Bourbon Real Talk

@BourbonBlind is one of my favorite YouTube channels for whiskey.  They taste whiskey blind and say what they are willing to pay based on taste. In this crossover episode we sent each other blind sample packs, made our …

Sarahbeth Yeli Marshall is a belly dancer, food scientist, and a chocolatier. In this episode she educates us about pairing "real" chocolate with …

Dewayne Poor has one of the largest whisk(e)y collections in the US with 6,500 bottles.  In this episode Dewayne tours us around his fire and tornado …

Balvenie is one of the most respected scotch brands worldwide. In the age of Covid Someone Say Whiskey (a facebook based whiskey club) was looking for a unique way to connect with its members, so we set up this online …

Nico Martini is a best selling author, the co-founder of Bar Draught, mobile draught cocktail solutions, is the founder of Hypeworthy, a digital …

Texas spirits producers are courageous pioneers reviving an industry that had been dead in the state since prohibition.  The industry is young but has grown exponentially. When Covid-19 hit their state they sprung into …

Woodinville Whiskey Co was co-founded by Brett Carlile and Orlin Sorensen in Washington state. From the beginning they decided they wanted to be authentic so they decided not to sell a product until the whiskey they …

Have you ever fantasized about selling everything you own and traveling the world to learn their local beverage culture! My guest Jeff Bradford did …

The goal of BRT is to bring people together around bourbon so we can grow to understand and have empathy for one another. Philip is my best friend and work out partner. My conversations with him trying to seek to …

Ed Belfour is a hockey legend. He has also started a spirits company with his son Dayn, and his daughter Reaghan. During covid we did a zoom meeting with Ed and Dayn. In it we discuss Ed's early life, many moments of …

Random Ward is a brand rep for Woodford. We did a zoom tasting during lockdown. In it we discuss Woodford's history, how owning their own cooperage …

Kristopher Hart is the host of the ESPN radio program/podcast Whiskey Neat and an admin of the largest regional whiskey club in north America (Houston Bourbon Society). In this episode we discuss the immense benefits of …

Joe Micallef is a historian, documentarian, wine/spirits judge, wine producer, and many other things too numerous to name here. In this episode we get a behind the scenes look at judging spirits competitions. We discuss …

Joe Micallef is a historian, documentarian, wine/spirits judge, wine producer, and many other things too numerous to name here. In this episode we …

Neat, chilled, diluted, over ice, on stones, mixed...what is the "right" way to drink your whiskey? In this short episode we discuss the various ways to drink your whiskey, their impact on the whiskey, and discuss some …

In this week's episode of Bourbon Real Talk I bring in a whiskey novice to try Old Rip VanWinkle, George T Stagg, Thomas H Handy, Ironroot Harbinger, …

Stephen Howard owns Howard and Sons Ice Co which produces flawless large format crystal clear cubes and spheres of ice to high end bars and restaurants. We review Stagg Jr Batch 12 side by side neat and on a rock and …

Carlos De Aldecoa has been referred to as the scion of a wealthy international coffee family. The coffee companies Carlos’s family own touch roughly 30-40% of the coffee in the United States. He also has started the …

Carlos De Aldecoa has been referred to as the scion of a wealthy international coffee family. The coffee companies Carlos's family own touch roughly 30-40% of the coffee in the United States. He also has started the …

Understanding the value of fans, why you need an unlisted number when you are on TV, fan gifts, the most impactful fan experiences, co-writing songs …

It is common for me to go to a whiskey club lunch, stay longer than expected, and drink 3 pours of whiskey. In this short recording I mimic my drinking at lunch with amount, proof, and timing and measure my blood …

Writing Kevin Costner's engagement song, hanging out in his house, consulting on his movie score, touring with Marc Anthony, private jets, private …

Countless distilleries across the country have made the sacrifice to stop production of their regular products to make hand sanitizer to fight the …

In this short but action packed interview I sit down with the world renowned Master Distiller of 1792 Daniel (Danny) Kahn. We taste 1792 12 year and an experimental batch he had a sample of in his office. Danny is …

Coronavirus is impacting everyone, but possibly no category of person more than bar tenders. It is a craft that requires experience and skill but is often overlooked by those that consume the services. In Texas …

The whole world is dealing with the effects of the coronavirus.  Thankfully not all businesses are affected, but some of the hardest hit industries …

Cork N Bottle was one of the retailing pioneers in bringing whiskey single barrel selections to the consuming public.  Their program was build up by …

Brad Bonds is one of the US largest vintage "dusty" whiskey collectors.  He has been hunting dusties for the last 10 years and has amassed one of the …

A few weeks ago Whisky Magazine named Ironroot Republic Distillery the world's best bourbon. This came as a shock to many people...not the least of which was the Likarish family who own and operate the distillery. In …

Damon Pampolina has had an amazing career.  His first big gig was on the Mickey Mouse Club where he gained a nationwide fan base.  Then he moved on …

Damon Pampolina has had an amazing career.  His first big gig was on the Mickey Mouse Club where he gained a nationwide fan base.  Then he moved on …

Ed Bley has been a pioneer in growing the whiskey community's excitement for single barrel whiskeys. During his time at Cork N Bottle he helped raised a bankrupt liquor store into national prominence by providing …

In this short episode we drink a 15 year old single barrel bourbon from MGPI and a 5 barrel blend of the Rossville Union and Remus barrels our club …

Many people are surprised to find out when water is added to whiskey during the production process. In this short recording we discuss the process of adjusting the proof of whiskey by adding water after aging and before …

With the rise of whiskey's popularity brands have started to release higher proof versions to satisfy the tastes of connoisseurs. This had caused the …

During the rise of vodka a new whiskey category was created called light whiskey. In this short recording we discuss what it is an how it is made.

