Bourbon Lens

What happens when bourbon culture collides with America's pastime? In this episode of Bourbon Lens, we sit down with Walter of Whiskey Thief to unpack the brand's partnership with the Louisville Bats at Louisville Slugger Field — a collaboration redefining what experiential bourbon looks like.
We dig into the "Backstop" branded experience zone bringing whiskey tastings into the ballpark, how Whiskey Thief makes bourbon approachable for first-timers, and the local storytelling behind touches like the Mashers jerseys. Walter also breaks down the shift in stadium concessions from beer-only to story-rich spirits experiences, scaling barrel thieving events, and navigating distillation innovation and compliance amid headwinds like the bourbon surplus.
Whether you're a bourbon obsessive, a baseball fan, or just curious how craft spirits brands are finding new platforms to connect with consumers, this conversation is packed with insight on branding, direct-to-consumer growth, and the future of experiential bourbon.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Whiskey Thief's innovative stadium partnership 02:06 – The significance of the Louisville Bats collaboration for brand exposure
07:30 – Using the "Backstop" as a branded experience zone for whiskey tastings
10:20 – Bringing whiskey cuisine and vibe to sports fans unfamiliar with whiskey
12:43 – Bourbon history and homage through local branding like the Mashers jerseys
13:50 – The cultural shift in baseball from beer to diverse experiential offerings
16:50 – Expanding Whiskey Thief's presence in Louisville and its strategic growth
19:14 – Unique barrel thieving experiences and storytelling for consumers
22:34 – Maintaining growth while staying true to the brand's roots amid industry headwinds
24:54 – Logistics and innovation around the distillation process and compliance
28:16 – Addressing bourbon surplus and the value of experiential consumption
30:12 – Personal stories of barrel tasting and the appeal of accessible, story-rich products
32:01 – Recommendations for travelers: Whiskey Thief as a must-visit spot for bourbon fans
34:25 – The future of distillery tours, automated systems, and unique product releases
37:49 – The importance of innovation, compliance, and community engagement in the industry
39:47 – Upcoming opportunities at baseball games and bourbon festivals to experience Whiskey Thief
Resources & Links:
Louisville Bats: https://www.milb.com/louisville-bats
Whiskey Thief official website: https://whiskeythief.com/
Bourbon & Spirits Innovation: https://www.spiritsbusiness.com/
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Step inside the newly reimagined Dalmore Distillery with Craig Bridger, Head of Advocacy at The Dalmore, as he sits down with Jake Lewellen to unpack the artistry behind one of Scotland's most iconic single malt Scotch whiskies. After a three-year renovation that doubled production capacity and reinvented the visitor experience, The Dalmore is entering a new era — and this conversation goes deep into what that means for whisky lovers everywhere.
We explore the launch of The Dalmore 17-Year-Old in the United States and how it compares to the beloved 15-Year-Old, breaking down tasting notes like toffee, salted caramel, and dried fruit that come from meticulous sherry cask maturation.

Craig walks us through the exclusive Gonzalez Baez sherry casks and how different sherry styles — Matusalem, Apostoles, and Amoroso, each leave a distinct fingerprint on the final spirit. We also dig into the role of American oak, the blending process behind The Dalmore's signature flavor profile, and why proof point (42% ABV) matters for flavor nuance.

Beyond the glass, we talk whisky tourism — why visiting a distillery in its place of origin changes how you experience the spirit — and the communal, social side of whisky enjoyment that makes every dram better in good company. Whether you're a seasoned single malt collector or just getting into Scotch, this episode is packed with insight into cask selection, rare and limited releases, and the craftsmanship behind every Dalmore bottle.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to The Dalmore's latest innovations and distillery reopening
02:02 – The detailed renovation and capacity doubling at Dalmore in Scotland
03:19 – The immersive experience of Dalmore's new still house and distillery tour highlights
04:49 – The role of community, shared experiences, and ambiance in whisky enjoyment
05:50 – Spotlight on The Dalmore 17-Year-Old, sherry cask influence, and tasting notes
07:47 – The proof point of The Dalmore 17 and its flavor nuance at 42% ABV
10:55 – Cask selection, Gonzalez Baez sherry, and the aging process
14:01 – Rich, viscous notes: toffee, salted caramel, and dried fruit
15:57 – Comparing The Dalmore 15-Year-Old and 17-Year-Old
17:43 – Sherry finish versatility and pairing ideas, from desserts to ice cream
18:48 – Palo Cortado and other sherry styles' flavor nuances
20:13 – Blending and aging in American oak versus sherry casks
23:28 – Limited cask access and craftsmanship behind rare releases like Matusalem and Apostoles
27:48 – Deep appreciation and experimental exploration of sherry-influenced whisky
30:24 – The rigorous cask selection process and its impact on flavor complexity
33:08 – The story behind the 15-Year-Old versus the 17-Year-Old
37:40 – Final tasting impressions and the sensory journey through The Dalmore whiskies
Links:
🥃 The Dalmore Official Website: https://www.thedalmore.com/

