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

Photo by: Wikimedia In 2026, spirits tourism continues to boom. From historic bourbon hubs in Kentucky to cutting-edge whisky experiences in Scotland and India, these distilleries offer unforgettable tours, tastings, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re planning a bucket-list trip or a weekend getaway, here are the top 5 distillery destinations worth adding to your itinerary . The Whiskey Wash+2Kentucky Bourbon Trail+2 1. Woodford Reserve Distillery — Versailles, Kentucky,

If you’ve been watching the whiskey world closely, you’ve probably noticed the vibe shift: fewer chest-thumping “we can’t make enough!” headlines… and more quiet, strategic moves behind the scenes. The biggest signal yet? Several major players are pausing or scaling back production as we head into 2026 , including one of the most recognizable names in bourbon. Jim Beam (Suntory Global Spirits) has confirmed it will pause production at its flagship Clermont, Kentucky, distil

The newest edition of Blind Tiger Collective — Vol. 3 — is now available, and it’s a proper love letter to bourbon culture from coast (well — “belt”) to barrel. With stories spanning the breadth of the bourbon belt, a spotlight on a fresh lounge in Nashville, a full recap of the latest Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF), and a signature cocktail recipe, this issue delivers something for veteran whiskey devotees and curious newcomers alike. Stories from Across the Bourbon Belt

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/4q3q3rzTNYb If there’s one thing we’ve learned this year, it’s that bourbon never sleeps. It doesn’t slow down, it doesn’t take a breath, and it sure as hell doesn’t apologize for evolving faster than most of us can keep up. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way. The bourbon world in 2025 was loud, proud, full-flavored, and absolutely chaotic in the best way possible — the kind of year that reminds you why we fell in love with

Charlie Sells | The Blind Tiger Downtown Nashville has no shortage of historic buildings teeming with character. Some have stood the test of time, and others have gone through revivals, refreshes, and renewal. Beneath one of Nashville’s most storied buildings, the Woolworth, a new night club experience has quietly emerged: The Marquee, where “Golden Era glamor meets sonic sanctuary.” History, Reborn The Woolworth was revived under new ownership in 2021 and is already home to

There’s something special about bourbon—it’s more than a drink. It’s a story, a moment, a shared conversation around the fire after a long week. At Blind Tiger Collective , we believe bourbon is the great connector—uniting history, craftsmanship, and people who know that the best things in life take time. That’s exactly what our Blind Tiger Collective Podcast is all about. It’s where stories pour freely, conversations flow deep, and each episode gives you a taste of what mak

Join Terry Barga & Christy Pruitt-Haynes as they dive into the Kentucky Bourbon Festival! From rare pours to distillery interviews and happy patrons, we’re bringing the best of bourbon straight to you. Watch the full video and tell us your favorite pour!