The Whiskey Ring Podcast

Ep. 157: St. George Spirits with Lance Winters and Dave Smith

The First Craft Distillery 
St. George Spirits launched the craft distilling movement in the US. No, that's not an overstatement. Starting with brandies and eau-de-vies, adding whiskey in 1997 and various liqueurs, gins, and other spirits along the way, St. George has steadfastly led the way while remaining true to its roots and creating ever-more-interesting things to drink. 
I'm joined by Master Distiller Lance Winters and Head Distiller Dave Smith, both long-haulers at St. George (Lance from 1997 and Dave from 2005) who have introduced the world to St. George Spirits' Baller American Single Malt, NOLA Coffee Liqueur, and Bruto Americano, among many many others. The Bruto, by the way, has become my go-to aperitif, replacing Campari and Aperol with a more intense flavor and body. 
More than anything, this interview delves into the ethos and process of St. George, how this continuously innovative distillery both keeps up with the times and leads by example. They may not be the biggest, but there's no doubt they are one of the most important. Lance and Dave are determined - and I use that word with emphasis - to make what they like, bring the drinker to them, and expand the definition of what American distilleries can do.
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Lance and Dave 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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Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
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_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are 2 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 
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. 
Lost Lantern Whiskey
Lost Lantern Whiskey Website
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Ep. 156: Inside the Summer of Bourbon II with Nora and Adam of Lost Lantern Whiskey

Shining A Light On The Independent Spirit
 
Lost Lantern - Adam, Nora, and their team - are bar none the best independent bottler of American whiskey working today. They have a serious claim to my favorite IB period. More than anything, you know that they've done the work and can talk about the barrels, brands, and distilleries they choose to work with, which for whiskey nerds like I (and probably you!) is just *chef's kiss*. 
 
Join me as I sit down with Nora and Adam from Lost Lantern Whiskey to uncover the magic behind their Summer of Bourbon 2 series. We'll explore the rich tapestry of nine distinct bourbon releases, each chosen from twelve distilleries across twelve states, including the rare gems from a ghost distillery in Mississippi. Discover what makes this year's collection a step up from last year's and hear about the serendipitous journey that led them to acquiring Rich Grain Distilling's bourbon stocks.
Ever wondered how the Gulf Coast climate impacts the flavor profile of bourbon? Nora and Adam share their groundbreaking techniques and insights, such as rebarreling bourbon into larger used casks to create flavor complexity without the tannin overload (a major sticking point that I thank them for, profusely). We'll dive into the unique qualities of Gulf Coast bourbon and why it's exclusively available through Lost Lantern's Mississippi Memory series. Additionally, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how blending bourbons from diverse distilleries across America creates a balanced and intricate final product, guided by a blend captain who ensures each batch is perfect.
Curious about the challenges faced by regional distilleries and the innovative approaches they use? We'll highlight distilleries like Rock Town in Arkansas, High Wire in South Carolina, and the nuances of the Lincoln County Process in Tennessee whiskey at Lieper's Fork. Listen as we compare the unique methods, ingredients, and local climates that shape these exceptional bourbons. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how Lost Lantern selects and maintains high standards for their releases, ensuring that each bottle tells a story and captures the essence of its origins. Don't miss this journey through the evolving landscape of American bourbon.
There's also a unique discount code, one use only without any product limits, just for listeners of the Whiskey Ring Podcast!
 
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Nora and Adam for re-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
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are 2 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 
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. 
Lost Lantern Whiskey
Lost Lantern Whiskey Website
Lost Lantern Whiskey on Instagram
Lost Lantern Whiskey on Facebook

Ep. 155: Baltimore Spirits Company with Co-Founder Max Lents

Gin, Apple Brandy, Whiskey...and Pechuga?
 
What if participating in local farmer's markets could boost your brand more than major media coverage? In the latest episode, I sit down with Max Lents, the passionate founder and CEO of Baltimore Spirits Company. Max takes us through his journey of reviving Maryland rye whiskey, from the company’s birth in 2013 to its first spirit release in 2015. Emphasizing the power of community engagement and grassroots marketing in creating authentic customer connections, Baltimore Spirits Company weaves storytelling and tradition into each bottle, making a significant mark on the craft distilling scene.
 
We also dive deep into the other spirits being produced by BSC, including a Szechuan gin and a Pechuga, which I had heard of maybe once and never actually tried. Maryland - and Baltimore - is more than just rye country. It's apple brandy, gin, and spirits of all kinds. 
 
