Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens

Bourbon Lens

Bourbon Lens

Overview
Episodes

Details

Bourbon Lens is the podcast for every whiskey drinker. During this project, we look to explore the whiskey and bourbon industry, learn more about our favorite spirit, and interview industry insiders, makers, entrepreneurs, and business people. We welcome you on this journey with us. Bourbon Lens was founded by Jake and Scott from Louisville, Kentucky. We have grown our appreciation for Kentucky's native spirit and look to learn all that we can about every type of whiskey. We welcome you to pour a glass of whiskey and join us. We are always looking for show topics, discussion starters, and new whiskies to try. Contact us on social media or send us an email to: [email protected] with ideas, comments, or questions.

Recent Episodes

377:Chicken Cock Whiskey: 170 Years of History & The All-New Wheated Bourbon
APR 5, 2026
377:Chicken Cock Whiskey: 170 Years of History & The All-New Wheated Bourbon
\In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, we sit down with Will Woodington, Director of Brand Engagement for Chicken Cock Whiskey, to celebrate a massive milestone: 170 years of "The Famous Old Brand."We dive deep into the brand’s resurgence, starting with their striking new bottle design and the highly anticipated release of their Wheated Bourbon. Will takes us through a guided tasting, explaining how the wheat profile changes the game for Chicken Cock’s lineup. We also discuss the evolving role of a Brand Ambassador in today’s whiskey landscape and get a sneak peek at the exclusive releases planned for their 170th-anniversary celebrations. Whether you are a fan of pre-prohibition history or modern craft blending, this conversation is packed with "spirited" insights.Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Heritage of Chicken Cock12:07 The Deep Dive: Tasting the New Wheated Bourbon22:19 Behind the Scenes: The Role of a Brand Ambassador28:05 170th Anniversary: Upcoming Releases & Celebrations🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.comDiscord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU#BourbonLens #ChickenCockWhiskey #WheatedBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyHistory #KentuckyBourbon #170YearsOfWhiskeyChicken Cock Whiskey, Wheated Bourbon, Will Woodington, Bourbon Tasting, Whiskey Reviews, Bourbon Lens, 170th Anniversary, Brand Engagement, Whiskey Marketing, Kentucky Spirits, New Bottle Design, Rare Bourbon, Craft Spirits
play-circle icon
31 MIN
TT:The Ultimate BBQ & Bourbon Experience: Pig and Swig 2026 at 4th Street Live
APR 3, 2026
TT:The Ultimate BBQ & Bourbon Experience: Pig and Swig 2026 at 4th Street Live
Get ready for the return of Louisville's premier bourbon and food celebration! In this episode, we dive deep into the logistics and planning behind Pig and Swig at 4th Street Live!. From the massive infrastructure of the district's 25,000 sq. ft. canopied roof to the curated "Allocation Station" featuring rare pours, we explore how this event transforms downtown Louisville into a bourbon lover's paradise.We also discuss the revitalization of the downtown corridor, the safety measures ensuring a premier guest experience, and the diverse venue options—from Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse to PBR Louisville—that make 4th Street Live the heart of Kentucky entertainment. Whether you’re a local or traveling for the ultimate bourbon country experience, this is your insider guide to the sights, sounds, and tastes of the festival.https://4thstlive.com/events-and-entertainment/events/2026/pig-and-swig🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community.📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.comDiscord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU#PigAndSwig #BourbonLens #4thStreetLive #LouisvilleEvents #BourbonCountry #KentuckyBourbon #BBQandBourbon #DowntownLouisville #BourbonTasting #EventPlanningbourbon festival, Pig and Swig 2026, 4th Street Live Louisville, bourbon tasting, Louisville events, event logistics, BBQ festival Kentucky, downtown Louisville revitalization, bourbon education, hospitality industry, rare bourbon pours, Allocation Station, Kentucky tourism, Bourbon Lens podcast
play-circle icon
16 MIN
376:  Best Of The Batch?  Jack Daniel's 2026 Batch Series Reviewed
MAR 30, 2026
376: Best Of The Batch? Jack Daniel's 2026 Batch Series Reviewed
