The Whiskey Lore® Podcast

Browne Family Spirits (Spokane, WA) WF0074 As we hit the midway point of the Great 48 Tour, we're hitting the furthest point northwest on our tour. Our destination is a distillery that lives in the shadown of a massive grain mill on the eastside of town. It's known in the area for great and innovative cocktails, its owners came from the wine industry, the distiller is a Kentuckian, and the whiskeys are filled with depth and character. Join me as I chat with Aaron Kleinhelter, master distiller, about working with Pacific Northwest grain, how he gets so much flavor from his spirits, and life for a Kentuckian in Eastern Washington. And enjoy a few extra minutes of interview time as a member of the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy, by joining at patreon.com/whiskeylore while supporting this independent podcaster. Cheers and slainte mhath, Drew

Oregon Spirit Distillers (Bend, OR) WF073 Over the last 3 months, I've been scouring the United States for distilleries to list in my upcoming Experiencing American Whiskey book. But I've also been trying to find other things that would help whiskey fans discover new distilleries in each state. It was while trying to learn about Oregon's whiskey festivals that I was introduced to Brad Irwin, co-founder of Oregon Spirit Distillers. Brad and his wife Kathy run the annual Oregon Whiskey Festival each September at their distillery. It is just the kind of festival I was look for. So when it came time to plan out a trip to Oregon for a distillery visit on my Great 48 Tour, I thought, maybe I should stop by and see what this distillery is all about. Join me as I chat with Brad about starting with a wheat whiskey, how it differs from a "wheater" and talk about why the classics are always the best. Plus, I'll be popping into a store that many of you probably thought has long since disappeared. Enjoy an extended version of the podcast at patreon.com/whiskeylore as a member of the Speakeasy and support this independent podcast.

If you've been to their distillery in Louisville or read one of their bottles you have probably encountered the claim that that Old Forester was "the first bottled Bourbon." The story suggests that in 1870, a former pharmaceutical rep George Garvin Brown began placing whiskey in sealed bottles and putting his signature on them to show he stood behind the safety and quality of the whiskey. It's a great story. But is it true? Join me in this pilot episode of a potential new Whiskey Lore series, as I dig through old newspapers and archives to seek out the deeper story of who George Garvin Brown was, more about this fine spirit known as Old Forester, and how much of the story is truth and how much of it is lore. And if you enjoy this kind of deep-dive whiskey investigation and want to help this independent podcaster bring more episodes like it to life, join the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy at patreon.com/whiskeylore It is time to disrupt some whiskey history! Cheers and slainte mhath, Drew

Hinterhaus Distillery (Arnold, CA) WF072 Today the Great 48 Tour climbs over the Sierra-Nevadas into the great state of California. The drive in featured mountains, huge Sequoias, and some hairpin turns. The first signs of life (beyond some bikers and travelers at overlooks) occurs when you see the sign for Hinterhaus Distillery. This is a distillery I've long wanted to visit, thanks to the great support it got in my Instagram Fan Favorite Craft Distillery competition last year. The trip didn't disappoint. The Randalls are making some amazing whiskey without a lot of background. Quality ingredients, trying to stay as California as possible for terroir, and a love for experimentation. I've been enjoying the flavors I've discovered on this trip and Hinterhaus is a big part of that flavor story. If you're a member of the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy at patreon.com/whiskeylore then you've got a full hour of conversation to listen to. We'll dive deeper into the pros and cons of wild yeast, dealing with grains in drought conditions, and how Nate Randall set up a distillery without a single consultant. We'll also go through several whiskies and even a brandy on top of the 2 we taste for the podcast feed. Enjoy this trip to the edge of the wilderness. Cheers and slainte mhath, Drew

Frey Ranch Distillery (Fallon, NV) WF071 Four years ago, I had the pleasure of chatting with Colby and Ashley Frey of Frey Ranch Distillery. They had just released their first batch of Bourbon and so we discussed that, but also took a deep dive into farming and how having direct control over the grain is such an advantage. Well, the Great 48 Tour was heading through Nevada and so where better to stop in officially (since that first visit was a Zoom call) than on the farm that houses both grain and distillery. And what I visit it was. I got to walk through the malt house, see the distillery, and then get a fascinating tour of the distillery, complete with a fly over (you'll have to listen to find out what that was all about). This is definitely a deep dive episode and no worries if you heard the original interview, we're covering all new ground here, including some tastings of the great experimental whiskies that were just starting to age the last time I talked to the Freys. I will tell you though, you're going to miss a lot if you just listen to the 35 minute episode that is on the Whiskey Lore Podcast feed. On Patreon, I chat for an addition 25 minutes with dives into some of the on-going experiments at the distillery as well as some insider info and details about how Colby is making his own peat like substance. Find it at patreon.com/whiskeylore

