Bourbon Pursuit

We’ve seen plenty of people try to make the jump from enthusiast to industry pro, but nobody has done it quite like Jay West. It’s been a few years since he was last on the show, and we’re thrilled to welcome back the mastermind behind the massive r/bourbon barrel program on Reddit and the Principal Whiskey Maker at Reveries. This is Jay's second time on the show and this time without the cload and veil. He went from a quiet contributor and guy behind the scenes on a subreddit to one of the most respected voices and blenders in the game. We dive into the staggering growth of the Reddit whiskey community—now 300,000 members strong—and why keeping that culture supportive and nontoxic is so important to the overall whiskey community. We also geek out on the barrel-picking process and how he’s managed to scale up to hundreds of barrels a year to meet the insane demand for unique bottles people are searching for. Of course, we also had to talk about Jay’s brand, Reveries, and his unique philosophy on acquiring great barrels, blending and storytelling. Show Notes: Jay West’s evolution from anonymity to industry leader Current growth of the r/whiskey community Insights into the expanding barrel-picking process The role of moderation and community engagement Reveries brand philosophy and blending techniques Highlights of standout whiskey blends from Reveries The interplay of creativity, storytelling, and community feedback Ways to support Reveries and engage with r/bourbon on Reddit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2025 brings a sweet mash twist to the annual release. At 12 years old and 92 proof, it delivers a standout nose with confectioners sugar, fried dough, and oak, but does the low proof leave something missing? We break it all down in this Whiskey Quickie.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 19th 2025. Cannabinoid regulation is underway, a trial using a robotic dog with an ethanol sensing system is launched, and Wilderness Trail Distillery has announced the limited-edition release of a 10-Year Wheated Bourbon.Show Notes: The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) establishes a strict federal framework for hemp-derived products President Trump reportedly planning executive order to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III status Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver issues apology following "dismissive" out-of-context video encounter Benson Valley Bourbon joins Kentucky Distillers’ Association as newest craft level member Bourbon on the Banks Festival awards over $100,000 to local nonprofits from 2025 proceeds Bacardi trials autonomous "Royal Bark-la" robot dog to detect Scotch warehouse leaks Garrison Brothers announces December 6 release of 2025 Cowboy Bourbon at $249.99 Four Roses launches 375ml Small Batch and Small Batch Select bottles nationwide Wilderness Trail debuts limited 10-Year Wheated Bourbon for Wilderness Road 250th anniversary Heaven Hill announces Fall 2025 Old Fitzgerald 11-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond decanter release Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the end of the year and that means we get to rattle off all of our favorite whiskeys this year. But it's not just us, it's the entire roundtable. We don't talk about our "Bourbon of the Year" but we hit on all the great ones we tried and I don't want to spoil it, but there's a ton of good ones so pay attention. And can you believe it... Ryan actually put a honey finish and two american single malts in his list. At this rate, maybe he'll enjoy amburana in 2026. Show Notes: The standout quality of Bardstown Bourbon Company, particularly Cathedral and Normandy Ryan’s insights on Redemption 18-Year and its market implications Exploration of craft distilleries pushing the envelope with innovative offerings Engaging conversations around honey-finished bourbons and the evolving perception of American single malts Predictions for trends shaping the whiskey market in the near future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the end of the year and that means we get to rattle off all of our favorite whiskeys this year. But it's not just us, it's the entire roundtable. We don't talk about our "Bourbon of the Year" but we hit on all the great ones we tried and I don't want to spoil it, but there's a ton of good ones so pay attention. And can you believe it... Ryan actually put a honey finish and two american single malts in his list. At this rate, maybe he'll enjoy amburana in 2026. Show Notes: The standout quality of Bardstown Bourbon Company, particularly Cathedral and Normandy Ryan’s insights on Redemption 18-Year and its market implications Exploration of craft distilleries pushing the envelope with innovative offerings Engaging conversations around honey-finished bourbons and the evolving perception of American single malts Predictions for trends shaping the whiskey market in the near future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices