508. Pineapples, Bloody Butcher & Big Fat Liars — A Four-Bottle Showdown with Drew Hannush

Welcome back, roadies! Todd and Jim are joined in the corner of Rick House in Frankfort, Kentucky by returning guest Drew Hannush of the Whiskey Lore podcast for his sixth appearance on the show. The crew had just come off a big night in Lawrenceburg attending the premiere of Bo Cumberland's documentary *Spirit of Lawrenceburg*, a film tracing the deep distilling heritage of Anderson County — and they brought a very special bottle back from the event to kick things off. Drew also shares details about his ongoing research into the early history of bourbon, including a new book project that he is releasing chapter by chapter on his podcast as he writes it, inviting listener feedback in real time.

On the Tasting Mat:

- WH McBrayer 250th Special Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: A limited release of only 1,776 bottles celebrating 250 years of the McBrayer legacy. Bottled at 105 proof from a blend of 11 barrels aged five to seven years, using the distinctive Bloody Butcher corn mash bill (88.4% Bloody Butcher corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley). The nose opens with stone fruits — pear and apple — alongside a well-aged grain character and a light mint note. The palate is full and lingering, leaning sweet upfront before drying out with oak, rye spice, and cinnamon on the finish. MSRP $100, available at select Northern Kentucky retailers and at Bourbon on the Bank. *(00:01:58)*

- Hard Truth Double Oak Sweet Mash Bourbon: A limited release from Hard Truth Distilling Co. in Nashville, Indiana, bottled at 106.1 proof. Made from a mash bill of 73% corn, 19% rye, and 8% malted barley, this expression undergoes a secondary aging of over one year in a second custom-char new American oak barrel. Only 28 barrels were produced. The nose is relatively subdued with mild herbal notes, but the palate delivers a rich, concentrated punch of sweetness backed by dark fruits, graham cracker, toasted granola, and a bitter dark chocolate finish with hints of cola. The secondary barrel adds sweetness without overwhelming the whiskey with char or marshmallow notes. MSRP approximately $60. *(00:17:30)*

- Bardstown Bourbon Company Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish: A finished American whiskey blending 10- and 11-year-old straight bourbon and rye, aged 27 months in rum casks that previously held premium rum aged with prized Victoria Pineapple — with fresh pineapple also added directly to the barrel during finishing. Bottled at 106.1 proof and available only in Kentucky. MSRP $140 for a 750ml. The nose is immediately tropical and warming, with grilled pineapple and a gentle burn. The palate is lush and syrupy-sweet — not quite cloying — with a mouthfeel that lingers, layers of tropical fruit, and just enough rye spice and dark cherry emerging on subsequent sips. The panel agreed this pours like a cocktail in a glass, with strong potential as a highball or warm-weather sipper. *(00:30:00)*

- Potter Jane Big Fat Liar Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: The first aged whiskey release from Potter Jane Distilling Company in Springfield, Kentucky, founded by industry veterans Denny Potter and Jane Bowie. The name playfully references their earlier vow never to source whiskey — a promise this bottle good-naturedly breaks. Aged six years, vatted for seven months in American and French oak casks, and bottled at 109.4 proof. Limited to approximately 1,200 bottles, released during Kentucky Bourbon Week. MSRP $49.99. The nose is light and classic, with vanilla, a touch of apple, and a hint of citrus. The palate is well-balanced and viscous, with a sweet sizzle on entry, apple cobbler, restrained dark chocolate, and a quiet coffee-bean note on the finish. Crushable and approachable at proof, with nothing out of place. *(00:33:26)*

Four bottles, four personalities, one memorable evening in Kentucky bourbon country. Whether you caught the *Spirit of Lawrenceburg* premiere or are just tuning in for the whiskey, this episode covers the spectrum from heritage grain bourbons to tropical barrel experiments — all in a tight proof band that made for a genuinely competitive tasting mat. Be sure to check out Drew Hannush and the Whiskey Lore podcast, and head over to thebourbonroad.com to join the Roadie Bar, search our full archive of 1,360-plus tasting notes, and keep up with everything happening on the Bourbon Road.