Season 7, Episode 40: Dan Callaway, Master Blender & V.P., Product Development - Lofted Spirits
On this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark flies solo to downtown Louisville to catch up with longtime friend Dan Callaway, Master Blender and Vice President of Product Development at Lofted Spirits, home to Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling Co. It's a long-overdue reunion and there is plenty to talk about and taste. Dan reflects on his journey from professional French horn player to master blender and explains why developing whiskey is a lot like performing in an orchestra: every component has a role, but the finished blend needs to be greater than the sum of its parts. He shares how his responsibilities have grown, why blending remains a team effort, and how Bardstown's expanding inventory of mature whiskey is opening new creative possibilities. The conversation explores two distinct approaches to Kentucky whiskey. At Bardstown Bourbon Company, innovation and collaboration drive ambitious blends and unusual barrel finishes. At Green River, the emphasis is on classic Kentucky bourbon, heritage, and exceptional value. Dan discusses Green River's revival, the influence of its distinctive clay-tile warehouses, and how his team preserves each brand's identity while also supporting custom-distilling partners. Mark and Dan also discuss the changing bourbon market, why Dan sees opportunities for whiskey drinkers as more barrels reach maturity, the growing importance of distillery experiences, and what might be ahead for both brands including a Green River Cold Brew project Dan says is targeted for early 2027. And, of course, there are three memorable pours, including an advance taste of two limited distillery releases: - - Bardstown Bourbon Company Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish — 104 proof; a bourbon-and-rye blend finished for 32 months in Isle of Jura single malt casks. - - Green River Distillery Select Clay Tile Blend Bourbon — 118 proof; an upcoming distillery/tasting-room release combining 21% and 16% rye mash bills aged in Green River's clay-tile warehouses. - - Bardstown Bourbon Company Oak Encore Distillery Reserve Bourbon — 115.2 proof; a limited blend featuring 18- and 19-year bourbon alongside double-barreled whiskey. From rare barrels and unexpected flavors to the people behind the whiskey, this episode is a fun look at where two Kentucky brands have been and where they're headed next. This episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Bluegrass Distillers, District 7 Social, and The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.