Sugar House Distillery (South Salt Lake, UT) WF0040 After an incredible drive up through one of (if not) the most beautiful states in the country, I made my way to South Salt Lake in Utah for my third stop on this western swing of the Great 48 Tour. My host is James Fowler of Sugar House Distillery. If you thought High West was the only name in Utah spirits, you're in for a surprise. James took me on a tour of the distillery, the barrel room, and then rolled over a cart filled with whiskey bottles, where we taste through Utah Bourbon, rye, and single malts. While sipping, we'll talk about how customers react to single malt, James' evolution from beer to distilling, and the special conditions James deals with in Utah. For fans wanting an even deeper dive into the tastings including their vodka and beer inspired Bourbon, become a member of the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy at patreon.com/whiskeylore and get an extra 30 minutes of this interview, plus additional travel information. At the same time you'll be supporting this independent podcast.

As Above So Below Distillery (Santa Fe, NM) WF0069 Today we're going to visit the beautiful town of Santa Fe and one of the most unique philosophies in terms of making spirits that I've come across. A primary goal for founder and distiller Caley Shoemaker and her spirits, particularly her gin, is to create a "sense of place" that evokes the unique aromas of Northern New Mexico, using local botanicals like piñon sap. Meanwhile, the distillery's experimental whiskey line, "The Astrologist," was designed to be a series of unique, one-time releases tied to the astrological conditions present at the time of bottling. This approach may seem unconventional, but we'll learn why Caley feels this is a fun way to expand our understanding of how spirits develop. We'll taste several spirits (more so on the extended version of the podcast, that also includes bonus coverage at patreon.com/whiskey) and talk about Caley's move from Stranahans to owning her own distillery and taking her talents as far away as Rwanda. It's a fascinating episode you won't want to miss. Find more whiskey flights at whiskeylore.org/flights

Boulder Spirits (Vapor Distillery in Boulder CO) WF0068 The state of Colorado has no shortage of amazing distilleries, so I had a tough choice when kicking the "Great 48 Tour" back into gear. One of my favorite visits when I made my way here two years ago was Boulder Spirits. Founder Alastair Brogan walked me all around the place and we have a great conversation about all things single malt, Bourbon, Scotland, and making whiskey in the Rockies. Since we haven't featured him on the podcast, today is the day. Join me as we chat about what drew him to America, having a still and needing a distillery, starting with Bourbon, getting the first 10 year whiskey ready, and the new experience Boulder Spirits brought to the center of town. Members of the Speakeasy and Club 1897 will also hear extended conversations about how Forsyths in Scotland leaned on their experience with Balcones in designing the still, and aging whiskey in the high pressure of a mile high zone. Join at patreon.com/whiskeylore and get a bonus of helping to support this independent podcast.

As a historical researcher, one of the time periods I seem to have the least knowledge of is the history of this latest whiskey boom. As luck would have it, today I get a chance to dive into that history with someone who lived it. Meet Noah Rothbaum, the author of the upcoming book The Whiskey Bible: The Complete Guide to the World's Greatest Spirit. For 25 years, he's seen whiskey go from inconsequential in an era where whiskey trails were non-existent, to today's whiskey boom. Motivation that led to Noah getting into whiskey writing The landscape of whiskey at the turn of this century Mad Man myth or truth? Bourbon's domination of the American story, yet limited brands The rise of rye and craft The trip to St. Andrews and where Scotch whisky interest was at the time The first distillery visit Canadian, Irish, Japanese, and the development of World whiskies.

