Author name: Bourbon Lens Team

Jake Lewellen is the co-host and co-founder of Bourbon Lens, one of America's leading bourbon and whiskey podcasts. Born and raised in Kentucky, Jake has spent over seven years exploring the world of American whiskey — from the legendary distilleries of Bardstown and Frankfort to the craft producers nobody's heard of yet. With more than 380 episodes under his belt, Jake brings an encyclopedic knowledge of bourbon history, distillery craft, and the people shaping America's native spirit. When he's not recording, he's hunting allocated bottles, attending industry events, and convincing Scott to try one more dram. Jake is a finalist for the Bardstown Bourbon Company Worlds Top Whiskey Taster which pitted bourbon lovers from around the world in a unique sensory tasting experience.

New Era Marquee Whiskey Line up on a table
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Kentucky Bourbon Tastemakers Blend the First Batch of New Era’s Marquee Bourbon, Priced Under $50

Kentucky Bourbon Tastemakers Blend the First Batch of New Era’s Marquee Bourbon, Priced Under $50 Read Post »

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 15, 2026) – New Era Distillery in Lexington has released Marquee Bourbon, a small-batch bourbon that the distillery didn’t blend itself, sort of. It asked nine Kentucky bourbon professionals to taste barrels and choose the first batch. The result combines eleven Kentucky bourbon barrels aged 5 to 9 years from seven mash

Heaven Hill Bottled In Bond on barrels
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Heaven Hill Named Most Awarded U.S. Distillery at San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Third Straight Year

Heaven Hill Named Most Awarded U.S. Distillery at San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Third Straight Year Read Post »

For the third year in a row, Heaven Hill Brands has been named Most Awarded U.S. Distillery at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). It earned about 88 medals, including 2 Platinum and 20 Double Gold. Nine Heaven Hill products reached the “Best of Class” finals. Mezcal Vago Espadín Joel Barriga and Mezcal

Pursuit Spirits XS Double Oak Rye
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Pursuit Spirits Launches Pursuit United XS Double Oak, Starting With a 720-Bottle Barrel Proof Rye

Pursuit Spirits Launches Pursuit United XS Double Oak, Starting With a 720-Bottle Barrel Proof Rye Read Post »

Pursuit Spirits, the independent whiskey blender started by the creators of the Bourbon Pursuit podcast, has launched Pursuit United XS Double Oak (XSDO). “XS” stands for “Extra Special.” The new series gives barrel proof Pursuit United Bourbon and Rye an extended second maturation in custom barrels from craft cooperages. The first release, Pursuit United XS

Knob Creek 21 Batch 2
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Knob Creek 21 Year Old Returns for a Limited Time as Beam’s Oldest Bourbon Ever

Knob Creek 21 Year Old Returns for a Limited Time as Beam’s Oldest Bourbon Ever Read Post »

For a limited time, Knob Creek is bringing back Knob Creek 21 Year Old, the oldest expression in James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s history. It was first released in 2025. The bourbon aged for more than 20 years and is bottled at 100 proof. Beam’s master distillers picked each barrel for its balance and depth.

Bookers 2026-batch 3 with the wooden box
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Booker’s Bourbon Releases 2026-03 “The Southern Thunder Batch” at 127.3 Proof

Booker’s Bourbon Releases 2026-03 “The Southern Thunder Batch” at 127.3 Proof Read Post »

Booker’s Bourbon has released its third batch of 2026, The Southern Thunder Batch. The name comes from the phrase many people used for Booker Noe’s deep, booming voice, which carried across the distillery. Fred Noe loved hearing that voice say “DONE GOOD.” Booker didn’t hand out compliments often, so when he said those words, you

15 Stars First West Cigar Blend with fire in the background
Bourbon and Whiskey News

15 STARS Debuts First West Cigar Blend, an 11- and 15-Year Bourbon With Cognac, PX Sherry and Tawny Port Finishes

15 STARS Debuts First West Cigar Blend, an 11- and 15-Year Bourbon With Cognac, PX Sherry and Tawny Port Finishes Read Post »

15 STARS has added First West Cigar Blend to its First West collection. The limited release was made for both cigar and bourbon fans. It blends 11- and 15-year-old straight bourbons finished in cognac, Pedro Ximénez sherry and tawny port casks, then brings the whiskey to 106 proof with 15 STARS’ Flavor Proofing™ process. “Some

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