The Whiskey Ring Podcast (David Levine)
Explore every episode of The Whiskey Ring Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 May 2021 | Ep. 4: Dave Schmier, Proof and Wood Ventures | 01:02:17 | |
Episode 4! We’re on a roll. This episode, I talk with Dave Schmier of Proof and Wood Ventures. Proof and Wood is an unabashed non-distilling producer. Dave is transparent that most of his stock is from MGP (with a few exceptions like The Justice), and beyond that he’s transparent about as much as possible in his products. Mashbills, ages, sources, chances are you can find the info on the website or in an interview with Dave. Since starting Proof and Wood in 2015 and after selling the Redemption brand, Dave has consistently added to Proof and Wood’s portfolio. Covering bourbon, rye, special releases like the DC series, one-offs like The Stranger Polish Rye, Vertigo, and 100 Seasons whiskey are all right in Dave’s wheelhouse…put simply, the man knows how to spot a good chance and take it. Same goes for The Funk Jamaican Rum and finishing it in rye casks. Please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. If you want to support the site and the podcast, you can help out for as little as $2.50 a month on Patreon. You can find Proof and Wood at www.proofandwood.com. Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Cheers! David
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| 04 Jun 2021 | Ep. 5: Alan Bishop, Spirits of French Lick | 02:02:42 | |
Episode 5! This one’s a kicker, Whiskey Ringers. A nearly 2-hour conversation with the one-and-only Alan Bishop, Master Distiller of Spirits of French Lick Distillery in French Lick, Indiana. If you haven’t guessed by now (or this is your first episode), I’m a whiskey nerd/geek and proud of it. Thankfully, Alan is just the person to talk to. Getting into the details of whiskey making - from naming his stills to using different grains - was a thrill. Needless to say, Alan will be back on a future episode. During the episode, Alan and I talk about Spirits of French Lick’s newest bourbons, the William Dalton wheated bourbon and the Morning Glory Buckwheat Bourbon (I got a chance to taste both!). They’ll be in stores this week! Check them out - they’re worth the buy! Please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. If you want to support the site and the podcast, you can help out for as little as $2.50 a month at www.patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring. You can find Alan at @thealchemistcabinet on Instagram or at spiritsoffrenchlick.com. Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Cheers! David | |||
| 05 May 2021 | Ep. 3: JK Williams Distilling | 01:12:13 | |
Episode 3 is here! Coming out on Cinco de Mayo (also known as Cinco de Gato in our household). On this episode, I'm joined by Andy Faris and Jeff Murphy of JK Williams Distilling. Andy, Jeff, and the JK Williams Team are distilling and producing out of Peoria, Illinois, the former Whiskey Capital of the World. Today, that whiskey history is a long-gone legacy.....or is it? To hear Andy and Jeff talk about it, that legacy was only dormant, and now it's time for whiskey to rise again on the banks of the Illinois River. Listen for a taste of history, bourbon, rye, and the rise of another distilling legend. Please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. You can find Jk Williams Distilling on Instagram @jkwilliamsdistilling. Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Cheers! David | |||
| 01 Apr 2021 | Ep. 1: Olde Tyme Spirits | 02:07:15 | |
Welcome to the first Whiskey Ring Podcast, hosted by Whiskey in my Wedding Ring! These podcasts will be all about talking whiskey, spirits, and furthering the whiskey journey. If you’re listening to this, I’m sure you know how important history is when talking about whiskey. Old and/or longstanding brands take great pains to show their legacy; new brands look for any way to build off a legacy that’s available for the taking. Even for the most forward-thinking brands, the past is never just ignored. Stories of “my grandpa saved this yeast strain and kept it going through Prohibition” are more popular than they are factual. But what about those spirits that have been around for decades, even centuries, that we just don’t hear about? Enter Olde Tyme Spirits and Will Persons. I got to talk to Will about the company he’s created, but the most fun was just talking about history - his family’s ties to 15th-century Ireland, to spirits that have largely disappeared even in the Irish homeland, to the ways he’s making authentic, regional, cultural spirits that are true to where they come from. We spoke for two hours, and I’ll be honest I think we both were ready to go longer if the dinner bell hadn’t started to ring. For this first podcast, I want you to be able to hear it raw, lightly edited, and in its entirety. While our format will evolve over time, at the end of the day I want you to hear these conversations just like I did - as conversations. With that, enjoy the show! Olde Tyme Spirits: Website, Instagram Tasting notes from the podcast Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Cheers! David | |||
| 21 Apr 2021 | Ep. 2: Kaiyō Whisky | 01:12:46 | |
If you follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring on Instagram, Facebook, or through the website, you know how much I love Japanese whisky. After devoting three full weeks to it, I wanted to bring on a special guest to talk about what makes Japanese whisky unique. Please welcome Jay Cole, US Ambassador for Kaiyō, as the Whiskey Ring Podcast's second guest. Jay is a native Massachusettsan (yep, that's the real word!) but represents one of the most exciting Japanese whisky producers of the moment. He's also got a Viking-worthy beard that would make Ragnar Lothbrok jealous. We talk about Kaiyō as a company, its ethos and thinking, the benefits and drawbacks of using mizunara in each of their expressions, the art of "teaspooning", and the new Japanese whisky regulations introduced in Q1 of 2021. This is a thrilling conversation you won't want to miss. Links to tasting notes on Kaiyō whiskies are included below, as is a link to their website. Please follow @whiskeyinmyweddingring on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. You can find Jay on Instagram (@thewhiskypirate) and Kaiyō on Instagram. Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Cheers! David | |||
| 09 Aug 2023 | Ep. 102: Bertha’s Revenge Gin with Founders Justin Green and Antony Jackson | 00:56:32 | |
I know what you're thinking: Gin? That bitter, juniper-heavy, cocktail drink? Yes, gin. But gin is so much more than a mixing spirit. Gins have been a low-key favorite spirit of mine for a while now. The most interesting ones differentiate themselves with local botanicals (read: plants, spices, etc.) that create a profile unique to that place. Some, like this week's guest, start before that, using the base as a differentiator. I didn't know this, but apparently whey-based alcohol is a thing and a growing thing at that. Basically, take the whey off of cheese-making/dairy production, ferment and distill it, and you get a base alcohol just like if you distilled fruit or grain or potatoes. The difference is the mouthfeel, and boy is there a difference. Bertha's Revenge is the best of both worlds: a gin that has the botanical profile of provenance with a mouthfeel that's unmistakably viscous. It's a gin that works perfectly well in a cocktail and as a standalone (especially that navy strength - wow!). Add in the sloe gin (Slow Bertha, a fantastic name) and founders Justin and Antony have a winning combo. This is a flat-out fun episode, bouncing around between a London gin trip to the brand's namesake, a 49-year-old cow (deceased in 1993) who had a mind-boggling 39 calves in her lifetime. 39!!! My god...that Droimeann must be proud of the gin that's adopted her name and likeness. If you have 39 kids and don't drink, you're listening to the wrong podcast. ______________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) Our Barrell Rye pick done with Perry and Eric of This Is My Bourbon Podcast is just about ready, too, so keep an eye out on social media and on the mailing list for updates. $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Bertha's Revenge Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 26 Jun 2024 | Ep. 146: Cadenhead's, AD Rattray, and Clydeside Distillery with Gary Pickard | 01:19:45 | |
The Oldest Independent Bottlers and a Brand New Scottish Distillery
Are you fascinated by the rich history of whisky and the art of independent bottling? Join me as I welcome esteemed friend Gary Pickard, Northeast Regional Manager of Pacific Edge Wine and Spirits. Gary takes us on a captivating journey through the histories of two iconic independent bottlers, William Cadenheads and AD Rattray. From George Duncan's founding of William Cadenheads in 1842 to Robert W. Duthie's tragic end and the company's resilience through decades of challenges, this episode is packed with intriguing insights and personal anecdotes from visits to Cadenheads boutique stores in London and Edinburgh.
As we continue, we explore the storied legacy of Campbeltown whiskies and the remarkable survival of distilleries like Springbank and Glen Scotia. Gary shares his deep knowledge of AD Rattray, tracing its evolution from Andrew Dewar Rattray's grocery store in 1868 to its current state under Tim Morrison's leadership. We delve into the Morrison family's significant impact on the whisky industry, including their acquisitions of Bowmore, Glengarry, and Auchentoshan, now under Suntory's ownership. This episode underscores the critical role independent bottlers play in bringing the hidden gems of lesser-known distilleries to light.
Finally, we unravel the complexities of Islay whiskies, discussing the distinctive features of renowned distilleries like Bowmore, Lagavulin, and Bruichladdich. We explore the cultural contrasts between Japanese and Anglo-American approaches to whisky production and the challenges faced during Suntory's acquisition of Beam. Additionally, we touch on the resurgence of distilleries within Glasgow's city limits, spotlighting the modern marvel that is Clydeside Distillery. This episode is a rich tapestry of whisky history, culture, and the intricate world of independent bottling that any whisky enthusiast won't want to miss.
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Gary for entering the Whiskey Ring! Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. William Cadenhead's
A.D. Rattray Clydeside Distillery | |||
| 29 May 2024 | Ep. 142: Dingle Distillery with Elliot Hughes | 01:43:21 | |
The Wren Boy in the West
Sitting on the farthest spit of peninsula in Europe, Dingle Distillery is the first craft distillery in Ireland post-consolidation. From its place on the Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle set forth the path for the dozens of Irish distilleries that followed in the last decade-plus. Managing Director and son of the founder Elliot Hughes joins me to talk through Dingle's history and four expressions: Dingle Single Malt, Samhain, Bealtaine, and La Le Bride. Embracing the culture of their (and County Kerry's) Gaeltacht region, Dingle leans heavily into Celtic lore (try pronouncing the distillery's Gaelic name...I'll wait). We also talk about the significance of being the first craft distillery to open, joining the long-standing Midleton, Bushmills, and Cooley distilleries that pumped out all the Irish whiskey we drank for decades. It's more than just being the first, it's about setting an example, and they did. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Elliot for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Dingle Distillery Reviews
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery | |||
| 29 Jun 2022 | Ep. 48: Wheel Horse Whiskey | 01:15:35 | |
Hey Whiskey Ringers, thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast. This week's guests are Terry Lozoff and Randall Bird of Wheel Horse Whiskey. Wheel Horse is sourced - as transparently as I've seen a brand be - from Owensboro, KY and Green River Distilling. Green River, temporarily named OZ Tyler, didn't have the greatest reputation due to the TerraPURE process being used from some products. But, behind the scenes, Ron and Jacob Call were distilling and aging the old fashioned way. The results so far have been fantastic. Wheel Horse Whiskey is one of the first new products coming out of Owensboro, preceding even their own Green River Bourbon. Plus, Wheel Horse Rye was the first rye ever to come out of the distillery. There's a lot to talk about here, and it's a hell of a conversation. Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so. I’ve reworked the levels, and here are a few of the changes:
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Next up is the Advent Calendar! After you all made the Jack Daniels events such a success, I had to follow it up, so here’s what’s coming up: The calendar is starting on July 1st, so it might be too close to order one, but you can still enjoy the show! This event is available ONLY to people in the Whiskey Ringers Facebook group or to website subscribers. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for listening! Now here’s Terry Lozoff and Randall Bird of Wheel Horse Whiskey. Wheel Horse Whiskey Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 31 Aug 2022 | Ep. 56: Van Brunt Stillhouse with Founder Daric Schlesselman | 01:00:21 | |
Episode 56 brings us back home to Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood, an industrial zone close to the Gowanus canal, to Van Brunt Stillhouse. I'm joined by founder and distiller Daric Schlesselman, whose vision for a distillery in Red Hook spans a decade and who has, over that decade, remained true to the small-scale distilling model. Daric is someone driven to experiment - look no further than the White Rye, a reposado-style rye made from 100% New York-grown Danko rye. Over all of Van Brunt's product portfolio, Daric uses a dozen different malt styles, multiple mashbills, and varied cask sizes to achieve a uniquely creamy, vanilla-forward flavor profile that I loved. That 10th Anniversary Bourbon linked below is like a cream soda float - heavily spiked, of course! Check out my tasting notes on some of Van Brunt's products below. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Daric Schlesselman, Founder of Van Brunt Distillery. Van Brunt Stillhouse
Van Brunt Stillhouse Reviews Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 29 Nov 2023 | Ep. 118: Spirit of Even with Henric Molin | 01:28:33 | |
This week, I'm joined by Henric Molin, the chemist-turned-distiller who never quite left the chemistry behind when he and his wife started Spirit of Hven Distillery on a small island in Sweden. Spirit of Hven's products are immediately recognizable by their Erlenmeyer flask-shaped bottles. Inside the bottles is an adventure. Corn whiskey, rye from the far north, gins with nearby botanicals, and more, all from the island itself or the closest possible source on the mainland. They also have 18 stills. 18!!! Some of the largest distillers on the planet don't have 18 stills. Granted, not all of them are large, and most of them are pots, not columns. More than anything, they're a testament to Henric's curiosity and never-stop-exploring attitude. Doesn't hurt that the spirits are pretty damn good, too. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Henric for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live! Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already! Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Spirit of Hven Distillery
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 03 Jul 2024 | Ep. 147: The Lakes Distillery with Kirsty Taylor | 01:36:28 | |
Whisky Secrets from Cumbria: A Journey with Kirsty Taylor What makes English whisky stand out in a crowded global market? Kirsty Taylor, the commercial director at the Lakes Distillery, shares the secrets behind their award-winning single malts and the innovative spirit driving England's whisky renaissance. We delve into the fascinating journey of the Lakes Distillery over the past decade, uncovering how they’ve managed to produce some of the world's best whiskies while maintaining a low media profile. Kirsty also sheds light on the broader English whisky industry, revealing how its bold new approaches are shaking up traditional notions of what whisky can be. Join us as we explore the unique approaches of English whisky makers, free from the constraints of historical traditions. From the sophisticated sherry-matured style of the Whisky Makers Reserve series to the innovative maturation techniques inspired by the cognac industry, we break down how distilleries like the Lakes are redefining excellence. You'll hear about the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each bottle, the strategic decisions behind their numbered bottlings, and the rich, complex flavors that set their spirits apart from the rest. We also venture into the challenges and triumphs of being part of this emerging whisky region. Discover how the Lakes Distillery has become an economic cornerstone for its rural community and the exciting journey of Sarah Burgess, a seasoned Scotch whiskey expert, as she transitions into this new world. From unique wood types and yeast strains to the creative freedom and storytelling that define English whisky, this episode is packed with engaging insights and intriguing stories. Tune in for an in-depth look at what makes English whisky a rising star on the global stage. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Kirsty for entering the Whiskey Ring! Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. The Lakes Distillery | |||
| 30 Oct 2024 | Ep. 163: Glasgow Distillery with Sebastian Bunford-Jones | 01:17:09 | |
From 1770 to Today: The Return of Distilling in Glasgow
Sebastian Bunford-Jones, Global Marketing Manager for Glasgow Distillery, joins us for an engaging chat about the resurgence of whisky-making in this iconic city. We explore the distillery's bold journey as Glasgow's first new independent single malt producer in over a century and their mission to celebrate the city's rich heritage with a modern twist. From reviving traditional whisky-making with a contemporary spirit to crafting a diverse range of spirits, including gin, vodka, and rum, Sebastian unravels the exciting story behind their innovative approach and commitment to quality. Quality takes precedence over tourism at Glasgow Distillery, where the team focuses on unique whisky expressions that blend tradition with creativity. We delve into the intricacies of whisky production, from distillation techniques to cask selection and the impact of yeast strains on flavor. Highlighting their successful launch of the 1770 Whisky, Sebastian shares insights into the distillery's strategic expansion efforts, including investment in skilled personnel and premium casks, ensuring excellence in every bottle, while planning to enhance visitor experiences as the distillery grows. Explore the distillery's meticulous design and branding strategy, which weaves together Glasgow's architectural essence and community spirit. With an eye on the global market, Glasgow Distillery is crafting exceptional spirits that resonate with both local and international audiences. Discover how their diversified portfolio, including the introduction of Banditti rum, broadens market appeal, all while maintaining accessibility and transparency. As we wrap up, Sebastian offers a sneak peek into their upcoming small batch series set for release, showcasing the distillery's relentless innovation and dedication to crafting outstanding products. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Sebastian for entering the Whiskey Ring!Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There is 1 more spot available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Glasgow Distillery | |||
| 10 Jul 2024 | Ep. 148: Nc'nean Distillery with Founder Annabel Thomas | 01:16:12 | |
Sustainability in Scotch with Annabel Thomas Join us as we explore the fascinating world of sustainable Scotch whisky with Annabel Thomas, the founder of Nc'nean Distillery. In this episode, Annabel takes us on her journey from the corporate world to the remote west coast of Scotland, where her family's farm became the birthplace of a visionary, sustainability-focused line of whisky. Hear about the pivotal moments that inspired her to transition from strategy consulting to whisky distilling, including a life-changing sabbatical and an enlightening trip to Islay that sparked her passion for creating an eco-friendly and innovative distillery. We delve into the unique aspects of Nc'nean's sustainability initiatives, from using organic barley to experimenting with different yeasts and fermentation techniques. Annabel shares insights on the challenges and benefits of organic farming practices, and how these choices align with her vision for a responsible and forward-thinking business. Listen as she recounts the influence of industry legends like Jim Swan and the importance of maintaining traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern innovations. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Annabel for entering the Whiskey Ring! Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Nc'nean Distillery | |||
| 02 Mar 2022 | Ep. 32: Ammunition Whiskey with Founder Andy Wahl | 01:19:21 | |
You might be more familiar with Daylight Wine and Spirits' Ammunition Wines, a California winery producing bold reds. What you might not know is that under a year ago, Ammunition branched out into whiskey, finishing MGP bourbon in their own Cabernet Sauvignon barrels and MGP rye in their own Pinot Noir barrels. Both show a skillful balance of spirit and finish - and a deep understanding of how their wine can elevate the bourbon and rye to the next level. If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this episode with Andy Wahl of Daylight Wine and Spirits and Ammunition Whiskey. | |||
| 02 Oct 2023 | Bonus Episode 7: Barrell Rye Single Barrel Launch with Tripp Stimson | 01:07:53 | |
The Barrell Rye pick is in! A Barrell Rye blend finished for 12 months in Armagnac casks - this is an incredible pick. To help us launch it, I invited Barrell's own Tripp Stimson to talk about this pick in particular and the goings on at Barrell as they expand around their 10th anniversary. I'll leave the rest for the episode - oh, btw, Patreon members get an exclusive benefit. Join today! ______________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live! Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already! Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 25 Feb 2022 | Ep. 31: Uncle Nearest Retrospective with Fawn Weaver and Clay Risen | 01:00:23 | |
Back in 2016, Clay Risen wrote an article for the Times about a man named Nathan “Nearest” Green. Fawn Weaver, an author and entrepreneur, was halfway around the world in Singapore when she read the article. That moment would change both of their lives. This week’s episode and the live event focused on the man and his legacy, the growth and future of his eponymous whiskey brand, and how Uncle Nearest is pushing the industry to face its own history, even if that history shakes them to the core. If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this incredible conversation with Fawn Weaver and Clay Risen. | |||
| 19 Oct 2022 | Ep. 63: Whiskey Del Bac with Stephen Paul and Mark Vierthaler | 01:30:46 | |
Our first ever episode from Arizona! I'm joined by Whiskey Del Bac Founder Stephen Paul and Head Distiller Mark Vierthaler to walk through the Whiskey Del Bac Classic, the Whiskey Del Bac Dorado, and how they're making American Single Malt in the not-so-dry desert on a spaceship malting apparatus. Stephen comes from a carpentry background - having joined the "nub club" - and saw the beauty of mesquite wood. Like their counterpart in New Mexico, Stephen and Whiskey Del Bac decided to incorporate that delicious smoke into their single malt (the Dorado), but not the classic, which was a single malt to be left unpeated. Mark comes from both Boot Hill and 10th Ward Distilleries, two places where he had to wear many hats - but at Whiskey Del Bac...let's be honest, he's still wearing many hats. But he's enjoying it just as much, and has wide range to experiment with finishes and barrels as much as he likes, as long as it's single malt! They're in a desert that has not one but two rainy seasons, use a still with no reflux component, and age in quarter casks - and their whiskey is excellent. On its own, smoked or unsmoked, even in Borrowed Page Volume #1 from American Mash & Grain, Whiskey Del Bac makes an impact. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Mark Vierthaler and Stephen Paul, Head Distiller and Founder, respectively, of Whiskey Del Bac. Whiskey Del Bac Whiskey Del Bac Reviews
Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 14 Aug 2024 | Ep. 153: AJ Schreiner Spirits with Ken Schreiner | 01:32:23 | |
Embracing Your Heritage: Ken Schreiner's Journey from Real Estate to Artisanal Whiskey and Gin In this riveting episode, we explore Ken Schreiner's inspiring transition from a religious upbringing that shunned alcohol to reviving his family's historic whiskey brand. Ken discusses cherished old distilling notebooks as he navigates the labyrinth of "labeling hell" to breathe new life into spirits named after his great-great-grandfather AJ Schreiner, a master distiller from Louisville, Kentucky, and how these historical roots inspired him to embrace his heritage. We delve into the Prohibition era, uncovering the gritty realities of both legal and illicit distilling. Ken offers fascinating insights into dating historical records, maintaining proprietary yeast strains, and understanding distillation techniques from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Alongside master distiller Alan Bishop (a great friend of the podcast!), Ken's transition from real estate to whiskey-making unfolds as a passionate pursuit infused with historical accuracy and artisanal craftsmanship. His journey emphasizes the importance of honesty in the whiskey industry, even when faced with the many challenges of recreating a bygone era. Beyond the craft of whiskey, Ken shares his poignant personal story of dealing with PTSD from his time in emergency services. Whiskey became more than a passion; like it was for me, for him, it became a grounding activity that helped him navigate mental health challenges. Through this episode, we advocate for responsible consumption and mental health support for first responders and high-stress professions. Stay tuned to hear about Ken's plans for the future of AJ Schreiner Spirits, including a new/old gin distillation technique that blends tradition with modern craft. This episode is a heartfelt blend of history, authenticity, and personal connection, celebrating the rich legacy of the Schreiner family spirits. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ken for entering the Whiskey Ring! Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. AJ Schreiner Spirits | |||
| 13 Sep 2023 | Ep. 107: Cape Byron Distillery with Founder Eddie Brook | 01:30:58 | |
This week, we're back to whisky! Still without an E, but whisky nonetheless! We're going to the farthest east coast of Australia, the Gold Coast and Cape Byron to visit Cape Byron Distillery. Founded by Eddie Brook and nurtured by whisky legend Jim McEwan, Cape Byron is putting out whiskies, gins, and liqueurs that celebrate the land from which they come. The Brookie's gin has 25 botanicals, with 17 native species. The single malt is excellent, boasting the creamy, buttery notes of a great malt whisky in half or a third of the time it would take in Scotland. After the whisky and gin, they've got a macadamia-based liqueur, a slow gin (their version of a sloe using native Davidson plums in place of sloe berries), and many more products. Not all are available in the US, but I certainly hope they will be soon. And if you're a fan of Jim McEwan, you'll find some of his signature touches, from the still design to the fermentation, all customized to reflect the unique environment of Australia's east coast. It's halfway across the world, and you should be paying attention to it. ______________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) Our Barrell Rye pick done with Perry and Eric of This Is My Bourbon Podcast is just about ready, too, so keep an eye out on social media and on the mailing list for updates. $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Cape Byron Distillery Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 16 Oct 2024 | Ep. 162: The Family Jones with Jamie Burns | 01:11:21 | |
Heritage Grains, Modern Spirits, and a Craft Cocktail Revolution in Colorado In this episode, we explore the unique landscape of craft distilling in Colorado with Jamie Burns, the innovative lead distiller at The Family Jones Distillery. Jamie's journey is one of blending tradition with cutting-edge techniques, drawing from his extensive education, including a Master of Science in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt, and his experiences at Michigan State University. Discover how his background in biosystems engineering and his passion for food and beverage have shaped his approach to distilling. We dive deep into the use of unconventional grains, such as naked barley and heritage Oland wheat, and the collaborative efforts with local farmers and malting partners that drive The Family Jones' commitment to sustainability and flavor innovation. Learn about the challenges and triumphs in the distillation process, as well as the importance of maintaining a strong local presence while gradually expanding. The episode also delves into the art of branding, highlighting the stories and symbolism behind product names like Atticus Jones whiskey. Jamie shares insights into their organic growth strategy and community engagement efforts that embody the true spirit of Colorado. Join us for an inspiring conversation on how tradition and innovation come together in every bottle from The Family Jones Distillery. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Jamie for entering the Whiskey Ring!Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There is 1 more spot available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. The Family Jones | |||
| 19 Jan 2022 | Ep. 27: Pam Heilmann, Master Distiller Emerita @ Michter’s | 01:09:22 | |
The Whiskey Ring Podcast returns Michter's Master Distiller Emerita Pam Heilmann. It was a thrill to talk with Pam and explore her history before whiskey, at Beam, and at Michter's, including overseeing the transition from contract distillaton to Michter's own equipment, managing the largest bourbon plant in the world for Beam, and what her favorite of all these jobs was - I promise, you'll want to listen through...the answer might surprise you. _______________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $5 a month tier including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and more. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Pam Heilmann, Master Distiller Emerita at Michter's Distillery. | |||
| 18 Oct 2023 | Ep. 112: Live at Black Button Distillery! | 01:23:35 | |
Live from New York it's Black Button Distillery! Black Button has just opened a brand new facility, 6 times the size of its former one and with 10 times the capacity! They're now producing between 10-15% of all the bourbon in New York, all while promoting New York whiskey, Empire rye, and knowing where your grains are from. I'm joined by founder Jason Barrett, Director of Marketing Gregg Stacy, and Alex Hunnell, the first guy I met from Black Button and how I'm now obsessed with their products. This is recorded live, on-site, before any production had started. It'll be posted with great photos from behind-the-scenes, including new stills, new equipment in every room, and a high-proof alcohol room that I had never heard of let alone seen before. Oh - and one more thing - The Whiskey Ring Podcast is now PROUDLY sponsored by Black Button! ______________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live! Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already! Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Black Button Distillery (Our Newest Sponsor!)
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 10 May 2023 | Ep. 89: Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery with Brandon O’Daniel | 01:21:25 | |
After a few weeks abroad, we're back in the US, in Kentucky! But we're not back to whiskey yet. This week, it's the Brandy Ring Podcast! Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery sits in the heart of Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood. In a relatively small space, they manage to use shipping containers, a wide-open events space/patio, and a beautiful wall of windows that can open in good weather right in front of their copper pot stills. Brandy just might be the oldest spirit in America, if not the world. And if you think Kentucky is just for whiskey, think again. Whether it's from grapes, apples, pears, or some other fruit they're trying for fun, C&K is pumping out world-class brandy in the left ventricle of the bourbon world. They were doing sonic aging before Blackened (click here to subscribe to their daily playlists!). Their stills are named for women in Bob Dylan songs. They're not afraid to play with casks (they call themselves barrel sluts) or with finishes, and the bottle-your-own experience where I got a heritage cider apple brandy is not to be missed (nor is their restaurant). Also don't sleep on a 130 proof 4YO absinthe that is *chef's kiss*. Enjoy this episode all about brandy with distiller Brandon O'Daniel! _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 4 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Brandon O'Daniel of Copper & Kings Distillery. Copper & Kings Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 18 Jan 2023 | Ep. 73: Lochlea Distillery with John Campbell | 01:19:15 | |
Lochlea Distillery sits on the Lowlands in Ayrshire, Scotland, producing whisky on the same farm Robert Burns tended over two centuries ago. For now, it's small scale, but behind that small scale is a world-class team. When Lochlea was founded, the team brought in Malcolm Rennie, a long-time Islay veteran to build and design the internal functions. They played around with multiple fermentations, multiple yeasts, and more, searching for the house character they wanted to achieve. Towards the end of 2021, Lochlea scored another win, bringing Laphroaig's former Master Distiller John Campbell in to oversee the next phase of Lochlea's growth. They're down to one fermentation, one yeast strain, and are playing with cask finishings to enhance their whisky. In writing my first review of the Sowing Edition, I was skeptical of how the whisky could be that good that soon, but there it was. In talking with John, it's clear he has a vision for Lochlea long into the future (we're talking 10-15 years) - if it's that good at three years, I can't wait to see what happens next. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s John Campbell of Lochlea Distillery. Lochlea Distillery
Reviews
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 22 Dec 2021 | Ep. 22: Tennessee Tasters with WhiskeyFellow | 02:01:45 | |
A crossover! On this week's episode, I'm joined by Jeff Schwartz, AKA Whiskeyfellow. He's been writing about whiskey for several years on his blog and Facebook page - both of which you should definitely like and follow (Instagram too!). We're tasting the Tennessee Tasters, a 7-bottle series from Jack Daniel's that's all experimental (until they aren't, of course). If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $2.50 and $5 a month tiers including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and more. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Jeff the Whiskeyfellow.
