Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/ep-241-killowen-distillery-with-brendan-carty-show-notes

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon. 

Killowen Distillery

• Website: https://www.killowendistillery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killowendistillery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KillowenDistillery/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/killowen-distillery/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/ep-240-retribution-distilling-co-with-richard-lock-show-notes

Retribution Distilling

• Website: https://retributiondistilling.co.uk/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retributiondistilling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retributiondistilling/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retribution-distilling/

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon. 

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/ep-239-minden-mill-distillery-with-joe-osullivan-show-notes

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

Minden Mill Distilling

• Website: https://mindenmill.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindenmilldistilling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindenmilldistilling/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minden-mill-distilling/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/ep-238-north-uist-distillery-with-jonny-ingledew-and-jacob-crisp-show-notes

Thanks to Jonny and Jacob for joining me, and thanks to Shona MacLeod and the Isle of Harris team for the introduction.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, rate, review, share it with a fellow whisky obsessive, or send it to someone who thinks “refill wood” sounds boring and needs to be gently corrected with a dram in hand.

North Uist Distillery

Website: https://www.northuistdistillery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northuistdistillery/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northuistdistillery/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@northuistdistillery
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-uist-distillery/

Whiskey Ring Podcast
Website: https://www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whiskeyinmyweddingring
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whiskey-in-my-wedding-ring/

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon. 

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/ep-237-sukhinder-singh-tormore-portintruan-elixir-spirits-show-notes

Thanks to Sukhinder for joining me, and thanks to Kurt Maitland and the Manhattan Whiskey Club for the introduction!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

Elixir Distillers
Website: https://elixirdistillers.com/

Tormore Distillery
Website: https://www.tormoredistillery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tormoredistillery/

Portintruan Distillery
Website: https://www.portintruan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portintruan/

Single Malts of Scotland
Website: https://singlemalts.com/

Port Askaig
Website: https://portaskaig.com/

Elements of Islay
Website: https://www.elementsofislay.com/

Black Tot Rum
Website: https://blacktot.com/

Elixir Trails
Website: https://elixirtrails.com/

The Whisky Exchange
Website: https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/ep-236-the-new-zealand-whisky-collection-with-greg-ramsay-show-notes

Thank you to Greg for entering the Whiskey Ring!

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

The New Zealand Whisky Collection / Dunedin Distillery at Speight’s

• Website: https://www.thenzwhisky.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenzwhisky/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenewzealandwhiskycollect9795
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thenzwhisky/

Speight’s Brewery

• Website: https://www.speights.co.nz/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/ep-235-blind-barrels-with-bobby-demars-show-notes

Thank you to Bobby for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

Blind Barrels

• Website: https://blindbarrels.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindbarrels/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindbarrels/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/blindbarrels
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blind-barrels/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/ep-234-augusta-distillery-with-alex-castle-show-notes

Thank you to Alex for re-entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

Augusta Distillery

• Website: https://augustakydistillery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augustakydistillery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/augustakydistillery/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/augusta-distillery/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/ep-233-stoll-wolfe-revisited-with-erik-wolfe-show-notes

Reviews: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/stoll-wolfe-pennsylvania-rye-whiskies-and-american-whiskey

Thank you to Erik for re-entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Facebook and Instagram and like and rate wherever you get your podcasts!

Stoll & Wolfe Distillery

• Website: https://stollandwolfe.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stollandwolfe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stollandwolfe/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stoll-&-wolfe-distillery/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/copper-kings-revisited-with-rob-bourdon-show-notes

Thank you to Rob for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Facebook and Instagram and like and rate wherever you get your podcasts!

Copper & Kings

• Website: https://www.copperandkings.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copperandkings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/copperandkings/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copper-&-kings-american-brandy-company/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/dads-hat-rye-with-herman-mihalich-show-notes

Thank you to Herman for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Facebook and Instagram and like and rate wherever you get your podcasts!

Dad’s Hat Rye/Mountain Laurel Spirits

• Website: https://dadshatrye.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadshatrye/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dadshatrye/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mountain-laurel-spirits/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/117-west-spirits-with-justin-mccabe-show-notes

Thank you to Justin for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Facebook and Instagram and like and rate wherever you get your podcasts!

117 West Spirits

• Website: https://www.117westspirits.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/117westspirits/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/117westspirits/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/117-west-spirits/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/la-piautre-with-ins-poppe-show-notes

Thank you to Inès for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Facebook and Instagram and like and rate wherever you get your podcasts!

La Piautre

• Website: https://lapiautre.fr/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapiautre/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lapiautre/?locale=sw_KE
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/la-piautre/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/east-london-liquor-company-with-alex-wolpert-and-sam-garbutt-show-notes

Thank you to Alex and Sam for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Facebook and Instagram and like and rate wherever you get your podcasts!

East London Liquor Company

• Website: https://eastlondonliquorcompany.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastlondonliquorcompany/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastLondonLiquorCompany/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-london-liquor-company/posts/?feedView=all

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/painted-stave-distillery-with-make-rasmussen-show-notes

Thank you to Mike for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Facebook and Instagram and like and rate wherever you get your podcasts!

Painted Stave Distillery

• Website: https://www.paintedstave.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintedstavedistilling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Painted%20Stave%20Distilling/1214465172043688/#
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/painted-stave-distilling/

Show Notes: www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/far-north-spirits-with-mike-swanson-show-notes

Thank you to Mike for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Facebook and Instagram and like and rate wherever you get your podcasts!

Far North Spirits

• Website: https://farnorthspirits.com/
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/farnorthspirits
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farnorthspirits

Show Notes

Thank you to Alex and Amy for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out! There is one member looking to retire - let me know if you'd like the spot!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Facebook and Instagram and like and rate wherever you get your podcasts!

Fort Hamilton Distillery

• Website: https://www.forthamilton.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fort.hamilton.distillery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fort.hamilton.distillery
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fort-hamilton-distillery/

Show Notes

Thank you to Owen for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out! There is one member looking to retire - let me know if you'd like the spot!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.

Angel's Envy

• Website: https://www.angelsenvy.com/us/en/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelsenvy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelsEnvyBourbon/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel%27s-envy/?viewAsMember=true
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy9AL2A8OzcXAfnmANuuK9A

Show Notes

Thank you to Martin for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out! There is one member looking to retire - let me know if you'd like the spot!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.

Feddie Ocean Distillery

• Website: https://www.feddiedistillery.no/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskeythiefdistilling
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Feddie-Ocean-Distillery-100063627848383/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/feddie-distillery/?originalSubdomain=no

Show Notes

Thank you to Lisa, Benjamin, and Kelley for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out! There is one member looking to retire - let me know if you'd like the spot!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.

Whiskey Thief Distilling Company

• Website: https://whiskeythief.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskeythiefdistilling/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiskeythiefdistilling/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whiskeythief/

Show Notes

Thank you to Kim and Thom for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out! There is one member looking to retire - let me know if you'd like the spot!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

The Bard Distillery

• Website: https://thebarddistillery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarddistillery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TBD2018/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebarddistillery/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialbarddistillery

Show Notes

Thank you to Matt for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out! There is one member looking to retire - let me know if you'd like the spot!

Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Distillery of Modern Art

• Website: https://distilleryofmodernart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/distilleryofmodernart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/distilleryofmodernart/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distillery-of-modern-art/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCv1WycErriGOF-q_tQHDzA

Show Notes

Thank you to Robin for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out! Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Robin Robinson

• Purchase The History of Whiskey: https://a.co/d/0ekCpSc
• Website: https://www.robinrobinsonllc.com/
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/robinrobinsonllc
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/robin.robinson1
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/robinrobinsonllc
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/RobinRobinsonLLC

In the second part to our Bhakta Sessions series as we welcome the exceptional Pete Lynch, the master blender for Bhakta Spirits. With a career that kick-started under the legendary Dave Pickerel at Whistlepig, Pete’s journey in the whiskey and armagnac world is nothing short of inspiring. We delve into his deep passion for rye whiskey, the pivotal role of sensory memory in tasting, and his current intriguing project involving a 2012 vintage Armagnac. Pete’s insights into the art of blending whiskey offer a masterclass in balancing flavors and honoring the heritage of historic spirits.

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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Bhakta Spirits

• Bhakta Spirits Website
• Bhakta Spirits Instagram
• Bhakta Spirits Facebook
• Bhakta Spirits YouTube
• Bhakta Spirits LinkedIn

ANYWAY - I'm thrilled to be joined by Lexie Phillips, Assistant Distiller. Lexie is not only the first woman in this position, she's also an accomplished distiller and taster in her own right with a background in agriculture. Oh, and she led the barrel pick that resulted in TWO barrels for podcast listeners!

Lexie and I talk the parts of Jack that you don't always hear about, including the rye, the single malt, how Jack became Jack, and how one of the world's largest distilleries is managing to put out innovative (and good!) releases multiple times per year. 

I can't tell you how excited I was to get this podcast in the books. Thank you to Lexie and the entire Jack Daniel's and FINN Partners group for making this happen. Special shout out to Hillary, without whom none of this was possible. 

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

Our Barrell Rye pick done with Perry and Eric of This Is My Bourbon Podcast is just about ready, too, so keep an eye out on social media and on the mailing list for updates. 

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 1 spot remains! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Jack Daniel's Distillery

• Jack Daniel's Distillery Website
• Jack Daniel's Distillery on Instagram
• Jack Daniel's Distillery on Facebook
• Jack Daniel's Distillery on YouTube
• Jack Daniel's Distillery on Twitter/X

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Also - want to know how buffalo horn buttons help Jason move whiskey across borders? (Don't worry, the horns fall off naturally, no hunting involved).

None of these products came from Canadian producers, though - all the ones I could find were put out by NDPs or producers blending it with their own spirit. So where does one find those barrels? When a brand suddenly has a 15-year-old bourbon on the shelf, how did they get their hands on it? 

If it was the Canadian juice, it likely came through Jason Barrett. Known more for founding Black Button Distilling in Rochester, NY (check out an earlier episode with Alex Hunnell of Black Button from early last year), Jason practically fell into the barrel brokerage business.

Turns out, lots of companies want whiskey of all types, and there's plenty of room in the sandbox for new entrants. Jason will humbly say that there are five major players (he says he's the smallest of the largest) and a dozen or so minor players moving whiskey all around the world. In just a few years, he's made his mark, and there's room to grow. 

Listen in for the ins and outs of the barrel brokerage business, how his existing relationships from his family's button manufacturing helped ease his path, and how Black Button fits into his vision for a dual business structure. 

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling, Barrell Rye, and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one is on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 1 spot remains! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Black Button Distillery

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

At the time, it took the title of Northernmost Distillery in Scotland away from the nearby Old Pultney. Since then, 8 Doors Distillery has usurped the geographic title, but Wolfburn is happy to give it to a fellow distillery.

As many of the distilleries that far north are - including Highland Park - its landscape, ethos, and history are more intertwined with the Viking and Norse than with the Picts and Gaels of the rest of the mainland.

Its whiskies reflect this rugged terrain, including its spot on the largest blanket peat bog in all of Europe (the world, maybe). 

This is a newer Scotch distillery that in short order has earned a spot at the table with the best of them. In just a decade, they have experimented with barley, different casks, peating the barley vs using peated casks (and blending both) and a cask strength version named for the Viking Longships (Langskip). 

With a 10-year-old expression now making the rounds, this is the time to buy in on the ground level. Not that I'm selling them, of course - it's more an if you know, you know. And if you've read all of that, now you know!

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling, Barrell Rye, and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one is on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 1 spot remains! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Wolfburn Distillery

• Wolfburn Distillery Website
• Wolfburn Distillery on Instagram
• Wolfburn Distillery on Facebook
• Wolfburn Distillery on Twitter

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

_________________

Surprise, surprise: another connection made at that center of the NYC whiskey universe, Travel Bar. 

I got to meet Ronan Currie at a GlenAllachie tasting event and had to have him on the podcast. The GlenAllachie has a rich history as a brand despite it being one of the newer distilleries in Scotland. 

Just a few years ago, though, it was making a lot of whisky - around 4M LPA - but not much of it was seen outside the blends into which it disappeared. Billy Walker, fresh off the sale of BenRiach, Glendronach, and Glenglassaugh distilleries, had a vision: to create a new version of Scotch single malt that focused not just on making good spirit, but more importantly on making it with the best wood available. 

Half a decade later, The GlenAllachie is producing some incredible and fascinating releases including GlenAllachie spirit aged in Mizunara casks, rye casks, and multiple casks for a single release. They've also reduced that 4M LPA to a fraction of their capacity, making only 800,000 LPA (20%) of their previous volume. 

Quality over quantity - can't argue against that, right? 

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm heading to Tennessee to pick two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks, and one of your fellow Patreon members is joining me in Lynchburg!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 3 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 3 spots remain! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

The GlenAllachie

• The GlenAllachie Website
• The GlenAllachie on Instagram
• The GlenAllachie on Facebook
• The GlenAllachie on Twitter

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

-----------

How much do you know about Finland? Yep, probably about the same I did. Not much. 

Turns out, there's a whole lot to learn. I started, oddly enough, with a well-timed episode of Timesuck learning about the sniper known as the White Death from the Winter War of WW2. Besides a fascinating story, it taught me that Finland is both Nordic and Scandinavian, yet its culture - everything from its mythology/pantheon to its drinking culture - are closer to Germany and Russia than to Sweden or Denmark. 

Teerenpeli is a symbol of that identity. Fiercely independent, making whisky where few others are (they're the only active distillery making whisky in Finland!), Teerenpeli is out to prove that Finland has a lot to offer the world whisky community. I think they just might. 

Thanks also to previous guest Fred Barnet of Anthem Imports for the introduction! 

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain! 

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 Anssi Pyysing, Founder of Teerenpeli Distillery. 

Teerenpeli Distillery

• Teerenpeli Distillery Website
• Teerenpeli Distillery on Instagram
• Teerenpeli Distillery on Facebook
• Teerenpeli Distillery on Twitter
• Teerenpeli Distillery on YouTube

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

So why is he on my podcast? 

Simple: I write reviews. I read reviews. I critique others' writing and evaluate it as I'm reading. I know I'm far from infallible, so if someone can help me better understand public writing then I'm all for it. 

There's more to it than that, of course, and RPC and I have a fantastic conversation about living, writing, and writing for a living. It may not be my full-time job, but it is my full-time passion, and his new book, Tell It Like It Is: A Guide to Clear and Honest Writing, will help me write more concisely and more clearly going forward. 

I highly recommend both this episode and his book to anyone looking to write, period. You can order his book on Amazon here. 

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Thanks for reading! Now here’s Roy Peter Clark, author of Tell It Like It Is, and recognized authority on clear and honest writing. 

Roy Peter Clark 

• Roy Peter Clark's Website
• Roy Peter Clark on Facebook
• Roy Peter Clark on Twitter

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

Nobody embodies that in the Scotch world better than Compass Box. Founded in 2000 by American ex-pat John Glaser, the company initially struggled to get on a shelf. Twenty-three years later, Compass Box is, I would argue, putting out the same high-quality blends it always has - but now, their releases are must-taste events. 

John and his team have been doing interviews for all of those twenty-three years, so I had to come up with some new questions for this one. I love a challenge, and I think John was happy that someone took the time to do some research and ask something different. And when a legend - to me, at least - gives you an hour of their time, you make it worth it. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Thanks for reading! Now here’s John Glaser, Founder and Head Whiskymaker at Compass Box Whisky. 

