I explain why I’m officially refusing to attend Bourbon & Beyond 2026 after a bizarre “hokey pokey” process that left me scratching my head. This isn’t just about one festival, it’s about how the whiskey world treats smaller voices, authentic coverage, and the whiskey freaks who actually support the industry. 

Grab my new book Whiskey Wisdom & Bourbon B.S.: Barrel Strength Legends, Lies, and Untold Tales here on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLNGXJL3

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The first batch of Silk Velvet Whiskey was produced in the winter of 1880. After 40 years, it faded into oblivion, just like so many others after Prohibition.

Today, the brand is back in full force, and Zach Hargis and 8th-generation Master Distiller Jacob Call join me to break down the resurrection of this forgotten whiskey, from an antique store discovery to a full-scale revival rooted in Kentucky history.

We get into the origin story, the blending decisions, the early challenges, and the moment they realized, “Hey… this thing might actually work.” Plus, Jacob lays out his now-famous work credo, a simple rule that might explain why this whole operation runs as smoothly as it does.

If you’re into bourbon, business, or just a damn good comeback story, this one’s worth your time, whiskey freaks.

Grab my new book Whiskey Wisdom & Bourbon B.S.: Barrel Strength Legends, Lies, and Untold Tales here on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLNGXJL3

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A deep dive into Knob Creek’s first Blender’s Edition release, a 10-year sweet bourbon blend from Beam Suntory. This one hits a little differently for reasons beyond the glass, and I walk through exactly what’s in it, what’s missing, and what it might be trying to say.

Grab my new book Whiskey Wisdom & Bourbon B.S.: Barrel Strength Legends, Lies, and Untold Tales here on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLNGXJL3

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Buffalo Trace drops a five-figure Eagle Rare 30 Year Old, Steph Curry’s going after mizunara finishes, and Kentucky’s arguing in court over who actually gets to claim the title of first Black-owned bourbon distillery. Oh, and I found a 4-year old full proof bourbon from Craig Beam at Jackson Purchase Distillery that drinks like it’s got a point to prove.

Grab my new book Whiskey Wisdom & Bourbon B.S.: Barrel Strength Legends, Lies, and Untold Tales here on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLNGXJL3

Like what I'm doing? Support the pod here: https://buymeacoffee.com/blindtastingpodcast 

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While bourbon hunters chase hype bottles and horsey toppers, J.W. Dant just keeps showin’ up with 100 proof, history, and a price tag that feels like it came from another decade. Today, I pour it, taste it, give you my honest take, and do the hard work so y’all don’t have to. 

Grab my new book Whiskey Wisdom & Bourbon B.S.: Barrel Strength Legends, Lies, and Untold Tales here on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLNGXJL3

Like what I'm doing? Support the pod here: https://buymeacoffee.com/blindtastingpodcast 

Help support the podcast by shopping for whiskey, prohibition, and gangster-related photos and art at: https://famousdocs.etsy.com  Get 20% off for a limited time when you purchase 4 or more items!

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MGP’s stock has been getting crushed, the industry’s been shifting, and now MGP’s finally jumping on that same train.

Grab my new book Whiskey Wisdom & Bourbon B.S.: Barrel Strength Legends, Lies, and Untold Tales here on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLNGXJL3

Like what I'm doing? Support the pod here: https://buymeacoffee.com/blindtastingpodcast 

Help support the podcast by shopping for whiskey, prohibition, and gangster-related photos and art at: https://famousdocs.etsy.com  Get 20% off for a limited time when you purchase 4 or more items!

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Buffalo Trace and Jack Daniel’s under the same umbrella? That’s the story making waves right now. Let’s break down what’s actually happening, and what it could mean if it becomes reality!

Grab my new book Whiskey Wisdom & Bourbon B.S.: Barrel Strength Legends, Lies, and Untold Tales here on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLNGXJL3

Like what I'm doing? Support the pod here: https://buymeacoffee.com/blindtastingpodcast 

Help support the podcast by shopping for whiskey, prohibition, and gangster-related photos and art at: https://famousdocs.etsy.com  Get 20% off for a limited time when you purchase 4 or more items!

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Welcome in Whiskey Freaks to a quick-hit episode where we shine a light on a bourbon that gets ignored, disrespected, and totally overlooked. I’m talkin’ Old Forester Statesman, a solid, balanced straight bourbon whiskey that quietly bridges the gap between entry-level and high-proof pours. We dive into the history, the story behind the bottle, and why it deserves a spot in your collection. Grab a glass, tune in, and let’s give this underdog the respect it’s been missing.

Grab my new book Whiskey Wisdom & Bourbon B.S.: Barrel Strength Legends, Lies, and Untold Tales here on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLNGXJL3

Like what I'm doing? Support the pod here: https://buymeacoffee.com/blindtastingpodcast 

Help support the podcast by shopping for whiskey, prohibition, and gangster-related photos and art at: https://famousdocs.etsy.com  Get 20% off for a limited time when you purchase 4 or more items!

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Today on the Blind Tasting Podcast, we’re diving headfirst into all things bourbon. We talk Garrison Brothers’ 2026 Lady Bird Bourbon and the limited Cask Strength, Lux Row Estate Bourbon grown right on the distillery’s land, Ezra Brooks 90 Proof sweepstakes (yep, 90 prizes for 90 proof), and Remus Bourbon’s Ross & Squibb VIP trip contest. I also hand you a dangerously easy Jim Beam Pineapple cocktail recipe, sip on Bookers The Beam House Batch, and give you my honest, zero-BS take on what’s worth your money and what’s just hype. Pour a drink, buckle up, and let’s figure out bourbon together,

Grab my new book Whiskey Wisdom & Bourbon B.S.: Barrel Strength Legends, Lies, and Untold Tales here on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLNGXJL3

Like what I'm doing? Support the pod here: https://buymeacoffee.com/blindtastingpodcast 

Help support the podcast by shopping for whiskey, prohibition, and gangster-related photos and art at: https://famousdocs.etsy.com  Get 20% off for a limited time when you purchase 4 or more items!

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Alright Whiskey Freaks, before you book that flight or print out the whole Bourbon Trail map, just…stop. Today, I break down rookie mistakes, how to use the KDA “Build Your Own Trip” tool, and the smart way to hit distilleries without burning out. Do it right, enjoy the bourbon, and leave some room for fun too. Whether it’s your first pilgrimage or your tenth trip to Kentucky, this one’s for you.

Grab my new book Whiskey Wisdom & Bourbon B.S.: Barrel Strength Legends, Lies, and Untold Tales here on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLNGXJL3

Like what I'm doing? Support the pod here: https://buymeacoffee.com/blindtastingpodcast 

Help support the podcast by shopping for whiskey, prohibition, and gangster-related photos and art at: https://famousdocs.etsy.com  Get 20% off for a limited time when you purchase 4 or more items!

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