564 - Matt Pittman on Investing and Cowboys
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In this episode of Bourbon Pursuit, host Kenny Coleman welcomes back Matt Pittman, founder of Meat Church Barbecue and official pit master of the Dallas Cowboys, for a deep dive into his journey from water boy for the cheerleaders to a national barbecue icon and now a strategic investor in Pursuit Spirits. The conversation explores the powerful parallels between crafting world-class brisket and blending exceptional bourbon, with Pittman sharing how his love for both has fueled a unique cross-industry collaboration. Highlights include the launch of the Honey Hog Barrel Bourbon—a Texas wildflower honey-finished spirit co-created with Pursuit—and the unveiling of new products like the Hail Mary seasoning and Cola Bay sauce. Pittman also recounts unforgettable moments, from cooking the Thanksgiving turkey for the Cowboys' broadcast to his viral appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s show. The episode underscores the importance of authenticity, storytelling, and lifestyle branding in building a successful modern brand, while celebrating the shared values of craftsmanship, community, and unforgettable experiences. Beyond the personal journey, the episode emphasizes the growing synergy between bourbon and barbecue culture, with Pittman and the Pursuit team leveraging their combined fanbases to create new opportunities. The Honey Hog collaboration stands as a prime example of how niche passions can evolve into high-impact, limited-edition releases. The episode closes with a look at the future—expanding product lines, deeper partnerships, and the shared mission of creating lasting memories through food, drink, and connection. It’s a celebration of entrepreneurship, creativity, and the power of aligning personal passion with professional purpose.
Authenticity and storytelling are foundational to building a loyal brand—Matt Pittman’s Meat Church thrives because he teaches cooking as a way to create memories, not just sell products.
Collaborations between brands with complementary audiences (like bourbon and barbecue) can unlock massive growth, as seen in the Pursuit x Meat Church Honey Hog Barrel Bourbon launch.
The details matter—whether it’s clear ice, a perfectly seasoned turkey, or a 55-gallon barrel of honey aged in a bathroom, meticulous attention to process elevates the final product.
Lifestyle branding works when your personal passions (cooking, sports, travel) become part of your brand narrative, making fans feel like they’re part of a community.
Investing in a brand you believe in—like Pittman’s investment in Pursuit Spirits—creates deeper alignment than traditional financial partnerships, blending friendship with business.
The Origin of Blanco: A Seasoning That Changed Everything
“I looked at my stove and saw that seasoning and thought we better cut the crap and put this thing out.”
From Water Boy to Official Pit Master: A Full-Circle Journey
“I cooked for the team three different times last year... during the season, coach Schottenheimer does a family day... I cook barbecue for all the players and their families.”
The Birth of the Honey Hog Barrel Bourbon Collaboration
“We literally hotboxed a 55-gallon drum of honey for over a weekend... it was a process. It's like freezing in there and we're like, how do we get this honey out?”
The Power of Lifestyle Branding and Authenticity
Matt discusses how Meat Church evolved from a YouTube cooking channel into a lifestyle brand by sharing real moments—family dinners, travel, and outdoor adventures—creating a relatable, human connection with fans.
The Business of BBQ: From Dry Rubs to Sauces and Pellets
Matt breaks down his strategic expansion into new product categories—cola sauce, charcoal, pellets, and flavored wood chips—driven by customer demand and the need to serve every cooking method.
“The only way he could drink it was with Pepsi. So Freddie said, hey, when somebody gives you crap about mixing something, he said, just remember in the back of your mind when my dad was dying, I could only drink bourbon with him mixed with Pepsi.”
“We literally hotboxed a 55-gallon drum of honey for over a weekend... it was a process. It's like freezing in there and we're like, how do we get this honey out?”
“I cooked for the team three different times last year... during the season, coach Schottenheimer does a family day... I cook barbecue for all the players and their families.”
Host
Guest
Matt Pittman
person
Meat Church Barbecue
brand
Pursuit Spirits
brand
Kenny Coleman
person
Dallas Cowboys
organization
Honey Hog Barrel Bourbon
product
Blanco Seasoning
product
Sazerac
brand
Traeger
brand
Ace Hardware
brand
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