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The bourbon glut is over, with distilleries reporting exceptional sales and Kentucky Bourbon Festival tickets selling out in just four days rather than months.

• Pandemic caused a temporary slowdown as society reopened and people returned to busier lifestyles
• Political uncertainty during election year contributed to consumer hesitation
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2025 completely sold out in four days instead of taking until August
• Secondary market for allocated bottles like Weller has changed as collectors have already acquired them
• Bourbon enthusiasts now seeking unique barrel picks rather than just allocated bottles
• Pot still whiskeys offer different flavor profiles than column still products
• French Lick Spirit distillery's William Dalton (wheated) and Lillian Sinclair (rye) showcase craft bourbon diversity
• American-made whiskeys may benefit from international tariffs as consumers look local

Listen to our barrel picks breakdown with tasting notes on kettle corn, cherry, butterscotch, and fresh-baked bread profiles. Join us for upcoming events including a smoke wagon tasting in Youngstown on May 21st.
Is the bourbon bubble really bursting? Everything you've heard about the "bourbon glut" might be completely wrong. After months of industry predictions about oversupply and waning interest, we're seeing overwhelming evidence of bourbon's resilience and continuing popularity.

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival provides perhaps the clearest indicator – what normally takes until August to sell out disappeared in just four days this year. All 7,500 tickets, gone. Heaven Hill's Bernie Lubbers recently confirmed their exceptional fiscal year, and distilleries across Kentucky are reporting similar success. What many analysts missed was that last year's perceived slowdown was merely a temporary pause as society adjusted post-pandemic and navigated election year uncertainties.

We dive deep into the evolution of bourbon collectors' interests, noting how the secondary market has shifted away from simply chasing allocated bottles like Weller and EH Taylor. Today's enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to unique barrel picks, innovative finishes, and craft distillery releases that offer something different. We also explore how American whiskey stands to benefit from international tariffs, potentially driving more consumers toward domestic products.

The highlight of our episode is an in-depth breakdown of our barrel picks from Spirit of French Lick – the William Dalton (wheated bourbon) and Lillian Sinclair (rye bourbon). Both pot still products offer fascinating tasting notes ranging from kettle corn and cherry to baking spices and fresh bread. These selections represent master distiller Alan Bishop's final barrel picks before his departure, making them particularly special.

Ready to join the continuing bourbon conversation? Listen now, and don't forget our upcoming tasting event in Youngstown on May 21st featuring our smoke wagon barrel picks. The bourbon renaissance is just getting started!

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Bernie Lubbers, Heaven Hill's bourbon ambassador, shares insider knowledge on the distillery's operations, history, and production scale while discussing their impressive portfolio of whiskeys.

• Heaven Hill produces 1,500 barrels daily, operates around 70 rickhouses, and maintains 2.1 million barrels in inventory
• The Shapira family has maintained ownership for nearly 90 years, with three generations actively running the business
• Time is the most expensive ingredient in bourbon production, requiring foresight and patience for investments that take decades to mature
• Heaven Hill has preserved historic bourbon brands like JTS Brown, JW Dant, and Rittenhouse Rye through strategic acquisitions
• The company produces numerous bottled-in-bond expressions, maintaining a tradition that represents American whiskey's gold standard
• Recent increased availability of some Heaven Hill products reflects production expansions made over a decade ago
• The team discusses their experience selecting an Elijah Craig barrel that yielded only 72 bottles with unique honey notes
• Heaven Hill's new Spring Hill distillery in Bardstown represents their first distilling operation in the town since the 1996 fire
• Their portfolio includes innovating with traditional American whiskey styles like corn whiskey and wheat whiskey

If you're interested in trying Heaven Hill products, consider picking up their Bottled-in-Bond expressions or visiting their visitor center in Bardstown for exclusives like the Five Brothers Small Batch.

Step into the world of bourbon legacy and craftsmanship as Bernie Lubbers, Heaven Hill's renowned Bourbon Ambassador, takes us behind the scenes of one of America's most important distilleries. With remarkable candidness and passion, Bernie shares how Heaven Hill has grown to maintain 2.1 million barrels in inventory—representing a staggering 20% of the world's bourbon supply.

