241: The Evolution of Shortbarrel Whiskey

Clinton Dugan, co-founder of Shortbarrel, joins Bourbon Lens to talk about Shortbarrel and their journey from barrel-picking group, to non-distilling producer, to distillery.  This is a unique look at the evolution of a brand in the whiskey world.

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Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

 

About Shortbarrel

What started as a small group in barrel picking group 2016, the Shortbarrel name has become a staple on the shelves of home bars- assigned only to the barrels that meet our group’s high standards. We welcome you to our club and hope you appreciate as much as we do that no two barrels will be the same. Cheers to high standards and great friends.

A “shortbarrel” is a barrel that, upon bottling, has lost over 50% of its contents to angel’s share. Due to higher contact with air and oak, the whiskey inside ages differently, developing in a unique and powerful way.

The select few bottles that come from it tell a story of withstanding aging, evaporation, and ever changing climate.

Fun Fact: Our brand name isn’t because of this and no we don’t only use “Shortbarrels.” Adam is indeed the reason we are called Shortbarrel. Ask him about it in person, there is no reason to talk about someone's height online!

In 2023, we acquired Atlanta’s first distillery, Old Fourth Distillery. We are very excited about the future of whiskey in Atlanta and beyond.

Visit Us at: 6325 McDonough Dr. NW, Norcross GA 30093. BY APPOINTMENT AND INVITATION ONLY. 

About Co-Founder Clinton Dugan

Originally from Ohio, Clinton moved to Atlanta in 2012. He likes to tell the story about how he met a stranger on Facebook in a parking lot and they became friends. No that was not his wife, Amber, that was indeed Adam in 2013. Clinton got his start collecting bourbon in 2014 when his now-wife Amber thought a bottle of Willett looked “cool” on a trip to Costco. I mean who doesn’t think a Willett Pot Still bottle isn’t cool?

Clinton joined Adam in Shortbarrel picking barrels in 2017 and it amplified everything bourbon. If you ever meet him in real life, ask him about his first Shortbarrel trip and the infamous Nacho beer.

Clinton’s passion for bourbon extends well beyond this collection at home. Clinton is normally the person you’re talking to on social media behind the scenes at Shortbarrel. His passions are all things digital marketing, and with over 15 years of digital marketing knowledge, he brings that skillset to Shortbarrel.

When he is not talking about bourbon, you can find Clinton grilling, golfing or hanging with his beautiful family, Amber and Audrey. Can’t forget his two Goldendooles, Arnold and Rocky too!