Compass Box Whisky

• Compass Box Whisky Website
• Compass Box Whisky on Instagram
• Compass Box Whisky on Facebook
• Compass Box Whisky on Twitter

Compass Box Whisky Reviews

• Compass Box Hedonism Blended Grain Scotch Whisky Review
• Compass Box Hedonism Felicitas Blended Grain Scotch Whisky Review
• Compass Box Story of the Spaniard Blended Whisky Review (Coming Today!)
• Compass Box Delos Extinct Quartet Blended Whisky Review (Coming Tomorrow!)

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

The North Island of New Zealand is sub-tropical, with high humidity year-round, an unusual climate for whisky aging. And that whisky is spectacular. 

I'm a bit behind on getting reviews onto this, so stay tuned! But don't let that hold you back from a truly incredible distillery that I can't wait to explore 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! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain! 

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 Johns, Founder and Head Distiller of Pōkeno Distillery.

Pōkeno Distillery

• Pōkeno Distillery Website
• Pōkeno Distillery on Instagram
• Pōkeno Distillery on Facebook

Pōkeno Distillery Reviews

• Pōkeno Distillery Origin New Zealand Single Malt Whisky Review
• Pōkeno Distillery Discovery New Zealand Single Malt Whisky Review

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

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! 

• The $5 tier will have access to the new, Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk about a topic that’s under their skin in whiskey. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. 

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

https://impexbev.com

ImpEx on Instagram

ImpEx on Facebook

ImpEx on Twitter

Show Notes

Thank you to Jay for entering the Whiskey Ring! 

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

1787 Provenance

• Provenance Website

• Provenance Bourbon Instagram

• Jay West's Instagram

Eric spends half the year traveling around the world, trying rums from Barbados and Jamaica to Mauritius, Japan, and Fiji. Dozens of countries, all making their own styles of rum for exploration. 

And that's why Holmes Cay is the best way to get into the rum game. It's not all Bacardi, sugared and colored sugarcane distillate, and mixed drinks - rum is incredibly diverse, can handle years of aging both continentally and tropically, and varies far more from country to country than anything you'll see in whiskey. 

I caught a new rum bug recently and I genuinely think it may be more exciting than whiskey at the moment. At minimum, it's something new to explore. Glad I've got someone like Eric to guide me through the journey. 

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

Our Barrell Rye pick done with Perry and Eric of This Is My Bourbon Podcast is just about ready, too, so keep an eye out on social media and on the mailing list for updates. 

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 1 spot remains! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Holmes Cay

• Holmes Cay Website
• Holmes Cay on Instagram
• Holmes Cay on Facebook

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

A few years is a lifetime in craft whiskey, and few brands epitomize this more to me than Chattanooga Whiskey. When I first tried them - most likely their now-gone 1816, which was sourced transparently but not representative of where they are today - I was not a fan. Something was off, and I resisted revisiting the brand for years. Then, The Whiskey Bard himself, Nino Kilgore-Marchetti, reached out asking if I wanted to try their new Islay Cask finish.

Why not - it's been a few years, and by my estimation, that's time for a retasting. And bravo to Chattanooga - their "new" whiskey, that is their Tennessee High Malt Bourbon, is excellent, and the Islay Cask finishing series release added to that.

There's a lot to cover in this episode, from uncovering Chattanooga's distilling past to a rip-the-band-aid-off brand transition, all the way to their wins for Craft Producer of the Year 2023 for both the US and the world. Throughout, this episode is a celebration of the craft whiskey movement and the passion driving its revival in Chattanooga. No Lincoln County Process here, folks - this is a Tennessee High Malt Bourbon, loud and proud.

Thank you to Tim 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are four (4) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 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. 

Chattanooga Whiskey

• Chattanooga Whiskey Website
• Chattanooga Whiskey on Instagram
• Chattanooga Whiskey on Facebook
• Chattanooga Whiskey on YouTube

In his book, Smashing the Liquor Machine: A Global History of Prohibition, Professor Mark Lawrence Schrad, Director of Russian Studies and Professor of Political Science at Villanova University outlines how this uniquely American experience was anything but. Weaving through the histories of vodka-soaked Russia, beer and schnapps-drinking Central Europe, and the United States, Prof. Schrad demonstrates time and again that American Prohibition was a culmination, not a one-off.

Told through the lenses of the European continent and the many colonies and imperialist conquests forever by alco-colonialism and alco-imperialism, Dr. Schrad's work also reintroduces us to some of history's most famous figures in a new light, now with their prohibitionist and temperance-minded biographies intact. 

In this fascinating interview that despite clocking in at under two hours could've gone three, we explore the themes of the book, what it says about the global history of drinking, and what lessons we must learn from it to truly understand both American and world history. 

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. The first eight boxes of samples have already been sent and only 4 spots remain! 

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 my interview with Dr. Schrad on Smashing the Liquor Machine. 

Mark Lawrence Schrad

• Smashing the Liquor Machine: A Global History of Prohibition
• Dr. Mark Lawrence Schrad | Villanova Profile
• Dr. Mark Lawrence Schrad on Instagram
• Dr. Mark Lawrence Schrad on Twitter

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

Show Notes

Thank you to Blake for entering the whiskey ring! 

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

Smokeye Hill Whiskey

• Smokeye Hill Website

• Smokeye Hill Whiskey Facebook

• Smokeye Hill Whiskey Instagram

• Smokeye Hill Twitter/X

Show Notes and Reviews

Colorado was long a bastion of the craft beer scene, and out of that grew a now-booming craft whiskey industry. Among the first of those whiskeymakers was Boulder Spirits (part of Vapor Distillery), who imported Alastair Brogan in 2012. His vision was clear: to create the best American single malt whiskey possible, while honoring traditional methods and embracing the distinctive Colorado environment. The Colorado microclimate plays a crucial role in Boulder Spirits' unique flavor profile. With significant temperature and humidity swings, whiskey ages differently here than in Scotland or Kentucky, experiencing higher evaporation rates that concentrate flavors more rapidly.

While their American Single Malt garners the headlines, they also make a fantastic bourbon, one that despite its relatively low proof (88) was full-bodied and flavorful. It confirmed my suspicions (piqued after chatting with Chattanooga) that I love malted bourbons, where malt is the secondary grain rather than rye or wheat. It holds up at a lower proof so much better than the other two.

Education remains the greatest barrier to growth - while we whiskey nerds love American Single Malts and different mashbills, the wider audience isn't always aware that ASM is even a thing, let alone a malted bourbon. That education is helped by collaborating with folks like Lost Lantern (that's how I first heard about Boulder) and putting out high-powered releases like hazmat single malt in armagnac casks. 

I missed them by just a day while in Denver, but won't miss them the next time. Thank you to Alastair for entering the whiskey ring! 

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

Boulder Spirits

• Boulder Spirits Website
• Boulder Spirits on Instagram
• Boulder Spirits on Facebook
• Boulder Spirits on LinkedIn

Georgie Bell and husband Fabrizio Leoni co-founded The Heart Cut, an independent bottler, with an eye towards the world. The question is relatively simple: how can we connect whisky enthusiasts with some of the most exciting, innovative, and deserving-of-attention distilleries? More than half of which - in a telling coincidence - have been Whiskey Ring Podcast guests?

Georgie and Fab are globe-trotting whiskey hunters, pulling 16 exceptional casks/releases from distilleries across eight countries in just their first 20-ish months. From Finnish rye to Israeli single malts, they're telling stories through spirits that most drinkers have never encountered. Their approach: direct partnerships, total transparency, and a commitment to showcasing the "why not, what if" spirit of craft distillers around the world.

But this isn't just about selling bottles. The Heart Cut is building a whiskey community, breaking down barriers with accessible tasting notes, virtual tastings (starting with the last few releases), and a mission to educate. Bell and Leoni's vision inspires exploration, giving us nerds a healthy mix of whiskies that both represent the heart of what a distillery can do while also pushing its boundaries.

If you're new to whisky, you'll be able to enjoy the pours. If you're deep in the fandom, every bit of information they can possibly provide is either on the label or the website. This is an IB built on the knowledge, passion, experience, and wisdom of two people who know their spirits. We spend a few minutes just on Georgie's resume simply to highlight how extensive her knowledge base is - it's that impressive. 

Finally, I want to acknowledge the introductions Georgie made after the interview was over. The best IBs don't work as firewalls but as gateways. If a bottling makes me want to know more about a distillery, that's the best job an IB can do, and The Heart Cut does it in spades. Who knows - within a few months, I may have completed the collection, having all The Heart Cut partners on the podcast...

Being smaller releases, these won't usually be available in the US, but they are through both Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange. I'm picking up a bottle of the M&H (the pomegranate wine cask and Dead Sea Apex release are my two favorites, and The Heart Cut combined them!) and probably 2-5 others given the chance. 

Thank you to Georgie for entering the Whiskey Ring, and for the multiple introductions she made after the interview!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

The Heart Cut

• The Heart Cut Website
• The Heart Cut on Instagram
• The Heart Cut on Facebook
• The Heart Cut on LinkedIn

This week on the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I got to cross off another long-awaited guest: Sagamore Spirit. Situated harborside in downtown Baltimore, Sagamore's campus is among the more beautiful I've visited. The 5-acre plot centers around Penny, their 40' copper column still, which has (almost) single-handedly managed their transition from MGP-sourced rye to 100% Maryland-distilled rye, which now fills the vast majority of their bottles. 

Few brands have moved from sourcing to their own distillate as seamlessly or as transparently. Along the way, Sagamore Spirit (no "s" because they'll only ever make one) has played with numerous finishes, including award-winning port cask and unique mead and beer finishes from nearby partners. Not to mention their one-off Calvados-finished Rye, which I still rank as one of the best pours I've ever had. 

Sagamore is no longer alone in their promotion of Maryland Rye, with previous guests like Baltimore Spirits Co. also flying the banner, but it's hard to argue that Sagamore isn't leading the way, whether by volume, shelf space, or distribution reach. Ryan Norwood has been with Sagamore for several years and joins me to talk hospitality, building a rye brand for Maryland starting with Indiana distillate, and how their ongoing connection to the Vanderbilt-owned Sagamore Farm informs their branding, bottles, and their surprising decision to leave horses off the label. 

Thank you to Ryan for entering the Whiskey Ring!

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Sagamore Spirit

• Sagamore Spirit Website
• Sagamore Spirit on Instagram
• Sagamore Spirit on Facebook
• Sagamore Spirit on LinkedIn
• Sagamore Spirit on YouTube
• Sagamore Spirit on X

Black Fork Farms' roots trace back to Gordon Omen's great-great-grandfather, Poppy J Omen, who immigrated from Germany and farmed in Southwest Minnesota. The distillery operates on the same land where Gordon grew up, now primarily dedicated to distilling operations. Gordon's inspiration came during a trip to Budapest, where he experienced a field-to-glass bourbon that sparked his vision for creating something similar using his family's agricultural expertise.

While not a control state, South Dakota has its own share of challenges - distribution, limited visitor traffic, and some of the coldest weather in the lower 48. Tyler joins me to talk through these challenges and how BlackFork Farms is overcoming them. 

It's a small operation, but boy that gift pack was beautiful, and they clearly care about the grain and cask - and that's all that matters. 

Thank you to Tyler 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

BlackFork Farms

• • BlackFork Farms Website
  • BlackFork Farms on Instagram
  • BlackFork Farms on Facebook

Let's get the awkwardness out of the way - I had the pleasure of interviewing Mel Maddox, now-former Master Blender for Old Elk, on May 2nd. A few days later, it was announced that Old Elk had been acquired by Middle West Spirits (a previous guest!) and, subsequently, all workings at their Fort Collins, Colorado location were ceasing. This included laying off all production staff, including Mel. 

This was still a wonderful conversation in which I learned about Old Elk, but my favorite part was learning more about Mel. The way she looks at whiskey when creating a blend is synesthetic, hard to describe to those who haven't experienced what color something tastes like or the what shape a mashbill makes in your mind. It's a beautiful talent (my version is seeing sounds in color) that is at once intangible and singular. 

Long story short...I don't know what the next steps are for Old Elk, or for Mel, but I wish them both the best. I think Old Elk was putting out the best stuff it ever had, and clearly her talents were on full display in blending and finishing. We as whiskey enthusiasts can only hope her next role continues to rely on those talents. 

Thank you to Mel 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Old Elk Distillery

• Old Elk Distillery Website
• Old Elk Distillery on Instagram
• Old Elk Distillery on Facebook
• Old Elk Distillery on LinkedIn
• Old Elk Distillery on YouTube

In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, we’re heading down to Kansas City, Missouri, to chat with Ryan Maybee, the co-founder of J. Rieger & Company. Ryan takes us on a journey from his early days as a bartender to the exciting revival of the historic J. Rieger brand, which originally flourished from 1887 until Prohibition put a stop to it all.

We kick things off by discussing how the focus of Ryan's interviews has shifted over the years—from cocktail culture to the innovative whiskeys now coming out of J. Rieger. He dives into the unique terroir of Kansas City and how it plays a crucial role in their whiskey production, including their straight bourbon, bottled-in-bond bourbon, bottled-in-bond rye, and the fascinating Monogram whiskey, which features sherry—a nod to the blending practices of yesteryear.

We also explore the rich whiskey history of Kansas City before Prohibition, the nuances of state laws affecting the spirits industry, and the distinction between Missouri bourbon and Kansas City whiskey. Ryan shares the story of how they navigated the TTB to establish Kansas City whiskey as a recognized category, highlighting their commitment to honoring the brand's roots while pushing the envelope in modern whiskey-making.

As we wrap up, Ryan gives us a peek into the production process at J. Rieger, their upcoming 10th anniversary celebration, and what the future holds for the brand. This episode is a captivating exploration of the intersection of history, innovation, and the craft of whiskey-making in Kansas City. So grab a glass, sit back, and enjoy the ride!

Thanks 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are no more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level, but you can email me if you're interested and I will let you know as soon as a spot opens!

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

J. Rieger & Co. Distillery

• J. Rieger & Co. Website
• J. Rieger & Co. on Instagram
• J. Rieger & Co. on Facebook
• J. Rieger & Co. on LinkedIn
• J. Rieger & Co. on YouTube

In this episode, we explore the intricate art and science behind crafting Conviction bourbon, including the decision to use a lower barrel entry proof to enhance flavor. Discover how mash bills, Cooperage profiles, and environmental factors all play a role in the aging process. Thomas also reveals the community's crucial role in their growth and the transformation of a former prison into a storied distillery, adding depth and authenticity to their brand.

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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

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. 

Southern Grace Distilleries

• Southern Grace Distilleries Website
• Southern Grace Distilleries on Instagram
• Southern Grace Distilleries on Facebook
• Southern Grace Distilleries on LinkedIn
• Southern Grace Distilleries on X

Heather Greene is an undeniable superstar of the whiskey world. From her start with the Flatiron Room in New York City to working with William Grant & Sons to writing Whiskey Distilled, Heather has raced up the ranks of distillers and whiskey wunderkinds. Now the CEO of Milam & Greene Whiskey in Blanco, Texas, Heather joined me to talk about, well, many things other than Milam & Greene (for more about the brand itself, check out my episode with Blair Ault).

Heather is a businesswoman with roots in music and whose tastes are as eclectic as they get. We chat about the merits of different award shows, the tasting and sensory experiences that changed her process, the mentorship she's received from Dr. Rachel Barrie, and so much more in this exciting, fast-paced interview. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Heather 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Heather Greene

• Heather Greene Website
• Heather Greene Instagram
• Heather Greene Facebook
• Heather Greene LinkedIn

I got to go on the first-ever Distiller's tour, led by Paul, where we got to fill our own bottles right out of the casks. From there, we went into a makeshift bar under the beautiful visitor's center and sampled many, many more products, from a rye and a single malt to Pink Lemonade Moonshine, a favorite of bachelorette parties (don't knock it - besides being a great revenue source, it does actually taste great!). 

