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The Bourbon Library

The Bourbon Library

By The Balas Brothers

Bourbon show with news, interviews, and reviews hosted by The Balas Brothers. To drink is to live!

Get your whiskey fix.
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AH 19: Larry's Blind Test #3

The Bourbon LibraryNov 19, 2021

00:00
18:05
We Try Whiskey From NYC's First Distillery Since Prohibition
Jul 13, 202323:11
This Distillery Had The Help of Whiskey Legend Dave Pickerell
Jul 06, 202326:49
This Distillery Makes only ONE Style of Whiskey
Jun 29, 202324:35
Uncovering the Mystery of the Non-Drinking Whiskey Maverick: The Story of a NY Legend
Jun 22, 202324:55
Whiskey with an INSANE Coffee Twist!
Jun 15, 202324:31
Ben Holladay Tasting: Bottled-in-Bond, Rickhouse Proof, and the Soft Red Wheat (REVIEW)
Jun 12, 202315:06
This Tiny Distillery Will Blow Your Mind!
Jun 08, 202330:11
Whiskey Documentary Release, Daniel Weller, Ben Holladay and Life Update
Jun 07, 202306:56
Jim Beam "Beam Train" Tank Car
Feb 07, 202321:26
Kings County 6 Year Empire Rye Barrel Strength 2022 Release
Jan 30, 202320:42
Sipping for a Cause: An Interview with Morgan Hancock about 'Bourbon With Heart'
Jan 16, 202328:58
Japanese Whiskey: Suntory Toki Whiskey

Japanese Whiskey: Suntory Toki Whiskey

In this episode, Alec and Ryan drink Toki from Suntory and chat about highballs. To drink is to live!

TikTok

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Jan 01, 202317:24
The Group on 2022 and a K.Luke Review
Dec 31, 202230:50
The Best Whiskeys of 2022: A Year in Review
Dec 21, 202223:59
Yeast's Crucial Role in Distilling: An Interview with Mitch Cod
Dec 19, 202245:27
Exclusive Interview: Clay Risen on His New Book, American Rye: A Guide to the Nation's Original Spirit
Dec 16, 202239:09
Have You Heard Of Frank August?

Have You Heard Of Frank August?

In this episode, Alec and Ryan talk about Frank August, a recent liquor store visit, and going Viral on TikTok. To drink is to live!

TikTok

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Nov 21, 202223:52
Did You Know We Went Viral?

Did You Know We Went Viral?

In this episode, Alec and Ryan talk about their latest viral video on the Bourbon Library's Instagram. To drink is to live!

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Nov 07, 202220:14
Rabbit Hole Sucks and Diageo Buys Balcones

Rabbit Hole Sucks and Diageo Buys Balcones

In this episode, Alec and Ryan cover the new acquisition of Balcones by Diageo and speak about there experiences with Rabbit Hole. To drink is to live!

MERCH: the-bourbon-library.creator-spring.com

https://www.kwtx.com/2022/11/02/diageo-acquires-waco-based-balcones-distilling/

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Nov 04, 202226:23
Campari Buys Majority Stake of Wilderness Trail for $420 Million

Campari Buys Majority Stake of Wilderness Trail for $420 Million

In this episode, Alec and Ryan cover the new acquisition of Wilderness Trail by Campari Group. To drink is to live!

MERCH: the-bourbon-library.creator-spring.com

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/italys-campari-buy-initial-70-wilderness-trail-distillery-420-mln-2022-10-31/

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Nov 01, 202222:25
How Whiskey Reminds You To Be Present

How Whiskey Reminds You To Be Present

In this episode, Ryan talks about how whiskey doesn't just make us look back but also reminds us to be present. To drink is to live!

MERCH: the-bourbon-library.creator-spring.com

https://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/food/spirits/2022/10/28/makers-mark-duo-announce-plans-new-distillery/69599971007/

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Oct 31, 202211:15
Man, Whiskey, Dog

Man, Whiskey, Dog

In this episode, Alec remembers his dogs Chico and Karly, talks about what he had last night, and gives you the update on Jane Bowie and Denny Potter's next move. To drink is to live!

MERCH: the-bourbon-library.creator-spring.com

https://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/food/spirits/2022/10/28/makers-mark-duo-announce-plans-new-distillery/69599971007/

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Oct 29, 202221:13
George T. Stagg Makes a Comeback

George T. Stagg Makes a Comeback

In this episode, Alec and Ryan cover BTAC 2022, Stagg making a comeback and Ryan tastes a scotch. To drink is to live!

