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FINAL EPISODE ON THE INTERVIEWS FEED Please look up the Whiskey Lore Podcast and subscribe for future interviews. I am consolidating feeds. All older interviews have been moved to that main Whiskey Lore Podcast feed. 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

When it comes to whisky legends, George Dickel has one of the most confusing. Was he a distiller or wasn't he a distiller? Who is this Victor or Manny Shwab that gets a mention during the historical breakdown on the tour. Did George ever own the Cascade Hollow distillery? And if he didn't who did? Plus, where did the slogan for their whisky "Mellow as Moonlight" come from? My guest today, Clay Shwab, is the great-grandson of the man who had a vision for George Dickel & Co, laid his own money on the line, and helped bring George Dickel's Cascade whisky into the 20th century. He just wrote a new book called Manny Shwab and the George Dickel Company: Whisky, Power and Politics During Nashville's Gilded Age and we're going to dig into some of the stories, compare notes, and introduce you to one of the most fascinating whisky origin stories you've never heard.

Back during the Pandemic, I was chatting with a friend of my from New Mexico about whiskey and I noticed on the Zoom call how many bottles of Laws Whiskey House spirits he had on his back shelf. He was a real fan. And that piqued my interest. So when I was traveling back from California on a major road trip, I made a quick stop into the Denver-based distillery. It didn't take me long to fall in love with their San Luis Valley Rye. I heard stories that this rye was hand picked from wild rye growing in this region. Was this some romanticized tale that was going around or was it true? Who better to ask than the man behind not only that rye, but also a four grain bourbon, wheat whiskey, and malt whiskey. Join me for my conversation with Al Laws.

This week, I continue my conversation with Alan Bishop as I toss him one of the little gems I found in my research about Kentucky Bourbon. The question must be asked, when did Kentucky move from pot stills and log stills to the modern column and thumper/doubler combination? We might be pretty close to an answer. It is time to move on to the late 19th century and learn what distillers like James C. Crow and other legends were using in their distilleries and why. And we'll find out Col. E.H. Taylor's opinion about Kentucky's modern distilling tools.  Enjoy this week's dig into the history of distillation.

While digging into the history of Kentucky Bourbon, I kept hearing this nagging voice in my head saying - you need to understand stills to tell this story. Yes, I do know modern stills and have seen them used on both sides of the Atlantic. But these big column stills are not what American whisky was originated on. And, in fact, some of those old style stills have all but disappeared, such as the three-chamber still, kettle stills, and saucer stills. Knowing that Alan has dabbled in all different types of distillation using a variety of stills, I felt it was time we had a discussion about the evolution of stills and how American's have made whisky from the early days. In this first part of our conversation, we'll focus heavily on the stills and techniques of early distillers. Then next week, we'll see the evolution in distilling and see how we got to where we are today. Enjoy this fun deep dive.

In this episode, I sit down with Becky Garrison, author of 'Distilling in Washington: A History,' to explore the fascinating history of whiskey distilling in Washington state. We uncover the early days of the industry, its impact on Native American tribes, and how drinking culture evolved over time. From the origins of terms like 'hooch' and 'skid row' to the pivotal role of saloons in state development, we uncover a rich, often overlooked narrative.  Additionally, we dive into prohibition's complex history, including its intersection with women's suffrage, delayed enforcement, and the challenges faced by distilleries and breweries. From smuggling tales to the legacy of gentleman bootlegger Roy Olmsted, we journey through Washington's past, ending with a look at the vibrant culture of modern craft distilling and its unique distillery trail. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the labels and raise a glass to Washington's spirited history. 

Join me as we head to Western Kentucky, to meet a man who took his moonshining skills and family traditions and found a way to legalize them and give people a taste of moonshine culture and spirits distilled in one of the most unique looking stills you'll ever see - the square coffin still.  Enjoy my conversation with Arlon "AJ" Casey Jones of the Casey Jones Distillery. Lots of stories, history, and a tasting of their 7 year old barrel proof moonshine. Enjoy! Cheers! Drew

Time to get to know Maker's Mark from its origins to today. Beth Buckner, Senior Manager of Innovation and Blending at Maker's Mark reveals the story of Margie Samuels and her influence on the Maker's Mark bottle and brand. Then, we go step by step through all of the classic and new Maker's Mark expressions to build a complete picture of what the brand's whisky is at its core. Beth delves into the creation of Makers 46 and the use of French oak staves. She highlights the Wood Finishing Series, a storytelling series that explores different flavor profiles, and she discusses the importance of consistency in the whiskey-making process. We'll also learn about barrel entry proof and its impact on flavor, as well as the role of the Beam Suntory Blenders Committee and how Maker's has become a favored choice for Scotch distillers. Then we'll learn what's next for Maker's Mark.

