Lucky Guys Distillery (Hudson, WI) Whisky Flight 33

The sign says it all "mad scientist at work." Join me as I arrive on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota and chat about all things bitters (including how they're made), cocktails, white whiskey, and what charcoal filtering really does. I'll be chatting with Lucky Guys founder Guy Whitehead.

And check out the growing list of distilleries available for you to plan trips to at whiskey-lore.com/flights 

Great Northern Distilling (Stevens Point, WI) WF0032

Thanks to everyone taking part in our Instagram Craft Distillery Bracketology. Without you, I wouldn't have discovered so many great Wisconsin distilleries, including the one I'm visiting today in the heart of America's Dairyland, beer land, and now whiskey land.

During our visit, we'll learn about what potatoes bring to vodka, the special ingredients that make a Wisconsin Old Fashioned unique, and dive into the concept of the Wisconsin supper club with Brian Cummings, Great Northern's founder.

Plus on This Week in Whiskey Lore, we'll go back 130 years to the day Chicago went dry...at least in terms of distilling.

To see Whiskey Lore's online distillery travel guide, head to whiskey-lore.com/travelguide and look for distilleries with headphone icons to find episodes of our Whiskey Flights.

Laws Whiskey House (Denver, Colorado) WF0023

Welcome to a special edition of Whiskey Lore's Whisky Flights. This is the "pilot" episode (no pun intended) that I recorded as a proof of concept back in the early summer, for this theater of the mind program surrounding trips to distilleries around the globe.

This is a chance to hear my original ideas for the structure of the show, while also hearing parts of the interview I did with Al Laws, founder of Laws Whiskey House.

See if you can spot the differences from the more recent episodes. And listen up, because I've got a couple of big announces in the intro of the show.

And watch for a Colorado series coming up later this fall.

Ahascragh Distillery (Ahascragh, Ireland) WF0022

From the day I first saw them post on Instagram about their conversion of a 19th Century corn mill into a distillery, I've been waiting for a chance to see it and hear the story behind it. Well, in 2022, I stopped by, but the construction was still underway and the stills had not yet arrived.

Today, you'll get to meet Gareth McAllister, one part of a husband/wife team that has taken a derelict mill, abandoned for 70 years, and turned it into the first fully sustainable distillery in Ireland's 700 known years of distilling. Join me as we learn how this modern facility is helping to bring a small village in East Galway back to life.

Plus, it's the 230th anniversary of George Washington's proclamation to the rebels of Western Pennsylvania. We'll celebrate with the details on This Week In Whiskey Lore. Plus all the travel tips you need to plan out a great Irish adventure.

See all the great craft distilleries we've visited so far: whiskey-lore.com/flights 

Powerscourt Distillery (Wicklow, Ireland) WF0021

It's time to jump across the Irish Sea to check out one of the most magnificent settings for a whiskey distillery. Join me as we head to the home of Fercullen Irish Whiskey at the Powerscourt Distillery on the edge of the Wicklow Mountains.

We'll hear the origin story of the distillery, the history of the estate and mill, and hear how the distillery got its start under legendary Cooley distiller Noel Sweeney. Plus, This Week In Whiskey Lore will look back on a 135 year old ad for Dunville's Irish Whiskey that was sold as a cure for what ails you.

And if pique your interest in traveling to Ireland to do a distillery trip, make sure to pick up a copy of Experiencing Irish Whiskey (available on Amazon) or head to whiskey-lore.com/ireland to see a list of current distilleries you can add to your Whiskey Lore Wish List.

The Cotswolds Distillery (The Cotswolds, England) WF0020

Today, we head to the largest distillery in England by volume. A distillery you may or may not have heard of - but you soon will (especially since you're listening to this show). I sit down with the brand's Whisky Brand Ambassador Rob Patchett to talk about the evolution of the distillery, its New Yorker founder, the development of a world class tourist experience, and the spirits they are creating.

Plus, on This Week in Whiskey Lore, we'll revisit an event that happened 4 years ago, that brought a historic brand to a new home. And we'll trace the history of that brand back to just after the Civil War.

And if I pique your interest in visiting distilleries in this region, make sure to check out the 20+ English whisky distillery profiles at whiskey-lore.com/england.

