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.

Night at the DIstillery Buffalo Trace, Rickhouse with green up lighting
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Night at the Distillery Returns for 2026 With More Dates, New Stories and Expanded After-Dark Experiences

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Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Night at the Distillery Returns for 2026 With More Dates, New Stories and Expanded After-Dark Experiences Read Post »

The second annual Halloween experience runs Thursdays through Saturdays in October, with bourbon and seasonal cocktail tastings Buffalo Trace Distillery is welcoming guests back after dark for the second annual Night at the Distillery, an immersive Halloween experience that brings more than two centuries of history, folklore and mystery to life across its historic grounds.

Last Drop 43 in a barrel house
Bourbon and Whiskey News

The Last Drop Distillers Unveils Foursquare’s Oldest Rum Ever: Release No. 43, a 22 Year Old Barbados Rum

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The Last Drop Distillers Unveils Foursquare’s Oldest Rum Ever: Release No. 43, a 22 Year Old Barbados Rum Read Post »

Created by Richard Seale, it is The Last Drop’s first rum Signature Creation and limited to 566 bottles worldwide The Last Drop Distillers has unveiled Release No. 43: The Last Drop 22 Year Old Barbados Rum. It is the brand’s first rum Signature Creation and the oldest rum ever released by Foursquare Distillery. Created by

National Bourbon Week 2027 Logo
Bourbon and Whiskey News

National Bourbon Week Returns to Bardstown for Fourth Annual Celebration, June 14-20, 2027

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National Bourbon Week Returns to Bardstown for Fourth Annual Celebration, June 14-20, 2027 Read Post »

Festivities kick off on National Bourbon Day The fourth annual National Bourbon Week™ returns to Bardstown, Kentucky, the Bourbon Capital of the World®, June 14-20, 2027. The week brings bourbon lovers from across the country together for rare pours, exclusive experiences and Southern hospitality. More information is available at nationalbourbonweek.com. What to Expect Presented by

Nick Smith standing between fermenters in the rick house
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Lofted Spirits Elevates Nick Smith to Master Distiller as Bardstown Bourbon Co. Fills 1 Millionth Barrel

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Lofted Spirits Elevates Nick Smith to Master Distiller as Bardstown Bourbon Co. Fills 1 Millionth Barrel Read Post »

Lofted Spirits has promoted Nick Smith to Master Distiller, putting him in charge of production at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Green River Whiskey and Lofted Custom Spirits. Bourbon Hall-of-Famer Steve Nally becomes Master Distiller Emeritus. The announcement comes as Bardstown Bourbon Co. fills its one millionth barrel since distillation began in September 2016. Who Is Nick

Five Minute Friday Podcast Cover
Bourbon Lens Podcast, Five Minute Fridays

Proof & Precedent Debuts 11-Year-Old Illinois Straight Rye at 121.6 Proof, and Bourbon Lens Calls It a Top Rye of 2026

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Proof & Precedent Debuts 11-Year-Old Illinois Straight Rye at 121.6 Proof, and Bourbon Lens Calls It a Top Rye of 2026 Read Post »

Proof & Precedent, a new whiskey brand, has released an 11-year-old straight rye whiskey from Illinois. The bottling is a small batch blend of Illinois ryes at 121.6 proof (60.8% ABV). Bourbon Lens host Jake Lewellen reviewed it on the latest episode of Five Minute Fridays. The brand’s first release was blended with Brian Haara

Russell Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson D
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse 2026 Camp Nelson D Delivers a Rye-Like Bourbon

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Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse 2026 Camp Nelson D Delivers a Rye-Like Bourbon Read Post »

The fifth Single Rickhouse release comes from one of Camp Nelson’s highest-elevation warehouses, with a rye-like spice profile unlike any previous edition. LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. (October 6, 2026) – Russell’s Reserve has announced Single Rickhouse 2026 – Camp Nelson D, the fifth release in its Single Rickhouse Collection. The Collection explores whiskey “terroir”: how a rickhouse’s

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