Bourbon Showdown Podcast

This week on The Bourbon Showdown, Jesse sits down with Clinton Dugan, Co-Founder of Shortbarrel Bourbon, to talk about building a whiskey brand, chasing great barrels, and making a name for yourself in the ever-growing world of Bourbon whiskey!

From a passion for great bourbon to building a brand with its own identity, Clinton takes us behind the scenes of the Shortbarrel story, sharing how it all started, the challenges of breaking into the whiskey industry, and what it takes to stand out in a market filled with incredible whiskey.

We dive into the art of barrel selection, the importance of blending, and how Shortbarrel approaches creating whiskey that delivers big flavor without losing sight of what makes a great bourbon.

And of course… WE DRINK IT! 🥃

Clinton walks us through the whiskey, the decisions behind each pour, and what makes Shortbarrel a brand worth keeping on your radar.

It's great whiskey, great conversation, and a look at what it takes to turn a passion for bourbon into a growing whiskey brand — all on this week's Bourbon Showdown Podcast!

This week on The Bourbon Showdown, Jesse sits down with Will Fabry, Head Blender at Joseph A. Magnus, to dive into the brand's exciting new release — Joseph Magnus 10-Year Cask Strength Rye Whiskey!

Known for producing exceptional whiskey, including the Joseph A. Magnus Cigar Blend, the team at Joseph Magnus is taking things in a bold new direction with this mature, cask strength rye.

Will takes us behind the scenes of his journey through the whiskey industry, the art and science of blending, and what it takes to create a 10-year-old rye that delivers complexity, character, and plenty of flavor.

And of course… WE DRINK IT!

It's great whiskey, great conversation, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting new rye releases — all on this week's Bourbon Showdown Podcast!

This week on The Bourbon Showdown, Jesse sits down with Mitch Mahar, Head of Whiskey Innovation, and Meghan Ireland, Chief Blender at WhistlePig Whiskey, to dive into the latest chapter of one of the wildest series in American whiskey — The Boss Hog XIII: The Golden Pharaoh.

Inspired by an ancient Egyptian recipe for tiger nut cake, The Golden Pharaoh takes WhistlePig rye and finishes it in barrels seasoned with Egyptian black honey and tiger nuts, creating one of the most unusual Boss Hog releases yet.

Mitch and Meghan take us behind the scenes of how a 3,000-year-old recipe became inspiration for a whiskey, how those flavors were translated into a finishing barrel, and what it takes for an experiment this ambitious to earn the Boss Hog name.

Then, of course, WE DRINK IT!

We taste Boss Hog XIII and break down the flavors, the finish, and what makes The Golden Pharaoh unlike anything WhistlePig has released before.

It’s ancient Egypt, innovative whiskey, and a whole lot of rye — all on this week’s Bourbon Showdown Podcast.

This week, Jesse sits down with Dr. Blake Layfield, Master Distiller and Head of Innovation & Blending at Maker’s Mark, to dive into the highly anticipated Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026.

Blending 11-, 12- and 14-year-old bourbon and bottled at 112.1 proof, cask strength, this release features the oldest whiskey ever used in a Cellar Aged blend.

Blake takes us behind the scenes of its creation, how Maker’s Mark pushes bourbon to 14 years without becoming over-oaked, and why their limestone cellar makes it possible.

And when the Master Distiller shows up with a bottle…

WE DRINK IT!

We pour up Cellar Aged 2026, break down what’s in the glass, and find out if all that extra time really makes a difference.

Dr. Blake Layfield. Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026. The Bourbon Showdown Podcast.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown, Jesse sits down with Courtney Sandora, Founder of GoSocial and Co-Founder of Bourbon Signals, to explore how AI is changing the way consumers discover, research, and choose bourbon.

Courtney takes us inside Bourbon Signals and the fascinating question behind it: When someone asks AI what bourbon to buy, which brands get recommended—and why?

We talk about what influences those recommendations, why some bourbon brands are showing up while others are being left out, and how reviews, social media, podcasts, creators, awards, and the larger digital conversation surrounding a whiskey can help shape what AI knows—and ultimately recommends.

