Bourbon Lens is the podcast for every whiskey drinker. During this project, we look to explore the whiskey and bourbon industry, learn more about our favorite spirit, and interview industry insiders, makers, entrepreneurs, and business people. We welcome you on this journey with us. Bourbon Lens was founded by Jake and Scott from Louisville, Kentucky. We have grown our appreciation for Kentucky’s native spirit and look to learn all that we can about every type of whiskey. We welcome you to p ...
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Tracey is a sentient prog metal algorithm composed of chicken blood and spreadsheets (@KloakaMetal), Ben is an oldhead with a penchant for nihilism, sludge, and bourbon (@BenDangerously), Dr. David Pizzo (@pizzohistorian) is a world-traveling scholar who bleeds thrash, and Dr. Gabriel Cooper (@lividlunch) when not reveling in a metalcore breakdown brings a plethora of death from the cavernous depths of his murder basement. Together they are just four metalheads giving their thoughts on bands ...
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340: Wild Turkey 101: Revisiting a Classic & Tasting the New 8 Year Release
32:18
32:18
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32:18In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott take a deep dive into one of the most iconic bottles in American whiskey: Wild Turkey 101. From its long-standing role as a go-to everyday bourbon to the newly released Wild Turkey 101 8 Year, we explore what makes this brand a staple in bourbon culture. We compare the standard Wild Turkey 101 to the …
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Blood Monolith, "The Calling of Fire," (5/16/2025), Review
18:31
18:31
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18:31Metalheads!! Gabe answers the fire's call with his May pick.
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342: Sizzling New Whiskey Releases of Summer 2025
23:04
23:04
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23:04This week on Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott dive into the wave of exciting whiskey releases that have dropped during the summer of 2025. From heritage distilleries to rising craft brands, the whiskey and bourbon world has been anything but quiet. We kick things off with Starlight Distillery’s milestone 10-Year Bourbon, their oldest bourbon release to…
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Rivers of Nihil, "Rivers of Nihil," (5/30/2025), Review
18:57
18:57
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18:57Metalheads!! Tracey is in full effect with his pick for May.
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Behemoth, "The Shit Ov God," (5/9/2025), Review
16:04
16:04
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16:04Metalheads!! David brings big Polish energy to his May pick.
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341: Introducing Bourbon Community Pick #1 from High Bank Distillery
28:23
28:23
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28:23Bourbon Community Pick #1: Whiskey War Barrel Select with High Bank Distillery Goes On Sale Monday, August 4th. In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott unveil Bourbon Community Pick #1, a special collaboration featuring Whiskey War Barrel Select from High Bank Distillery. This unique bottling marks the launch of an exciting new …
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The Haunted, "Songs of Last Resort," (5/30/2025), Review
14:29
14:29
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14:29Metalheads!! Ben's pick for an album released in May is the latest by The Haunted.
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Metalheads, tonight we gathered to discuss the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne, reflecting on his profound impact on heavy metal music and our connections to his work. We explored Ozzy's legacy, including his influence on other artists, his role in shaping the music landscape, and his unique combination of being both intimidating and self-deprecati…
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Allagaeon, "The Ossuary Lens," (4/4/2025), Review
18:13
18:13
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18:13Metalheads!! David once again pretends not to like tech death for his April pick.
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Metalheads!! Gabe dons his leather jacket, lights a filterless cigarette, and rides out on his motorcycle to bring us this Italian album.
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339: Heaven Hill’s Old Fitzgerald 7 Year and 9 Year Bottled-in-Bond
26:18
26:18
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26:18In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down to explore two highly anticipated Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond releases from Heaven Hill Distillery. The featured bourbons include: Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Old Bottled-in-Bond Old Fitzgerald Spring 2025 9 Year Bottled-in-Bond We taste and discuss both expressions, breaking down tasting notes,…
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Conan, "Violence Dimension," (4/25/2025), Review
17:50
17:50
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17:50Metalheads!! Ben welcomes us to a Violence Dimension in his pick for an album released in April.
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Buried Realm, "The Dormant Darkness," (4/4/2025), Review
21:39
21:39
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21:39Metalheads!! Tracey's pick for an album released in April is a Colorado melodic tech death release.
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338: Bottled in Memphis: Old Dominick’s Legacy and Innovation
42:24
42:24
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42:24In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Chris Canale, Founder of Old Dominick Distillery, and David Valentine, the Memphis Distillery's Head Distiller and Lead Blender. The conversation dives into the revival of a family legacy, Old Dominick’s approach to crafting Tennessee whiskey and bourbon, and the innovation behind their …
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Metalheads!! It's time for a totally tubular romp through the '80s metal scene.