White Peak Distillery (Ambergate, England) WF0019

Today, I head to the southern region of the Peaks District of England to enjoy some beer and whisky made from the same brewer's yeast - thanks to a partnership between White Peak Distillery and a local brewing neighbor.

White Peak has a fascinating story (and they make a lightly peated whisky, which drew my attention). We'll find out about their very unique building from their co-founder Max Vaughan, plus how they are managing casks, their unique warehouse, and what the tasting experience is like.

Plus, This Week In Whiskey Lore will dive into a forgotten community, started on the back of a distiller, and one connected to one of the most historic moments in technological history. Plus, since we are exploring the modern world of English whisky, we'll take a step back into England's relationship with whisky distilling.

It's a power packed episode! Perfect for a weekend listen.

And if I pique your interest in visiting distilleries in this region, make sure to check out the 20+ English whisky distillery profiles at whiskey-lore.com/england.

The Forest Distillery (Cheshire, England) WF0018

Join me for a visit to a distillery rich with stories, a high elevation, and a fun story of distilling on the stove to finding markets around the world. I'll chat with co-founder Karl Bond about how he and his wife Lindsay got into the spirits making business, find out about their unique location on the Cheshire/Derbyshire border, and the historic 19th century inn with the curious name that is now the home of their distillery.

And if I pique your interest in visiting distilleries in this region, make sure to check out the 20+ English whisky distillery profiles at whiskey-lore.com/england.

The Borders Distillery (Hawick, Scotland) WF0017

Today's Whisky Flight adventure takes me back to the Borderland region of Scotland and England, where we meet John Fordyce, one of the founders of The Borders Distillery.

Every distillery has a story and John relates how a town built on the textile industry became the perfect spot for making whisky in a sustainable environment. He'll tell us about the historic building they renovated, the unique way his distillers work, and what you can expect from a visit to The Borders Distillery. 

And if I pique your interest in visiting distilleries in this region, make sure to check out the 20+ English whisky distillery profiles at whiskey-lore.com/england and the 75+ Scotch whisky distilleries at whiskey-lore.com/scotland

Cooper King Distillery (North Yorkshire, England) WF0016

Join me today as I chat with Chris Jaume of Cooper King Distillery. Of all of the different ways you can get interested in building a distillery, Chris and his wife Abbie found one of the most unusual paths. They were inspired to make English whisky, not by traveling north to Scotland, but instead by heading far to the South, to one of the world's growing whisky centers - Tasmania.

Hear their story and learn what inspired them about Tasmanian distillers and what processes and tools they brought back to the burgeoning English whisky scene.

And if I pique your interest in visiting England's distilleries, make sure to check out the 20+ English whisky distillery profiles at whiskey-lore.com/england

Ad Gefrin Distillery and Museum (Wooler, England) WF0015

If you know me, you know I love history. And when I can find some history I know little about, I want to immerse myself in it. Well, on my virtual trip to England, I'm about to take you to a place that is very easy to get lost in. It's a distillery that is combined with a museum and an archeological site. It's a chance to dive back into the days before the Vikings to learn about the lives of the Anglo-Saxon, while also enjoying a distillery visit and some nice drams in a beautiful setting.

Join me today as I enter The Borderlands of Scotland and England with a visit to Ad Gefrin Distillery and talk with our host Dr. Chris Ferguson.

And if I pique your interest in visiting England's distilleries, make sure to check out the 20+ English whisky distillery profiles at whiskey-lore.com/england

Tenth Ward Spirits (Frederick, MD) WF0014

To say Maryland and Frederick in particular have been an eye-opener is an understatement. There is quite a vibrant distilling scene in the state and it's more than just a revival of the state's historic rye whiskey heritage.

Today, I walk a few steps over from our last distillery experience to visit Monica "The Boss Lady" Pearce, as she talks about her journey from bartending to environmental science and then into the world of distillery ownership. We'll learn about her love for whiskey, her travels, and her secrets to making a unique distillery experience at Tenth Ward Distilling.

And if I've piqued your interest in visiting Maryland's distilleries, make sure to check out the 21 Maryland whiskey distillery profiles at whiskey-lore.com/maryland 

Ethanology Distillation (Elk Rapids, MI) WF0031

If you're into creativity and you love distilleries that push the boundaries, today's distillery has you covered. Nick and Geri Lefebre made gin and Bourbon, but they also make a pretty amazing spirit (2 ways) out of honey. Single malt and brandy fans might find this episode fascinating.