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In this episode of Five Minute Fridays, Jake Lewellen breaks down the Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives Gold Foil, a limited-edition 16-year-old, 120-proof whiskey that pulls straight from Wild Turkey's 1980s and '90s heritage. This one's a nostalgic throwback dressed up in a bold, high-proof finish — and Jake puts it to the test.
Jake walks through the nose — confectionery sugar, leather, dark oak, and cherry — before diving into the palate, where intense oak, stewed cherry, and spice build into a smooth, leathery finish. He talks through why letting this one open up matters, how it stacks up against Russell's Reserve 13 Year and the 45th Anniversary edition, and the influence Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell had on shaping this release.
Then comes the real question: is $400 justified for this bottle? Jake gives his honest take on where Gold Foil lands in the broader Wild Turkey lineup, how it fits into his top whiskey picks for 2026, and whether the nostalgia factor is enough to carry the price tag.
In this episode:
Heritage and origin of the Gold Foil 16 Year release
Full nose-to-finish tasting breakdown
Value debate: does this bourbon earn its $400 price point?
Head-to-head comparison with Russell's Reserve 13 Year
Bruce Russell's role as Associate Master Blender
Where Gold Foil ranks among Jake's top releases of 2026
We want to hear from you — what's your favorite Wild Turkey release? Drop it in the comments or join the conversation on Discord.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Wild Turkey Gold Foil 16 Year
00:30 Heritage and background of the Gold Foil
01:00 Tasting approach and initial impressions
01:27 Nose nuances: confectionery sugar and leather
02:00 Flavor profile: dark oak and stewed cherry
02:18 Encouragement to let the whiskey open up
02:39 Palate experience: oak, cherry, and spice
03:08 Finish: leather, oak, and subtle spice
03:38 Value discussion: is $400 worth the experience?
04:06 Comparison with Russell's 13 and personal rankings
04:36 Final thoughts: nostalgia, uniqueness, and overall impressions
05:05 Call to action: audience feedback and closing remarks

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#WildTurkey #GoldFoil16 #WildTurkeyGoldFoil #FiveMinuteFridays #BourbonLens #BruceRussell #RussellsReserve #BourbonReview #WhiskeyReview #HighProofBourbon #LimitedEditionBourbon #BourbonCommunity #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonTasting #AustinNichols

