The Whiskey Lore® Podcast

GUESTS: John Kelly (CEO) & Graeme Millar (Master Distiller), Belfast Distillery Company Belfast was once one of the world's great whiskey capitals, but for decades its distilling heritage lay dormant. In this episode, Drew Hannush reunites with Belfast Distillery Company CEO John Kelly and Master Distiller Graeme Millar to explore the rebirth of McConnell's Irish Whiskey, the remarkable transformation of Belfast's historic Crumlin Road Jail into a working distillery, and the philosophy guiding one of Northern Ireland's most ambitious whiskey projects. Along the way, they discuss McConnell's rich past, the future of Irish single malt, and why Belfast is once again becoming a destination for whiskey lovers. In This Episode The revival of Belfast's legendary McConnell's brand Why Crumlin Road Jail became a distillery Restoring a prison while preserving its history Belfast's forgotten role in Irish whiskey The rise and fall of McConnell's in the 1800s Graeme Millar's vision for triple-distilled single malt Creating a distinctive Northern Irish whiskey style Building flavor through careful distillation and maturation Behind the scenes of McConnell's visitor experience Belfast's growing reputation as a whiskey destination SHOW NOTES: whiskeylore.org/interviews JOIN THE SPEAKEASY (AND GET THE COUPON CODE): https://www.patreon.com/whiskeylore/posts/ep-141-irish-new-164366456

GUEST: Jason Fruits (Old 55 Distillery CEO & Co-Founder) Some distillers inherit tradition. Others build their own path from the ground up. In this episode, Drew Hannush sits down with Old 55 Distillery co-founder and distiller Jason Fruits to explore how a family grain business became one of America's most distinctive estate distilleries. From growing the grain to questioning nearly every accepted practice in whiskey making, Jason shares why he believes there are better ways to craft exceptional bourbon—and why being in the middle of Indiana corn country may be his greatest advantage. In This Episode Why "farm-to-glass" changes everything The business behind an estate distillery Choosing a hybrid still over convention Distilling on grain instead of beer Why Jason takes such a narrow hearts cut Can cool aging outperform Kentucky heat? The surprising role of enzymes Building a 100% sweet corn bourbon Why he calls his whiskey "Ferraris, not Fords" How family legacy shaped Old 55 SHOW NOTES: whiskeylore.org/interviews JOIN THE SPEAKEASY: patreon.com/whiskeylore

It's time to get past the marketing and historical redirects and get down to the business of discovering the true origins Bourbon. It's a story you might think you know. But do you really?  It's time to toss out 90% of the myths and lore and starting fresh, looking for the people who made America notice this thing we call Bourbon. And like the story of Tennessee whiskey, this reveal of the story will be part of a book. That book is not yet written, but you have the unique opportunity to hear it AS it is being written. I've outlined the chapters, completed most of the research, and all that's left are a few interviews and the crafting of the prose.  What you're going to hear over the next few months is a rough draft of the book. Items may be added and subtracted. But doing this as a release to you, my podcast family, helps me keep you satisfied with new historical content, while it keeps me motivated to provide the next chapter. This preface will explain the scope and why I think this book is so important in correcting our understanding of the origins of Bourbon. Enjoy listening and return for our next Monday episode, when you'll hear Chapter 1 of The Lost History of Bourbon. And to catch any bonus content and supplemental information, become a member of the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy or Club 1897. https://patreon.com/whiskeylore  Cheers and slainte mhath, Drew © 2026 Travel Fuels Life, LLC

GUEST: Nora Ganley-Roper & Adam Polonski (Lost Lantern Founders) Independent bottlers have long helped whiskey lovers discover hidden gems in Scotland, but the concept is only beginning to take hold in America. In this episode, Drew Hannush sits down with Lost Lantern founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski to explore how they're introducing craft distilleries from across the country to new audiences—and we'll go behind the scenes to find out why blending Bourbon from all 50 states was such an ambitious project. In This Episode The weakness of warehouse tasting Does a whiskey change during shipping? Building a blend that doesn't become a muddle The challenge of finding Bourbon in every state Why some barrels have "sharp elbows" How they map flavor before blending Which is harder, 13 states or 50 The hidden psychology of tasting whiskey What makes a whiskey worth bottling SHOW NOTES: whiskeylore.org/interviews JOIN THE SPEAKEASY: patreon.com/whiskeylore