Nick and I sit outside, enjoying samples and talking about creative distilling, Michigan grain, B Corp Certification, and the search for flavor. The conversation was so fascinating, time flew by - so enjoy this extended interview as we say goodbye to Michigan with a special visit.

whiskey-lore.com/flights

McClintock Distilling (Frederick, MD) WF0013

Back during the early days of Maryland's distilling revival, Braeden Bumpers, co-founder of McClintock Distilling in Frederick, Maryland, and his business partner Tyler decided it was time to move out of the world of brewing and pursue their passion for whiskey. During my visit, Braeden will give us a sense of the challenges the duo faced in the early days as laws and regulations were fine tuned. Then we'll talk about their passion for using high-quality, organic, non-GMO, heirloom grains in their spirits. Plus, we'll learn the origins of their name, find out what unique piece of historic equipment they brought back to the distilling process, and find out how they are embracing local history through their choice of name. Let's explore small town America through the eyes of Marylanders. 

Enjoy this episode and make sure to add this and any of the other Maryland distilleries to your Wish List. Find details, maps, and tour booking links at whiskey-lore.com/maryland

Sponsored by: Burnt Church Distillery (Bluffton, SC) 

Sagamore Spirit Distillery (Baltimore, MD) WF0012

It's time to head north (just short of the Mason Dixon Line) to Baltimore, Maryland, where we're about to explore a distillery that shows is pride in Maryland Rye by only producing that one spirit. Join me as we talk with Ryan Norwood, the Director of Operations at Sagamore Spirit Distillery and learn what makes their spirits and a visit to their distillery special. I'll also give you a bunch of different activities you can take part in while in Baltimore.

And on This Week in Whiskey Lore, we'll take a look at Chattanooga distilling's past, present, and future.

Enjoy this episode and make sure to add this and any of the other 22 Maryland distilleries to your Wish List. Find details, maps, and tour booking links at whiskey-lore.com/maryland

Sponsored by: Burnt Church Distillery (Bluffton, SC) 

Burnt Church Distillery (Bluffton, SC) WF0011

Time to head to the land of golf and beaches, right on the edge of Hilton Head Island. Let's explore the unique spirits being made at Burnt Church Distillery, learn about their mission to give back to their community, and get a feel for this beautiful facility and all it has to offer visitors. Plus I'll give you my three reasons to add Burnt Church to you Whiskey Lore distillery wish list.

And in This Week In Whiskey Lore, we'll look back on a time when an Islay classic made rose quickly from the ashes.

Enjoy this episode and make sure to add this and any of the other 11 South Carolina distilleries to your Wish List. Find details, maps, and tour booking links at whiskey-lore.com/southcarolina

The Striped Pig Distillery (Charleston, SC) WF0010

Time to visit my second distillery in Charleston on this trip - The Striped Pig. Winning honors as South Carolina Distillery of the Year, this woman-owned, family run distillery shows the power of having the employees being invested in the company's future. From distilling to the tour experience, to the mixture of tastes available, you may not have heard of The Striped Pig, but now you'll get a chance to learn about it from one of the family members Remy Exvall.

We'll find out about the history behind their fascinating name, Remy will tell you about some activities in the area, and I will give you my three reasons to visit, plus clue you in-to some of the things I like to do in Charleston. Plus, we'll have an Irish "This Week in Whiskey Lore."

Enjoy this episode and make sure to add this and any of the other 11 South Carolina distilleries to your Wish List. Find details, maps, and tour booking links at whiskey-lore.com/southcarolina

Sponsored by: Burnt Church Distillery (Bluffton, SC) 

High Wire Distillery (Charleston, SC) WF0009

This week, I'm back in my home state and taking a drive through Revolutionary War country on my way to one of my favorite U.S. cities, Charleston, SC. Not only is there a ton of history, but you'll also fine amazing food, music, and of course beaches.

My host is High Wire Distilling's co-founder Scott Blackwell and he's going to tell us how he moved from bread and beer (liquid bread) into the distilling industry. Plus we'll hear of how he found the Jimmy Red Corn his distillery is known for. Plus, I'll have travel tips for getting around Charleston, a tip to help you impress your tour guide at the distillery, and my three reasons to put High Wire on your Whiskey Lore distillery Wish List.