A short video to explain the legal definition of corn whiskey. In it you will learn how it is different from bourbon and other American whiskeys.

In this short episode we discuss how to have a proper whiskey tasting.  We discuss pour size and procedures between flights. I also review Remus …

In this short episode we drink a Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection. Dewayne has been collecting whiskey for over 20 years. He has over 5,000 …

In this episode, we taste a number of Whitmeyer's recent releases. Travis candidly talks about the struggles with growing a distillery in Texas and shares his vision of the future of the craft movement. We also discuss …

In this episode we sample a Balcones Rumble (not a whiskey but neither of us could stop referring to it as one), L'encantada brandy, and a EH Taylor …

The overwhelming majority of American whiskey is produced in Kentucky and Indiana. Texas has started producing whiskey, but how does it compare?  In …

In this episode we taste every product that Cat Head Distillery makes including the Old Soul Blended Bourbon. Phillip is the master distiller who has …

In this episode we taste the current version of the unreleased Joseph Magnus Limited Edition. Trained under Hubert Germain-Robin, Nancy is a titan in the spirits industry. She has had a hand in creating many of the …

In this episode we drink a whiskey David blended...Rossville Union Rye. David is extremely knowledgeable and has a storied history in the whiskey world. He has had a hand in so many of the whiskies that we drink (under …

In this episode we try all three sherry finished whiskeys that Andalusia makes.  We also discuss the difficult journey Andalusia has had to face as a …

Short recording describing how to use an aroma kit to develop your palate.

In this episode, we sip Rock Hill Farms and Elmer T. Lee while Tony Lucca and I discuss his history in the music business. We cover how his experience with Adam Levine made Tony contemplate quitting music, how Tony …

In this episode we sip Rock Hill Farms and Elmer T. Lee while Tony Lucca walks us down memory lane. Tony has been on the Mickey Mouse Club, Malibu Shores, has been signed to two different record labels, came in 3rd on …

Vodka has a legal definition that will shock you!  Listing to this short recording to find out why you should never pay a premium for vodka, and why …

For anyone getting started in the whiskey hobby it can be difficult to understand the different classes of spirits and types of spirits.  This short …

There is a lot of confusion around the word blended in whiskey.  In Scotland blended means batch from different distilleries, but it still has to …

For anyone trying to develop a better understanding of the different types of whiskey things can get confusing fast.  Here is a short video to explain legally what a whiskey is as well as a couple of other types of …

Old Charter 8 year was a bottom shelf whiskey back in the day. Now it is a respected dusty bourbon. I was lucky enough to win this one in a charity raffle, so I opened it up to share at a local meet-up. Here is a …

In this short recording we give some easy to implement suggestions to help your club, and by extension you, get more hard to find whiskey.    Please subscribe and leave a review!

Old Bardstown is an odd ball dusty to come across. I was lucky enough to win this one in a charity raffle, so I opened it up to share at a local meet-up. Here is a quick review of how this one smells and tastes. …

In this episode we review a Russel's Reserve barrel pick The Straight Pour Society.  We also smoke the house cigar from Industrial Cigar Co. Dave is the owner of Industrial and he is extremely knowledgeable about …

Dusty Turkey has become one of the most respected whiskies on the secondary. I was lucky enough to win this one in a charity raffle, so I opened it up to share at a local meet-up. We discuss common cork issues with …

In this episode I review Jefferson's Presidential Selection 16 year (Jamar doesn't drink). Jamar has had an amazing journey to get to where he is today that includes being signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the …

I was lucky enough to get a sample of the first release of Peerless bourbon from my good friend Justin Merrick from Oklahoma Bourbon Connoisseurs.  I recorded my thoughts live for your viewing/listening pleasure.   …

Citrus with a little banana.  Little too much ethanol on the finish.  Quick review of 1792 Sweet Wheat.

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Chill filtration is some what of a buzz word in the whiskey world.  In this short video we discuss what chill filtration is, why it is done, and if it even matters.

Whiskey review of Russell's Reserve Single Barrel CNA

In this episode we review Lone Elm, Iron Root, and Balcones.  I sit down with Spencer Whelan who helped create the Texas Whiskey Association and the Texas Whiskey Trail. We discuss the future of Texas whiskey and the …

In this episode we review all 3 expressions of the newly released Belfour whiskey with hockey hall of famer Ed Belfour.  Ed, his son Dayn, and his daughter Reaghan  have applied their maximum effort attitude to …

In this episode the ladies and I try Angel's Envy rye and Mid Winter Nights Dram. Gabrielle was formally married to the right hand man of a mafia boss. She and her daughter Marcella lived a charmed life, but one day it …

Balcones is a pioneer in post prohibition Texas whiskey.  This expression doesn't fit well into a category, but it is something like a baby bourbon and rum made.  Check out this review for my thoughts.

