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The Bourbon Road

The Bourbon Road

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 The Bourbon Road is two friends sharing pours and good stories with interesting guests. Each week we sip on bourbon while talking with celebrities, musicians, chefs, authors, industry experts and everyone in between. If bourbon makes it better... or even the other way around, then we want to talk about it.© Copyright 2019 | The Bourbon Road LLC | All Rights Reserved Arte Ciencias Sociales Comida y Vino
Episodios
  • 445. Crazy Eights: Exploring the Wild Turkey 8-Year Legacy

    445. Crazy Eights: Exploring the Wild Turkey 8-Year Legacy
    May 21 2025
    Hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter, feature special guest David Sandlin, bourbon historian and owner of House of Commons in Frankfort, Kentucky . This episode, affectionately dubbed "Crazy Eights," embarks on a fascinating tasting journey through five different versions of Wild Turkey 8-year bourbon . The hosts and David analyze various expressions, starting with the recently released 2025 Wild Turkey 8-year 101 . They delve into its nose, noting hints of peanut shell, lemon, and a spicier, more prominent rye note than typically found in Wild Turkey, along with subtle clove and dark chocolate . The 2025 release is also described as more nutty and spicy compared to the 70th anniversary edition . Next up is the 70th Anniversary release, honored for Jimmy Russell's 70th anniversary . This expression showcases more classic citrus and honey notes, with a softer, more viscous palate and hints of overripe cherries . The discussion touches on the different Wild Turkey rickhouse campuses—Tyrone, McBrayer, and Camp Nelson—and their influence on the bourbon's profile . The journey continues with the 2018 Wild Turkey 8-year 101, which presents a more subdued, classic Wild Turkey profile, with notes of citrus, dark fruits, and honey . Following this, the 2014 Wild Turkey 8-year 101 reveals a distinct "turkey funk," with rich toffee, caramel, and a unique savory, almost meaty flavor, suggesting a lower barrel entry proof . Finally, the 2002 Wild Turkey 8-year 101 is introduced as a "big hitter" . This expression is lauded for its rich, balanced oak and spice, creamy caramel, and evolving flavors of vanilla, offering a concentrated and complex experience . The hosts discuss the history of the 8-year expression, noting its absence from the American market since 1992 until recently, being primarily an export product . The podcast concludes with the hosts and David ranking their top three pours, with the 2002 taking the top spot, followed by the 2014 and the 70th Anniversary edition . David Sandlin, owner of House of Commons, is celebrated for his extensive knowledge of bourbon history, flavors, and his role as a mixologist . House of Commons, located in Frankfort, is highlighted as the only vintage distilled spirits bar in the area, offering a vast selection of Kentucky spirits and a unique bourbon experience, with Airbnbs available above the bar for travelers . Bourbon on the Banks 2025 Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!
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    1 h y 11 m
  • 444. Colorado Craft: Unpacking the Terroir and Tradition at Laws Whiskey House

    444. Colorado Craft: Unpacking the Terroir and Tradition at Laws Whiskey House
    May 14 2025

    This episode of the Bourbon Road podcast features Jim Shannon (traveling in Denver, Colorado) interviewing Al Laws of Laws Whiskey House. Laws shares the history and philosophy behind his Denver-based distillery, emphasizing their grain-to-glass approach using heirloom Colorado grains like Centennial white wheat and San Luis Valley rye. He discusses the mash bill of their flagship Four Grain Bourbon (60% corn, 20% wheat, 10% rye, 10% malt) and the specific flavor contributions of each grain, including the unique "penny metallic bite" from the rye and nutty finish from the scarlet barley. Laws explains how they adjusted their cooking technique to achieve balance in the Four Grain Bourbon and credits his mentor, Bill Friel, a veteran distiller from Bardstown, Kentucky.

    Laws recounts his personal journey from oil and gas finance in Canada to pursuing his obsession with American whiskey, driven by a desire for hands-on artistry and authenticity. He highlights the historical significance of the Bottle in Bond Act as the first U.S. consumer protection law and Laws Whiskey House's pioneering role as the first Bottled-in-Bond whiskey in Colorado.

    The conversation also delves into their 100% Rye Whiskey, exploring the earthy notes derived from the soil where the grain is grown at high altitude in the San Luis Valley. They taste a Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon, discussing the process of layering in different aged bourbons into French oak casks and a large 1600-gallon foeder for integration, resulting in a richer, more integrated flavor over years. This Solera-style finished bourbon is a special, limited annual release. They also try a high-proof, high-wheat blend called "Super Wheater," noting its intense flavor and how water or ice can open it up.

