About this episode

Ashley Barnes returns to discuss her new role as an independent blending consultant and the future of whiskey.

Ashley Barnes is back for her fourth appearance on The Bourbon Life Podcast , and as always, she brings plenty of insight, honesty, and exceptional whiskey along for the ride. Matt and Mark catch up with Ashley to discuss her recent departure from The Spirits Group and her exciting new chapter as an independent blending consultant, while continuing her role as Master Blender for The Blending House. Ashley shares what this transition means for her career, the opportunities it creates, and why she's more excited than ever about the future of whiskey. The conversation then turns to one of the most anticipated bourbon releases of the year—Jacob Spears Bourbon. Named in honor of one of Kentucky's earliest distillers, the whiskey was distilled by Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge and blended by Ashley. Matt and Mark even have the unique opportunity to taste and weigh in on two different small batch blend variations before discussing the final direction of the brand, along with a standout single barrel expression. Ashley also previews the upcoming Grand Slam Bourbon Fest, taking place August 27 at League Stadium in Huntingburg, Indiana, where bourbon and baseball come together to…

People in this episode

Hosts: Matt, Mark

Guest: Ashley Barnes

Topics covered

• whiskey
• bourbon
• blending
• distilling
• consulting
• tasting

Keywords

• Ashley Barnes
• Master Blender
• Jacob Spears Bourbon
• Grand Slam Bourbon Fest
• whiskey tasting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Spirits Group, The Blending House

Products: Jacob Spears Bourbon

Books & works: 2015 Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition

Places: Huntingburg, Indiana

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