We also dig into what this means for the future of bourbon marketing, brand discovery, and the spirits industry, and what whiskey brands should be thinking about right now as consumers increasingly turn to AI for recommendations.

It's bourbon, branding, marketing, technology, and the future of how we discover what's in our glass.

And you know the rule…

What do we do when we're talking to good people about good whiskey? WE DRINK IT! 🥃

Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve with Ian Stirsman of Ross & Squibb

This week on The Bourbon Showdown, Jesse sits down with Ian Stirsman of Ross & Squibb Distillery to crack open and drink through the new Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve.

Ian takes us behind the bottle to talk about how this special release came together, what makes it different from the rest of the Remus lineup, and the story behind pairing one of baseball’s most legendary names with American whiskey.

Then we get down to business and taste the whiskey.

We break down what’s in the glass, talk bourbon and blending, dig into what Ross & Squibb is doing with Remus, and find out if the Lou Gehrig Reserve is a bottle worth hunting down.

Bourbon. Baseball. History. And a damn good whiskey.

What do we do when talking to good people about good whiskey?

WE DRINK IT!

🥃 The Bourbon Showdown
Good people. Good whiskey. Great conversations.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, Widow Jane is back!

Jesse sits down with Sienna Jevremov, Head Distiller at Widow Jane, to talk about one of the distillery’s most exciting releases yet: Widow Jane 10-Year Bourbon finished for eight months in Tequila Ocho casks.

Sienna takes us behind the scenes of this unique collaboration and explains what happens when mature bourbon meets the rich, roasted-agave character of Tequila Ocho. We get into how the partnership came together, why tequila and bourbon can work so well together, and the challenge of finishing a 10-year-old bourbon while still keeping the bold character that makes it unmistakably Widow Jane.

And then, of course, we do what we do when talking to good people about good whiskey…

WE DRINK IT!

Jesse and Sienna pour up the new Widow Jane Tequila Ocho Cask Finish Bourbon and break down the aromas, flavors, and character you can expect when you get this bottle into your own glass.

Great whiskey, a seriously cool collaboration, and one of our favorite people to talk whiskey with—it’s all here on this week’s Bourbon Showdown Podcast!

This week on The Bourbon Showdown, we’re raising a glass with one of the best in the business — Lux Row Master Distiller John Rempe — for a deep dive into the brand-new Blood Oath Pact 12.

John takes us behind the scenes of Blood Oath and into the mind of the man who has created every Pact since the beginning. We talk about the challenge of making each release completely unique, how he chooses the whiskies that make the final blend, and what went into creating Pact 12.

And, of course, we drink it.

John and I crack open Blood Oath Pact 12 and taste through his latest creation while talking whiskey, blending, and what keeps Blood Oath one of the most anticipated annual bourbon releases.

If you’re a Blood Oath collector, a Lux Row fan, or just love hearing how great whiskey gets made, this is one you don’t want to miss.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown, Jesse Jones is joined by James Bowker, Global Advocacy Manager for The House of Suntory, for an unforgettable deep dive into the world of Japanese whisky.

Whether you're new to Japanese spirits or already a devoted fan, this episode is a true masterclass. James walks us through the fascinating history of whisky in Japan, how it evolved into one of the world's most respected whisky traditions, and the philosophy behind The House of Suntory's iconic portfolio. From craftsmanship and culture to flavor and innovation, you'll gain a whole new appreciation for what makes Japanese whisky so special.

Of course, we couldn't have a conversation like this without tasting some incredible pours. Together we sip through:

🥃 Toki
🥃 Hibiki Japanese Harmony
🥃 Yamazaki Single Malt 12 Year

If you've ever wanted to understand the artistry, precision, and heritage behind Japanese whisky, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

What happens when you take one exceptional bourbon from every single state in America and blend them into one bottle?

