Whiskey Happens presents Pour Decisions

The bourbon boom is over. Scarcity isn’t what it used to be, prices are getting harder to justify, and bottles that once felt impossible to find are suddenly sitting on shelves.So… what happens next?In this episode of Whiskey Happens, we dig into what’s really happening inside the bourbon market—and what it means for drinkers, brands, retailers, and the next generation of whiskey fans.We break down why education is becoming more powerful than brand loyalty, why availability has become its own flex, and why the next big bourbon winners may need to choose between being exceptionally good or unmistakably different.We also get into the psychology of the $60 bottle, how marketing and packaging have become part of the actual product, what the bourbon glut is revealing about hype and scarcity, and why a 157-proof whiskey can somehow drink like something much lower—until it catches up with you.From Weller 107 and Blanton’s to Penelope, Smoke Wagon, Kentucky Owl and hazmat-proof whiskey, this is a conversation about where bourbon has been, where it is now, and what comes next.The shelves are full. The rules are changing. And bourbon might be better for it.

In this episode of Pour Decisions, hosts Garrett and Travis delve into the current landscape of the bourbon industry, discussing pricing trends, anticipated new releases, and the intricacies of Four Roses’ ten distinct bourbon recipes.Episode Highlights:• The State of Bourbon Pricing: We explore how the bourbon market has evolved, with demand softening and supply at unprecedented levels, leading distillers to balance sales stabilization with margin preservation. • Upcoming Bourbon Releases: A look at some of the most anticipated bourbons hitting the shelves in 2025.• Four Roses’ Ten Recipes: An in-depth discussion on Four Roses’ unique approach of combining two mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains to craft ten distinct bourbon recipes, each contributing unique flavors to their expressions. A must-listen for bourbon enthusiasts keen on understanding market dynamics, discovering new bottles, and appreciating the craftsmanship behind Four Roses’ offerings.Follow for More Bourbon Content:•  Instagram & Facebook: Whiskey HappensShare your thoughts on bourbon pricing trends and let us know which Four Roses recipe is your favorite. Cheers! 

New Episode: Pour Decisions – A. Smith Bowman Showdown & The Impact of High-Proof Bourbons The Bourbon Round Table returns! In this episode of Pour Decisions, Garret, Travis, Shawn, and Phil engage in a head-to-head comparison of two notable offerings from A. Smith Bowman Distillery: Cask Strength Batch #3 and Special Release Batch #24. Both bourbons are celebrated for their robust profiles and unique characteristics.Cask Strength Batch #3, aged a minimum of nine years and bottled at a formidable 135.1 proof, presents aromas of candy apples and rich maple, with pronounced flavors of sweet raisins and vanilla, culminating in a toasted toffee finish. Special Release Batch #24 is part of A. Smith Bowman’s experimental Oak Series, aged for 12 years in American White Oak barrels and bottled at 135 proof. This expression offers a vibrant red hue with a nose of tart apple and dried berries, a palate featuring raspberry jam and smoky undertones, and an exceptionally smooth finish with lingering sweetness. Episode Highlights:• Side-by-Side Tasting: The panel delves into the nuances of each bourbon, comparing their noses, palates, and finishes. Listeners will gain insights into the distinct profiles of these high-proof offerings.• High-Proof Bourbons & Cask Strength Offerings: A discussion on the allure and challenges of high-proof bourbons, including how cask strength expressions influence flavor perception and consumer preferences.• Community Influence on Bourbon Pricing: An exploration of how bourbon enthusiasts and online communities impact market trends, availability, and pricing of sought-after bottles.A must-listen for bourbon aficionados interested in deep dives into premium expressions and the dynamics of the bourbon market.Follow for More Bourbon Content:•  Instagram& Facebook: whiskeyhappens•  Webpage: whiskeyhappens.comShare your thoughts on high-proof bourbons and let us know your experiences with A. Smith Bowman’s releases. Cheers! 

In this episode of Pour Decisions, Garret & Travis break down the Penelope Wheated Bourbon and tackle a hot topic in the bourbon world:Are limited releases really worth the hype (and the price tag)?From allocated bottles to special editions, we discuss what makes some limited releases truly valuable and why others might not be worth chasing.Episode Highlights:Penelope Wheated Bourbon Review: A deep dive into the nose, palate, and finish of Penelope's wheated expression. Does it live up to the brand's reputation?The Value of Limited Releases: Are special editions and allocated bottles really worth the premium price? We explore what makes some limited releases worth hunting for and why some might be overrated.Bourbon FOMO & Hype: How marketing, social media, and demand drive the bourbon market, and whether chasing hype bottles is still worth it in today's landscape.A must-listen for bourbon lovers who enjoy a great pour, love the hunt, or just want to know whether that limited bottle is really worth adding to the shelf.Follow for More Bourbon Content:Instagram: whiskeyhappensWebsite: Whiskeyhappens.comWhat's your take on limited releases? Drop a comment and let us know! Cheers!

