The Whiskey Lore® Podcast
Storytelling Podcasts
The Whiskey Lore Podcast, hosted by best-selling travel author Drew Hannush, is a captivating exploration of whiskey's rich history, myths, and modern craft distilling culture, appealing to both enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Covering bourbon, Scotch, Irish, rye, and more, the podcast offers three formats: Stories, which delve into historical narratives like the origins of Bottled-in-Bond or Ireland's whiskey rebirth, Interviews which documents whiskey history and the people making it, and Whiskey Flights, a weekly series focused on craft distillery travel. Whiskey Flights transports listeners to craft distilleries worldwide, offering virtual tours that highlight unique operations, local grains, and innovative spirits. Episodes feature chats with founders—like Brian Cummings of Great Northern Distilling or Guy Whitehead of Lucky Guys Distillery—covering topics from potato vodka to bitters crafting. Each Flight emphasizes the pleasures of distillery visits, sharing practical travel tips and cultural context, such as Wisconsin's supper club scene or Tasmania's whiskey boom. Hannush's warm narration and curiosity bring distilleries to life, making listeners feel like they're sipping alongside him.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Storytelling Podcasts
Description:
The Whiskey Lore Podcast, hosted by best-selling travel author Drew Hannush, is a captivating exploration of whiskey's rich history, myths, and modern craft distilling culture, appealing to both enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Covering bourbon, Scotch, Irish, rye, and more, the podcast offers three formats: Stories, which delve into historical narratives like the origins of Bottled-in-Bond or Ireland's whiskey rebirth, Interviews which documents whiskey history and the people making it, and Whiskey Flights, a weekly series focused on craft distillery travel. Whiskey Flights transports listeners to craft distilleries worldwide, offering virtual tours that highlight unique operations, local grains, and innovative spirits. Episodes feature chats with founders—like Brian Cummings of Great Northern Distilling or Guy Whitehead of Lucky Guys Distillery—covering topics from potato vodka to bitters crafting. Each Flight emphasizes the pleasures of distillery visits, sharing practical travel tips and cultural context, such as Wisconsin's supper club scene or Tasmania's whiskey boom. Hannush's warm narration and curiosity bring distilleries to life, making listeners feel like they're sipping alongside him.
Twitter:
@travelfuelslife
Language:
English
Contact:
+1 (844) 447-9700
Website:
https://www.whiskey-lore.com/
Episodes
📙 S7:3 - Did GEORGE THORPE Distill America's First Corn Whiskey?
2/16/2026
The first time I picked up a whiskey history book, I was introduced to the story of George Thorpe, an Englishman who came to Berkeley Plantation in 1620, to make "hooch," as the book stated. He was credited with making America's first corn whiskey and starting an industry.
As I dove more and more into research on whiskey history and the evolution of distilling techniques, this American origin story seemed less and less likely. Still, I had to admit, I didn't know enough of the story to do any more than suggest, it was possibly lore.
After diving deep into the historical record, I'll take a look at three popular theories as to why George is considered America's first distiller of corn whiskey. By the end, I'll give you my thoughts, but you too will be well versed enough in the story to make your own educated guess.
Enjoy this dive into early American distilling and watch for bonus coverage in Behind the Lore at patreon.com/whiskeylore .
Cheers and slainte mhath,
Drew
Duration:00:49:33
✈️ WF087 to Florida: TIMBER CREEK DISTILLERY - Florida Grains, Blending Kits, and a Distillery of Experiences
2/9/2026
Timber Creek Distillery (Crestview, FL) WF087
Let's fly off to our next virtual destination, a distillery that incorporates a Canadian style of single grain distillation, incorporates brewing techniques into distilling, and is focused on providing great experiences - not just tours, but pairings, blending, and even blacksmithing and axe throwing while you enjoy their Brick oven pizza.
The distillery is Timber Creek, located in the panhandle of Florida, about 50 miles north of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. In today's episode, I chat with founders Camden Form and Aaron Barnes. We'll talk about lautering, 401 rye, blending kits, and why experiences are so important to today's distilleries.
