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Bourbon LensAuthor: Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens is the podcast for every whiskey drinker. During this project, we look to explore the whiskey and bourbon industry, learn more about our favorite spirit, and interview industry insiders, makers, entrepreneurs, and business people. We welcome you on this journey with us. Bourbon Lens was founded by Jake and Scott from Louisville, Kentucky. We have grown our appreciation for Kentucky's native spirit and look to learn all that we can about every type of whiskey. We welcome you to pour a glass of whiskey and join us. We are always looking for show topics, discussion starters, and new whiskies to try. Contact us on social media or send us an email to: Info@BourbonLens.com with ideas, comments, or questions. Language: en Genres: Arts, Food, Hobbies, Leisure Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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380: Politics, Pours, and Portfolios: Inside Kentucky Senator Bourbon with Damon Thayer
Sunday, 26 April, 2026
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, we sit down with Damon Thayer, former Kentucky State Senate Majority Floor Leader and co-owner of Kentucky Senator Bourbon. We dive into the fascinating revival of this historic brand, which originally dates back to the pre-Prohibition era and is now carving out a unique niche by pairing high-quality, aged spirits with the rich political history of the Bluegrass State.Damon shares the brand’s mission of bipartisan storytelling, where each small-batch release—always bottled at 107 proof and aged at least six years—is named after an iconic Kentucky Senator. From the inaugural Alben W. Barkley release to the more recent Jim Bunning and John Sherman Cooper editions, we explore how the brand honors those who shaped Kentucky’s legacy.Beyond the bottle, the conversation gets into the "inner circle" of Kentucky culture. Damon offers his expert strategies for betting on the Kentucky Derby, discusses his work in the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, and explains the brand’s expansion plans into new markets. Whether you're a history buff, a political junkie, or just a fan of "America's Native Spirit," this episode offers an engaging look at how bourbon and statecraft go hand-in-hand.Show Notes & Key TakeawaysBipartisan Spirits: Discover how Kentucky Senator Bourbon bridges the political divide by focusing on shared history and tradition.The 107 Standard: Why the brand sticks to its signature 107-proof profile and a minimum six-year age statement (matching a Senator's term).Betting the Derby: Damon Thayer shares his personal approach to the track, including how to find value in win, place, and show bets.A Brand Revived: The story of how Thayer and Andre Regard brought back a brand once distilled by Crigler & Crigler and Double Springs.Kentucky Influence: A look at how legislative advocacy has modernized the bourbon industry into a global tourism powerhouse.Timestamp Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kentucky Senator Bourbon & Damon Thayer07:31 Expansion Strategy: Growth and Distribution in the Bluegrass State16:55 The Intersection of Politics: Influence and Future Brand Plans23:16 Deep Dive: The History of Kentucky’s Most Famous Senators29:52 The USP: Why the 107 Proof and Age Statement Matters39:59 Personal Anecdotes: Horse Racing, Legacy, and Closing Remarks🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community. 📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens 🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU#BourbonLens #KentuckySenatorBourbon #DamonThayer #BourbonHistory #KentuckyDerby #WhiskeyTasting #SmallBatchBourbon #AmericaNativeSpirit #BourbonInfluencers #KentuckyDownsBourbon Lens, Kentucky Senator Bourbon, Damon Thayer, Andre Regard, Kentucky Bourbon history, 107 proof bourbon, Kentucky Derby betting tips, Alben Barkley Bourbon, Jim Bunning Bourbon, John Sherman Cooper release, small batch bourbon, Kentucky politics, bourbon podcast, whiskey reviews, bourbon influencers, bipartisan bourbon