What became clear was that this small distillery, founded by a husband and wife team in 2009 in the earliest days of craft distilling in the backyard of the biggest bourbon producers in the world, was trying to do something different. Spirits using local white corn, experimental mashbills, playing around with cask sizes (though most are 53 gallons), and most of all doing what they wanted. 

It's a great place to visit with many different whiskies and spirits to try. Take the drive off the beaten path, it's worth it. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Paul for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

MB Roland Distillery

• MB Roland Distillery Website
• MB Roland Distillery Instagram
• MB Roland Distillery Facebook
• MB Roland Distillery Twitter

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

When starting Starward Whisky, one of the first Australian whisky distilleries after Lark's start in 1992, Dave Vitale wanted something different. He found a calling card in using Australian red wine barrels. Notably, these were not charred, just toasted, since they were used for wine and not spirit. The same goes for the occasional Apera (Australian sherry) cask. 

The result was and is something totally new - a whisky that blended the grains of Australia with a four-seasons-per-day climate and an uncharred barrel. The results have been astounding, starting with the core Nova and Two-Fold range and continuing through single barrels and special finishes. 

Starward is proud of its Australian roots, and each decision along the way has been in keeping with that at the forefront. If you get a chance to visit Melbourne, take in the incredible food scene with a glass of Starward on the side - they are truly meant to go together. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Dave for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Starward Whisky

• Starward Whisky Website
• Starward Whisky on Instagram
• Starward Whisky on Facebook
• Starward Whisky on Twitter/X

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

BTW - funky is the unscientific way of saying ester content. All those fruity, dark, tropical, funky notes are esters, the interactions and transformations of acids and alcohols and aldehydes into the familiar flavor compounds we love. 

Hampden Estate, however, is the funkiest of them all. 

Originally built in 1753, Hampden has been producing Trelawney-style rum (named for its province in Jamaica) continuously for closer to three centuries than two. For nearly that entire history, though, they produced rum and rum extracts for other bottlers, lending their flavors to everything from blended rum to confectionary to perfumes. Had rum cake? Hampden. Rum-flavored anything? Chances are, Hampden. 

After the Hussey family bought Hampden in 2009, they made the massive decision to bottle their own rum for the first time. Most of their production is still dedicated to blends and rectifiers - that's what keeps the lights on - but the results of their own bottlings so far have been spectacular. In 2023, they gave the rum world a love letter with their 8 Marks Collection, to be repeated in 2024. Nerdiness abounds, with everything you could want to know about every mark in the Hampden lineup. 

This was a hell of an episode, and I can't wait to do the follow-up. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Kate for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Hampden Estate Rum

• Hampden Estate Rum Website
• Hampden Estate Rum on Instagram
• Hampden Estate Rum on Facebook

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Long Island Spirits - Long Island's first craft distillery - is quietly leading the way in my own backyard. Situated about an hour and a half outside of NYC, LI Spirits is making field-to-glass whiskies, brandies, vodkas, and more using the local land for its grains, grapes, and potatoes (not the rum, sorry - sugar doesn't grow well here!) 

I got to know LI Spirits through their Teddy Roosevelt-themed whiskies (Bull Moose Rye, Old Lion 8YO Single Barrel, and Rough Rider Bourbon). Over the past few years, they've been rebranding their whiskies to reflect the terroir of being right on Long Island Sound - and thus, Field & Sound was born.

Note: Bottled-in-Bond month starts on March 1st!  

Field & Sound covers the full range of whiskies, from bourbon to rye, wheat, and wheated, all bottled-in-bond. There are also special editions, such as the rum-finished bourbon finished in their own nearly eight-year-old rum casks (that rum is unlike any rum I've had, somewhere between an Agricole and a new-make Barbados) and a brandy-finished bourbon in their own brandy. The brandy - also made in-house from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown nearby - clocks in at a massive 166+ proof. 

Long Island Spirits is the first distillery on Long Island since Prohibition. Even today, fifteen years after they've opened, there are very few spirits producers and none with the pedigree they've built. As the Roosevelt era fades and Field & Sound takes center stage, I couldn't be prouder to have this quality of spirit coming from where I grew up. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Rich for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Long Island Spirits and Field & Sound Whiskey

• Long Island Spirits Website
• Field & Sound Website
• Long Island Spirits on Instagram
• Long Island Spirits on Facebook
• Long Island Spirits on Twitter/X
• Long Island Spirits on YouTube

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

To help us launch it, I invited Barrell's own Tripp Stimson to talk about this pick in particular and the goings on at Barrell as they expand around their 10th anniversary. 

I'll leave the rest for the episode - oh, btw, Patreon members get an exclusive benefit. Join today!

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live!

Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already!

Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 1 spot remains! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Hood River Distillers, founded in 1934, was one of the first distilleries to come online post-Prohibition. Clear Creek was founded by Steve McCarthy in 1985, first to produce fruit brandies and later (starting in the '90s) a peated single malt that paid homage to his newfound love of Islay Scotch. 

Today, McCarthy's (which, though a brand, is the name by which many would call the family of distilleries) is a leading voice in American Single Malt and one of the OG producers. I'm joined by distiller Caitlin Bartlemay to talk through the history, the future, and the present growth of this fascinating distillery (in between bursts of air from the nearby vodka still!)

Clear Creek and Hood River Research Playlist

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live!

Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already!

Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). 

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $15 tier takes second access to the $25 tier with 10 spots divided into two: 5 for people who want to receive samples every other month, and 5 for people who want to receive them every month but in smaller numbers. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 2 spots remain! 

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. 

Clear Creek Distillery, Hood River, and McCarthy's

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Ardnamurchan is an extension of Adelphi, an independent bottler with a history dating to the 1820s. This (relatively) new distillery is focused on quality over quantity, leaning into their remote location on the Scottish coast and learning from nearby Campbeltown. 

With homages to legend Charlie MacLean and QR-coded blockchain technology, there is a perfect blend of old and new. 

Ardnamurchan Research Playlist

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live!

Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already!

Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 1 spot remains! 

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. 

Ardnamurchan and Adelphi Distillery

• Ardnamurchan Distillery Website
• Ardnamurchan Distillery on Facebook
• Ardnamurchan Distillery on Instagram
• Ardnamurchan Distillery on X

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

It was a statement: we're from Missouri, we're making Missouri Bourbon, and just try and beat us. 

After a few batches of the original Bottled-in-Bond - plus "rickhouse proof" versions - they followed it up with what might be my favorite new release of 2023, the Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon. Simply divine, and the best wheater I've had in over a year. 

The story is fascinating: McCormick Distillery, the brand's parent distillery, is named for the Stagecoach King of the World; though his story just barely predates the more well-known titans (Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Gould) he died in near-poverty. McCormick has had several names, was allowed to distill during Prohibition, and at one point was owned by MGP. 

It's a company and distillery that has woven a thin but constant thread through America's distilling history, and its story needs to be told. Listen in for an incredible episode!

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling, Barrell Rye, and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one is on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 1 spot remains! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Holladay Distillery

• Holladay Distillery Website
• Holladay Happy Hour Podcast
• Holladay Distillery on Instagram
• Holladay Distillery on Facebook
• Holladay Distillery on Twitter

Holladay Bourbon Reviews

• Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Batch #001 Review 
• Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon Review

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

_________________

Colby Frey's family has been farming in Nevada for 165 years, so no opportunistic farmers here (is there such a thing?) For most of that history, the family grew grain and animals for commodity markets - the high-protein, low-starch grains desired for feed, not the kind that's good for whiskey making. 

Sitting on a unique, oasis-like area by Lake Tahoe, the Frey Ranch land is magical. It truly can do whatever you want it to, if you treat it well. 

So, Colby made two decisions: he and Ashley, his wife and partner in all things farm (and whiskey!), were getting into the world of bourbons, ryes, and wheat whiskey; and, to do that, all their grain production (or at least part of it at first) would have to switch to the high-starch, low-protein style needed for making good spirits. 

I love these kinds of stories, the ones where the farmer is the distiller, the husband and wife are clearly co-partners, and where they have a heck of a dream that continues to build on itself. Sure, Frey Ranch might be limited in reach right now, but as long as they can grow enough grain to do so the Freys are intent on expanding. 

And did I mention their whiskies are fantastic? Don't believe me? Check out their social media for the lines that await them on the morning of a release, or try to get a wheat whiskey (I waited too long, and by too long I mean 4 minutes). 

I'll be rolling out reviews of their Bottled-in-Bond Rye, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Quad-Malt Bourbon in the next few days - keep an eye on the show notes and on socials so you don't miss them! 

Finally, remember their motto: Be good to the land and the land will be good to you. 

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm heading to Tennessee to pick two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks, and one of your fellow Patreon members is joining me in Lynchburg!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 4 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 4 spots remain! 

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. 

Frey Ranch Distillery

• Frey Ranch Distillery Website
• Frey Ranch Distillery on Instagram
• Frey Ranch Distillery on Facebook
• Frey Ranch Distillery on Twitter
• Frey Ranch Distillery on YouTube

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

_________________

Finding Riachi was a happy accident, and boy am I happy it happened. Riachi has been making wine and spirits - mainly arak - in Lebanon for 184 years (since 1839), until they decided to enter the whisky space in 2011.

Roy Riachi, the family's current generation, found a love for whiskies around that time and put his family's unusual still to use making Lebanese whisky. A decade later, they're still the only Lebanese whisky distillery around. 

They have two product lines: Levant Heights, their experimental line, and Athyr, an all-Lebanese product made from Lebanese sun-dried barley, Lebanese oak, and Lebanese cedar for the Cedarwood finish. This is some seriously good and seriously cool whisky, and you'll want to try it. 

Luckily, someone just happens to be hosting a private virtual tasting on June 17 with Roy himself! 

Purchase your sample kit here by June 10th to ensure delivery! 

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm heading to Tennessee to pick two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks, and one of your fellow Patreon members is joining me in Lynchburg!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 4 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 4 spots remain! 

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. 

Riachi Winery and Distillery

• Riachi Winery and Distillery Website
• Riachi Winery and Distillery on Instagram
• Riachi Winery and Distillery on Facebook
• Riachi Winery and Distillery on YouTube

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

I loved Borrowed Page Volume 1 (2022). It blended four distilleries and four distinct styles into a one-of-a-kind American whiskey that allowed you to taste all four components without losing sight of the whole. 

It was a tough act to follow, but Borrowed Page Volume 2 is at least as good, maybe even better. At minimum, it was good enough to make me eat some crow about Virginia Distilling Company (read the review to see why). 

Devin and Chase join me to catch up on where Borrowed Page is going and dive into the behind-the-scenes details on how Volume 2 came to be, including their collaboration with Ryan Mills, a.k.a. @thatoneduderyan.

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm heading to Tennessee to pick two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks, and one of your fellow Patreon members is joining me in Lynchburg!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 4 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 4 spots remain! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Borrowed Page American Whiskey

• Borrowed Page American Whiskey Website
• Borrowed Page American Whiskey on Instagram
• Borrowed Page American Whiskey on Facebook
• Borrowed Page American Whiskey on Twitter
• Buy Borrowed Page American Whiskey Volume 2
• Borrowed Page American Whiskey Volume 2 Review

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

We usually talk about what's inside the bottle on this podcast, but today we're flipping the script. Companies like Stranger & Stranger are responsible for bottle design, labels, and the overall packaging that make products stand out on shelves of hundreds of competitors. 

Kevin Shaw, Stranger & Stranger founder, talks through brand formation, creating a look that's iconic and representative, and the briefings from Snoop Dogg. Need a list of companies they've worked with? Try this: Compass Box, Jack Daniels, El Tesoro, Dewars, Howling Head, Powers, Ferrand, Hirsch, Bakers, Castle & Key, Beefeater, Don Papa Rum, Aberfeldy, and 19 Crimes, just to name a few of the 7,000 products they've worked on. 

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so!

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. The first eight boxes of samples have already been sent and only 4 spots remain! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Thanks for reading! Now here’s Kevin Shaw of Stranger & Stranger.

Stranger & Stranger

• Stranger & Stranger Website
• Stranger & Stranger on Instagram
• Stranger & Stranger on Facebook

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

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!

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. The first seven boxes of samples have already been sent and only 4 spots remain! 

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.

• Traverse City Whiskey Co. Website
• Traverse City Whiskey Co. on Instagram
• Traverse City Whiskey Co. on Facebook
• Traverse City Whiskey Co. on Twitter

Reviews

• Traverse City Whiskey Company Barrel Proof Rye
• Traverse City Whiskey Company Barrel Proof Straight Wheat Whiskey

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

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

https://impexbev.com

ImpEx on Instagram

ImpEx on Facebook

ImpEx on Twitter

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 Website

Watershed Distillery on Facebook

Watershed Distillery on Instagram

Watershed Distillery on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

https://impexbev.com

ImpEx on Instagram

ImpEx on Facebook

ImpEx on Twitter

Mike generously gave over three hours to our interview, so I've broken it into two parts - make sure to listen to both! 

Travel Bar Brooklyn, 520 Court Street, Brooklyn, 11231

Travel Bar Instagram

Travel Bar Facebook

Travel Bar Twitter

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $2.50 and $5 a month tiers including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and more.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Mike Vacchrese of Travel Bar Brooklyn. 

This is a different type of episode right from the start. Bhakta Spirits’ story comes out through the conversation, but it’s really about the spirits themselves. From a decades-old Armagnac and Calvados blend to a pair of century-and-a-half-old brandies, a single word emerges: quality. To put it bluntly, this shit is the real deal.

Bhakta Brandy

Bhakta Spirits

Bhakta Farms

Here’s the fun part: that decades-old Armagnac and Calvados blend? 80 bucks. 80 BUCKS. Can you imagine a 40-ish year old whiskey being less than 80 bucks per ounce, let alone for the full bottle? Come on now.

The brandies? Really, Armagnacs, but for ease of labeling they’re listed as brandies. Each batch is a single barrel with various vintages in it ranging from 1970 – already fifty-plus years old – to 1868. The first vintages in these bottles were distilled when Andrew Johnson was president and Ulysses S. Grant was elected. A few other things from that year:

• The Meiji Restoration begins in Japan, opening the country after centuries of insular policy.
• The first parade with floats occurs at Mardi Gras in New Orleans
• The first cro-magnon skeletons are identified
• The first Memorial Day is observed in the US
• The 14th Amendment is ratified
• Wyoming becomes a US territory
• Edison files his first patent

Ok you get the point. ITS OLD. And it’s fucking fantastic.

Raj? He was a blast to taste through these with. You can tell how he relaxes through the episode and by the end we’re swapping tasting notes and ideas for finished American whiskies. I look forward to having him back on the pod in the future.

Finally – if you are in the financial position to become an investor in Bhakta Spirits or are interested in the Bhakta Spirits set mentioned in the episode, reach out at the links in the shownotes. There are only 30 or so spots left in the Revivalist Society, so don’t hesitate.

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $2.50 and $5 a month tiers including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and other things – the possibilities are endless. The first exclusive episode with Michter’s Master Distiller Emeritus Pam Heilmann is live now. Patreon subscribers will have access to the audio and video of this episode a full TWO MONTHS before the episode is released to the public.

Next up: The Whiskey Ring Podcast is looking for sponsors! If you’re a whiskey company, an accessory company, or subscription service, reach out to see how you can be a sponsor. There are only two more spots being opened for sponsors, so if you’re interested reach out asap.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. 

Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my tasting session with Raj Bhakta of Bhakta Spirits.

