The Whiskey Ring Podcast
Join Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and my guests to talk about all things whiskey and spirits! Support this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
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Episodes
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Wednesday May 17, 2023
We're finally back to whiskey, I promise!
This is a classic episode - a distillery making single malt in the corn capital of the US. Don't worry, they make a damn good bourbon, too, but my first taste of Cedar Ridge was a single barrel of their single malt picked by Lost Lantern.
I'm joined by head distiller and Scotch-lover Murphy Quint, who has led the distillery's operations except for a stint at Stranahan's. We chatted about adding a distillery onto a winery, making their whiskey stand out, and most importantly what the Quints want their legacy to be.
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Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:
The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm heading to Tennessee to pick two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 4 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 4 spots remain!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up.
Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings.
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.
Thanks for reading! Now here’s Murphy Quint of Cedar Ridge Distillery.
Cedar Ridge Distillery
Cedar Ridge Distillery Website
Cedar Ridge Distillery on Instagram
Cedar Ridge Distillery on Facebook
Cedar Ridge Distillery on Twitter
Cedar Ridge Distillery Reviews
Cedar Ridge The Quintessential Signature Blend American Single Malt Review
Cedar Ridge Barrel Strength Bourbon Review
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages
https://impexbev.com
ImpEx on Instagram
ImpEx on Facebook
ImpEx on Twitter
Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
SMWS Website
SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
SMWS/A Facebook
SMWS/A Instagram
SMWS/A Twitter
SMWS/A YouTube
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Wednesday May 10, 2023
After a few weeks abroad, we're back in the US, in Kentucky!
But we're not back to whiskey yet. This week, it's the Brandy Ring Podcast!
Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery sits in the heart of Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood. In a relatively small space, they manage to use shipping containers, a wide-open events space/patio, and a beautiful wall of windows that can open in good weather right in front of their copper pot stills.
Brandy just might be the oldest spirit in America, if not the world. And if you think Kentucky is just for whiskey, think again. Whether it's from grapes, apples, pears, or some other fruit they're trying for fun, C&K is pumping out world-class brandy in the left ventricle of the bourbon world.
They were doing sonic aging before Blackened (click here to subscribe to their daily playlists!). Their stills are named for women in Bob Dylan songs.
They're not afraid to play with casks (they call themselves barrel sluts) or with finishes, and the bottle-your-own experience where I got a heritage cider apple brandy is not to be missed (nor is their restaurant). Also don't sleep on a 130 proof 4YO absinthe that is *chef's kiss*.
Enjoy this episode all about brandy with distiller Brandon O'Daniel!
_________________
Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 4 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 4 spots remain!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up.
Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings.
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.
Thanks for reading! Now here’s Brandon O'Daniel of Copper & Kings Distillery.
Copper & Kings Distillery
Copper & Kings Distillery Website
Copper & Kings Distillery on Instagram
Copper & Kings Distillery on Facebook
Copper & Kings Distillery on Twitter
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages
https://impexbev.com
ImpEx on Instagram
ImpEx on Facebook
ImpEx on Twitter
Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
SMWS Website
SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
SMWS/A Facebook
SMWS/A Instagram
SMWS/A Twitter
SMWS/A YouTube
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Finland, Norway, and now Iceland - we're working our way back to this side of the pond, but not before visiting one of the most unique distilleries (and products) I've ever come across.
Eimverk Distillery is also known unofficially as Floki Distillery, named for the eponymous single malts that showcase both Icelandic barley and an Icelandic smoking tradition that can sound like a gimmick until you learn more.
I'm here to tell you: yes, I tried the Floki Sheep Dung Smoked Single Malt, and no, it's not a gimmick (it also doesn't taste like dung, thankfully). There will be more in the review, but suffice to say here that it relies on a centuries-old smoking/preserving tradition in Iceland and is 100% authentic.
Eimverk prides itself on being eco-friendly, using biofuels whenever possible and harnessing the immense geothermal heat beneath the island. They also have easily one of the most intense barley flavors I've had. It forces you to recognize that this is different, that this barley has survived harsh conditions and come out stronger for it.
This is seriously good whisky, folks, and deserves your attention. Thank you to Eva-Maria for a fantastic conversation about all things Iceland.
_________________
Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 4 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 4 spots remain!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up.
Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings.
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.
Thanks for reading! Now here’s Eva-María Sigurbjörnsdóttir of Eimverk Distillery.
Eimverk Distillery
Eimverk Distillery Website
Eimverk Distillery on Instagram
Eimverk Distillery on Facebook
Eimverk Distillery Reviews
Eimverk Distillery Floki Single Malt Review
Eimverk Distillery Floki Sheep Dung Smoked Single Malt Review
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages
https://impexbev.com
ImpEx on Instagram
ImpEx on Facebook
ImpEx on Twitter
Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
SMWS Website
SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
SMWS/A Facebook
SMWS/A Instagram
SMWS/A Twitter
SMWS/A YouTube
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
A week after visiting Finland, we're staying in the Nordic countries - kind of.
Emily Vikre's family comes from Norway. There were always aquavit and hearty meals to be had. But when it came time to do something with that heritage - something that had nothing to do with her PhD in food policy and behavioral theory - she came home to Duluth to found Vikre Distillery.
Yes, they're making whiskey, but this episode is whiskey-lite. Instead, I wanted to take the time to delve into the Scandinavian origins of aquavit, the caraway style favored in Denmark with which I've fallen in love, and how Vikre fits in the rising wave of Nordic cuisine.
Emily, of course, has thought about all of this already. I love doing research for these episodes so I'm as prepared as possible - Emily came just as prepared as I did, armed with generations of knowledge, a 17-course feast in her rearview, and a true understanding of where Vikre is, where she wants it to be, and what its identity is. This may be a shorter episode than usual, but believe me I felt as elatedly exhausted as I do after a two-hour one. That's the sign of a great guest.
I can't wait to have her back on. Thanks Emily!
_________________
Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up.
Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings.
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.
Thanks for reading! Now here’s Emily Vikre, Founder (with husband Joel!) of Vikre Distillery.
Vikre Distillery
Vikre Distillery Website
Vikre Distillery on Instagram
Vikre Distillery on Facebook
Vikre Distillery on Twitter
Vikre Distillery Reviews
Vikre Distillery Øvrevann Aquavit Review (Coming soon!)
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages
https://impexbev.com
ImpEx on Instagram
ImpEx on Facebook
ImpEx on Twitter
Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
SMWS Website
SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
SMWS/A Facebook
SMWS/A Instagram
SMWS/A Twitter
SMWS/A YouTube
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
It's a bit late - had a great event on Japanese whisky last night!
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How much do you know about Finland? Yep, probably about the same I did. Not much.
Turns out, there's a whole lot to learn. I started, oddly enough, with a well-timed episode of Timesuck learning about the sniper known as the White Death from the Winter War of WW2. Besides a fascinating story, it taught me that Finland is both Nordic and Scandinavian, yet its culture - everything from its mythology/pantheon to its drinking culture - are closer to Germany and Russia than to Sweden or Denmark.
Teerenpeli is a symbol of that identity. Fiercely independent, making whisky where few others are (they're the only active distillery making whisky in Finland!), Teerenpeli is out to prove that Finland has a lot to offer the world whisky community. I think they just might.
Thanks also to previous guest Fred Barnet of Anthem Imports for the introduction!
_________________
Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up.
Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings.
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.
Thanks for reading! Now here’s Anssi Pyysing, Founder of Teerenpeli Distillery.
Teerenpeli Distillery
Teerenpeli Distillery Website
Teerenpeli Distillery on Instagram
Teerenpeli Distillery on Facebook
Teerenpeli Distillery on Twitter
Teerenpeli Distillery on YouTube
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages
https://impexbev.com
ImpEx on Instagram
ImpEx on Facebook
ImpEx on Twitter
Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
SMWS Website
SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
SMWS/A Facebook
SMWS/A Instagram
SMWS/A Twitter
SMWS/A YouTube
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Roy Peter Clark - RPC, for short - is America's writing coach. He's written dozens of works, hundreds if not thousands of columns for multiple media outlets, and is considered the all-around go-to for concise writing.
So why is he on my podcast?
Simple: I write reviews. I read reviews. I critique others' writing and evaluate it as I'm reading. I know I'm far from infallible, so if someone can help me better understand public writing then I'm all for it.
There's more to it than that, of course, and RPC and I have a fantastic conversation about living, writing, and writing for a living. It may not be my full-time job, but it is my full-time passion, and his new book, Tell It Like It Is: A Guide to Clear and Honest Writing, will help me write more concisely and more clearly going forward.
I highly recommend both this episode and his book to anyone looking to write, period. You can order his book on Amazon here.
_________________
Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up.
Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings.
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.
Thanks for reading! Now here’s Roy Peter Clark, author of Tell It Like It Is, and recognized authority on clear and honest writing.
Roy Peter Clark
Roy Peter Clark's Website
Roy Peter Clark on Facebook
Roy Peter Clark on Twitter
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages
https://impexbev.com
ImpEx on Instagram
ImpEx on Facebook
ImpEx on Twitter
Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
SMWS Website
SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
SMWS/A Facebook
SMWS/A Instagram
SMWS/A Twitter
SMWS/A YouTube
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Ever since I started my whisky journey, I've been fascinated by the art of the blend. Malt, grain, bourbon, rye, American, Scotch, Irish - when you get out of the box, there's so much you can do.
Nobody embodies that in the Scotch world better than Compass Box. Founded in 2000 by American ex-pat John Glaser, the company initially struggled to get on a shelf. Twenty-three years later, Compass Box is, I would argue, putting out the same high-quality blends it always has - but now, their releases are must-taste events.
John and his team have been doing interviews for all of those twenty-three years, so I had to come up with some new questions for this one. I love a challenge, and I think John was happy that someone took the time to do some research and ask something different. And when a legend - to me, at least - gives you an hour of their time, you make it worth it.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
_________________
Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up.
Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings.
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.
Thanks for reading! Now here’s John Glaser, Founder and Head Whiskymaker at Compass Box Whisky.
Compass Box Whisky
Compass Box Whisky Website
Compass Box Whisky on Instagram
Compass Box Whisky on Facebook
Compass Box Whisky on Twitter
Compass Box Whisky Reviews
Compass Box Hedonism Blended Grain Scotch Whisky Review
Compass Box Hedonism Felicitas Blended Grain Scotch Whisky Review
Compass Box Story of the Spaniard Blended Whisky Review (Coming Today!)
Compass Box Delos Extinct Quartet Blended Whisky Review (Coming Tomorrow!)
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages
https://impexbev.com
ImpEx on Instagram
ImpEx on Facebook
ImpEx on Twitter
Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
SMWS Website
SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
SMWS/A Facebook
SMWS/A Instagram
SMWS/A Twitter
SMWS/A YouTube
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Our first ever Oceania episode! Join me for a 19-hour flight to New Zealand, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Towards the top of the North Island lies Pōkeno Distillery, a relative newcomer helmed by industry veteran Matt Johns.
The North Island of New Zealand is sub-tropical, with high humidity year-round, an unusual climate for whisky aging. And that whisky is spectacular.
I'm a bit behind on getting reviews onto this, so stay tuned! But don't let that hold you back from a truly incredible distillery that I can't wait to explore more.
_________________
Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 5 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.
The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 5 spots remain!
You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up.
Finally, please do like and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening - it really helps the Whiskey Ring Podcast move up the rankings.
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.
Thanks for reading! Now here’s Matt Johns, Founder and Head Distiller of Pōkeno Distillery.
Pōkeno Distillery
Pōkeno Distillery Website
Pōkeno Distillery on Instagram
Pōkeno Distillery on Facebook
Pōkeno Distillery Reviews
Pōkeno Distillery Origin New Zealand Single Malt Whisky Review
Pōkeno Distillery Discovery New Zealand Single Malt Whisky Review
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages
https://impexbev.com
ImpEx on Instagram
ImpEx on Facebook
ImpEx on Twitter
Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society
SMWS Website
SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
SMWS/A Facebook
SMWS/A Instagram
SMWS/A Twitter
SMWS/A YouTube