Oaklore Distillery (Matthews, NC) WF067 Charlotte. Where is that? North Carolina? South Carolina? You'd be surprised at how many people get tripped up by that. Today though, let it be known we're going to explore the whiskeys of Oaklore Distillery in Matthews a town that is definitely North Carolina. Join me as I chat with Tom and Matt, the founders of Oaklore who share their passion for whiskey and the process of creating their unique products. They discuss their learning experiences, the importance of quality, and the rich history of whiskey in North Carolina. The conversation also delves into how the unique way the produce their spirits, the significance of barrel aging, and the visitor experience at their distillery. The flow goes like this:

Company Distilling (Lynchburg, Thompson Station, Townsend, TN) WF0066 Way back in December 2021, I sat down with former Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Jeff Arnett in episode 45 to talk about his new venture - Company Distilling. We talked about how he fell into a job at the company, his rise, and the impact he had on that brand. Then we dug into his decision to join with other Tennessee entrepreneurs to create Company Distilling. It's a great episode and it really gets you a feel for where this all started. Now, Company has just introduced a new location, interestingly enough, in the shadow of Jack Daniel's in Lynchburg. Today, we will pick up the story of Company from where we left off three and a half years ago. It's been an interesting ride for Jeff and the team. And we'll find out more about how Company fits into a Lynchburg visit. Here is what we'll discuss: Enjoy 20 extra minutes of this conversation as a member of the Speakeasy at patreon.com/whiskeylore where we talk about future plans, approachable complexity, Jeff's right hand man, the hazmat trend, and some more details from his Jack Daniel's days.

Back in the 19th century, when Ireland ruled the whiskey world, distilleries didn't bottle their own whiskeys. Instead this was left to whiskey bonders who took barrels of aged spirit and blended, distributed, and marketed them to the world as Irish Whiskey. As the industry consolidated during the 20th century, the roll of the bonder all but disappeared. But today, this Irish legacy has come alive once again with Shane McCarthy and his fellow founders telling that story through their Two Stacks Irish Whiskeys. Join us as Shane and I chat about the history of bonding, the misconception about peated Irish whiskey, putting whiskey in a mini-can, and why single grain may be the perfect gateway for Bourbon drinkers trying to find an Irish whiskey to embrace. We'll talk about: And for those longing for a commercial-free episode with bonus interview time, try out the 7 day free trial of the Whiskey Lore Patreon Speakeasy at patreon.com/whiskeylore

Isle of Raasay Distillery (Isle of Raasay, Scotland) WF0065 Returning to Scotland to visit one of my favorite young distilleries. Join me as I take you to the little island off the coast of the Isle of Skye and the distillery that was built by a blender with the idea of creating the perfect components for crafting a flavorful young whisky. Alasdair Day, co-founder of the distillery, joins me to explore the unique aspects of Raasay Distillery, from its historical significance as the first legal distillery on the island to the innovative techniques used in whisky production. Alasdair shares insights into the distilling process, the importance of water sources, and the unique characteristics of their peat. We also dive into the experiences you can have while visiting the island. Subjects we touch on: For those who want more, check out the extra 10 minutes, commercial free as a member of the Speakeasy or Club 1897 at patreon.com/whiskeylore. We'll discuss the Distillery's Unique Highland Designation, Crafting the Perfect Water Source from a Pale Cow, and Future Plans: The Campbeltown Distillery Project.

Copper Mule Distillery (Hermann, MO) WF0064 Back in 2001, I stumbled upon a beautiful section of Missouri, just west of St. Louis known as Missouri Wine Country. That trip saw me stopping off at my first ever tasting experience - at the Stone Hill Winery. A couple trips later, I discovered there was whiskey to be had in the German community of Hermann. Now, there are several distilleries and I bumped into one of them while doing research for my next book. Join me as I chat with Don Gosen, founder of Copper Mule Distillery, we've got insider info on the Missouri Expedition Trail, insights into Missouri's distilling legacy, and the surprise legacy Don and his wife discovered in their own family. Here are some of the things we chat about: Exploring Hermann: A Historical Overview The Rise of Distilling in Hermann From Brewing to Distilling: A Personal Journey Uncovering Family History and Distilling Heritage The Significance of the Century Farm The Legacy of Bourbon and Brandy Production Bartering and Historical Practices in Distilling The Appeal of Wheated Bourbons Missouri's Whiskey Heritage and Distilling History The Role of Local Ingredients in Distilling Moonshine Stills: A Unique Collection The Importance of Quality Barrels in Bourbon Exploring the Missouri Spirits Expedition The Distillery Tour Experience Collaboration in the Distilling Community The extended version of this interview found at patreon.com/whiskeylore has 15 more minutes of extra interview time with some fun extras.