Bhakta 27-07 Review

Bhakta 50 #14 "Theobold" Review

Bhakta 50 #16 "Ulysses" Review

It’s a fun memory to reach back to – by this point a year ago, the website was just starting up, the podcast was still several months in the future, and I was ramping up my tasting notes in almost every way possible. I’d purchased my first glencairn, my third or fourth journal, started posting them online, started sharing samples with friends to try things I hadn’t tried yet. A year later I am fully and completely down the rabbit hole.

You can find Rabbit Hole online at rabbitholedistillery.com and on Whiskey Row, Jefferson Street, in Louisville, KY. Their socials are also included in the show notes so you can follow them and see when they’re coming to a retailer near you. You can also follow Adam on Instagram @bourbontuba for all the Rabbit Hole happenings.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. 

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $2.50 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft, who are providing discount codes for Whiskey in my Wedding Ring followers and Whiskey Ring Podcast listeners.

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Adam Edwards from Rabbit Hole Distillery.

On this episode, I’ve got Paul Coughlin, founder of Taconic Distillery in New York’s Hudson Valley. New York whiskey - bourbon, rye, single malts - is fascinating and deeply personal to me. I love talking to friends and distillers throughout New York about different styles, the history of distilling in New York, and what makes New York unique in the distilling landscape. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is Empire Rye, a non-legal set of standards for New York rye, but that’ll be talked about on a future episode. 

Taconic is probably my favorite New York-based distillery. There might be a product here and there from another place that I like more, but I don’t think another New York distillery has the consistency of product that Taconic has. There’s also no other distillery in New York from which I enjoy nearly every product they make. Are you a New York distillery listening to this and thinking “hey, we’ve got some great stuff, have you tried us?” I’ll be honest, the answer is probably no. And that’s on me, but hey, we’re only on episode 7! If you do want me to try your products, just shoot me an email: David@whiskeyinmyweddingring.com, or reach out to me on Facebook, instagram, or through the website. 

Lastly, this will be a slightly shorter episode - I promise, I’ll be visiting Taconic in person to talk to the full team and get more info out of Brandon and Paul hopefully over the summer.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. 

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $2.50 a month at www.patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft. 

You can find Taconic online and on Instagram and Facebook. 

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this episode with Paul Coughlin of Taconic Distillery. 

Cheers! David

If you’re listening to this, I’m sure you know how important history is when talking about whiskey. Old and/or longstanding brands take great pains to show their legacy; new brands look for any way to build off a legacy that’s available for the taking. Even for the most forward-thinking brands, the past is never just ignored. Stories of “my grandpa saved this yeast strain and kept it going through Prohibition” are more popular than they are factual.

But what about those spirits that have been around for decades, even centuries, that we just don’t hear about? Enter Olde Tyme Spirits and Will Persons. I got to talk to Will about the company he’s created, but the most fun was just talking about history - his family’s ties to 15th-century Ireland, to spirits that have largely disappeared even in the Irish homeland, to the ways he’s making authentic, regional, cultural spirits that are true to where they come from. We spoke for two hours, and I’ll be honest I think we both were ready to go longer if the dinner bell hadn’t started to ring.

For this first podcast, I want you to be able to hear it raw, lightly edited, and in its entirety. While our format will evolve over time, at the end of the day I want you to hear these conversations just like I did - as conversations. With that, enjoy the show!

Olde Tyme Spirits: Website, Instagram Tasting notes from the podcast

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

Cheers! David

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: 

• The $5 tier will have access to the new, Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk about a topic that’s under their skin in whiskey. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to my personal inventory, and more. 

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: 

• In July, an advent calendar curated by me that includes 15 samples, 15 different producers (and 14 different distilleries), two samples that have whiskey older than I am, and a special pour I promise you won’t find anywhere else. This event is available ONLY to people in the Whiskey Ringers Facebook group or to website subscribers. As of this recording, eight of the fifteen spots are already claimed, so grab yours today, and join the Facebook group for discount codes and insider access.
• In August, I’m switching gears and hosting a two-part event, an introduction to Japanese whisky. The first event on August 11th will focus on the beginnings of Japanese whisky going back to the 17th century and through the founding of Japan’s two titans, Suntory and Nikka. The second, on August 18th, will focus on the new guard of Japanese whisky makers and the evolutions of the old guard. Both will start at 8:30pm to accommodate folks in the Mountain and Western time zones. 

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

Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Kentucky Owl Bourbon

Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

https://impexbev.com

ImpEx on Instagram

ImpEx on Facebook

ImpEx on Twitter

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: 

• The $5 tier will have access to the new, Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk about a topic that’s under their skin in whiskey. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to my personal inventory, and more. 

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: 

• In July, an advent calendar curated by me that includes 15 samples, 15 different producers (and 14 different distilleries), two samples that have whiskey older than I am, and a special pour I promise you won’t find anywhere else. This event is available ONLY to people in the Whiskey Ringers Facebook group or to website subscribers. As of this recording, two of the fifteen spots are already claimed, so grab yours today, and join the Facebook group for discount codes and insider access.
• In August, I’m switching gears and hosting a two-part event, an introduction to Japanese whisky. The first event on August 11th will focus on the beginnings of Japanese whisky going back to the 17th century and through the founding of Japan’s two titans, Suntory and Nikka. The second, on August 18th, will focus on the new guard of Japanese whisky makers and the evolutions of the old guard. Both will start at 8:30pm to accommodate folks in the Mountain and Western time zones. 

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

Santa Fe Spirits Website

Santa Fe Spirits on Facebook

Santa Fe Spirits on Instagram

Santa Fe Spirits on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

https://impexbev.com

ImpEx on Instagram

ImpEx on Facebook

ImpEx on Twitter

Show Notes

Thank you to Caryn for entering the Whiskey Ring!

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 and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Green River Distillery

• Green River Distillery Website
• Green River Distillery on Instagram
• Green River Distillery on Facebook
• Green River Distillery on LinkedIn

Show Notes Forthcoming!

Jaz'min Weaver Instagram

Danny Bardstown Instagram

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Instagram

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Facebook

Bardstown Bourbon Co. LinkedIn

Confused about tariffs? Want to know what tariffs are? Want to know why your favorite whiskey's price is (potentially) going up or becoming less available? 

I'm thrilled to welcome back multi-time former guest Raj Sabharwal to talk me through how tariffs affect consumers, producers, and everything in between. 

No formal shownotes on this one, just be sure to follow Raj at @whiskyraj on all socials and take a look at Glass Revolution Imports to see the amazing brands he's bringing to the states from around the world. 

Show Notes

Thank you to Mark for entering the whiskey ring! 

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

Waiheke Island Distillery

• Waiheke Whisky Website

• Waiheke Whisky Facebook

• Waiheke Whisky Instagram

• Waiheke Whisky LinkedIn

The London Distillery Company - TLDC - has, TLDR, had a rather rough two centuries. Two failed ventures, one in the early 1800s and one in the 2010s, the last ending in 2020 with a few dozen casks remaining, sitting in a warehouse for several years unloved. 

Enter Matt McKay, a Whiskey Ring Podcast guest way back in Episode 70. Having recently departed Bimber and Dunphail Distilleries, Matt was looking for a project, something that would expand his already extensive whisky knowledge and give him a new challenge in the production space where he felt most at home. Those few dozen casks held some rye, a lot of single malt, and, more than anything, opportunities. 

In his "distillery without walls," Matt is slowly and methodically rebuilding TLDC into a respectable company known for its own product (which remains quite limited but also nicely aged) and for blending. The Renascence was a release of their own stock, while the just-released Golden Union blends and celebrates English whisky from multiple distilleries into a harmonious expression. 

Matt is unabashedly nerdy (seriously, listen to our previous episode, we got deep in the weeds), and he loves what he does. I can't wait to taste these releases and see what he does. Let's check back in a few years when they're farther down the runway....

Thank you to Matt for entering the whiskey ring! 

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

The London Distillery Company

• • The London Distillery Company Website
  • The London Distillery Company on Instagram
  • The London Distillery Company on Facebook

I love "visiting" new countries through the podcast. Granted, France we had technically touched before through Brenne, but I'd heard that there was so much more to learn about the French culture of drinking and spirit production - so who better to talk to than Marion Attardi and Matthieu Acar, of La Maison & Velier and La Maison du Whisky, respectively. 

Marion and Matthieu are subject matter giants in whiskies generally, but both bring a special expertise to French whisky. While long a top market for Scotch single malt (drinking more per capita than any other nation), France has only recently begun distilling its own whiskies and single malts (~1983 is a general starting point). Yet despite starting domestic production around the same time as the earliest American craft distillers, French producers have remained mostly small and independent. Only the oldest and largest - Armorik, for example) have made it to the US market, and many haven't made it outside of France or the EU at most. 

So, why do an episode about French whisky if you can't taste much of it? Because soon enough you'll be able to - and I guarantee you're going to love it. Whether it's a distillery that grew out of a brewery, one doing their own take on peat, one using local wine casks from Bordeaux or calvados from Normandy, the variety is astounding and delicious. 

Three Version Française expressions are available in the US, with more on the way. You can also shop through La Maison du Whisky, The Whisky Exchange, and many other international retailers to find gems from all over France. 

This was just the opening conversation - there will be many more! Especially if Matthieu's compendium on the first 40 years of French whisky gets an English translation...

Thank you to Marion and Matthieu for entering the Whiskey Ring!

________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

Version Française & La Maison du Whisky

• Version Française Website
• Version Française on Instagram
• La Maison du Whisky Website

In this brand new episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with James Wills, son of founder Anthony Wills and a worldwide face of Kilchoman Distillery on Islay. This episode marks a significant milestone as it is my first interview with an Islay distillery (I was surprised too!), and I was excited to delve into the unique aspects of Kilchoman and the challenges of distilling on this iconic island.

We start off where any good whisky podcast starts: with geese. Yes, geese. They're kind of a big deal there. I'm not known for going with the grain (yeah I said it) so why not there. Kilchoman has a lot more going for it, though, as it enters its 20th year in 2025. As the first new Islay distillery in 124 years, Kilchoman needed to be different. They couldn't just be peaty, they had to be unique - and thus they became the first farm-to-glass distillery on the island. 

We chat about all the nerdy stuff you'd expect, like barley experimentation and yeast and fermentation, plus a dive into how their bourbon barrel sourcing and full-term maturation (note: not finishing!) work. There's also plenty to explore about the "whys" and inflection points in the distillery's two-decade evolution. 

I've been wanting to have Kilchoman on for two years, and I'm thrilled to finally make that happen for the podcast and for you, the listeners and supporters. 

Thank you to James 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Kilchoman Distillery

• Kilchoman Website
• Kilchoman on Instagram
• Kilchoman on Facebook
• Kilchoman on LinkedIn
• Kilchoman on X

Though I really ought to return! 

Leiper's Fork Distillery was founded by Lee Kennedy, who had a long-standing fascination with the history and science of whiskey production (starting with a Fox Fire book series I'd never heard of, all about Appalachian life). After experimenting with home distilling as a teenager, Kennedy pursued establishing the distillery in Williamson County, Tennessee, facing the same hurdles faced by recent and past guests such as Chattanooga Whiskey and even Jack Daniel's. 

The distillery's design and production methods are heavily influenced by the Scots-Irish heritage of whiskey making, with a focus on using local ingredients and traditional pot still techniques and designs to create a singular new make spirit while still playing with things like Vienna malt. The distillery has found unexpected success in attracting tourists, with close to 30,000 paid tours per year, leveraging the scenic rural setting and historic buildings to return to pre-COVID levels of foot traffic. 

Finally, something I love to highlight whenever possible: beyond whiskey production, Leiper's Fork Distillery is actively involved in the local community and has established the Freedom Whiskey Foundation to support transitioning Special Operations veterans, providing scholarships, networking, and entrepreneurial assistance. 

Thank you to Lee 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are two (2) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 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. 

Leiper's Fork Distillery

• Leiper's Fork Distillery Website
• Leiper's Fork Distillery on Instagram
• Leiper's Fork Distillery on Facebook
• Leiper's Fork Distillery on LinkedIn

I first heard about - well, read about - Isle of Harris Distillery in Dave Broom's A Sense of Place. A small community known for its beauty, its tweed, and its declining population, its would-be savior was not a Scot at all, but an American who had grown fond of the area (owning an island nearby) and wanted to save it. 

How though? A distillery - not one that would fall into the cycle of boom and bust that had doomed so many previous ventures seeking to draw people back to the island, but one built for generational growth. It would be of the island - Hearach - and for the Hearach, the islanders. 

Its gin shocked the market, being both simple and elegant. Flavored with sugar kelp harvested by hand nearby and in a Stranger & Stranger-designed waveform bottle, it rode the wave of gins right at the crest to such success that the whisky could continue to age.

In 2023, The Hearach Single Malt debuted to stunning fanfare. The Tarbert Ten - the original 10 employees - had grown to 50, with more growth ahead and long-term sustainability in mind. If that's not enticing enough, just take a listen - there's something to love here, a great deal, in fact, and I'm thrilled to have taken the time to bring you their story. 

Thank you to Shona and Iona 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are four (4) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 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. 

Isle of Harris Distillery

• Isle of Harris Distillery Website
• Isle of Harris Distillery on Instagram
• Isle of Harris Distillery on Facebook
• Isle of Harris Distillery on Twitter/X
• Isle of Harris Distillery on YouTube
• Isle of Harris Distillery on LinkedIn

Finger Lakes Distilling is one of the oldest distilleries in New York, having started in 2007. They're part of the Empire Rye collaborative, and are producing whiskies, brandies, vodka, and a soju spirit. 

But you probably know them for a serendipitous partnership: Pursuit Spirits, from Kenny and Ryan at Bourbon Pursuit, who used Finger Lakes Distilling bourbon and rye in their single barrels and, later, their blends. Finger Lakes - also going by FLX - is a component in Barrell blends, too, but that's not for the parties to say (no NDA for me!). 

I'm joined by Brian McKenzie, founder and the original distiller. When they started, there were no manuals, few people they could talk to to figure out how to distill, but they did it - and now, they pass that knowledge on to new distillers. There's no greater legacy than that. 

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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are four (4) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 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. 

Finger Lakes Distillery

• Finger Lakes Distillery Website
• Finger Lakes Distillery on Instagram
• Finger Lakes Distillery on Facebook

This one's for you, Bill.

In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Mike Billett, a peatland specialist and researcher, to discuss his newly released book, Peat and Whiskey: The Unbreakable Bond. His passion for peat led him to write a popular science book that not only highlights the scientific aspects of peat but also intertwines it with the cultural and historical significance of whiskey.

There is so much more than can be covered in a single episode or writeup, but we touch on: 

• Peat's significance as a fuel source and how that brought it together with whisky
• The changing uses and applications of peat as coal and oil overtook peat as a fuel source
• How peat forms, is stripped, and how it occurs on all 7 continents and a landmass equal to about 3% of the total surface of the earth
• How regionality of peat in whisky is, at best, a red herring, particularly in modern whisky
• The importance of peat in climate change, carbon capture, and why conservation and reconstruction of peatlands are crucial to our future

I cannot recommend Mike's book highly enough. Even if you're not a whisky drinker, you'll have plenty to learn about peat. If you don't love peat, you'll still get a better sense of how the modern whisky landscape developed, through the lenses of taxes, regulations, consolidation and expansion cycles, and the subtle globalization that led Scottish peat to reach Australia, New York, Belgium, and elsewhere all at the same time. Scientifically-interested folks wiil also love the dive into cresols, phenols, and guaiacols. There's more than one PhD thesis I want to read after this interview. 

Pick up the book on Amazon or wherever you get your books!

Thank you to Mike 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are four (4) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 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. 

