Memorandum for growth, with plans for a large partner transition in 5-7 years Cave City, KY, is celebrating the opening of Dueling Grounds and MB Roland tasting rooms downtown, establishing the city as a major Western Kentucky bourbon destination Baker's Bourbon released 125 pairs of hand-painted collector's gloves honoring Baker Beam, retailing for $39.99 Jack Daniel’s launched its annual Barrel Tree sale, offering 140 barrels for $200 each to benefit the military community's "Operation Ride Home" program Goose Island partnered with Heaven Hill for its 2025 Bourbon County Brand Reserve Stout, aged two years in Parker's Heritage 17th Edition Rye barrels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your love of high-proof, perfectly aged bourbon actually good for you? Or are we all just telling ourselves that? Today, we're tackling the elephant in the whiskey room with the science: Dr. Ulysses Wu (Yuli), the Chief Epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare. Yuli’s personal journey is wild—from corporate finance to infectious diseases—and now he focuses on the intersection of alcohol, health, and longevity. He joins us to share his personal bourbon journey and how he accidentally procured some seriously rare Stitzel-Weller when nobody was looking. In this eye-opening episode, we dive into: The Calorie Problem for barrel-proof bourbon, Yuli’s concept of "firewalls" (the human ability to curb excess), why robust long-term health studies on alcohol are so difficult to conduct, and the profound psychological impact of bourbon, which Yuli calls a "time machine" for positive memories. This is a mandatory listen for anyone who loves brown water and wants to understand the science behind drinking healthily and responsibly. Show Notes: Introduction to Dr. Ulysses Wu (Yuli), Chief Epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare Yuli’s surprising career shift from corporate finance to infectious diseases The connection between alcohol, health, and longevity Yuli's personal bourbon journey, including the accidental procurement of rare Stitzel-Weller Scientific discussion on the true caloric content of barrel-proof bourbon Analysis of "firewalls"—the psychological ability to prevent excess in consumption Challenges of conducting robust, long-term health studies on alcohol consumption The psychological power of bourbon as a "time machine" for positive memory creation Advice for drinking bourbon responsibly and healthily Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we crack open Ingram’s new Unchartered wheated bourbon, aged in their floating barrel warehouses drifting along the Mississippi River. Creamy texture, cola notes, classic caramel and vanilla, and a price point that makes the one-liter bottle the obvious move. 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 November 28th 2025. The Lodge at Trial and Error is open, Jim Gaffigan’s Releases A Bourbon Set on YouTube, and Vintage Whiskey Counterfeiter Exposed in Maryland. Show Notes: Jim Gaffigan's new bourbon-themed stand-up special, "Live from Old Forester: The Bourbon Set," is now streaming on his YouTube channel Elijah Craig is debuting a new fragrance, Char No. 3 Cologne, inspired by the warm, smoky scent of their charred oak barrels A man in Maryland was exposed for producing and selling at least 50 bottles of counterfeit "vintage" whiskeys by refilling old bottles with modern spirits Black Button Distilling, recently acquired by Blackstar, terminated its entire staff, including the founder, as the company moves to liquidate assets Give 270's Whiskey Wednesdays raffle offers a chance to win a full Pappy Van Winkle vertical and an exclusive bourbon set signed by comedian Jim Gaffigan Chattanooga Whiskey's signature recipe, Chattanooga Whiskey 91, is now available in a new, larger 1.5 liter bottle size in Tennessee and Georgia Foley Family Wines & Spirits, featuring Master Distiller Chip Tate, announced Ampersand, a new collection of unexpected spirits blends including bourbon finished in Tokaji barrels Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did the world need a 45 minute standup set on Bourbon? Probably not but I'm sure glad it's happened. I am thrilled to welcome back the hilarious Jim Gaffigan for his second time on the show! Since his last time on the show when he launched Fathertime Bourbon, Jim has been traveling the country and getting hooked into the bourbon scene at every stop. His journey has gone from curious to borderline hoarder because he reveals that he keeps a spreadsheet of his bourbon purchases, which just proves he's definitely one of us. The real subject of this show is to share the details about his new special, A Bourbon Set. 45 minutes of uncontrollable laughter that only us bourbon nerds will understand because we've all experienced it before. Don't wait, go now to YouTube to watch it because it's already hit 1M streams. And make sure you stay to watch the credits, you may see some familiar faces. Show Notes: Jim Gaffigan's entry into bourbon during the pandemic The importance of bourbon in fostering community and masculinity Collaboration with Stu Pollard to create Father Time bourbon Humorous takes on bourbon hunting The fervor of bourbon collectors and “bourbon nerds” Charitable contributions in the bourbon community Promotion of Gaffigan’s special, *A Bourbon Set* Information on purchasing Father Time bourbon and upcoming meet-and-greet events Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Did the world need a 45 minute standup set on Bourbon? Probably not but I'm sure glad it's happened. I am thrilled to welcome back the hilarious Jim Gaffigan for his second time on the show! Since his last time on the show when he launched Fathertime Bourbon, Jim has been traveling the country and getting hooked into the bourbon scene at every stop. His journey has gone from curious to borderline hoarder because he reveals that he keeps a spreadsheet of his bourbon purchases, which just proves he's definitely one of us. The real subject of this show is to share the details about his new special, A Bourbon Set. 45 minutes of uncontrollable laughter that only us bourbon nerds will understand because we've all experienced it before. Don't wait, go now to YouTube to watch it because it's already hit 1M streams. And make sure you stay to watch the credits, you may see some familiar faces. Show Notes: Jim Gaffigan's entry into bourbon during the pandemic The importance of bourbon in fostering community and masculinity Collaboration with Stu Pollard to create Father Time bourbon Humorous takes on bourbon hunting The fervor of bourbon collectors and “bourbon nerds” Charitable contributions in the bourbon community Promotion of Gaffigan’s special, *A Bourbon Set* Information on purchasing Father Time bourbon and upcoming meet-and-greet events Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

