Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens
Recent Episodes
In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott sit down with members of the team behind Burnt Tavern Bourbon, a new bourbon developed by William Berkele Distillery in collaboration with renowned whiskey maker Chip Tate.
Joining the conversation are Bennett Clark, President of William Berkele Distillery, Royce Blevins, Lead Founder, and Chip Tate, Master Distiller. Together, they discuss the origins of Burnt Tavern Bourbon, the historical inspiration behind the brand, and how William Berkele Distillery is bringing a centuries-old story into the modern whiskey landscape.
The episode explores the collaborative process behind developing Burnt Tavern Bourbon, Chip Tate's approach to wood finishing and flavor development, and how the team balanced tradition with innovation to create a distinct new American whiskey. Jake and Scott also dig into the challenges and opportunities facing new bourbon brands today, and what sets Burnt Tavern apart in an increasingly crowded market.
We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.
You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.
Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].
Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.
Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens
Chip Tate – Master DistillerChip Tate is a trailblazer in American craft distilling. He founded his first distillery in 2008, combining his passion for fermentation, culinary arts, and hands-on craftsmanship. With a diverse background spanning brewing, IT, physics, and philosophy, Chip brings a uniquely creative and technical perspective to whiskey making.
As the founder of Balcones Distilling, Chip hand-built his copper stills and created award-winning whiskies that earned nearly 150 national and international honors, including Whisky Magazine's Icon of Whisky and the World Whiskies Award for Best American Whisky.
Inspired by William Berkele's centuries-old bourbon heritage and the story of Burnt Tavern, Chip applied his vision and wood-finishing expertise to craft this distinct new bourbon brand. He lives in Texas with his wife, Rachel, and their two children. Outside the distillery, Chip enjoys playing guitar and cooking.
Bennett Clark – President, William Berkele DistilleryBennett Clark is the President of William Berkele Distillery, where he oversees daily operations, logistics, and contract management. With a background in real estate, construction, development, and coaching, Bennett brings broad industry experience and a practical, results-driven leadership style.
His strengths in sales, project management, and consulting have helped guide the distillery's growth, operational strategy, and collaborative partnerships. A native of Danville, Kentucky, Bennett holds a Bachelor of Arts from Centre College.
Bennett has lived in Lexington, Kentucky for more than 20 years and is married with three daughters. Outside of work, he is an avid golfer and remains active in his local community.
Royce Blevins – Lead Founder, William Berkele DistilleryRoyce Blevins is the Lead Founder of William Berkele Distillery, playing a central role in the planning, development, and operations of the company. He brings over 20 years of experience in facilities management, construction, and plant operations.
Royce holds multiple professional licenses in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, and is EPA certified, providing deep technical expertise across complex production environments. In addition to his role at William Berkele Distillery, he serves as Senior Manager of Facilities and Corporate Services at YUM Brands in Louisville, Kentucky.
Previously, Royce was the Facilities Director at the Kentucky Horse Park, where he helped manage major events including the 2010 World Equestrian Games and the annual Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. He is also an accomplished NCAA women's basketball official. A lifelong Central Kentuckian, Royce is married and has four children.
Bourbon Lens heads to Lexington, Kentucky for an on-location episode at the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, located at the University of Kentucky. We sit down with Alexa Narel, Operations Manager for the Estate Whiskey Alliance, and Landon Borders, Director, to explore how the Alliance is reshaping the future of whiskey grain, sustainability, and transparency.
The Estate Whiskey Alliance (EWA) brings together farmers, distillers, researchers, and industry partners to develop scientifically backed standards for estate-grown whiskey. Alexa and Landon break down what "estate whiskey" means, how grain provenance impacts flavor, and why agriculture is rapidly becoming the next frontier in premium bourbon production.
This episode offers an inside look at the research and innovations driving estate-grown grains and the future of terroir in American whiskey.
We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.
You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.
Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].
Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.
Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Field of Dreams Whiskey Co-founders Andy Keller and Drew Storen, former Major League Baseball pitcher, to talk about how their shared passion for the game and great whiskey turned into one of the most unique whiskey projects in America.
The conversation dives into the origin story of Field of Dreams Whiskey, Drew's journey through the Major Leagues, and what life looks like after baseball. Andy and Drew share how the spirit of teamwork, community, and nostalgia behind Field of Dreams continues to inspire their approach to whiskey making.
Listeners will also get an inside look at Field of Dreams Small Batch Bourbon and their newest release, Field of Dreams 2025 All-Star Whiskey — a truly historic blend. This one-of-a-kind whiskey brings together:
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30 distilleries in one bottle, the largest blend in whiskey history
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Field of Dreams Bourbon plus a whiskey component from every major league market
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Expert blending by Murphy Quint of Cedar Ridge Distillery
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A mix of bourbon, rye, single malt, wheat, and Canadian whiskeys
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Average age of 7 years, with barrels aged 1–25 years
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108 Proof (54.0% ABV) and limited to 10,000 bottles nationwide
Whether you're a baseball fan, whiskey lover, or both, this episode tells an inspiring story about passion, creativity, and collaboration.
🎧 Listen now to hear how the Field of Dreams Whiskey team is blending America's favorite pastime with America's native spirit.
We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.
You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.
Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].
Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.
Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens
Image Credit: Field of Dreams Whiskey
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott welcome back Pete Barger, Co-Founder and CEO of Southern Distilling Company and Statesville Contract Distilling, for an in-depth conversation about the growth and innovation happening in North Carolina whiskey.
Pete shares insights into the distillery's world-class production operations and how Southern Distilling has positioned itself as one of the largest producers of American Whiskey in the Southeast. The discussion dives into two standout whiskeys from their portfolio — Southern Star American Single Malt Whiskey and Southern Star Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey — both of which reflect the brand's dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and authenticity.
Jake and Scott also talk with Pete about Statesville's whiskey, the rise of contract distilling, and what's next for the American whiskey industry. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or simply curious about the craft distilling movement in the South, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the country's fastest-growing distilleries.
🎧 Listen now to learn how Southern Distilling Company is helping to shape the future of American whiskey — one barrel at a time.
We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.
You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.
Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].
Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.
Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens
Image Credit: Southern Distilling Co.
Jake and Scott sit down with Shane Armstrong of Westland Distillery to explore the growing American Single Malt movement. Westland has helped pioneer the category through innovation, transparency, and a true sense of place in the Pacific Northwest.
The conversation centers on the release of Garryana 10th edition, Westland's acclaimed limited-edition Garryana American Single Malt Whiskey. Aged a full 10 years, this special release represents the apex of the Garryana story, showcasing the unique influence of Quercus garryana, the rare native oak of the Pacific Northwest.
Shane discusses how Westland's approach to whiskey-making has elevated American Single Malt to new heights and what this milestone release means for the brand. Westland is committed to pushing the boundaries of American whiskey and preserving its distinctive terroir-driven identity.
Listen now to hear how Westland Distillery continues to shape the future of American Single Malt and what makes Garryana 10 a truly remarkable whiskey — ten years in the making.
We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.
You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.
Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected].
Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.
Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens
Image Credit: Westland Distillery