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Metalheads!! Tracey wanted us to finish off the offerings for Oceans of Slumber that we hadn't reviewed. So here it is.
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Grab Bag 046: Not Your Pappy's Metal
1:07:11
1:07:11
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1:07:11Metalheads!! Another long play for your long weekend. This time, we are talking about proto-metal albums from before each of us was born.
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Discography Blast 061: King Gizzard the Lizard Wizard
1:33:10
1:33:10
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1:33:10Metalheads!! Things get weird, and we have a guest pick the band and the albums for this episode.
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Discography Blast 060: Pissing Razors
1:05:57
1:05:57
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1:05:57Metalheads!! Old head Ben is back at it (sadly, the it isn't editing or uploading on time) and has chosen more 1990s metal to inflict on the pod.
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Destruction, "Birth of Malice," (3/7/2025), Review
18:10
18:10
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18:10Metalheads!! Gabe's pick for an album released in March is the latest by Teutonic thrash legends Destruction!
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Metalheads!! It is a long weekend and Ben finally got off his ass to upload stuff. As you celebrate (or mourn, given what is going on), July 4th, here is another heaping helping of our nonsense. Tracey's concept for this bag is to pick something that the person after you will give an A.
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Metalheads!! Ben has been slacking, and after a long hiatus, we return with a backlog of album reviews for your approval. First up is Gabe's pick for a discography blast, the Japanese experimentalists, Boris.
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337: Mixing It Up with Charles Joly: Summer Cocktails, Bartending Tips, & Crafthouse Cocktails
42:41
42:41
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42:41In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott are joined by world-renowned bartender and cocktail pioneer Charles Joly. A James Beard Award-winning mixologist and co-founder of Crafthouse Cocktails, Charles brings decades of experience to the table, from co-creating The Aviary in Chicago to elevating the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail game. We div…
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336: Sagamore Spirit Maryland Rye and a Bold New Era
43:28
43:28
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43:28Sagamore Spirit Ushers in a New Era with Maryland-Made Rye Whiskey. In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Clint Spotleson, Global Advocacy & Engagement Manager at Sagamore Spirit, to talk all things Maryland Rye. The conversation marks an exciting new phase for the Baltimore-based distillery as it moves forward with its firs…
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335: Four Branches Honors Service with Heritage-Inspired Bourbons
21:33
21:33
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21:33In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with Rick Franco, Co-Founder of Four Branches Bourbon, and their newly appointed Strategic Advisor, Master Distiller Gregg Snyder. The conversation explores the brand’s ties to military service, its approach to bourbon, and its expanding product lineup. We dive into Four Branches’ signature Founder's …
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334: Inside Maker’s Mark: Legacy, Innovation, and the Creation of Star Hill Farm Whisky
45:31
45:31
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45:31In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott take the podcast on the road to Loretto, Kentucky, home of the iconic Maker’s Mark Distillery. Recorded on-site, we sit down with Dr. Blake Layfield, Master Distiller, and Beth Buckner, Lead Blender, to dive deep into the storied past and exciting future of the Maker’s Mark brand. Together, we explore…
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333: Inside Independent Bottling: Jason Johnstone-Yellin of Single Cask Nation
45:06
45:06
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45:06In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down with Jason Johnstone-Yellin, co-founder of Single Cask Nation, to explore the world of independent bottling. Jason shares the story behind the brand, the art of selecting unique casks, and how Single Cask Nation builds transparency and trust with its community of whisky lovers. From Scotch…
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332: Celebrating 10 Years of Frey Ranch with the Harvester Series
16:16
16:16
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16:16In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott raise a glass to Frey Ranch Distillery as they unveil the 10th Anniversary Harvester Series. The duo dives into the history of Frey Ranch, explores the innovation behind this milestone release, and shares stories from years of collaboration and friendship with the Frey Ranch team. L…
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Jake travels down 1-64 to Lexington to see the new RD1 Distillery Brand Home. While there, he sits down with co-founder and National Brand Ambassador Barry Brinegar. Sit back and buckle into the latest episode of the bourbon lens. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. We are thankful fo…
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330: Unpacking Joseph Magnus with Master Blender Nancy Fraley and CEO Ali Anderson
53:14
53:14
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53:14In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with one of the original ultra premium bourbons: Joseph A Magnus. We are joined by CEO of Craft Co Ali Anderson and world renowned blender Nancy Fraley. You won’t want to miss this episode as we unpack the history of Joseph Magnus, Murray Hill Club and the original Cigar Blend. Stream this …
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329: Exploring 3 Unique New Tequila Cask-Finished Whiskeys
30:08
30:08
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30:08In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott dive into the growing trend of tequila cask-finished American Whiskeys. The conversation highlights three standout new bottles: Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol. 5 Tequila Cask Finish, Blood Oath Pact 11, and Woodinville Tequila Finished Bourbon. It's the perfect podcast to celebrate Cin…
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Whitechapel, "Hymns in Dissonance," (3/7/2025), Review
19:06
19:06
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19:06Metalheads!! Tracey's prayers for a March album have been answered.