Peat and Whisky 

• Purchase Peat and Whisky

How many distillery tours have you been on? Are you a veteran of the hobby, or a new entrant looking to learn as much as they can, or perhaps someone on a family trip taking a brief trip to a nearby distillery for fun? Whichever of these applies to you, chances are you will hear something (probably multiple somethings) that are apocryphal, stories told so many times and pushed so hard that you believe them upon hearing. 

Some might have elements of truth, some might even be mostly true. In the world of whiskey, though, the story is almost always more important and pervasive than the truth. 

Drew Hannush, owner of Travel Fuels Life, host of the now-ended Whiskey Lore Podcast, and author of several books including Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon, has long been someone I've looked to when doing research or trading names of people and distilleries to which I should pay attention. I didn't realize how long I'd been supporting him on Patreon, and it's been well worth it. 

In his new book, Whiskey Lore: Volume 1: Bourbon, Scotch, Irish Whiskey: The Real Stories Behind the Biggest Myths and Legends, Drew invites us to interrogate these stories and uncover the history behind the tales. Some of the most well-known whiskey legends are questioned: was Elijah Craig really the "father of bourbon"? where did the term "bourbon whiskey" originate from? and our shared favorite, is Jack Daniel's bourbon? 

Spanning both sides of the Atlantic, the stories behind American, Scotch, and Irish whiskies are investigated with the eye of someone looking for as much of the truth as we can find. While the "real" story isn't always knowable, Drew searches for that gray area between truth and fiction to find, at least, a place where we can feel comfortable going on a distillery tour and not wanting to assail the stories our guides tell us.

In the meantime, you may learn the backgrounds of legends and myths you never even knew about. Whether listening in Drew's radio-ready voice or reading the book yourself, you'll come out understanding how marketing and stories are created. Add in the now-ubiquitous AI component we all see on ever search, and Drew creates a context and starting point for his trademark style of research-driven storytelling. 

"Only" 24 myths and legends made it into Volume One, and by Drew's telling, he's got at least a few dozen more for future volumes. He's also about to revisit Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon with a 31-distilleries-in-10-days-trip and soliciting recommendations for his "Great 48" tour of distilleries in the lower 48 states. Join me and Drew on his (and my!) Patreon to be part of something big - I know you'll love it just like I do. 

Thank you to Drew for entering the Whiskey Ring!

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are six (6) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 6 spots that will ever be opened without a current member retiring - if you've been waiting, now's the time! 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Whiskey Lore Links

• • Purchase Whiskey Lore Volume One 
  • Whiskey Lore and Travel Fuels Life Website
  • Whiskey Lore Patreon
  • Whiskey Lore on Instagram
  • Whiskey Lore on YouTube
  • Whiskey Lore on LinkedIn

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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

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. 

Burnt Church Distillery

• Burnt Church Distillery Website
• Burnt Church Distillery on Instagram
• Burnt Church Distillery on Facebook
• Burnt Church Distillery on LinkedIn

Join us as we welcome the singular Jay Erisman, co-founder of New Riff Distillery. From his beginnings as a fine spirits manager at the renowned Party Source to collaborating on innovative projects with Buffalo Trace and Four Roses, Jay's story is one of passion and ingenuity. Together with Ken Lewis, Jay turned a serendipitous moment into the creation of New Riff Distillery, a hub of creative whiskey production known for its experimental releases like the Backsetter series.

More info on the Single Malt: https://www.newriffdistilling.com/single-malt/

Discover the art and science behind New Riff's single malt whiskey – now celebrating its second batch – where traditional techniques meet groundbreaking experimentation. Jay reveals the distillery's use of both new charred oak and a variety of used barrels, such as Portuguese brandy and Oloroso sherry, to craft complex and intriguing whiskey expressions. Inspired by Scottish traditions yet distinctly American, New Riff's creations push the boundaries of flavor, offering a peated malt whiskey that stands as a testament to their inventive spirit and dedication to crafting bold and flavorful spirits suited for diverse proof preferences.

Explore the future of craft whiskey with insights into New Riff's upcoming releases and the art of whiskey blending. Learn how pioneering distilleries like Springbank and innovators like Compass Box inspire New Riff's approach to blending different malt whiskeys and cask types. With exciting prospects like whiskey number six, the Chevalier, and Paolo Cortado sherry casks on the horizon, New Riff continues to captivate whiskey enthusiasts with rich, smoky expressions that intrigue both bourbon and scotch lovers. Tune in to experience the harmonious balance of tradition and innovation that defines New Riff's unique approach to whiskey-making.

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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

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. 

New Riff Distillery

• New Riff Distillery Website
• New Riff Distillery on Instagram
• New Riff Distillery on Facebook
• New Riff Distillery on Twitter
• New Riff Distillery on YouTube

Quality takes precedence over tourism at Glasgow Distillery, where the team focuses on unique whisky expressions that blend tradition with creativity. We delve into the intricacies of whisky production, from distillation techniques to cask selection and the impact of yeast strains on flavor. Highlighting their successful launch of the 1770 Whisky, Sebastian shares insights into the distillery's strategic expansion efforts, including investment in skilled personnel and premium casks, ensuring excellence in every bottle, while planning to enhance visitor experiences as the distillery grows.

Explore the distillery's meticulous design and branding strategy, which weaves together Glasgow's architectural essence and community spirit. With an eye on the global market, Glasgow Distillery is crafting exceptional spirits that resonate with both local and international audiences. Discover how their diversified portfolio, including the introduction of Banditti rum, broadens market appeal, all while maintaining accessibility and transparency. As we wrap up, Sebastian offers a sneak peek into their upcoming small batch series set for release, showcasing the distillery's relentless innovation and dedication to crafting outstanding products.

Thanks 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There is 1 more spot available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Glasgow Distillery

• Glasgow Distillery Website
• Glasgow Distillery on Instagram
• Glasgow Distillery on Facebook
• Glasgow Distillery on LinkedIn

What happens when you drive a German Shepherd and a minivan from Florida to Vermont for an internship that changes your life? My guest, Johnathan Page, fondly known as JP and the Minister of Time at Bhakta Spirits, shares his serendipitous journey into the spirits industry. Starting as an intern at Whistlepig in 2017, JP's story is filled with unexpected twists and turns riding shotgun with Raj Bhakta, the founder of Whistlepig and Bhakta Spirits and a force of nature in the spirits world. 

JP was alongside Raj as he left Whistlepig, as he took time to find his next venture, and as he discovered the wonders of armagnac. Directing Raj and his partner Leo Gibson from place to place around Tenareze (including some good-natured joking), JP went from a trusted associate to a key figure in Bhakta Spirits' development.

He - by his own admission - didn't see himself in the spirits industry. Yet hearing him talk both in person and in this interview, the passion shines. He loves telling stories and meeting new people, introducing them to spirits they never thought they'd try let alone hear about. Plus, his stories about Raj are chef's kiss. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to JP 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Bhakta Spirits

• Bhakta Spirits Website
• Bhakta Spirits Instagram
• Bhakta Spirits Facebook
• Bhakta Spirits YouTube
• Bhakta Spirits LinkedIn

What is Whiskeyland? More importantly, what is your Whiskeyland? Is it visiting an up-and-coming blending house like Pursuit Spirits? Reviving a long-lost rye species (Rosen rye) with Mammoth? Representing the other Indiana distilleries with Hard Truth? Or just sipping with friends and family, whether your collection is 5 bottles or 500. 

Ryan and Alec Balas - who also made an incredible film on Empire Rye called Fire, Water, & Grain - join me to discuss the making of this new series. Whiskeyland Batch 1 is now out in its entirety, available on YouTube and featuring many distilleries, producers, and chefs whose stories are whiskey and whose whiskies are stories. 

Drawing inspiration from Anthony Bourdain to look at life through the lens of food and drink, Whiskeyland is a new look at the stories of people in the whiskey and how the strands of family and friends intertwine when a passion is discovered. Reviewing their journey from acting and editing to independent filmmaking (and, yes, content, though Ryan hates that word), we go through what drives the Balas Brothers to create and tell stories, the process of choosing which stories to feature and in which order, and why positive counter-programming can be an antidote to the ills and negativity we see every day. 

Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, New York - anywhere can be your Whiskeyland. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ryan and Alec 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

The Balas Brothers

• The Balas Brothers Website
• The Balas Brothers Instagram
• Whiskeyland TV

In this riveting episode, we explore Ken Schreiner's inspiring transition from a religious upbringing that shunned alcohol to reviving his family's historic whiskey brand. Ken discusses cherished old distilling notebooks as he navigates the labyrinth of "labeling hell" to breathe new life into spirits named after his great-great-grandfather AJ Schreiner, a master distiller from Louisville, Kentucky, and how these historical roots inspired him to embrace his heritage.

We delve into the Prohibition era, uncovering the gritty realities of both legal and illicit distilling. Ken offers fascinating insights into dating historical records, maintaining proprietary yeast strains, and understanding distillation techniques from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Alongside master distiller Alan Bishop (a great friend of the podcast!), Ken's transition from real estate to whiskey-making unfolds as a passionate pursuit infused with historical accuracy and artisanal craftsmanship. His journey emphasizes the importance of honesty in the whiskey industry, even when faced with the many challenges of recreating a bygone era.

Beyond the craft of whiskey, Ken shares his poignant personal story of dealing with PTSD from his time in emergency services. Whiskey became more than a passion; like it was for me, for him, it became a grounding activity that helped him navigate mental health challenges. Through this episode, we advocate for responsible consumption and mental health support for first responders and high-stress professions.

Stay tuned to hear about Ken's plans for the future of AJ Schreiner Spirits, including a new/old gin distillation technique that blends tradition with modern craft. This episode is a heartfelt blend of history, authenticity, and personal connection, celebrating the rich legacy of the Schreiner family spirits.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ken for entering the Whiskey Ring!

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

AJ Schreiner Spirits

• AJ Schreiner Spirits Website
• AJ Schreiner Spirits Instagram
• AJ Schreiner Spirits Facebook

Imagine a region renowned for its whisky, considered a birthplace of it, with quality competing with big, old names like Glenlivet and Glenfarclas. Then imagine this region, once a thriving center of production, loses its population, falling below 100 people for an entire region, its legal and illicit distilling history lost to the landscape. 

This is The Cabrach, a beautiful space between Aberdeenshire, Speyside, and Dufftown in the north of Scotland. Since 2013, The Cabrach Trust has been reviving the region's storied history. From the very beginning, that whisky history was part and parcel of the revitalization, and a distillery was always in the cards. Now, that part of the dream is being realized.  

Listen to my interview with The Cabrach Trust Chief Executive Jonathan Christie to hear how detailed research and archaeological efforts are bringing to light the region's rich history of illicit whisky production. Understand why establishing a new distillery is not just about whiskey but also about fostering economic regeneration, preserving traditional methods, and creating sustainable practices that harmonize with the natural environment.

Finally, immerse yourself in the broader community efforts that make this project truly unique. From nature trails and rural skills workshops to the intriguing idea of aging whiskey casks in a Cold War-era bunker, this episode paints a vivid picture of the blend of tradition and creativity driving Cabrach's revitalization.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Jonathan 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

The Cabrach Trust

• The Cabrach Trust Website
• The Cabrach Trust Instagram
• The Cabrach Trust Facebook
• The Cabrach Trust Twiiter/X
• The Cabrach Trust LinkedIn

The Cabrach Distillery

• The Cabrach Distillery Website
• The Cabrach Distillery Instagram
• The Cabrach Distillery Facebook
• The Cabrach Distillery Twiiter/X
• The Cabrach Distillery LinkedIn

In Part 1 of our conversation, Dan and I discuss his inspirations - the hedonistic time in Paris getting exposed to whisky through the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and La Maison du Whisky, the barley revelation, and meeting Jim McEwan, that wizard of whisky whose time at Bruichladdich inspired Dan long before a distillery was in the cards. 

There's a lot to talk about on the Cotswolds, so we'll have a part two coming out next week to talk more about the distillery itself and the truly excellent single malts coming out. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Dan for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Cotswolds Distillery

• Cotswolds Distillery Website
• Cotswolds Distillery Instagram
• Cotswolds Distillery Facebook
• Cotswolds Distillery on Twitter/X
• Cotswolds Distillery on YouTube
• Cotswolds Distillery on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Casey ended up in prison twice, the final time leading to him getting out of the still-making business for good. Fast forward a few decades, and in a truly ironic twist, the government came calling for him to make one more still (a working one, no less!) for the Land Between the Lakes visitors center - and he did. That still stands today in the Casey Jones Distillery.

When Casey's grandson, AJ, discovered his family's history (it was a poorly held secret), he decided to get into the game himself, too. A decade or so later, they have four mashbills of whiskey, are growing rapidly, and are the official bourbon of not one but TWO eclipses (they were in the line of totality for the 2017 solar eclipse and just outside of it for the April 2024 one). 

Finally, they're also members of the State Line Trail with MB Roland in Kentucky and Old Glory Distilling in Tennessee - look for my episode with Paul at MB Roland next week!

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Cody for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Casey Jones Distillery

• Casey Jones Distillery Website
• Casey Jones Distillery Instagram
• Casey Jones Distillery Facebook
• Casey Jones Distillery Twitter
• Casey Jones Distillery YouTube

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

What if the land itself could tell the story of your whiskey? This part-two episode brings you the conclusion of our in-depth conversation with Dan Szor, founder and former CEO of Cotswolds Distilling, as he reveals how the unique terroir of the Cotswolds shapes their exceptional spirits. We draw parallels with the Bruichladdich model and discuss how the natural beauty and traditional malting barley of this region contribute to creating a whiskey that truly embodies its essence.

Balancing heritage and modernity, we delve into the complexities of managing barley varieties. Dan shares the success and challenges of using heritage barley like Plumage Archer and the economic realities of sourcing barley for production. Listen as we discuss the vital role of the local community in supporting the distillery and the intricate dance between maintaining product consistency and embracing agricultural heritage.

From Parisian adventures to impactful partnerships, we celebrate the distillery's journey and its innovative spirit. Learn about the significance of high-quality wood in whiskey aging, and the influence of industry veterans like Jim Swan. Reflecting on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dan shares market adaptations, production challenges, and future growth potential. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of building a lasting legacy in the distillery business, culminating in an invitation to join the 10th-anniversary celebration of Cotswolds Distilling.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Dan for entering the Whiskey Ring!

Key Highlights:

• The influence of Cotswolds' natural beauty and traditional malting barley on their whiskey
• Managing heritage barley varieties and economic realities of whiskey production
• The journey of maturation processes and their impact on whiskey profiles
• Collaboration with Fortnum & Mason and the significance of high-quality wood in aging
• Adaptations and growth during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Celebrating a decade of Cotswolds Distilling's achievements

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Cotswolds Distillery

• Cotswolds Distillery Website
• Cotswolds Distillery Instagram
• Cotswolds Distillery Facebook
• Cotswolds Distillery on Twitter/X
• Cotswolds Distillery on YouTube
• Cotswolds Distillery on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

With Ashok Chokalingham at the helm as head distiller - a post he gained after many years in sales and production - Amrut is promoting the idea of Indian Single Malt while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what that can mean. 

With the four expressions I tried with Raj, each were an experiment. The Single Malts of India Kurinji was distilled at a different Indian distillery but aged entirely at Amrut's warehouses in Bangalore, 3000' above sea level with relatively low humidity. What would that whisky have tasted like at sea level? At its home distillery? Who knows - all I know is that it tastes damn good. 

The Triparva is a triple-distilled single malt, echoing the butteriness and spice from Irish whiskies while staying true to the core Amrut profile (probably something to do with the 6-row instead of 2-row barley). The rye is a 100% malted rye, using Scandinavian grain but otherwise running it like they would a "normal" barley-based single malt; the spicy and herbaceous rye comes out like a custard, rounded and polished while still letting you know it's a rye. 

