Bourbon Pursuit

It’s time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and we’re diving straight into the tectonic shift that just rocked the industry. In this episode, we dissect the confirmed mutual interest between Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard. Following the massive news of Gallo’s acquisition of Four Roses, we’re debating what this level of consolidation means for the "little guy" and whether craft producers are about to get squeezed off the shelf entirely. We’re navigating the anxiety surrounding job security and brand identity, wondering if icons like Old Forester and Woodford Reserve can maintain their soul under Pernod’s management. We’re breaking down the hype, the heartbreak, and the reality of a changing landscape in 2026. Pour a glass and join the conversation.
Show Notes:
In-depth analysis of the Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard merger

Discussion on distribution effects for smaller whiskey brands

Concerns regarding Brown-Forman's community contributions and local charities

Insights into the future of Old Forester and Woodford Reserve

Speculation on changes in Kentucky Derby sponsorships

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Angel’s Envy’s 2025 10 year cask strength release brings port-finished richness, deep oak, dark fruit syrup, and wild berry pastry vibes at 122.6 proof. We break down why this limited annual release might be one of their most balanced yet.DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.
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It's This Week in Bourbon for April 3rd 2026. Brown-Forman Corp. and Pernod Ricard have confirmed mutual interest in a merger, two lawsuits have been dismissed for competing bourbon brands, and Larrikin Bourbon has released its third annual “Pour for the Roses".
Show Notes:
Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard confirm mutual interest in a "merger of equals" to consolidate two of the world's largest spirits portfolios while maintaining family control

Green River Distilling parts ways with Head Distiller Aaron Harris as the Owensboro facility faces further workforce contractions

LF Heritage Distilling Co. property ordered to foreclosure and sale following a $5 million debt dispute with construction contractors

MGP Ingredients clears securities fraud lawsuit after a judge rules leadership mismanaged market shifts rather than intentionally misleading investors

Brough Brothers loses appeals court challenge against Fresh Bourbon over the "first" Black-owned Kentucky distillery claim

Larrikin Bourbon launches "Pour for the Roses – 2026 Running," a 9-year single barrel expression featuring vintage feed bag packaging for the Kentucky Derby

Proof & Wood introduces its first Bottled in Bond expression with an 11-year Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon featuring a unique 99% corn mashbill

Hard Truth Distilling Co. debuts its first 7-year age-stated trio, featuring Sweet Mash Rye, Bourbon, and Wheated Bourbon crafted entirely on their Indiana campus

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Does the whiskey industry need more experts, or does it just need better storytellers? Today, we’re joined by Daniel Whittington, the Chancellor of Wizard Academy and co-founder of the Whiskey Marketing School, and we talk about how narrative and community are the real drivers behind your favorite bottles. Daniel shares his transition from the wine world into how a secret whiskey group eventually evolved into a mission to change how we educate our palates. There's more to the pour and it's the technical and psychological side of the whiskey that I really enjoy when I watch Daniel's videos. As one of the OGs of the YouTube world, he built an incredible community with Whiskey Tribe and but things hit a stopping point with his co-host and we talk about how that impacts relationships, friendships, and how the public eye percieves it. But he's also champtioning independant bottlers with a whole new look on tranparency and why those bottles are something you should be looking for.
Show Notes:
The community-centered mission of Difference Bourbon

Daniel’s transition from wine to whiskey and its impact

The role of storytelling in whiskey education

Insights on the evolving quality of whiskey and the importance of connection

The rise and challenges of the Whiskey Tribe YouTube channel

Navigating audience engagement and content creation

Clarifying whiskey classifications for consumer education

The launch of AmericanIndy.com focused on transparency in independent bottling

Celebrating the human connections within the whiskey community

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Garrison Brothers returns with the 2025 Cowboy Bourbon, a hazmat-level 146.4 proof Texas release hand-selected by master distiller Donnis Todd. With bold vanilla cola, cream soda sweetness, peppery Texas spice, and deep barrel intensity, this high-proof bourbon delivers big flavor without overwhelming heat. We break down whether this limited annual release is truly worth the hype and the $250 price tag.DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.
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