Hear the condensed episode here or listen to the complete interview as a member of the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy patreon.com/whiskeylore
Cheers and slainte mhath,
Drew
Duration:00:31:25
✈️ WF085 to Ohio: WATERSHED DISTILLERY - Small Batch Bourbon, Elevage, and Johnny Appleseed
2/2/2026
Watershed Distillery (Columbus, OH) WF085
The Great 48 Tour finishes its Northeastern swing in the Midwest, as I visit Ohio's largest distillery and chat with Tommy Householder (Brand Ambassador) and Ryan Venrick (Cask Manager) about the rise of whiskey in Columbus, Barrel Aged Gin, buying local (including barrels), and the legend of Johnny Appleseed. I'll taste their flagship Bourbon and Apple Brandy.
Enjoy this entertaining discussion or take the FULL TOUR and hear us taste each of their Bourbon expressions, gin, and apple brandy, plus get deeper stories with a 7-day free trail of the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy at patreon.com/whiskeylore
Duration:00:36:38
📙 S7:2 - The Story of GLENDRONACH and the Ladies of the Night
1/26/2026
TRUTH OR LORE: Did James "Cobbie" Allardes enlist the help of Edinburgh's ladies of the night to sell his "guid Glendronach whisky?"
It's a story I used to kick off the Whiskey Lore podcast back in 2019, but a lot has happened since then—especially when it comes to the way I conduct research.
Join me as I take a second look at the life of James Allardes and the creation of Glendronach Distillery. The real story is fascinating and once you hear it, it will beg the question: Was the story of the Cannongate ladies of the night truth or lore?
Along the way, we'll learn just how successful the distillery was under Cobbie's ownership and the style of whisky he was making. For lovers of the modern sherry bomb Glendronach, you might be in for a shock.
And join me later this week for a deeper dive into the history of Glendronach on Behind The Lore, available to members of the Speakeasy at patreon.com/whiskeylore
Duration:00:37:31
✈️ WF084 to New York: COOPERSTOWN DISTILLERY - New York vs Kentucky Bourbon, Baseball Decanters, and Yankees or Mets
1/19/2026
Cooperstown Distillery (Cooperstown, NY) WF084
Time to take a journey to a town filled with baseball lore and memories---and some great whiskey tasting experiences.
Join me as I chat with Gene Marra, a native New Yorker who worked in the culinary arts and wine world before opening a distillery in the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
We'll have some interesting things to chat about. Gene will reveal why he thinks New York Bourbon is superior, we'll taste a Bourbon, rye, and single malt, and we'll find out how he prepared London judges before tasting his single malt. Plus, we'll talk about the cool signature baseball decanters they produce.
Members of the Speakeasy can hear an extra 20 minutes of interview time, including a dive into New York's cooper who is gaining a great reputation, and we'll taste an Apple Brandy and see what the Europeans thought of that. Check it out at patreon.com/whiskeylore. Sign up for a 7-Day Free Trial.
Duration:00:32:00
✈️ WF083 to Vermont: VERMONT SPIRITS - The Fascinating Things You Can Do With Maple
1/12/2026
Vermont Spirits (Quechee, VT) WF083
While reaching out to distilleries across the country for my new book Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing American Whiskey, quite a few caught my ear in terms of the techniques they were using to make spirits.
Vermont Spirits was one of the few that caught my ear because of something other than whiskey. Yes, they make a Maple-infused Bourbon, but it was their distillation of maple syrup for their vodka and gin that fascinated me. The natural inclination would be to make rum. So, what is it that pushed Vermont Spirits to construct a distillery to focus on distilling vodka?
We'll also dive into their Bourbon and barrel-aged gin that could easily pass for a rye whiskey.
Join me as we visit the last of our New England distilleries on this amazing Great 48 Tour.