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| 19 Sep 2022 | Bonus Ep. 2 | Jesse Parker, Doc Swinson’s | 01:53:39 | |
BONUS EPISODE TIME! Jesse Parker reenters the Whiskey Ring to talk the new suite of Doc Swinson's finishes and what he's been up to in the last year (hint: lots of experiments and lots of well-deserved awards/nominations!) Just for Whiskey Ring Podcast listeners, Doc Swinson's is providing a discount code through October 3rd. Visit Docswhiskey.com and use code WEDDINGRING10 for 10% off your order, only through October 3rd! _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Jesse Parker of Doc Swinson's. Doc Swinson's Doc Swinson's Reviews
Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 06 Apr 2022 | Ep. 37: Dancing Goat Distillery with Nick Maas | 01:53:14 | |
Today we venture to the Midwest - Wisconsin - to Dancing Goat Distillery. Founder Nick Maas and his team are doing things that few distilleries would do (or would admit to doing), blending their own product with sourced whiskey to achieve something greater than the sum of its parts. Plus, Nick is insane in the best way (as he will admit) and this is a blast of an interview. There are only 5 tickets left for the Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey Event! Sign up for your samples here: Jack Daniel's Tasting Events and grab them before April 12th! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this episode with Nick Maas of Dancing Goat Distillery. Dancing Goat Distillery Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 17 Jan 2025 | Ep. 172: Iron City Distilling with Matt Strickland | 01:44:29 | |
There's More To Western Pennsylvania Than The Whiskey Rebellion! If you're a whiskey nerd of any level, of course you know this, but it's worth saying again. Previous guests such as Wigle Whiskey and Liberty Pole Spirits have done excellent work exploring the Whiskey Rebellion's place in history and its importance to the area - so if you're a new distillery looking to find your niche, you better bring something new or different to the table. When Matt Strickland had the opportunity to return stateside from his time at Distillerie Cotes de Saints, the call came from Pittsburgh, but he had a question: what does success look like? And what will set us apart? Before a drop was distilled or a brick laid, the answer became clear: revive a style of rye (or multiple styles, more accurately) using heritage grains, a pot still, and a three-chamber still, only the second active one in the US and third in the world. Working with only Pennsylvania farmers (including previous guest Bob McDonald) and thought leaders like Laura Fields, Matt built out the distillery with the blessings of his bosses to make it authentic and make it right, efficiency be damned. Bringing in historically accurate features like 38-43 gallon barrels and brick, steam-heated warehouses similar to what they would have used in the 19th and early 20th centuries, The Iron City Team is creating a new, old, new again style of whiskey. We have a bit more time before the whiskies are ready for the public, but I'm as excited as anyone to try them. Matt will also be back to talk more about his writing and education after delving a bit into his work in this episode, so more to come! Thank you to Matt for entering the Whiskey Ring! Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are six (6) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 6 spots that will ever be opened without a current member retiring - if you've been waiting, now's the time! If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Iron City Distilling | |||
| 05 Jan 2022 | Ep. 25: M&H Distillery’s Oded Weiss | 01:16:52 | |
Welcome to Season 2! The Whiskey Ring Podcast returns with Oded Weiss of M&H Distillery in Tel Aviv, Israel. This distillery - another project of the late Dr. Jim Swan - is creating new and exciting single malts in the land of milk and honey (hence the M&H). Perhaps even more exciting than the malt itself are the finishings, including peated casks, Israeli wine, and pomegranate wine, plus unique agings (as this goes live, the Dead Sea APEX Series release is also being distributed). It was a thrill to talk with Oded and I can't wait to taste even more from M&H! _______________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $5 a month tier including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and more. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Oded Weiss and M&H Distillery. | |||
| 15 Dec 2021 | Ep. 21: Clay Risen | 01:38:24 | |
Hey folks, welcome to Episode 21 of the Whiskey Ring Podcast. My guest is whiskey writer and historian Clay Risen, whose new book Bourbon: The Story of Kentucky Whiskey is available today. It’s a table-top book that you will go back to again and again, and I’m thrilled to have my own copy on my table now. If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $2.50 and $5 a month tiers including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and more. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Clay Risen. Order Bourbon: The Story of Kentucky Whiskey | |||
| 09 Feb 2022 | Ep. 29: Still Austin and Brandon Joldersma | 01:10:39 | |
Welcome to Episode 29 of the Whiskey Ring Podcast. My guest today is Brandon Joldersma of Still Austin Distillery in Austin, Texas. Texas whiskey is undoubtedly a growing category all its own, but inside that category is a massive spectrum, from great barrel proof bourbons and full-flavored winners to one-year-old whiskies that aren’t ready to clean floors. Count Still Austin’s core product, The Musician, among the former. Brandon and I talk Still Austin, The Musician, Texas distilling, and everything that goes along with being in a city with such a strong character all its own. If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Brandon from Still Austin. | |||
| 25 Aug 2021 | Ep. 12: Great Lakes Distillery and Ross Salchow | 01:17:01 | |
Episode 12! Welcome to the Whiskey Ring Podcast where we’re bringing you the people who make whiskey interesting. New tagline – let me know what you think of it. Today, we’re going across the Great Lakes to visit Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I’m joined by Ross Salchow, a longtime employee whose title would never cover the range of work he does. Great Lakes was the first distillery I ever visited in person. Picture it: Milwaukee, 2016. I was on a business trip for the American Jesuit Colleges conference and had some free time to explore. I’d never been to Milwaukee, let alone Wisconsin, and with the Brewers out of town I decided to take an Uber over to this distillery. Great Lakes is the first distillery in Wisconsin since Prohibition. When I visited five years ago, there were one or two whiskies, a few brandies from local products (including cherry), a regular gin and a barrel-aged gin. This was before I started doing tasting notes or had a collection of any kind, but I brought back bottles of the barrel-aged gin and cherry brandy because they were so damn good. Since then, they’ve done nothing but grow. Absinthes, bourbons, single malts, gins, nothing is off limits for this team. As much product as possible is sourced from Wisconsin to keep the local flavor, and to their credit, when something can’t be sourced from WI (barley, for example, doesn’t take well to WI winters), they’re transparent about it coming from somewhere else. Ross was probably there the day I visited. Hell, for all I can remember, he could’ve been my tour guide. He’s been there for many years now and knows the ins and outs of the place better than anyone. We chat about successes and failures, why their bottled-in-bond gin couldn’t be called that until last year, so many nitty gritty topics you won’t find anywhere else. I’m the first to say that I like craft, but not every craft distillery is ready. Count me in for saying that Great Lakes is here to stay and deserves a try. I can’t wait to get back there and try more of their new products. In the meantime, you can visit them at greatlakesdistillery.com, @greatlakesdistillery on social media, and keep an eye out for their products as distribution grows. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $2.50 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft. Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Ross Salchow from Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. | |||
| 17 Nov 2021 | Ep. 18: Wigle Whiskey | 01:18:56 | |
Hey folks, welcome to episode 18 of the Whiskey Ring Podcast! My guest for this episode is Michael Foglia from Wigle Whiskey in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is a fun one – Wigle is another off-the-wall distillery that loves to try something different. Go to their website and see how many expressions they have (or if you’re a Patreon subscriber and watching the video, see the wall behind Michael as we talk) then consider they’re only producing about 26,000 proof gallons a year. A few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. If you’re a distillery, an accessories company, or want to get your name out there, The Whiskey Ring Podcast has slots for two remaining sponsors – reach out today if you are interested! You can find the podcast and website on all social media platforms AND you’ll want to follow, like, and subscribe now – there’s a big giveaway coming up for the holidays in partnership with Doc Swinson’s, an upcoming guest on the show. Thank you for listening, supporting, and subscribing, and please enjoy my chat with Michael Foglia of Wigle Whiskey. | |||
| 27 Mar 2024 | Ep. 133: Lost Lantern Returns! The Spring 2024 Midwest Collection with Adam and Nora | 01:09:09 | |
The Best of the (Mid)West!
The Spring 2024 Collection launches today, March 27! We first met Lost Lantern Spirits way back in Episode 53 - they are "shining a light on the independent spirit", bringing the tradition of independent bottling (and blending!) to American whiskey. In the two-ish years since, co-founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski have grown and grown, now with a physical space in Vermont and reach across the country. They've won awards, beaten distilleries at their own game (see: Balcones), and established the idea that American whiskey can be independently bottled and blended to showcase both the individual distilleries and the blending acumen of the founders. For this episode, we explore their first-ever themed release: the Spring 2024 collection. This collection of seven spirits is all about the midwest. Starting with their Far-Flung Rye blend, incorporating ryes from Wollersheim Distillery, Middle West Spirits, Starlight Distillery, Tom's Foolery Distillery, and Cedar Ridge Distillery. All five of these distilleries - plus FEW Spirits - also have a single barrel release as part of this collection. You can grab these at lostlanternwhiskey.com starting today! I have to say, the Far-Flung Rye, Wollersheim bourbon, Tom's Foolery rye, and Cedar Ridge Wheat Whiskey were my favorites, but I encourage you to try them all. Adam and Nora know what they're doing, and each release shows that more and more. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Adam and Nora for returning to the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Lost Lantern Whiskey Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 21 Feb 2024 | Ep. 129: Arbikie Highland Distillery with John Stirling | 01:33:38 | |
Makers of the only vodka I enjoy. And also the first rye from Scotland in 100+ years. Arbikie Highland Estate is in the forefront of the new Scotch whisky movement. Focused on sustainability, flavor, and locality, Arbikie is betting big on the future. They're making a single malt, but waiting 18 years to release it (some might be released early, but don't count on it). Their strawberry vodka takes nearly a year to produce from harvest to bottling. The gin is hyperlocal, with coastal elements. The Nadar vodka is climate-positive, with the whole process removing 1.54kg of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per bottle (through legume farming). Kirsty also has a PhD and puts it to use in creating these releases from grain to bottle, with backing from the Stirling family who owns the farms from which the grains grow. The Highland 1794 Rye is available in the US now, as are the gins and Nadar Vodka. The single malt we'll have to wait for - they're already halfway there. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to John for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Arbikie Highland Estate
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 27 Jul 2022 | Ep. 52: Middle West Spirits with Co-Founder and Head Distiller Ryan Lang | 01:23:07 | |
Episode 52! We're jumping back to the Midwest with Middle West Spirits. Co-founder and head distiller Ryan Lang joins the Whiskey Ring Podcast to talk distilling in Ohio, heavy and light grains, and how to properly pronounce "Michelone". Middle West puts out some spectacular whiskies, and my favorite of the core lineup might just be their Pumpernickel Rye. Don't miss out on the wheat whiskey or the wheated bourbon, though. Middle West Spirits is having the conversation about wheat that other distilleries are having about rye - what can wheat be and what can it bring to the table. Check out my tasting notes on all their products farther down in this description. Who knows - Wheat Whiskey might just be the next boom after Rye. Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so. It's Episode 52!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for listening! Now here’s Ryan Lang, co-founder and head distiller of Middle West Spirits. Middle West Spirits Middle West Spirits Reviews Middle West Spirits Straight Wheat Whiskey Middle West Spirits Straight Wheated Bourbon "Michelone Reserve" Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye (Coming later today!) Middle West Spirits Straight Wheated Bourbon "Michelone Reserve" TSR Pick Stagg Smasher Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 23 Sep 2024 | Ep. 158: From Kentucky to Liverpool: The Birth of Never Say Die Spirits with Brian Luffman | 00:57:29 | |
From Derby Winner to Whiskey Namesake (and the Beatles, too!) I sit down with Brian Luffman, co-founder of Never Say Die Spirits, to delve into the transatlantic journey that birthed their unique bourbon brand. We kick things off with the riveting tale of a horse named Never Say Die, whose life-saving shot of whiskey led to an improbable Epsom Derby win and ultimately funded a Liverpool music venue where the future Beatles first performed. Brian’s passion for honoring this remarkable legacy through their whiskey-making process is clearly evident throughout the episode. You've got custom mashbills made at a distillery in Danville, Kentucky (though they can't say where, I hint strongly at it), with partners on both sides of the Atlantic. It's easy enough to start a brand nowadays, but not everyone does it from scratch with their own mashbills and yeasts. Add in the complexities of both Kentucky and English aging and a transatlantic journey, and there's much more to this brand than meets the eye. Personally, I prefer the rye (so does Brian!), but both are solid pours at reasonable prices that have the extra component of a bottle designed by Stranger & Stranger, a guest on the Whiskey Ring Podcast back in Episode 74 and famous (to me) for their work with Compass Box. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Brian for entering the Whiskey Ring!Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are 2 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Never Say Die Spirits | |||
| 30 Sep 2022 | Bonus Ep. 3 | Keeper’s Heart Whiskey with David Perkins | 01:19:06 | |
From the meeting of two continents comes one of the best new whiskies of the year, and an episode so good I couldn't wait to share it with you all! Keeper's Heart - bringing together Irish pot still, Irish grain, and American Rye whiskey (and Bourbon, in another product) is the cross-Atlantic collaboration the industry has been waiting for. David Perkins, liquid collaborator and advisor (and of High West fame) joins me to talk about his journey, the Keeper's Heart team and ethos, and where this brand new idea can go. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s David Perkins of Keeper's Heart Whiskey. Keeper's Heart Whiskey
Keeper's Heart Whiskey Reviews
Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 16 Mar 2022 | Ep. 34: Bernie Lubbers, Heaven Hill | 01:30:12 | |
This one's a biggie! Bernie Lubbers of Heaven Hill fame (and Jim Beam, and Bottled in Bond, and more!) joins the Whiskey Ring Podcast. We're taking a deep dive into Heaven Hill - Parker's Heritage Collection, Heaven Hill Select Stock, Gift Shop releases, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, all the heavy hitters us whiskey nerds go crazy for. If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this episode with Bernie Lubbers. | |||
| 27 Nov 2024 | Ep. 166: J. Rieger & Co. with Founder Ryan Maybee | 01:21:50 | |