MERCH: the-bourbon-library.creator-spring.com

https://www.breakingbourbon.com/bourbon-whiskey-press-releases/2022-buffalo-trace-antique-collection-announced

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Oct 27, 202222:46
You Won't Believe Who Won In This 12 Year Blind Tasting
Oct 26, 202214:21
15 Year Blind Tasting

15 Year Blind Tasting

In this episode, Alec, Ryan, and Craig blind taste test four 15-year bourbons from friend of the show Larry. To drink is to live!

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Oct 25, 202216:20
Gear Patrol Top 2022 Bourbons of 2022 Reaction

Gear Patrol Top 2022 Bourbons of 2022 Reaction

In this episode, Alec and Ryan talk about Gear Patrol and Fred Minnick's list of the 22 best bourbons of 2022. To drink is to live!

MERCH: the-bourbon-library.creator-spring.com

https://www.gearpatrol.com/food/drinks/g39958361/best-bourbons/

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Oct 24, 202221:57
Celebrity Whiskey

Celebrity Whiskey

In this episode, Alec and Ryan talk about Kings of Leon whiskey from Willet, Bear Fight American Single Malt, and other celebrity whiskies. To drink is to live!

MERCH: the-bourbon-library.creator-spring.com

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2022/10/seth-macfarlane-moves-into-whiskey/

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Oct 21, 202221:09
Bourbon Flavored Dr. Pepper

Bourbon Flavored Dr. Pepper

In this episode, Alec and Ryan talk about bourbon-flavored Dr. Pepper, Michters 2022 release of 20-year, and Knob Creek 18 year. To drink is to live!

MERCH: the-bourbon-library.creator-spring.com

https://www.foodandwine.com/news/dr-pepper-bourbon-flavor-soda-fansville-reserve

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Oct 20, 202224:44
Gift of Grandparents

Gift of Grandparents

In this episode, Ryan reflects on the gift of grandparents.

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Oct 19, 202216:24
Arby’s Smoked Bourbon

Arby’s Smoked Bourbon

In this episode, Alec talks about Arby’s Smoked Bourbon, Old Forester, and Basil Hayden's new release. To drink is to live! 

To donate to Breast Cancer Research: main.acsevents.org/goto/ltomkins 

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Oct 18, 202212:31
Whiskey Magic
Oct 17, 202211:20
We tried a bunch of Jim Beam products

We tried a bunch of Jim Beam products

In this episode, the guys all pick a Jim Beam to drink and dive into the Beam family history.

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Oct 13, 202215:40
Halloween Bourbon, Widow Jane and Pappy Lotteries

Halloween Bourbon, Widow Jane and Pappy Lotteries

In this episode, the guys pick their perfect bourbon for a Halloween party, discuss Widow Jane's nearly 20-year-old whiskey, and dive into the best kind of lotteries to maybe win some Pappy.

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Oct 13, 202223:21
Old Ezra 7 and The Love of The Game

Old Ezra 7 and The Love of The Game

In this episode, Alec, Craig, and Timmy review Old Ezra 7 and discuss a recent tasting and the love of bourbon hunting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VEVqHrjdt4

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Oct 11, 202222:44
JTS Brown and Dry Counties

JTS Brown and Dry Counties

In this episode, The Group reviews JTS Brown and discusses private barrel laws that were in jeopardy earlier this year and dry counties. 

https://whiskycast.com/private-barrel-kentucky-bourbons-in-legal-jeopardy/To Drink Is To Live!

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Oct 10, 202223:34
Black Button Expansion and Clay Risen's New Book

Black Button Expansion and Clay Risen's New Book

In this episode, Ryan and Alec discuss Black Button's 5 Million dollar expansion, Clay Risen's upcoming book on American Rye, and Non-Distilling Producers.

https://www.bevnet.com/spirits/2022/black-button-distilling-announces-groundbreaking-on-5m-new-tasting-room-and-distillery

To Drink Is To Live!

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Oct 07, 202223:12
Jack Daniel's Releases Two Ryes and an American Single Malt

Jack Daniel's Releases Two Ryes and an American Single Malt

In this episode, Ryan and Alec discuss an American Single Malt from Jack Daniels, Duty-Free, and how craft whiskey influences the industry giants.

https://whiskeyraiders.com/rye/jack-daniels-distillery-series-8-9/

To Drink Is To Live!

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Oct 06, 202221:48
Pappy Van Winkle Annual Release 2022

Pappy Van Winkle Annual Release 2022

In this episode, Ryan and Alec discuss the annual release of Pappy Van Winkle Whiskies, The Secondary Market, and potential suitors for the crown of the most sought-after whiskies. 

https://www.gearpatrol.com/food/drinks/a41529859/pappy-van-winkle-annual-release-2022/

To Drink Is To Live!

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Oct 05, 202233:30
What is Allocated Bourbon?

What is Allocated Bourbon?

In this episode, Ryan and Alec discuss what allocated bourbons are, Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey, and the future of whiskey prices.

https://www.winemag.com/2022/03/21/allocated-bourbon/

To Drink Is To Live!

