Episodes

  • Ep. 161: A New Era for Canadian Whisky with Nick Taylor of Found North

    Ep. 161: A New Era for Canadian Whisky with Nick Taylor of Found North
    Oct 9 2024

    Redefining Canadian Whisky And Mash Bills vs Grain Bills

    Nick Taylor is no stranger to blending - he hit 40 Scottish distilleries in 30 days pretending to be a whisky writer (and no, I asked, he wasn't caught!), and has since visited Ireland, Japan, and most of the distilleries in Kentucky, not to mention Canada. Bottom line, he knows that you don't have to distill to create something exceptional.

    In creating Found North with his partners, Nick is taking on a monumental task - redefining Canadian whisky for an American market conditioned to see Canadian as lesser, inferior, or just plain bad. The big brands don't do themselves any favors, but then again they don't have much incentive (we get into that), so it's up to the small guys like Found North to crack that nut.

    In a fascinating exploration of the art and science of whisky blending, Nick reveals how synesthesia and musical influences spark creativity in crafting harmonious blends, from classical to funky things even I had never heard of before. We delve into techniques for balancing flavors and how strategic buying and aging of whisky components allow Found North to create and fill a new niche. Throughout the episode, personal anecdotes and insights from Nick offer an engaging and enlightening look at the passion and expertise that drive Found North's unique journey in the whiskey world.

    Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Nick 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!

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    Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery

    • Black Button Distilling Website
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    _________________________________________________________

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    Found North Whisky

    • Found North Whisky Website
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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • Ep. 160: Boann Distillery with Alex Witt

    Ep. 160: Boann Distillery with Alex Witt
    Oct 2 2024

    An Innovative Copper Method and An Oregonian Distiller in Ireland

    Join me on this episode to Ireland's Boyne Valley, where we explore the historic and picturesque Brú na Bóinne and the modern Boann Distillery. I sit down with Alex Witt, the head distiller at Boann, who shares his captivating journey from the United States to Ireland and his immersion into the Irish whiskey industry. Alex takes us through the Cooney family's transition from brewing craft beer to creating whiskey, highlighting their passion for the drinks industry and the intimate, collaborative atmosphere of working in a family-run business. Discover the innovative and state-of-the-art facilities at Boann, which are housed in a repurposed car dealership, and get a sneak peek at their exciting new PX cask finish whiskey.

    In our conversation, we delve into the unique distillation techniques and sustainability initiatives at Boann Distillery. Alex provides insight into the application of nanotechnology in their distillation process, the historical significance of copper in whiskey production, and the potential for new whiskey releases pending regulatory changes. We also touch on Boann's commitment to environmental sustainability, plans for expansion, and their multifaceted visitor experience. With a rich discussion on maturation experiments and the use of diverse casks, this episode is a must-listen for whiskey enthusiasts and those interested in innovative production methods.

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

    Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

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

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    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.

    Boann Distillery

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Ep. 159: In The Welsh Wind with Ellen Wakelam

    Ep. 159: In The Welsh Wind with Ellen Wakelam
    Sep 25 2024

    From Teachers to Distillers on the Longest Hike in Wales

    Ever wondered what it takes to leave behind a steady career and venture into uncharted territory? Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Ellen Wakelam and her partner Alexander, who transformed their lives from a geography teacher and a baker to becoming founders of In the Welsh Wind Distillery. Ellen narrates their story, filled with adventurous walks around Wales and a life-changing trip to Scotland, culminating in the creation of a distillery that quickly gained momentum since its inception in 2018. We delve into their diverse spirit production, including gin, vodka, rum, and the burgeoning development of Welsh whisky.

    Our conversation also touches on the ambitious expansion into whisky production and the significance of creating an authentic Welsh whisky using locally grown grain. Ellen's passion shines through as she talks about their first whisky release and the excitement surrounding future batches. We explore the collaborative efforts to achieve Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status for Welsh whisky, emphasizing the unity and shared vision within the Welsh distilling community. Tune in to hear Ellen's dedication to tradition, quality, and the local community, and get a glimpse into the future of In the Welsh Wind Distillery.