Enjoy this episode and make sure to add this and any of the other 11 South Carolina distilleries to your Wish List. Find details, maps, and tour booking links at whiskey-lore.com/southcarolina

Sponsored by: Burnt Church Distillery (Bluffton, SC) 

Leiper's Fork Distillery (Leiper's Fork, TN) WF0008

Today, let's dig into some history, as we travel to Leiper's Fork Distillery, just south of Nashville, and meet with founder Lee Kennedy. Lee is a fellow lover of history and he's done all he can to help bring some of Tennessee's heritage to his distillery - from the beautiful swan neck pot still to the 200 year old cabin the tasting room and gift shop sit in, to the stories told on the tours.

Sit back and relax and let me take you, through the theatre of the mind, to this wonderful distillery. And also enjoy This Week in Whiskey Lore, with an Irish focus, and stay tuned for my three reasons to visit Leiper's Fork.

Enjoy this episode and make sure to add this and any of the other 40 Tennessee distilleries to your Wish List. Find details, maps, and tour booking links at whiskey-lore.com/tennessee

Sponsored by: Burnt Church Distillery (Bluffton, SC) 

Short Mountain Distillery (Cannon County, TN) WF0007

Imagine heading into the hills and taking in a 400-acre distillery property filled with relaxing activities, a restaurant, and of course a fun and informative distillery tour. That is the experience I had when I visited Short Mountain Distillery just over an hour east of Nashville. 

Let me introduce you to Billy Kaufman, the distillery founder, who is looking to create one of the most unique experiences in Tennessee - or anywhere for that matter. Welcome to this week's Whisky Flight.

Enjoy this episode and make sure to add it to your Whiskey Lore distillery wish list at whiskey-lore.com/flights 

Sponsored by: Burnt Church Distillery (Bluffton, SC) 

PostModern Spirits (Knoxville, TN) WF0006

Welcome to the reason I'm doing these whisky flights. Yes, I love history, but I also love seeing what craft distillers are doing around the globe. And one of the distilleries that made a big impression on me when I traveled through Tennessee was PostModern, thanks to a nice 3 hour chat with one of its founders Ron Grazioso.

Ron has a unique way of looking at spirits, but he also has a respect for history. Yet, in PostModern, he is stretching the boundaries of whisky making, and I can't wait to share with you what you can expect at PostModern.

Enjoy this episode and make sure to add it to your Whiskey Lore distillery wish list at whiskey-lore.com/flights 

Sponsored by: Burnt Church Distillery (Bluffton, SC) 

Castle & Key Distillery (Woodford County, Kentucky) WF0005

This week our Whisky Flight takes us back across the Atlantic and down to Kentucky, the home of bluegrass, horses, Bourbon, and a unique castle shaped distillery that was the vision of a legendary Bourbon marketer and whiskey producer.

Join me as I chat with Brett Connors of Castle & Key about the distillery's amazing history, the spirits they're producing, and the experiences you'll find there. I'll also give you travel tips, things to do in the area, and my top 3 reasons you should put this distillery on your Whiskey Lore Wish List at whiskey-lore.com/travelguide

Find details about this and past flights at whiskey-lore.com/flights

Sponsored by: Burnt Church Distillery (Bluffton, SC) 

Rosebank Distillery (Scotland, UK) WF0004

Way back in 2019, when I was traveling Scotland for the first time, I kept hearing the name Rosebank. For some reason, it didn't up my curiosity. But as 2021 turned to 2022, I found myself hearing the name more and more.

So, when it came time to choose a distillery to focus on as I virtually take us around the globe to different distilleries, Rosebank seemed like the perfect place to start.

But to be honest, I thought it was already open, because they had tours listed on their site. When I reached out to them, they let me know that was just pre-booking.

The distillery opens officially on June 7th, but my guest Stuart Hendry, Brand Home Director of Rosebank is about to give us a behind the scenes sneak peek. Prepare yourself for a combination of history, architecture, and historic spirits recreated on this week's second Whiskey Flight.

