Explore every episode of the podcast Unpoured Perspectives
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisdom From Africa and The Friend Who Jumped in the Hole | The Hood Sommelier, Part 2 | 16 Oct 2026 | 00:59:47 | |
In Part 2 of our conversation with The Hood Sommelier, Jack shares the story behind his Wisdom from Africa series: the friend who jumps into the hole to show you the way out, and why the person in the water never makes fun of the crocodile. He talks about the gap between an online persona and real life, and tells us some stories. We also get into his grandmother's favourite piece of wisdom, the best way to drink whisky, and the question Jack leaves for our next guest. To finish, we pour some Canadian picks for Jack and he explains Afro Fusion, his dinners that pair whisky and cocktails with African cuisine. Missed Part 1? Start there for conversation you won't want to miss with The Hood Sommelier FIND JACK Unpoured Perspectives: Your Mind on Whisky. Music credit to BoDleasons for Alone #whisky #hoodsommelier #wisdomfromafrica #unpouredperspectives CHAPTERS | |||
| Hood Sommelier Wisdom | Part 1 | 10 Oct 2026 | 01:02:36 | |
We are joined by Jack Begedou, the Hood Sommelier, to break down the complexities of the spirits world. Jack pours a glass and tells us exactly what he thinks of Canadian whisky. Then he dares us to change his mind. In Part 1 of our conversation, Joel, Kevin and Bobby sit down with Jack from Omaha, Nebraska for a no-agenda evening that goes deep fast. Jack tells his own story: the certifications he earned so he would never be a "Google whisky reviewer", the Macallan 18 that opened a door for him, the night his friends gave him the name Hood Sommelier, and how a pandemic Instagram show called Monday Sucks grew into The Truth Is Barrel Proof podcast. Check out Part 2, that picks up with Wisdom from Africa, the best way to drink whisky, and three bottles for a desert island. Subscribe for monthly spirit insights, and let us know in the comments what you think about current whisky labeling standards. FIND JACK Unpoured Perspectives: Your Mind on Whisky. Music credit to BoDleasons for Alone CHATPERS | |||
| Whisky Awards: Everything From Judging, Why Your Whisky Didn't Win and Why It's Not What You Think | 08 Sep 2026 | 01:26:18 | |
Discover how whiskey awards are decided and who judges them. Alex Hamer joins us to pull back the curtain on the industry. Join hosts Joel, Kevin, and Bobby for a candid industry discussion about the spirits world. We explore the specific criteria used in whisky judging, from scale and entry numbers to the hierarchy of medals versus awards. This is a must-watch for anyone curious about what goes on behind the scenes of major competitions. The conversation also compares the evaluation methods for beer and whiskey, the path to becoming a professional judge, and how the category is growing. We get into the details of media awards and the challenges of evaluating spirits at a professional level. Alex Hamer shares his perspective on these vital topics. Subscribe for weekly whiskey industry insights, and let us know in the comments if you have a favorite spirit you want us to cover next. Alex Hamer https://spiritforus.ca | Kevin Donde | @spiritforus 00:00:00 - Let's Talk Awards | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : We Tried The New Gretzky Rye Release | 14 Jun 2026 | 00:09:16 | |
Join us at the Gretzky Rick House as we taste a rare eight-year-old toasted rye whiskey. See how this 100% brusetto rye stands up. We are hanging out with Mark and Jason to break down the profile of this unique release. This toasted rye whiskey spent time in used bourbon barrels before undergoing a final finishing process. We examine the nose, palate, and finish to determine if this expression from the Gretzky Estates whiskey lineup lives up to the hype surrounding older Canadian rye offerings. Whether you are a fan of 100% rye whiskey or just curious about what the team at the Rick House is bottling, this whiskey tasting review provides a detailed look at the spirit. We discuss the impact of the wood influence and how the aging process contributes to the overall character of the glass. Subscribe for weekly whiskey reviews and deep dives into Canadian spirits. Let us know in the comments if you have tried any toasted rye whiskey expressions lately. @gretzkyestates | waynegretzkyestates.com | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : Canadian Rum Secrets with Mathieu Carroll from Carroll's Distillery | 16 May 2026 | 01:14:31 | |
We're happy to have Matthew Carroll from Carroll's Distillery join us to discuss all things rum. Matthew, a skilled distiller from New Brunswick, shares his insights into the world of Rum and Rhum Agricole. This episode explores the nuances of rum and even touches on the idea of a fun cocktail. https://carrollsdistillery.wpcomstaging.com 00:00:00 - Start | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives: Bearface Elementally Aged | 06 Apr 2026 | 01:30:29 | |
We have a lot going on in this one. In Canada Corner, we talk about mushroom whisky and Bearface's Elementally Aged. The Canadian Whisky Awards and Wisky Wonderland have also come and gone and Kevin and Joel chat Australia and Portugal. https://www.bearfacewhisky.com/ | @bearfacewhisky 00:00:00 - Here we go! | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : Cooper Sleeman a 200 year Legacy | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:53:03 | |
On this very special St. Patricks day episode we hang out with Cooper Sleeman and talk everything Spring Mill distillery, John Sleeman & Sons whisky and the 200 year legacy and all the stories that come with that. We were also the first to try the new Single Cask Aeneas Coffey Whisky released for St Patricks day. https://johnsleemanandsons.com/ | @wardbar1836 | @johnsleemanandsons | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : What a day! | 18 Jan 2026 | 00:08:28 | |
Just a short one for today. We are on a bit of a hiatus until our one, but we felt we had to address our recent success at the Canadian Whisky Awards. 00:00 - Start | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : A conversation with the Architect of Taste - Stephen Rich | 11 Dec 2025 | 01:00:07 | |
Unpoured Perspectives : Your mind on whisky! @definitionale | https://definitionale.com/ 00:00:00 - Start | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : Last couple weeks in review | 06 Dec 2025 | 01:14:08 | |
Your mind on whisky! @shortpours Dram Mor | https://drammorgroup.com/ 00:00:00 - Intro | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives: Gretzky Estates Part 2 - Ginger Beer Cask Rye with Jason Roller and Mark Evangelista | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:13:57 | |
Your brain on whisky! Unpoured Perspectives was lucky enough to visit Gretzky Estates for the release of their new Ginger Beer Cask Rye. We were lucky enough to get a tour of the facilities from Mark Evangelista (Blending & Maturation Lead), and then, we got to interview Mark and the new head of both Spirits and Wine, Jason Roller. The tour will be part 2, even though we technically did the tour first. And of course for Canada Corner we have the Ginger Beer Cask Rye. There are lots of exciting things planned at Gretzky Estates, including a couple that we got to try on the tour. @gretzkyestates | https://waynegretzkyestates.com 00:00 - Intro | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives: Gretzky Estates - Ginger Beer Cask Rye with Jason Roller and Mark Evangelista | 08 Nov 2025 | 00:29:11 | |
Your brain on whisky! Unpoured Perspectives was lucky enough to visit Gretzky Estates for the release of their new Ginger Beer Cask Rye. We were lucky enough to get a tour of the facilities from Mark Evangelista (Blending & Maturation Lead), and then, we got to interview Mark and the new head of both Spirits and Wine, Jason Roller. The tour will be part 2, even though we technically did the tour first. And of course for Canada Corner we have the Ginger Beer Cask Rye. There are lots of exciting things planned at Gretzky Estates, including a couple that we got to try on the tour. @gretzkyestates | https://waynegretzkyestates.com | 00:00 - Your mind on whisky | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : For love not money with Denver Cramer of DenverAndLiely.com | 15 Oct 2025 | 01:24:57 | |
Welcome to Unpoured Perspectives. In this episode, we interview Denver Cramer from Denver and Liely. "For Love Not Money" does have a bit of a James Bond ring to it. Intentional, I promise. Glassware is a favourite topic for spirits enthusiasts, and talking to Denver about his whisky/bourbon/mezcal/beer and wine glasses was a real treat. It was also fun to see everyone one-up each other with the whisky, rum, and tequila they were drinking. We get into his history, current easter eggs and future plans that spirit enthusiasts have to look forward to, as well as a sort of surprise announcement for one lucky contractor. https://denverandliely.com | Denver & Liely | @denverandliely Denver Cramer: @denvercramer http://spiritforus.ca Music credit to BoDleasons for Alone The fate of all glass is to one day break. | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : Two sips Romano the spirits consigliere at Baytowne Wine | 29 Sep 2025 | 01:27:21 | |
In episode 8 we talk with Two-sips Romano the Consigliere of spirits at Baytowne Wine and all the fun they get up to at Baytowne Wine and how they serve Canadians from Rochester New York and more. Baytowne Skits Baytowne Skits Lucas : @lstasting | @baytownewine | https://baytownewine.com/ 00:00:00 - Start | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : Amber whisky and more with Don Dimonte & Last Straw Distillery | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:47:03 | |
This episode of Unpoured Perspectives was recorded on July 23rd 2025. Today, we talk with the man, the myth, the legend... Don Dimonte from Last Straw Distillery. We've spoken about Don and Last Straw many times over our inaugural season so far. In that way, he is somewhat of a legend. Don has helped numerous other distillers and distilleries get started. This week, he released his Southern Ontario Sippers barrel pick of Amber Whisky ($75 - great value for money). While you're there, consider his Stout whisky as another incredible alternative. In a few weeks, for those who have been paying attention, we'll be releasing 4 new products. Head to spiritforus.ca and sign up to stay informed. We also sample his Blended Rye ($32.95) and others. While we meander along the palates of several whiskies, we also talk through the excellent news for Ontario distillers. Great outlook for the future of distilling in Ontario! https://laststrawdistillery.com | Last Straw Distillery Last Straw Distillery: @laststrawdistill http://spiritforus.ca | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : The Instructor of Alcohol, The Teacher of Tipples ... Andrea Fujarczuk Part 2 | 10 Jul 2025 | 01:14:47 | |
