Bourbon History, Barrel Picks, and the Stories Behind the Brands
Dan and Bob welcome Dude Poole and JD Fritzges from The Bourbon Hunters Podcast for a conversation about bourbon history, book research, and the bottles that keep bourbon fans curious. Dude shares the inspiration behind _Men Who Made American Bourbon_ and explains how he works through public records to separate documented history from marketing lore. The group also discusses future books on Prohibition, E. H. Taylor, and the J. W. Dant family. Between pours, they compare barrel picks from Old Forester, Jack Daniel’s, Maker’s Mark, Russell’s, Nulu, and Old Louisville—and talk about why smaller producers and thoughtful single-barrel selections can be more rewarding than chasing rare bottles. Dan also traces his interest in bourbon to his grandfather’s J. W. Dant highball and the search that led him to bourbon collecting and podcasting.
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In this episode:
* Why Dude wanted bourbon’s real stories told, including the facts that complicate familiar legends
* How Elijah Craig, James Crow, George Garvin Brown, Weller, and E. H. Taylor shaped bourbon
* Dude’s research process, upcoming book ideas, and “mash bill genealogy”
* Tasting notes and favorite barrel-pick experiences
* How NDPs and bourbon clubs have shifted the focus from “unicorn” hunting
* The history of J. W. Dant and the personal story behind JD’s search for the brand
* A lively detour into podcasting, collecting, and life not going to plan
Chapters
00:40 — Dude’s book and the value of bourbon history
02:10 — Research, new discoveries, and the two-volume plan
04:06 — Future books on E. H. Taylor and J. W. Dant
08:10 — The Buffalo Trace visit that sparked JD’s research
11:57 — Bottling, consumer trust, and bourbon’s evolution
13:22 — Old Forester 100 tasting notes
16:38 — Mash bills, bourbon flavors, and the art and science of whiskey
27:57 — Dan’s grandfather and the J. W. Dant connection
34:16 — Old Louisville and how bourbon changes in the glass
36:09 — NDPs, blending, and the changing bottle hunt
45:06 — Jack Daniel’s single-barrel tasting
54:43 — Favorite barrel picks and the Maker’s Mark blending process
63:02 — Why the best barrel-pick experiences can be simple and hands-on
76:53 — George Garvin Brown and the legacy of Old Forester
81:31 — The people and innovations behind bourbon history
86:44 — Volume two and the J. W. Dant family story
91:52 — Where to find Dude’s book
95:22 — Plans for a December crossover episode“I like to hear the real stories.”
To find Dude's book: _Men Who Made American Bourbon _find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or for a signed copy:
Dude Poole - https://www.dudepoole.com
The Bourbon Hunters - https://www.thebourbonhunters.com
Bourbon, Brass & Beyond - https://www.bourbonpod.com or https://www.bourbonbrassandbeyond.com