Bourbon Pursuit

Heaven Hill’s Deatsville Commemorative Release had us excited from the first nose with dark cherry, chocolate, leather, and classic sweet oak. But did the palate and finish live up to the legendary warehouse hype?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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A few years ago I was given a bottle by Dr. Pat Heist and it made me say Nevada bourbon? And today, we get to hear the story of Frey Ranch with Colby and Ashley Frey. They turned a multi-generational agriculture operation into one of the most respected craft distilleries in the country. Long before the whiskeys, Colby was growing wheat, rye, barley, and corn in the high desert of Fallon, Nevada. Colby takes us through those early days of battline state legislation and assembling their custom Vendome hybrid still system. Meanwhile, Ashley walks us through crafting the brand's packaging, and if you own a bottle you know how heavy the glass bottle and and topper are. But there's a deeper meaning to it and I won't spoil it for you. From meeting in college to balancing rural farm life, raising a family, and navigating the operational pressures of scaling a modern brand, Colby and Ashley give us an inside look at how they divide responsibilities, manage controlled expansion, and roll out their latest releases.
Show Notes:
How generations of Nevada agriculture paved the way for a 100% estate-grown, grain-to-glass whiskey operation

The early legal and legislative battles required to make craft distilling legal in the state of Nevada

Designing and assembling a hybrid Vendome still system to achieve both high-volume output and maximum flavor control

The story behind Ashley’s farm-inspired bottle design, including the iconic bolt topper and belt-buckle label

How Colby and Ashley divide leadership responsibilities while raising a family on a working rural ranch

Scaling the brand intentionally, expanding into new markets, and what to expect from their upcoming rye releases

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Green River’s first Distillery Select release brings an 8 year toasted double oak bourbon with bakery notes, orange marmalade, buttered toast, apricot, and a touch of mango. The nose starts subtle, but the palate takes this one in a totally different direction from classic Green River.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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When your entire professional life revolves around premium spirits, late-night industry events, and endless barrel selections, the lines between work and life don’t just get blurry—they can completely disappear. The bourbon lifestyle promises a lot of camaraderie and incredible pours, but what does it actually cost your health, your calendar, and your family dinner table?

On this week's episode Fred and I sit down for a deeply personal conversation about balancing bourbon with the reality of raising kids. We're not going to be hitting on tasting notes or anything like that but it's a look into our personal lives of school, sports, tracking timeboxes on a calendar, and trying to stay present for our kids as they grow up.
Show Notes:
Navigating school forms and schedule shifts while managing a global spirits brand

The hidden physical toll of the whiskey trail: Managing sleep, health, and late-night industry expectations

Kenny’s calendar timeboxing strategy for forcing boundaries between work and family

Tasting vs. Consuming: Deconstructing moderation and the critical importance of drinking with intent

Radical transparency: How Fred and his wife talk to their sons about alcohol, driving, and fentanyl

Using the grueling discipline of youth wrestling to foster positive peer groups and work ethic

The hidden financial trap of trying to turn a personal bourbon collection into a media business

The reality of tax write-offs, charity auctions, and the true cost of over-collecting

A definitive look at long-term responsibility, family support systems, and the power of being present

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Found North Batch 12 continues the brand's streak of impressive Canadian whiskey releases. This 16-year-old, 128.2 proof blend is rich with brown sugar, butter, cornbread, and sweet oak, while an extra maturation in new American oak barrels adds incredible depth without overpowering the whiskey. Is this one of the best Found North releases yet? Watch our full review to find out.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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