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

    Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

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

    • BAXUS Website
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    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

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Ep. 158: From Kentucky to Liverpool: The Birth of Never Say Die Spirits with Brian Luffman

    Ep. 158: From Kentucky to Liverpool: The Birth of Never Say Die Spirits with Brian Luffman
    Sep 23 2024

    From Derby Winner to Whiskey Namesake (and the Beatles, too!)

    I sit down with Brian Luffman, co-founder of Never Say Die Spirits, to delve into the transatlantic journey that birthed their unique bourbon brand. We kick things off with the riveting tale of a horse named Never Say Die, whose life-saving shot of whiskey led to an improbable Epsom Derby win and ultimately funded a Liverpool music venue where the future Beatles first performed. Brian’s passion for honoring this remarkable legacy through their whiskey-making process is clearly evident throughout the episode.

    You've got custom mashbills made at a distillery in Danville, Kentucky (though they can't say where, I hint strongly at it), with partners on both sides of the Atlantic. It's easy enough to start a brand nowadays, but not everyone does it from scratch with their own mashbills and yeasts. Add in the complexities of both Kentucky and English aging and a transatlantic journey, and there's much more to this brand than meets the eye.

    Personally, I prefer the rye (so does Brian!), but both are solid pours at reasonable prices that have the extra component of a bottle designed by Stranger & Stranger, a guest on the Whiskey Ring Podcast back in Episode 74 and famous (to me) for their work with Compass Box.

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

    Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

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

    • BAXUS Website
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    • 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

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    57 mins
  • Ep. 157: St. George Spirits with Lance Winters and Dave Smith

    Ep. 157: St. George Spirits with Lance Winters and Dave Smith
    Sep 11 2024

    The First Craft Distillery

    St. George Spirits launched the craft distilling movement in the US. No, that's not an overstatement. Starting with brandies and eau-de-vies, adding whiskey in 1997 and various liqueurs, gins, and other spirits along the way, St. George has steadfastly led the way while remaining true to its roots and creating ever-more-interesting things to drink.

    I'm joined by Master Distiller Lance Winters and Head Distiller Dave Smith, both long-haulers at St. George (Lance from 1997 and Dave from 2005) who have introduced the world to St. George Spirits' Baller American Single Malt, NOLA Coffee Liqueur, and Bruto Americano, among many many others. The Bruto, by the way, has become my go-to aperitif, replacing Campari and Aperol with a more intense flavor and body.

    More than anything, this interview delves into the ethos and process of St. George, how this continuously innovative distillery both keeps up with the times and leads by example. They may not be the biggest, but there's no doubt they are one of the most important. Lance and Dave are determined - and I use that word with emphasis - to make what they like, bring the drinker to them, and expand the definition of what American distilleries can do.

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

    Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

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

    • BAXUS Website
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    • 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

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Ep. 156: Inside the Summer of Bourbon II with Nora and Adam of Lost Lantern Whiskey

    Ep. 156: Inside the Summer of Bourbon II with Nora and Adam of Lost Lantern Whiskey
    Sep 4 2024
    Shining A Light On The Independent Spirit Lost Lantern - Adam, Nora, and their team - are bar none the best independent bottler of American whiskey working today. They have a serious claim to my favorite IB period. More than anything, you know that they've done the work and can talk about the barrels, brands, and distilleries they choose to work with, which for whiskey nerds like I (and probably you!) is just *chef's kiss*.

    Join me as I sit down with Nora and Adam from Lost Lantern Whiskey to uncover the magic behind their Summer of Bourbon 2 series. We'll explore the rich tapestry of nine distinct bourbon releases, each chosen from twelve distilleries across twelve states, including the rare gems from a ghost distillery in Mississippi. Discover what makes this year's collection a step up from last year's and hear about the serendipitous journey that led them to acquiring Rich Grain Distilling's bourbon stocks.

