Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 30th 2026. Sotheby's has set a record for the most valuable bourbon ever sold at auction, Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction has announced a historic collaborative lot titled “United We Stand”, and Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson have reclaimed and are relaunching their Belle Meade whiskey.Show Notes:
Bardstown Bourbon Company unveils packaging redesign for core portfolio and new wheated single barrel option

Uncle Nearest founders file emergency motion to end receivership amid plummeting sales and market value

Sotheby’s sets $2.5M record for most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold at auction

Off Hours Bourbon named "Official Partner of the Detroit Pistons" in multi-year sports collaboration

Pursuit Spirits and partners announce "United We Stand" collaborative barrel auction for veteran charity

Old Forester's 156-year legacy celebrated in new "Whiskeyland" documentary by the Balas Brothers

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength receives premium bottle redesign and debut age statement

Garrison Brothers to release first-ever Bottled in Bond Texas Bourbon on Texas Independence Day

Nelson brothers reclaim Belle Meade brand for independent regional relaunch in Tennessee

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Have you ever wondered how all these brands get into a bottle without owning a multi-million dollar distillery? We've talked about sourcing before but that's just one part of the puzzle. In this episode, we're going to talk about that second step, co-packing. We’re joined by Jeff Wuslich, he's the President of Cardinal Spirits and Cardinal Copacking, to break down what it takes to actually manufacture booze at scale. Jeff has a background in manufacturing and slowly became a cornerstone of the Indiana craft scene. Jeff also has their own brands they use to showcase their abilities and have relationships with powerhouses like MGP. One thing that interested me was RTDs and the explosion of the canned cocktail movement, but as Jeff will talk about there are some massive compliance headaches that come with them. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own label or just want to know how the industry actually moves behind the scenss, this one side you need to understand..
Show Notes:
The journey of launching a spirits brand in Indiana

Understanding the co-packing process and client communications

The relationship with MGP and its effects on business

Emerging trends in the spirits industry, including ready-to-drink options

Compliance issues and industry regulations in co-packing

Financial insights and pricing dynamics in co-packing

Tips for aspiring distillers navigating the co-packing landscape

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While most of the industry uses December to wind down and coast into the new year, we’ve been doing the exact opposite. January hit and it was an immediate sprint. We’ve been back on the road, opening up new markets, and staring down the barrel of distributor meetings and case goals. If you look at our single barrel requests right now, everything is looking "up and to the right," but in this business, the view from the top is always a little precarious. The real question isn't just how you grow, but how you stay there.

In this episode of Behind the Pursuit, Ryan and I are pulling back the curtain on what it actually looks like to enter new markets in 2026. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of distributor communications and why a solid on-premise strategy may be the only way to survive a landscape that is getting more crowded by the day. We also get honest about the challenges smaller brands face when trying to stay nimble while consumer preferences are shifting right under our feet. It’s a look at the balance between aggressive growth and the strategic planning you need to make sure that "up and to the right" trend doesn't just become a flash in the pan.Show Notes:
Introduction and Market Overview

Product Launches and Consumer Demand

Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

On-Premise Strategy and Cocktail Placement

Challenges and Competition in the Whiskey Market

Future Goals and Strategic Planning

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We go bourbon hunting and land on Duck Club Bourbon, a smooth, easy-sipping blend with classic brown sugar, vanilla, and oak notes. At 92 proof and under $30, this one delivers big value.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 January 23rd 2026. Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl have moved into a Chapter 7 liquidation, Casey Jones Distillery has been acquired B3 Beverage Company, and Penelope Bourbon is doing a collaboration with Serena & Lily.Show Notes:
Few Spirits founder Paul Hletko officially departs distillery

Meta restricts alcohol business pages on Facebook, slashing organic reach

Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl move to Chapter 7 liquidation

Court orders $34.5M sale of newly completed Luca Mariano Distillery

Casey Jones Distillery joins B3 Beverage Company portfolio

Kirin Holdings reportedly exploring $1B sale of Four Roses Bourbon

New Riff Distilling announces return of award-winning Balboa Rye

Penelope Bourbon and Serena & Lily debut Charleston-inspired "Beaufain" collaboration

Knob Creek launches limited Eli Manning’s Bold Pick 2026 Cask Strength Bourbon

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