GUEST: John Pawluk (Twisted Cow Distillery Founder and Distiller) Some distillers master tradition. Others ask why the tradition exists in the first place. In this episode, Drew Hannush sits down with Twisted Cow founder and distiller John Pawluk, whose gift of curiosity has led him to challenge long-held assumptions about fermentation, copper, grain, barrel aging, and flavor development. There is plenty of discussion around one of John's favorite tools for stretching his abilities-the iStill. Enjoy this return to long-form discussions about why and how whiskey is made. It's a fascinating look inside the mind of a whiskey maker who refuses to accept "because that's how it's always been done." In This Episode Why curiosity drives better whiskey Building flavor before the barrel Rethinking copper's role The science of fermentation Why grain origin matters Stone mills versus hammer mills Barrel proof and flavor evolution Learning from tradition, not following it Experimenting with blue corn and heirloom grains Creating a distillery built for discovery TRANSCRIPTS: whiskeylore.org/interviews JOIN THE SPEAKEASY: patreon.com/whiskeylore

Long before Bourbon became synonymous with Bardstown and Frankfort, Lawrenceburg was home to a network of distillers whose names helped shape the industry itself. Families like the Ripys, Hawkins, Bonds, McBrayers, and Dowlings built businesses, mentored one another, and left a legacy that still echoes across Kentucky whiskey today. In this episode, Drew Hannush talks with filmmaker Bo Cumberland and Stone Fences Tours co-founder Jerry Daniels about their new documentary, Spirits of Lawrenceburg: A Bourbon Legacy Forged Through Time, and why one of Bourbon's most influential communities deserves to be remembered. In This Episode • Why Lawrenceburg became one of the cradles of Bourbon • The forgotten names behind familiar brands • Old Joe Peyton and the rise of Old Joe Distillery • How distilling families became intertwined • Why the Ripys reached far beyond Wild Turkey • Lost distilleries hidden beneath modern landscapes • Oral tradition and the challenge of preserving history • How a documentary brings vanished places back to life • Why Lawrenceburg still matters to Bourbon today Find show notes and transcripts at whiskeylore.org/interviews

Drew Hannush heads to Florida's Treasure Coast for a virtual visit to Indian River Distillery in Vero Beach. Founded by Ray Hooker and his family, the distillery combines Florida history with a passion for rum, bourbon, gin, and American single malt. Along the way, Ray shares stories of pirates, the infamous Ashley Gang, and the unique challenges of making whiskey in a subtropical climate. In This Episode • Visiting Indian River Distillery in Vero Beach, Florida • The Treasure Coast Spirits Festival • Building a family-owned distillery from the ground up • Florida whiskey and tropical maturation • Malted wheat bourbon and American single malt production • The story of the Ashley Gang and Florida's outlaw history • Pirates, treasure ships, and legends of the Treasure Coast • Things to see and experience around Vero Beach My three reasons to visit 📍 Indian River Distillery Vero Beach, Florida Travel maps, distillery information, and trip-planning tools for more than 1,000 whiskey destinations can be found at WhiskeyLore.org/flights.

When you talk about a roller-coaster history, Four Roses is the poster child brand. In today's episode, we'll relive the glory years of Four Roses in the post-World War II era, when Madison Avenue carved out a Four Roses lifestyle. Then, I'll dig into how Seagram's took the brand from straight Bourbon blend to "Premium Light Whiskey." Then, I'll be joined by Four Roses legendary Brand Ambassador Al Young, as we watch the grand return of the brand, with a few surprises along the way. Enjoy this fascinating conclusion to this three-part series covering the history of Four Roses.

Southern Georgia isn't the first place most whiskey travelers think of, which makes 13th Colony Distillery one of those discoveries that feels like you've stumbled onto something special. In this episode, Drew Hannush heads to Americus, Georgia, to visit one of the state's oldest operating whiskey distilleries and sit down with president Maxwell Darby. Along the way, they explore how a hobby project turned into one of Georgia's most respected whiskey brands, why heat changes the aging process, and how a forgotten experiment led to one of the distillery's most sought-after releases. In This Episode • The unlikely beginnings of 13th Colony Distillery • How a family hobby became one of Georgia's oldest whiskey distilleries • Aging whiskey in the South and managing Georgia's climate • The story behind the iconic 13th Colony bottle • Double Oak bourbon and the accidental discovery that created it • Why 13th Colony moves barrels around the warehouse • In-house distillation and experimenting with barrel entry proof • The Southern Rye and using French oak spirals • The connection between 13th Colony and Georgia history • Things to see around Americus, Plains, and Andersonville • Plus, Drew shares his three reasons why 13th Colony deserves a spot on your Whiskey Lore Wish List 📍 13th Colony Distillery Americus, Georgia Travel maps, distillery information, and trip-planning tools for more than 1,000 whiskey destinations can be found at WhiskeyLore.org/flights. 🌟Enjoy a deep dive into the what the tree in 13th Colony's logo represents, how to taste their white whiskey, places to eat in Americus and more in this episode as a member of Whiskey Lore's Patreon (a 7-day free trial is available for new listeners).

