Bourbon Pursuit

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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It's This Week in Bourbon for October 30th, 2026. Fawn Weaver’s attempt to halt the sale has been denied, Tennessee Whiskey Trail is launching Fireside Tennessee, and Heaven Hill Phoenix.Show Notes:
Judge denies Fawn Weaver's bid to pause Uncle Nearest asset sale amidst receivership

Tennessee Whiskey Trail launches seasonal Fireside Tennessee experience across eight distilleries

Kentucky Distillers' Association honors Brown-Forman's Chris Morris with Lifetime Board designation and UK scholarship

Heaven Hill unveils Phoenix 18-Year Bourbon featuring pre-1996 fire whiskey to mark 30th anniversary

Barton 1792 Distillery announces new 1792 Wheated Full Proof Bourbon at 125 proof

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So what happens when a retail guy from D.C. decides he’s going to jump into the whiskey business? We're sitting down with Sid Dilawri, Founder and CEO of Filibuster Distilling, to talk about his journey. After moving from Delhi to the U.S. in 2007, Sid got his start working at a local liquor store where he discovered orange flavored vodka. He wasn't much of a drinker at the time. But In 2010, his family bought a struggling D.C. liquor store and Sid helped turn it around growing annual sales from under $400K to over $1.2 million simply by changing up the product mix and introducing customers to great bourbon.

After an eye-opening trip to Four Roses to select his very first single-barrel, he worked towards his new idea. Sid launched Filibuster using sourced barrels but eventually transition to a full-scale distilling operation in Virginia, including figuring out how to run a column still himself. With lots of tenacity, Sid gives us an honest look at building a legacy brand for his kids and crafting a true everyday pour.
Show Notes:
Sid Dilawri shares his journey moving from Delhi to the U.S. in 2007 and learning the retail ropes on the liquor store floor.

How turning around a struggling D.C. shop in 2010 by pushing bourbon sparked his passion for the industry.

The Four Roses barrel pick that convinced Sid to leave retail and launch Filibuster.

Starting with MGP sourced juice, early French oak finishes, and navigating distributor portfolios when craft bourbon was just taking off.

Transitioning to distilling in Virginia, installing a column still, and teaching himself how to run the equipment when his team walked out.

The ins and outs of local grain sourcing, fermentation practices, and managing over 6,200 aging barrels.

Why patience, product quality, and smart pricing matter when building a legacy brand for the next generation.

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