    Ever wondered how the Gulf Coast climate impacts the flavor profile of bourbon? Nora and Adam share their groundbreaking techniques and insights, such as rebarreling bourbon into larger used casks to create flavor complexity without the tannin overload (a major sticking point that I thank them for, profusely). We'll dive into the unique qualities of Gulf Coast bourbon and why it's exclusively available through Lost Lantern's Mississippi Memory series. Additionally, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how blending bourbons from diverse distilleries across America creates a balanced and intricate final product, guided by a blend captain who ensures each batch is perfect.

    Curious about the challenges faced by regional distilleries and the innovative approaches they use? We'll highlight distilleries like Rock Town in Arkansas, High Wire in South Carolina, and the nuances of the Lincoln County Process in Tennessee whiskey at Lieper's Fork. Listen as we compare the unique methods, ingredients, and local climates that shape these exceptional bourbons. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how Lost Lantern selects and maintains high standards for their releases, ensuring that each bottle tells a story and captures the essence of its origins. Don't miss this journey through the evolving landscape of American bourbon.

    There's also a unique discount code, one use only without any product limits, just for listeners of the Whiskey Ring Podcast! Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Nora and Adam for re-entering the Whiskey Ring!

    Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

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

    • BAXUS Website
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    • 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
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • Ep. 155: Baltimore Spirits Company with Co-Founder Max Lents

    Ep. 155: Baltimore Spirits Company with Co-Founder Max Lents
    Aug 28 2024
    Gin, Apple Brandy, Whiskey...and Pechuga? What if participating in local farmer's markets could boost your brand more than major media coverage? In the latest episode, I sit down with Max Lents, the passionate founder and CEO of Baltimore Spirits Company. Max takes us through his journey of reviving Maryland rye whiskey, from the company’s birth in 2013 to its first spirit release in 2015. Emphasizing the power of community engagement and grassroots marketing in creating authentic customer connections, Baltimore Spirits Company weaves storytelling and tradition into each bottle, making a significant mark on the craft distilling scene. We also dive deep into the other spirits being produced by BSC, including a Szechuan gin and a Pechuga, which I had heard of maybe once and never actually tried. Maryland - and Baltimore - is more than just rye country. It's apple brandy, gin, and spirits of all kinds. You'll also hear about the unique methods that set Baltimore Spirits Company apart, such as pot distillation, open wooden vat fermenters, and a distinctive mash bill with dual yeast strains. We also discuss the critical contributions of Eli (originally from Peabody Heights Brewery), whose expertise in industrial-scale fermentation has been a game-changer. From the release of Epoch Rye to innovative creations like Fumas Pumila, Max shares the meticulous process and passion behind each spirit, ensuring a product that stands out in the market. Finally, Max discusses the collaborative spirit within the Union Collective and the challenges and successes of expanding production. He and his partners have the long-term vision of becoming the premier rye whiskey distillery on the East Coast and the formation of the Maryland Distillers Guild. Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Max for entering the Whiskey Ring!

    Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

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

    • 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.

    Baltimore Spirits Company

    • Baltimore Spirits Company Website
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Ep. 154: Whiskey and Armagnac: Master Blender Pete Lynch on the Art and Craft of Spirits

    Ep. 154: Whiskey and Armagnac: Master Blender Pete Lynch on the Art and Craft of Spirits
    Aug 21 2024

    From Rye to Armagnac: Pete Lynch's Story

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

    In our final chapter, we explore the rich history and cultural significance of spirits, particularly focusing on Armagnac. Pete and I reflect on the resilience and dedication of producers through historical adversities, and the romanticism of savoring vintage spirits. We also discuss the future of mentorship in the craft spirits industry, emphasizing innovation and the nurturing of independent thinkers. Cheers to another insightful session! Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Pete for entering the Whiskey Ring!

    Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

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

    • 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

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    1 hr and 32 mins