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.

Bourbon and Whiskey News

Far North Spirits Wins 2026 DISCUS Innovation Award for Single Varietal Rye Research

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Far North Spirits Wins 2026 DISCUS Innovation Award for Single Varietal Rye Research Read Post »

HALLOCK, MN — Far North Spirits has been crowned the first-place winner of the 2026 DISCUS Innovation Showcase, earning the top honor and a $10,000 prize from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. The estate distillery was recognized for its ground-breaking “Rye Study,” a multi-year research initiative that proves rye grain variety—not just […]

Bourbon and Whiskey News

Maker’s Mark Announces 2026 Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release

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Maker’s Mark Announces 2026 Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release Read Post »

LORETTO, KY — Maker’s Mark has officially unveiled the 2026 installment of its acclaimed Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release. This year’s expression honors the distillery’s operations teams—the dedicated individuals who oversee the bourbon’s transition from the first fermentation to the final bottling at Star Hill Farm. The Flavor Profile Crafted using the brand’s signature

Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning Release
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Kentucky Senator Bourbon Honors Hall of Famer Jim Bunning with 7th Small Batch Release

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Kentucky Senator Bourbon Honors Hall of Famer Jim Bunning with 7th Small Batch Release Read Post »

LEXINGTON, KY — Kentucky Senator Bourbon is stepping up to the plate with its seventh small batch expression: The Jim Bunning Release. This 107-proof, vintage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey honors the legendary figure who remains the only person ever elected to both the Baseball Hall of Fame and the U.S. Senate. The Jim Bunning Release

Bottle sitting on a stool with a barrel in the background.
Bourbon Lens Podcast

373: The Organic Standard – Cathedral Ledge Distillery’s Quest for Pure Spirits

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373: The Organic Standard – Cathedral Ledge Distillery’s Quest for Pure Spirits Read Post »

Unlock the secrets behind New Hampshire’s only certified organic distillery, where rugged tradition meets the stunning backdrop of the White Mountains. In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, we take a deep dive into the journey of Cathedral Ledge Distillery. Founded in North Conway in late 2020 by Christopher and Tracy Burk, this operation is

Silver Grove From New Riff Rye and Bourbon
Bourbon and Whiskey News

New Riff Unveils 6-Year-Old Silver Grove Bourbon & Rye: A Milestone for Community Impact

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New Riff Unveils 6-Year-Old Silver Grove Bourbon & Rye: A Milestone for Community Impact Read Post »

NEWPORT, Ky. (March 6, 2026) – New Riff Distilling has announced the 2026 release of its Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Silver Grove Straight Rye Whiskey, both featuring a new 6-year age statement—the oldest in the series’ history. Beyond the liquid, the Silver Grove collection serves as a powerful philanthropic engine. Since its inception

Kentucky Bourbon Festival Logo
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Cheers to 35 Years: Kentucky Bourbon Festival Unveils 2026 Sponsors and Featured Distillery

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Cheers to 35 Years: Kentucky Bourbon Festival Unveils 2026 Sponsors and Featured Distillery Read Post »

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (March 5, 2026) – The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF) is gearing up for a historic milestone as it prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary this September. As the premier destination for whiskey enthusiasts worldwide, the festival has announced its renewed partnership lineup and named New Riff Distilling as the 2026 Featured Distillery. Held

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