Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for May 1st 2026. Merger discussions between Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard are over, four North Carolina lobbyists have been indicted for organizing a bourbon tasting, and Blade and Bow re-releases of its ultra-premium 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Show Notes:
Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard merger talks collapse, reopening the door for Sazerac’s $15B bid

Bardstown Bourbon Company launches NFC-enabled "Bourbon Gifting Reimagined" for personalized digital messaging

North Carolina lobbyists indicted for illegal bourbon trip while "Operation High Octane" sweeps illicit secondary sales

Maker’s Mark partners with basketball star Kelsey Plum for "Yam Jam" Private Selection and charity cocktail

Major spirits brands pivot to TikTok as platform finalizes age-gating for organic and influencer content

Blade and Bow re-releases ultra-premium 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon for April 2026

Wenzel Distillery announces Batch 2 of Sherry Barrel Finished Bourbon following World Whiskies Award win

A. Smith Bowman returns to rye after 16 years with experimental 11-year Abraham Bowman release

Blue Run Spirits debuts Blueprint Series as its new national flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Starlight Distillery unveils inaugural Dana Huber signature Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon release

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Is there a better pairing in the world than smoke and oak? Well, today we’re welcoming back to show, Matt Pittman, the founder of Meat Church. Did you know he was a waterboy for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and now he has become the official pitmaster of the Cowboys. Matt built a literal empire out of backyard tailgates and high-quality rubs but his love for barbecue and bourbon are finally coming together. It’s been a minute since we last chatted, and a lot has changed—including Matt joining the Pursuit family is as an investor in Pursuit Spirits. We talk about the parallels between blending a perfect barrel and crafting a world-class brisket, and Matt gives us the inside scoop on his new cola-based sauce and the latest Traeger collab. But the real kicker? We’re officially announcing the Honey Bourbon collaboration between Meat Church and Pursuit Spirits, featuring real Texas wildflower honey.
Show Notes:
From Cowboys water boy to official pit master

The bond between barbecue, bourbon, and creating memories

Matt's new seasoning products and business evolution

Sneak peek into the Honey Bourbon project with Pursuit Spirits

The lifestyle brand of outdoor cooking and family activities

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Rare Perfection 10 Year from Preservation Distillery brings a 3-barrel micro blend at 130.7 proof… and it gets wild. Sweet oak, chocolate milkshake vibes, smoky savory notes, and one of the most surprising pours of the year.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.
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It's This Week in Bourbon for April 24th 2026. Sazerac has formally offered $15 billion to buy Brown Forman, Uncle Nearest could be forced to shut down within 30 days, and Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced the release of Eagle Rare 30.
Show Notes:
Jeptha Creed Distillery launches new visitor experiences and single-barrel programs to mark 10th anniversary

Sazerac launches $15 billion acquisition bid for rival Brown-Forman

Uncle Nearest faces potential shutdown and insolvency amid financial crisis and default

Diageo opens new $415 million automated manufacturing facility in Alabama

Buffalo Trace announces Eagle Rare 30, its oldest age-stated bourbon, for $12,500

Kentucky Senator Bourbon and PDJF partner for limited 140-bottle charity release

Jack Daniel Distillery debuts Special Release Small Batch Rye aged 10 years

Michter’s announces first-ever release of US*1 Barrel Strength Sour Mash in May

Hard Truth Distilling Co. unveils limited Mizunara Finished Wheated Bourbon

B.R. Distilling launches unfiltered Blue Note Small Batch Wheated Bourbon

Maker’s Mark releases 2026 edition of wheat-forward Star Hill Farm Whisky

Four Roses rolls out second rotation of its Single Barrel Collection nationwide

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Is the era of the secret sourced bottle finally over, or are we just getting started? Today, we’re digging into contract distillation. We’re tracing the roots from the early days of "shhh, don't tell them it's MGP" to the massive, high-tech operations like Bardstown Bourbon Company that have turned being a NDP into a badge of honor. But as you, the consumer, gets more sophisticated, the demand for transparency is hitting an all-time high, and we’re talking about why "faking the funk" with a made-up story just doesn't fly in 2026. We also tackle the elephant in the room: market oversaturation. With speculative investments pouring in and foreign tariffs squeezing exports, the landscape is shifting under our feet. It's not all bad news. We’re envisioning a true whiskey renaissance as those massive inventories of aging barrels finally hit the market, likely leading to some of the most unique, high-quality releases we've ever seen.
Show Notes:
Historical significance and evolution of contract distillation

Increased consumer interest in whiskey authenticity and sourcing

Key players in the current contract distillation landscape

Risks and opportunities for new distilleries entering the market

Discussions on market oversaturation and speculative investments

Effects of foreign tariffs on the whiskey export business

Predictions for a bright future in whiskey with innovative barrel-aged flavors

Importance of strong customer relationships for contract distillers

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