On this episode of the Bourbon Showdown Podcast, Jesse Jones welcomes back Lost Lantern co-founder and Head of Sourcing Adam Polonski to dive into one of the most ambitious whiskey projects ever attempted, the Lost Lantern, United States of Bourbon—the first-ever blend of whiskey from all 50 states.

Adam shares the incredible journey behind sourcing whiskey from fifty different distilleries, the challenges of creating a cohesive blend from such a diverse range of flavor profiles, and how he and Lost Lantern co-founder and Head Blender Nora Ganley-Roper transformed a five-year passion project into a bottle that celebrates the incredible diversity of American bourbon during the United States' 250th anniversary.

Then, of course...we drink.

In this episode, we taste:

• United States of Bourbon (100 Proof)
• United States of Bourbon (Cask Strength)
• United States of Bourbon: 1776 Edition — a blend featuring bourbon from the original 13 states.

As a bonus, Don Jenkins, Head Blender at Broad Branch Distillery—the North Carolina distillery selected to represent the state in this historic blend—joins the conversation to discuss what it was like collaborating with Lost Lantern and seeing his whiskey become part of bourbon history.

From sourcing and blending to tasting and storytelling, this is a conversation every bourbon fan will appreciate.

If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe on YouTube, follow the podcast wherever you listen, and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us keep bringing you conversations with the people shaping the future of whiskey.

Pour yourself a glass and enjoy another episode of the Bourbon Showdown Podcast.

On this week's episode of The Bourbon Showdown, Jesse sits down with acclaimed whiskey writer Noah Rothbaum to explore one of the most ambitious books ever written about the world's favorite spirit: The Whiskey Bible.

More than just a reference guide, The Whiskey Bible is a deep dive into whiskey's history, the legendary distilleries and brands that shaped the industry, iconic cocktails, and the stories behind the bottles we love. Noah shares what it took to research and write such a monumental work, the fascinating discoveries he made along the way, and why preserving whiskey's history has never been more important.

Whether you're just beginning your whiskey journey or you've spent years building your collection, this conversation is packed with history, insight, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of whiskey's most respected voices. If you love learning the "why" behind what's in your glass, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Pour yourself a dram, settle in, and join us for a conversation that celebrates the people, places, and stories that make whiskey one of the world's greatest spirits.

Every summer, the spirits world turns its attention to New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail, one of the industry's most influential celebrations of cocktails, education, and hospitality.

On this episode of The Bourbon Showdown, Jesse Jones sits down with Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, to talk about what makes this event so special and why 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest and best year yet.

Whether you're planning your first trip to Tales or you're simply passionate about great cocktails and the people behind them, this conversation offers an inside look at one of the most important events in the world of spirits.

Pour yourself a drink and join us for another episode of The Bourbon Showdown, where we share the good word of good whiskey—and the incredible people who make the spirits industry what it is.

Greg King returns to The Bourbon Showdown for a deep dive into the legendary world of Lagavulin. From Scotland's whisky regions and what defines a true Scotch to the history behind one of Islay's most iconic distilleries, Greg shares the stories behind every sip. Along the way, we taste Lagavulin 11 Year Old Sweet Peat, the 2025 12 Year Old Special Release "Grain & Embers," and the legendary Lagavulin 16. Whether you're a longtime Scotch fan or just beginning your journey, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Nicole Austin returns to The Bourbon Showdown to discuss the launch of Blade & Bow's new 12-Year Solera Reserve. We dive into the heritage of the Blade & Bow brand, the development of this highly anticipated release, and Nicole's approach to crafting one of the year's most exciting new bourbons. Then, of course, we pop the top on this new expression and take it for a test drive! If you're a fan of great whiskey, behind-the-scenes stories, and honest tasting notes, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

On this week's episode of The Bourbon Showdown, Jesse heads across the pond to Scotland with Greg King, Diageo's Single Malt Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador, for an in-depth look at one of Scotland's most beloved whisky's: Oban.

As Season 12 continues its exploration of world-class whiskies beyond bourbon, Greg guides the conversation through the fundamentals of Scotch whisky, what legally defines it, how it compares to American whiskey, and the rich history behind the iconic Oban Distillery.

