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.

Damon and Andrea toasting Kentucky Senator Bourbon
Bourbon and Whiskey News, Bourbon Lens Podcast

380: Politics, Pours, and Portfolios: Inside Kentucky Senator Bourbon with Damon Thayer

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380: Politics, Pours, and Portfolios: Inside Kentucky Senator Bourbon with Damon Thayer Read Post »

LEXINGTON, KY – Bourbon is more than a spirit in the Bluegrass State; it is a political and cultural currency. Kentucky Senator Bourbon, the award-winning brand co-founded by 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Damon Thayer and Andre Regard, is proving that heritage doesn’t just belong in textbooks—it belongs in a glass. What began […]

Bourbon and Whiskey News, Bourbon Lens Podcast

379: Marketing Maverick Steven Grasse Reveals the “Creative Grenades” Shaping the Future of Spirits

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379: Marketing Maverick Steven Grasse Reveals the “Creative Grenades” Shaping the Future of Spirits Read Post »

As the spirits industry navigates a volatile landscape of overproduction and shifting consumer habits, branding visionary Steven Grasse—the mind behind Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum—is sharing a unconventional roadmap for resilience. Grasse, founder of Tamworth Distilling and Quaker City Mercantile, argues that the path to longevity isn’t found in rapid national expansion, but in

Bourbon and Whiskey News

Maker’s Mark Doubles Down on Regenerative Flavor with Star Hill Farm 2026 Release

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Maker’s Mark Doubles Down on Regenerative Flavor with Star Hill Farm 2026 Release Read Post »

Following its award-winning debut, Maker’s Mark has officially announced the second annual release of Star Hill Farm Whisky. As the brand’s first new mash bill in 70 years, the 2026 expression expands its global footprint to Japan and Global Travel Retail while deepening its commitment to regenerative agriculture. Named the World’s Best Wheat Whisky 2026,

Bourbon and Whiskey News

Buffalo Trace Distillery Debuts John G. Carlisle Cafe: A New Era of Hospitality in Frankfort

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Buffalo Trace Distillery Debuts John G. Carlisle Cafe: A New Era of Hospitality in Frankfort Read Post »

FRANKFORT, KY (April 21, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery has officially announced the grand opening of its first permanent dining destination, the John G. Carlisle Cafe. Housed within the historic Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse, the 4,900-square-foot cafe marks a triumphant return to hospitality following the historic floodwaters that impacted the distillery just one year ago.

Bourbon and Whiskey News

On The Rocks™ Expands Margarita Lineup with New Passion Fruit and Sparkling Watermelon Expressions

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On The Rocks™ Expands Margarita Lineup with New Passion Fruit and Sparkling Watermelon Expressions Read Post »

NEW YORK (April 21, 2026) – On The Rocks™ Bartender Created Cocktails is officially kicking off margarita season by adding two vibrant new expressions to its award-winning portfolio: a limited-edition Passion Fruit Margarita and a permanent Sparkling Watermelon Margarita. Both expressions are crafted with Hornitos® Tequila, ensuring a bar-quality experience in a convenient, ready-to-serve format.

Bourbon and Whiskey News

Jack Daniel’s Unveils Ultra-high Proof Small Batch Rye From “Hidden Gem” Barrelhouses

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Jack Daniel’s Unveils Ultra-high Proof Small Batch Rye From “Hidden Gem” Barrelhouses Read Post »

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (April 21, 2026) – The Jack Daniel Distillery has announced the highly anticipated launch of Jack Daniel’s Special Release Small Batch Rye. This ultra-limited offering features five distinct batches of Tennessee Rye Whiskey sourced from three iconic Lynchburg locations: Coy Hill, Boiler Hill, and Fire Brigade Fields. Bottled at barrel proof with intensities

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