You'll also hear about the unique methods that set Baltimore Spirits Company apart, such as pot distillation, open wooden vat fermenters, and a distinctive mash bill with dual yeast strains. We also discuss the critical contributions of Eli (originally from Peabody Heights Brewery), whose expertise in industrial-scale fermentation has been a game-changer.
 
From the release of Epoch Rye to innovative creations like Fumas Pumila, Max shares the meticulous process and passion behind each spirit, ensuring a product that stands out in the market. Finally, Max discusses the collaborative spirit within the Union Collective and the challenges and successes of expanding production. He and his partners have the long-term vision of becoming the premier rye whiskey distillery on the East Coast and the formation of the Maryland Distillers Guild.
 
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Max 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
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are 2 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 
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. 
Baltimore Spirits Company
Baltimore Spirits Company Website
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Baltimore Spirits Company Facebook

Ep. 154: Whiskey and Armagnac: Master Blender Pete Lynch on the Art and Craft of Spirits

From Rye to Armagnac: Pete Lynch's Story 
In the second part to our Bhakta Sessions series as we welcome the exceptional Pete Lynch, the master blender for Bhakta Spirits. With a career that kick-started under the legendary Dave Pickerel at Whistlepig, Pete’s journey in the whiskey and armagnac world is nothing short of inspiring. We delve into his deep passion for rye whiskey, the pivotal role of sensory memory in tasting, and his current intriguing project involving a 2012 vintage Armagnac. Pete’s insights into the art of blending whiskey offer a masterclass in balancing flavors and honoring the heritage of historic spirits.
In our final chapter, we explore the rich history and cultural significance of spirits, particularly focusing on Armagnac. Pete and I reflect on the resilience and dedication of producers through historical adversities, and the romanticism of savoring vintage spirits. We also discuss the future of mentorship in the craft spirits industry, emphasizing innovation and the nurturing of independent thinkers. Cheers to another insightful session!
 
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Pete 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
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 
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. 
Bhakta Spirits
Bhakta Spirits Website
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Ep. 153: AJ Schreiner Spirits with Ken Schreiner

Embracing Your Heritage: Ken Schreiner's Journey from Real Estate to Artisanal Whiskey and Gin
In this riveting episode, we explore Ken Schreiner's inspiring transition from a religious upbringing that shunned alcohol to reviving his family's historic whiskey brand. Ken discusses cherished old distilling notebooks as he navigates the labyrinth of "labeling hell" to breathe new life into spirits named after his great-great-grandfather AJ Schreiner, a master distiller from Louisville, Kentucky, and how these historical roots inspired him to embrace his heritage.
We delve into the Prohibition era, uncovering the gritty realities of both legal and illicit distilling. Ken offers fascinating insights into dating historical records, maintaining proprietary yeast strains, and understanding distillation techniques from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Alongside master distiller Alan Bishop (a great friend of the podcast!), Ken's transition from real estate to whiskey-making unfolds as a passionate pursuit infused with historical accuracy and artisanal craftsmanship. His journey emphasizes the importance of honesty in the whiskey industry, even when faced with the many challenges of recreating a bygone era.
Beyond the craft of whiskey, Ken shares his poignant personal story of dealing with PTSD from his time in emergency services. Whiskey became more than a passion; like it was for me, for him, it became a grounding activity that helped him navigate mental health challenges. Through this episode, we advocate for responsible consumption and mental health support for first responders and high-stress professions.
Stay tuned to hear about Ken's plans for the future of AJ Schreiner Spirits, including a new/old gin distillation technique that blends tradition with modern craft. This episode is a heartfelt blend of history, authenticity, and personal connection, celebrating the rich legacy of the Schreiner family spirits.
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ken 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
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 
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. 
AJ Schreiner Spirits
AJ Schreiner Spirits Website
AJ Schreiner Spirits Instagram
AJ Schreiner Spirits Facebook

Ep. 152: Reviving a Region - The Cabrach Trust and Distillery with Jonathan Christie