Finally, the Naarangi, a whisky that uses sherry casks that have been seasoned for multiple years with locally grown oranges that give a distinctly tart flavor to cut through the sherry sweetness. 

The sad news is that for two of the Amruts - the Rye and the Triparva - this is the last time they will be produced and released. The Naarangi is up in the air, but it won't be a regular release. Ashok has created over 40 different varieties of single malt based on flavors, casks, grains, and interplays between those three - there will always be more Amrut, but not always more of those releases. So grab them before they're gone (and if you listen to the episode and still don't want them, buy one for a friend). 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Raj for returning to the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Amrut Indian Single Malt

• Amrut Indian Single Malt Website
• Amrut Indian Single Malt on Instagram
• Amrut Indian Single Malt on Facebook
• Amrut Indian Single Malt on Twitter/X

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

With Filmland Spirits, they are doing some of their own blending, proofing, and - down the line - finishing. So right away they've cleared the first hurdle. Once you clear that, you have to be interesting - and Troy and Charlie have created that in spades. 

With each release from Filmland, such as Ryes of the Robots and Moonlight Mayhem, a story is created. In classic b-movie style with horror, campiness, supernatural creatures, there are entire trailers, storyboards, posters, and more. Basically all that's missing is an actual movie being produced.

By doing this, Filmland Spirits does what we need most in bourbon right now: they have fun. These guys love what they're doing. They love their craft and how they can apply their years of screenwriting to another passion. Easter eggs are hidden in each label and poster, and samples are sent with thought-out names rather than "barrel #xxx". 

Then, there's Town at the End of Tomorrow - a 9YO Kentucky Bourbon that was flat-out excellent when I tried it at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Definitely worth checking out (if you can still find it!).

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Troy and Charlie for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Filmland Spirits

• Filmland Spirits Website
• Filmland Spirits on Instagram
• Filmland Spirits on Facebook

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

That's where the similarities end. Jason Parker, co-founder and longtime brewer, is experimenting with barley in ways that are different not only from other distillers but singularly unique from release to release. 

I first got to try Copperworks from our friends at Lost Lantern, who did a single malt finished in sloe gin that was just fantastic. With Jason, I tried four products - Releases 49 + 50, two variants of Fritz Malt (Pale and Vienna), a peated edition, and another barley variety that showcased the care Jeff and Jason have for the grain. 

Another of my favorite distillers, Alan Bishop, says to always "respect the grain". Sometimes, people do it with the right intention but the wrong ethos. Jason and Jeff do it with every single piece thought out, every variable considered and controlled. Not every experiment works, of course, but those that do are incredible. 

This is a distillery where you may not like every release (or maybe you will!), but each one is worthy of your attention. And you will, no matter what, feel the passion and intention through the grain. Respect, indeed. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Jason for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Copperworks Distilling

• Copperworks Distilling Website
• Copperworks Distilling on Instagram
• Copperworks Distilling on Facebook
• Copperworks Distilling on Twitter
• Copperworks Distilling on YouTube

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

We first met Lost Lantern Spirits way back in Episode 53 - they are "shining a light on the independent spirit", bringing the tradition of independent bottling (and blending!) to American whiskey. 

In the two-ish years since, co-founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski have grown and grown, now with a physical space in Vermont and reach across the country. They've won awards, beaten distilleries at their own game (see: Balcones), and established the idea that American whiskey can be independently bottled and blended to showcase both the individual distilleries and the blending acumen of the founders. 

For this episode, we explore their first-ever themed release: the Spring 2024 collection. This collection of seven spirits is all about the midwest. Starting with their Far-Flung Rye blend, incorporating ryes from Wollersheim Distillery, Middle West Spirits, Starlight Distillery, Tom's Foolery Distillery, and Cedar Ridge Distillery. All five of these distilleries - plus FEW Spirits - also have a single barrel release as part of this collection.

You can grab these at lostlanternwhiskey.com starting today! I have to say, the Far-Flung Rye, Wollersheim bourbon, Tom's Foolery rye, and Cedar Ridge Wheat Whiskey were my favorites, but I encourage you to try them all. Adam and Nora know what they're doing, and each release shows that more and more. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Adam and Nora for returning to the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Lost Lantern Whiskey

• Lost Lantern Whiskey Website
• Lost Lantern Whiskey on Instagram
• Lost Lantern Whiskey on Facebook

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., founded by Henry Kraver in the late 19th century, is in a class by itself. The lone sweet mash distiller in Louisville with the most distinctive bottle in the state, Peerless built itself back up through rye and its story. 

Several years later, they're thriving. Single barrels abound of both rye and bourbon, with all the maturity you want from the oak without much of the tannin. Their bottlings are all at barrel proof, though from an entry proof of 103 (for now!) they rarely crest over 110º. Much like other low-entry-proof producers (Michter's, anyone?), these whiskies taste fantastic to a proof hound like I am even at a "lower" proof. 

Why? Simple: add water at the beginning and not at the end and the water doesn't dilute the precious flavors you've built. Ellie, an engineer-turned-distiller, and John, Kentucky Peerless' national brand ambassador and single barrel specialist, join me to talk about the growth of Peerless in the heart of Louisville and the future of this already historic brand. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ellie and John for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.

• Kentucky Peerless Website
• Kentucky Peerless on Instagram
• Kentucky Peerless on Facebook
• Kentucky Peerless on Twitter/X
• Kentucky Peerless on YouTube

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

There's so much more, though. Using a sweet mash technique, Hard Truth is developing ryes, bourbons, and finished whiskies, always with an eye to standing out. They've got a 325-acre property on which you can stay, taste, tour, make your own moonshine, and "get lost" adventures. 

Hard Truth also puts its money where its mouth is by using local grain and honoring the farmers. It's latest endeavor partners Hard Truth with the Mellencamp family, producing four editions of the Harvest Rye to showcase the farmers' skills through the final product. 

You might debate sweet vs. sour mash or what an "Indiana" rye is (there's a designation for that now, btw) but the Hard Truth is undeniable: visit and taste and you'll love what you have. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Bryan for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live!

Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already!

Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). 

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $15 tier takes second access to the $25 tier with 10 spots divided into two: 5 for people who want to receive samples every other month, and 5 for people who want to receive them every month but in smaller numbers. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 2 spots remain! 

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. 

Hard Truth Distilling

• Hard Truth Distilling Website
• Hard Truth Distilling on Instagram
• Hard Truth Distilling on Facebook
• Hard Truth Distilling on Twitter
• Hard Truth Distilling on YouTube

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

As always, though, there's more to the story, including partnerships with barrel brokers and celebrity chef Michael Symon. At first glance, River Roots seems like an independent bottler, but they're really doing more than that. Like Lost Lantern and some of Gene Nassif's work, they're blending, finishing, and playing with the bourbon, with great results so far. 

The Cuhayoga River once caught fire - we know it, they know it - here's hoping River Roots, with the Cleveland crew, keeps catching fire as well. There's lots of good whiskey that will come from it. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ryan for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live!

Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already!

Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). 

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $15 tier takes second access to the $25 tier with 10 spots divided into two: 5 for people who want to receive samples every other month, and 5 for people who want to receive them every month but in smaller numbers. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 2 spots remain! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

River Roots Barrel Company

• River Roots Barrel Company Website
• River Roots Barrel Company on Instagram
• River Roots Barrel Company on Facebook

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

The idea, while exciting, is not new to Rampur. Back towards its founding 70+ years ago, Rampur had a whisky blend that brought together Indian single malt with grain whisky from the UK to create an easy drinker loved for decades. 

This release builds on the cross-border blending, adding at least three (and many more than that!) distilleries to the vat to marry and mingle until just right. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Mr. Sanjeev Barga and Mr. Kunal Madan for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live!

Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already!

Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). 

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $15 tier takes second access to the $25 tier with 10 spots divided into two: 5 for people who want to receive samples every other month, and 5 for people who want to receive them every month but in smaller numbers. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 2 spots remain! 

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. 

Sangam World Whisky

• Sangam World Whisky Website
• Sangam World Whisky on Instagram
• Sangam World Whisky on Facebook
• Sangam World Whisky on Twitter/X

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Entering the blending space, Highline - founded by Christi Lower in her home state of Michigan - was inspired by one of the most beautiful places she (and I!) have ever been: the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park. With 3000' up and 3000' down and just enough width for about two people, the trail is challenging, life-changing, and, clearly, inspirational. 

Christi's vision is for a blending house that puts out quality, unique blends using the best quality spirits available. She and her team have succeeded with their first four whiskey products: Highline American Whiskey, Highline Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Highline Triple Rye, and Highline Straight Bourbon Blend, each worthy of a taste at their two tasting rooms. 

By the way - you can order Highline Spirits directly from my site!

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Christi for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live!

Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already!

Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month). 

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $15 tier takes second access to the $25 tier with 10 spots divided into two: 5 for people who want to receive samples every other month, and 5 for people who want to receive them every month but in smaller numbers. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 2 spots remain! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Highline Spirits

• Highline Spirits's Website
• Highline Spirits on Instagram
• Highline Spirits on Facebook
• Highline Spirits on Twitter/X

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

I must say, he did an amazing job. 

This episode works best with Part 1 (Episode 98) but is set as a standalone, too. Enjoy!

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

Our Barrell Rye pick done with Perry and Eric of This Is My Bourbon Podcast is just about ready, too, so keep an eye out on social media and on the mailing list for updates. 

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 1 spot remains! 

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. 

Dread River Distillery

• Dread River Distillery Website
• Dread River Distillery on Instagram
• Dread River Distillery on Facebook
• Dread River Distillery on YouTube

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

NYDC was one of the first distilleries back in NY after the craft movement started. It devoted itself to only one type of whiskey: rye. Gins, too, but only rye on the whiskey side. And that rye is Empire Rye - a minimum of 75% rye grown in New York. 

NYDC is a fascinating study in focus and length. A decade-plus in its history and multiple rye variations later, it stays true to that mission: rye is, and always will be, the driver behind NYDC's growth. 

After a move from its longtime home in Williamsburg to a new, larger site in Bushwick, NYDC is ready to keep growing. With its founder still at the helm, this is a NY distillery to discover, revisit, and enjoy. 

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

Our Barrell Rye pick done with Perry and Eric of This Is My Bourbon Podcast is just about ready, too, so keep an eye out on social media and on the mailing list for updates. 

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 1 spot remains! 

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. 

New York Distilling Co. 

• New York Distilling Co. Website
• New York Distilling Co. Facebook
• New York Distilling Co. Instagram
• New York Distilling Co. Twitter

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

_________________

Please welcome back returning guest Ari Sussman to talk about Whiskey JYPSI and Outsiders Spirits! 

Heard of Eric Church? Maybe the Jack Daniel's Eric Church Single Barrel special release? Maybe you're just a fan of his music (though if you're listening to this podcast I kind of doubt you missed the Jack Daniel's release). 

It was easy to brand that initial partnership as another celebrity slapping their name on a label to drive sales and publicity (though, I should note, I didn't think it was a bad release). There are so many whiskies and spirits like that nowadays it's hard to keep track. And trust me, I asked Ari about that. 

But what if you had a celebrity who was also a true whiskey lover - one who wanted to do something truly new and different, even if it meant producing a whiskey without their name anywhere on the label? 

That seems like what we have here. Whiskey JYPSI is, at its core, a cross-border international blend (itself an incredibly rare occurrence) that reaches back to the days of global giants like Schenley and Seagrams. Bending the 70/21/9 mashbill into a ratio of whiskies instead of a grain bill, this is something new and special, something that will be a marker in the industry. 

And Eric Church's name isn't on anything but the press release. 

I was skeptical, I admit, of whether they could pull this off, but I must say I'm impressed. 

Listen for answers about creating a non-celebrity celebrity whiskey, blending across the border, and how to imbue the term "JYPSI" (or Gypsy/Romani) with a positive, non-derogatory respect. 

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm heading to Tennessee to pick two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks, and one of your fellow Patreon members is joining me in Lynchburg!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 3 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 3 spots remain! 

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. 

Whiskey JYPSI

• Whiskey JYPSI Website
• Whiskey JYPSI on Instagram
• Whiskey JYPSI on Facebook
• Whiskey JYPSI on Twitter

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

This is a classic episode - a distillery making single malt in the corn capital of the US. Don't worry, they make a damn good bourbon, too, but my first taste of Cedar Ridge was a single barrel of their single malt picked by Lost Lantern. 

I'm joined by head distiller and Scotch-lover Murphy Quint, who has led the distillery's operations except for a stint at Stranahan's. We chatted about adding a distillery onto a winery, making their whiskey stand out, and most importantly what the Quints want their legacy to be. 

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm heading to Tennessee to pick two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 4 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 4 spots remain! 

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 Murphy Quint of Cedar Ridge Distillery.

Cedar Ridge Distillery

• Cedar Ridge Distillery Website
• Cedar Ridge Distillery on Instagram
• Cedar Ridge Distillery on Facebook
• Cedar Ridge Distillery on Twitter

Cedar Ridge Distillery Reviews

• Cedar Ridge The Quintessential Signature Blend American Single Malt Review
• Cedar Ridge Barrel Strength Bourbon Review

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

But we're not back to whiskey yet. This week, it's the Brandy Ring Podcast!

Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery sits in the heart of Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood. In a relatively small space, they manage to use shipping containers, a wide-open events space/patio, and a beautiful wall of windows that can open in good weather right in front of their copper pot stills. 

Brandy just might be the oldest spirit in America, if not the world. And if you think Kentucky is just for whiskey, think again. Whether it's from grapes, apples, pears, or some other fruit they're trying for fun, C&K is pumping out world-class brandy in the left ventricle of the bourbon world. 

They were doing sonic aging before Blackened (click here to subscribe to their daily playlists!). Their stills are named for women in Bob Dylan songs. 

They're not afraid to play with casks (they call themselves barrel sluts) or with finishes, and the bottle-your-own experience where I got a heritage cider apple brandy is not to be missed (nor is their restaurant). Also don't sleep on a 130 proof 4YO absinthe that is *chef's kiss*. 

Enjoy this episode all about brandy with distiller Brandon O'Daniel!

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 4 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 4 spots remain! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Thanks for reading! Now here’s Brandon O'Daniel of Copper & Kings Distillery.

Copper & Kings Distillery

• Copper & Kings Distillery Website
• Copper & Kings Distillery on Instagram
• Copper & Kings Distillery on Facebook
• Copper & Kings Distillery on Twitter

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

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!

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. The first five boxes of samples have already been sent and only 4 spots remain! 

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

• Mammoth Distillery Website
• Mammoth Distillery on Facebook
• Mammoth Distillery on Instagram
• Mammoth Distillery on Twitter

Reviews Coming Soon!

• Mammoth Distilling Limited Release Northern Rye Whiskey No. 1 Review

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

Emily Vikre's family comes from Norway. There were always aquavit and hearty meals to be had. But when it came time to do something with that heritage - something that had nothing to do with her PhD in food policy and behavioral theory - she came home to Duluth to found Vikre Distillery. 

Yes, they're making whiskey, but this episode is whiskey-lite. Instead, I wanted to take the time to delve into the Scandinavian origins of aquavit, the caraway style favored in Denmark with which I've fallen in love, and how Vikre fits in the rising wave of Nordic cuisine. 

Emily, of course, has thought about all of this already. I love doing research for these episodes so I'm as prepared as possible - Emily came just as prepared as I did, armed with generations of knowledge, a 17-course feast in her rearview, and a true understanding of where Vikre is, where she wants it to be, and what its identity is. This may be a shorter episode than usual, but believe me I felt as elatedly exhausted as I do after a two-hour one. That's the sign of a great guest. 

