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Imagine a time when a Kentucky statesman would haul barrels of bourbon over the Appalachian Mountains to Washington DC, using America's native spirit to broker political deals. According to Congressman Andy Barr, Henry Clay's famous ability as "The Great Compromiser" had a secret ingredient: Kentucky whiskey that "lubricates the wheels of government."

This fascinating historical tidbit sets the stage for our spirited conversation with Representative Barr, who brings a special treat – Blanton's Gold Edition at 103 proof, a Congressional White Oak Caucus barrel selection. As we savor this exceptional bourbon with its honey, dried fruit, and lingering spice notes, Barr reveals the surprising intersection of bourbon and modern politics.

You'll discover two congressional caucuses you probably didn't know existed: the bipartisan Bourbon Caucus that advocates for the industry, and the White Oak Caucus working to ensure sustainable forestry for those all-important aging barrels. Barr explains how his Aged Distilled Spirits Competitiveness Act changed tax law to level the playing field for bourbon producers, and shares insights into international trade dynamics affecting Kentucky's signature export.

The conversation flows as smoothly as the bourbon itself as we explore India's potential as a massive new market for American whiskey, the "rum cover over" tax provision, and how European retaliation against bourbon exports affects multinational spirits companies. Throughout it all, Barr demonstrates that bourbon transcends political divisions – bringing together legislators from both parties who might disagree on policy but find common ground over a well-crafted pour.

Whether you're passionate about whiskey, curious about politics, or simply enjoy listening to genuine conversation, this episode captures the essence of bourbon's unique ability to create connections. As Buffalo Trace ambassador Freddie Johnson wisely notes, bourbon's magic isn't in collecting bottles but in creating memories through sharing – a philosophy that might just be the secret to better governance.

Listen now, and raise a glass to the spirit that not only warms the soul but occasionally manages to warm the cold halls of Congress too.

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The worlds of baseball and bourbon collide as Mike and Tony taste the limited-edition Remus Babe Ruth Reserve, a premium offering that blends America's pastime with craft distilling. This special release captures both the spirit of the Great Bambino and MGP's renowned high-rye expertise in a bottle that baseball fans and whiskey enthusiasts alike will appreciate.

What happens when one of baseball's greatest legends partners with a respected bourbon producer? The result is a meticulously crafted 111-proof bourbon that blends three different high-rye mash bills from 2016, 2017, and 2018. Each of the 10,624 bottles (one for each of Babe Ruth's career plate appearances) features a QR code revealing what happened during Ruth's corresponding at-bat—a level of attention to detail that elevates this beyond typical celebrity spirits.

The tasting reveals characteristic MGP nutty notes complemented by cinnamon, spice, and subtle fruit undertones. Despite initial skepticism about the $150 price point, they are pleasantly surprised by the quality. The conversation expands into broader trends in the bourbon industry, where countless new bottles and celebrity collaborations leave consumers wondering which releases prioritize quality over marketing.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Tony delve into the details that make this release special—from the baseball bat-shaped cork to the diamond-themed packaging—while honestly discussing whether the premium price over standard Remus offerings is justified by the collectible nature or the liquid inside. For baseball historians, Yankees fans, or anyone interested in the intersection of American cultural icons and craft spirits, this episode offers valuable insights into a unique bourbon experience.

Curious about how celebrity collaborations are changing the whiskey landscape? Want to know if limited editions like this are worth the investment? Listen now and discover whether the Remus Babe Ruth Reserve hits a home run or strikes out.

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What happens when you take 300-year-old French oak trees selected for Notre Dame Cathedral's restoration and turn them into bourbon barrels? Dan Calloway and Pete Marino of Bardstown Bourbon Company join us to reveal the remarkable story behind their Cathedral French Oak Barrel Finish - a whiskey that connects French architectural history with Kentucky distilling expertise.

"The cardinal sin we broke on barrel aging is you never really want to double barrel old bourbon because it'd be too dry, too tannic," explains Calloway. Yet this risk produced something extraordinary - a blend of Kentucky bourbons up to 19 years old, finished for 14 months in just six precious barrels made from the same oak chosen to repair one of the world's most iconic cathedrals.

The conversation goes deeper than just this special release. We explore Bardstown Bourbon Company's meteoric rise in the whiskey world, their philosophy of transparency and collaboration, and how they balance contract distillation with distinctive brand development. NFL legend Jared Allen even calls in to discuss the bourbon landscape and what makes Bardstown's approach unique.

Throughout our discussion, the themes of innovation and quality shine through. "The formula for our success is a combination of incredible people who are deeply passionate about what they do," Marino shares, "and we've got an ownership group and a leadership team that are not afraid to take chances and do crazy things." This mindset has propelled Bardstown from industry newcomer to respected innovator in just a decade.

We conclude with a comprehensive tasting of the Cathedral Oak itself, exploring its complex profile of the three classic Kentucky bourbon tasting notes with dark fruits and the perfect balance between wood influence and sweetness. For whiskey lovers seeking something truly special, this rare expression represents bourbon at its most innovative and historically significant.

Grab a glass and join us for this fascinating exploration of whiskey craftsmanship where French history meets Kentucky spirit!