Cheers and slainte mhath,
Drew
Duration:00:34:17
✈️ WF082 to New Hampshire: FLAG HILL DISTILLERY - Breakfast Bourbon, No-Till Farming, and the New Stillhouse
1/5/2026
Flag Hill Distillery and Winery (Lee, NH) WF082
Join me as I continue the Great 48 Tour across New England, with a scenic stop at the Flag Hill Distillery and Winery.
Originally hired as a distiller, Brian Ferguson had thoughts of going back to his native Pennsylvania to make whiskey. Then the owner made him an excellent offer to stay and take over Flag Hill. It's a unique story and we'll dive into it.
We'll also talk about some of the projects he's got going on. We'll learn what Heavy Rum and Breakfast Bourbon are, learn about the distillery's grain growing practices, and how the winery fits into whiskey tastings.
There will be a photo from my visit to Flag Hill in my upcoming book Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing American Whiskey. It's quintessential New England.
Duration:00:38:30
🎉 WF2025 - Whiskey Lore's Fan Favorite Independent Craft Distillery Top 40 Countdown (2025 Edition) Part 2
12/29/2025
Are you ready to find out who number one is? I've gathered conversations from the distilleries I've talked with and pieced together the 24 biggest fan favorite distilleries as voted by Instagram and Patreon followers of Whiskey Lore.
Thanks to everyone who voted this year. Friday, we will be starting all over again, but with some changed, which I describe in the podcast. In 2026, we are going to engage every distillery in the upcoming book Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing American Whiskey.
Time to stir the pot and get these distilleries noticed. Medal winners will first dibs on having profiles written about them in Experiencing American Whiskey: 2027 Edition - so this vote will matter!
Happy New Year to all, be safe and have fun.
Cheers and slainte mhath in 2026.
Drew
Duration:01:06:35
🎉 WF2025 - TOP 40 Countdown: Whiskey Lore's Fan Favorite Independent Craft Distilleries (2025 Edition)
12/22/2025
WARNING: DJ Voice Enabled
Welcome to a year end countdown of the Top 40 independent craft distilleries as voted on by you. We'll count down from #40 to #1 and I'll share bits of interviews, personal notes, distillery insights from the new book Experiencing American Whiskey, and a few interesting side-bits, like what are the top 10 states for whiskey distillery experiences.
It's a fun hour to round up an amazing year and to reward these great distilleries with some extra coverage on the Whiskey Lore Podcast.
Enjoy and happy holidays to you all!
Drew
For pre-orders of Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing American Whiskey
whiskeylore.org/shop (US only)
Duration:00:59:25
✈️ WF081 to Massachusetts: BOSTON HARBOR DISTILLERY - Rhonda Kallman's Journey from Beer to Drams, a Historic Building, and Demon Seed
12/15/2025
Boston Harbor Distillery (Dorchester, MA) WF081
Meet the co-founder of Samuel Adams, whose real passion was whiskey. Rhonda Kallman helped craft beer get on its feet, so why not craft whiskey? We'll talk about her background, the historic building she found to house the distillery, the legend who helped get her on the right foot with distilling, and we'll taste rye, single malt, and something called Demon Seed.
It's a fun conversation and (if you haven't noticed) I've been putting out longer versions of the podcast for free members on Patreon. It's kind of a holiday thing, but I am also excited about the release of my new book Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing American Whiskey. If you're in the U.S. you can pre-order your copy at whiskeylore.org/shop I'll be putting an order in for them in the next few days and hope to have them by the end of December (although the holidays have a way of stalling things). I'll send them out with free shipping and a signature, if you order now and you should receive it before the January 13th release date.
Thanks for listening and hope you enjoy this fun conversation.
Cheers and slainte mhath,
Drew
Duration:00:52:54
✈️ WF080 to Rhode Island: WORKING MAN DISTILLERS - The Whiskey Proposal, Moving a Distillery, and Family Guy
12/8/2025
Working Man Distillers (Pawtucket, RI) WF080
Quite a day in New England, I'll be conquering five states! Leaving Connecticut, I head to Pawtucket, Rhode Island to meet John and Kelly Lendall, the owners of Working Man Distillery. I sit down with John to discuss the evolution of the distillery, the move from Massachusetts, and the marriage proposal that hinged on distilling.
