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.

Three individuals in a barrel room raise glasses of whiskey in a toast.
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Kentucky Wildcats Bourbon Deal: UK Athletics Partners With Heaven Hill, Naming Elijah Craig and Evan Williams Official Bourbon Partners

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Kentucky Wildcats Bourbon Deal: UK Athletics Partners With Heaven Hill, Naming Elijah Craig and Evan Williams Official Bourbon Partners Read Post »

New multiyear agreement rebrands premium hospitality spaces at Kroger Field and Rupp Arena, and brings a UK-exclusive co-branded bottle hand-selected by Athletics Director J Batt. LEXINGTON, KY — September 3, 2026 — UK Athletics has struck a multiyear partnership with Heaven Hill Brands, naming Elijah Craig the Official Small Batch Bourbon Partner of the Kentucky

New Release Found Footage
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Pursuit Spirits and Shortbarrel Team Up for “Found Footage,” a Maple-Finished Rye Collaboration Debuting at Kentucky Bourbon Festival

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Pursuit Spirits and Shortbarrel Team Up for “Found Footage,” a Maple-Finished Rye Collaboration Debuting at Kentucky Bourbon Festival Read Post »

The Louisville and Atlanta blenders are combining their signature expressions into a barrel proof one-off, launching Friday at the Pursuit Spirits festival booth. LOUISVILLE, KY — September 8, 2026 — Pursuit Spirits, the Louisville whiskey blending house founded by the team behind the Bourbon Pursuit podcast, is releasing a new collaboration whiskey with Atlanta’s Shortbarrel

A group of people enjoying Sarti
Bourbon and Whiskey News

Campari Group Brings Sarti Spritz to the U.S., Adding a Fruit-Forward Aperitivo to Its Lineup

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Campari Group Brings Sarti Spritz to the U.S., Adding a Fruit-Forward Aperitivo to Its Lineup Read Post »

Milan-based Campari Group has planted its newest aperitivo flag in New York and San Diego this week, with Sarti joining Campari, Aperol, and Crodino in the company’s spritz portfolio — and marking the biggest launch investment in the company’s history. September 8, 2026 — Campari Group, the Italian spirits giant behind Wild Turkey, Appleton Estate,

Jake, Scott, Bryon, and Brian on a podcast cover announcing new riff podcast
Bourbon and Whiskey News, Bourbon Lens Podcast

399: Inside New Riff Distillery’s American Single Malt Whiskey: Blending, Barrel Care & Flavor Innovation

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399: Inside New Riff Distillery’s American Single Malt Whiskey: Blending, Barrel Care & Flavor Innovation Read Post »

NEWPORT, KY — In a landmark conversation on the latest episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, the team at New Riff Distillery opened up about the deep-dive craftsmanship behind their American Single Malt whiskey program, highlighting their oldest release to date alongside the complex blending strategies shaping the emerging category. The discussion explores New Riff’s

Brian and Landry talking on Thursday Thoughts
Bourbon and Whiskey News, Thursday Thoughts

Bourbon Lens’ “Thursday Thoughts” Welcomes Chef Brian Landry to Talk Food, Music and the Story Behind The Kitchen Table

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Bourbon Lens’ “Thursday Thoughts” Welcomes Chef Brian Landry to Talk Food, Music and the Story Behind The Kitchen Table Read Post »

New episode explores Landry’s culinary journey, the Beam family ties behind his restaurant concepts, and his upcoming book on the connection between food and music September 2, 2026 — Bourbon Lens’ “Thursday Thoughts” podcast has released a new episode featuring chef and restaurateur Brian Landry, whose multi-concept hospitality ventures and community-driven approach have made him

J Reiger 10 Year Bourbon
Bourbon and Whiskey News

J. Rieger & Co. to Release First-Ever 10-Year Straight Bourbon for National Bourbon Heritage Month

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J. Rieger & Co. to Release First-Ever 10-Year Straight Bourbon for National Bourbon Heritage Month Read Post »

Rieger reintroduces the “Private Stock” label for an extremely limited, distillery-exclusive release on Saturday, September 19 KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Aug. 31, 2026 — As National Bourbon Heritage Month shines a spotlight on America’s native spirit this September, J. Rieger & Co., the award-winning Kansas City distillery that revived one of America’s great pre-Prohibition whiskey

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