Bourbon Showdown Podcast
Episodes
Heaven Hill: Adam Edwards
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, Jesse sits down with the one and only Adam Edwards of Heaven Hill for a pour-packed conversation recorded i...
Wilderness Trail: Dr. Patrick Heist
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Bourbon Showdown Podcast, we welcome the one and only Dr. Patrick Heist of Wilderness Trail!This episode is a full-on master class fo...
Southern Distilling Company: Pete Barger
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Bourbon Showdown Podcast, we welcome back Pete Barger and Southern Distilling Company to talk all things American Single Malt and Nor...
Wild Turkey, Master's Keep: Bruce Russell
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Bruce Russell and Wild Turkey back to the show to talk all things Master’s Keep! It’s been a minute since I sat down with Bru...
Penelope Bourbon: Danny Polise
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Penelope Bourbon and long time friend of the show Co-founder and master blender, Danny Polise back to the Bourbon Showdown! We go...
15 Stars: Rick & Ricky Johnson
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome 15 Stars Founders Rick and Ricky Johnson to The Bourbon Showdown to talk about the newest addition to the brand, First West Bourb...
Bardstown Bourbon Company: Dan Callaway
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Dan Callaway from Bardstown Bourbon Company to The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, him and I crack open their new Discovery Series 13 a...
WhistlePig: Boss Hog XII
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we welcome Chief Blender, Meghan Ireland and Research & Development Distiller Mitch Mahar from WhistlePig to the Bourbon Showdown to ta...
Woodford Reserve: Elizabeth McCall
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we welcome Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall back to the show! We sit down for a big pour of Woodford’s new Batch Proof ...
Joseph A. Magnus: Nancy Fraley & Will Fabry
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Joseph A. Magnus back to the show which means the return of Master Blender Nancy Fraley! This episode she brings with her Head Di...
Maker's Mark: Dr. Blake Layfield
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Maker’s Mark, Master Distiller, Dr. Blake Layfield to the Bourbon Showdown, as we kick off season 11 with a big pour of Maker’...
Four Roses: Brent Elliott
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Four Roses Master Distiller, Brent Elliott back to the show to celebrate his 10th year as Master Distiller and 20th year at Four ...
Bushmills / Stranahan's: Blender's Masterclass
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, we’re joined by Bushmills Master Blender Alex Thomas and Stranahan’s Head Blender Justin Aden. Together...
Minden Mill: Joseph O’Sullivan
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Joseph O’Sullivan, Master Distiller at Minden Mill in Nevada and him and I sit down and talk about his Estate process for makin...
Starlight Distillery: Christian Huber
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Christian Huber from Starlight Distillery to the Bourbon Showdown! The Master Distiller and a 7th Generation Distiller for Star...
Calumet Farm Bourbon: Jeff Feist
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this weeks episode of The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, we welcome Jeff Feist and Calumet Farm Bourbon! That’s right, the delicious Centennial releas...
West Fork Whiskey Company: Old Hamer
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are talking to Blake Jones, Julian Jones, and David McIntyre the founders of West Fork Whiskey Company. We do a deep dive on what it mean...
Bourbon Capital Alliance: Sam Lacy
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are taking you to Bardstown Kentucky and The Bourbon Capital Alliance! We sit down with Sam Lacy, the Executive Director of the Bourbon C...
Four Branches Bourbon
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome the Founders of Four Branches Bourbon to the Bourbon Showdown! We sit down with co-founders RJ Casey and Harold Underdown as well...
1792: Ross Cornelissen
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Master Distiller, Ross Cornelissen from 1792 back to The Bourbon Showdown! We do a deep dive on all things 1792 as he walks me th...
Old Forester: Melissa Rift
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Master Taster, Melissa Rift from Old Forester back to The Bourbon Showdown as we talk all things President’s Choice! We do a de...
Wild Turkey: Bruce Russell
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Bruce Russell from Wild Turkey back to The Bourbon Showdown! We sit down and crack a fresh bottle of Rare Breed and we talk Jimmy...
Michter's: Dan McKee & Andrea Wilson
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Dan McKee and Andrea Wilson from Michter’s to the show! Dan is of course the Master Distiller and Andrea the Master of Maturati...
Green River: Aaron Harris
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Aaron Harris, Head Distiller at Green River to the Bourbon Showdown! We talk about how he got into whiskey, how he became the h...
Brother's Bond: Ian Somerhalder & Paul Wesley
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, founders of Brother’s Bond Bourbon. You may know them best from their hit show the Vampire Dia...