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328: Blood Oath Pact 11 and Lux Row's Journey with John Rempe
23:05
23:05
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23:05In our latest episode of the Bourbon Lens, Jake travels to Bardstown to sit down with John Rempe, Master Distiller of Lux Row. During the interview the distillery was electric as their Front Row members were awaiting some of the first sips of the new Blood Oath Pact 11 release. Our conversation centered around the new bourbon finished in anejo Tequ…
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Alien Weaponry, "Te Rā," (3/28/2025), Review
19:25
19:25
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19:25Metalheads!! David hits us with some Alien Weaponry for his March pick.
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327: A Conversation with Tripp Stimson of Barrell Craft Spirits
34:09
34:09
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34:09In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down one-on-one with Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist at Barrell Craft Spirits. This in-depth conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most innovative non-distilling producers (NDPs) in American whiskey. The Art of Blending at Barrell Craft Spirits Tripp unpacks…
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High on Fire, "Cometh the Storm," (4/19/2024), Review
17:49
17:49
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17:49Metalheads!! It's 4/20 and we hit you with that sweet, sweet High on Fire.
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The Body & Intensive Care, "Was I Good Enough?" (3/14/2025), Review
20:59
20:59
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20:59Metalheads!! Ben inflicts the new release by The Body and Intensive Care on his fellows.
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MetalHeads!!! David tasked us with bringing albums by lesser known artists. Here is what we came up with.
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326: Crafting a Unique Whiskey Blend at J. Mattingly 1845
32:47
32:47
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32:47In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott take you inside their exclusive VIP private blending experience at J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. From hands-on barrel sampling to creating custom bourbon blends, this immersive experience is a must for any whiskey enthusiast. A special thanks goes out to Amy P…
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Metalheads!! Gabe unleashes some Jinjer on our ears for his February release.
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Hirax, "Faster Than Death," (2/21/2025), Review
14:20
14:20
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14:20Metalheads!! Tracey speeds things up with his February pick!
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325: Building The MACKLOWE Whiskey Brand with Julie Macklowe
31:45
31:45
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31:45In this latest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down with Julie Macklowe, the founder of The MACKLOWE, known as the first luxury American Single Malt Whiskey. During the episode, they taste both the American Single Malt and Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey releases from The MACKLOWE, discussing the unique qualities that set these spirits…
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Killswitch Engage, "This Consequence," (2/21/2025), Review
13:00
13:00
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13:00Metalheads!! David engages the Killswitch for February.
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-(16)-, "Guides for the Misguided," (2/7/2025), Review
14:10
14:10
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14:10Metalheads!! Ben, misguided as ever, selects some Sludge for his February pick.
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Pentagram, "Lightening in a Bottle," (1/31/2025)
14:31
14:31
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14:31Metalheads!! Gabe casts his spell and summons Pentagram as his pick for an album released in January.
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The Halo Effect, "March of the Unheard," (1/10/2025), Review
12:55
12:55
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12:55Metalheads!! Tracey gives us the Halo Effect for his pick for January.
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324: Augusta Distillery and Its Future with Master Distiller Alex Castle
40:18
40:18
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40:18In this episode of Bourbon Lens, hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Augusta Distillery’s master distiller, Alex Castle. Alex shares the story of her journey to Augusta after her time at Old Dominick Distillery in Tennessee, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her transition and the innovative direction she's taking Augusta Distillery. During the c…
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Rats of Gomorrah, "Infectious Vermin," (1/31/2025)
16:06
16:06
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16:06Metalheads!! David returns to Germany and brings back the debut from Rats of Gomorrah for us to listen to.
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Confess, "Destination Addiction," (1/31/2025), Review
12:54
12:54
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12:54Metalheads!! Ben is absent, but the crew still struggles with his choice of an album for January.
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Metalheads!! Ben invites you to a dinner party. See what is on the menu.
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