when we entered into the space, I knew how to build a manufacturing plant. And, you know, the first thing that we did was we came to Kentucky. And we toured a bunch of facilities. I mean, at this point, you know, there wasn't the proliferation that there is now. So Makers was like one of the first plants that I walked in before their expansion. And what I was amazed by is just how open people were when we're like,

we don't know anything about making bourbon, but we know about manufacturing and people just

kind of open the doors. And that was one of the things that was so great about that point in time.

It continues to be. It's just the people.

This is Bourbon Pursuit, the official podcast of Bourbon, bringing to you the best in news, reviews, and interviews with people making the bourbon whiskey industry happen, and I'm one of your hosts, Kenny Coleman.

So do you think North Carolina can really take on the heavyweights of the bluegrass?

Well, today we're joined by Pete Barker. He's the co-founder of Southern Distilling, and we talk about how he's

disrupting the craft bourbon landscape just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Now, Pete brings

a unique background because he's an engineer by trade, but he also has a big agricultural

expertise that he can bring to the table. But he's also sharing the story of how they built a massive state-of-the-art facility

that's doing everything from contract distilling for places like Brothers Bond, and they're

also winning their own double golds for their own Paragon Wheatid Bourbon.

But also, he breaks down their commitment to regenerative farming and how sourcing local

North Carolina grains can create a

flavor profile that stands out in a crowded market. We also taste their new American single malt.

And just wait until you hear Ryan's reaction. I think this is what American single malt might

have been missing. But with that, cheers everybody. Enjoy this week's episode. And now here's Fred Minnick with Above the

Char. I'm Fred Minnick, and this is Above the Char. This week's idea comes from Joshua

Sagall, who writes me on Patreon. What is the reason so many brands choose to put old in their

name? Where do the use of the word

old begin with whiskey? And why do so many newer brands still use old and they're naming today?

Well, Joshua, that's a great question. And it all goes back to the very early days of American

...