Jack Daniel's: Lynette Green
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Lynette Green from Jack Daniel’s and Brown-Forman to the Bourbon Showdown to talk all things Marketing and Jack Daniel’s! Lyn...
Southern Distilling Company: Pete Barger
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Pete Barger from Southern Distilling Co. to the Bourbon Showdown to talk all things Contract Distilling! We talk about how Southe...
John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Glenn Thomas, the Founder and CEO of John Lee Hooker legacy spirits, maker of Boogie Chillin Bourbon and grandson of Blues legend...
Lost Lantern: Nora Ganley-Roper & Adam Polonski
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski from Lost Lantern back to The Bourbon Showdown to talk about their new Spring Collection. The...
A. Smith Bowman: David Bock
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome David Bock from A. Smith Bowman and we talk the new A. Smith Bowman, Cask Strength #4! He walks me through what went into making ...
Coors Whiskey Company: David Coors
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome David Coors from Coors Whiskey Company to the show and we talk all things Coors! David and I pour up some bourbon goodness as we ...
Maker's Mark: Trevor Bowles
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Maker’s Mark back to the show! Trevor Bowles, the Manager of VIP Tour and Trade engagement at Makers Mark distillery on Star Hi...
Nancy Fraley: Joseph A. Magnus
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome the 2024 Master Blender of the year and Master Blender for Joseph A. Magnus & Company, Nancy Fraley to the show! Her and I si...
Bourbon Showdown: Angel's Envy
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Season 10 premiere is here! We welcome Angel’s Envy Master Distiller, Owen Martin onto the show and we talk whiskey!!! We sit down and talk abou...
True Story: Wes Henderson
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Wes Henderson back to The Bourbon Showdown! Wes and I sit down with a couple big pours of True Story Bourbon and Rye and he walks...
RD One: Barry Brinegar
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Barry Brinegar from RD ONE to the Bourbon Showdown. Barry is a co-founder and National Brand Ambassador for RD One and we sit dow...
WhistlePig: The Boss Hog XI
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome WhistlePig back to the show to talk about The Boss Hog XI: The Juggernaut! We sit down with chief blender Meghan Ireland and ...
High West: Isaac Winter
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
High West is back! This week I get to sit down with Isaac Winter, the Distilling Manager at High West and he walks me through this years Midwinter Ni...
Sextro Rye: Heath Schneider
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Heath Schneider from Sextro Rye to the show. Sextro Rye, steeped in whiskey history, Heath and his Whiskey making bootleg partner...
Found North Whisky: Nick Taylor
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Found North Whisky to the show! We sit down with co-founder and head blender Nick Taylor to talk all things Found North! This is ...
15 Stars Bourbon: Rick & Ricky Johnson
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Rick and Ricky Johnson from 15 Stars Bourbon to the show and they walk me through everything 15 stars. We talk how they got start...
Evan Williams: Jodie Filiatreau
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Jodie Filiatreau, Artisanal Distiller for Evan Williams and The Evan Williams Experience in Louisville Kentucky to the show! Jodi...
Michael Sinclair: Mystic Farm & Distillery
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Mystic Farm & Distillery to the show! Whiskey made in North Carolina is always one of my favorite topics and we sit down with...
Green River: Caryn Wells
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Caryn Wells and Green River to the show! It’s always a blast having Caryn on and this week we sit down and do a DEEP DIVE on al...
Number Juan Tequila
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Number JUAN tequila to the show. Thats right Tequila! We celebrate all good spirits on The Bourbon Showdown, and today we sit d...
Maggie Kimberl: Whiskey Journalist
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Whiskey Journalist and American Whiskey Magazine contributor, Maggie Kimberl to the show! Recently named 2024 Bourbon Women Spiri...
Widow Jane: Sienna Jevremov
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Widow Jane for the SEASON 9 Premiere of The Bourbons Showdown Podcast! We sit down with Head Distiller and Blender, Sienna Jevrem...
Smoke Wagon: Aaron Chepenik
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we have the return of SMOKE WAGON, that’s right, I sit down with Aaron Chepenik from Smoke Wagon and him and I do what we do, we talk whis...
Old Overholt: Tim Heuisler
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Tim Heuisler back to the show, Tim is a wealth of knowledge on all things Jim Beam and is currently an international brand ambass...
Garrard County Distilling Company: Ray Franklin
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Ray Franklin from Garrard County Distilling Company to the show and they talk All Nations whiskey! Him and Jesse do a deep dive o...