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Oct 04, 202220:58
Hot Toddy Season, To Tea or NOT to Tea

Hot Toddy Season, To Tea or NOT to Tea

In this episode, Ryan and Alec discuss their top whiskies to make a Hot Toddy with and what they've been sipping lately.


Hot Toddy Recipe: https://www.liquor.com/recipes/hot-toddy/

To Drink Is To Live!

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Oct 03, 202216:26
Interview With Jack Mazurak from The Kentucky Distillers Association

Interview With Jack Mazurak from The Kentucky Distillers Association

In this episode, Ryan and Alec interview Jack Mazurak, the director of governmental and regulatory affairs for the Kentucky Distillers Association, about barrel taxes, Kentucky tourism, and how to keep the bourbon industry thriving far into the future.


Read the article here: https://kybourbon.com/industry-news/kentucky-distillers-set-records-for-bourbon-barrel-inventories-new-fills-and-punishing-production-taxes/

To Drink Is To Live!

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Sep 30, 202247:12
Kentucky Faces Big Barrel Tax Issues

Kentucky Faces Big Barrel Tax Issues

In this episode, Alec and Ryan discuss a recent press release from kybourbon.com citing several issues on the taxation of barrels in Kentucky. Kentucky seems to be lagging in the number of distilleries despite making 95% of the world's bourbon. Also, the guys chat about this emerging spirit that is inching towards taking the number one spot for spirit sales in America.

Read the article here: https://kybourbon.com/industry-news/kentucky-distillers-set-records-for-bourbon-barrel-inventories-new-fills-and-punishing-production-taxes/


To Drink Is To Live!

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Sep 29, 202221:49
Big Moves in The Industry

Big Moves in The Industry

In todays episode, Alec and Ryan chat about a recent article from Whiskey Advocate discussing whiskey makers embracing change. This article is written in the midst of several big moves in the industry from Jackie Zykan doing her own thing by creating Hidden Barn and big players leaving Makers Mark to create a new brand. They also talk about regional whiskies and how the next generation of distillers and tastemakers will shift the industry in terms of innovation and experimentation.

To Drink Is To Live!

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Sep 28, 202222:35
George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye

George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye

In this week's After Hours, we sip on George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye. Join us!

All About George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye:

George Dickel has teamed up with Leopold Bros to produce an innovative rye whisky offering. The release blends George Dickel’s column still rye produced at Cascade Hallow Distillery with Leopold Bros’ Three Chamber Rye to recreate a historic style. This union between column distilled rye and Three Chamber distilled rye turns back the hands of time, returning to an era that saw heavy-bodied rye whisky served at bars and saloons throughout America. The Cascade Hollow component of this blend is a never-before-released traditional column still rye. 

To Drink Is To Live!

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Sep 26, 202219:51
We Tasted Barrell Seagrass Rye Whiskey

We Tasted Barrell Seagrass Rye Whiskey

In this week's After Hours, we sip on Barrell Seagrass Rye Whiskey from Barrell Craft Spirits Join us!

All About Seagrass Rye:

Seagrass highlights the grassy oceanside notes we love in rye and the opulence and spice of finishing barrels. It is a blend of American and Canadian rye whiskeys, with each ingredient meticulously sourced and finished separately in Martinique Rhum, Madeira & apricot brandy barrels.

BCS is proud to announce a collaboration with The Ocean Foundation. Special hangtags will be placed on select bottles of Barrell Seagrass. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these bottles will be donated to The Ocean Foundation to contribute to the conservation and restoration of seagrass.

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Sep 23, 202213:52
Rabbit Hole Bourbon Dareringer Sherry Cask

Rabbit Hole Bourbon Dareringer Sherry Cask

Ryan and Craig Dacey taste and review this PX Sherry Cask finished bourbon from Rabbit Hole.

To Drink Is To Live!

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Sep 09, 202215:47
National Bourbon Heritage Month 2022

National Bourbon Heritage Month 2022

National Bourbon Heritage Month 2022

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Sep 02, 202212:56
The Kentucky Plan

The Kentucky Plan

Ryan and Craig strategize for our next trip to the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky.

To Drink Is To Live! 

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Aug 29, 202224:51
Guessing Three Mystery Samples

Guessing Three Mystery Samples

This week on the bourbon Library we taste and rate and try to guess what bourbon we are sipping, based on three mysterious samples we were sent.


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Aug 15, 202227:05
Journeyman Corsets, Whips and Whiskey Review

Journeyman Corsets, Whips and Whiskey Review

In this week's episode of After Hours, Ryan and Alec sip on this barrel strength, 100% Wheat Bourbon from Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan. To Drink Is To Live!

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Jul 29, 202214:58