Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for July 31st 2026. 24th class of inductees into the prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame have been announced, More tariff wars resume, and Bardstown Bourbon Company is launching Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey.Show Notes:
Kentucky Distillers' Association announces 24th Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame class

Apogee 21 acquires Luca Mariano Distillery and Rod & Hammer's

President Trump levies 50% tariffs on select Canadian imports

Uncle Nearest receiver files major counterclaim alleging lender oversight and fraud

Starlight Distillery celebrates 25th anniversary with limited-edition releases

Bourbon Women SIPosium returns to Louisville for 15th anniversary event

Alabama Cooperage to close Trinity plant by September 2026

US removes 10% tariff on Scotch whisky imports

Moonshine University to cease operations at the end of 2026

RNDC files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and winds down operations

James B. Beam Distilling Company announces 2026 Old Grand-Dad 7-Year Bottled-In-Bond

Goose Island unveils 2026 Bourbon County Brand Family stout lineup

New Riff Distilling brings back annual Headliner release for 3rd year

B.H. James Distillers launches Spirit 76 line of flavored Kentucky bourbon

Heaven Hill Distillery debuts Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash 9-year bourbon

Maker's Mark launches travel retail exclusive Artist Series – City Edition

Brother's Bond Bourbon launches 7-year bottled-in-bond straight bourbon

Garrison Brothers Distillery announces 1st-ever pre-sale for Hye Rye Bourbon

Bardstown Bourbon Company debuts Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey

Old Forester debuts The 117 Series Triple Char Kentucky Straight Bourbon

St. Louis Bourbon Festival returns to Lemp Mansion on October 16, 2026

Bib and Tucker introduces 8-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Tennessee Bourbon

Still Austin Whiskey Company opening massive 15,000-sq-ft venue in Austin

Jefferson's Bourbon debuts ultra-limited Founder's Reserve 20-Year-Old

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On this week’s Bourbon Community Roundtable, our panel is tackling two massive seismic shockwaves rattling the very foundation of the spirits world. We jump straight into the first major headline: the shocking closure of Moonshine University. We break down what losing a premier educational hub like the Stave & Thief Society means for the future of spirits education, and whether this shutdown is the ultimate canary in the coal mine for a slowing craft distillery boom.

Then, we turn our attention to the absolute biggest story in spirits retail: distributor giant RNDC filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and winding down operations. We unpack the domino effect of major supplier exits, razor-thin middle-tier margins, and unpaid invoices, analyzing the devastating fallout for small craft brands fighting for local liquor store shelf space. Finally, we throw down over what this massive distributor consolidation actually means for the three-tier system—debating whether this crisis will finally force lawmakers to rethink direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping laws, or if we’re simply watching a maturing bourbon market undergo a painful, necessary contraction.
Show Notes:
The closure of Moonshine University: What losing a premier distilling school means for the spirits industry

Assessing the value of bourbon certifications: Essential career springboard or mostly symbolic status?

Unpacking RNDC's Chapter 11 filing: Supplier exits, thin margins, and the winding down of a middle-tier giant

The ripple effect on small brands: Shelf space access, unpaid invoices, and the future of three-tier distribution

Will distributor consolidation accelerate the push for direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping legislation?

State of the bourbon market: Reading the room on consumer demand amid industry contraction and adjustments

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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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