While the bourbon community is currently hunting for the latest Jack Daniel’s 10, 12, and 14-year batches, a massive corporate storm is brewing that could reshape the industry forever. In this episode, Jake and Scott dive into the rumored merger between Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman. What happens to an American icon like Jack Daniel’s when it faces the prospect of foreign ownership? We explore the tension between global scale and the local authenticity we cherish.But it's not all boardroom talk—we get into the glass with a deep-dive tasting of the 2026 Jack Daniel’s Aged Series. From the "cherry cola" notes of the 14-year to the complex spices of the 10-year, we break down which bottles are worth the hunt and which offer the best value at retail.In This Episode, We Discuss:The "Perfect Storm": Why the Jack Daniel’s Aged Series is hitting the market just as merger rumors reach a boiling point.Tasting the 2026 Lineup: In-depth reviews of the 10, 12, and 14-year batches—proof points, flavor profiles, and aging impacts.Corporate Intrigue: What a Pernod Ricard/Brown-Forman merger means for the Louisville and Lynchburg distilling scenes.Safeguarding Heritage: Can a brand remain "Authentically American" under a global umbrella?Insider Tips: How to navigate the current market to score these sought-after releases at retail price.Key Takeaways:Discover the "cherry cola" and "chocolate" nuances that define the 2026 batches.Understand the real-world impact of spirits industry mergers on brand sponsorships and family-owned legacies.Learn why the proof points in this year's Aged Series tell a unique story about Tennessee whiskey craftsmanship.🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.comDiscord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU#JackDaniels #BourbonLens #WhiskeyPodcast #BrownForman #PernodRicard #WhiskeyCollector #Lynchburg #Louisville #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyNewsKeywords: Jack Daniel’s 14 Year Batch 2, Pernod Ricard Brown-Forman Merger, Jack Daniel’s Aged Series 2026, Whiskey Industry News, Bourbon Lens Podcast, Tennessee Whiskey Tasting, Bourbon Investment Strategy, American Heritage Spirits, Bourbon Lens, Bourbon Lens News
play-circle icon
27 MIN
TT - Crafting the Ultimate Brand Experience: Chicken Cock Whiskey’s New "Coupe"
MAR 26, 2026
TT - Crafting the Ultimate Brand Experience: Chicken Cock Whiskey’s New "Coupe"
What does it take to turn a historic whiskey brand into a modern, immersive destination? In this episode, we sit down with Emily Zaborowski, Director of Brand Experience for Chicken Cock Whiskey, to explore the art of storytelling through spirits.From the rustic charm of the brand home in Bardstown to the high-energy vibe of the Nulu Marketplace, Emily reveals the strategy behind creating world-class cocktail programs and unique guest experiences. We dive deep into the transition between these two iconic Kentucky locations, the creative process behind their signature pours, and how Chicken Cock is reclaiming its "Famous Old Brand" status in the heart of bourbon country.Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or a branding nerd, this deep dive into the Nulu cocktail scene is one you won't want to miss.Opening Weekend Highlights:Thursday, March 26 (9 PM – 12 AM): A premier pop-up featuring Mover & Shaker owner Nick Hogan alongside Kelly Nelson and Tavaris Smith.Friday, March 27 (8:30 PM – 12 AM): The official menu reveal featuring a curated cocktail lineup and a live set by DJ Meeche.Saturday, March 28 (12 PM – 6 PM): NuLu Bockfest festivities including the Chicken Cock Whiskey GOAT Stakes and a rooster-calling contest.https://bourbonlens.com/chicken-cock-whiskey-opens-the-coupe-speakeasy-in-louisville/🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.comDiscord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU#BourbonLens #ChickenCockWhiskey #NuluMarketplace #Bardstown #CocktailCulture #WhiskeyExperience #KentuckyBourbon #BrandExperience #CraftCocktails
play-circle icon
16 MIN
375: Best Wheated Bourbons Blind Tasted
MAR 23, 2026
375: Best Wheated Bourbons Blind Tasted
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, we dive deep into the art of the blind tasting—where labels don’t matter and your palate tells the real story. We kick things off with a rigorous bourbon tasting and analysis, breaking down complex flavor profiles and sharing our unfiltered tasting notes. From there, the conversation shifts into personal anecdotes and reflections, featuring the lighthearted banter and behind-the-scenes stories you’ve come to expect.Watch (or listen) as we navigate a blind bourbon flight that threw us for a loop, revealing unexpected favorites and the challenges of identifying specific nuances under pressure. We rank the lineup based on pure taste, explore our personal preferences, and offer unique insights into the ever-evolving world of Kentucky’s finest spirits. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your whiskey journey, this episode provides a candid look at how to trust your taste buds.🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU#BourbonLens #BlindTasting #BourbonReviews #WhiskeyNotes #BourbonCommunity #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyLovers #BlindBourbonChallenge #TastingNotes #SpiritAnalysisKeywords: Bourbon Tasting, Blind Whiskey Tasting, Bourbon Reviews, Tasting Notes, Bourbon Flavor Profiles, Whiskey Analysis, Bourbon Lens, Bourbon Ranking, Kentucky Bourbon, Bourbon Lens News, Bourbon Education, Craft Whiskey, Bourbon Podcast.TakeawaysBourbon tasting and analysisPersonal anecdotes and reflections Blind tasting reveals surprisesRanking bourbons based on tasteDiscussion of bourbon flavorsChapters00:00 Bourbon Tasting and Analysis15:03 Personal Anecdotes and Reflections22:13 Blind Tasting and Surprises34:01 Discussion of Bourbon Flavors
play-circle icon
40 MIN