Bourbon Pursuit

While most of the industry uses December to wind down and coast into the new year, we’ve been doing the exact opposite. January hit and it was an immediate sprint. We’ve been back on the road, opening up new markets, and staring down the barrel of distributor meetings and case goals. If you look at our single barrel requests right now, everything is looking "up and to the right," but in this business, the view from the top is always a little precarious. The real question isn't just how you grow, but how you stay there.

In this episode of Behind the Pursuit, Ryan and I are pulling back the curtain on what it actually looks like to enter new markets in 2026. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of distributor communications and why a solid on-premise strategy may be the only way to survive a landscape that is getting more crowded by the day. We also get honest about the challenges smaller brands face when trying to stay nimble while consumer preferences are shifting right under our feet. It’s a look at the balance between aggressive growth and the strategic planning you need to make sure that "up and to the right" trend doesn't just become a flash in the pan.Show Notes:
Introduction and Market Overview

Product Launches and Consumer Demand

Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

On-Premise Strategy and Cocktail Placement

Challenges and Competition in the Whiskey Market

Future Goals and Strategic Planning

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We go bourbon hunting and land on Duck Club Bourbon, a smooth, easy-sipping blend with classic brown sugar, vanilla, and oak notes. At 92 proof and under $30, this one delivers big value.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 January 23rd 2026. Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl have moved into a Chapter 7 liquidation, Casey Jones Distillery has been acquired B3 Beverage Company, and Penelope Bourbon is doing a collaboration with Serena & Lily.Show Notes:
Few Spirits founder Paul Hletko officially departs distillery

Meta restricts alcohol business pages on Facebook, slashing organic reach

Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl move to Chapter 7 liquidation

Court orders $34.5M sale of newly completed Luca Mariano Distillery

Casey Jones Distillery joins B3 Beverage Company portfolio

Kirin Holdings reportedly exploring $1B sale of Four Roses Bourbon

New Riff Distilling announces return of award-winning Balboa Rye

Penelope Bourbon and Serena & Lily debut Charleston-inspired "Beaufain" collaboration

Knob Creek launches limited Eli Manning’s Bold Pick 2026 Cask Strength Bourbon

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Where do you go when you're on top? That could be said for elite quarterbacks or CEOs of top 20 global companies. But if you're the master distiller for the largest whiskey brand on planet earth, what could you possibly do next? We get to answer that today as we are honored to have Jeff Arnett back on the show. He was a prior guest back on Episode 150 when he carried the title of Master Distiller for Jack Daniel's. Since then, he's gone into a new venture and is now testing his grit in startup life as a partner with Company Distilling. We talk about the feelings he had when he left and what sort of vision he set for himself with this new role. We get into the business a bit further with distribution and more but I won't spoil the insight he shares.
Show Notes:
Jeff's pivotal decision to leave Jack Daniel's after 20 years

The creative freedom he found at Company Distilling

Insights on crafting a weeded bourbon with a unique maple finish

Analysis of the whiskey market's evolution and consumer trends

A look at Company Distilling’s community-centric vision

Reflections on his passion for cars and the shift towards electric vehicles

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Willett and Wolves team up on a bold rye whiskey collaboration blending Kentucky and California aged barrels. Packed with vibrant citrus, pine, ginger candy, and unexpected IPA-like vibes, this Whiskey Quickie dives into one of the most unique rye profiles we’ve tasted recently.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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