In this episode we review Mic Drop 3, Ambassador BP Rye, and Henry McKenna 10Yr SiB. We have a light conversation about what each of their journeys have been from childhood realizing they were "different", coming to …

Hickory Hill is a Kentucky straight bourbon produced by Gulf Cost Distillers out of Houston.  Obviously they did not distill it given that they are …

In this episode we review Cream of Kentucky.  We also get the back story of how Robert Meche got into he competition BBQ space.  He gives us some basic tips on how to BBQ like the pros!

In this episode we review Willet 3 year rye. Ken has gone through sever difficult times chasing his dreams, and has a lot to say about what helped …

Jack Daniels is the highest selling US whiskey, but is it bourbon? In this short bonus clip we talk about the controversy and I explain why JD self identifies as Tennessee whiskey even though it is legally bourbon.

In this episode we review a "bourbon drinker's brandy" L' Encantada Armagnac with Alex Le from Nasa Liquor.  Nasa helped bring that barrel selection to TX which was a HUGE financial risk.  Alex's family owns Nasa Liquor …

In this episode of we drink MGPI's new label Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye. We also talk about what it has been like for Philip to be profiled as a larger than average black man who is married to a white woman. …

In this episode we drink an assortment of Texas whiskies.  Josh and Gretchen Golladay are Texas whiskey advocates. They started Texas Whiskey Life …

In this episode Kristopher Hart shares his Four Roses Single Barrel Selection (that tastes exactly like cigar smoke), and we talk about what it is like to be an active member in the whiskey community.  We even get a …

In this episode we review Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) William Larue Weller (WLW) and we discuss what life is like as a law enforcement …

I am sick of senseless deaths and all we get is "thoughts and prayers".  I want change! I am a gun owner and I support second amendment rights.  In …

Why get involved in whiskey club?

In this episode we take a sample of the unreleased 2020 Balmorhea straight from the cask.  We also nerd out on all the manufacturing processes Garrison uses that are different from traditional KY bourbon.  Donnis …

Value Bourbons that can usually be found on the shelf: Old Grand-Dad 114, OGD BiB, Wild Turkey 101, Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, Jim Beam Black Label, Russel's Reserve SiB, Noah's Mill, Old Bardstown, Old Forester 1910, …

In this episode we review Parker Heritage Collection 11 year. I also talk with Chris Hail about his life experiences growing up disabled. Chris was …

In this recording we discuss Crown Royal's main characteristics that may have caused its loyal customers to be drawn to it. We then use those characteristics to find a few other whiskies that might have a related …

In this episode I do a live review of several single barrel whiskies from Five Points Distilling. They make the acclaimed Lone Elm Whiskey that is 95% red winter wheat. We also speak with Brandon Choate the Distillery …

Balcones Texas High Plains Single Malt

Quick live review of this one of a kind single malt. Barley does not grow well in Texas, and malting of grain is not a common industry in Texas. The good people over at Balcones …

I know there are a lot of newer whiskey drinkers out there who have drank the same pour for years, but you are curious about what else might be out there for you. I am producing a series on my podcast Bourbon Real Talk …

In this episode we review 2018 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (OFBB) and have a light hearted conversation about appropriate bottle counts for whiskey …

In this short content post we discuss esters, how they affect the flavor of whiskey, and the reason why I often find a banana flavor when reviewing whiskey. There has been a bit of fun had at my expense on this account, …

In this episode we review a 2017 Thomas H Handy THH rye.  We also discuss the social climate among those growing up in environments with less than they need to survive. Rodney tells his shocking story of navigating the …

If you are a Jack Daniel's drinker you will want to check this video out. In it I give a little whiskey nerd info and review some of their premium products. You might just find that your horizon has been broadened.

In this episode we drink an "infinity glass" of all 7 Single Malt single barrel whiskies we tried at the Plump Jack's barrel selection. We also discuss the differences between Balcones manufacturing processes and more …

In this episode we review 2017 George T Stagg (GTS) and talk with Bill and Nell Ward the founders of Divine Equine. Bill was in army special forces and after retirement went into private security contracting in some of …

We interview Robert Likarish, one of two brothers responsible for distilling at Iron Root.  He educates us on the differenced in their distilling techniques from more traditional companies and we hear about the bright …

In this recording we discuss the differences in grain, fermentation, distillation, and maturation that produce the unique flavors of Texas whiskey.  We also explain how the consuming public may be overlooking these …

Someone Say Whiskey? had and opportunity to do a barrel pick for Empire Liquor, but the barrel was going to be from Iron Root Republic distilling.  Not being a Texas whiskey drinker before this point I went to the pick, …

In this episode of Bourbon Real Talk we review Kentucky Owl Confiscated and discuss the ins and outs of being a fireman.  Billy shares some of the heart wrenching moments that keep firemen up at night, and some of the …