In this episode, Drew Hannush and Jerry Daniels dive into their top 10 favorite historic bourbon brands, each with its own unique story and impact on the bourbon industry. They explore the rich histories behind each brand, highlighting the people like E.H. Taylor, George Garvin Brown, J.B. Dant, and Paul Jones Jr., who shaped the bourbon world. Tune in to discover the fascinating tales behind these iconic brands and why they've earned a spot on Drew and Jerry's top 10 lists.

Welcome to a history filled episode that is sure to stir up some debate. This week, I welcome back to the show Jerry Daniels of Stone Fences Tours. Last time we got together, we had a countdown of our favorite Kentucky distillery tours - this week, we're going to fill your ears with history as we compare our own Top 10's of our favorite Kentucky whiskey brands. Join me on Patreon.com/whiskeylore to let me know your favorites.

In today's episode, Ian Weir from Ian McLeod (makers of Smokehead) and Elliot Walker from Blowfish Glass join me to talk whisky and glassware. We will delve into the traditional techniques used to create the glass, including the intricate process of hand-blowing glass. We also explore the origins of Smokehead single malt whisky, highlighting its distinctive smoky profile and tasting three expressions. We'll see how a specially designed Smokehead glass works versus my favorite Copita and the tumbler. It's a unique episode for Whiskey Lore: The Interviews, originally recorded for the YouTube channel. Hope you enjoy it.

In today's episode, I chat with Brian Haara, an attorney specializing in bourbon law, and the author of Bourbon Justice: How Whiskey Law Shaped America. We discuss Brian's interest in law and how he got involved in the bourbon industry. We also explore the challenges of researching old lawsuits and deciphering handwriting in old documents. I'll do a tasting of a surprise historic whiskey and we'll talk about those unique characteristics, including its heavy body and long-lasting flavors. Finally, we'll dive into the fascinating career of E.H. Taylor and talk about his financial troubles, his many lawsuits, as well as his shift to Bottled-in-Bond whiskey. We'll also highlight Brian's charitable work within the bourbon industry and the generosity of bourbon enthusiasts. 

Back in 2019, while preparing for my first season of the Whiskey Lore Stories podcast, I took a trip to Scotland to learn the story of Cù Bòcan, the spectral animal that is said to haunt the village of Tomotin in the Scottish Highlands. I learned of the story while reading the back of a box of Tomatin's peated single malt Scotch and was curious to hear more. When I contacted the nearby community of Strathdearn, I was introduced to Duncan Bryden, a man knowledgable about the legends and history of the area. I met up with him and we took a walk through the woods across from the Tomatin Distillery and he helped fill me in on the history of the area, including the legends of the last wolf of Scotland, the story of the Witch of Laggan and other local tales. For the last 4 years, this interview has been tucked away, only available to my Patreon members. But since I am now putting all of my Whiskey Lore Stories episodes on YouTube, I thought I'd bring this back for all the new listeners to the podcast and the long time loyal listeners who just can't get enough history. Cheers! Drew

Back for 2024 with a new lineup of interviews. Kicking off talking about rye whiskey (a fascinating grain I want to spend more time with this year). We're going back Pennsylvania where rye whiskey made its presence known during and after the Revolutionary War. I'm joined by Maximilian Merrill the founder of a new distillery that is bringing back Somerset County distilled Monongahela rye and introducing a Maryland style rye.

You've heard it before - the world's oldest whisky is going up for auction. But this time, there is more than just carbon dating and a loose story behind the spirit. Join me as I talk with Joe Wilson, the Head Curator at WhiskyAuctioneer.com about this nearly 200 year old whisky, found in a castle. We'll talk about whisky auctions and how they verify claims, the issues with counterfeits, and how modern whisky auctions work. Here's a quote from Joe from their press release:  "Offering the world's oldest scotch whisky at auction is truly a once in a lifetime occurrence. I'm fortunate to be well acquainted with old and rare liquid, as Whisky Auctioneer handles some of the world's rarest whisky bottlings. This, however, is a transcendent discovery that is sure to capture not just the imagination of the whisky industry but also those well beyond. "Distilled in the 1830s, the whisky was made during a fascinating period when whisky production was experiencing massive change following the 1823 Excise Act, making it a particularly exciting find for those interested in the history and heritage of the Scotch whisky industry."