Track 13 | Buzzards Roost - Jason Brauner & Ryan Hitch

What do Fort Thomas childhood adventures, 17 proprietary barrel profiles, a bourbon pioneer—and a whiskey that ran into trouble with the FDA—have in common?

They’re all part of the Buzzard’s Roost story.

We sat down with founder and Master Blender Jason Brauner and Fort Thomas native Ryan Hitch, National Sales Director for Buzzard’s Roost, for a conversation filled with bourbon history, hometown memories and a fascinating look inside the craft of whiskey making.

Hear how Jason went from opening his first restaurant at just 21 to becoming one of Louisville’s early bourbon champions—and eventually creating a whiskey brand known for doing things differently. He explains why as much as 70% of a whiskey’s flavor comes from the barrel, how Buzzard’s Roost uses 17 proprietary toast profiles, and why every detail of its double-oaked process is intentional.

Ryan shares how growing up in Fort Thomas prepared him for a career built on relationships, storytelling and community—and what it takes to help an independent Kentucky brand stand out among hundreds of whiskeys competing for space on the shelf.

You’ll also hear the remarkable story of Cigar Rye, the rare, cult-favorite whiskey that caught the attention of federal regulators—and why the remaining bottles will never be made in quite the same way again.

Pour a glass and join us for a conversation about tradition, innovation, community and the people building the next chapter of Kentucky bourbon.