The Monogram and the Wettest Block: Kansas City's Distilling Heritage In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, we’re heading down to Kansas City, Missouri, to chat with Ryan Maybee, the co-founder of J. Rieger & Company. Ryan takes us on a journey from his early days as a bartender to the exciting revival of the historic J. Rieger brand, which originally flourished from 1887 until Prohibition put a stop to it all. We kick things off by discussing how the focus of Ryan's interviews has shifted over the years—from cocktail culture to the innovative whiskeys now coming out of J. Rieger. He dives into the unique terroir of Kansas City and how it plays a crucial role in their whiskey production, including their straight bourbon, bottled-in-bond bourbon, bottled-in-bond rye, and the fascinating Monogram whiskey, which features sherry—a nod to the blending practices of yesteryear. We also explore the rich whiskey history of Kansas City before Prohibition, the nuances of state laws affecting the spirits industry, and the distinction between Missouri bourbon and Kansas City whiskey. Ryan shares the story of how they navigated the TTB to establish Kansas City whiskey as a recognized category, highlighting their commitment to honoring the brand's roots while pushing the envelope in modern whiskey-making. As we wrap up, Ryan gives us a peek into the production process at J. Rieger, their upcoming 10th anniversary celebration, and what the future holds for the brand. This episode is a captivating exploration of the intersection of history, innovation, and the craft of whiskey-making in Kansas City. So grab a glass, sit back, and enjoy the ride! Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ryan for entering the Whiskey Ring!Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are no more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level, but you can email me if you're interested and I will let you know as soon as a spot opens! If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. J. Rieger & Co. Distillery | |||
| 15 Mar 2023 | Ep. 81: Talnua Distillery with Founders Patrick and Meagan Miller | 01:41:37 | |
Talnua Distillery in Colorado is quietly putting out some excellent single pot still whiskey in the Irish style. They follow the Irish Technical Files as far as possible, with only the "made in Ireland using Irish water" regulation unfulfilled. Founders Patrick and Meagan Miller discovered the Irish single pot still style on their honeymoon when, by chance, they were in Ireland when the first Redbreast Cask Strength in decades came to the market. Just a few years later, thousands of miles away, they'd found Talnua and dedicate it solely to that style - the single distillery making only that style in the US. There are other distilleries making single pot still whiskey, just none that are doing that and that alone. Talnua was generous enough to send a full lineup of their products for review, all of which are linked below. The big one? Their 2023 Olde Saint's Keep release. It went live for pre-sale on March 14th - if there are still some left, grab them before they're gone. You won't regret it. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Patrick and Meagan Miller of Talnua Distillery. Talnua Distillery
Talnua Distillery Reviews
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 15 Nov 2023 | Ep. 116: Adnams Distillery with Bradley Adnams and John McCarthy | 01:13:54 | |
If you're from England, you probably think of Adnams for its 150-year-old brewery. What you might not know is that for just over a decade, they've also been distilling. In fact, they were the first distillery in the UK to have a brewery and distillery on the same site (they had to check with the government!) Adnams not only has a unique distillate for their single malt, they're also putting out one of the few ryes on the English Isles. Using rye from the Adnams family farm a mile away, they're creating a new flavor profile that is not an American rye from England nor an English rye trying to be American, or Continental for that matter. It's delicious - as is the single malt and triple malt - and deserves your attention. _________________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live! Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already! Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Adnams Distillery
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 17 Jan 2024 | Ep. 125: River Roots Barrel Company with Co-Founder Ryan Lintz | 00:49:19 | |
River Roots Barrel Company, out of Cleveland, Ohio, has been making some serious waves in the whiskey world. Their hazmat proof bottlings on Seelbach's flew off the virtual shelves, and the upcoming port barrel bourbon is on my to-do list as soon as it's live. As always, though, there's more to the story, including partnerships with barrel brokers and celebrity chef Michael Symon. At first glance, River Roots seems like an independent bottler, but they're really doing more than that. Like Lost Lantern and some of Gene Nassif's work, they're blending, finishing, and playing with the bourbon, with great results so far. The Cuhayoga River once caught fire - we know it, they know it - here's hoping River Roots, with the Cleveland crew, keeps catching fire as well. There's lots of good whiskey that will come from it. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ryan for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live! Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already! Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. River Roots Barrel Company
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 21 Sep 2022 | Ep. 59: Ironclad Distillery with Owen King | 01:10:45 | |
This week we're visiting a new state for the podcast - Virginia. When it comes to Virginia distilleries, you'll probably think of A. Smith Bowman or Mount Vernon first, but Ironclad should be your next visit. Owen King, distiller and son of the distillery's founder, is playing with corn and mashbills the same way Middle West, Mammoth, and other innovators are exploring. Some of it isn't ready for market - he's dedicated to at least four years in the barrel, then however long is needed afterwards - but some of it is, like the Monitor Blend and Old Kernel. Then there's the finishes - if you find a Petit Verdot, shout me out immediately - and the story itself. Newport News, VA is home to aircraft carriers and a huge US Navy presence, plus the story of the Monitor itself. Owen is passionate about making the best and most creative whiskey in Virginia - and he just might be succeeding. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Owen King of Ironclad Distillery. Ironclad Distillery
Ironclad Distillery Reviews
Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 13 Apr 2022 | Ep. 38: Black Button Distilling with Alex Hunnell | 01:18:29 | |
Welcome Whiskey Ringers! Today we venture to the great north - Rochester, NY. Black Button Distilling is doing grain-to-glass right, using New York grain in their Four-Grain Straight Bourbon, Empire Rye, Cask Strength Bourbon, and more. You'll taste the grains, you'll taste the bourbon - and you'll love it. Don't skip the cream, by the way. There are only 5 tickets left for the Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey Event! Sign up for your samples here: Jack Daniel's Tasting Events and grab them before May 12th! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this episode with Alex Hunnell of Black Button Distilling. Black Button Distilling Black Button Distilling Website Black Button Distilling on Facebook Black Button Distilling on Instagram Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 15 Jun 2022 | Ep. 46: David Mandell, Kentucky Owl and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival | 00:59:22 | |
Hey Whiskey Ringers, thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast. This week's guest is David Mandell, founder of Bardstown Bourbon Company, now of Kentucky Owl and Kentucky Bourbon Festival fame. After a career in government (the NTSB and the FAA) and as a lawyer, David and his college friend decided they wanted to get into distilling. That's the short story - today, he's the Chairman of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and running Kentucky Owl Bourbon, with a long legacy still in place at Bardstown Bourbon Company. Make sure to grab your tickets to this year's KBF in the show notes below! Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so. I’ve reworked the levels, and here are a few of the changes:
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Next: there are THREE upcoming events. After you all made the Jack Daniels events such a success, I had to follow it up, so here’s what’s coming up:
Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for listening! Now here’s David Mandell of Kentucky Owl, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and (formerly) Bardstown Bourbon Company. David Mandell, Kentucky Owl, and KBF Links Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 22 Feb 2023 | Ep. 78: Tasting Panels! with Monique Huston and Lauren Patz | 01:10:20 | |
This week two Whiskey Ring Podcast veterans join me for an all-out chat about tasting panels, spirits competitions, and the stupid and not-so-stupid things producers will put in a competition. Here's the winning formula: use water you like, decide on number vs medal beforehand, and trust your palate more than the entrant - you might just know more than they do about their own product. Make sure to take a throwback listen to Monique on Episode 60 (all about Sherry) and Lauren on Episode 66 (Redwood Empire)! _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Monique, Lauren, and I talking all about tasting panels and spirits competitions. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 02 Oct 2024 | Ep. 160: Boann Distillery with Alex Witt | 01:24:29 | |
An Innovative Copper Method and An Oregonian Distiller in Ireland Join me on this episode to Ireland's Boyne Valley, where we explore the historic and picturesque Brú na Bóinne and the modern Boann Distillery. I sit down with Alex Witt, the head distiller at Boann, who shares his captivating journey from the United States to Ireland and his immersion into the Irish whiskey industry. Alex takes us through the Cooney family's transition from brewing craft beer to creating whiskey, highlighting their passion for the drinks industry and the intimate, collaborative atmosphere of working in a family-run business. Discover the innovative and state-of-the-art facilities at Boann, which are housed in a repurposed car dealership, and get a sneak peek at their exciting new PX cask finish whiskey. In our conversation, we delve into the unique distillation techniques and sustainability initiatives at Boann Distillery. Alex provides insight into the application of nanotechnology in their distillation process, the historical significance of copper in whiskey production, and the potential for new whiskey releases pending regulatory changes. We also touch on Boann's commitment to environmental sustainability, plans for expansion, and their multifaceted visitor experience. With a rich discussion on maturation experiments and the use of diverse casks, this episode is a must-listen for whiskey enthusiasts and those interested in innovative production methods. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Alex for entering the Whiskey Ring!Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There is 1 more spot available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Boann Distillery | |||
| 24 Jan 2025 | Ep. 173: Whiskey Lore Volume One with Drew Hannush | 01:31:29 | |
Untangling the Myths and Legends of Whiskey How many distillery tours have you been on? Are you a veteran of the hobby, or a new entrant looking to learn as much as they can, or perhaps someone on a family trip taking a brief trip to a nearby distillery for fun? Whichever of these applies to you, chances are you will hear something (probably multiple somethings) that are apocryphal, stories told so many times and pushed so hard that you believe them upon hearing. Some might have elements of truth, some might even be mostly true. In the world of whiskey, though, the story is almost always more important and pervasive than the truth. Drew Hannush, owner of Travel Fuels Life, host of the now-ended Whiskey Lore Podcast, and author of several books including Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon, has long been someone I've looked to when doing research or trading names of people and distilleries to which I should pay attention. I didn't realize how long I'd been supporting him on Patreon, and it's been well worth it. In his new book, Whiskey Lore: Volume 1: Bourbon, Scotch, Irish Whiskey: The Real Stories Behind the Biggest Myths and Legends, Drew invites us to interrogate these stories and uncover the history behind the tales. Some of the most well-known whiskey legends are questioned: was Elijah Craig really the "father of bourbon"? where did the term "bourbon whiskey" originate from? and our shared favorite, is Jack Daniel's bourbon? Spanning both sides of the Atlantic, the stories behind American, Scotch, and Irish whiskies are investigated with the eye of someone looking for as much of the truth as we can find. While the "real" story isn't always knowable, Drew searches for that gray area between truth and fiction to find, at least, a place where we can feel comfortable going on a distillery tour and not wanting to assail the stories our guides tell us. In the meantime, you may learn the backgrounds of legends and myths you never even knew about. Whether listening in Drew's radio-ready voice or reading the book yourself, you'll come out understanding how marketing and stories are created. Add in the now-ubiquitous AI component we all see on ever search, and Drew creates a context and starting point for his trademark style of research-driven storytelling. "Only" 24 myths and legends made it into Volume One, and by Drew's telling, he's got at least a few dozen more for future volumes. He's also about to revisit Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon with a 31-distilleries-in-10-days-trip and soliciting recommendations for his "Great 48" tour of distilleries in the lower 48 states. Join me and Drew on his (and my!) Patreon to be part of something big - I know you'll love it just like I do. Thank you to Drew for entering the Whiskey Ring! Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are six (6) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 6 spots that will ever be opened without a current member retiring - if you've been waiting, now's the time! If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Whiskey Lore Links | |||
| 23 Mar 2022 | Ep. 35: Dr. Pat Heist, Wilderness Trail Distillery and FERM Solutions | 01:00:06 | |
Today we're getting nerdy with Dr. Pat Heist, fermentation specialist extraordinaire and distiller at Wilderness Trail Distillery. We get deep into the science and variations on fermenting, distillation, enzymatic activity, and sweet mash. It's a geek-out, but I think you'll love it. There are only 4 tickets left for each Jack Daniel's event! Sign up for your samples here: Jack Daniel's Tasting Events and grab them before March 26th! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this episode with Dr. Pat Heist. FERM Solutions and Wilderness Trail https://ferm-solutions.net/about-us/ http://wildernesstraildistillery.com Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 11 Sep 2024 | Ep. 157: St. George Spirits with Lance Winters and Dave Smith | 01:25:30 | |
The First Craft Distillery St. George Spirits launched the craft distilling movement in the US. No, that's not an overstatement. Starting with brandies and eau-de-vies, adding whiskey in 1997 and various liqueurs, gins, and other spirits along the way, St. George has steadfastly led the way while remaining true to its roots and creating ever-more-interesting things to drink. I'm joined by Master Distiller Lance Winters and Head Distiller Dave Smith, both long-haulers at St. George (Lance from 1997 and Dave from 2005) who have introduced the world to St. George Spirits' Baller American Single Malt, NOLA Coffee Liqueur, and Bruto Americano, among many many others. The Bruto, by the way, has become my go-to aperitif, replacing Campari and Aperol with a more intense flavor and body. More than anything, this interview delves into the ethos and process of St. George, how this continuously innovative distillery both keeps up with the times and leads by example. They may not be the biggest, but there's no doubt they are one of the most important. Lance and Dave are determined - and I use that word with emphasis - to make what they like, bring the drinker to them, and expand the definition of what American distilleries can do. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Lance and Dave for entering the Whiskey Ring!Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are 2 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Lost Lantern Whiskey | |||
| 25 Oct 2023 | Ep. 113: Laura Fields and Bob McDonald | 01:16:08 | |
