TWiB: Tariffs removed between Scotland and the US, ACSA unveils the Certified Craft Seal, Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon Pursuit34mMay 8, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

This week in Bourbon Pursuit brings a mix of industry news, product releases, and personal reflections. Key highlights include the removal of 10% tariffs on Scotch whiskey imports between the U.S. and Scotland, a move expected to revive the critical barrel trade between the two nations. The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) launched the Certified Craft Seal, a TTB-approved mark to help consumers identify truly independent U.S. craft distilleries. Notable releases include Stitzel Weller’s 31-year-old Reserve bourbon at 163.2 proof and $3,000 per bottle, a high-profile collaboration between Chicken Cock and Laird’s Apple Brandy to honor America’s 250th anniversary, and Jack Daniel’s Halo MK1, a Formula One-themed limited release. The episode also features personal stories, including host Kenny’s 43rd birthday celebration, reflections on sleep and bourbon, and a playful debate on the future of electric racing. Charitable efforts like the Give270 and Lost River Cave raffles are highlighted, along with a strong push for the World Travel Award vote for Pursuit Spirits.

Key Takeaways
1

Tariffs on Scotch whiskey imports to the U.S. have been removed, potentially reviving the used bourbon barrel trade with Scotland.

2

The ACSA’s Certified Craft Seal offers consumers a reliable way to identify independent U.S. craft distilleries.

3

Stitzel Weller’s 31-year-old Reserve bourbon is a rare, high-proof ($3,000/bottle) collector’s item, though not necessarily from their own distillery.

4

Jack Daniel’s Halo MK1 and Chicken Cock x Laird’s Apple Brandy collaborations celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with premium, limited releases.

5

Pursuit Spirits now ships within Kentucky thanks to a new direct spirit shipper license.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
7 min

Tariffs Lifted, Craft Seal Launched, and Bourbon News

Tariffs between Scotland and the U.S. have now been removed. The American Craft Spirits Association has unveiled the certified craft seal. And Stitzelweller is releasing the Stitzel Reserve 31-year-old bourbon.

Highlight
6:40
7 min

Charity Raffles and Sponsorship Breaks

Kenny promotes two charitable raffles: Give270’s Bourbon Strong 5450 and Lost River Cave’s Bourbon for Butterflies. These events support Feeding America and butterfly habitat restoration. Sponsor segments highlight Sip & Bourbon, Bruzzlefest, and 8 Sleep Pod 5.

13:20
7 min

Palooza Prep and the Double Oak Tennessee Bourbon

The hosts dive into a barrel pick for Palooza, tasting Old Glory Distilling’s Double Oak Tennessee Bourbon. They discuss its coffee, chocolate, and tobacco notes, and reflect on the importance of barrel reuse in the industry.

20:00
7 min

The Barrel Reuse Debate and Bourbon in Pop Culture

A humorous yet insightful discussion on what to do with unsold bourbon barrels. Kenny and Ryan brainstorm creative reuse ideas, from furniture to smoking cubes. The episode also covers John McKillop’s new novel, Bourbon Brothers, blending fiction with real bourbon culture.

26:40
7 min

New Releases: Stitzel Reserve, Chicken Cock, Jack Daniel’s

It is not Stitzelweller juice. It is from somewhere else. But, you know, they plastered the name Stitzelweller all over it to try and bottled there.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
It is not Stitzelweller juice. It is from somewhere else. But, you know, they plastered the name Stitzelweller all over it to try and bottled there.
Ryan36:35
Viral: 90.0
Tariffs between Scotland and the U.S. have now been removed. The American Craft Spirits Association has unveiled the certified craft seal. And Stitzelweller is releasing the Stitzel Reserve 31-year-old bourbon.
Kenny0:17
Viral: 85.0
If you make it through TSA, you deserve a drink. It's time.
Kenny25:52
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Host

Kenny
Topics Discussed
High-End Bourbon Releases95%Tariff Removal90%Bourbon Collecting and Value85%Craft Distillery Certification85%Charitable Raffles80%Barrel Reuse and Sustainability75%Bourbon and Sleep70%Bourbon in Pop Culture65%
People & Brands

Kenny

person

15xPositive

Ryan

person

12xPositive

Stitzel Weller

brand

8xMixed

Pursuit Spirits

brand

7xPositive

American Craft Spirits Association

organization

6xPositive

8 Sleep Pod 5

product

5xPositive

Laird's Apple Brandy

brand

4xNeutral

Chicken Cock

brand

4xNeutral

Old Glory Distilling

brand

4xPositive

Give270

organization

4xPositive

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