When it comes to the stories of whiskey brands, the tale is often told of passionate distillers, willing markets, and a quick and easy rise built off of a quality product and reputation. But foundation stories are rarely that simple. In the case of Four Roses, an American brand with some mythic qualities, a deeper investigation shows a brand that wasn't entirely embraced by the family that originated it. At times it was the odd man out. But eventually it became one of the most popular whiskies in America. Join me as we travel through the years after the founders passed, to see how the next generation handled the family's legacy. Along the way, we'll hear of struggles with overproduction, a fist thrown when the company's integrity was challenged, the creative ways the brand survived Prohibition, and the company executive that may have set the table for the way whiskey was made for the next 80 years. Enjoy this second episode in a series of three on the history of Four Roses.

For decades, the name Clyde May has been synonymous with Alabama whiskey, even though the brand hasn't had an Alabama home. In this episode, Drew Hannush travels to Troy, Alabama, to visit Conecuh Ridge Distillery and sit down with Clyde May's grandson, L.C. May. Together, they explore the story of a World War II veteran turned moonshiner, the family's decades-long journey to bring the brand back home, and what visitors can expect from one of the South's newest whiskey destinations. In This Episode • Meeting L.C. May, grandson of legendary moonshiner Clyde May • Clyde May's service during World War II and his Purple Heart legacy • Moonshining in rural Alabama and life on the run from revenuers • The original still that survived and found its way back to the May family • Growing up around a moonshine tradition that remained alive into the 21st century • Why the brand spent decades producing whiskey outside Alabama • Bringing Clyde May's legacy home to the new Conecuh Ridge Distillery • The meaning behind the Conecuh name and the waters that shaped the region • Things to do around Troy, Alabama, from golf and hunting to Southern cooking and Gulf Coast road trips • Plus, Drew shares his three reasons why Conecuh Ridge Distillery deserves a spot on your Whiskey Lore Wish List 📍 Conecuh Ridge Distillery Troy, Alabama Travel maps, distillery information, and trip-planning tools for more than 1,000 whiskey destinations can be found at WhiskeyLore.org/flights. 🌟Enjoy an extended premium dive into the Alabama "style" of whiskey, how Clyde May's became the state spirit and more in this episode as a member of Whiskey Lore's Patreon (a 7-day free trial is available for new listeners) patreon.com/whiskeylore

In 1864, a family of Virginians found themselves in war torn Atlanta with a decision to make - head home or plant roots. This was the birth of what would become known as Paul Jones & Company. Over the years, there have been several stories floating around about how the flagship whiskey they later established in Louisville got its name. Was it because of a dance and proposal to a Southern Belle? Was it lifted from an Atlanta competitor's name? Or was it simply a name that came from the imagination of Paul Jones? Today, I'll look to answer that question while taking you beyond the Season One episode to the very origins of Four Roses Bourbon.

What began with a desire to spend more time with family led Jimmy Sharp and his father to transform an old cotton warehouse beside the railroad tracks in Opelika, Alabama, into one of the state's most distinctive distilleries. In this episode, Drew Hannush visits John Emerald Distilling Company to explore the Scottish roots behind Alabama's first post-Prohibition whiskey, the challenges of making spirits in Southern heat, and why rum, brandy, and American single malt all have a place under one roof. In This Episode • How a family dream became one of Alabama's pioneering craft distilleries • Why an old cotton warehouse in Opelika became the perfect home for John Emerald • Jimmy Sharp's apprenticeship at Springbank Distillery in Scotland • Alabama's first post-Prohibition whiskey and the rise of American single malt • Smoking malt with peach and pecan wood • The influence of barrel size and char levels in Southern aging conditions • Making rum from local sugar cane syrup and harvesting cane for rum agricole • Muscadine brandy and spirits inspired by family history • Grain-to-glass production and sourcing ingredients from Alabama farmers • The stories behind the names and animals found on every bottle • Cocktails, tours, and things to do around Opelika and Auburn • Plus, Drew shares his three reasons why John Emerald Distilling Company deserves a spot on your Whiskey Lore Wish List 📍 John Emerald Distilling Company Opelika, Alabama Travel maps, distillery information, and trip-planning tools for more than 1,000 whiskey destinations can be found at WhiskeyLore.org/flights. 🌟Enjoy a few more minutes of in-depth conversation as a member of Whiskey Lore's Patreon (a 7-day free trial is available for new listeners)

