When the temperature rises, many people assume bourbon should stay on the shelf until fall. That couldn't be further from the truth. Bourbon's caramel, vanilla, and oak notes make it one of the most versatile summer spirits—especially when paired with bright citrus, fresh herbs, and seasonal fruit. Whether you're sitting on the porch, hosting friends for a backyard barbecue, or enjoying a sunset by the lake, these three cocktails deserve a spot in your summer rotation. 1. The

Whether you're collecting bottles, investing in bourbon, or simply looking for an excuse to pour a great whiskey, this episode has something for you. Terry, Christy, and Joe are back around the table discussing the realities of cash flow and investing in today's bourbon market, sharing stories from the hunt, and exploring when buying bottles is a passion—and when it becomes an investment strategy. Plus, Christy returns with another unforgettable bourbon encounter, Terry puts

Kentucky has never been short on legendary bourbon producers. From century-old distilleries to emerging craft brands, the Bluegrass State is abundant in stories of heritage and craftsmanship. But every so often, a new name comes along that refuses to follow the script. Instead of asking how bourbon has always been made, it asks what bourbon could become. That is exactly what you’ll find at Dark Arts Whiskey House in Lexington. Located in the city’s historic Distillery Distric

Just outside Chattanooga, perched high above the Tennessee River at River Gorge Ranch, sits a restaurant that feels less like a place to eat and more like a destination. From the moment you arrive at Riverdance, you're greeted by breathtaking mountain scenery, sweeping river views, and an atmosphere that immediately tells you this is something special. For those searching for an unforgettable dining experience in Southeast Tennessee, Riverdance may very well offer the best re

The next episode of the Blind Tiger Collective Podcast is shaping up to be one of our most entertaining and educational conversations yet. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon hunter, a casual enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys a good pour and a great story, this episode has something for everyone. The Hunt for Allocations Let's face it—allocated bourbon has become one of the most talked-about topics in whiskey culture. From limited releases to store picks that disappear w

In a city known for outdoor adventure, craft beer, and a rapidly growing culinary scene, there’s a hidden gem tucked beneath one of Chattanooga’s most popular pizza joints that deserves the attention of every whiskey lover. At first glance, you might think you’ve arrived for a slice of New York-style pizza. And while the pizza certainly delivers, the real story begins when you descend into the dimly lit, speakeasy-inspired lounge hidden below Goodfellas Pizzeria. Welcome to t

There’s something special about driving through the rolling hills just outside of Lexington and realizing you’re headed toward a place that genuinely feels connected to the roots of bourbon culture. That’s exactly the feeling we had during our recent visit to Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm — a distillery that somehow balances modern innovation with old-school Kentucky soul. From the moment we arrived, it was obvious this wasn’t just another stop on the bourbon trail. Th

On this episode, we chat with Kathie Scalf about creativity in the whiskey world, along with what the future of the spirit industry looks like. Christy and Kathie chime in on internet trolls, whiskey & women, and share their experiences as leaders in the community.

The bourbon world doesn’t sleep—it evolves. And lately, it feels like it’s evolving faster than ever. Between experimental finishes, ultra-aged statements, and brands pushing the boundaries of what “bourbon” even means, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where tradition meets bold innovation. Whether you’re a collector, a casual sipper, or someone who just likes the thrill of the hunt, these are the bottles making noise right now. Let’s get into it. 1. King of Kentucky Small Bat

The ripple effects of whiskey’s supply imbalance continue to spread across the industry. MGP Ingredients announced on April 7 that it will temporarily halt distilling operations at two of its Kentucky facilities—Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon and Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown. The move, set to begin May 1, 2026, is part of a broader effort to align production with current inventory levels. The Kansas-based, publicly traded company will maintain operations at its fla

For years, bourbon has been on an absolute tear. Distilleries couldn’t build fast enough. Barrels couldn’t age quickly enough. Collectors couldn’t buy enough. And now? The brakes are being tapped—hard. A New Reality for Bourbon Distilleries One of the biggest headlines shaking the industry right now is the decision by Jim Beam to pause production at its flagship Kentucky distillery for the entire year of 2026. ( New Food Magazine ) This isn’t some small craft operation tighte

BARDSTOWN, Ky. — The countdown to one of bourbon’s most iconic gatherings is officially on. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF) has announced that tickets for its 2026 event will go on sale April 14, with early access available to “Bourbon Insiders” on April 13. Marking its 35th anniversary, this year’s festival is set to take place September 10–13 in Bardstown, Kentucky — widely known as the Bourbon Capital of the World. For more than three decades, KBF has brought together

A lesser-known twist in whiskey history If you ask most bourbon drinkers where the name “bourbon” comes from, the answer usually comes quickly: it’s named after Bourbon County. And technically, that’s correct. But the real story behind the name is a little messier—and a lot more interesting. When Bourbon County Was Huge In the late 1700s, Kentucky looked very different from what it does today. At the time, Bourbon County wasn’t the modest county you’ll find on a map now. It w

Bourbon lovers know that some of the best moments in whiskey culture happen long before the main event begins. On April 9, 2026 , Kentucky Bourbon Festival will officially begin its season in spectacular fashion with the New Riff Distilling Distiller Dinner , an intimate evening celebrating craftsmanship, culinary creativity, and the unmistakable camaraderie that defines Kentucky bourbon culture. Hosted at the stunning Savor at River House , the beloved kickoff dinner return

See what we did there with the title… But in all seriousness, this one was a blast. We sat down not just to talk bourbon—but to talk about bourbon. The past. The future. The legends. The missteps. The personalities. The volatility of today’s market and what it all means for the people actually living inside the industry. Terry and Joe go deep—history, current headlines, industry shifts, and where the brown water world may be headed next. For a hot second, Charlie jumps in to

There are moments in the bourbon industry when the headlines move faster than the facts. Recently, Bardstown Bourbon Company has found itself in one of those moments — facing a lawsuit brought by a former executive. The allegations, as publicly reported, include claims related to discrimination and retaliation. As with any active legal matter, these are allegations, not verdicts. The courts exist for a reason. Due process exists for a reason. And bourbon, of all industries, u

The story around Uncle Nearest has never just been about bourbon. From the beginning, it’s been about people—about honoring the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, about correcting history, and about building something meaningful in an industry that hasn’t always made space for every voice. That’s why moments of uncertainty or restructuring hit differently here. This isn’t just a brand conversation; it’s a human one. When a company faces challenges, it’s easy for the outside w

Back at the Bar: Hiatus, Glassware & Celebrity Sightings in Bourbon Country Check out the latest episode here! Pull up a chair—this one feels like a proper catch-up over a well-poured dram. On the latest episode of Blind Tiger Collective , Charlie, Joe, and Christy settle back into rhythm as they unpack where Joe’s been during his hiatus, revisit why good glassware actually matters more than most people think, and continue the honest conversation around the current state of t

There’s a moment many successful people never talk about. The business is thriving. The résumé looks impressive. The house, the title, the lifestyle — all the boxes are checked. And yet, beneath the applause and outward momentum, there’s a quiet question echoing in the background: Is this really it? That question is exactly where Enter Up , the new podcast from our good friend of the Blind Tiger Collective, Will Hardy , begins. Success can look like freedom and still feel lik

If you bleed amber spirits — whether sipping straight bourbon, discovering craft distillers, or pairing your favorite pour with great food and music — 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year. From local Nashville happenings to some of the most iconic bourbon celebrations in the country, here’s what bourbon lovers should put on their calendars. Nashville & Tennessee Bourbon Events 4th Annual Tennessee Crossroads Whiskey Tasting — Nashville, TN Saturday, February 28, 202