Bourbon Pursuit

Does the whiskey industry need another corporate documentary, or does it just need a better script? Today we’re joined by Ryan and Alec Balas, the creative minds behind Whiskeyland TV, to talk about their transition from professional filmmaking to capturing the soul of the bourbon trail. From shooting childhood home videos to their serendipitous entry into the spirits world with their film Runner, the brothers share how a candid "bathtub epiphany" led to a vision for whiskey-centric storytelling that bypasses the big brands to focus on the authentic narratives of smaller producers. In a saturated market that often favors flashy, 15-second clips over substance, Ryan and Alec are focused on nuanced storytelling that resonates with enthusiasts on a personal level. I've been a fan of their work and ever since their debut of Whiskeyland of Pursuit as episode 1, they have certainly made a name for themselves in this space.
Show Notes:
How childhood experiences influenced Ryan and Alec's creativity

The origin story of Whiskeyland TV

The importance of authenticity in whiskey storytelling

Challenges faced in today's content creation landscape

Balancing audience engagement with genuine narratives

What to expect next from Whiskeyland TV

The connection between bourbon culture and personal stories

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Leiper’s Fork’s 8 year Single Barrel Cask Strength Tennessee Whiskey completely caught us off guard. At 121.6 proof and $85, this bottle delivers rich raspberry, chocolate mousse, deep barrel char, and layers of syrupy flavor that left us asking: is this one of the best Tennessee whiskeys we’ve ever had?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 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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