Mammoth Distilling Co (Bellaire, MI) WF0030

A big thank you to Mammoth for inviting me to South Manitou Island for the Rosen Rye project. What an amazing experience. You'll hear about some of it in this episode with my guest, farmer, brewer, and distiller Collin Gaudard. He'll talk about how Rosen Rye got to America, how popular it was, how it went away, and how we got it back.

Also during this episode, we'll go back to the gangster era and hear how a little Tennessee town earned a nickname worthy of the most famous gangster.

And don't forget to add your favorite distilleries from the show to your Whiskey Lore distillery wish list. https://www.whiskey-lore.com/travelguide

Lindores Abbey Distillery (Scotland, UK) WF0003

Join me as I fly into Edinburgh and make my way north to the Spiritual Home of Scotch Whisky - Lindores Abbey. It's been a few years since I visited the distillery and back then, their spirits were still new to the world and had not aged the required 3 years to be considered whisky. But we took time to chat about their recreation of Friar John Corr's Aqua Vitae. 

Now the whisky is here and the distillery is maturing into a nice profile of tours and experiences. We'll learn what has been going on with Lindores Abbey, get to know what the tours are like, how you can enhance your experience at the distillery, and find some cool side trips. Plus, we'll have another installment of This Week in Whiskey Lore.

Enjoy and if you find Lindores Abbey is a distillery you want to visit, head to whiskey-lore.com/flights and go to the profile to add it to your free wish list in the Whiskey Lore Travel Guide. 

Cheers and sláinte mhath!
Drew

Riachi Winery & Distillery (Mount Lebanon, Lebanon) WF0002

Wow, two completely different countries here on the first day of Whisky Flights - neither known for whisky - but both with craft distilleries that are working to define the flavors of their countries. 

As we began taking nominations for our Craft Distillery Bracketology on Whiskey Lore's Instagram, I put a call out for "world" craft distilleries. When Riachi was nominated by a Whiskey Lore fan, it piqued my curiosity about what a Lebanese whisky would taste like. Then Roy, the 8th generation winemaker and distiller sent me a DM and I instantly knew, I wanted him on the podcast.

It's time to stretch ourselves beyond the traditional distilling regions to kick this show off. Join me as I take you virtually into the mountains of Lebanon to discover Riachi's spirits.

Helden Distillery (Parys, South Africa) WF0001

Happy World Whisky Day 2024!

Today is the perfect day to release a brand new Whiskey Lore series called "Whiskey Lore's Whisky Flights."

As usual, I, Drew Hannush, am expanding the boundaries of what a whisky podcast can be. 

For years I have traveled to distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, talking to founders, distillers, and tour guides. This led to two best selling travel books (Experiencing Irish Whiskey and Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon) where I revealed the secrets of planning the perfect distillery get away. But books take a long time to write and publish and I have so many experiences I want to share. 

So now, through "Whiskey Lore's Whisky Flights" you can pack yourself away in my virtual suitcase, as we travel together and learn about great craft distilleries all over this planet. It's something that is made possible, thanks to the power of podcasting, my storytelling, and a bit of imagination. 

Join me on my first stop today, in a non-traditional whisky distilling region, South Africa, as we meet Pieter Van Helden and find out why knowing science is an important element in making whisky, and we'll find out more about the town of Parys, where the distillery is located, and maybe inspire you to visit.

As a companion to this podcast, check out the brand new distillery guide that is rapidly being built at whiskey-lore.com/travelguide. Here, you can build wish lists of your favorite distilleries and build your own whisky trail. And if you own a craft distillery, reach out to me at whiskey-lore.com/contact to see how we can feature your distillery.

Enjoy our first flight! It's going to be a wild and fun journey of discovery.

Cheers and sláinte mhath
Drew

In a rugged corner of Northern Ireland, the hills of Inishowen whisper tales of rebellion and moonlit mischief. We'll meet Patrick, a humble tailor thrust into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with excise officers. Then learn about the defiant distillers of Inishowen use any means at their disposal to preserve their livelihood. Join me on a journey back to the 19th century, where secret stills and hidden valleys echo with the spirit of rebellion.

And after a day off on my own historic journey around Ireland, I set out for Baoilleach Distillery in Donegal. I'll meet with Michael O'Boyle, the proprietor and see first hand, his commitment to using local grains and peat, along with his unique approach to distilling.

