The Firkin Podcast - Every Drink Tells a Story

In this episode of The Firkin Podcast, we welcome a true icon of the bourbon world, Wes Henderson. Renowned for his pioneering work with Angel's Envy and now the founder of True Story Whiskey, Wes shares his journey from the Bourbon Hall of Fame to launching his latest venture. We discuss the inspiration behind True Story, a brand that embodies the spirit of storytelling through its unique blends. Discover how Wes collaborates with his sons to craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in white muscatel barrels, and a bold rye whiskey finished in amberana and sherry barrels. The conversation delves into the art and challenges of whiskey finishing, the legacy of Wes's father, Lincoln Henderson, and the innovative spirit that drives the Henderson family. Cheers!

In this episode, we’re joined by the talented Lilly Lambert, mixologist and bar manager at Galaxie Bar in Louisville's vibrant NuLu district. Lilly shares her journey from hairdressing to bartending, her passion for crafting innovative cocktails, and her experiences in creating community-focused bar programs. We dive into her creative process, including her love for experimenting with flavors. Plus, she treats us to a live demonstration of one of her favorite home cocktails.

In this special live episode of The Firkin Podcast, recorded at Falls City Brewing Co. and Parlor Pizza, Brian and Chris sit down with entrepreneur, investor, and community advocate John Neace. Known for his pivotal role in revitalizing iconic Louisville brands like Falls City Beer, as well as his ownership stake in Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC, John shares his incredible journey of building a business empire with a heart for community impact. From his humble beginnings growing up in Newport, KY, to taking a leap of faith by refinancing his first home to start his insurance business, John’s story is one of grit, resilience, and a deep commitment to giving back.John’s motto, inspired by his mother—“Somebody’s got to do it”—shines throughout this fascinating conversation, as he shares stories of perseverance, the joys of collaboration, and his vision for a thriving Louisville. Grab a pint, sit back, and join us for an inspiring and entertaining chat with one of Louisville’s most impactful entrepreneurs. Cheers to great beer, great people, and great stories! 

We are live from Falls City Brewery x Parlour Pizza in Louisville with Joey Wagner, of J Wagner Group. As part of launching two new Falls City brews in collaboration with our local professional soccer teams, we were invited to bring Joey out and get to know more about what his group does. Joey puts on some of the top events in Louisville and we get to dig into what it takes to get that done.

This week we welcome Jordan Rivers to the studio. Jordan is a voice artist, Radio host for MIX 106.9, and announcer for Racing Louisville and University of Louisville Women's Soccer. This was an excellent conversation covering a lot, hence the long runtime! Join us for some beers, bourbons, and great stories.

In this exciting episode of The Firkin Podcast, we sit down with Ian Cox from Kentucky Venues. Join us as we delve into the vibrant world of event management and explore how Kentucky Venues plays a pivotal role in hosting some of the state's most iconic events. Ian shares his journey in the industry, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to manage large-scale events successfully. From the challenges of coordinating logistics to the thrill of seeing an event come to life, Ian provides invaluable insights that are sure to captivate event enthusiasts and professionals alike. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with stories, expert advice, and a glimpse into the future of event planning in Kentucky. 

Join us as we welcome Preston Van Winkle, a fourth-generation member of the legendary Van Winkle family and brand manager at Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. In this insightful episode, we delve into the rich history of the Van Winkle legacy, exploring how the distillery weathered Prohibition through innovative medicinal whiskey permits and emerged as a cornerstone of Kentucky bourbon. They discuss the recent bourbon boom, highlighting the challenges of scaling production to meet soaring demand while maintaining the impeccable quality that defines the brand.Preston shares his strategies for allocation and distribution, addressing the complexities of managing limited supply and combating counterfeit bottles in the secondary market. The conversation also touches on meaningful collaborations, such as the partnership with Wolverine Boots, and the distillery's commitment to supporting trade schools through charitable initiatives. Personal anecdotes illuminate Preston's dedication to preserving the family's heritage and the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle of bourbon.Looking ahead, Preston outlines future plans aimed at sustaining the brand's prestigious reputation and fostering innovation within the bourbon industry. Join us as we look into one of America's most revered whiskey brands and the passion that drives its continued success.

Join us for a live episode of The Firkin Podcast, recorded at Bourbon & Beyond 2024! We sit down with the extraordinary bluegrass musician, Molly Tuttle, to discuss her musical journey, creative process, and experiences traveling the globe. In this episode, you'll hear about Molly's influences and how they shaped her unique sound. We discuss her approach to songwriting and performing, along with how it felt to be the first woman to be named IBMA Guitar Player of the Year and whether that or winning a Grammy was more surreal.Fans of bluegrass, bourbon, or just engaging conversations will find this episode packed with stories and insights that you won't want to miss. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that captures the spirit of one of the year's most exciting festivals. Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes!