The Whiskey Ring Podcast

Ep. 174: Peat and Whisky Author Mike Billett

From Bogs to Bottles: Peat's Unbreakable Bond With Whiskey
This one's for you, Bill.
In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Mike Billett, a peatland specialist and researcher, to discuss his newly released book, Peat and Whiskey: The Unbreakable Bond. His passion for peat led him to write a popular science book that not only highlights the scientific aspects of peat but also intertwines it with the cultural and historical significance of whiskey.
There is so much more than can be covered in a single episode or writeup, but we touch on: 
Peat's significance as a fuel source and how that brought it together with whisky
The changing uses and applications of peat as coal and oil overtook peat as a fuel source
How peat forms, is stripped, and how it occurs on all 7 continents and a landmass equal to about 3% of the total surface of the earth
How regionality of peat in whisky is, at best, a red herring, particularly in modern whisky
The importance of peat in climate change, carbon capture, and why conservation and reconstruction of peatlands are crucial to our future
I cannot recommend Mike's book highly enough. Even if you're not a whisky drinker, you'll have plenty to learn about peat. If you don't love peat, you'll still get a better sense of how the modern whisky landscape developed, through the lenses of taxes, regulations, consolidation and expansion cycles, and the subtle globalization that led Scottish peat to reach Australia, New York, Belgium, and elsewhere all at the same time. Scientifically-interested folks wiil also love the dive into cresols, phenols, and guaiacols. There's more than one PhD thesis I want to read after this interview. 
Pick up the book on Amazon or wherever you get your books!
Thank you to Mike for entering the Whiskey Ring!
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS
Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 
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If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are four (4) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last spots that will ever be opened without a current member retiring - if you've been waiting, now's the time! 
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Peat and Whisky 
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Ep. 173: Whiskey Lore Volume One with Drew Hannush

Untangling the Myths and Legends of Whiskey
How many distillery tours have you been on? Are you a veteran of the hobby, or a new entrant looking to learn as much as they can, or perhaps someone on a family trip taking a brief trip to a nearby distillery for fun? Whichever of these applies to you, chances are you will hear something (probably multiple somethings) that are apocryphal, stories told so many times and pushed so hard that you believe them upon hearing. 
Some might have elements of truth, some might even be mostly true. In the world of whiskey, though, the story is almost always more important and pervasive than the truth. 
Drew Hannush, owner of Travel Fuels Life, host of the now-ended Whiskey Lore Podcast, and author of several books including Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon, has long been someone I've looked to when doing research or trading names of people and distilleries to which I should pay attention. I didn't realize how long I'd been supporting him on Patreon, and it's been well worth it. 
In his new book, Whiskey Lore: Volume 1: Bourbon, Scotch, Irish Whiskey: The Real Stories Behind the Biggest Myths and Legends, Drew invites us to interrogate these stories and uncover the history behind the tales. Some of the most well-known whiskey legends are questioned: was Elijah Craig really the "father of bourbon"? where did the term "bourbon whiskey" originate from? and our shared favorite, is Jack Daniel's bourbon? 
Spanning both sides of the Atlantic, the stories behind American, Scotch, and Irish whiskies are investigated with the eye of someone looking for as much of the truth as we can find. While the "real" story isn't always knowable, Drew searches for that gray area between truth and fiction to find, at least, a place where we can feel comfortable going on a distillery tour and not wanting to assail the stories our guides tell us.
In the meantime, you may learn the backgrounds of legends and myths you never even knew about. Whether listening in Drew's radio-ready voice or reading the book yourself, you'll come out understanding how marketing and stories are created. Add in the now-ubiquitous AI component we all see on ever search, and Drew creates a context and starting point for his trademark style of research-driven storytelling. 
"Only" 24 myths and legends made it into Volume One, and by Drew's telling, he's got at least a few dozen more for future volumes. He's also about to revisit Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon with a 31-distilleries-in-10-days-trip and soliciting recommendations for his "Great 48" tour of distilleries in the lower 48 states. Join me and Drew on his (and my!) Patreon to be part of something big - I know you'll love it just like I do. 
Thank you to Drew for entering the Whiskey Ring!
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS
Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 
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_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are six (6) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 6 spots that will ever be opened without a current member retiring - if you've been waiting, now's the time! 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
Whiskey Lore Links
Purchase Whiskey Lore Volume One 
Whiskey Lore and Travel Fuels Life Website
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Ep. 172: Iron City Distilling with Matt Strickland

There's More To Western Pennsylvania Than The Whiskey Rebellion!
If you're a whiskey nerd of any level, of course you know this, but it's worth saying again. Previous guests such as Wigle Whiskey and Liberty Pole Spirits have done excellent work exploring the Whiskey Rebellion's place in history and its importance to the area - so if you're a new distillery looking to find your niche, you better bring something new or different to the table. 
When Matt Strickland had the opportunity to return stateside from his time at Distillerie Cotes de Saints, the call came from Pittsburgh, but he had a question: what does success look like? And what will set us apart? 
Before a drop was distilled or a brick laid, the answer became clear: revive a style of rye (or multiple styles, more accurately) using heritage grains, a pot still, and a three-chamber still, only the second active one in the US and third in the world. Working with only Pennsylvania farmers (including previous guest Bob McDonald) and thought leaders like Laura Fields, Matt built out the distillery with the blessings of his bosses to make it authentic and make it right, efficiency be damned. 
Bringing in historically accurate features like 38-43 gallon barrels and brick, steam-heated warehouses similar to what they would have used in the 19th and early 20th centuries, The Iron City Team is creating a new, old, new again style of whiskey. We have a bit more time before the whiskies are ready for the public, but I'm as excited as anyone to try them. 
Matt will also be back to talk more about his writing and education after delving a bit into his work in this episode, so more to come! 
Thank you to Matt for entering the Whiskey Ring!
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS
Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 
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BAXUS on LinkedIn
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are six (6) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 6 spots that will ever be opened without a current member retiring - if you've been waiting, now's the time! 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
Iron City Distilling
Iron City Distilling Website
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Ep. 171: Doc Brown Farm and Distillers with Founder Amy Brown

Bats, Bees, and Bushels - Farm Distilling in Georgia
For my first "visit" to Georgia, I wanted to find somewhere that felt truly of the land. You can't do better than Doc Brown Farm & Distillers. Georgia terroir, farming their own heritage corn (Jimmy Red!) and getting whatever they can't grow themselves locally, even Georgia barrels. It's all about Georgia, and it's all about the sense of place. 
Amy Brown, her son Dan, and Amy's partner Paige Dockweiler (the "Doc" in Doc Brown) founded Doc Brown in 2019, inspired by an article on Jimmy Red corn in Garden & Gun magazine. Jimmy Red is most known today for use by High Wire Distilling (a recent Whiskey Ring Podcast guest!), but it was in fact grown originally in Georgia before going nearly extinct. Farming is in both families' DNA, stretching as far back as 1816 in the US, and despite day jobs as banker, RN, and pilot, the farm is where all three felt they really belonged. 
Doc Brown is about Georgia and partnership. Inspired by collaborative brands such as Bardstown Bourbon Company and Barrell, the team has created a simple yet strong set of bourbons that reflect their heritage. Uncle Bogue (cask strength), Effie Jewel (92 proof), and the upcoming Resurrection Red all play on the family histories and gorgeous Jimmy Red corn. Seriously - the kernels look like pomegranate seeds, little garnet jewels. 
Jimmy Red gives you one harvest per year, and with one crop, annual yields can vary widely. Off-season crop rotations ensure the land isn't overworked, and bees and bats pollinate and keep away pests naturally. Once the corn reaches optimal moisture (~14%), it's run through the mill, fermented, and distilled within 48-72 hours. This is the spirit of true farm distilling, with the only caveat being more partnership: distillation is done at the Distillery of Modern Art, still in-state. Amy is passionate about farming and taking care of the land, and that passion emanates from her during this interview. I hope you enjoy hearing it as much as I enjoyed the conversation!
Thank you to Amy for entering the Whiskey Ring!
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS
Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
BAXUS on Twitter/X
BAXUS on LinkedIn
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are six (6) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 6 spots that will ever be opened without a current member retiring - if you've been waiting, now's the time! 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
Doc Brown Farm and Distillers
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Ep. 170: Luca Mariano Distillery with Founder Francesco Viola

Italy, Nashville, and Danville Enter The Distilling Ring
In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Francesco Viola, the founder of Luca Mariano Distillery, to discuss his journey in the world of distilling. Francesco's story is deeply rooted in his family's Italian heritage, which adds a unique flavor to his approach to bourbon production.
We kicked off the conversation by exploring the origins of Luca Mariano Distillery, tracing back to Francesco's great-grandfather, Baldassare Viola, who began distilling in the early 1900s. His journey took him from Italy to America, and later to Ontario, Canada, where he ran a distilling operation during Prohibition. Francesco shared how this rich family history inspired him to pursue distilling himself, starting in his garage in Michigan before transitioning to a licensed operation in 2013.
Francesco recounted his early days of distilling, including a soft launch in Nashville and the eventual decision to move to Kentucky, where he found the perfect property in Danville. We discussed the significance of the land, which has a storied past in distilling, and how it influenced the design of the distillery and rickhouse. The rickhouse, modeled after a tobacco barn (and a three-tier cake), features innovative airflow designs that enhance the aging process of the whiskey such as massive numbers of windows.
As we delved deeper into the distillery's operations, Francesco highlighted the importance of using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, combined with modern technology. He emphasized the role of his team, including master distiller David Phillips and chemist Amanda Kaufman, both of whom bring extensive experience from renowned distilleries such as Beam and Maker's Mark. Their collaboration aims to push the boundaries of bourbon production while maintaining the integrity of the craft.
We also touched on the recent transition to using Kelvin Cooperage barrels, which Francesco believes will elevate the quality of their whiskey. ISC provided barrels for many years, and Francesco was clear the transition isn't about the barrel quality, it's about the more intimate B2C relationship that's possible with Kelvin. He explained how the craftsmanship of these barrels, along with the unique design of the rickhouse, will contribute to a richer flavor profile and better yield.
Throughout the episode, Francesco's passion for distilling and commitment to quality were evident. He shared his vision for the distillery, which includes not only producing exceptional bourbon but also creating a welcoming environment for visitors, infused with Italian hospitality.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I was left inspired by Francesco's journey and the exciting future of Luca Mariano Distillery. This episode is a testament to the power of heritage, innovation, and the art of distilling, and I can't wait to see how Francesco continues to shape the bourbon landscape in Kentucky.
Thank you to Francesco for entering the Whiskey Ring!
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS
Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
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BAXUS on LinkedIn
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are six (6) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 6 spots that will ever be opened without a current member retiring - if you've been waiting, now's the time! 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
Luca Mariano Distillery
Luca Mariano Distillery Website
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Luca Mariano Distillery on YouTube

Ep. 169: Pine Bluffs Distilling with Chad Brown

Whiskey in Wyoming, via Nevada and NorCal
It's been nearly 20 years since I visited Wyoming, and I still remember it as one of the most beautiful places in the US. The least populous state, with multitudes more cattle and sheep than people, it is nonetheless one of astounding natural beauty, where small towns abound and you know your neighbors and who's growing your grain. 
This was the place Chad Brown wanted to bring his family. After years in Nevada working for the Gaming Commission and a small brewing hobby in his garage, a conversation with his cousin brought up the question: if they were making pennies on a batch of barley, where was the money going? There were so many breweries - what about starting a distillery?
Tasting notes for this episode
There's a long thread to explore there, but the key is this: Chad moved to Pine Bluffs, WY, in the southeast corner by the capital, Cheyenne, a town with "more elevation than people." Over the last decade, he and his team have founded and grown Pine Bluffs Distilling into a destination and a grain-to-glass distillery working with local farmers (we're talking between 15-25 miles away from the farm depending on the year's crops). 
Bourbon, rye, single malt, oated bourbon, oat whiskey, finishes, playing with the flavoring grains to see what would happen, all of it is here. Chad's passion vibrates out of him when he talks, and it's easy to see why Pine Bluffs has a bright future. When your founder cares, it flows to the team and to the guests. It was truly a pleasure to have this be the first distillery I talk to in Wyoming, and thank you to Chad for entering the Whiskey Ring!
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS
Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
BAXUS on Twitter/X
BAXUS on LinkedIn
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are six (6) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 6 spots that will ever be opened without a current member retiring - if you've been waiting, now's the time! 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
Pine Bluffs Distilling
Pine Bluffs Distilling Website
Pine Bluffs Distilling on Instagram
Pine Bluffs Distilling on Facebook
Pine Bluffs Distilling on LinkedIn
 

Ep: 168: Rock Town Distillery with Founder Phil Brandon

Makers, Not Fakers: Phil Brandon on Craft Distilling in Little Rock, Arkansas
In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Phil Brandon, the founder and distiller of Rock Town Distillery in Little Rock, Arkansas. As the first legal distillery in the state since before Prohibition, Rock Town emphasizes the importance of local sourcing and building a distillery that reflects the character of Arkansas, despite the challenges of being a pioneer in a state not traditionally known for distilling.
We delve into the craft distilling renaissance and how the landscape has evolved since Rock Town's founding in 2010. Phil discusses the significance of their unofficial motto, "We're makers, not fakers," and the commitment to quality and authenticity that drives their production. He also highlights the historical context of distilling in Arkansas, the challenges of sourcing local ingredients, and the meticulous care that goes into their distillation process, including proofing and filtration techniques.
Finally, we explore Rock Town's future, including a collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company which began during the pandemic and has allowed Phil and the team to expand production while maintaining the integrity of the brand. He candidly addresses the differences in flavor profiles between the distillate produced in Little Rock and that made at Bardstown, emphasizing the creation of a separate product line to distinguish these offerings. This episode is a deep dive into the world of craft distilling, showcasing the Rock Town team's passion and commitment to quality in every bottle.
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Phil for entering the Whiskey Ring!
 
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS
Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
BAXUS on Twitter/X
BAXUS on LinkedIn
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are six (6) spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. These are the last 6 spots that will ever be opened without a current member retiring - if you've been waiting, now's the time! 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
Rock Town Distillery
Rock Town Distillery Website
Rock Town Distillery on Instagram
Rock Town Distillery on Facebook
Rock Town Distillery on LinkedIn
Rock Town Distillery on Twitter/X

Ep. 167: High Wire Distilling Co. with Founder Scott Blackwell

Jimmy Red Corn And We Should All Care! 
In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I welcome Scott Blackwell, co-founder of High Wire Distilling in Charleston, South Carolina. The conversation dives into Scott's diverse entrepreneurial background, which spans restaurants, coffee, and packaged foods, before transitioning into the spirits industry. Scott shares how his passion for flavor and culture led him to distilling, despite initially having little interest in spirits due to South Carolina's restrictive mini bottle laws. He emphasizes the importance of agriculture in crafting unique flavors, which ultimately shaped High Wire's identity.
The discussion then shifts to the distillery's signature grain, Jimmy Red corn, which has become synonymous with High Wire's brand. Scott recounts the journey of discovering Jimmy Red, a variety known for its rich flavor profile and historical significance as a moonshiner's corn. He explains how their initial experiments with heirloom white corn didn't yield the desired results, prompting a search for a more flavorful alternative. With the guidance of heirloom grain expert Glenn Roberts and Johnny Appleseed of American Distilling Dave Pickerell, Scott and his team found that Jimmy Red not only provided a unique taste but also contributed to a distinctive oil cap during fermentation, enhancing the overall flavor of their whiskey.
As the episode wraps up, Scott reflects on the challenges and rewards of crafting spirits that tell a story rooted in their local agriculture and culinary heritage. He discusses the potential for releasing a white whiskey made from Jimmy Red, highlighting the growing interest in showcasing the unique characteristics of this heirloom corn. The conversation underscores the importance of authenticity and quality in the craft spirits industry, as High Wire Distilling continues to carve out its niche in the competitive whiskey landscape.
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Scott for entering the Whiskey Ring!
 
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS
Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
BAXUS on Twitter/X
BAXUS on LinkedIn
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are no more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level, but you can email me if you're interested and I will let you know as soon as a spot opens!
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
High Wire Distilling Co.
High Wire Distilling Co Website
High Wire Distilling Co. on Instagram
High Wire Distilling Co. on Facebook
High Wire Distilling Co. on LinkedIn
High Wire Distilling Co. on YouTube