Welcome back to the countinued journey through Ireland's storied whiskey past, present, and future.

It's hard to imagine what the whiskey industry would look like today, if a certain excise man had succumbed to the wounds he received in Donegal in 1810. The early 19th century was a critical time for Irish whiskey. The Acts of Union had united the country with an empire and new markets were open for spirits.

But growing pains were the rule of the day. Large distillers and the Parliament were crushing small distillers and becoming jealous of those who were making higher profits off of their illicit poitín. A war was brewing out west and something was going to give.

Also in this episode, we'll rejoin Alfred Barnard as he travels from Galway to Limerick and I'll be stopping off at the Old Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland.

In a world where branding has become paramount in the promotion of people and products, certain brands have slipped from our vernacular, or have taken on new roles.

Long ago, the saloon was much more than just the domain of cowboys and gunfighters in the Old West. But for some reason, the name disappeared. It's time to delve into the history of the concept and find out...whatever happened to the old time saloon?

For more Whiskey Lore Stories, check out the new book The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey by Drew Hannush. It's available at your favorite online bookseller or at Whiskey-Lore.com/audio

Think you know the story behind the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897? Well, if you listened to the episode in Season 1 or have read any modern literature on it, prepare to be shocked.

During my research for my new book The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey, I bumped into an obscure piece of information from 1895 that turns the entire narrative around Colonel E.H. Taylor and the Bottled-in-Bond Act on its head.

In this episode, things will start as they did when I created this episode in 2019, along with some subtle changes. Then, the episode will take a wild turn and you'll hear a story hasn't been told in over 125 years. Prepare to "re-learn" history.

It seems appropriate that an episode featuring me taking a walking tour of Belfast with McConnell's Sarah Kennedy would sync up with the story of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. It was a pivital time in Irish history, when a last ditch effort was made to separate from the control of Great Britain. Its an event that would echo down through Irish history - especially in Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Hear the story of one of the rebellion's central figures and how one of the United Irishmen's own came to haunt one of Ireland's most historic distilleries.

And enjoy a cruise around Belfast, where - dare I say, I tasted the greatest beer I've ever tasted.

Cheers and Slainte mhaith!

Traverse City Whiskey Co (Traverse City, Michigan) WF0029

Way back in 2019 I was in my favorite Tennessee whiskey shop when I saw a bottle I'd heard about but hadn't seen in the wild. It was a bottle of XXX Traverse City Straight Bourbon Whiskey. I bought it and really enjoyed the flavor and the idea I was sipping something from the state I was born in.

Today, Traverse City is growing the spirits its making and focusing on the local cherry scene. Join me as I chat with Chris Fredrickson, co-founder of Traverse City Whiskey Company, meet the company dog, and get a sense of what's to come.

Extended tasting audio available on Patreon version at patreon.com/whiskeylore

For distillers in the 18th Century, the challenge was not getting crushed by tax revenuers because of a lack of quality devices or understanding of what makes a gallon, something that changed often over the centuries.

Listen as I dig into the history of proof and measuring volume, while we get visits from Alfred Barnard, John Quincy Adams, and I continue my historic journey to all of Ireland and Northern Ireland's active distilleries (save Cooley) and reach the home of Shortcross Gin and Irish Whiskey.

No one likes to pay taxes, especially distillers. And in the early days, when the government first started reaching into the pockets of farmer-distillers in Ireland, they put a serious face on tax avoidance. Yet distillers found creative ways to avoid these taxes.

It's time to take a deep dive into how Ireland ended up with whiskey taxes and the growing pains and wars that led to more and more government intrusion into the still house.

History is fascinating. It becomes even more interesting when you look at it through more than one lens. That is what I'll be doing this week - as I look at a complicated man whose first two potential victories in the North Channel were apparently snatched away by drink. His reputation on one side was as a pirate and the other as a patriot. We'll jump into that story.

And then I'll do a tasting of a gin named in his honor at Copeland Distillery. I hear what you're saying "Drew drinking gin?" Well, let's just say, this one has a nice whiskey twist.

First, thank you for helping Whiskey Lore Stories reach 100k downloads and helping this show reach the Top 5 percent of podcasts worldwide!