It's This Week in Bourbon for November 14th 2025. Tennessee Distilling to Acquire Waterford Whiskey, Michter’s Drops their 20 Year Bourbon, and Willett Distillery has announced its new Willett Family Estate Small Batch Bourbon. Show Notes: Tennessee Distilling Group (TDG) is in exclusive talks to acquire the collapsed Irish company Waterford Whisky for €6M, excluding its existing cask inventory Hong Kong authorities report a rise in drug trafficking, with narcotics like liquid cocaine increasingly concealed within alcohol and wine shipments Buffalo Trace will open "Perfectly Untamed" in Spring 2026, a remote Wyoming tasting room with wild buffalo views, offering guided tastings with Freddie Johnson for a $500 donation Castle & Key announced its 2025 Cask Strength releases: a 7-year Wheated Bourbon and an Experimental Rye finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks Southern Distilling Company released the highly anticipated second batch of Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels (108.4 proof) in North Carolina Garrison Brothers announced the 11th annual release of its Cowboy Bourbon, an 8-year, uncut, and unfiltered straight bourbon bottled at a robust 146.4 proof Yea Alabama (the NIL entity) partnered with Bespoken Spirits to launch the Yea Alabama Bourbon line, featuring two expressions celebrating the Crimson Tide Willett Distillery released the Willett Family Estate Small Batch Bourbon, a new cask-strength blend of two distinct mashbills from Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon (114.2 proof, $1,200 SRP) has been approved and begins shipping to retailers on December 1st Fr. Jim Sichko concluded his "Papal Series" with a limited 11-year Wheated Bourbon honoring Pope Leo XIV, with proceeds supporting various charities Jack Daniel's increased its donation to $150,000 for the 15th year of "Operation Ride Home," helping service members travel home for the holidays Booker's Bourbon's fourth 2025 batch, the "Phantom Pipes Batch" (126.4 proof), is inspired by old distillery remnants and aged over seven years Bardstown Bourbon Co. concluded its 2025 Reserve series with the Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish, an 11-12 year bourbon finished for 28 months Buffalo Trace introduced Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof (125 proof) as a new, permanent addition to the Sazerac Rye portfolio, retailing for $39.99 Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the follow-up you asked for! We're back with Bourbon Community Roundtable number 112 to continue tackling the "spicy" and controversial topic of the three-tier distribution system. Last time, we were bombarded with questions in the chat, so this episode is dedicated to answering your submissions. Our panel dives into how consumers can actually help their favorite smaller brands get distribution, offering real-world advice on retailer outreach and using social media for buzz. We then dissect what massive political or economic shift would be required to see meaningful reform. Finally, we debate the powerful question: if the whole system disappeared tomorrow, who would win—the hustling craft distilleries or the heritage brands with deep pockets?. This one is packed with high-stakes debate! Show Notes: A follow-up discussion on the three-tier distribution system, specifically addressing consumer-submitted questions Actionable ways consumers can help their favorite spirits brands get distribution, including direct retailer outreach and using social media to generate buzz An explanation of LibDib as an alternative, smaller avenue to market, particularly useful for single barrel programs and single-customer orders Analysis of the necessary political or economic shifts required for meaningful three-tier system reform The argument that major change is unlikely unless a strong economic interest or consumer-driven demand (similar to Uber or the push for cannabis legalization) forces it Discussion of the potential for a parallel direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping system for spirits, mirroring the progress made in the wine industry following the Granholme v. Heald case A deep-dive debate on which segment of the industry—"hustling" craft distilleries or heritage brands with deep pockets—would adapt faster if the three-tier system were to disappear The argument that the biggest organizations control the power dynamic and maintain the status quo to protect their existing turf Encouragement for consumers to advocate for change by reaching out to their congressmen and congresswomen Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve heard us talk about single barrels for years, but this time we’re sitting on the other side of the table. Kenny and Ryan just dropped a new round of Pursuit Series bottles — Episodes 77 through 81 — and if you’ve been following the brand since the early days, this lineup might feel like a full-circle moment. These were first unveiled during the debut of Founder Hour, a brand-new, six-seat tasting experience inside the Pursuit Spirits gift shop on Whiskey Row. Think of it as the most intimate flight we’ve ever done, with pours that tell