Welcome! This week I'm joined by two people at the heart of the Rosen rye and heritage grain movements: Laura Fields, head of the Delaware Valley Fields Foundation, and Bob McDonald, owner and farmer at Dancing Star Farm in central PA. These two know more about farming and grain history than I will ever forget, and the passion is evident. If you don't already, follow Laura and Bob on Facebook - Laura posts on American Whiskey History DAILY and Bob nearly as regularly posts about the new grains being harvested, planted, and tended to on his farm. This episode is heavy on the nerdiness, and I love it. ______________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live! Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already! Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Dancing Star Farms Laura Fields Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 08 Sep 2021 | Ep. 13: Stauning Distillery and Alex Munch | 01:07:10 | |
Lucky Episode 13! Welcome to the Whiskey Ring Podcast where we’re bringing you the people who make whiskey interesting. Today’s podcast is with Stauning Whisky all the way from Denmark. I came across Stauning by accident, if I’m being honest, but was taken with their story and their process. Plus, it’s the first Danish whisky I’ve tried, so either way I had questions. Joining me to answer those questions is Alex Munch, who co-founded Stauning along with eight friends (that’s nine total for those counting) in 2005. While not yet well-known in the US, Stauning is a legend in Denmark. What started as nine friends from disparate backgrounds (none of which were distilling, by the way), is now a massive enterprise nearing a million LPAs with backing from Diageo and Distill Ventures. You should seriously take a look at their site – the pictures are simply stunning. As we all know, though, pretty pictures don’t mean good whisky. Stauning, however, has a great recommendation behind it. As he said on the podcast and also in a separate interview, Stauning’s meteoric rise coincided with the rise of New Nordic cuisine, heralded by such acclaimed chefs as Magnus Nilsson and Rene Redzepi. The latter chef’s restaurant, Noma, in Copenhagen, features Stauning as the only whiskey on their menu. I can’t emphasize how cool that is to foodies who also enjoy whisky – it’s a perfect match. Plus, as much as Stauning’s whisky absolutely speaks for itself, having one of the best chefs in the world choose to exclusively serve your whisky is a hell of a mark of approval. Stauning sent me samples of three of their whiskies ahead of the recording, and all of the tasting notes will be posted ahead of this coming out. As always, editorial control remains with me, but given what I’ve just said I think you know how those reviews will be. You can find Stauning online at stauningwhisky.com, where they’re proudly presenting their Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky award for Brand Innovator of the Year 2021. Their socials are also included in the show notes so you can follow them and see when they’re coming to a retailer near you. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $2.50 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft. Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Alex Munch from Stauning Whisky. Stauning Whisky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stauningwhisky Stauning Whisky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stauningwhisky/ Stauning Whisky Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146325719@N03/albums Tasting Notes Stauning Floor-Malted Rye Review Stauning Kaos Triple-Malted Whisky Review Stauning Smoke Floor-Malted Single Malt Review
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| 28 Jul 2021 | Ep.10: Lew Bryson | 01:26:31 | |
Episode 10! We're bringing out the big guns now (after Michter's, is there such a thing?) Today's episode is with Lew Bryson, longtime spirits and beer writer, author, taster, and all-around great guy. Lew is a literal spirit guide for me - his book Tasting Whiskey kickstarted my whiskey tasting journey, and his follow-up, Whiskey Masterclass, gave the deep dive into each part of the process any serious whiskey lover could want. His blog, Seen Through a Glass, chronicles his journeys through whiskey, beer, and the PLCB, his home state's "evil empire" of liquor sales. This is as fun an episode as I've had yet - I know you'll love it, too. Thank you to Lew for making time to talk - he had to run afterwards (into the other room, but still) to taste the finalists for Fred Minnick's Ascot Awards Whiskey of the Year! If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $2.50 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft. Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with legendary whiskey and beer write Lew Bryson. | |||
| 14 Feb 2024 | Ep. 128: Kentucky Peerless with Ellie Reed and John Wadell | 01:04:11 | |
Peerless in the 1800s and Peerless today. Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., founded by Henry Kraver in the late 19th century, is in a class by itself. The lone sweet mash distiller in Louisville with the most distinctive bottle in the state, Peerless built itself back up through rye and its story. Several years later, they're thriving. Single barrels abound of both rye and bourbon, with all the maturity you want from the oak without much of the tannin. Their bottlings are all at barrel proof, though from an entry proof of 103 (for now!) they rarely crest over 110º. Much like other low-entry-proof producers (Michter's, anyone?), these whiskies taste fantastic to a proof hound like I am even at a "lower" proof. Why? Simple: add water at the beginning and not at the end and the water doesn't dilute the precious flavors you've built. Ellie, an engineer-turned-distiller, and John, Kentucky Peerless' national brand ambassador and single barrel specialist, join me to talk about the growth of Peerless in the heart of Louisville and the future of this already historic brand. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ellie and John for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 08 Nov 2023 | Ep. 115: John Cox and Quercus Cooperage | 01:22:59 | |
Barrels are one of those inventions that change the course of human history. Think I'm overstating it? Devised by the Celts and proliferated by the Romans, barrels have carried everything from water to fish to oil and whiskey in the last two millennia. They're (ideally) leak-free, can store things for long periods of time, and are easily moved by one person despite weighing hundreds of pounds. Today, we think of barrels almost exclusively in the realm of whiskey and spirits, but a far richer history is behind them. John Cox, founder and cooper at Quercus Cooperage in New York, learned cooperage the old-fashioned way, taking apart barrels from multiple other cooperages and putting them back together, studying the few texts available, and experimenting with 19th century tools he got from a museum in Canada. This is truly a from-the-bootstraps story, and a fun one at that. John will also be leading a cooperage demonstration at Kings County Distillery on November 10th. If you can't make that one, follow Quercus Cooperage at the social links below for his next lecture and demonstration. _________________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live! Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already! Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Quercus Cooperage Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 30 Aug 2023 | Ep. 105: Jack Daniel’s Distillery with Lexie Phillips | 01:24:48 | |
Let's be honest - if you don't know who or what Jack Daniel's is, you probably aren't old enough to listen to this podcast. ANYWAY - I'm thrilled to be joined by Lexie Phillips, Assistant Distiller. Lexie is not only the first woman in this position, she's also an accomplished distiller and taster in her own right with a background in agriculture. Oh, and she led the barrel pick that resulted in TWO barrels for podcast listeners! Lexie and I talk the parts of Jack that you don't always hear about, including the rye, the single malt, how Jack became Jack, and how one of the world's largest distilleries is managing to put out innovative (and good!) releases multiple times per year. I can't tell you how excited I was to get this podcast in the books. Thank you to Lexie and the entire Jack Daniel's and FINN Partners group for making this happen. Special shout out to Hillary, without whom none of this was possible. ______________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) Our Barrell Rye pick done with Perry and Eric of This Is My Bourbon Podcast is just about ready, too, so keep an eye out on social media and on the mailing list for updates. $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Jack Daniel's Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 06 Sep 2023 | Ep. 106: Holmes Cay Rum with Founder Eric Kaye | 01:21:15 | |
We're taking another diversion from whiskey this week to talk rum! I'm joined by my favorite rum guru, Eric Kaye, to talk Holmes Cay Rum, single barrels, and origin series rums from around the world. Eric spends half the year traveling around the world, trying rums from Barbados and Jamaica to Mauritius, Japan, and Fiji. Dozens of countries, all making their own styles of rum for exploration. And that's why Holmes Cay is the best way to get into the rum game. It's not all Bacardi, sugared and colored sugarcane distillate, and mixed drinks - rum is incredibly diverse, can handle years of aging both continentally and tropically, and varies far more from country to country than anything you'll see in whiskey. I caught a new rum bug recently and I genuinely think it may be more exciting than whiskey at the moment. At minimum, it's something new to explore. Glad I've got someone like Eric to guide me through the journey. ______________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) Our Barrell Rye pick done with Perry and Eric of This Is My Bourbon Podcast is just about ready, too, so keep an eye out on social media and on the mailing list for updates. $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Holmes Cay Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 05 Jul 2023 | Ep. 97: Wolfburn Distillery with Mark Westmoreland | 01:38:58 | |
Wolfburn Distillery has a two-century history on the far north coast of Scotland - interrupted, of course. First founded in 1821, it languished in disuse for nearly 150 years before being revived in 2012. At the time, it took the title of Northernmost Distillery in Scotland away from the nearby Old Pultney. Since then, 8 Doors Distillery has usurped the geographic title, but Wolfburn is happy to give it to a fellow distillery. As many of the distilleries that far north are - including Highland Park - its landscape, ethos, and history are more intertwined with the Viking and Norse than with the Picts and Gaels of the rest of the mainland. Its whiskies reflect this rugged terrain, including its spot on the largest blanket peat bog in all of Europe (the world, maybe). This is a newer Scotch distillery that in short order has earned a spot at the table with the best of them. In just a decade, they have experimented with barley, different casks, peating the barley vs using peated casks (and blending both) and a cask strength version named for the Viking Longships (Langskip). With a 10-year-old expression now making the rounds, this is the time to buy in on the ground level. Not that I'm selling them, of course - it's more an if you know, you know. And if you've read all of that, now you know! ______________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling, Barrell Rye, and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one is on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Wolfburn Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 15 May 2024 | Ep. 140: Casey Jones Distillery with Cody Turner | 01:17:32 | |
Square Stills, Moonshine, and Two Total Eclipses
Ever seen a square pot still? No? Me neither. Apparently, for moonshiners in the Land Between the Rivers (now Land Between the Lakes) region, square stills were all the rage - they could be loaded into the back of a pickup truck, easily disassembled, and still put out high quality moonshine. And nobody did it better than Arlen Jones, better known as "Casey" because he only sold moonshine by the case. Casey ended up in prison twice, the final time leading to him getting out of the still-making business for good. Fast forward a few decades, and in a truly ironic twist, the government came calling for him to make one more still (a working one, no less!) for the Land Between the Lakes visitors center - and he did. That still stands today in the Casey Jones Distillery. When Casey's grandson, AJ, discovered his family's history (it was a poorly held secret), he decided to get into the game himself, too. A decade or so later, they have four mashbills of whiskey, are growing rapidly, and are the official bourbon of not one but TWO eclipses (they were in the line of totality for the 2017 solar eclipse and just outside of it for the April 2024 one). Finally, they're also members of the State Line Trail with MB Roland in Kentucky and Old Glory Distilling in Tennessee - look for my episode with Paul at MB Roland next week! Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Cody for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Casey Jones Distillery
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery | |||
| 22 May 2023 | Bonus Episode 5: Borrowed Page Volume 2 with American Mash & Grain | 00:45:36 | |
Bonus episode #5! Welcome back to Devin Ershow and Chase Langdon of American Mash & Grain and Borrowed Page American Whiskey. I loved Borrowed Page Volume 1 (2022). It blended four distilleries and four distinct styles into a one-of-a-kind American whiskey that allowed you to taste all four components without losing sight of the whole. It was a tough act to follow, but Borrowed Page Volume 2 is at least as good, maybe even better. At minimum, it was good enough to make me eat some crow about Virginia Distilling Company (read the review to see why). Devin and Chase join me to catch up on where Borrowed Page is going and dive into the behind-the-scenes details on how Volume 2 came to be, including their collaboration with Ryan Mills, a.k.a. @thatoneduderyan. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm heading to Tennessee to pick two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks, and one of your fellow Patreon members is joining me in Lynchburg! Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 4 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Borrowed Page American Whiskey
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 21 Aug 2024 | Ep. 154: Whiskey and Armagnac: Master Blender Pete Lynch on the Art and Craft of Spirits | 01:32:12 | |
From Rye to Armagnac: Pete Lynch's Story In the second part to our Bhakta Sessions series as we welcome the exceptional Pete Lynch, the master blender for Bhakta Spirits. With a career that kick-started under the legendary Dave Pickerel at Whistlepig, Pete’s journey in the whiskey and armagnac world is nothing short of inspiring. We delve into his deep passion for rye whiskey, the pivotal role of sensory memory in tasting, and his current intriguing project involving a 2012 vintage Armagnac. Pete’s insights into the art of blending whiskey offer a masterclass in balancing flavors and honoring the heritage of historic spirits. In our final chapter, we explore the rich history and cultural significance of spirits, particularly focusing on Armagnac. Pete and I reflect on the resilience and dedication of producers through historical adversities, and the romanticism of savoring vintage spirits. We also discuss the future of mentorship in the craft spirits industry, emphasizing innovation and the nurturing of independent thinkers. Cheers to another insightful session! Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Pete for entering the Whiskey Ring!
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Bhakta Spirits | |||
| 11 Jan 2023 | Ep. 72: Traverse City Whiskey Co. with Founder Chris Fredrickson | 01:22:37 | |
Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC) was started as both a hobby and a business by Chris Fredrickson and a couple of friends. They started as many do, by buying aged MGP and selling it while building their own distillery. A decade later, depending on the product, the MGP percentage is at 10%, or even lower. What they are buying from MGP - when they buy - is unaged distillate to their own specifications and needs. Their rye blends their own Michigan-distilled 100% rye with MGP's 95/5, for example. Traverse City is also the cherry capital of the world, something Chris knows as a third-generation cherry farmer. Montmorency, Balaton, sour or sweet, Chris and TCWC know their cherries. The cocktail cherries are an in-house recipe and the only cherries I use in my cocktails, and the annual Cherry Whiskeyfest they throw is not to be missed. The best part - my favorite part - of TCWC is that each product is for a different audience. The Barrel Proof whiskies aren't simply out-of-the-barrel versions of the lower proof ones; they're aged longer and in different parts of the warehouse. Their North Coast Rye is closer to a 50/50 mix of MGP and TCWC distillate, not a proofed-down Barrel Proof Rye. Targeting consumers is nothing new - targeting them in a way that differentiates you is. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Chris Fredrickson of Traverse City Whiskey Company. Traverse City Whiskey Co.
Reviews
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| 12 Jul 2023 | Ep. 98: Holladay Distilling with Jordan Germano and Kyle Merklein | 01:41:47 | |
Holladay Distilling burst onto the scene in 2022 with a 6-year-old Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon that won Best First Release at the 2022 Whiskey Ring Awards. It was a fantastic pour that beat out several other highly-touted distilleries from around the world, including Lochlea (helmed by the legendary John Campbell) and Keeper's Heart, which stole Brian Nation from Midleton and brought his influence to America. It was a statement: we're from Missouri, we're making Missouri Bourbon, and just try and beat us. After a few batches of the original Bottled-in-Bond - plus "rickhouse proof" versions - they followed it up with what might be my favorite new release of 2023, the Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon. Simply divine, and the best wheater I've had in over a year. The story is fascinating: McCormick Distillery, the brand's parent distillery, is named for the Stagecoach King of the World; though his story just barely predates the more well-known titans (Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Gould) he died in near-poverty. McCormick has had several names, was allowed to distill during Prohibition, and at one point was owned by MGP. It's a company and distillery that has woven a thin but constant thread through America's distilling history, and its story needs to be told. Listen in for an incredible episode! ______________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling, Barrell Rye, and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one is on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Holladay Distillery
Holladay Bourbon Reviews
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| 08 Dec 2021 | Ep. 20: Raj Bhakta, Bhakta Spirits | 00:49:03 | |
This is one for the record books – I taste through four high-end brandies from Bhakta Spirits with none other than Raj Bhakta himself. This is a different type of episode right from the start. Bhakta Spirits’ story comes out through the conversation, but it’s really about the spirits themselves. From a decades-old Armagnac and Calvados blend to a pair of century-and-a-half-old brandies, a single word emerges: quality. To put it bluntly, this shit is the real deal. Here’s the fun part: that decades-old Armagnac and Calvados blend? 80 bucks. 80 BUCKS. Can you imagine a 40-ish year old whiskey being less than 80 bucks per ounce, let alone for the full bottle? Come on now. The brandies? Really, Armagnacs, but for ease of labeling they’re listed as brandies. Each batch is a single barrel with various vintages in it ranging from 1970 – already fifty-plus years old – to 1868. The first vintages in these bottles were distilled when Andrew Johnson was president and Ulysses S. Grant was elected. A few other things from that year:
Ok you get the point. ITS OLD. And it’s fucking fantastic. Raj? He was a blast to taste through these with. You can tell how he relaxes through the episode and by the end we’re swapping tasting notes and ideas for finished American whiskies. I look forward to having him back on the pod in the future. Finally – if you are in the financial position to become an investor in Bhakta Spirits or are interested in the Bhakta Spirits set mentioned in the episode, reach out at the links in the shownotes. There are only 30 or so spots left in the Revivalist Society, so don’t hesitate. If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $2.50 and $5 a month tiers including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and other things – the possibilities are endless. The first exclusive episode with Michter’s Master Distiller Emeritus Pam Heilmann is live now. Patreon subscribers will have access to the audio and video of this episode a full TWO MONTHS before the episode is released to the public. Next up: The Whiskey Ring Podcast is looking for sponsors! If you’re a whiskey company, an accessory company, or subscription service, reach out to see how you can be a sponsor. There are only two more spots being opened for sponsors, so if you’re interested reach out asap. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my tasting session with Raj Bhakta of Bhakta Spirits. | |||
| 15 Feb 2023 | Ep. 77: Liberty Pole Whiskey with Founder Jim Hough | 01:12:31 | |
Liberty Pole Spirits - also known as Mingo Creek Distillery - is producing traditional-style bourbons and ryes with the spirit of the Whiskey Rebellion in its veins. Centered around the idea of a liberty pole, the only thing associated with the Rebellion that wasn't already copyrighted, according to founder Jim Hough. Liberty Poles are symbols of dissent, freedom, and independence, dating back at least to the assassination of Julius Caesar. They were used heavily during revolutions and rebellions throughout the subsequent centuries, including the refusal to pay Hamilton's Whiskey Excise in the 1790s. Liberty Pole Spirits leans heavily into the history of the Rebellion and of what is now Washington County, PA (the name, understandably, came later) while incorporating some new themes into their whiskies (peat, anyone?) Between the Bassitt Town whiskey, aged as long as it took to get from Mingo Creek to Pittsburgh (about 12 hours by horse), peated and unpeated bourbons and ryes, and a healthy dose of history, Liberty Pole pays homage to the stories of those who came before. Plus, the whiskies are pretty damn good, too. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Jim Hough of Liberty Pole Spirits. Liberty Pole Spirits
Liberty Pole Spirits Reviews
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| 20 Mar 2024 | Ep. 132: Starward Whisky with Founder Dave Vitale | 01:25:48 | |
Red, Red Wine Casks
There are certain things we take for granted with whisky - American whiskey will mostly be new charred oak, Scotch will be ex-bourbon or ex-sherry, and the rest of the world will likely use ex-bourbon casks as a default for maturation. This leads to a generalization of taste, an expectation that certain flavors will always be there. When starting Starward Whisky, one of the first Australian whisky distilleries after Lark's start in 1992, Dave Vitale wanted something different. He found a calling card in using Australian red wine barrels. Notably, these were not charred, just toasted, since they were used for wine and not spirit. The same goes for the occasional Apera (Australian sherry) cask. The result was and is something totally new - a whisky that blended the grains of Australia with a four-seasons-per-day climate and an uncharred barrel. The results have been astounding, starting with the core Nova and Two-Fold range and continuing through single barrels and special finishes. Starward is proud of its Australian roots, and each decision along the way has been in keeping with that at the forefront. If you get a chance to visit Melbourne, take in the incredible food scene with a glass of Starward on the side - they are truly meant to go together. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Dave for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Starward Whisky
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 20 Dec 2023 | Ep. 121: Highline Spirits with Christi Lower | 01:27:47 | |
Highline Spirits is women-led, women-owned, and women-operated - but that's not the story (or the whole story). Entering the blending space, Highline - founded by Christi Lower in her home state of Michigan - was inspired by one of the most beautiful places she (and I!) have ever been: the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park. With 3000' up and 3000' down and just enough width for about two people, the trail is challenging, life-changing, and, clearly, inspirational. Christi's vision is for a blending house that puts out quality, unique blends using the best quality spirits available. She and her team have succeeded with their first four whiskey products: Highline American Whiskey, Highline Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Highline Triple Rye, and Highline Straight Bourbon Blend, each worthy of a taste at their two tasting rooms. By the way - you can order Highline Spirits directly from my site! Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Christi for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live! Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already! Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Highline Spirits
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 28 Sep 2022 | Ep. 60: Your Primer on Sherry with Monique Huston of Winebow | 01:03:14 | |
How many times have you tried a sherry-finished whiskey? How many times have you tried the sherry it was finished in? This week, I brought in sherry expert Monique Huston to talk about this fascinating fortified wine from Jerez, Spain. From Fino and Amontillado to Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez, sherry and wine-finishing has played an outsized role in whiskey maturation in the last century-plus. In this episode, Monique and I talk through the history of Sherry (itself an Anglicization of Jerez) and how sherry came to be, how it became useful in European whisky-making, and why it deserves much more attention and appreciation. Oh - Monique will also be back in the future. She's a multi-time panelist for tasting competition and an agave-spirit lover who has taken on the challenge of making me one too. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Monique Huston of Winebow Fine Wine and Spirits. Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 22 Jun 2022 | Ep. 47: Blair Ault, Milam and Greene Whiskey | 00:54:24 | |
Hey Whiskey Ringers, thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast. This week's guest is Blair Ault from Milam & Greene Whiskey. Milam & Greene is a Texas distillery with a heart in Kentucky. Drawing on the combined talents and lineages of Marlene Holmes and Heather Greene, Milam & Greene distills in both Texas AND Kentucky (at Bardstown Bourbon Company) to their own specifications. Then, there's Blair, a national brand ambassador and woman of whiskey in her own right (seriously - she's a renowned mixologist and co-hosts the Whiskey Women Podcast, linked below). Blair joins the podcast to talk Milam & Greene's founding, present, and future - and set the stage for her own return in the Patreon-only Under the Influencer show. Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so. I’ve reworked the levels, and here are a few of the changes:
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Next up is the Advent Calendar! After you all made the Jack Daniels events such a success, I had to follow it up, so here’s what’s coming up:
Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for listening! Now here’s Blair Ault of Milam & Greene Whiskey. Blair Ault and Milam and Greene Milam and Greene Whiskey Website Milam and Greene Whiskey Facebook Milam and Greene Whiskey Instagram Milam and Greene Whiskey Twitter Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 17 Jul 2024 | Ep. 149: Whiskey House of Kentucky with David Mandell | 01:19:54 | |
Revolutionary. Innovative. Technologically Unparalleled. Big. Join me for an insightful conversation with David Mandell as we discuss the exciting launch of Whiskey House of Kentucky. We explore the expansive 176-acre facility in Elizabethtown, designed for custom whiskey production with advanced technological setups. David shares the ambitious 10-year plan, highlighting the transformational impact and innovative nature of the project, emphasizing the importance of community support and the strategic decision to focus on custom contract customers, drawing from previous experiences at Bardstown Bourbon Company. From the flexible facility design to strong partnerships and a specialized workforce, we discuss the blueprint for achieving unparalleled efficiency and customer satisfaction. Hear about their selective partnership approach, aimed at collaborating with established brands and promising startups alike, ensuring high-quality production. All this while purpose-building a facility that isn't for public consumption in the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This is a totally new idea. It's mad. It's massive. And I have no doubt it's going to work. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to David for returning to the Whiskey Ring! Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Whiskey House of Kentucky | |||
| 13 Dec 2023 | Ep. 120: Lodestar Whiskey with Anna Axster | 01:18:41 | |
Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder - cousins and veterans of the entertainment industry - have started a whiskey. Just a few weeks ago, that whiskey brand launched as Lodestar Whiskey, a blend of high-rye bourbon and American single malt whiskies aiming for a Southern California vibe. This whiskey - and the women behind it - are worth a look. It's a whiskey aimed at multiple audiences with multiple purposes. It can stand up on its own, to a cube, and in a cocktail (and not in that "this is a great cocktail whiskey" kind of way). It's outright pro-women-leaders with an allusion to feminism on the label, but the whiskey is still the star. I was a little skeptical at first - new people getting into the whiskey business with no background other than as consumers, a lower proof, and family connection? We've seen this go sideways many times. On this one, though, call me convinced. Anna and I talk getting into the business, finding the right blend, connecting with all the audiences they want to, and owning your backyard in a trendy, millennial-centric way. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Anna for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live! Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already! Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!) $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in! There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Lodestar Whiskey Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 26 Jan 2022 | Ep. 28: MGP with David Whitmer, Master Blender | 00:59:19 | |
If you're into whiskey and haven't heard of MGP (Midwestern Grain Products), what have you been drinking?!?! Today's episode brings David Whitmer, Master Blender (among other titles) for this distilling behemoth. David may be a VP, but as I found out he spends more time on the floor than he does behind a desk. If you do know about MGP, your first thought might be "sourcing", and you wouldn't be wrong. The major thing to consider - and something David and I talk about for some time - is that to have so many companies source from you is a compliment and a testament to MGP's consistency, business model, and plain old doing it right mentality. There's a lot more to MGP than just whiskey - heck, there's a lot more to it than just distilling, including a food division that, while smaller than its beverage arm, is by no means tiny. Of course, there were topics we couldn't discuss, but David was about as honest and forthcoming as possible, something I truly appreciate both as a host and as a fan. NDAs or no NDAs, one thing is clear: MGP is putting out some of the best distillate on the market, and with the acquisition of Luxco and promotion of its own brands under Ross & Squibb, the sky is the limit for this already-great giant. _______________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $5 a month tier including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and more. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with David Whitmer, Master Blender for MGP. | |||
| 03 Apr 2024 | Ep. 134: Copperworks Distilling with Founder Jason Parker | 01:33:03 | |
From Great Brewing Comes Great Distilling
Copperworks Distilling is making whiskey from grain. Simple, right? I mean, from a legal sense, that's quite literally what every other whiskey-maker is doing. That's where the similarities end. Jason Parker, co-founder and longtime brewer, is experimenting with barley in ways that are different not only from other distillers but singularly unique from release to release. I first got to try Copperworks from our friends at Lost Lantern, who did a single malt finished in sloe gin that was just fantastic. With Jason, I tried four products - Releases 49 + 50, two variants of Fritz Malt (Pale and Vienna), a peated edition, and another barley variety that showcased the care Jeff and Jason have for the grain. Another of my favorite distillers, Alan Bishop, says to always "respect the grain". Sometimes, people do it with the right intention but the wrong ethos. Jason and Jeff do it with every single piece thought out, every variable considered and controlled. Not every experiment works, of course, but those that do are incredible. This is a distillery where you may not like every release (or maybe you will!), but each one is worthy of your attention. And you will, no matter what, feel the passion and intention through the grain. Respect, indeed. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Jason for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Copperworks Distilling
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 14 Jun 2023 | Ep. 94: The GlenAllachie with Ronan Currie | 01:12:55 | |
Purchase your sample kit here for the virtual private Riachi tasting by June 17th to ensure delivery! _________________ Surprise, surprise: another connection made at that center of the NYC whiskey universe, Travel Bar. I got to meet Ronan Currie at a GlenAllachie tasting event and had to have him on the podcast. The GlenAllachie has a rich history as a brand despite it being one of the newer distilleries in Scotland. Just a few years ago, though, it was making a lot of whisky - around 4M LPA - but not much of it was seen outside the blends into which it disappeared. Billy Walker, fresh off the sale of BenRiach, Glendronach, and Glenglassaugh distilleries, had a vision: to create a new version of Scotch single malt that focused not just on making good spirit, but more importantly on making it with the best wood available. Half a decade later, The GlenAllachie is producing some incredible and fascinating releases including GlenAllachie spirit aged in Mizunara casks, rye casks, and multiple casks for a single release. They've also reduced that 4M LPA to a fraction of their capacity, making only 800,000 LPA (20%) of their previous volume. Quality over quantity - can't argue against that, right? ______________________________________________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm heading to Tennessee to pick two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks, and one of your fellow Patreon members is joining me in Lynchburg! Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 3 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. The GlenAllachie
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 20 Apr 2022 | Ep. 39: Watershed Distillery with Founder and CEO Greg Lehman | 00:57:05 | |