This week, I'm going to go deeper into the background of the Scots-Irish. They are often credited with being the foundation of the Kentucky bourbon and Tennessee whiskey industries. It is something I've heard over and over at American distilleries - it is time to see if this statement holds water.

Plus, I'm on my way to Echlinville Distillery and will share my tasting adventure there as I continue my way through Northern Ireland and visit my 7th distillery on this epic journey.

Why is there an "e" in Irish Whiskey? The popular belief is that four Dublin distillers, fed up with "silent spirit" made from column stills added the "e" to the word whiskey to separate their spirit from lesser quality spirits.

Say something enough times and it becomes everyone's truth. But is this really how whiskey got an "e?"

I decided to dig through some 18th and 19th century newspapers to get the answer. I also stopped off to visit John Teeling's Great Northern Distillery and had 2 amazing sips of whiskey - one from the 20th century, the other from the 19th! Join me for the experience.

While traveling to over 40 distilleries in Ireland, there was one story I heard more than any other - about how a malt tax in 1785 created a tax avoidance scheme that resulted in the creation of Old Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey as a style. Is it true?

Well, what I find is quite unexpected. Apparently there was a malt tax that led to two great whisky empires. I'll tell the full story as well as share Alfred Barnard's 1886 trip to John's Road Distillery in Dublin and my trip to Boann Distillery and encounter with a 140 year old bottle of whisky.

In my quest to dig into Irish whiskey history, this may be one of my favorite episodes yet. We start off with one of the great legends of Ireland - a legend tied to the area I was traveling through, the Boyne River Valley. I get to visit Slane Distillery, taste their whiskey and head over to Boann to learn the experimental side of that distillery and more legends. Meanwhile, I dig deep into the 17th century, when Irish uisce beatha was gaining a great reputation in London, until a Dutch upstart stole the show. All this and a beheading and rebellion - this week on Whiskey Lore.

Grand Traverse Distillery (Traverse City, MI) WF0028

When I started this journey to Michigan, I have to say, I knew very little about the distilling history of my birth state. Come to find out, this modern craft boom might just be the very start of its reputation in the world of fine spirits. And one of the first to fire up a still was Kent Rabish. Inspired by a trip to Oregon and his grandfather's still, hear the story of the early days of Michigan distilling, the thought process that goes into building a distillery, and why Grand Traverse is big in Michigan, but not really too far outside of it.

Plus, on The Week In Whiskey Lore, we will look back 150 years to learn how Cincinnati found itself taking the blame for flames in a pair of New Orleans distilleries.

And if you're interested in planning a trip to Michigan to visit distilleries and you want to get a wish list together, visit whiskey-lore.com/michigan and sign up for a free account. Then create the ultimate wish list.

As Sinatra said, "come fly with me" as we head to Foynes Airport in Ireland and learn how a stormy night and cold wet passengers led to one of the most iconic drinks in Irish Whiskey. We'll also follow along with Alfred Barnard and join him at the home of Powers Whiskey. And I'll continue my journey through the modern distilleries of Ireland with a trip to Tullamore DEW.

Time for episode 2 of my journey through Ireland, along with Alfred Barnard's historic trip to John Jameson & Son's famous Bow Street Distillery, and the story of a man who will turn your impression of the Irish and their love affair with drink on its head.

Welcome to Season 6! Join me for three amazing journeys into Irish whiskey. 

We'll go back to the very origins of the spirit, see it rise to become the most popular whiskey in the world, and trace its from its fall to rebirth.

We'll also follow a 19th century writer on his historic journey to the Irish distilleries of the first boom. And I'll share my own historic journey, as the first person to travel to over 40 modern Irish distilleries as I give you a window into the industries rebirth.

We’ll meet rebellions, kings, inventors, drinks, distillers, heroes and villains, and we’ll dispel a few myths along the way.

Welcome to Season 6 of Whiskey Lore Stories!

Today, we demand a certain amount of transparency with our food stuffs. But in the 19th Century when it pertained to patent medicines, everything was a cure-all! Even whiskey!

Hear the story of an enterprising distiller who decided his product was so good, it could cure just about anything. And he even got the government believing his marketing. This is the story of Walter Duffy and his miracle cure - Duffy's Pure Malt Whiskey.

And here more about it in my interview with Clay Risen of the NY Times on Whiskey Lore: The Interviews (available wherever you download your podcasts).