Originally meant to be my 63rd Whiskey Flight podcast, I had no idea what a historical goldmine I was stumbling into when I reached out to Cindy and Andy Sudderth of R.M. Rose Co Distillery. In this conversation, Andy Sudderth shares not only his own family's legacy in distilling, but also what he's learned about the historic RM Rose Distillery. We'll learn about Rufus Rose, a Connecticut Yankee who joined the fight with the Confederacy, the techniques used his in whiskey production, and the challenges faced the company faced with Prohibition. It's a rich history that not only covers Georgia, it seeps into my Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey book's history, as well as the history of a modern Kentucky distillery. Andy's passion for history and distilling shines through as he recounts the rich narrative behind RM Rose and its revival. We'll delve into the intricate world of distillation, exploring various techniques, the historical significance of the RM Rose distillery, and the impact of Prohibition on the whiskey industry. We also discuss the legacy of moonshine in Dawsonville, Georgia, and the cultural connections tied to one of their moonshines inspired by a classic 1970s film. We'll also cover details about the modern distillery and the new satellite locations coming online. And catch an extra 10 minutes of interview, commercial-free as a member of patreon.com/whiskeylore.

How many times have you driven down I-75 through South Georgia, not knowing there were quality distilleries to be explore just miles off each exit? Join me as I chat with the owner of one of these distilleries, Brian Higgins of 1861. We'll explore the distillery's history, the quirky customs associated with whiskey, the myth about limestone water in Kentucky, and the specialty grains he's using in his six-grain Bourbon. Brian shares insights into the distillery's award-winning spirits and the unique experience offered to visitors, including the opportunity to create custom whiskeys. We'll also give some travel planning advice. Find all of Georgia's whiskey distilleries here: whiskey-lore.com/georgia

In today's conversation, I'm joined by Joe Beatrice and Tripp Stimson from Barrell Craft Spirits. We're going to dig into the art of whiskey blending, the unique characteristics of their products, and the intricacies of whiskey tasting. We'll explore the artistic differences between blending and distilling, the importance of maturation, and the flavor profiles of Barrell's whiskeys, including Seagrass and Foundation Single Barrel. Here are the main topics: For an extended version of this episode, join the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy (7 day free trial available) at Patreon.com/whiskeylore .

Stone Fences Tours (Versailles, KY) WF0062 Listeners of Whiskey Lore know I have a passion for do-it-yourself travel. Still, not everyone is like me and maybe for your first trip to Kentucky, you'd prefer to have someone take you to the state's amazing distilleries. Or maybe you want the advantage of not having to measure your fun against your ability to drive afterwards. Leaving the experience in a tour company's hands has several advantages. Join me as I chat with my friend Jerry Daniels of Stone Fences Tours about what you can expect and what to anticipate when it comes to working with a tour company. If you'd like access to the best and most up-to-date Kentucky distillery planning advice, even if you choose to go by tour company, grab a copy of Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon: Second Edition. Here is a shortcut link to the book on Amazon: whiskey-lore.com/kentuckybook

In this conversation, Drew Hannush interviews Dr. Pat Heist, co-founder of Wilderness Trail Distillery, exploring the journey from a small farmhouse distillery to a significant player in the whiskey industry. They discuss the scientific approach to distilling, the impact of the Renewable Fuels Act, the evolution of fermentation practices, and the importance of data collection in whiskey production. Dr. Heist shares insights on the sweet mash process, the challenges of scaling operations, and the future of whiskey innovation. TAKEAWAYS Wilderness Trail Distillery started as a small farmhouse distillery. Dr. Pat Heist and Shane Baker's partnership began in rock and roll. Firm Solutions was established during the 2006 economic crisis. The Renewable Fuels Act significantly impacted the distilling industry. Fuel ethanol production shares similarities with whiskey production. The distillery focuses on scientific methods in fermentation. Wilderness Trail has expanded its operations significantly since inception. Data collection is crucial for understanding whiskey production variations. Sweet mash production is a key focus for Wilderness Trail. The distillery aims to innovate and improve whiskey quality. Hear an extended version at whiskey-lore.com/patreon

New Riff Distillery (Newport, KY) WF0061 As we continue to celebrate the release of Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon: Second Edition, time to visit one of the new breed of distilleries in Kentucky. As one of the few independent distilleries of size in the state, still family-owned, New Riff has found a way to spread their whiskey nearly coast-to-coast. As those beautiful and uniquely colored bottles make their way across the country, it is time to introduce you to the brand, its history, and the story behind this name - New Riff - with Mollie Lewis, President of the company. And if you'd like to learn more about New Riff and all the other Kentucky distilleries, make sure to pick up a copy of Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon on Amazon, using this shortcut link whiskey-lore.com/kentuckybook or if you have the book already log-in to see the full preview of the distillery at whiskey-lore.com/newriff