    Laws describes the unique distillery visit experience, featuring a "Whiskey Church" for educational tastings and a "Whiskey Sanctuary" tasting room with panoramic mountain views. He emphasizes the importance of their team, calling the distillery a "village". They discuss distribution, noting availability in about 15-16 states, with Illinois being a strong market, and the best way to purchase is often directly online or at the distillery.

    Bourbon on the Banks 2025

    Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars

    The Hill House Bed and Breakfast

    Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!
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    1 h y 12 m
  • 443. The Great Divide: Bourbon, Barrel Picks, and Beyond

    443. The Great Divide: Bourbon, Barrel Picks, and Beyond
    May 7 2025
    Hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter, connecting remotely from Colorado and Kentucky respectively, discuss recent happenings in the bourbon world and taste a couple of whiskies. Jim is in Colorado Springs for a Derby party, having flown out of Louisville on Derby Day. He mentions winning an exacta on the Derby race. He is sipping on Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select 90.4 proof, the annual Derby bottle, describing it as a traditional Woodford. He notes that at the Derby party, they were making mint juleps with Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, and while not his favorite drink, he partook. He even helped make the simple syrup. Todd is drinking Penelope Architect, the third in their series. It's a straight bourbon whiskey sourced from MGP, finished in French oak staves, bottled at 104 proof, and retails around $65. Todd finds it nice, noting the MGP cherry character and a "funky oak" from the French staves. They discuss Lost Lantern's new monthly subscription service, which recently launched after they had previously speculated about something similar. The service costs $90 a month plus shipping for a different bottle each month, special sign-up bottles, behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive events, virtual tastings, and early access to new releases. News from Buffalo Trace includes an announcement that they are adding an EH Taylor bottled-in-bond to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). They speculate it will be a well-aged version and note that some EH Taylor bottles already fetch prices similar to BTAC on the secondary market. They express hope that these will be findable, perhaps requiring waiting in line as in past years. Other news includes the release of the new Wild Turkey 8-year 101, which is starting to hit shelves at an MSRP of $49. They note that 8 years is the minimum age, and it could contain older stock. They are looking forward to reviewing it and comparing it to the 70th-anniversary release. Whiskey Thief has released their 2025 Mayday Rye, a 7-year-old, 146 proof (hazmat) rye. It's available at their distillery in Frankfort and their new tasting room in Louisville, and they are now shipping to some states. The hosts praise Whiskey Thief's ryes. Jim mentions an upcoming interview and tour at Law's Whiskey House in Denver during his Colorado trip. He notes Law's has established itself as a pioneer in Colorado whiskey, particularly with their bottled-in-bond and American single malts. Jim's second pour is the 291 Colorado Rye Whiskey finished in Aspen wood staves and maple syrup barrels, the "M" release, at 122 proof. He finds it has a great maple sweetness and notes that 291 whiskies are generally easy to identify due to their unique profile. He mentions his son recently volunteered bottling and labeling at 291, noting things are going well for the distillery. Todd's second pour is Pikesville Straight Rye from Heaven Hill, 110 proof and 6 years old, retailing around $50. He considers it a classic and a great value rye. He recalls being introduced to it during an interview with Bernie Lubbers at the Evan Williams Experience. They briefly discuss the Heaven Hill rye mashbill used for Rittenhouse and Elijah Craig Ryes, noting different proofs and ages. They talk about recent trends, including the rise of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, which are exploding in popularity, especially with younger consumers. They mention that the largest distillery in the US is now producing White Claw. While neither host is personally a big fan of seltzers or most RTDs, they acknowledge the market demand and hope bourbon is well-represented in this category. They also discuss the growing trend of THC-infused beverages, noting that hemp-derived THC under 0.3% by weight is federally legal. They express confusion about the health claims and draw parallels to the initial marketing of vaping as a safe alternative to cigarettes. They mention a recent barrel pick they did at James E. Pepper Distillery in Lexington for Bourbon on the Banks. They tasted three barrels and selected a bourbon, choosing one they felt would appeal more broadly, although they personally favored another with a great nose (vanilla icing, cake batter). They highlight the historical tour at James E. Pepper, discussing the distillery's long history and the role of James E. Pepper's wife. They note they also tried an excellent rye there aged 7-8 years. They discuss the recent move of RD1 Spirits to a new location and Macaulay Minton's Dark Arts moving into the old RD1 space, noting Macaulay's unique tastes and the interesting decor. They mention Sarah Algrim joining Macaulay. Beau Cumberland's Frankfurt Bourbon documentary is highlighted, with an upcoming screening on Friday, June 13th at The Foundry in Frankfurt, kicking off Bourbon Week. The screening is donation-based, with proceeds going to Frankfurt flood victims. Todd is the narrator for the documentary and receives praise from Jim for his narration skills. They hope to make the documentary ...
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    49 m
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