Chattanooga Whiskey helped bring legal distilling back to Chattanooga, but the Experimental Distillery is where the real magic happens. In this episode, Drew Hannush returns to downtown Chattanooga to reconnect with co-founder Tim Piersant and explore the small-scale distillery where Tennessee High Malt was born. From pot still whiskey and peated experiments to custom barrel finishes and an ever-growing library of recipes, this is a look inside one of American whiskey's most creative laboratories. In This Episode • The fight to bring distilling back to Chattanooga • How Chattanooga Whiskey abandoned sourced bourbon for its own recipes • Creating Tennessee High Malt and exploring specialty malts • The role great beer plays in making great whiskey • More than 500 experimental barrels and counting • How Chattanooga's two distilleries work together • Transparency, recipe codes, and tracking every release • Single Pot Still Whiskey and inspiration from Ireland • Triple Islay and combining peated malts with Scotch cask finishes • Why flavor starts long before the barrel • New experiments, collaborations, and botanical infusions • Exploring downtown Chattanooga and the Experimental Distillery experience • Plus, Drew shares his three reasons why Chattanooga Whiskey deserves a spot on your Whiskey Lore Wish List 📍 Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery Chattanooga, Tennessee Travel maps, distillery information, and trip-planning tools for more than 1,000 whiskey destinations can be found at WhiskeyLore.org/flights. 🌟Enjoy 25 more minutes of in-depth conversation as a member of Whiskey Lore's Patreon (a 7-day free trial is available for new listeners)

When it comes to Scottish distilleries with whiskies that match the landscape, Talisker is one of my favorite examples: sea and smoke. For the longest time, as the sole distillery on the Isle of Skye, it served as the perfect punctuation mark on any trip to the island. Seemingly isolated along the shore of Loch Harport in the small village of Carbost, it built quite a reputation around the world as early as the 1800s. Today, I'll dive into Talisker's history with Diageo's Head of Rare & Luxury Whisky, Ewan Morgan. We'll start at the distillery's origins, and you'll be among the first to hear about a distilling technique once used at the distillery, but forgotten by time. We'll talk about the influence of the distillery's worm tubs on the whisky and find out what special ingredient they use inside those worm tubs. Then I get a special treat. We'll dive into the world of long-aged whisky and discuss how to nose, taste, collect, and preserve rare bottles. Along the way, we taste Talisker's remarkable 30-year-old, 45-year-old, and 47-year-old whiskies and talk about what happens to a spirit after decades inside a cask. If you're a fan of Scotch, this is a deep dive you won't want to miss. Catch an extended version of the episode as a member of the Whiskey Lore family at patreon.com/whiskeylore

Scotland has long been one of the great whiskey pilgrimage destinations, but planning the perfect whisky journey across the Highlands, Islands, Speyside, Campbeltown, and beyond can feel overwhelming. In this bonus episode of Whiskey Lore's Whiskey Flights, I sit down with travel writer and author Angela Youngman to explore the people, places, legends, and distilleries that make Scotland such a magical destination for whiskey lovers. Angela's new book, The Whiskey and Gin Lover's Guide to Scotland, inspired a conversation that ranges from iconic experiences like The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh to hidden gems, Scotland's growing gin scene, whisky festivals, island travel, and the realities of navigating Scotland's winding roads, ferries, and remote distillery regions. If Scotland has been sitting on your whiskey travel bucket list, this episode is the ticket to inspiration and practical advice that will help you start planning your own adventure. And for members of the Whiskey Lore family, the extended episode includes deeper discussions on whisky history, ghost distilleries, movie connections like The Angels' Share, travel recommendations, and more Scotch whisky lore. Find it at patreon.com/whiskeylore and ride along for the full experience.