the story of how far this brand has come. In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of those releases for everyone who couldn’t make that inaugural Founder Hour. Kenny and Ryan walk through what makes each of these barrels special — from a 12-year Bardstown sibling to the legendary 017, to a 20-year Tennessee giant that officially becomes the oldest whiskey in Pursuit Spirits history. We talk about how long they’ve been sitting on some of these barrels, what patience really looks like when you’re building a brand, and why Founder Hour might be the most personal experience they’ve ever created. So pour a glass, settle in, and let’s go inside the story of Pursuit Series 77–81 — the bottles that turned a small tasting idea into a full-blown experience. Show Notes: Introduction of the Pursuit Founder Hour Introducing Episodes 77-81 Backstory of Episodes Tasting the Latest Releases The Future of Pursuit Series Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blue Run is back with one of its wildest experiments yet: Glimmer, a Kentucky straight bourbon finished in Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin barrels and dressed in a flashy, color-shifting bottle. Kenny and Ryan dive into the nose, taste, and finish of this limited 103.2-proof release to find out if gin and bourbon can actually work together. Fewer than 90 cases exist, so let's see if Glimmer is worth the hunt or just a shiny distraction. 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 November 7th 2025. A Fiscal Court in Eastern Kentucky will regulate bio-digestion facilities, Shiner Bock is now entering bourbon, and Pursuit Spirits launches founder hour and 4 new single barrels. Show Notes: Old Fourth Distillery + Kitchen opens at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, bringing Southern dining and locally crafted Old Fourth spirits to Terminal E Rowan County, KY approved a new ordinance to proactively regulate bio-digestion facilities (for distillery waste) to mitigate nuisances near residential areas Molson Coors took a $3.65 billion goodwill charge in Q3, including a $75.3 million write-down on the Blue Run Spirits brand, indicating a significant drop in its valuation Pursuit Spirits is launching "Founder Hour," an exclusive, six-person tasting event featuring five of the brand's rarest and oldest Pursuit Series single-barrel whiskeys (up to 20 years old) Templeton Distillery releases its inaugural, cask-strength Single Barrel Rye, a 95% rye whiskey distilled and bottled entirely at its Iowa facility Jeptha Creed will release its fourth annual Red, White & Blue Batch 4 Bourbon on November 8th, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the veterans' service dog non-profit, Paws of War Adventure Spirits Distilling announces its first allocated release, Summit Series #1, a double-oaked, 12-year-old Kentucky American Whiskey limited to 132 bottles B. H. James Distillers is celebrating its three-year anniversary by releasing its first in-house distilled Kentucky Grit® Bourbon and a new Burton James® Reserve 10-year-old blend Jack Daniel’s is making its iconic Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey permanently available in a large 3-liter bottle across the U.S Cedar Ridge Distillery releases its annual Double Barrel Bourbon and limited-edition Double Barrel Rye, both finished in a second, new American oak barrel and bottled at 105 proof Brooklyn Brewery and Four Roses reunite for their 7th annual collaboration, releasing the 2025 edition of Brooklyn Black Ops, a 12% ABV Russian Imperial Stout aged in Small Batch Bourbon barrels K. Spoetzl Brewery & Distillery (Shiner) enters the whiskey market with Shiner Texas Legend Straight Bourbon, a four-grain, 109-proof, barrel-strength expression Old Potrero announces the 2025 release of Christmas Spirit, a highly limited, nine-year-old whiskey distilled from a 2015 Christmas Spiced Ale Heaven Hill Distillery will release a special 9-year-old, 107-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in October 2025 to commemorate its 90th Anniversary Freddie Noe unveils Little Book® The Infinite: Edition II, a 120.8 proof blend integrating 22-year-old, 10-year-old, and 7-year-old bourbons with the original Infinite blend Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's a story that goes from the vineyards of Australia to the front lines of the military, and suddenly lands right in bourbon country. Today we're joined by Greg Keeley, the founder and distiller of Larrikin Bourbon Company. Greg’s background is wild: He’s taking us through his early days in the Margaret River wine industry and his incredible 22-year career in the military, explaining how those very different experiences shaped his philosophy on whiskey. Greg recounts the path that took him from military life in Washington, D.C., to the hemp industry, and then—in a move fueled by pure passion—to founding his own bourbon company. We finally figure out what the name "Larrikin," stands for and how that translates to what the brand tries to achieve. We get candid about the major challenges of launching a brand, including the rebranding from Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company along with being a small fish in a big pond. Show Notes: Introduction to Greg Keeley and his journey from Australia to the US Growing up in Margaret River: Surfer, wine enthusiast, and military life Transition from military service to working in Washington, D.C. The serendipitous shift to bourbon: From hemp to Larrikin Bourbon Meaning and significance of the term "Larrikin" The rebranding process from Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company to Larrikin Overcoming the challenges of launching a new brand within tight time constraints The supportive community in the bourbon industry and reflections on quality craft Future aspirations for Larrikin Bourbon and maintaining authenticity Anecdotes from Greg's military life and how they inform his business ethos Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices