Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Whiskey Ring Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep: 168: Rock Town Distillery with Founder Phil Brandon | 11 Dec 2024 | 01:21:38 | |
Makers, Not Fakers: Phil Brandon on Craft Distilling in Little Rock, Arkansas In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Phil Brandon, the founder and distiller of Rock Town Distillery in Little Rock, Arkansas. As the first legal distillery in the state since before Prohibition, Rock Town emphasizes the importance of local sourcing and building a distillery that reflects the character of Arkansas, despite the challenges of being a pioneer in a state not traditionally known for distilling. We delve into the craft distilling renaissance and how the landscape has evolved since Rock Town's founding in 2010. Phil discusses the significance of their unofficial motto, "We're makers, not fakers," and the commitment to quality and authenticity that drives their production. He also highlights the historical context of distilling in Arkansas, the challenges of sourcing local ingredients, and the meticulous care that goes into their distillation process, including proofing and filtration techniques. Finally, we explore Rock Town's future, including a collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company which began during the pandemic and has allowed Phil and the team to expand production while maintaining the integrity of the brand. He candidly addresses the differences in flavor profiles between the distillate produced in Little Rock and that made at Bardstown, emphasizing the creation of a separate product line to distinguish these offerings. This episode is a deep dive into the world of craft distilling, showcasing the Rock Town team's passion and commitment to quality in every bottle. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Phil 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. Rock Town Distillery | |||
| Ep. 167: High Wire Distilling Co. with Founder Scott Blackwell | 04 Dec 2024 | 01:35:28 | |
Jimmy Red Corn And We Should All Care! In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I welcome Scott Blackwell, co-founder of High Wire Distilling in Charleston, South Carolina. The conversation dives into Scott's diverse entrepreneurial background, which spans restaurants, coffee, and packaged foods, before transitioning into the spirits industry. Scott shares how his passion for flavor and culture led him to distilling, despite initially having little interest in spirits due to South Carolina's restrictive mini bottle laws. He emphasizes the importance of agriculture in crafting unique flavors, which ultimately shaped High Wire's identity. The discussion then shifts to the distillery's signature grain, Jimmy Red corn, which has become synonymous with High Wire's brand. Scott recounts the journey of discovering Jimmy Red, a variety known for its rich flavor profile and historical significance as a moonshiner's corn. He explains how their initial experiments with heirloom white corn didn't yield the desired results, prompting a search for a more flavorful alternative. With the guidance of heirloom grain expert Glenn Roberts and Johnny Appleseed of American Distilling Dave Pickerell, Scott and his team found that Jimmy Red not only provided a unique taste but also contributed to a distinctive oil cap during fermentation, enhancing the overall flavor of their whiskey. As the episode wraps up, Scott reflects on the challenges and rewards of crafting spirits that tell a story rooted in their local agriculture and culinary heritage. He discusses the potential for releasing a white whiskey made from Jimmy Red, highlighting the growing interest in showcasing the unique characteristics of this heirloom corn. The conversation underscores the importance of authenticity and quality in the craft spirits industry, as High Wire Distilling continues to carve out its niche in the competitive whiskey landscape. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Scott 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. High Wire Distilling Co. | |||
| Ep. 159: In The Welsh Wind with Ellen Wakelam | 25 Sep 2024 | 01:20:46 | |
From Teachers to Distillers on the Longest Hike in Wales Ever wondered what it takes to leave behind a steady career and venture into uncharted territory? Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Ellen Wakelam and her partner Alexander, who transformed their lives from a geography teacher and a baker to becoming founders of In the Welsh Wind Distillery. Ellen narrates their story, filled with adventurous walks around Wales and a life-changing trip to Scotland, culminating in the creation of a distillery that quickly gained momentum since its inception in 2018. We delve into their diverse spirit production, including gin, vodka, rum, and the burgeoning development of Welsh whisky. Our conversation also touches on the ambitious expansion into whisky production and the significance of creating an authentic Welsh whisky using locally grown grain. Ellen's passion shines through as she talks about their first whisky release and the excitement surrounding future batches. We explore the collaborative efforts to achieve Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status for Welsh whisky, emphasizing the unity and shared vision within the Welsh distilling community. Tune in to hear Ellen's dedication to tradition, quality, and the local community, and get a glimpse into the future of In the Welsh Wind Distillery. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ellen 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. In The Welsh Wind | |||
| Ep. 73: Lochlea Distillery with John Campbell | 18 Jan 2023 | 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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| Ep. 72: Traverse City Whiskey Co. with Founder Chris Fredrickson | 11 Jan 2023 | 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
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| Bonus Episode 4: 2022 Craft Whiskey Roundtable | 04 Jan 2023 | 01:47:17 | |
It's the end of the year, the beginning of a new one, and time for some (maybe) accurate prognostications for what's coming down the line. At the suggestion of Devin Ershow from American Mash & Grain and Borrowed Page Whiskey, John Hughes of EmbellishPod and I co-hosted a roundtable to talk about what's happening now in Craft Whiskey (you'll need to listen to find out what our guests think this means). We were joined by:
To watch the video version, head over to EmbellishPod's YouTube channel. ____________________________________________________________ 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 2022's Craft Whiskey Roundtable. ____________________________________________________________ Co-Host: John Hughes, EmbellishPod @EmbellishPod on all social media platforms Guests: American Mash & Grain
Lost Lantern Whiskey
Blake Riber
____________________________________________________________ Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| Ep.71: Sliabh Liag Distillery with Founder James Doherty | 21 Dec 2022 | 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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| Ep. 70: Bimber Distillery with Matt McKay | 14 Dec 2022 | 01:23:28 | |
Bimber is so damn exciting. It just is. Their Bimber Klub sold out in hours, and the Dunphail equivalent is close behind. Founded by Polish husband and wife Dariusz and Ewelina in 2015, this distillery in the City of London is quietly producing some amazing English single malt. Between the liquid itself (the new make is a distillery exclusive but worthy of seeking out) and the various cask finishings, you might not get the cask you're looking for but you'll always find one that's good. My guest, Matt, has multiple titles that still don't encompass the full range of duties he has. This is one that more than anything looks towards the future, of what English, Polish, and Scotch distilling can be. I'll be visiting in London in April. I promise I'll report back! _________________ 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 Matt McKay of Bimber Distillery. Bimber Distillery Reviews Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| Ep.69: Old Carter Whiskey with Mark and Sherri Carter | 07 Dec 2022 | 00:53:01 | |
Mark and Sherri Carter have, in short order, build a reputation of incredible whiskies. On top of their already legendary winery, they now have a Kentucky-based empire of barrel proof whiskies. When they got (back) to Kentucky and kicked off Kentucky Owl, I don't think even they thought they'd be here, with ryes, bourbons, American whiskies all sought after by collectors and snatched up as soon as they come out. The horse - drawn by Sherri - is out of the barn. There's always a new batch to come, and a new excellence to be reached. Count on the Carters to find 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!
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 and Sherri Carter of Old Carter Whiskey Co. Old Carter Whiskey
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| Ep. 68: Driftless Glen with Founder Reneé Bemis | 30 Nov 2022 | 01:19:31 | |
Driftless Glen has an ethereal quality to it...the name alone sounds mysterious, like a land stuck in time where great things can be found. Turns out, they can be. If you like whiskey and great food, of course - just don't ask to see the fryer (spoiler alert: there isn't one). Founder Reneé Bemis joins me to talk about Driftless Glen Distillery, their independent way of doing things and the reason they'll never be bought out. They have the inspiration of Dave Pickerell, the roots of the landscape, and great whiskey to match. Want a single barrel? Call them and ask for Renee. Want to talk media? You'll talk to a real person (they get a shout out in the episode!). You want to experiment with something? Give them a call and see if it's possible. Chances are, it is - and Driftless Glen will be right there to take that experiment to fruition. Seriously a distillery to watch. _________________ 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 Reneé Bemis of Driftless Glen Distillery. Driftless Glen Distillery
