452. Mother of Bourbon: A Whiskey Story Worth Telling

In this captivating episode of The Bourbon Road, hosts Jim
Shannon and Todd Ritter sit down with Rabbit Hole founder
Kaveh Zamanian at the distillery’s stunning
downtown Louisville location for a twofold journey: one through
the glass, and one through time. Their guest isn’t just a master
distiller and entrepreneur — he’s now an author, and his new
book, Mother of Bourbon: The Greatest American Whiskey
Story Never Told, brings the remarkable story of
Mary Dowling into the spotlight.


As the episode unfolds, Kaveh shares how a footnote in an old
text sparked years of research into Dowling’s forgotten legacy. A
pioneering woman who ran successful distilleries, survived
Prohibition by moving operations to Mexico, and may have
influenced the 1964 congressional act recognizing bourbon as
America’s native spirit — Dowling’s story is equal parts myth,
grit, and American ingenuity. Zamanian's book gives her the
recognition she never received… until now.


But this isn’t just a history lesson — it’s also a
tasting session. The team begins with the
Mary Dowling Wheated Bourbon, a 93-proof pour
made from 65% corn, 25% wheat, and 10% malted barley. Aged in
toasted and charred barrels and barreled at a low 110 proof, the
whiskey surprises with bright cherry, cereal grain, and
soft spice notes. With its luxurious mouthfeel and
balanced finish, it reflects the same craft and care Zamanian
brought to the storytelling in his book.


Listeners also get a sneak peek into the upcoming Tequila
Barrel-Finished Mary Dowling expression, inspired by
Dowling’s cross-border Prohibition-era distilling. Though not
tasted in this episode, it’s clear this release continues the
theme of honoring history through bold innovation.


Between sips and stories, Kaveh walks listeners through the
serendipitous acquisition of the Dowling and Waterfill &
Frazier trademarks, his connections to descendants of Robert
Gould (former owner of what became Wild Turkey), and the deep
creative process that brought both whiskey and book to life.


Whether you’re a bourbon buff, a history enthusiast, or simply
love a great story in your glass and on your shelf, this episode
is a masterclass in how legacy, craftsmanship, and storytelling
can beautifully collide.


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Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, “The Bourbon
Roadies” for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be
welcomed with open arms!