What makes this conversation truly special is Bernie's insight into the family-owned operation that has survived when other major distilleries faltered. The Shapira family, now in its third generation of leadership, continues to oversee daily operations with the same dedication that began nearly 90 years ago. As Bernie aptly puts it, "Time is the most expensive ingredient in making whiskey and bourbon"—a philosophy that has guided Heaven Hill through decades of industry fluctuations.

Bernie reveals fascinating details about Heaven Hill's dedication to bottled-in-bond products, explaining how these expressions became cornerstones of their portfolio while other distilleries abandoned the category. We explore their strategic acquisition of historic brands like JTS Brown, JW Dant, and Rittenhouse Rye, preserving pieces of bourbon heritage that might otherwise have disappeared. The conversation also dives into Heaven Hill's newest innovations, from their recently opened distillery in Bardstown to special releases that showcase their mastery of traditional American whiskey styles.

For bourbon enthusiasts, collectors, and casual drinkers alike, this episode offers rare insights into the business decisions, production challenges, and long-term planning required to maintain quality and consistency in whiskey making. Whether you're familiar with Heaven Hill's extensive portfolio or just discovering these storied brands, Bernie's stories and expertise provide a deeper apprecia

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Derby week energizes Kentucky as bourbon enthusiasts and horse racing fans gather for the 151st Run for the Roses, with Woodford Reserve maintaining its tradition of commemorative bottles featuring special artwork.

• Weather forecast predicts heavy rain for Derby Day, dramatically changing race conditions and creating opportunities for mudders
• The bourbon industry shows strong recovery after last year's temporary slowdown, with more limited releases hitting shelves
• Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and other allocated bottles becoming more available across states as production increases
• Woodford Reserve Derby bottles maintain the same quality bourbon (90.4 proof) inside collectible bottles with annual artwork
• Our tasting notes reveal cherry, vanilla, brown sugar, and leather notes earning the standard Woodford a respectable 12.5/18 rating
• Derby horse picks favor Sovereignty at 5-1 odds who performs well in muddy conditions
• Old Forester maintains its connection to Derby tradition through their mint julep recipe
• Special high-end bourbon releases appear at distilleries during Derby week, some priced over $6,000 for charity

Join us at WWW.SCOTCHYBOURBONBOYS.COM for merchandise, past episodes, and all things Scotchy Bourbon Boys. Remember to drink responsibly and live life uncut and unfiltered!

The thundering hooves of Derby week have arrived in Kentucky, bringing bourbon lovers and racing fans together for the 151st running of America's most prestigious horse race. This year's event comes with a muddy forecast that's changing everything from the odds to the racing strategy.

What does a rainy Derby mean for the field? We're breaking down the latest odds where only three horses carry better than 10-1 chances. Our analysis points to Sovereignty at 5-1 as a strong contender in muddy conditions, though long shots like Citizen Bull (20-1) might surprise everyone.

The bourbon side of Derby weekend shines through our exploration of the commemorative Woodford Reserve Derby bottles. These annual releases feature unique artwork while containing their standard 90.4 proof bourbon. Our detailed tasting reveals notes of cherry, vanilla, brown sugar, and a touch of leather on the finish, earning a respectable 12.5/18 on our barrel breakdown scale.

Beyond the races, we're seeing fascinating developments in the bourbon market. Last year's talk of a "whiskey glut" seems premature as enthusiasm surges back. Buffalo Trace releases are becoming more available, Kentucky Bourbon Festival events are selling out in days instead of months, and distilleries are offering special Derby week bottles (some priced over $6,000).

For Derby first-timers looking to participate from home, we've got you covered with mint julep recommendations. The traditional Derby drink typically features Old Forester Rye, though pre-mixed bottles offer an easy alternative for casual fans.

Whether you're heading to Churchill Downs or watching from your living room, join us for this celebration of bourbon tradition and thoroughbred excellence. And if you're placing bets, remember our trifecta: Sovereignty to win, Journalism to place, and Citizen Bull to show!

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