Reviews
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| Ep. 67: Mammoth Distilling with Ari Sussman and Collin Gaudard | 16 Nov 2022 | 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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| Ep. 66: Redwood Empire with Lauren Patz | 09 Nov 2022 | 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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| Ep. 65: Glenn’s Creek Distillery with Founder David Meier | 02 Nov 2022 | 01:45:57 | |
Glenn's Creek Distillery lies on hallowed ground - the former Old Crow bottling plant on McCracken Pike in Kentucky, down the road from Castle & Key. Founder David Meier knows this, and has set his sights on resurrecting the Crow name...in his own method, of course. Glenn's Creek is quietly producing some of the best nano-batch bourbons, whiskies, and spirits in Kentucky. Overshadowed by its neighbor and the Beam company (which owns the Old Crow brand rights), Glenn's Creek is content to wait in the shadows for now, but I hope it won't be for long. The whiskey is just too good. From the interpretations of what OCD means (old cranky Dave, obsessive-compulsive distiller, etc.), to the S'wheat wheated bourbon, to the A-maize-ing COB Bourbon, every pour has a story to tell, one Dave and his team are ready to share - with a glass in hand. There are several reviews to come through this episode, so keep checking the episode notes as well as the Whiskeyinmyweddingring.com website for new reviews throughout this week! _________________ 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 Meier, Founder of Glenn's Creek Distillery. Glenn's Creek Distillery Reviews
Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| Ep. 158: From Kentucky to Liverpool: The Birth of Never Say Die Spirits with Brian Luffman | 23 Sep 2024 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 64: Borrowed Page Vol. 1 with American Mash & Grain | 26 Oct 2022 | 01:31:17 | |
This week we turn to another new concept - blended whiskey overseen by a team of whiskey writers. Lifelong friends Devin Ershow and Chase Langdon have run American Mash & Grain for several years, but last year they decided to put their whiskey knowledge into practice. The result: Borrowed Page Volume One, a whiskey blending four distilleries: - Watershed Distillery in Ohio (WRP Episode 39) - Wigle Whiskey in Pennsylvania (WRP Episode 18) - Spirits of French Lick in Indiana (WRP Episode 5 and Episode 44) - Whiskey Del Bac Distillery in Arizona (WRP Episode 63) So, not only was I talking with the guys doing the blending, I had also talked to and tasted all four distilleries in the blend. That, to me, was an out-of-body experience. Devin and Chase are fascinating to listen to, and their process for choosing distilleries and partners was equally intriguing. There are close to a dozen distilleries mentioned in this episode, and I hope I've tagged them all - if I miss any, tag them in the comments on IG, FB, or Twitter! Borrowed Page Volume 1 is out now and available for purchase! _________________ 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 Chase Langdon and Devin Ershow, writers of American Mash & Grain and blenders/producers of Borrowed Page American Whiskey Volume One. American Mash & Grain
Reviews Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| Ep. 63: Whiskey Del Bac with Stephen Paul and Mark Vierthaler | 19 Oct 2022 | 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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| Ep. 62: Gregg Snyder, Chicken Cock and Grain and Barrel Spirits | 12 Oct 2022 | 01:30:01 | |
Has anyone held more jobs in the whiskey industry than Gregg Snyder? Seriously - I received the man's bio ahead of our interview and it was downright intimidating. He's had roles at - just to name a few over a 41-year career:
He's also an honorary Kentucky Colonel, Diamond Life Member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and more. Seriously - this guy not only knows a tremendous number of things but also at great depth. The one that stood out most to me was his work at Blue Grass Cooperage, now known as Brown-Forman Cooperage, simply because how many master distillers have also been at the head of a cooperage? His newest challenge is reviving Chicken Cock, a brand with tremendous history that suffered an unfortunate and long hiatus. It truly is a venerable brand, the "Famous Old Brand" that was the house whiskey at New York's Cotton Club during Prohibition. Of course the name might make you snicker at first - we're all childish at heart, after all - but once you get past it you'll find a really cool brand putting out some great bourbon and rye. The limited editions have all been solid and interesting, some outright delicious. Plus, listening to Gregg talk about Jimmy Russell like a regular guy who just "poked his head in my office" is hilariously fun. _________________ 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 Gregg Snyder, Master Distiller of Chicken Cock Whiskey and Grain and Barrel. Chicken Cock Chicken Cock Reviews
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| Ep. 61: Dr. Edward Slingerland, Author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization | 05 Oct 2022 | 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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| Bonus Ep. 3 | Keeper’s Heart Whiskey with David Perkins | 30 Sep 2022 | 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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| Ep. 60: Your Primer on Sherry with Monique Huston of Winebow | 28 Sep 2022 | 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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| Ep. 59: Ironclad Distillery with Owen King | 21 Sep 2022 | 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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| Bonus Ep. 2 | Jesse Parker, Doc Swinson’s | 19 Sep 2022 | 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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| Ep. 58: RD1 Spirits with Barry Brinegar | 14 Sep 2022 | 01:30:49 | |
RD1 Spirits (you might know them as W. M. Tarr) has officially launched their new brand as of September 10th. W. M. Tarr was an excellent blended whiskey, but was always meant as a limited edition while the RD1 bourbons became ready. Now, they are. I talk with Barry Brinegar, National Brand Ambassador, face of the brand, and now a friend, all about the origins of Registered Distillery 1, Ashland, the brands that have come and gone from the label, what they're experimenting with next, and more. At time of publication, there might be some W. M. Tarr bottles still available, but your best bet is to visit the brand's center at Lexington's Distillery District. One other note: Barry is one of the hardest working people in the industry, and that's really saying something. In my mind, only Alex Clark at Fort Hamilton is at the same level in terms of pounding the pavement for his product. And that passion shows. W. M. Tarr was excellent. The RD1 Bourbons are excellent. Go visit and give them a try! _________________ 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 Barry Brinegar of RD1 Spirits. RD1 Spirits Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| Ep. 57: The Flatiron Room and Fine & Rare | 07 Sep 2022 | 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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| Ep. 157: St. George Spirits with Lance Winters and Dave Smith | 11 Sep 2024 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 56: Van Brunt Stillhouse with Founder Daric Schlesselman | 31 Aug 2022 | 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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| Ep. 55: Raj Sabharwal brings Bimber, Amrut, Waterford, Mr. Peat, and Blackadder | 17 Aug 2022 | 01:33:46 | |
Episode 55 is a round-the-world journey with the one and only @whiskyraj, Raj Sabharwal. (It's also the first with our new sponsor, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society!) Raj is one of the nicest, most personable guys you'll ever meet in whisky. I met him at - you guessed it - Travel Bar in Brooklyn, NY, where we tasted through a set of Bimber Whiskies, Rest and Be Thankful Rums, and a pair of Japanese whiskies that had me begging for another ounce. For this podcast, Raj brought four countries' worth of whiskies - two Amruts from India, Waterford from Ireland, Bimber from England, and Mr. Peat and Blackadder Peat Reek from Scotland. Don't be afraid of those last two - peat can be friendly! Waterford shows off local Irish barley in ways not seen before, and Amrut is what I think of as the classic Indian Single Malt flavor profile. It's a thrilling journey and I know you'll enjoy listening along with us as we taste through. Check out my tasting notes on all six pours from Raj below and follow him everywhere @whiskyraj. A quick reminder - no episode next week! I'm traveling to Kentucky and Tennessee and will have lots of content (and samples!) to bring back to you the following week. _________________ 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 the one and only Raj Sabharwal. Glass Rev Imports and their Imported Brands Episode 55 (Raj Sabharwal) Reviews
Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
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| Ep. 54: Old Line Spirits with Founder Mark McLaughlin | 10 Aug 2022 | 01:59:58 | |
Episode 54 is a trip to Baltimore! Old Line Spirits sits in Highlandtown, Baltimore, producing some of the best American single malt I've had yet. They're not afraid of both using friends to make their whiskey better - distilling the majority of their spirit at Middle West Spirits, where they operated out of for a time during their learning - and exploring new finishes that are familiar yet made new. Thank you to Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins, co-founders, for their hospitality during my visit and for providing their products for me to try. Check out my tasting notes on their Single Malt, Cask Strength Single Malt, and Sauternes-Finish Double Cask Single Malt 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. It's Episode 54!