I wish I had some time to hang around, John tells me about a Family Guy experience in Providence. Enjoy our conversation and if you want to add this distillery to your Whiskey Lore Wish List, head to whiskeylore.org/rhodeisland and add some other distilleries to your list. This is a small state just itching for a trail. Also, this is the last week to get a discount and signed Whiskey Lore books (US only) for your favorite whiskey fan. whiskeylore.org/shop
Duration:00:38:02
✈️ WF078 to Connecticut: LITCHFIELD DISTILLERY - From Water to Whiskey, Connecticut Grain, and the Spirit of Hard Work
12/1/2025
Litchfield Distillery (Litchfield, CT) WF078
Join me as I enter New England as part of the Great 48 Tour. Today I chat with Peter Baker, a co-founder of Litchfield Distillery in Connecticut. Along with his two brothers they made a decision to expand beyond their three-generation family bottled water business and get into the world of whiskey.
We'll talk talk about their development of an American single malt, their use of Connecticut grain, taste a couple of whiskeys including their oldest release to date. And we'll dig a little into the history of bottled water (no, it isn't a recent phenomena). We'll also hear the story behind their logo and tagline, and the importance of legislative changes that allowed them to offer tastings and on-site sales.
And, if you'd like to gift a signed copy of Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Kentucky, The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey, or Experiencing Irish Whiskey for Christmas, make sure to order at whiskeylore.org/shop before December 12th to get them for a great low price and free shipping.
Cheers and slainte mhath,
Drew
Duration:00:31:05
✈️ WF078 to New Jersey: MILK STREET DISTILLERY - A Story of Brothers, Irish Influence, and the War Penny
11/24/2025
Milk Street Distillery (Branchville, NJ) WF0078
On the way to New England for the Great 48 Tour and I took a few backroads through northern New Jersey to discover unexpected scenery, the influence of unmalted barley, and two brothers who left construction jobs to take advantage of New Jersey's evolving laws on distilling.
Join me for a laid back conversation with Mike and Gordon Geerhart, founders of Milk Street Distillery. We'll find out the story behind the names Murder Bourbon and War Penny, I'll test my palate on rum, and we'll find out what wild and crazy things happen here on Saturday nights.
Don't forget, there are 20 more minutes available in this interview to members of the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy. Try a 7-day free trial at Patreon.com/WhiskeyLore and find the perfect book for the whiskey lover on your holiday list at whiskeylore.org/shop (discounts and free U.S. shipping).
Duration:00:33:06
🥃 Ep. 127 - TASTING REVIEW: Diageo's 2025 Special Releases with Greg King of Proof
11/20/2025
Welcome to a surprise tasting event. Today I'll be joined by Greg King of Proof, who is going to introduce us to the 2025 lineup of Diageo Special Releases.
In this episode we'll dive into the history of this series and Greg and I will taste the new Oban and Lagavulin releases and I'll toss in a couple wildcards as well. We'll talk a little about the distilleries and flavor characteristics. There are some nice surprises in this pack that includes:
● Lagavulin 12 Year Old 'Grain & Embers'
● Oban 12 Year Old 'Heart of the Harbour'
● The Singleton of Glen Ord 17 Year Old 'Into the Blue'
● Talisker 14 Year Old 'Molten Seas'
● Dailuaine 21 Year Old 'Marbled Treasures'
● Roseisle 14 Year Old 'Harmonic Grace'
● Clynelish 18 Year Old 'Waxen Sun'
● Teaninich 8 Year Old 'Daring Rye'
‼️ DISCLOSURE ‼️
Whiskies supplied by Proof for this tasting. Opinions are my own.
for this tasting. Opinions are my own.
Duration:00:34:20
🎙️ Ep. 126 - FETTERCAIRN DISTILLERY: Tropical Fruit Notes, Long Aged Whisky, and History
11/17/2025
Today, we're taking the week off from the Great 48 Tour and giving some much needed time to Scotch whisky and history. Join me as I chat with Stewart Walker, longtime Distillery Manager of Fettercairn in the Highlands of Scotland.