Of course, no Bourbon Showdown episode would be complete without a tasting. Jesse and Greg sip their way through Oban's celebrated lineup, including the classic Oban 14 Year Old, the powerful Oban 12 Year Cask Strength, and the deliciously complex Oban 15 Year Port Cask Finish.

Whether you're a lifelong Scotch enthusiast or a bourbon fan looking to expand your palate, this episode offers an approachable and entertaining deep dive into one of Scotland's great whisky traditions.

Pour yourself a dram and join us for a conversation about great whisky, great stories, and the people who make it all possible.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown, we head back to Scotland with Diageo Luxury Brand Ambassador Ewan Morgan for a masterclass on one of the world's most iconic single malts: Talisker.

Ewan takes us deep into the history of the Talisker brand, the science of ultra-aged whisky, and what it takes to guide a spirit to 30, 45, and even 47 years of maturation.

Of course, we don't just talk about great whisky—we drink it. Jesse and Ewan taste through an extraordinary lineup featuring

• Talisker 30 Year Old
• Talisker Glacial Edge 45 Year Old
• Talisker Magma 47 Year Old.

If you're a fan of Scotch, luxury spirits, or the craftsmanship behind some of the world's rarest whiskies, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Season 12 starts with a trip to Ireland as Jesse Jones welcomes Redbreast Irish Whiskey Master Blender Dave McCabe to The Bourbon Showdown Podcast!

In this episode, Dave McCabe takes us deep into the world of Redbreast and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, exploring the rich history behind the brand, the art and science of blending, and how Redbreast continues to maintain the craftsmanship that has made it one of the premier Irish whiskeys in the world today. Dave also shares insight into the future of the brand and what excites him most about where Irish whiskey is headed next.

If you enjoy great whiskey conversation, behind-the-scenes insight from the people shaping the industry, and a few laughs along the way, this is an episode you do not want to miss.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, we welcome Bardstown Bourbon Company back to the show as Director of Distillation & Head Distiller Nick Smith joins us in Charlotte, NC to talk all things Bardstown.

Nick walks us through his journey to the head distiller chair and shares how Bardstown Bourbon Company has built a reputation for exceptional whiskey through transparency, innovation, and a bold vision from day one. As one of the OG's of this brand, Nick offers firsthand insight into how the brand was built, the philosophy behind their process, and their mission to bring truly outstanding whiskey to whiskey lovers everywhere.

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most forward-thinking distilleries in America — and a true whiskey masterclass you won’t want to miss.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, we pop the top with the team behind the whiskey brand that has been voted the “Best in the World” — Never Say Die Bourbon.

Brian Luftman from Lexington and his UK counterpart Martha Dalton sit down with us to do a deep dive on the incredible origin story behind this award-winning brand — a story that truly has everything. From horse racing and royalty to the Beatles and a transatlantic bourbon voyage.

Never Say Die packs a lot of flavor into each pour and we dive right as we crack open both their Bourbon and Rye, discussing mash bills, barrels, and the journey this whiskey makes from grain to glass.

So grab a glass and get ready for another flavor-packed episode of The Bourbon Showdown Podcast.

This week on The Bourbon Showdown Podcast, Jesse sits down with whiskey maker Ari Sussman of Whiskey JYPSI to pop the top and pour through the new LEGACY Batch 003: The Declaration.

Jesse and Ari dive into the brand’s history and explore how Ari and Eric Church have worked tirelessly since day one to craft a true bourbon symphony—creating a volumetric, 3D whiskey experience with every release. Legacy Batch 3 is a perfect showcase of that passion and precision. Along the way, Ari drops a few Easter eggs hidden within this release, some dating all the way back to Revolutionary times, as the two break down the mash bill, grains, barrels, and the meticulous blending that brings this whiskey to life.

It’s a flavor-packed, behind-the-scenes conversation filled with great stories, Eric Church moments, and some seriously memorable pours. So pour yourself a big pour of Whiskey JYPSI and get ready for this week’s episode of The Bourbon Showdown Podcast.