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. Old Line Spirits Old Line Spirits Reviews Old Line Spirits American Single Malt Whiskey Old Line Spirits Cask Strength American Single Malt Whiskey Old Line Spirits American Single Malt Whiskey Sauternes Finish Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| Ep.53: Lost Lantern Whiskey | 03 Aug 2022 | 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 | |||
| Bonus Update: State of the Podcast! | 29 Jul 2022 | 00:10:46 | |
It's good stuff - All of it. Updates on the Podcast, Patreon, Under the Influencer, Sample Sets/Calendars, Events, Travel, and Sponsors.
Thank you to all patrons - you are the core of this engine and I couldn't do it without you.
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| Ep. 52: Middle West Spirits with Co-Founder and Head Distiller Ryan Lang | 27 Jul 2022 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 51: Village Garage Distillery | 20 Jul 2022 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 50: Stephen Fante, Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone Bourbon | 13 Jul 2022 | 01:27:40 | |
Hey Whiskey Ringers, thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast. This week's guest is Stephen Fante, National Brand Ambassador for Limestone Branch Distillery. Stephen has a fascinating back story: between being a tea sommelier (a new thing for me that I love), a childhood friend of Stephen Beam who lost touch then reconnected over the latter's distillery, and now a national brand ambassador, he is a damn interesting character. Limestone Branch Distillery is on the newer side, but there's no denying the massive heritage behind it. The Beam family, the most prolific single family in American whiskey, is here, too, in the form of Stephen and Paul Beam, 7th generation distillers. Then there's the connection with Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone brand is as old as the Park, being founded in 1872 in its honor. Though it's changed hands over the years, it is a venerable brand with a nearly continuous history. Now owned by Limestone Branch, the brand is in its new glory days - and Stephen Fante is at the front lines. Donate to the National Parks Conservation Association 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. It's Episode 50!
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 Stephen Fante of Limestone Branch Distillery. Limestone Branch Distillery Limestone Branch Distillery Website Limestone Branch Distiller Facebook Limestone Branch Distiller Instagram Limestone Branch Distiller YouTube Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| Ep. 49: Scott Brunow, Scotch Malt Whisky Society | 06 Jul 2022 | 00:56:00 | |
Hey Whiskey Ringers, thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast. This week's guest is Scott Brunow from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. You might recognize Scott from his still-going and long-running series with friend Bart, the Scotch Test Dummies. Scott has spent nine years trying Scotch (and other whiskies) and reviewing them on a journey to try and learn about the whisky. Recently, he brought his talent and experiences to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS). SMWS was founded by Pip Hills as just a group of friends in Scotland purchasing a cask of whisky here or there from distilleries. Since then, the SMWS is now 20,000 members strong around the world, with 5,000 in America. No longer just bottling Scotch single malts, the SMWS is now bottling single barrels from around the world and blending their own whisky releases. There's a lot to get into! 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. 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 Scott Brunow from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Scotch Malt Whisky Society Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| Ep. 48: Wheel Horse Whiskey | 29 Jun 2022 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 156: Inside the Summer of Bourbon II with Nora and Adam of Lost Lantern Whiskey | 04 Sep 2024 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 47: Blair Ault, Milam and Greene Whiskey | 22 Jun 2022 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 46: David Mandell, Kentucky Owl and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival | 15 Jun 2022 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 45: Colin Keegan, Santa Fe Spirits | 08 Jun 2022 | 01:18:47 | |
Hey Whiskey Ringers, thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast. This week's guest is Colin Keegan, founder of Santa Fe Spirits. In just over a decade as a distiller, Colin has gone from newbie to veteran to industry powerhouse, all while maintaining the cool, calm, informed demeanor that mixes his childhood in Northern England with his life in Santa Fe. Santa Fe Spirits, in my opinion, is on the leading edge of the American Single Malt movement. Their core products are ready to drink right now, with finishings being experimented with. It's single malt comparable to anything you'd find from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, or India - and the single malt is just the start. Summary? I HIGHLY recommend this brand, every product. And I know you'll enjoy Colin getting into the details of distilling and his roles in the craft and American single malt movements. Before we jump into the interview with Colin Keegan of Santa Fe Spirits, 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 Colin Keegan of Santa Fe Spirits. Santa Fe Spirits Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| Ep. 44: Alan Bishop Returns with The Whiskey Witch | 25 May 2022 | 01:36:53 | |
