Bourbon Pursuit

What happens when a 30-year mortgage industry veteran lets his son film him making a cocktail at home, and it overnight explodes into millions of views? Today, we’re sitting down with John Rondi—better known to millions across the internet as Johnny Drinks—who popped in to hang with us in Louisville during a Bourbon Trail trip with friends. Johnny doesn’t view himself as a professional bartender or mixologist, but rather the ultimate home host, bringing a relaxed, timeless hospitality vibe to short-form video that has captivated audiences across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Johnny takes us behind the scenes of how a single viral video back in 2020 completely transformed his life, prompting him to walk away from corporate finance in 2021 to build a full-time content powerhouse with his son. He breaks down the secrets behind their signature video style—from the iconic glass "clank" and camera setups to how they transitioned into cooking and hosting tips. We even talk about what it's like navigating father-son business dynamics, handling internet trolls, and the surreal moment Dana White invited him to build a bar at the UFC Apex.

Heaven Hill Double Mash combines traditional and wheated bourbon mash bills in a 9-year, 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond release.

Fawn Weaver’s attempt to halt the sale has been denied, Tennessee Whiskey Trail is launching Fireside Tennessee, and Heaven Hill Phoenix.

Ever wonder what happens when a retail guy from D.C. decides he’s going to take on the whiskey world? Today, we're sitting down with Sid Dilawri, Founder and CEO of Filibuster Distilling, to talk about his wild journey into the spirits industry. After moving from Delhi to the U.S. in 2007, Sid got his start working the floor at local liquor stores, learning what consumers actually buy and building his retail chops from the ground up. In 2010, his family bought a struggling D.C. liquor store, and Sid helped turn it around—growing annual sales from under $400K to over $1.2 million simply by changing up the product mix and introducing customers to great bourbon. A eye-opening trip to Four Roses and his very first single-barrel selection were all it took to hook him. Sid launched Filibuster using sourced MGP barrels bottled through Strong Spirits, making early waves in distributor portfolios with unique French oak finishes. But he didn’t stop at sourcing. Sid took us through Filibuster’s transition from sourcing to setting up a full-scale distilling operation in Virginia—including the chaotic story of figuring out how to run a column still himself after his experienced hire walked out right before production started. From local grain sourcing to managing over 6,000 barrels and learning hard lessons about aging costs and patience, Sid gives us an honest look at building a legacy brand for his kids and crafting a true everyday pour.

Jefferson’s Founder’s Reserve brings a 20 year Kentucky bourbon finished in French Bordeaux wine casks.