Welcome Whiskey Ringers! Today's guest comes to me via Bourbon & Banter, where I reviewed Watershed Distillery's Apple Brandy-finished Bourbon and their Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon last year. I got to try their original cask strength (5-grain, including spelt) and their apple brandy, too. TL;DR, I'm impressed. Watershed is putting out solid bourbon with its own unique twist, and it's priced at a point where you can take a flier and not regret it if it's not your thing. I also won the Watershed/Eaves Blind bottling, but I'll get to that later... There are only 5 tickets left for the Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey Event! Sign up for your samples here: Jack Daniel's Tasting Events and grab them before May 12th! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this episode with Greg Lehman, Founder and CEO of Watershed Distillery. Watershed Distillery Watershed Distillery on Facebook Watershed Distillery on Instagram Watershed Distillery on Twitter Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 05 Apr 2023 | Ep. 84: Compass Box Whisky with John Glaser | 00:56:24 | |
Ever since I started my whisky journey, I've been fascinated by the art of the blend. Malt, grain, bourbon, rye, American, Scotch, Irish - when you get out of the box, there's so much you can do. Nobody embodies that in the Scotch world better than Compass Box. Founded in 2000 by American ex-pat John Glaser, the company initially struggled to get on a shelf. Twenty-three years later, Compass Box is, I would argue, putting out the same high-quality blends it always has - but now, their releases are must-taste events. John and his team have been doing interviews for all of those twenty-three years, so I had to come up with some new questions for this one. I love a challenge, and I think John was happy that someone took the time to do some research and ask something different. And when a legend - to me, at least - gives you an hour of their time, you make it worth it. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s John Glaser, Founder and Head Whiskymaker at Compass Box Whisky. Compass Box Whisky
Compass Box Whisky Reviews
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 01 Jan 2025 | Ep. 170: Luca Mariano Distillery with Founder Francesco Viola | 01:21:32 | |
Italy, Nashville, and Danville Enter The Distilling Ring In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Francesco Viola, the founder of Luca Mariano Distillery, to discuss his journey in the world of distilling. Francesco's story is deeply rooted in his family's Italian heritage, which adds a unique flavor to his approach to bourbon production. We kicked off the conversation by exploring the origins of Luca Mariano Distillery, tracing back to Francesco's great-grandfather, Baldassare Viola, who began distilling in the early 1900s. His journey took him from Italy to America, and later to Ontario, Canada, where he ran a distilling operation during Prohibition. Francesco shared how this rich family history inspired him to pursue distilling himself, starting in his garage in Michigan before transitioning to a licensed operation in 2013. Francesco recounted his early days of distilling, including a soft launch in Nashville and the eventual decision to move to Kentucky, where he found the perfect property in Danville. We discussed the significance of the land, which has a storied past in distilling, and how it influenced the design of the distillery and rickhouse. The rickhouse, modeled after a tobacco barn (and a three-tier cake), features innovative airflow designs that enhance the aging process of the whiskey such as massive numbers of windows. As we delved deeper into the distillery's operations, Francesco highlighted the importance of using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, combined with modern technology. He emphasized the role of his team, including master distiller David Phillips and chemist Amanda Kaufman, both of whom bring extensive experience from renowned distilleries such as Beam and Maker's Mark. Their collaboration aims to push the boundaries of bourbon production while maintaining the integrity of the craft. We also touched on the recent transition to using Kelvin Cooperage barrels, which Francesco believes will elevate the quality of their whiskey. ISC provided barrels for many years, and Francesco was clear the transition isn't about the barrel quality, it's about the more intimate B2C relationship that's possible with Kelvin. He explained how the craftsmanship of these barrels, along with the unique design of the rickhouse, will contribute to a richer flavor profile and better yield. Throughout the episode, Francesco's passion for distilling and commitment to quality were evident. He shared his vision for the distillery, which includes not only producing exceptional bourbon but also creating a welcoming environment for visitors, infused with Italian hospitality. As we wrapped up our conversation, I was left inspired by Francesco's journey and the exciting future of Luca Mariano Distillery. This episode is a testament to the power of heritage, innovation, and the art of distilling, and I can't wait to see how Francesco continues to shape the bourbon landscape in Kentucky. Thank you to Francesco for entering the Whiskey Ring! Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are six (6) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 6 spots that will ever be opened without a current member retiring - if you've been waiting, now's the time! If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Luca Mariano Distillery | |||
| 09 Nov 2022 | Ep. 66: Redwood Empire with Lauren Patz | 01:26:29 | |
Execute episode 66... Fittingly, for Episode 66 we're going to Northern California, the home of Redwood Empire Whiskey and the great redwood forests. Looking up at these primevally-large trees is a stupendous experience, one George Lucas would be inspired by. Redwood Empire was founded in 2017 with the goal of producing excellent in-house whiskey that could stand on its own or be blended with older, sourced whiskies without being lost. In their Pipe Dream, Emerald Giant, and Lost Monarch blends, Redwood Empire showcases its blending skills - and the cask strength versions just add to that showcase. The newest outturns are the Redwood Empire Bottled-in-Bond whiskies- the Rocket Top and Grizzly Beast - 100% their own distillate at 5 years old. The Redwood Empire house style shines in these two whiskies, and each are worth trying as soon as you can find them. With Lauren Patz and Jeff Duckhorn (yes, that family) running the stills, Redwood is quickly ascending the ranks of American whiskey. Lauren is a true whiskey geek, someone you want behind the stills but can also explain complex topics to any audience. Oh...and did I mention they'll have a single malt soon? _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Lauren Patz of Redwood Empire Whiskey. Redwood Empire Whiskey
Reviews Coming Soon! Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 30 Dec 2021 | Ep. 23.2: Travel Bar with Owner Mike Vacchrese, Part 2 | 00:59:31 | |
Part 2 of our Season 1 and 2021 finale! Owner Mike Vacchrese and I continue our talk about his establishment, Travel Bar, in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Mike generously gave over three hours to our interview, so I've broken it into two parts - make sure to listen to both! Travel Bar Brooklyn, 520 Court Street, Brooklyn, 11231 If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $2.50 and $5 a month tiers including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and more. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Mike Vacchrese of Travel Bar Brooklyn. | |||
| 10 Apr 2024 | Ep. 135: Filmland Spirits with Founders Troy Bolotnick and Charlie Flint | 01:09:01 | |
The Story is the Story
I have a general rule when given the opportunity to interview NDPs on the podcast - they must do something with the whiskey other than buying stock and slapping their own label on it. Otherwise, how many times can you talk about the same MGP bourbon or rye? (Yes, I know there are other sources now, but the point remains). With Filmland Spirits, they are doing some of their own blending, proofing, and - down the line - finishing. So right away they've cleared the first hurdle. Once you clear that, you have to be interesting - and Troy and Charlie have created that in spades. With each release from Filmland, such as Ryes of the Robots and Moonlight Mayhem, a story is created. In classic b-movie style with horror, campiness, supernatural creatures, there are entire trailers, storyboards, posters, and more. Basically all that's missing is an actual movie being produced. By doing this, Filmland Spirits does what we need most in bourbon right now: they have fun. These guys love what they're doing. They love their craft and how they can apply their years of screenwriting to another passion. Easter eggs are hidden in each label and poster, and samples are sent with thought-out names rather than "barrel #xxx". Then, there's Town at the End of Tomorrow - a 9YO Kentucky Bourbon that was flat-out excellent when I tried it at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Definitely worth checking out (if you can still find it!). Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Troy and Charlie for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Filmland Spirits Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 04 Sep 2024 | Ep. 156: Inside the Summer of Bourbon II with Nora and Adam of Lost Lantern Whiskey | 01:32:27 | |
Shining A Light On The Independent Spirit
Lost Lantern - Adam, Nora, and their team - are bar none the best independent bottler of American whiskey working today. They have a serious claim to my favorite IB period. More than anything, you know that they've done the work and can talk about the barrels, brands, and distilleries they choose to work with, which for whiskey nerds like I (and probably you!) is just *chef's kiss*.
Join me as I sit down with Nora and Adam from Lost Lantern Whiskey to uncover the magic behind their Summer of Bourbon 2 series. We'll explore the rich tapestry of nine distinct bourbon releases, each chosen from twelve distilleries across twelve states, including the rare gems from a ghost distillery in Mississippi. Discover what makes this year's collection a step up from last year's and hear about the serendipitous journey that led them to acquiring Rich Grain Distilling's bourbon stocks. Ever wondered how the Gulf Coast climate impacts the flavor profile of bourbon? Nora and Adam share their groundbreaking techniques and insights, such as rebarreling bourbon into larger used casks to create flavor complexity without the tannin overload (a major sticking point that I thank them for, profusely). We'll dive into the unique qualities of Gulf Coast bourbon and why it's exclusively available through Lost Lantern's Mississippi Memory series. Additionally, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how blending bourbons from diverse distilleries across America creates a balanced and intricate final product, guided by a blend captain who ensures each batch is perfect. Curious about the challenges faced by regional distilleries and the innovative approaches they use? We'll highlight distilleries like Rock Town in Arkansas, High Wire in South Carolina, and the nuances of the Lincoln County Process in Tennessee whiskey at Lieper's Fork. Listen as we compare the unique methods, ingredients, and local climates that shape these exceptional bourbons. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how Lost Lantern selects and maintains high standards for their releases, ensuring that each bottle tells a story and captures the essence of its origins. Don't miss this journey through the evolving landscape of American bourbon. There's also a unique discount code, one use only without any product limits, just for listeners of the Whiskey Ring Podcast! Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Nora and Adam for re-entering the Whiskey Ring!Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery
_________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring There are 2 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Lost Lantern Whiskey | |||
| 08 Mar 2023 | Ep. 80: Maverick Distilling with Founder Dr. Ken Maverick | 01:05:54 | |
This week, we're heading back to Texas! Down to San Antonio, where the Maverick family has roots stretching back to a decade before the Alamo. Dr. Ken Maverick, the owner and founder, is the eighth-generation Maverick in San Antonio. His ancestor might have been the last man to leave the Alamo alive, sent out to get help. Maverick Distilling is out to prove itself as a whiskey company that happens to be based in Texas, not a Texas Whiskey company. Not a short order for a family with such a vast and interesting history in the city. Dr. Ken's great-great-great-grandfather and grandmother were some of the first leaders of post-Texas-independence San Antonio, as her digitized memoirs and the town's own history makes clear. The conversation is fascinating - Dr. Ken is still practicing medicine while the distillery grows, there's a mistake-turned-good-thing in the triticale whiskey, a bank vault that was once the largest/most impenetrable west of the Mississippi that's now a specialized maturation area, and a barrel proof whiskey that, to be blunt, kicks ass. This is an exciting distillery - hope you enjoy! _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Dr. Ken Maverick of Maverick Distilling. Maverick Distilling
Maverick Distilling Reviews
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 18 May 2022 | Ep. 43: Uncle Nearest Distillery with Victoria Eady Butler | 00:49:06 | |
Welcome Whiskey Ringers to Episode 43! Today's guest is Victoria Eady Butler, Master Blender and 5th-generation descendant of the distillery's namesake, Nathan "Nearest" Green. Uncle Nearest Distillery is no stranger to the Whiskey Ring: earlier this year, Fawn Weaver joined the Podcast for a conversation about the Distillery's place in the whiskey world and a retrospective on the then-and-now of its history. Delving deep into Uncle Nearest as a man, the ways Fawn endeavored to bring his legacy to life, and how Clay Risen's original research inspired Fawn to pursue her own was an incredible episode. Victoria, however, comes in as a Whiskey Ring newbie. With Fawn we spoke about business and ideation - with Victoria, we go deep into the whiskey itself, through the sourcing to the new Master's Blend that is 100% Uncle Nearest-distilled spirit. Of course, Nearest Green's heritage had to be included, but this focused on what Victoria is doing as blender and distiller in her own right. If the Master's Blend is any indication, this is the next phase of Uncle Nearest - and it's ready to blast off. There are only 5 tickets left for the Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey Event! Sign up for your samples here: Jack Daniel's Tasting Events and grab them before tomorrow, May 12th! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this episode with Victoria Eady Butler of Uncle Nearest Distillery. Uncle Nearest Distillery Uncle Nearest Distillery Website Uncle Nearest Distillery on Facebook Uncle Nearest Distillery on Instagram Uncle Nearest Distillery on Twitter Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 04 May 2022 | Ep. 41: Stoll & Wolfe Distillery with Erik Wolfe | 02:08:06 | |
Welcome Whiskey Ringers to Episode 41! Today's guest is Erik Wolfe, co-founder of Stoll & Wolfe Distillery in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Erik founded Stoll & Wolfe with the late Dick Stoll, who worked for decades at Bomberger's (later Michter's) Distillery until it closed in 1989. After nearly three decades, Erik convinced Dick to come out of retirement to found a brand new distillery honoring Pennsylvania Whiskey tradition. With the heritage Rosen Rye, a mashbill from Stoll's days at Michter's, and a custom still, Stoll & Wolfe is producing some of the best Pennsylvania Rye (and bourbon!) around. Oh, and it's only about 1 year old in the bottle. There are only 5 tickets left for the Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey Event! Sign up for your samples here: Jack Daniel's Tasting Events and grab them before May 12th! If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this episode with Erik Wolfe of Stoll & Wolfe Distillery. Stoll & Wolfe Distillery Stoll & Wolfe Distillery Website Stoll & Wolfe Distillery on Facebook Stoll & Wolfe Distillery on Instagram Stoll & Wolfe Distillery on Twitter Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 08 Feb 2023 | Ep. 76: Eifel Whisky with Fred Barnet | 01:23:01 | |
In episode 76, we're going back to Continental Europe, somewhere not visited on this podcast for some time. For the first time ever, Germany is now in our sights. I first came across Eifel Whisky by pure chance about two years ago. Finding a bottle on an auction site, I tried it, liked it a lot, then put it aside. I can't really remember why I didn't pursue it, but I didn't. Then, in November, again by chance, I found a few bottles on shelves in California. I didn't hesitate a second time. Down the rabbit hole I go: I found Fred, who joined to talk about distilling in Germany and the mad scientist Stephan and the cask management miracles he pulls off. There's so much more to explore in German whisky - where better to start than at the far-western edge, and just move east from there? For more info/questions about Eifel, feel free to reach out to Fred and Anthem Imports at fred@drinkanthem.com! _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Fred Barnet to chat about Eifel Whisky. Eifel Whisky Eifel Whisky Reviews
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 22 Mar 2023 | Ep. 82: Waterford Distillery with Mark Newton | 01:15:24 | |
I do a lot of research for each episode of the podcast - I don't want to ask anything that's been asked over and over. Often, that's listening to podcasts, reading interviews, anything that might spark an insightful question or a different angle. But what do you do when a distillery has their own podcast? What do you do when there's so much information out there and yet so much to ask? You start with one interview and go from there. We cover so many topics in this interview that it's hard to imagine another, but there are at least two or three more. A conversation about examining soil and terrain; another about grain varieties; perhaps another about how that incredibly complex cask mix became a background note to the terroir-driven experiments. Waterford is like those casks - incredibly complex yet so simple. A single idea branching into dozens of avenues, or dozens of ideas coalescing into a single thought: what if terroir could be proven? What if farm-to-farm terroir could be proven? Not only qualitatively but scientifically. What could be seen? What could be achieved? I'm rarely so outright flattering of a distillery, but in this case I truly am amazed and inspired by what Waterford is doing. If every distillery cared this much about their "thing," the world of whiskey would be a better place for it. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Mark Newton, Head of Brand at Waterford Distillery. Waterford Distillery