That's right, he's back! Welcome Whiskey Ringers to Episode 44, the return of the Alchemist himself, Alan Bishop. The star of this episode is one of Alan's newer concoctions, The Whiskey Witch, a wheat, oat, barley, and Indiana peat-smoked mash that defies categorization. Seriously - we don't know how this will be categorized! As always, this episode with Alan is a blast. I can't wait to visit Spirits of French Lick and see his Alchemist Cabinet in person. 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 Alan Bishop of Spirits of French Lick. Spirits of French Lick Distillery Spirits of French Lick Distillery Website Spirits of French Lick on Facebook Spirits of French Lick on Instagram Spirits of French Lick on Twitter Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| Ep. 43: Uncle Nearest Distillery with Victoria Eady Butler | 18 May 2022 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 42: DISCUS and Responsibility.org with Chris Swonger | 11 May 2022 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 41: Stoll & Wolfe Distillery with Erik Wolfe | 04 May 2022 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 40: Single Cask Nation with Joshua Hatton | 27 Apr 2022 | 01:33:56 | |
Welcome Whiskey Ringers to Episode 40! Today's guest is Joshua Hatton, co-founder of Single Cask Nation (SCN). SCN is one of the most popular independent bottlers on the planet, with every release a near-instant sellout. But it wasn't always this way. Join us as we talk starting up an independent bottler, how to choose where to pick your barrels, turning barrels down, and the picks that went under the radar. 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 Joshua Hatton, co-founder of Single Cask Nation. Single Cask Nation Single Cask Nation on Facebook Single Cask Nation on Instagram Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| Ep. 39: Watershed Distillery with Founder and CEO Greg Lehman | 20 Apr 2022 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 38: Black Button Distilling with Alex Hunnell | 13 Apr 2022 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 155: Baltimore Spirits Company with Co-Founder Max Lents | 28 Aug 2024 | 01:28:34 | |
Gin, Apple Brandy, Whiskey...and Pechuga?
What if participating in local farmer's markets could boost your brand more than major media coverage? In the latest episode, I sit down with Max Lents, the passionate founder and CEO of Baltimore Spirits Company. Max takes us through his journey of reviving Maryland rye whiskey, from the company’s birth in 2013 to its first spirit release in 2015. Emphasizing the power of community engagement and grassroots marketing in creating authentic customer connections, Baltimore Spirits Company weaves storytelling and tradition into each bottle, making a significant mark on the craft distilling scene.
We also dive deep into the other spirits being produced by BSC, including a Szechuan gin and a Pechuga, which I had heard of maybe once and never actually tried. Maryland - and Baltimore - is more than just rye country. It's apple brandy, gin, and spirits of all kinds.
You'll also hear about the unique methods that set Baltimore Spirits Company apart, such as pot distillation, open wooden vat fermenters, and a distinctive mash bill with dual yeast strains. We also discuss the critical contributions of Eli (originally from Peabody Heights Brewery), whose expertise in industrial-scale fermentation has been a game-changer.
From the release of Epoch Rye to innovative creations like Fumas Pumila, Max shares the meticulous process and passion behind each spirit, ensuring a product that stands out in the market. Finally, Max discusses the collaborative spirit within the Union Collective and the challenges and successes of expanding production. He and his partners have the long-term vision of becoming the premier rye whiskey distillery on the East Coast and the formation of the Maryland Distillers Guild.
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Max 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. Baltimore Spirits Company | |||
| Ep. 37: Dancing Goat Distillery with Nick Maas | 06 Apr 2022 | 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 | |||
| Ep. 36: Will Shragis, Barrell Craft Spirits and Stellum | 30 Mar 2022 | 01:23:44 | |
Today is Barrell Day! Barrell Craft Spirits takes up more room on my shelves than any distillery or producer other than Heaven Hill and Highland Park. Their 95/5 rye single barrels are my go-to, the experimental finishes are at minimum interesting and often extraordinary, and the new Gray Label Seagrass and Gray Label 24 Year Old are whiskies to hunt for. 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 Will Shragis of Barrell Craft Spirits. Barrell Craft Spirits and Stellum Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages | |||
| Ep. 35: Dr. Pat Heist, Wilderness Trail Distillery and FERM Solutions | 23 Mar 2022 | 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 | |||