In this episode of Whiskey Lens, we step into the world of bespoke, age-old Scotch whisky with James Mackay of Artisan Cask (Artisanal Spirits Company). From rare drams to the art of private cask ownership, this conversation unpacks how exclusive cask experiences can elevate your entire whisky journey — and what it actually takes to own one.
James shares stories from his years in premium Scotch, including one of the rarest pours of his career: a 52-year-old grain whisky that sold at auction for $20,000. We dig into the unique profile of the Mortlach 1991 Artisan Cask No. 304590 — its natural cask strength, craftsmanship, and surprising approachability for bourbon drinkers — along with why cask re-racking and multi-stage maturation matter so much for building complexity.
The conversation also covers:
What it's actually like to own a private cask — sampling, aging decisions, and bottle delivery
The social and personal side of ownership, including exclusive events and community
Regionality and terroir in Scotch, with real examples from Islay, Speyside, and beyond
How cask type — sherry vs. bourbon — shapes flavor over time
The right glassware for tasting high-end Scotch, and why presentation matters
Scotch's growing role in cocktail culture and pairing ideas
A deep dive into Bunnahabhain 1989 and long-maturation complexity
Peated Islay whisky and how peat profiles evolve over decades of aging
What it takes to actually partner with Artisan Cask — minimum investment, entry pricing, and the full process
Whether you're a Scotch collector, a whisky-curious bourbon drinker, or just fascinated by how the ultra-premium end of the spirits world works, this episode is packed with insider knowledge you won't find anywhere else.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Whiskey Lens and guest James Mackay
00:45 Overview of Artisan Cask and bespoke cask ownership
01:30 James Mackay's background and experience in premium Scotch
03:00 Highlighting rare whiskies, including a 52-year-old grain whisky auction
04:40 The story behind the auction-winning whisky and its significance
05:15 Tasting notes and profile of the Mortlach 1991 Artisan Cask
06:57 How non-typical casks create unique flavors
08:00 Artisanal Spirits' approach to cask selection and individual character
10:40 The nose and palate of the Mortlach cask and approachability for bourbon drinkers
11:26 The ownership process: sampling, aging, and bottle logistics
12:54 Ownership intimacy: tasting samples and choosing bottling time
14:26 Personal stories about cask ownership and its lasting impressions
15:50 Tasting experience and glassware preferences
16:42 Exploring Bunnahabhain 1989 and complexity from long maturation
18:36 Cask management and secondary maturation processes
20:18 Impact of re-racking and depth of whisky development
22:42 Specifics on cask types: refill bourbon, sherry, and their influence
24:38 Pairing whiskey with desserts and cocktails
25:28 The social aspect of ownership: exclusive events and community
26:38 High-net-worth audience and the premium experience
27:09 Scotch in cocktails and regional diversity
31:03 The nuances of peated Islay whiskies and aging effects
34:01 The uniqueness of a special peated Islay cask
36:14 The evolution of peat profiles over long aging periods
38:27 Using cask-strength Scotch in premium cocktails
39:20 Choosing a "desert island" cask for endless refills
48:01 The partnership process with Artisan Cask: minimum investment and next steps
50:21 Entry point and pricing details for exclusive cask ownership
53:19 Final thoughts, thanks, and future meet-ups

Chip Tate (Foley Family Wine & Spirits) joins Bourbon Lens to break down the creative process behind some of the most talked-about whiskey projects on the market today — including Gambit No. 6 and Ampersand.
In this episode, Chip dives deep into Gambit No. 6, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished across wine, apple brandy, sherry, and Tokaji casks. He explains how the final blend is built like a Bordeaux — layered, structured, and balanced with fruit, tannin, texture, and complexity — and breaks down the role of retasted Chardonnay barrels, the impact of deep toasting on wood character, and why secondary maturation can add nuance without overwhelming the whiskey underneath.
Jake and Chip also get into:
How American whiskey drinkers are warming up to blending and finishing
Why tasting notes are personal, not prescriptive
How a whiskey can be both highly complex AND easy-drinking
The idea of "session whiskey" — subtlety, approachability, and complexity in one glass
What makes a whiskey feel like "home"
The versatility of whiskey across cocktails, highballs, and neat pours
The episode wraps with a look at Ampersand 51/49, an experimental rye and Calvados-based release, plus a preview of Gambit 2.0 — a hundred-proof expression built for a different kind of drinking experience.
Whether you're a bourbon collector, a whiskey finishing nerd, or just curious how a master distiller thinks about blending, this conversation is packed with insight straight from one of the industry's most respected voices.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Foley Family Wine and Spirits
01:03 Ampersand and Opimus Release
01:21 Diverse Projects and Collaborations
02:29 Role and Responsibility at Foley Family
04:01 Game of It Number Six: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
08:41 Secondary Maturation and Extended Age Cask Maturation
12:56 Toasting and Impact on Chardonnay Barrel
23:29 Tasting Notes and Personal Experience
25:00 The Art of Session Whiskey
26:00 Complexity and Approachability
27:18 The Essence of Home
28:00 American Influence in Whiskey
29:13 The Versatility of Whiskey
30:44 Ampersand: A Unique Blend
32:03 Exploring New Boundaries
33:54 The Appeal of Ampersand
35:11 The Highball Experience
37:06 Gambit 2.0: A Hundred Proof Experience
42:10 Blending and Ideal Audience
🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community.
📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens
🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com
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💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU