Bourbon Pursuit

26 years in the military, 14 years of that serving in elite Delta Force units, and now the CEO of Lofted Spirits, the umbrella brand of of Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling. Mark Erwin joined the board at Bardstown Bourbon Co. in 2019 eventually stepping up as CEO.

We talk about how the private equity deal with Prtizker made more strategic sense than selling out to a major spirits conglomerate, the acquisition of Green River. and how they support craft brands from custom mash bills all the way to bottling. Plus, in a market facing shifting demand, inventory corrections, and industry cutbacks, Mark shares how Lofted is navigating current market headwinds while continuing to innovate.
Show Notes:
Mark Erwin shares lessons from 26 years in the military, 14 years in Delta Force, and how combat teamwork translates to executive leadership.

Transitioning from defense contracting and international business to joining Bardstown Bourbon Company's board and becoming CEO in 2019.

Why Bardstown Bourbon Co. chose to partner with PPC for growth capital instead of selling off to a legacy spirits giant.

How acquiring Green River expanded production capacity and added a powerhouse, historic brand to the portfolio.

How Lofted Spirits supports custom clients from grain-to-glass, and why they strictly separate contract operations from brand operations.

Mark's take on current whiskey market dynamics, balancing inventory with production cutbacks, and stabilizing contract distilling.

A sneak peek at innovative new projects, including a real-honey finished Green River whiskey and a historic U.S. Army 250th anniversary release.

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Penelope The Classic brings a new everyday bourbon at 92 proof and just $45. Caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, and a surprising grape candy note give this approachable pour a little something extra. Is this new classic worth adding to your shelf?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 November 6th, 2026. Republic National Distributing Company, is pressing forward with its Chapter 11, 2026 Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report has been released, and John Wick Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.Show Notes:
Industry publishing legend Marvin R. Shanken dies at 83

Republic National Distributing Company advances Chapter 11 liquidation plan

KEG 1 Kentucky completes acquisition of RNDC’s statewide operations

Whiskey House of Kentucky launches interactive Customer Portal 2.0

ACSA report shows 68% of Americans favor expanding DtC spirits shipping

Town Branch debuts 17-Year Archive Series Kentucky Single Malt

Four Roses introduces Experimental Series No. 003 finished in chestnut wood

Barrel Global unveils officially licensed John Wick Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Extinct Spirits debuts with limited Dodo Bird single-cask release

Larrikin Bourbon Company launches 9-Year cask-strength Foxtrot Series

Dierks Bentley announces ROW 94 Trespasser's Proof and Nashville tasting room

Chattanooga Whiskey and New Riff release The Confluence Project: Volume 2

Knob Creek introduces limited 375mL Trailmaster Edition in camouflage packaging

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That's the infamous sound you hear when Johnny Drinks is making a cocktail on your screen. John Rondi—better known to millions across the internet as Johnny Drinks— let his son film him making a cocktail at home, and it overnight exploded into millions of views?This single viral video back in 2020 completely transformed his life, that led him to walk away from corporate finance in 2021 to doing content full-time with his son. We talk about the iconic glass "clank" and camera setups to how they transitioned into cooking and hosting tips. We even talk about what it's like navigating father-son business dynamics, handling internet trolls, and the surreal moment Dana White invited him to make a drink at his private office at the UFC HQ.
Show Notes:
Johnny Drinks shares how a simple cocktail video filmed by his son in 2020 turned into millions of views and a viral career.

Why Johnny considers himself an everyday host rather than a mixologist, focusing on approachable drinks, good food, and hospitality.

The story behind the signature glass "clank," unique camera angles, and keeping content spontaneous versus brand-partnered.

Leaving a 30-year career in mortgage financing in 2021 to jump into full-time content creation with his son.

How Johnny deals with social media feedback, platform differences, and tuning out online hate.

The fun, balance, and realities of building a successful media business with your kid.

That wild time Dana White invited Johnny to throw together a custom bar setup and drinks at the UFC Apex.

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Heaven Hill Double Mash combines traditional and wheated bourbon mash bills in a 9-year, 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond release. Bright raspberry, citrus, and brown sugar sweet tea bring an unexpected twist to this $50 bourbon. Does double mash mean double the character?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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