We're going to dive back into the the origins of the distillery, the Prime Minister whose family owned Fettercairn at one time and his impact on Scotch whisky, the distillery's distinctive flavor profile, and how to make a 40 to 46 year old whisky wake up before it's bottled.
Enjoy this commercial-free version on both Patreon and the regular Whiskey Lore podcast feed. I'm celebrating, as I close in on the completion of my next book Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing American Whiskey. We'll get back to whiskey travel next week and I may even have the book ready for pre-orders.
Cheers and slainte mhath,
Drew
Duration:01:02:46
✈️ WF077 to Wyoming: BRUSH CREEK DISTILLERY - Railroad Whiskey, Steve Nally's Wyoming Influence, and a Sprawling Ranch
11/10/2025
Brush Creek Distillery (Saratoga, WY) WF0077
As we reach the end of the western swing of the Great 48 Tour, I reach the most sprawling and scenic distillery of the trip. Out in the wilds of Wyoming, isolated from the rest of the world stands a 30,000 acre ranch and luxury resort with a distillery, underground speakeasy, and some unique ways to reuse elements of its whiskey barrels.
Join me as I chat with the Managing Director of the distillery Andrew Wason. We'll talk about who turned him onto this job, how that same person inspired him to put whiskey on the rails, and the "blank slate" in began with, and the industry veteran he leaned on for to get things going in the right direction.
It's a fascinating conversation talking about an incredible destination. Patreon paid subscribers, get an extra 20 minutes of conversation---commercial free.
Duration:00:34:39
✈️ WF076 to Montana: HEADFRAME SPIRITS - Building Stills, Butte's Mining History, and the Orphan Girl
11/3/2025
Headframe Spirits (Butte, MT) WF076
Today, a bit of a hybrid episode. As part of the Great 48 Tour, I decided to revisit a distillery in the mining town of Butte, Montana. It's a distillery that tells the story of Butte America and the town's mining legacy through its spirit names. So, not only was I fascinated by it's storytelling, I was also intrigued by the fact I've seen stills around the country with Headframe's logo.
So, I wanted to dive a little deeper with founder John McKee, who not only has a passion for making a unique (for America) style still, but also is a great ambassador for the town of Butte.
A good bit of history, some talk about whiskey, and a wee bit of a technical deep dive into what makes his stills different from the pot stills and column stills we see throughout the industry.
Enjoy this interview/flight with an additional 5 minutes of content as a member of the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy: patreon.com/whiskeylore
Cheers and slainte mhath,
Drew
Duration:00:44:26
✈️ WF075 to Idaho: UP NORTH DISTILLERY - Single Malt, Honey Spirits, and a Bavarian Inspired Treat
10/27/2025
Up North Distillery (Post Falls, ID) WF075
Occasionally I visit a distillery that stretches the imagination of what spirits can be. Randy and Hilary Mann have just such a distillery in the upper reaches of the Idaho panhandle. Up North not only makes a delicious single malt (featuring one of my favorite tasting notes) they also make barrel aged and barrel finished honey spirits, brandies, and a fascinating spirit that was inspired by a Bavarian spirit.
Join me as we taste through some of these unique spirits and learn what it takes to distill honey, turn people on to brandy, and taste through a wide spectrum of spirits.
Whiskey Lore Speakeasy fans get an extra 12 minutes of interview time. Join on a 7 day free trail at patreon.com/whiskeylore
Duration:00:30:37
✈️ WF074 to Washington: BROWNE FAMILY SPIRITS - From Kentucky to Finding Flavor in the Pacific Northwest
10/20/2025
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
Duration:00:31:20
✈️ WF073 to Oregon: OREGON SPIRIT DISTILLERS - Wheat Whiskey, Cocktails, and Oregon Distilling Beyond Portland
10/13/2025
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.
Duration:00:33:31