Reviving The Cabrach: The Whiskey-Powered Renaissance of a Storied Scottish Region
Imagine a region renowned for its whisky, considered a birthplace of it, with quality competing with big, old names like Glenlivet and Glenfarclas. Then imagine this region, once a thriving center of production, loses its population, falling below 100 people for an entire region, its legal and illicit distilling history lost to the landscape. 
This is The Cabrach, a beautiful space between Aberdeenshire, Speyside, and Dufftown in the north of Scotland. Since 2013, The Cabrach Trust has been reviving the region's storied history. From the very beginning, that whisky history was part and parcel of the revitalization, and a distillery was always in the cards. Now, that part of the dream is being realized.  
Listen to my interview with The Cabrach Trust Chief Executive Jonathan Christie to hear how detailed research and archaeological efforts are bringing to light the region's rich history of illicit whisky production. Understand why establishing a new distillery is not just about whiskey but also about fostering economic regeneration, preserving traditional methods, and creating sustainable practices that harmonize with the natural environment.
Finally, immerse yourself in the broader community efforts that make this project truly unique. From nature trails and rural skills workshops to the intriguing idea of aging whiskey casks in a Cold War-era bunker, this episode paints a vivid picture of the blend of tradition and creativity driving Cabrach's revitalization.
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Jonathan 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
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 
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. 
The Cabrach Trust
The Cabrach Trust Website
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The Cabrach Trust Facebook
The Cabrach Trust Twiiter/X
The Cabrach Trust LinkedIn
The Cabrach Distillery
The Cabrach Distillery Website
The Cabrach Distillery Instagram
The Cabrach Distillery Facebook
The Cabrach Distillery Twiiter/X
The Cabrach Distillery LinkedIn

Ep. 151: From Intern to Minister of Time: Johnathan Page's Unique Path with Bhakta Spirits

Journey Through Time: JP's Adventures in the Spirits Industry and the Art of Armagnac
What happens when you drive a German Shepherd and a minivan from Florida to Vermont for an internship that changes your life? My guest, Johnathan Page, fondly known as JP and the Minister of Time at Bhakta Spirits, shares his serendipitous journey into the spirits industry. Starting as an intern at Whistlepig in 2017, JP's story is filled with unexpected twists and turns riding shotgun with Raj Bhakta, the founder of Whistlepig and Bhakta Spirits and a force of nature in the spirits world. 
JP was alongside Raj as he left Whistlepig, as he took time to find his next venture, and as he discovered the wonders of armagnac. Directing Raj and his partner Leo Gibson from place to place around Tenareze (including some good-natured joking), JP went from a trusted associate to a key figure in Bhakta Spirits' development.
He - by his own admission - didn't see himself in the spirits industry. Yet hearing him talk both in person and in this interview, the passion shines. He loves telling stories and meeting new people, introducing them to spirits they never thought they'd try let alone hear about. Plus, his stories about Raj are chef's kiss. 
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to JP 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
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 
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. 
Bhakta Spirits
Bhakta Spirits Website
Bhakta Spirits Instagram
Bhakta Spirits Facebook
Bhakta Spirits YouTube
Bhakta Spirits LinkedIn

Bonus Episode: Whiskeyland and Fire, Water, & Grain with The Balas Brothers

From Empire Rye to Whiskeyland: The Balas Brothers' Journey in Storytelling and Whiskey
What is Whiskeyland? More importantly, what is your Whiskeyland? Is it visiting an up-and-coming blending house like Pursuit Spirits? Reviving a long-lost rye species (Rosen rye) with Mammoth? Representing the other Indiana distilleries with Hard Truth? Or just sipping with friends and family, whether your collection is 5 bottles or 500. 
Ryan and Alec Balas - who also made an incredible film on Empire Rye called Fire, Water, & Grain - join me to discuss the making of this new series. Whiskeyland Batch 1 is now out in its entirety, available on YouTube and featuring many distilleries, producers, and chefs whose stories are whiskey and whose whiskies are stories. 
Drawing inspiration from Anthony Bourdain to look at life through the lens of food and drink, Whiskeyland is a new look at the stories of people in the whiskey and how the strands of family and friends intertwine when a passion is discovered. Reviewing their journey from acting and editing to independent filmmaking (and, yes, content, though Ryan hates that word), we go through what drives the Balas Brothers to create and tell stories, the process of choosing which stories to feature and in which order, and why positive counter-programming can be an antidote to the ills and negativity we see every day. 
Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, New York - anywhere can be your Whiskeyland. 
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ryan and Alec 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
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring
There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 
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. 
The Balas Brothers
The Balas Brothers Website
The Balas Brothers Instagram
Whiskeyland TV