Waterford Distillery Reviews
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 25 Jan 2023 | Ep. 74: Stranger & Stranger with Founder Kevin Shaw | 01:13:15 | |
Have you ever stood in a liquor store just looking at the labels? How about watching your favorite show and knowing what bottles are what based on shape alone? Have you ever bought a bottle based on the aesthetics alone? How about decanters and the like? We usually talk about what's inside the bottle on this podcast, but today we're flipping the script. Companies like Stranger & Stranger are responsible for bottle design, labels, and the overall packaging that make products stand out on shelves of hundreds of competitors. Kevin Shaw, Stranger & Stranger founder, talks through brand formation, creating a look that's iconic and representative, and the briefings from Snoop Dogg. Need a list of companies they've worked with? Try this: Compass Box, Jack Daniels, El Tesoro, Dewars, Howling Head, Powers, Ferrand, Hirsch, Bakers, Castle & Key, Beefeater, Don Papa Rum, Aberfeldy, and 19 Crimes, just to name a few of the 7,000 products they've worked on. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Kevin Shaw of Stranger & Stranger. Stranger & Stranger Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 06 Oct 2021 | Ep. 15: Westward Whiskey and Miles Munroe | 01:02:16 | |
Hey folks, welcome to episode 15 of the Whiskey Ring Podcast! My guest for this episode is Miles Munroe of Westward Whiskey, based in Portland, Oregon. This podcast marks a big turning point for the podcast and the site. First off, Westward is the first American Single Malt producer I’ve had on…I think…might have to check through the little notes but I’m pretty sure that’s right. Second, Westward sent a full bottle of their new cask strength single malt to taste and review before the episode. Take a look at the site or the shownotes for the full review – it’s a banger of a bottle. Big announcement via Patreon: I’ve added a $1 a month option if you just want to help the site and podcast continue, plus new and improved benefits for the $2.50 and $5 a month tiers including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and hopefully more benefits as the group grows. Next up: The Whiskey Ring Podcast is looking for sponsors! If you’re a whiskey company, an accessory company, or subscription service, reach out to see how you can be a sponsor. Thank you to our current sponsors, Cairn Craft and Mash and Grape. There are only two more spots being opened for sponsors, so if you’re interested reach out asap. You can find Westward Whiskey online at westwardwhiskey.com and in Portland, Oregon. Their socials are also included in the show notes so you can follow them and see when they’re coming to a retailer near you. The Cask Strength is dropping as this episode comes out, so grab one before they’re gone and thank me later. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $1 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft, who are providing discount codes for Whiskey in my Wedding Ring followers and Whiskey Ring Podcast listeners. Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Miles Munroe of Westward Whiskey. Westward Cask Strength Single Malt Review: https://www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/westward-cask-strength-american-single-malt-whiskey Westward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westwardwhiskey Westward Twitter: https://twitter.com/westwardwhiskey Westward Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestwardWhiskey/ | |||
| 14 Jul 2021 | Ep. 8: Dan McKee and Andrea Wilson of Michter‘s Distillery, Part 1 | 01:52:57 | |
Hi Whiskey Ringers, it is episode 8! Thank you so much for listening and please share with your friends, family, and fellow whiskey lovers. This is part one of a special, two-part episode with Dan McKee and Andrea Wilson of Michter’s Distillery. I am beyond excited to have both Dan and Andrea on the podcast after just seven episodes. Not only were they generous with their time, they were generous in another way, too…but more on that later. Side note: I wasn’t able to get my friend Mike Frey on the recording – we ran into some technical issues that will be fixed going forward, but unfortunately, he couldn’t join the one episode I really wanted to have him on. He’ll be a future co-host every now and again for sure, though. Mike is a huge Michter’s fan. He has the first bottle ever released at the Fort Nelson location, he’s got a large collection, and more recently, he wrote a fantastic longform article all about the history of Michter’s. You can find it on www.thebourbonculture.com, his website he co-hosts with another Mike. If you like this episode, you’ll like the article, and I encourage you to take a read when you can. Finally, on the day this episode goes live, I will be starting a giveaway just for followers: a full set of Michter’s Copper Barware: a shaker, a bar spoon, a jigger, a julep cup, and two Michter’s glencairns. Thank you to Michter’s for helping with this giveaway. Visit me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and at the whiskeyinmyweddingring website for giveaway rules and details. Listeners will get additional entries using a special code from the middle of this episode. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $2.50 a month at www.patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft. Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy part one of my conversation with Dan McKee and Andrea Wilson, Master Distiller and Master of Maturation, respectively, of Michter’s Distillery. Cheers, David | |||
| 29 Apr 2024 | Bonus Episode: Old Dominick Distilling with Master Distiller Alex Castle | 01:23:56 | |
A Rooster, A Family, and Memphis Barbecue
Old Dominick isn't the oldest distillery in Tennessee, but it's no spring chicken either. The brand itself - including a stint as a whiskey blending house - goes back to 1866, the same year a Mr. Jasper "Jack" Daniel was setting up his own stillhouse a few hours east. 158 years later, D. Canale & Co. no longer has a food distribution business, but they do have a thriving distillery. Overseen by their energetic, Kentucky-born Master Distiller Alex Castle, Old Dominick has risen to quickly be one of Tennessee's premier craft distilleries. Shortly after our interview, Alex announced that she was leaving Old Dominick for her next adventure. In the eight years she spent there, the distillery became a go-to destination in Memphis, putting out world-class Tennessee Whiskey as well as sourced products under their Huling Station line (an homage to the station near which the original D. Canale was based). The bottom line is this: Old Dominick will of course miss Alex, and she has left her founding imprimatur on the entire portfolio. It is also in a fantastic position to go forward into its next chapter. Congratulations to Alex on her next move, and best wishes to Old Dominick as they move forward - the great future is just beginning, and this is a distillery you need to watch and visit next time you're craving barbecue. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Alex for entering the Whiskey Ring! _________________________________________________________ If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Old Dominick Distillery
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery | |||
| 12 Apr 2023 | Ep. 85: Roy Peter Clark, Tell It Like It Is | 01:41:31 | |
Roy Peter Clark - RPC, for short - is America's writing coach. He's written dozens of works, hundreds if not thousands of columns for multiple media outlets, and is considered the all-around go-to for concise writing. So why is he on my podcast? Simple: I write reviews. I read reviews. I critique others' writing and evaluate it as I'm reading. I know I'm far from infallible, so if someone can help me better understand public writing then I'm all for it. There's more to it than that, of course, and RPC and I have a fantastic conversation about living, writing, and writing for a living. It may not be my full-time job, but it is my full-time passion, and his new book, Tell It Like It Is: A Guide to Clear and Honest Writing, will help me write more concisely and more clearly going forward. I highly recommend both this episode and his book to anyone looking to write, period. You can order his book on Amazon here. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Roy Peter Clark, author of Tell It Like It Is, and recognized authority on clear and honest writing. Roy Peter Clark Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 07 Sep 2022 | Ep. 57: The Flatiron Room and Fine & Rare | 00:57:01 | |
This week we're celebrating the people who make your night better - the bar managers and whiskey/spirits guides who help you choose that next drink or the next thing to explore. Joining me are Darron Foy of The Flatiron Room and Jose Guzman of Fine & Rare, both part of The Goodnight Group in New York City. These are whiskey paradises, high-end speakeasies with whiskey literally lining the walls. My favorite part of this interview is learning about how they learn and how the establishments teach their staff. We've all been to liquor stores, bars, retail establishments, where the staff are undertrained on the range of whiskies/liquors available. That's not to disparage, it's just a fact, and it's a recognition that not every place has the resources, time, and interest in investing in their staff like that. Goodnight Group puts more into training their staff on what's behind the bar than any place I've heard of or been to. It's insane. They travel to distilleries, to different countries, to experience what they'll be serving. These are two of the finest whiskey houses in New York, and two of the best nights out you can have. Make sure to stop by! _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Darron Foy and Jose Guzman of The Goodnight Group, The Flatiron Room, and Fine & Rare. The Flatiron Room
Fine & Rare Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 21 Dec 2022 | Ep.71: Sliabh Liag Distillery with Founder James Doherty | 01:51:30 | |
Pronounce it once with me - Sleeve League, with a little "sh" on the "s". Sliabh Liag, translating to "mountain of stones" or "mountain of stone pillars", is a postcard-perfect spot on the northeast coast of Ireland by Donegal. The county, according to Sliabh Liag Distillers Founder James Doherty, is sometimes called "the forgotten county" because it borders more of Northern Ireland than the Republic of Ireland (it's part of the latter but shares only a 5 mile border) and is forgotten by both governments. Maybe the distillery could change that. It's not their goal, to be clear, but it is their goal to show the world what Donegal and true, historically northern Irish whiskey is all about. Midleton and Bushmills have held down the fort while Irish whiskey fell and rose again - now it's time for the newbies to reclaim that local character. Whether it's Sliabh Liag in Donegal, Waterford, or Dingle, the new distilleries on the island of Ireland are doing incredible, noteworthy things. Peated Irish whiskey used to mean Connemara - no disrespect to Connemara, but no longer. Thanks to James and Moira at Sliabh Liag, we're about to see a new age of Irish whiskey that hearkens to the old and brings us to the new. I'm damn excited to see where it goes. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s James Doherty of Sliabh Liag Distillers. Sliabh Liag Distillery
Reviews Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 03 Aug 2022 | Ep.53: Lost Lantern Whiskey | 01:22:22 | |
Episode 53 brings a new category to the Whiskey Ring Podcast: American Independent Bottlers. My guests are Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, co-founders of Lost Lantern Whiskey and independent bottlers of American whiskey from all over the country. Both founders have deep whiskey experience, Nora from Astor Wine and Spirits in New York and Adam from Whiskey Advocate, and both wanted to bring the two-century-old Scottish tradition of independent bottling to America. But they're not content bottling the big guys - they want to bottle and bring to market less-known distilleries from underrepresented regions all over the US. Just a few of the distilleries they've bottled so far: - Frey Ranch in Nevada - Spirit Works in California - Starlight in Indiana - Cedar Ridge in Iowa And, they have their own in-house blend, the American Vatted Malt Edition 1 that brings together 6 distilleries' American single malts into perhaps the first American Blended Malt to seriously enter the market. I loved it. Check out my tasting notes on four of their products farther down in this description. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so. It's Episode 53!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, co-founders of Lost Lantern Whiskey. Lost Lantern Whiskey Lost Lantern Whiskey Instagram Lost Lantern Whiskey Reviews Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Whiskey Edition No. 1 Lost Lantern 2022 Single Cask #6: Frey Ranch Lost Lantern 2021 Single Cask #1: Cedar Ridge Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 05 Oct 2022 | Ep. 61: Dr. Edward Slingerland, Author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization | 01:30:01 | |
Last year, Dr. Edward Slingerland published Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to talk to him. I had so many questions! It took me a year, but I got him on - and it may be the best interview yet. Dr. Slingerland is a multifaceted researcher, drawing on experience with Warring States-era Ancient China, philosophy, sociology, evolutionary theories, archaeology, and scientific data to come to a breathtaking conclusion: human civilization could not have evolved without alcohol and intoxication. That's obviously an oversimplification. Dr. Slingerland and I get into the theories behind his argument, the studies he references, and challenges to this work. After all, there's voluminous, even endless literature on alcohol's dangers (and Dr. Slingerland doesn't shy away from those, devoting an entire chapter to those dangers) - but very few have ever written of alcohol in a positive light. This is, above all, a must-read for anyone truly interested in alcohol and intoxication. Like the best works do, it will make you think about life, where we come from, and how we achieved the civilizations we now take for granted. And thinking feels best over a nice glass of whiskey. _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Dr. Edward Slingerland, author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization. Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 20 Jul 2022 | Ep. 51: Village Garage Distillery | 00:54:01 | |
Hey Whiskey Ringers, thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast. This week's guests are Glen Sauer and Ryan Scheswohl of Village Garage Distillery in Vermont. Village Garage is located in Bennington, VT, within 3 hours of multiple major markets. Despite this, they're starting small and want to stay small, producing what they like and experimenting how they want to. This was a super fun interview - we chat about starting a distillery, operating in a liquor control state, and much more. Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so. It's Episode 51!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for listening! Now here’s Glen and Ryan of Village Garage Distillery. Village Garage Distillery Village Garage Distillery Website Village Garage Distillery Instagram Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| 16 Nov 2022 | Ep. 67: Mammoth Distilling with Ari Sussman and Collin Gaudard | 01:57:31 | |
Mammoth Distilling was, well, a mammoth effort to get on the podcast! But we're here, and it was a blast. Ari and Collin have quietly (to the outside world) and not-so-quietly (to the whiskey world) been on an adventure, one that spans a century, a ten-mile-wide straight, an isolated island, and two countries that, despite continued animosity, seem to keep giving and taking throughout history. We chat about Rosen Rye, the golden child of the ryevolution happening right now, as well as Mammoth's other non-Rosen-related offerings, including cocktail cherries that I'll have to face off with Traverse City's. This is appropriately a Mammoth-sized episode, so prepare to get lost in the great north! _________________ Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes: If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Thanks for reading! Now here’s Ari Sussman and Collin Gaudard of Mammoth Distillery. Mammoth Distillery
Reviews Coming Soon! Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| 11 May 2022 | Ep. 42: DISCUS and Responsibility.org with Chris Swonger | 01:37:15 | |
Welcome Whiskey Ringers to Episode 42! Today's guest is Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and Responsibility.org. Chris has a long history in the spirits world, but after ten years away he was asked to take the reins of the industry's leading advocacy organization. In 2019, he assumed his role, leading both DISCUS and the alcohol-use awareness organization, Responsibility.org. We discuss how DISCUS is the "tip of the spear" for the spirits industry, advocating on the federal and state levels for improved economic conditions (and against tariffs!), working within the three-tier system to increase connections between distilleries and consumers, and leading the charge for responsible consumption. From the smallest, newest craft distilleries to the heritage brands known around the world, DISCUS represents them all. Dealing with 50 different state systems is no easy feat, yet Chris and the DISCUS team have led the charge for direct-to-consumer shipping, increased state-to-state reciprocity, and for the easing of excise taxes. He's also incredibly accessible for the head of a 48-member, $17M national organization. Reach out via email or social media - Chris cares and will respond. Finally, a note on Responsibility.org. The mission comes down to one word: moderation. Nobody wants a return to Prohibition, and even less so overconsumption, drunk driving, accidents, and other effects of overindulgence. The industry has a self-interest in promoting moderation, and Responsibility.org is, like DISCUS, the tip of the spear. I'm an advocate for drinking what you like how you like it, and for always tasting something new when you can. But always - always - drink responsibly. If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up. If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this episode with Victoria Eady Butler of Uncle Nearest Distillery. DISCUS Responsibility.org https://www.responsibility.org https://www.facebook.com/GoFAAR Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||