For generations, whiskey fans have repeated one simple rule: Ireland and America spell whiskey with an "e," while Scotland, Canada, and Japan spell whisky without one. But where did that rule actually come from—and does this formula hold up historically? Today I'll revisit one of the show's earliest topics to dive deeper, separate fact from fiction and uncover the surprising history behind one of whiskey's most debated letters. Along the way, we'll see what the government and the Father of American English, Noah Webster, has to say. I'll look at the cultural confusion of regional language differences, and the myths that have grown around the spelling of whiskey itself. Was the "e" really invented by Irish distillers in the 1800s to distinguish their spirit from Scotch blends? Did Scotland always reject the spelling whiskey? And have Americans always embraced whiskey with an e? Using newspaper archives spanning England, Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, I'll traces how the spellings evolved from the early 1700s through Prohibition and into the modern craft whiskey era. The results challenge many of the stories commonly repeated in whiskey circles today. This is a thoroughly researched, updated, and expanded version of Season 2 Episode 8.

Welcome back to a former guest, John Campbell, who we met back in Interview 63 when we chronicled his 27 years at the legendary Laphroaig Distillery on Islay. Back then, he was taking on the challenge of making Lowland Scotch at Lochlea. Today, he's making an even bigger jump, leaving the island of malt whisky for a chance to make California Bourbon. There are few who have made the modern journey from Scotland to America, so today's interview affords me the great opportunity to pepper John with questions about the move to Sespe Creek in Oxnard, California. John will discuss the personal and professional changes involved in moving from Laphroaig to a distillery making mesquite-smoked Bourbon, vodka, and rum. He'll reveal the reason he was approached for the COO and Master Distiller position, and we'll talk about making Bourbon in pot stills, his five-year plan, and capturing the brand's "Southwest" identity in a spirit.  Enjoy the episode and if you'd like a deeper dive, catch a longer episode in the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy with a 7-day free trial at patreon.com/whiskeylore

Join me as I welcome back Jerry Daniels of Stone Fences Tours for a step beyond distillery visits and into the heart of Bourbon history. We'll tackle the question who truly belongs in the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame that has been left behind? We go back and forth in a snake draft, each bringing our own list of seven candidates, building a case for the overlooked figures who shaped the industry. From early pioneers and 19th-century power players to scientific minds and modern innovators, this discussion uncovers the foundations of Bourbon that often get overshadowed. If you think you know the names that define the industry, this episode might make you rethink the list, and have you guessing who we believe deserves a place among the greats. Want to offer your own suggestions of who is missing? Post your choices on my Instagram feed at instagram.com/whiskeylore or on the episode post at patreon.com/whiskeylore

Join me as I sit down with Brent Manning, co-founder of Riverbend Malt House, to uncover how two self-described "sustainability geeks" learned the science of malting, helped support the rise of "Beer City U.S.A.," while starting humbly with a one-ton floor malting setup in Asheville. We'll dive deep into the mechanics of malting, from steeping and germination to kilning, and explore how subtle adjustments at each stage can dramatically shape flavor. Brent also breaks down the divide between brewers' and distillers' malts, and how Riverbend is working to close that gap by developing grains that deliver both high enzyme potential and rich, distinctive character.

In the 1890s, South Carolina became the center of one of the most controversial experiments in American whiskey history—a state-controlled liquor system that promised reform but delivered conflict, corruption, and bloodshed. In this episode, I dig into the rise of Governor Benjamin "Pitchfork Ben" Tillman, his political machine, and the dispensary system that turned whiskey into a battleground between state authority and personal liberty. We'll follow the Tillmanites and Bourbonites all the way to the 1894 Darlington Riot, in a story that shows how quickly reform can spiral into unrest when power, profit, and principle collide. It's a chapter of whiskey history rarely told, but one that speaks to the development of the alcohol control systems we live with today. Enjoy a fascinating episode of forgotten whiskey history.

Not too long ago, I was on my way up to Kentucky to check out the Beam Conference and when I contacted my friend Todd Ritter to see if we could sync up, he offered me a guest spot on the Bourbon Road Podcast. Enjoy this simulcasted edition of The Bourbon Road, hosted by my friends Todd and Jim. If you haven't heard the show before, beyond having great guests on, they also do tasting episodes. And here we try four craft whiskeys including selections from Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Missouri. Hear what we taste and find out how we rank them.  Find the Bourbon Road on your favorite podcast app. Cheers! Drew

Join me as I chat with Gary Mills, the Award-winning Brand Ambassador and Visitor's Experience Manager for Loch Lomond Distillery - a whisky that is making its way across the U.S. thanks to the Foley Family's distribution.  We'll dive into the unique history of the distillery, the stills that set it apart from the rest of Scotland, and I'll ask about how the Scotch Whisky Association put the breaks on how they labeled one of their whiskies.  We'll also learn the origins of the Lomond still and find out what the difference is between that and the unique column still at Loch Lomond distillery. We'll finish with a tasting of the 12 year and 18 year expressions and chat about the uniqueness of having a cooperage on site. 🌟 If you want bonus content, make sure you're a member of the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy, where this interview contains 20 more minutes that goes into the devil's cut, more details about the historic Littlemill Distillery, and the distillery's yeast focus.

When was Jack Daniel's registered as a distillery? According to legend, it was 1866. But I have questions.  When were Jack and Nearest working on the Dan Call Farm and when did Jack come over to the Cave Spring Hollow (the distillery's present location) to start distilling? None of the stories about this distillery match. Some sources say Jack Daniel took over as distiller from Nearest when he moved to the Cave Spring Hollow. But the Jack Daniel distillery supposedly started on Dan Call's farm. So was that 1866 or before, or after? And when was it the Daniel & Call Distillery. Now I have answers. And the story is not what you've been told. What is listed as the "oldest registered distillery in the United States" according to the National Register of Historic Places wasn't the location of Jack's distillery in 1866.  So where did this story come from? Why has this myth held on so long? How did the National Register get this bit of information wrong?  Join me as I dig into what might have been a true story that was shifted over time into what is now the oldest registered distillery claim. It's a fascinating evolution and one that will lead us to answer another long asked question - where did this name Old Number 7 come from.  Enjoy a romp through the history of Jack Daniel's, using historical evidence to recreate the creation of an origin myth. And check out Behind the Lore: Jack and Nearest on patreon.com/whiskeylore for a deeper look at the story of these two historic whiskey makers. Cheers and slainte mhath, Drew

Let's mix two of my favorite subjects today - music and whiskey - as I stop by Tommy Townsend's North Georgia distillery Grandaddy Mimms. As a musician, Tommy has many ties to Waylon Jennings, we'll chat about that (and there is a bonus episode with even more conversation around music, free for Patreon subscribers at patreon.com/whiskeylore ), and we'll talk about the development of the distillery, the use of two thumpers, the problem with high proof flavored moonshine, how moonshine and city hall got together, and Tommy with tap into plenty of stories. Enjoy this episode, that started out to be a Whiskey Flights episode, but we just had so much to talk about. Cheers! Drew

Back in 2020, I became fascinated with the story of the relationship between Jack Daniel and Nathan "Uncle Nearest" Green. I read Jack Daniel's Legacy by Ben A. Green (1967) and interviewed Jack Daniel's Historian Nelson Eddy and Uncle Nearest's Founder Fawn Weaver and then weaved the common tale surrounding these two Tennessee whiskey legends in Season 3 of Whiskey Lore. Then, in 2023, I began digging through archives in Georgia and Tennessee for my book The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey and to my surprise, a very different picture of Jack and Nearest began to evolve.  In an effort to clean up some of my episodes that fell victim to marketing lore and oral tradition, it is time to reexamine the story of Jack and Nearest, to build a framework based on real documented history. And Whiskey Lore Speakeasy and Club 1897 members, make sure to check out Behind the Lore later this week to go even deeper in the myths and reality surrounding Jack and Nearest - exclusively on Patreon.com/whiskeylore.

Last week, I hit the road and headed up to Lexington, KY and attended my first James B. Beam Institute Industry Conference. It was a fantastic opportunity to shake the hands of some great people who I've either met through visits to their distilleries or by zoom interviews. During the event, I sat down with Landon Borders and Alexa Narel of the Estate Whiskey Alliance to talk about this new certification. On today's podcast, we'll chat about the origins of the alliance, how it builds transparency for whiskey drinkers, what it takes for distilleries or products to qualify for the Estate whiskey designation, and we'll drop some names of current members. Make sure you're subscribed to the Whiskey Lore Podcast so you don't miss any great stories, interviews, or flights. It's available on your favorite podcast app. Cheers and slainte mhath, Drew

In September 1692, one of the darkest moments in colonial American history came to a close as eight final victims lost their lives on the hanging rope on Gallows Hill, thanks to accusations of witchcraft. It's a subject that has been covered historically, scientifically, and mostly as spooky entertainment. There are several theories as to why Salem descended into madness during the year 1692. In this episode, we'll look into a study that appeared in Science Magazine fifty years ago this week, that examined the evidence and hypothesized that the madness around the village may have been due to a popular grain and a parasitic fungus called Claviceps purpurea or Ergot. It's a theory that made headlines throughout the country back in 1976. But is there any validity to the argument? It's time to dive into what some call ergot poisoning and others call rye madness.

Join me for a conversation with whiskey maker Ari Sussman as we dive into the story behind Whiskey JYPSI, co-founded by Raj Alva and singer-songwriter Eric Church, learn about Ari's path into the industry, from politics to winemaking in France, international bartending, and eventually studying at Michigan State University's pioneering distilling program under the late Dr. Kris Berglund. We'll talk about Berglund's quiet influence over the modern craft distilling industry, the Rosen rye project (a historic grain varietal with deep ties to Michigan and MSU), and the philosophy behind Whiskey JYPSI's products, using their Tribute, Explorer, and Legacy whiskeys as examples to illustrate the brand's focus on storytelling through grain, wood augmentation, and innovative blending. Enjoy the return of the long-form interview on Whiskey Lore.

On this anniversary of the signing of the Bottled-in-Bond Act, it is time to dig in deep, and focus research on the man behind the Bottled-in-Bond Act, learn the real reason the bill was created, hear the 1897 arguments for and against it, and ride the rollercoaster of American legislation at the tail end of the Gilded Age. I'll also reveal why we should never refer to the modern regulations as The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. If you heard my first Bottled-in-Bond episode when it was released in 2019, I'm sorry for leading you astray. I was prone to marketing lore and there is a lot of it around this Act. When you hear today's episode, you'll realize how easy it is to get lore that seems confirmed by fact. If you heard my update just over a year ago, gone is the long drawn out story about adulteration. Today, we're going to dig in deep and focus on the goal of filling in the gaps of our knowledge about the real Bottled-in-Bond Act through contemporary accounts. And, it's time we honor the man who brought the bill through committee to the floor and who hand delivered it to President Cleveland. Happy Bottled-in-Bond Day! Drew  Read the original bill here: whiskeylore.org/episodes/season-seven/the-hero-of-the-bottled-in-bond-act-of-1897

Open a whiskey magazine, newspaper, or check out your social media feed and you're sure to hear plenty of doom and gloom around the current whiskey market. There seem to be demons hiding in the bushes everywhere. Scapegoats include over-supply, over-confidence, speculation, poor management, inflation, capital constraints, tariffs, changing tastes like shifts to RTDs, hemp drinks, a rise in tequila popularity, or the younger generations seeming disinterested in drinking alcohol. And these are just the most popular. I've heard it over and over, we're heading for another whiskey depression (comparing this time to the 80s and 90s when whiskey fell out of favor). For some, it is just a matter of time, after all, history repeats, doesn't it? Join me as we take a look back on the trials and tribulations of the 20th century post-Prohibition whiskey industry, to see if there are any clues as to where our current industry is heading. WHISKEY STORIES ARE BACK! Cheers and slainte mhath, Drew

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

Florida's Emerald Coast may be known for beaches and sunshine, but just north of Destin, two neighbors turned an engineering mindset and a love of brewing into one of the state's most inventive distilleries. In this episode, Drew Hannush heads to Timber Creek Distillery to meet co-founders Cam Ford and Aaron Barnes and discover why they chose to distill grains separately, embrace Florida-grown ingredients, and invite visitors to become blenders themselves. In This Episode • How a Silicon Valley engineer and a homebrewer became distillers • Why Timber Creek borrowed ideas from Scotland instead of Kentucky • Building a distillery around brewing equipment and a traditional worm condenser • Florida-grown rye and discovering the Sunshine State's terroir • Distilling grains separately and blending whiskey after aging • The story behind Florida Whiskey and Southern Reserve • Creating a 100% Florida rye whiskey • How their bourbon blending kits became a hit during the pandemic • Bourbon blending experiences and creating your own whiskey profile • Wine and chocolate pairings, cigar rolling, and axe throwing • Exploring Florida's Emerald Coast and the Panhandle whiskey scene • Plus, Drew shares his three reasons why Timber Creek Distillery deserves a spot on your Whiskey Lore Wish List 📍 Timber Creek Distillery Crestview, Florida Travel maps, distillery information, and trip-planning tools for more than 1,000 whiskey destinations can be found at WhiskeyLore.org/flights.