I can't wait to have her back on. Thanks Emily!

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain! 

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 Emily Vikre, Founder (with husband Joel!) of Vikre Distillery.

Vikre Distillery

• Vikre Distillery Website
• Vikre Distillery on Instagram
• Vikre Distillery on Facebook
• Vikre Distillery on Twitter

Vikre Distillery Reviews

• Vikre Distillery Øvrevann Aquavit Review (Coming soon!)

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

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!

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. The first six boxes of samples have already been sent and only 4 spots remain! 

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

• Old Carter Whiskey Co. Website
• Old Carter Whiskey Co.on Facebook
• Old Carter Whiskey Co. on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

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!

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. The first six boxes of samples have already been sent and only 4 spots remain! 

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

• Driftless Glen Distillery Website
• Driftless Glen Distillery on Facebook
• Driftless Glen Distillery on Instagram
• Driftless Glen Distillery on Twitter

Reviews

• Driftless Glen Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review
• Driftless Glen Distillery Apricot Brandy-Finished Bourbon Review

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

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!

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. The first three boxes of samples have already been sent and only 6 spots remain! 

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

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

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!

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. The first three boxes of samples have already been sent! 

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 Website
• Ironclad Distillery Twitter
• Ironclad Distillery Instagram
• Ironclad Distillery Facebook

Ironclad Distillery Reviews

• Ironclad Flying Fox Winery Cask-Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review
• Ironclad Distillery The Monitor Blend High Wheat Bourbon Whiskey Review
• Ironclad Distillery The Old Kernel Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

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!

• The $5 tier has:
  • access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing.
  • early access to bonus episodes like this one!
  • priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. The first three boxes of samples have already been sent! 

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 Website
• Doc Swinson's Twitter
• Doc Swinson's Instagram
• Doc Swinson's Facebook

Doc Swinson's Reviews

• Doc Swinson’s “Funky Drummer” Rye Whiskey Finished In Jamaican Rum Casks
• Doc Swinson’s “Tres Amigos” Rye Whiskey Finished In Rum And Anejo Tequila Casks Review
• Doc Swinson’s “Smoke on the Water” Rye Whiskey Finished In Islay Quarter Casks Review
• Doc Swinson's Bourbon Finished in Pineau De Charentes Casks Review
• Doc Swinson's Bourbon Finished in Moscatel Casks Review
• Doc Swinson's Bourbon Finished in Tawny Port Casks Review

Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

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: 

• The $5 tier will have access to the new, Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk about a topic that’s under their skin in whiskey. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. 

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

SMWS Website

SMWS Facebook

SMWS Instagram

SMWS Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

https://impexbev.com

ImpEx on Instagram

ImpEx on Facebook

ImpEx on Twitter

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: 

• The $5 tier will have access to the new, Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk about a topic that’s under their skin in whiskey. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. 

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

Wheel Horse Whiskey Website

Wheel Horse Whiskey Facebook

Wheel Horse Whiskey Instagram

Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

https://impexbev.com

ImpEx on Instagram

ImpEx on Facebook

ImpEx on Twitter

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: 

• The $5 tier will have access to the new, Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk about a topic that’s under their skin in whiskey. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. 

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: 

• In July, an advent calendar curated by me that includes 15 samples, 15 different producers (and 14 different distilleries), two samples that have whiskey older than I am, and a special pour I promise you won’t find anywhere else. This event is available ONLY to people in the Whiskey Ringers Facebook group or to website subscribers. As of this recording, ten of the fifteen spots are already claimed, so grab yours today, and join the Facebook group for discount codes and insider access.

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

Whiskey Women Podcast

Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

https://impexbev.com

ImpEx on Instagram

ImpEx on Facebook

ImpEx on Twitter

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

https://impexbev.com

ImpEx on Instagram

ImpEx on Facebook

ImpEx on Twitter

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

DISCUS Website

DISCUS on Facebook

DISCUS on Instagram

DISCUS on Twitter

Responsibility.org

https://www.responsibility.org

https://www.facebook.com/GoFAAR

https://instagram.com/go_FAAR

https://twitter.com/goFAAR

Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

https://impexbev.com

ImpEx on Instagram

ImpEx on Facebook

ImpEx on Twitter

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

Wilderness Trail on Facebook

Wilderness Trail on Twitter

Wilderness Trail on Instagram

Thanks to our Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

https://impexbev.com

ImpEx on Instagram

ImpEx on Facebook

ImpEx on Twitter

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month. There are also $5 and $25 tiers available, and you’ll want to get in on the ground floor today for big events coming up this year. Just go to patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring to sign up.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! Please leave a 5-star rating and review and share with your friends and fellow whiskey lovers.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy this episode with Andy Wahl of Daylight Wine and Spirits and Ammunition Whiskey. 

Today's episode brings David Whitmer, Master Blender (among other titles) for this distilling behemoth. David may be a VP, but as I found out he spends more time on the floor than he does behind a desk.

If you do know about MGP, your first thought might be "sourcing", and you wouldn't be wrong. The major thing to consider - and something David and I talk about for some time - is that to have so many companies source from you is a compliment and a testament to MGP's consistency, business model, and plain old doing it right mentality. 

There's a lot more to MGP than just whiskey - heck, there's a lot more to it than just distilling, including a food division that, while smaller than its beverage arm, is by no means tiny. 

Of course, there were topics we couldn't discuss, but David was about as honest and forthcoming as possible, something I truly appreciate both as a host and as a fan. NDAs or no NDAs, one thing is clear: MGP is putting out some of the best distillate on the market, and with the acquisition of Luxco and promotion of its own brands under Ross & Squibb, the sky is the limit for this already-great giant. 

_______________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $5 a month tier including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and more.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with David Whitmer, Master Blender for MGP.

Mike generously gave over three hours to our interview, so I've broken it into two parts - make sure to listen to both! 

Travel Bar Brooklyn, 520 Court Street, Brooklyn, 11231

Travel Bar Instagram

Travel Bar Facebook

Travel Bar Twitter

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $2.50 and $5 a month tiers including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and more.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Mike Vacchrese of Travel Bar Brooklyn. 

The Nonjatta Blog

Stefan’s Whisky Magazine Profile

Stefan is simultaneously one of the most important writers on Japanese whisky and perhaps one of the most unknown on this side of the Pacific. He’s been in Japan since 2000, when you could find a bottle of Karuizawa on the shelf for pittance compared to today’s prices. For years, he wrote for and then took over the Nonjatta Japanese whisky blog.

I should note that Stefan doesn’t just write about Japanese whisky – he also writes for publications in Japan (and in Japanese) about other world whiskies including Scotch. Japanese whisky is just the point at which our mutual interests met. And trust me – if you like what you hear during this episode, please support Stefan by purchasing a copy of his book and by looking into his other writings. You won’t be disappointed.

Next up: The Whiskey Ring Podcast is looking for sponsors! If you’re a whiskey company, an accessory company, or subscription service, reach out to see how you can be a sponsor. There are only two more spots being opened for sponsors, so if you’re interested reach out asap.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. 

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $1 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft, who are providing discount codes for Whiskey in my Wedding Ring followers and Whiskey Ring Podcast listeners.

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Stefan van Eycken.

Whisky Rising: The Definitive Guide to the Finest Whiskies and Distillers of Japan

The Nonjatta Blog

Stefan’s Whisky Magazine Profile

If you’ve listened to earlier episodes, you know I’ve been excited to bring on a cooperage – so much of what we all love about whiskey and other aged spirits comes from the barrel, up to 80% depending on who you listen to. But how often do you really think about how that barrel is made? Who’s making them? How are people trained to raise a barrel in just a few minutes that will last potentially decades of re-use? Is toasting a barrel a trend in whiskey or is it here to stay? All of these questions are asked in this fantastic episode.

I left the episode thinking my questions had been answered – a few weeks later, I’ve got another page full of them. So, Kelvin is the first cooperage on the podcast but likely not the last.

Big announcement via Patreon: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $2.50 and $5 a month tiers including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and other things – the possibilities are endless.

Next up: The Whiskey Ring Podcast is looking for sponsors! If you’re a whiskey company, an accessory company, or subscription service, reach out to see how you can be a sponsor. There are only two more spots being opened for sponsors, so if you’re interested reach out asap.

You can find Kelvin Cooperage online at kelvincooperage.com and in Louisville, Kentucky. Their socials are also included in the show notes so you can follow them and see the new things happening in the barrel-making world.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. 

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $1 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft, who are providing discount codes for Whiskey in my Wedding Ring followers and Whiskey Ring Podcast listeners.

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts,Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Paul McLaughlin, Martin Purvis, and William Hornaday of Kelvin Cooperage.

Kelvin Cooperage Youtube: https://youtu.be/fF38BxIqxL0

Kelvin Cooperage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelvin_cooperage/

Kelvin Cooperage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelvincooperage1/

Today’s podcast is with Stauning Whisky all the way from Denmark. I came across Stauning by accident, if I’m being honest, but was taken with their story and their process. Plus, it’s the first Danish whisky I’ve tried, so either way I had questions.

Joining me to answer those questions is Alex Munch, who co-founded Stauning along with eight friends (that’s nine total for those counting) in 2005. While not yet well-known in the US, Stauning is a legend in Denmark. What started as nine friends from disparate backgrounds (none of which were distilling, by the way), is now a massive enterprise nearing a million LPAs with backing from Diageo and Distill Ventures. You should seriously take a look at their site – the pictures are simply stunning.

As we all know, though, pretty pictures don’t mean good whisky. Stauning, however, has a great recommendation behind it. As he said on the podcast and also in a separate interview, Stauning’s meteoric rise coincided with the rise of New Nordic cuisine, heralded by such acclaimed chefs as Magnus Nilsson and Rene Redzepi. The latter chef’s restaurant, Noma, in Copenhagen, features Stauning as the only whiskey on their menu. I can’t emphasize how cool that is to foodies who also enjoy whisky – it’s a perfect match. Plus, as much as Stauning’s whisky absolutely speaks for itself, having one of the best chefs in the world choose to exclusively serve your whisky is a hell of a mark of approval.

Stauning sent me samples of three of their whiskies ahead of the recording, and all of the tasting notes will be posted ahead of this coming out. As always, editorial control remains with me, but given what I’ve just said I think you know how those reviews will be.

You can find Stauning online at stauningwhisky.com, where they’re proudly presenting their Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky award for Brand Innovator of the Year 2021. Their socials are also included in the show notes so you can follow them and see when they’re coming to a retailer near you.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. 

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $2.50 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft. 

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Alex Munch from Stauning Whisky.

Stauning Whisky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stauningwhisky

Stauning Whisky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stauningwhisky/

Stauning Whisky Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146325719@N03/albums

Tasting Notes

Stauning Floor-Malted Rye Review

Stauning Kaos Triple-Malted Whisky Review

Stauning Smoke Floor-Malted Single Malt Review

Lew is a literal spirit guide for me - his book Tasting Whiskey kickstarted my whiskey tasting journey, and his follow-up, Whiskey Masterclass, gave the deep dive into each part of the process any serious whiskey lover could want. His blog, Seen Through a Glass, chronicles his journeys through whiskey, beer, and the PLCB, his home state's "evil empire" of liquor sales. 

This is as fun an episode as I've had yet - I know you'll love it, too. Thank you to Lew for making time to talk - he had to run afterwards (into the other room, but still) to taste the finalists for Fred Minnick's Ascot Awards Whiskey of the Year!

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. 

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $2.50 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft. 

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with legendary whiskey and beer write Lew Bryson.

This is part one of a special, two-part episode with Dan McKee and Andrea Wilson of Michter’s Distillery. I am beyond excited to have both Dan and Andrea on the podcast after just seven episodes. Not only were they generous with their time, they were generous in another way, too…but more on that later.

Side note: I wasn’t able to get my friend Mike Frey on the recording – we ran into some technical issues that will be fixed going forward, but unfortunately, he couldn’t join the one episode I really wanted to have him on. He’ll be a future co-host every now and again for sure, though.

Mike is a huge Michter’s fan. He has the first bottle ever released at the Fort Nelson location, he’s got a large collection, and more recently, he wrote a fantastic longform article all about the history of Michter’s. You can find it on www.thebourbonculture.com, his website he co-hosts with another Mike. If you like this episode, you’ll like the article, and I encourage you to take a read when you can.

Finally, on the day this episode goes live, I will be starting a giveaway just for followers: a full set of Michter’s Copper Barware: a shaker, a bar spoon, a jigger, a julep cup, and two Michter’s glencairns. Thank you to Michter’s for helping with this giveaway. Visit me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and at the whiskeyinmyweddingring website for giveaway rules and details. Listeners will get additional entries using a special code from the middle of this episode.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. 

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $2.50 a month at www.patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft. 

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you. Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy part one of my conversation with Dan McKee and Andrea Wilson, Master Distiller and Master of Maturation, respectively, of Michter’s Distillery.

Cheers,

David

Today, we’re going across the Great Lakes to visit Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I’m joined by Ross Salchow, a longtime employee whose title would never cover the range of work he does.  

Great Lakes was the first distillery I ever visited in person. Picture it: Milwaukee, 2016. I was on a business trip for the American Jesuit Colleges conference and had some free time to explore. I’d never been to Milwaukee, let alone Wisconsin, and with the Brewers out of town I decided to take an Uber over to this distillery.

Great Lakes is the first distillery in Wisconsin since Prohibition. When I visited five years ago, there were one or two whiskies, a few brandies from local products (including cherry), a regular gin and a barrel-aged gin. This was before I started doing tasting notes or had a collection of any kind, but I brought back bottles of the barrel-aged gin and cherry brandy because they were so damn good.

Since then, they’ve done nothing but grow. Absinthes, bourbons, single malts, gins, nothing is off limits for this team. As much product as possible is sourced from Wisconsin to keep the local flavor, and to their credit, when something can’t be sourced from WI (barley, for example, doesn’t take well to WI winters), they’re transparent about it coming from somewhere else.

Ross was probably there the day I visited. Hell, for all I can remember, he could’ve been my tour guide. He’s been there for many years now and knows the ins and outs of the place better than anyone. We chat about successes and failures, why their bottled-in-bond gin couldn’t be called that until last year, so many nitty gritty topics you won’t find anywhere else. I’m the first to say that I like craft, but not every craft distillery is ready. Count me in for saying that Great Lakes is here to stay and deserves a try.

I can’t wait to get back there and try more of their new products. In the meantime, you can visit them at greatlakesdistillery.com, @greatlakesdistillery on social media, and keep an eye out for their products as distribution grows. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. 

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $2.50 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft. 

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Ross Salchow from Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Dave is a farmer at heart, and Yorkshire is his garden. Yorkshire is the largest county in England by far and has ample space to grow grain and everything you need for distilling. And yet, like much of the rest of England, distilleries are few and far between compared to its Northern and Western neighbors.

I ask Dave why this is, what constitutes a “Yorkshire” style of whisky, if there is one, and what he and Spirit of Yorkshire bring to the table. The core answer and the most fascinating one is that they are, again, farmers at heart. Spirit of Yorkshire isn’t meant to be a global, shelf-filling enterprise – it’s meant to showcase what can be made with the local product and share it with those who will enjoy it. As their acreage grows, so will they, and not a second sooner.

Spirit of Yorkshire is a field-to-bottle operation, distilling their own home-grown barley. Keep in mind that this is the same barley that could be going to Scottish or Irish distillers – much of what’s distilled to the North and West is barley grown in mainland England, and yet there are conspicuously few distilleries where the barley is actually grown.