Davidson Reserve: Carter Collins
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Carter Collins from Pennington Distilling Co., and Master Distiller of Davidson Reserve to the show! Him and I sit down and talk ...
Redwood Empire: Jeff Duckhorn & Lauren Patz
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Redwood Empire back to the show! Thats right, we welcome Jeff Duckhorn and Lauren Patz back to the Bourbon Showdown and we tal...
Peg Leg Porker: Carey Bringle
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Carey Bringle to the show from Peg Leg Porker! Thats right, on this episode we are talking WHISKEY AND BBQ! We cover everything f...
High West Distillery: Tara Lindley
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Tara Lindley and the return of High West! Tara is of course High West’s Director of Sensory QA & New Product Development, ...
Oaklore Distilling Company
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Oaklore Distilling to the show! Coming to you straight from the distillery in North Carolina, we sit down with cofounders Matt Si...
Mayor Pingree: Rifino Valentine
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Rifino Valentine, founder of Valentine Distilling and Mayor Pingree Whiskey. We sit down and talk about how he got into the whisk...
Ari Sussman: Whiskey Jypsi - Explorer
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Jesse welcome Ari Sussman back onto the show to talk the new Whiskey JYPSI, Explorer. The first in a series of whiskey releases that embodi...
Blue Run: The Return of Mike Montgomery
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Mike Montgomery and Blue Run back to the show, that’s right my buddy Mike is back on to talk all things BLUE RUN! We talk T...
Woodford Reserve: Elizabeth McCall
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Elizabeth McCall, the Master Distiller from Woodford Reserve back to the show to talk all things Kentucky Derby! We talk about ho...
Holladay Bourbon: Kyle Merklein
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Kyle Merklein from Holladay Bourbon to the show and we sit down and talk everything Holladay! We talk about how how the brand got...
Dusty Booze: Aaron Goldfarb
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Aaron Goldfarb, author of "Dusty Booze", and we sit down and talk dusty’s! He has written this book, which I am compl...
1792: Ross Cornelissen
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome 1792 Master Distiller, Ross Cornelissen to the show! Ross walks us through the history of 1792 and his journey to the coveted tit...
Lost Lantern Whiskey Returns!
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Lost Lantern Whiskey back to the show! Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski join us to talk about their new Spring 2024 Midwest Co...
Buffalo Trace: Harlen Wheatley
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we celebrate EPISODE 100 of the Bourbon Showdown Podcast! It’s a big milestone for the Bourbon Showdown and HOW do we CELEBRATE? By having...
Old Elk: Melinda Maddox
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Old Elk's, Melinda Maddox to talk CASK Finishing! It's a great conversation as Mel and Jesse drink through some Old Elk P...
Old Soul: Majure Markow returns
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Majure Markow from Cathead Distillery and Old Soul back to the show! We sit down and we talk Tin Type 2, Tin Type 1, Old Soul Bar...
McTavish Spirits: Graham McTavish
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Graham McTavish from McTavish Spirits onto the show! You might know him from The Hobbit, Game of Thrones, Outlander, Men in Kilts...
A. Smith Bowman: David Bock
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome A. Smith Bowmans Master Distiller, David Bock to the show! A wealth of knowledge on all things whiskey, David and Jesse go throug...
Kevin Heffernan & Steve Lemme: Tacoma FD
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme from Tacoma FD to the show! You may know them best as Farva and Mac from ‘Super Troopers’ or ...
Puncher's Chance: Bruce Buffer & Umberto Luchini
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome UFC Legend Bruce Buffer, the voice of mixed martial arts and Umberto Luchini the founder and proprietor of Wolf Spirit Distiller...
Whiskey JYPSI: Ari Sussman
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Ari Sussman and Whiskey JYPSI to the show. We talk about the new expression from Eric Church and how this new premium whiskey cam...
FEW Spirits: Paul Hletko
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Founder and Distiller from FEW Spirits Paul Hletko to the show! Jesse and Paul sit down and crack a few bottles of FEW whiskey an...
James E. Pepper returns!
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Amir Peay and Cody Giles back to the show! Amir is of course the man responsible for brining James E. Pepper back to life and Cod...
Barrell Craft Spirits: Lindsay Gulics
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
his week we welcome Lindsay Gulics and Barrell Craft Spirits back to the show for another episode of good whiskey and good conversation! Lindsay is th...
Green River: Caryn Wells
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week I welcome Caryn Wells from Green River to the show! Caryn is the National Brand Ambassador for Green River and her and I got to sit down for...
