I always knew I wanted to include a bespoke suit fitting for Chris's birthday because he's been talking about wanting to switch up his look lately, and OMJ Clothing in Charlotte, North Carolina was the ideal location to make these memories. This should be your first choice if you value excellent customer service with a personal touch. This custom suit experience at OMJ was ideal because we were already planning to be in the area that evening for the Uncle Nearest Love and Whiskey book tour, which featured Victoria Eady Butler and Fawn Weaver!

As shared in the previous post, I originally wanted to compose one video that encapsulated Chris’ entire birthday, but once I began editing all of the footage, I had to break it up into three different videos. So, this is part two of the three part series showcasing how I planned to celebrate his 35th birthday.

It’s another year celebrating Chris’ birthday. If you recall, last year I did the Index Challenge, so this year I had to do something for the BIG 35!

I originally wanted to compose one video that encapsulated his entire birthday, but once I began editing all of the footage, I had to break it up into three different videos. Yes, that means we will have a three part series just to capture his 35th birthday, but do not fret, whiskey is involved in all three videos of course!

We had the pleasure of attending Bourbon Classic 2025 in Lousiville, KY as Blue Run Spirit’s guests. During this weekend we were also invited to attend their Media Day at Justin’s House of Bourbon. There, attendees had the opportunity to taste a preview of their now released Flight III series.

Taconic Distillery was founded in 2014 and is situated in New York's Hudson Valley. This distillery, which produces rye whiskey, bourbon, and other spirits, has been at the forefront of small-batch craft spirits. Taconic prioritizes quality and artisanal craftsmanship in its products by using traditional distillation techniques and locally sourced grains.

River City Whiskey is what some may call “the new kids on the block”. This isn’t your traditional distillery churning out a broad range of in-house products—it’s a modern, curator-driven bourbon brand that scouts and selects exceptional expressions from passionate regional distillers.

One thing I love about the whiskey community is everyone’s willingness to share. This Pouring It Forward: Sharing is Caring episode features 5 different samples provided by A Steady Pour Podcast.

In the previous two posts I described our visit to Southern Distilling Co. in Statesville, North Carolina for their "Honey of a Holiday" event where they released their Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels. After that event, we had the pleasure of meeting the founders, Pete and Vienna, to learn more about the company. Then to top it all off, we had opportunity of experiencing a guided tasting with Pete himself.

In the previous post I mentioned we visited Southern Distilling Co. in Statesville, North Carolina on December 14, 2024 for their "Honey of a Holiday" event where they released their much awaited Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels. After the event, we had the pleasure of meeting the founders, Pete and Vienna, to learn more about the company. They took a small group through a behind-the-scenes look at their distilling process, from grain to glass. From the mashing and fermentation system, to the stills, and even to exploring the barrel aging warehouse, everyone left with a greater understanding of their end to end process.

On December 14, 2024 Southern Distilling in Statesville, North Carolina welcomed people from near and far for their "Honey of a Holiday" event where they released their much awaited Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels, which took place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. EST. We even drove about 2.5 hours to attend and purchase this much anticipated release.

Our last trip to Kentucky for 2024 was short, but we had an amazing time! We flew in on a Friday morning, and were back in the comfort of our home Saturday night. I told you it was quick.

Olde Raleigh Distillery located in Zebulon, N.C was established 2017, but did not open their doors until 2021 due to having to overcome county orders, and being rejected by 12 lenders. This family owned and operated distillery is located in a 10,000 square foot abandoned building.

The Old Louisville Whiskey Company is a non-distilling producer run by Amine and Beth Karaoud. We had the pleasure of meeting Amine and touring the facility during Black Bourbon Run 5.

According to their website, Amine said, “Old Louisville is really where [they] learned the trade of whiskey and gained [their] bourbon knowledge.

We had the pleasure of attending Black Bourbon Run 5 this year, and couldn’t help but do a little bourbon hunting at distilleries while in Kentucky! Black Bourbon Run (BBR) is an annual curated experience hosted by Paul Holmes with the intent to foster diversity and inclusion on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

During our recent visit to Casper, Wyoming, we were there primarily to support a friend who had just purchased a hockey team. It happened to coincide with their first home game, but we couldn't resist the opportunity to explore the local bourbon scene while we were in town.

When Chris mentioned he wanted to “get into bourbon” I thought a trip to Kentucky would be perfect 1st Wedding Anniversary gift. This was quickly dismissed because of his work schedule, so I had to think quick (I only had a few months to plan something). I then thought, why not bring Kentucky to him. Let me remind you, I do not drink, so I had to figure out how to accomplish that. 

Every year I try to find a different way to celebrate Chris’ Birthday. After almost 17 years together I can’t just do the typical, “here’s your gift let’s eat kind of day”. It’s nothing wrong with that if you do, but I like to get creative. But how?!

In this Double Dram Showdown Chris reviews the Weller 107 Single Barrel from Pavilion Discount Beverages in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Southern Star Paragon Single Barrel Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon from Barrel and Fork in Cornelius, NC.

Freddie Johnson, a third-generation employee at Buffalo Trace Distillery, was inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2018. With his vast knowledge and passion for bourbon, Freddie offers guests an unparalleled experience during distillery tours and tastings.

At Pursuit Spirits we had the pleasure of meeting with Kenny Coleman for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. Kenny began with explaining their beginnings with their bourbon podcast and now to the spirits industry, with a focus on how barrel maturation and blending are the real stars of the show.