In this captivating episode of The Bourbon Road, hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter sit down with Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian at the distillery’s stunning downtown Louisville location for a twofold journey: one through the glass, and one through time. Their guest isn’t just a master distiller and entrepreneur — he’s now an author, and his new book, Mother of Bourbon: The Greatest American Whiskey Story Never Told, brings the remarkable story of Mary Dowling into the spotlight.

As the episode unfolds, Kaveh shares how a footnote in an old text sparked years of research into Dowling’s forgotten legacy. A pioneering woman who ran successful distilleries, survived Prohibition by moving operations to Mexico, and may have influenced the 1964 congressional act recognizing bourbon as America’s native spirit — Dowling’s story is equal parts myth, grit, and American ingenuity. Zamanian's book gives her the recognition she never received… until now.

But this isn’t just a history lesson — it’s also a tasting session. The team begins with the Mary Dowling Wheated Bourbon, a 93-proof pour made from 65% corn, 25% wheat, and 10% malted barley. Aged in toasted and charred barrels and barreled at a low 110 proof, the whiskey surprises with bright cherry, cereal grain, and soft spice notes. With its luxurious mouthfeel and balanced finish, it reflects the same craft and care Zamanian brought to the storytelling in his book.

Listeners also get a sneak peek into the upcoming Tequila Barrel-Finished Mary Dowling expression, inspired by Dowling’s cross-border Prohibition-era distilling. Though not tasted in this episode, it’s clear this release continues the theme of honoring history through bold innovation.

Between sips and stories, Kaveh walks listeners through the serendipitous acquisition of the Dowling and Waterfill & Frazier trademarks, his connections to descendants of Robert Gould (former owner of what became Wild Turkey), and the deep creative process that brought both whiskey and book to life.

Whether you’re a bourbon buff, a history enthusiast, or simply love a great story in your glass and on your shelf, this episode is a masterclass in how legacy, craftsmanship, and storytelling can beautifully collide.

Bourbon on the Banks 2025

Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars

The Hill House Bed and Breakfast

Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, “The Bourbon Roadies” for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

In this episode of The Bourbon Road, Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter return for Part Two of their deep dive into Lost Lantern’s 2025 Summer Collection — and this time, it’s all about the rye. The duo tastes through a curated lineup of four standout rye whiskeys, plus a bonus pour, delivering flavor notes, backstories, and some playful banter along the way.

The tasting kicks off with Far North Spirits from Minnesota, a 4-year-old rye clocking in at 111.5 proof. It impresses with grain-forward notes, minty freshness, and a candy-like sweetness that evolves into a spicy finish — evoking everything from Melba toast to black licorice jellybeans.

Next is the return of Fray Ranch from Nevada with a 6-year, 118.6-proof rye that blows both hosts away. With tasting notes of mint chocolate chip, brandy-like fruit, and a chocolate-dipped finish, it emerges as a strong contender for favorite pour of the episode. Colby and the Fray Ranch team continue to prove why their farm-to-glass model is producing truly unique and exceptional whiskey.

The episode is peppered with exciting bourbon news, including:

• The upcoming release of Heaven Hill’s Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye (Batch 2)

• The return of Elijah Craig and Larceny barrel-proof expressions

• Jacob’s Pardon Collective Series — a 16-year-old whiskey finished in 50-year-old Oloroso sherry casks

• Upcoming limited releases from Old Forester, Chattanooga Whiskey, Boone County, and New Riff

As always, Jim and Todd keep it real, sharing not just tasting notes but honest opinions about value, availability, and flavor. They also highlight Lost Lantern’s growing influence in the craft whiskey space, with recurring praise for past favorites like Whiskey Acres.

Whether you’re a seasoned rye lover or a curious newcomer, this episode is packed with flavor, insight, and plenty of road-tested recommendations. Don’t miss the bonus pour at the end — a surprise worth sticking around for.

Bourbon on the Banks 2025

Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars

The Hill House Bed and Breakfast

Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, “The Bourbon Roadies” for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

In this week’s episode of The Bourbon Road, Jim and Todd settle into the Bourbon Road Bar with four exciting pours—all part of Lost Lantern’s 2025 Summer Collection. Known for spotlighting unique, independently bottled whiskeys, Lost Lantern returns with a compelling lineup that champions estate distilleries—those growing their own grains and crafting whiskey that truly reflects a sense of place.

The hosts dive headfirst into these new expressions, starting with a robust 118.1 proof bourbon from Whiskey Acres in DeKalb, Illinois. With a mashbill of yellow dent corn, wheat, and malted barley, this 5-year-old expression surprises both hosts with its rich character and memorable finish. Jim and Todd recall their past blind tasting with Whiskey Acres and reaffirm its standout quality in today’s tasting.

But this episode isn’t just about tasting notes—it's about exploring what estate distilling means for the future of American whiskey. The hosts discuss how companies like Lost Lantern are leading the charge in showcasing distilleries that prioritize heirloom grains, sustainable practices, and unique terroir. Jim notes how commercial grains have drifted toward mass production, often at the expense of flavor, while Todd highlights how estate distillers are turning the tide.

Listeners also get an insider’s look at:

• The philosophy behind Lost Lantern’s curation

• Why estate-grown grains matter in today’s whiskey

• Upcoming bottles from Russell’s Reserve, Old Forester, and Buffalo Trace

• And how the bourbon industry is evolving thanks to distillers like Freddie Noe and innovators like Lost Lantern

With plenty of banter, tasting impressions, and thoughtful industry analysis, this episode is part one of a two-part journey through eight total samples from Lost Lantern’s newest release. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey lover or just curious about craft expressions that go beyond the big names, this episode delivers a flavorful and informative ride.

So pour a glass, settle in, and join Jim and Todd as they explore bold new frontiers in American whiskey—one barrel at a time.

Bourbon on the Banks 2025

Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars

The Hill House Bed and Breakfast

Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, “The Bourbon Roadies” for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!