Great Jones: Celina Perez
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week I welcome Celina Perez from Great Jones Distilling Co. to the program for a great conversation about all things New York City and New York C...
Boss Molly Bourbon
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Victoria Horn and Brandi Bowles, the founders of Boss Molly Bourbon onto the show and we talk about everything under the bourbon...
WhistlePig: Liz Rhoades returns
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Liz Rhoades and WhistlePig back to the Bourbon Showdown and we talk BOSS HOG X! That’s right, Liz is back and we do a deep dive...
Lori Fetrick (ICE) : American Gladiators
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Lori Fetrick, better know as ICE from the American Gladiators to the Bourbon Showdown Podcast! Thats right Ice herself is on the ...
Wild Turkey: Generations
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Bruce Russell back to the show and talk about the new Wild Turkey Generations expression! The first time in the history of Wild T...
High West Returns: Tara Lindley & Holly Booth
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome High West Distillery back to the show! Tara Lindley and Holly Booth join us and take us on a sensory and cocktail journey throug...
Penelope Bourbon Returns
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome back long time friends of the show, Michael and Danny from Penelope. We sit down and discuss everything from the success of Rio t...
Kentucky Owl: Maureen Robinson
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While we were at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival last week, we were fortunate enough to be a part of Kentucky Owl’s unveiling of their new Maighster e...
Old Forester: Melissa Rift
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Old Forester Master Taster, Melissa Rift to the show! We talk about what brought her to Old Forester and her whiskey journey, all...
Rare Character: Peter Nevenglosky
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Peter Nevenglosky from Rare Character onto the show. Pete and Jesse talk about Fortuna and everything it takes to bring a classic...
Blood Oath Pact No. 9 - John Rempe
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It is the official SEASON PREMIERE of the Bourbon Showdown and we have our buddy John Rempe from Lux Row Distillers on the show to talk BLOOD OATH PAC...
Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2023
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Bourbon Showdwon is back for a new season and we have Randy Prasse with us to talk everything Kentucky Bourbon Festival! The festival is less than...
Broad Branch Distillery: Dan Spivey
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jesse welcomes one of his good whiskey buddies Dan Spivey from Broad Branch Distillery onto the show! Jesse and Dan go way back and this con...
Heaven's Door: Ryan Perry Returns
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jesse welcomes Ryan Perry from Heaven’s Door back to the show! The Founder and Master Blender at Heaven’s Door, Ryan walks Jesse through...
Lance Winters: St. George Spirits
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Lance Winters to the show! The Master Distiller at St. George Spirits, Lance is a recent inductee into the Whiskey Hall of Fame a...
Nick Scarff: Bear Fight American Single Malt Whiskey
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jesse welcomes Nick Scarff, the Master Blender & VP of Business Development at Next Century Spirits to talk about Bear Fight American S...
Chicken Cock: Gregg Snyder
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jesse welcomes Chicken Cock Whiskeys Master Distiller Gregg Snyder to the show! Gregg walks Jesse through the history of the brand, it's...
Method + Madness: Gerard Patrick Garland
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jesse welcomes Gerard Patrick Garland to the show for Irish Whiskey Day! That's right, it's St. Patrick's Day and what better way ...
Blue Run: Trey Wade
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week I welcome my buddy Trey Wade to the show! Trey is the NEW Chief Experience Curator for Blue Run and has been selected to lead their first Pr...
Woodford Reserve: Elizabeth McCall
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Elizabeth McCall, the NEW Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve to the show! Elizabeth has been a guest before and we are so happ...
Bardstown Bourbon Company: Dan Callaway
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jesse welcome Dan Callaway, the Vice President of Hospitality and Product Development at Bardstown Bourbon Co.! They sit down to talk the ne...
Bardstown Bourbon Company: Sam Montgomery
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We kick off Bardstown Bourbon week today with National Brand Ambassador, Sam Montgomery! Jesse welcomes Sam to the show and they walk through the hist...
Paul Holes: UNMASKED My life solving Americas cold cases
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jesse invites Cold Case Investigator Paul Holes onto the show to talk whiskey and True Crime! Paul is probably best known for his contributi...
Nelson Brothers: Andy & Charlie Nelson
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome Andy and Charlie Nelson to The Bourbon Showdown! They walk Jesse through their families history in whiskey and how they grew up n...
High West Distillery: Brendan Coyle
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jesse welcomes Brendan Coyle, the Master Distiller from High West Distillery to the show! Jesse and Brendan talk the history of High West as...