What started with two Columbus entrepreneurs and a vision for building something local has grown into one of Ohio's largest and most influential distilleries. In this episode, Drew Hannush visits Watershed Distillery to meet cask manager Ryan Venrick and brand ambassador Tommy Householder and discover how a community-driven startup became a destination for bourbon, gin, apple brandy, and one of the most unusual liqueurs you'll find anywhere. In This Episode • How Watershed helped launch Columbus's modern distilling scene • Why community and local ingredients are at the heart of the distillery • The story behind Watershed's name and Ohio roots • From vodka and gin to one of Ohio's leading bourbon producers • Sweet mash bourbon and evolving mash bills • Exploring the rickhouse and the science behind maturation • Apple brandy made from Ohio apples and finished with American oak • Supporting Ohio cooperages and keeping production close to home • The story behind Nocino, a black walnut liqueur inspired by an Italian family recipe • Tasting whiskey surrounded by thousands of barrels in the "barrel fort" • Exploring Columbus and the growing Central Ohio distilling scene • Plus, Drew shares his three reasons why Watershed Distillery deserves a spot on your Whiskey Lore Wish List 📍 Watershed Distillery Columbus, Ohio Travel maps, distillery information, and trip-planning tools for more than 1,000 whiskey destinations can be found at WhiskeyLore.org/flights. 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

Most people come to Cooperstown for baseball, but they may leave talking about whiskey. In this episode, Drew Hannush strolls through the village that gave rise to America's pastime before heading to Cooperstown Distillery to meet founder Gene Marra. Together, they explore the marriage of baseball and spirits, the philosophy behind New York whiskey, and why one chef-turned-distiller believes cold-weather maturation creates flavors you won't find anywhere else. In This Episode • How a restaurateur and chef found his way into distilling • Why Cooperstown became the perfect home for a baseball-inspired distillery • The story behind the famous baseball decanters and sports-themed bottles • New York grain and Gene Marra's vision for distinctive bourbon • Using three barrel sizes to shape flavor and maturation • Four-grain bourbon and the role of oats in creating a creamy mouthfeel • New York rye whiskey and balancing spice with corn sweetness • Touring the cellar and tasting whiskey straight from the barrel • An award-winning American single malt and the Solera sherry finishing system • Why Gene believes New York whiskey offers something different from Kentucky bourbon • Baseball memories, Yogi Berra, and growing up near Yankee Stadium • Exploring Cooperstown, Main Street, memorabilia shops, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame • Plus, Drew shares his three reasons why Cooperstown Distillery deserves a spot on your Whiskey Lore Wish List 📍 Cooperstown Distillery Cooperstown, New York Travel maps, distillery information, and trip-planning tools for more than 1,000 whiskey destinations can be found at WhiskeyLore.org/flights. 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.

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

Vermont is famous for maple syrup, but in Quechee, one distillery found a different way to put the state's signature ingredient to work. In this episode, Drew Hannush visits Vermont Spirits Distilling Company to meet head distiller and COO Don Kolp and explore a world where maple becomes vodka, gin spends years in bourbon barrels, and bourbon gets just enough maple to remind you where it came from. Along the way, you'll discover one of New England's most distinctive distilling experiences. In This Episode • How Vermont Spirits became the state's oldest craft distillery • The origins of maple vodka and turning sap into spirits • The legacy of Harry Gorman and the creation of Harry's Cocktail Lounge • Inside the unique glass column still and custom-built distillery • Why maple vodka delivers vanilla and butterscotch instead of maple syrup flavors • Barrel-aged gin and why whiskey drinkers may find themselves converted • The story behind Number 14 Bourbon and Vermont's place in American history • Adding maple to bourbon without overwhelming the whiskey • Barrel-aged vodka and other experimental spirits on the horizon • Upcoming barrel tastings and fill-your-own-bottle experiences • Exploring Quechee, the Connecticut River Valley, and New England distillery country • Plus, Drew shares his three reasons why Vermont Spirits Distilling Company deserves a spot on your Whiskey Lore Wish List 📍 Vermont Spirits Distilling Company Quechee, Vermont Travel maps, distillery information, and trip-planning tools for more than 1,000 whiskey destinations can be found at WhiskeyLore.org/flights.

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.

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

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

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)

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

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

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

In a world where branding has become paramount in the promotion of people and products, certain brands have slipped from our vernacular, or have taken on new roles. Long ago, the saloon was much more than just the domain of cowboys and gunfighters in the Old West. But for some reason, the name disappeared. It's time to delve into the history of the concept and find out...whatever happened to the old time saloon? For more Whiskey Lore Stories, check out the new book The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey by Drew Hannush. It's available at your favorite online bookseller or at Whiskey-Lore.com/audio

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).

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.

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

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.

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