I love talking to distillers and producers right on the cusp of something big, and that’s exactly where Spirit of Yorkshire is. As we speak, new agreements with distributors in the US are being signed for their Filey Bay line to get to the US.

I’d also be remiss in not mentioning that Spirit of Yorkshire is a Jim Swan-connected project. The late Dr. Jim Swan, who passed away in 2017, was prolific. If you’re an American whiskey drinker, the most apt comparison might be Dave Pickerell, but with all due respect to the late Mr. Pickerell, Jim Swan’s influence reached as far as one possibly could in whiskey. Dr. Swan’s fingerprints remain on some of the most exciting distilleries around the world, from Yorkshire to Kavalan in Taiwan to Penderyn in Wales, India’s Amrut, and Kilchoman on Islay. He had influence in every major whiskey-producing country and many of the up-and-comers, too, with a signature style that was less about him and more about what the local style was or could be like.

So, does it make a difference to distill where the barley is grown? Well…to be honest, I’ll have to wait to find out. Not a long time, but just a little until distribution hits New York. I am very excited to do so and will be posting my tasting notes as soon as I can grab a bottle (or three). Until then, keep your sights on Spirit of Yorkshire, its methods, its expansive and informative website, and I’ll sit back and enjoy revisiting my medieval history years just a few hours from where the Vikings landed at Lindisfarne.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. 

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $2.50 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft. 

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with David Thompson, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery.

If you haven’t guessed by now (or this is your first episode), I’m a whiskey nerd/geek and proud of it. Thankfully, Alan is just the person to talk to. Getting into the details of whiskey making - from naming his stills to using different grains - was a thrill. Needless to say, Alan will be back on a future episode.

During the episode, Alan and I talk about Spirits of French Lick’s newest bourbons, the William Dalton wheated bourbon and the Morning Glory Buckwheat Bourbon (I got a chance to taste both!). They’ll be in stores this week! Check them out - they’re worth the buy!

Please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com.

If you want to support the site and the podcast, you can help out for as little as $2.50 a month at www.patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring.

You can find Alan at @thealchemistcabinet on Instagram or at spiritsoffrenchlick.com.

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

Cheers! David

This podcast marks a big turning point for the podcast and the site. First off, Westward is the first American Single Malt producer I’ve had on…I think…might have to check through the little notes but I’m pretty sure that’s right. Second, Westward sent a full bottle of their new cask strength single malt to taste and review before the episode. Take a look at the site or the shownotes for the full review – it’s a banger of a bottle.

Big announcement via Patreon: I’ve added a $1 a month option if you just want to help the site and podcast continue, plus new and improved benefits for the $2.50 and $5 a month tiers including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and hopefully more benefits as the group grows.

Next up: The Whiskey Ring Podcast is looking for sponsors! If you’re a whiskey company, an accessory company, or subscription service, reach out to see how you can be a sponsor. Thank you to our current sponsors, Cairn Craft and Mash and Grape. There are only two more spots being opened for sponsors, so if you’re interested reach out asap.

You can find Westward Whiskey online at westwardwhiskey.com and in Portland, Oregon. Their socials are also included in the show notes so you can follow them and see when they’re coming to a retailer near you. The Cask Strength is dropping as this episode comes out, so grab one before they’re gone and thank me later.  

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and follow @whiskeyring on Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on whiskeyinmyweddingring.com. 

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the site and the podcast. You can help out for as little as $1 a month on Patreon. Thank you also to our sponsors, Mash and Grape and Cairn Craft, who are providing discount codes for Whiskey in my Wedding Ring followers and Whiskey Ring Podcast listeners.

Subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Miles Munroe of Westward Whiskey.

Westward Cask Strength Single Malt Review: https://www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/westward-cask-strength-american-single-malt-whiskey

Westward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westwardwhiskey

Westward Twitter: https://twitter.com/westwardwhiskey

Westward Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestwardWhiskey/

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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

William Cadenhead's

• William Cadenhead's Website
• William Cadenhead's Instagram
• William Cadenhead's Facebook
• William Cadenhead's LinkedIn

A.D. Rattray

• A.D. Rattray Website
• A.D. Rattray Instagram
• A.D. Rattray Facebook

Clydeside Distillery

• Clydeside Distillery Website
• Clydeside Distillery Instagram
• Clydeside Distillery Facebook
• Clydeside Distillery LinkedIn

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!

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks, including one coming up in partnership with the This is my Bourbon Podcast. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. The first eight boxes of samples have already been sent and only 4 spots remain! 

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

• Lochlea Distillery Website
• Lochlea Distillery on Instagram
• Lochlea Distillery on Facebook
• Lochlea Distillery on Twitter

Reviews

• Lochlea Distillery Sowing Edition First Crop
• Lochlea Distillery Our Barley First Edition 
• Lochlea Distillery Harvest Edition First Crop

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, we take a deep dive into the world of craft distilling in Florida, featuring two key figures from the St. Augustine Distillery: Will Hensler, the COO, and Rick deMontmollin, the VP of Production. As we explore the unique landscape of distilling in the Sunshine State, we uncover the rich history and innovative practices that have shaped St. Augustine Distillery into a standout player in the craft spirits scene.

We kick off the conversation by discussing the origins of the distillery, which was established as the third beverage alcohol distillery in Florida and the first to produce whiskey. Will and Rick share insights into the early days of the distillery, including the challenges of navigating Florida's licensing requirements and the ambitious collaboration of 22 families that brought the distillery to life. They highlight the lack of distilling history in Florida and how the founders aimed to create a new legacy in the Lincolnville neighborhood of St. Augustine.

The episode delves into the evolution of craft distilling laws in Florida, including the ability for craft distilleries to serve cocktails and the ongoing restrictions on out-of-state investment. Will and Rick explain how these regulations have shaped their growth strategy and the importance of maintaining their craft status.

As we wrap up the episode, we explore the distillery's commitment to sustainability and community involvement, as well as their dedication to employee education and retention. Will and Rick share their vision for the future of St. Augustine Distillery, emphasizing the importance of quality, community, and the unique Florida identity that they strive to embody in every bottle.

Thank you to Ric and Will 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

St. Augustine Distillery

• • St. Augustine Distillery Website
  • St. Augustine Distillery on Instagram
  • St. Augustine Distillery on Facebook
  • St. Augustine Distillery on X
  • St. Augustine Distillery on YouTube
  • St. Augustine Distillery on LinkedIn

Show Notes

Thank you to Jean-Arnaud for entering the Whiskey Ring! 

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

Michel Couvreur Whisky

• Michel Couvreur Whisky Website

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 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

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

• In The Welsh Wind Website
• In The Welsh Wind on Instagram
• In The Welsh Wind on Facebook
• In The Welsh Wind on LinkedIn

Arbikie Highland Estate is in the forefront of the new Scotch whisky movement. Focused on sustainability, flavor, and locality, Arbikie is betting big on the future. 

They're making a single malt, but waiting 18 years to release it (some might be released early, but don't count on it).

Their strawberry vodka takes nearly a year to produce from harvest to bottling.

The gin is hyperlocal, with coastal elements. 

The Nadar vodka is climate-positive, with the whole process removing 1.54kg of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per bottle (through legume farming). 

Kirsty also has a PhD and puts it to use in creating these releases from grain to bottle, with backing from the Stirling family who owns the farms from which the grains grow. 

The Highland 1794 Rye is available in the US now, as are the gins and Nadar Vodka. The single malt we'll have to wait for - they're already halfway there. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to John for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Arbikie Highland Estate

• Arbikie Highland Estate Website
• Arbikie Highland Estate on Instagram
• Arbikie Highland Estate on Facebook
• Arbikie Highland Estate on Twitter/X
• Arbikie Highland Estate on YouTube

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Show Notes

Thank you to Paul for entering the whiskey ring! 

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

FEW Spirits

• FEW Spirits Website
• FEW Spirits Facebook
• FEW Spirits Instagram

Thank you to Mike for entering the Whiskey Ring!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

As of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out! Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

J.T. Meleck Distillery

• J.T. Meleck Distillery Website
• J.T. Meleck Distillery on Instagram
• J.T. Meleck Distillery on Facebook
• J.T. Meleck Distillery on YouTube

Show Notes and Reviews

Thank you to Logan for entering the whiskey ring! 

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

Blue Note

• Blue Note Website

• Blue Note Facebook

• Blue Note Instagram

• Blue Note LinkedIn

• Blue Note YouTube

Show Notes

Thank you to Rob and Calum for entering the whiskey ring! 

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

Holyrood Distillery

• Holyrood Distillery Website
• Holyrood Distillery Facebook
• Holyrood Distillery Instagram
• Holyrood Distillery LinkedIn
• Holyrood Distillery Twitter/X

Show Notes

Thank you to Max for entering the whiskey ring! 

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

White Peak Distillery

• White Peak Distillery Website
• White Peak Distillery Facebook
• White Peak Distillery Instagram
• White Peak Distillery Twitter/X

The Whiskey Ring Podcast returns with Oded Weiss of M&H Distillery in Tel Aviv, Israel. This distillery - another project of the late Dr. Jim Swan - is creating new and exciting single malts in the land of milk and honey (hence the M&H). Perhaps even more exciting than the malt itself are the finishings, including peated casks, Israeli wine, and pomegranate wine, plus unique agings (as this goes live, the Dead Sea APEX Series release is also being distributed). 

It was a thrill to talk with Oded and I can't wait to taste even more from M&H!

_______________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community, now is the time: you can now support the site and podcast for as little as $1 a month, plus new and improved benefits for the $5 a month tier including exclusive content, free glassware after 6 months, and more benefits as the group grows such as barrel picks, live events, and more.

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Finally, please subscribe to the Whiskey Ring Podcast on your favorite podcast platform today! We're on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most other major podcast platforms. Every subscription and listen helps us get sponsors, secure guests, and ultimately get more content to you.

Thank you for listening and for supporting, and please enjoy my chat with Oded Weiss and M&H Distillery.

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 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

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

• Never Say Die Spirits Website
• Never Say Die Spirits on Instagram
• Never Say Die Spirits on Facebook
• Never Say Die Spirits on Twitter
• Never Say Die Spirits on LinkedIn

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 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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

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

• Lost Lantern Whiskey Website
• Lost Lantern Whiskey on Instagram
• Lost Lantern Whiskey on Facebook

Join me for an insightful conversation with David Mandell as we discuss the exciting launch of Whiskey House of Kentucky. We explore the expansive 176-acre facility in Elizabethtown, designed for custom whiskey production with advanced technological setups. David shares the ambitious 10-year plan, highlighting the transformational impact and innovative nature of the project, emphasizing the importance of community support and the strategic decision to focus on custom contract customers, drawing from previous experiences at Bardstown Bourbon Company.

From the flexible facility design to strong partnerships and a specialized workforce, we discuss the blueprint for achieving unparalleled efficiency and customer satisfaction. Hear about their selective partnership approach, aimed at collaborating with established brands and promising startups alike, ensuring high-quality production.

All this while purpose-building a facility that isn't for public consumption in the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This is a totally new idea. It's mad. It's massive. And I have no doubt it's going to work. 

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to David for returning to the Whiskey Ring!

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Whiskey House of Kentucky

• Whiskey House of Kentucky Website
• Whiskey House of Kentucky LinkedIn

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of sustainable Scotch whisky with Annabel Thomas, the founder of Nc'nean Distillery. In this episode, Annabel takes us on her journey from the corporate world to the remote west coast of Scotland, where her family's farm became the birthplace of a visionary, sustainability-focused line of whisky.

Hear about the pivotal moments that inspired her to transition from strategy consulting to whisky distilling, including a life-changing sabbatical and an enlightening trip to Islay that sparked her passion for creating an eco-friendly and innovative distillery. We delve into the unique aspects of Nc'nean's sustainability initiatives, from using organic barley to experimenting with different yeasts and fermentation techniques. Annabel shares insights on the challenges and benefits of organic farming practices, and how these choices align with her vision for a responsible and forward-thinking business. Listen as she recounts the influence of industry legends like Jim Swan and the importance of maintaining traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern innovations.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Annabel for entering the Whiskey Ring!

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Nc'nean Distillery

• Nc'nean Distillery Website
• Nc'nean Distillery Instagram
• Nc'nean Distillery Facebook
• Nc'nean Distillery LinkedIn
• Nc'nean Distillery YouTube

Get ready for an inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of entrepreneurship! In our latest episode, I sit down with Charles Ferri, the co-founder and CEO of Hudson House Distillery. Charles shares his incredible journey from the high-flying world of Wall Street to the picturesque Hudson Valley, where he faced and overcame countless challenges to build a world-class distillery.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

✨ How Charles transitioned from finance to the world of spirits.

✨ The emotional and financial rollercoaster of transforming a near-ruinous building into a boutique hotel, restaurant, bar, event space, and craft distillery.

✨ The importance of quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship in launching Hudson House Distillery's own vodka and whiskey brands.

✨ Touching stories of key contributors like Gable Lorenzo, whose passion left a lasting mark on the project.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Charles for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Hudson House Distillery

• Hudson House Distillery Website
• Hudson House Distillery Instagram
• Hudson House Distillery Facebook

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! 

• BAXUS Website
• BAXUS on Instagram
• BAXUS on Facebook
• BAXUS on Twitter/X
• BAXUS on LinkedIn

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website
• Black Button Distilling on Facebook
• Black Button Distilling on Instagram

Lisa has had stints at such spots as Limestone Branch, Widow Jane, Pearse Lyons, Samson & Surrey, and more, exploring a new facet of the industry at each step. Distiller, blender, brewer, president, it's all on the resume. 

Beyond that, though, Lisa is a wonderful human being. For this very special episode, she graciously invited me into her home in Bardstown for a live recording. We spoke for nearly three hours. In between many asides, stories, and connections, we found a commonality - a city boy from New York and a small-town woman who's traveled the world, me loving to visit her state and her having lived in mine for years. 

Oh - and there's a teaser about her next steps, too. 

______________________________________________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below. 

The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are available at the links below, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks will be available October 2nd.

Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already!

Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes. 
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 1 spot remains! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Triple Dog Irish Whiskey is officially launching TODAY after a soft launch in five states. And you're hearing about it first right here. This is a brand new Irish Whiskey, hailing from Great Northern Distillery just off the Cooley Mountains and in the wee county of the Irish Republic. 

Built from a grandfather's recipe (a real one!), Triple Dog Whiskey is aged six years in a variety of French oak casks. The founder, Dan O'Shevlin, is a man of many talents - biochemistry, entrepreneurship, quantum physics - but his passion for whiskey is tangible. I hope it comes across as much for you as it did for me in interviewing him. 

You can order via the website below to 41 states and counting - and keep track of the brand. There's more to come later this year!

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain! 

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 Dan O'Shevlin of Triple Dog Whiskey. 

Triple Dog Irish Whiskey

• Triple Dog Irish Whiskey Website
• Triple Dog Irish Whiskey on Instagram
• Triple Dog Irish Whiskey on Facebook

Triple Dog Whiskey Review

• Coming Soon!

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter

Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
• SMWS/A Facebook
• SMWS/A Instagram
• SMWS/A Twitter
• SMWS/A YouTube

Here's the winning formula: use water you like, decide on number vs medal beforehand, and trust your palate more than the entrant - you might just know more than they do about their own product. 

Make sure to take a throwback listen to Monique on Episode 60 (all about Sherry) and Lauren on Episode 66 (Redwood Empire)!

_________________

Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain! 

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up. 

Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Thanks for reading! Now here’s Monique, Lauren, and I talking all about tasting panels and spirits competitions. 

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
• ImpEx on Instagram
• ImpEx on Facebook
• ImpEx on Twitter