Welcome to Unpoured Perspectives. We have "The Instructor of Alcohol", "The Teacher of Tipples", "The Professor of Canadian Liquid Courage" ... Andrea Fujarczuk. We had so much to talk about that we had to break it up into two episodes. In part two, we start with Canada Corner and talk John Sleeman & Sons/Springmill distillery and so much more ... https://www.niagaracollege.ca/winebeerspirits/program/artisan-distilling/ | @niagaracollege Andrea: @cdnwhiskyprof | |||
| Unpoured Pespectives: The Instructor of Alcohol, The Teacher of Tipples ... Andrea Fujarczuk | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:59:29 | |
Welcome to Unpoured Perspectives. We have "The Instructor of Alcohol", "The Teacher of Tipples", "The Professor of Canadian Liquid Courage" ... Andrea Fujarczuk. I think this is definitely one of our best episodes. We had so much to talk about we had to break it up into two episodes. In part two we start with Canada Corner and talk John Sleeman & Sons/Springmill distillery and so much more, part two will be up soon ... https://www.niagaracollege.ca/winebeerspirits/program/artisan-distilling/ | @niagaracollege Andrea: @cdnwhiskyprof http://spiritforus.ca | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : Don't press 5 with Evan Eckersley | 26 May 2025 | 01:21:20 | |
Welcome to Unpoured Perspectives. We have Evan Eckersley from Kensington Wine Market. We have a really great conversation about the state of Canadian Whisky, including how the different Canadian markets work. And in particular, we get into a couple of essential pricing examples. In Canada Corner, we talk about Eau Claire distillery. https://eauclairedistillery.ca/ | @eauclairecraft Evan: @sagelikefool http://spiritforus.ca | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : Funky Perfection | 07 May 2025 | 00:46:06 | |
Welcome to Unpoured Perspectives. Episode 4 is less about perfection and more about Funky and talking whisky. We get into the breadth of the first Bedford Park release. And in Canada Corner we talk Hansen distillery Roughstock. https://hansendistillery.com | @hansendistillery Joel: @scratchnscotch http://spiritforus.ca | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : Funk Soul Brothers | 15 Mar 2025 | 01:05:31 | |
Welcome to Unpoured Perspectives. Episode 3 is titled Funk Soul Brothers because we have the incredible high energy Steve and Les from Tabletop Tastings. Unpoured Perspectives is just a few guys following their passion, talking about whisky and other spirits. With our guests we talk whisky, board games and Whisky Wonderland. We also have a new section on the podcast called Canada Corner highlighting some Canadian Distilleries and whiskies. https://www.youtube.com/@TabletopTastings https://www.whiskywonderland.ca/ https://menaud.ca/ | @menaud.chx Joel: @scratchnscotch http://spiritforus.ca | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : Just Enough Funk Part 2 | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:41:22 | |
Part 2 of Episode 1 "Just Enough Funk". Local Artist Jacub Gagnon Please check out Tabletop Tasting for SOS kit run-downs. Whiskys we drank on the podcast. Canadian Whisky Awards Our Amateur Data Analysis - Please don't cringe too badly. :) Local brands to check out. Paradigm, Last Straw, Still Waters Distillery, Two Brewers, Sons of Vancouver, Shelter Point, Macaloneys Distillery, Still Head Distillery, Hansen Distillery, Grain Henge, Lucky Bastard Distillery, North of 7, Gretzky, Wiser's, Lot 40, Forty Creek, Compass, Wild Life Spirits, Silver Fox Distillery, Sleeman & Sons (Springmill), Dixon's Distilled Spirits, Okanagan Spirits, Carrols Distillery, Romero Distilling Co. Probably coming up in our next episode ... will be a wrap up and maybe a comparison with Awards to be announced in the new issue of https://thewhiskyexplorer.ca/pages/tw... on Monday. | |||
| Unpoured Perspectives : Just Enough Funk Part 1 | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:33:15 | |
Welcome to Unpoured Perspectives. Episode 1 is titled Just Enough Funk. We are just a few guys following their passion, talking about whisky and other spirits. We talk about whisky groups, tariffs, the Canadian Whisky Awards, and new releases. After a few minutes, my video disappeared because it was distracting me. I did think that Zoom would still record it, but I was wrong. Local Artist Jacub Gagnon Please check out Tabletop Tasting for SOS kit run-downs. Whiskys we drank on the podcast. Canadian Whisky Awards Our Amateur Data Analysis - Please don't cringe too badly. :) Local brands to check out. Paradigm, Last Straw, Still Waters Distillery, Two Brewers, Sons of Vancouver, Shelter Point, Macaloneys Distillery, Still Head Distillery, Hansen Distillery, Grain Henge, Lucky Bastard Distillery, North of 7, Gretzky, Wiser's, Lot 40, Forty Creek, Compass, Wild Life Spirits, Silver Fox Distillery, Sleeman & Sons (Springmill), Dixon's Distilled Spirits, Okanagan Spirits, Carrols Distillery, Romero Distilling Co. Probably coming up in our next episode ... will be a wrap up and maybe a comparison with Awards to be announced in the new issue of https://thewhiskyexplorer.ca/pages/tw... on Monday. | |||