Your boys are back! In this episode of Pour Decisions, Garret and Travis dive deep into bourbon culture, the thrill of bourbon hunting, and the current state of the industry. Plus, we break down one of the biggest questions in the bourbon world: Should you buy store picks?We explore the pros and cons of store-selected barrels, why they can be some of the best bottles on the shelf or sometimes a disappointment.Episode Highlights:Bourbon Culture & Hunting: The highs and lows of tracking down rare bottles, trends in the market, and whether the hunt is still worth it.Production & Market Insights: A look at the current state of the bourbon industry, including allocation trends, pricing, and how distilleries are keeping up with demand.Store Picks: Hidden Gems or Hype?: We debate why some store picks are must-buys, while others don't live up to expectations. What should you look for before pulling the trigger on a bottle?A must-listen for anyone who loves bourbon culture, enjoys the hunt, or has ever debated whether store picks are worth it!Follow for More Bourbon Content:Instagram: whiskeyhappensWebsite: https://www.whiskeyhappens.comDon't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tell us are you a fan of store picks? Cheers!

Welcome to the very first episode of Pour Decisions the new name for our podcast! In this debut under our new banner, Garret and Travis introduce The Bourbon Round Table, a group of bourbon-loving friends Shawn, Phil, and John who will be joining the show once a month for special deep-dive discussions.To kick things off, we put our palates to the test with a blind tasting of cigar blends and tackle one of the best bourbon-fueled questions of all time:If you could have a drink with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?Episode Highlights:Meet The Bourbon Round Table: Get to know Shawn, Phil, and John as they join Garret and Travis in this new monthly segment.Blind Tasting: Cigar Blend Showdown - We break down the nose, palate, and finish of some powerhouse cigar blends, testing our knowledge and making our best guesses on what's in our glass. Which pour takes the crown?Who Would You Share a Pour With? - From bourbon legends to historical icons, each of us answers the ultimate whiskey conversation starter: If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be and why?A must-listen for bourbon lovers, cigar blend fans, and anyone who enjoys whiskey-fueled debates and great company.Follow for More Bourbon Content:Instagram & Facebook: Whiskey HappensDon't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tell us who would YOU share a drink with? Cheers!

In this week’s episode, Garrett and Travis embark on a flavorful journey, starting with an in-depth review of the esteemed Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon. Despite its longstanding presence in the bourbon world, this bottle is a new addition to Travis’s collection, making the tasting experience particularly special.Episode Highlights:​ First Impressions: Garrett and Travis reminisce about their initial encounter with Rock Hill Farms, sharing the ambiance and setting that made it memorable.​ Bourbon Breakdown: Dive into the unique characteristics of Rock Hill Farms, a single barrel bourbon bottled at 100 proof, known for its rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.  ​ Daily Sippers: In the latter half, the hosts reveal their favorite daily sippers—those reliable bourbons they reach for regularly—and discuss what makes each one a staple in their collection.Tune in to explore the nuances of Rock Hill Farms and discover some excellent recommendations for your daily sipping rotation.Stay Connected:​ Instagram: WhiskeyHappens​ Website: whiskeyhappens.comDon’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback fuels our passion for bringing you the best bourbon conversations. Cheers! 

 New Episode Alert: Wild Turkey Showdown – 101 vs. 70th Anniversary Join hosts Garrett and Travis in this week’s episode as they dive deep into the rich history of Wild Turkey bourbon. They explore the stories behind two distinguished bottles: the classic Wild Turkey 101 and the limited-edition Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon. In a fun twist, they conduct a blind tasting, evaluating each pour on its nose, palate, taste, and finish. Which bourbon will emerge as their favorite? Tune in to find out!Stay Connected:​ Instagram: WhiskeyHappens​ Website: ⁠whiskeyhappens.com⁠Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback fuels our passion for bringing you the best bourbon conversations. Cheers! 

Tipping Back Tuesday: What’s New for Bourbon in 2025 In this episode, Travis and Garrett explore the exciting bourbon trends shaping 2025. From highly anticipated new releases to predictions for the bourbon landscape, they dive into what enthusiasts can expect this year. Discover how building community has become the ultimate strategy for curating a top-tier bourbon collection and gain insights into how stores are approaching pricing and exclusive store picks. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer, this episode is packed with everything you need to know to stay ahead in the bourbon world. Cheers!

In this episode of Tipping Back Tuesday, the Whiskey Happens podcast, Travis and Garrett take a deep dive into the bourbon landscape of 2024. From the standout bottles and distilleries to the industry’s biggest misses, we deliver the good, the bad, and the ugly. Join us as we reflect on an unforgettable year in bourbon, offering our unique perspectives and some surprising highlights along the way. Cheers to a spirited conversation!