Brims and Barrels

DOES THE WHISKEY MATCH THE SWAGGER?

Some bottles demand attention before the first sip. But when you're spending nearly $180 on a rye whiskey, does what's inside live up to the presentation?

Welcome back to another Brims & Barrels Game Ready! Xavier and Ray are pouring Old Swagger 12-Year Cask Strength Rye from Rising Tide Spirits, founded by renowned barrel picker Ed Bley.

Before launching his own brand, Ed built a loyal following through his highly sought-after barrel selections at Cork N Bottle in Kentucky. Now we're putting his blending expertise to the test!

🥃 THE WHISKEY BREAKDOWN

* Age: 12 Years | Batch 1
* Proof: 110.8 (55.4% ABV)
* Mash Bill: 95% Rye / 5% Malted Barley
* Distilled in Indiana | Bottled in Kentucky
* Retail: $179.99 (Seelbach's listing)

🔥 INTENTIONAL. CONTROLLED. ELEGANT.

Three words that define Old Swagger's presentation, from its handcrafted glass decanter featuring a cardinal to its distinctive packaging.

But does the whiskey deliver?

On the nose, we discover vanilla, rye spice, floral notes, and herbal character. The palate brings black pepper, sweet chai tea, dark chocolate, mature oak, leather, and tobacco, with a rich, mouth-coating finish.

🏀 THE GAME READY ANALOGY

Ray goes with LaMelo Ball — flashy, confident, unique, and intentional in his approach to the game.

Xavier takes it back to Michael Jordan — dominance, control, elegance, and swagger on and off the court.

Two generations. Two perspectives. One whiskey.

Does Old Swagger earn a starting spot on our roster? 🏆

👇 JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

🥃 Have you tried Old Swagger?

🏀 Who represents swagger better: Jordan or LaMelo?

💰 Is a 12-year rye worth $180?

Drop your thoughts below, LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more Game Ready episodes, whiskey reviews, and authentic conversations!

🎙️ BRIMS & BARRELS
Two Fits. One Pour. 🥃

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🎃 BONUS CONTENT | BRIMS & BARRELS TWO-MINUTE DRILL 🥃

The Halloween decorations are up, the cobwebs are hanging, and we've got Colorado whiskey on the dashboard!

In this bonus Two-Minute Drill, Xavier and Ray spotlight Locke + Co. Distilling, a whiskey brand founded by two friends, Rick and Owen, who are doing something different with Colorado aspen wood.

On the dashboard:

🥃 Aspen Aged Rye

🥃 Big Catch Bourbon

🥃 Big Blaze Bourbon

Ray breaks down the story behind the brand and its distinctive use of aspen wood, while Xavier puts the Big Blaze Bourbon to the test.

And his first impression? WINTER FRESH! ❄️😂

Beyond that unexpected tasting note, Xavier discovers subtle hints of nuttiness, brown sugar, and vanilla, making for an approachable bourbon experience.

Big thanks to Rick and Owen at Locke + Co. for sending the samples and giving us an opportunity to share their story.

This isn't a full episode. It's a quick pour, a little whiskey knowledge, and an authentic first impression.

Two Fits. One Pour. 🥃

#BrimsAndBarrels #TwoMinuteDrill #LockeAndCo #ColoradoWhiskey #BourbonPodcast #WhiskeyCommunity

Chip Tate: The Mind Behind Modern Whiskey Innovation | Brims & Barrels 🥃

What separates someone who makes whiskey from someone who changes the way we think about it?

In this special episode of Brims & Barrels, Xavier and Ray sit down with master distiller and whiskey innovator Chip Tate for an insightful conversation about craftsmanship, creativity, tradition, and the stories behind Ampersand Spirits and Gambit No. 6.

From studying physics and philosophy to baking, fabrication, and building his own distilling equipment, Chip's journey is anything but ordinary.

His approach to whiskey starts with one powerful question: WHY?

Why follow tradition? Why choose a particular barrel? Why create something different if it doesn't make the whiskey better?

Chip shares how curiosity, necessity, and experience shaped his philosophy of creating whiskey that people genuinely want to return to.

🥃 IN THIS EPISODE:

🔥 The Innovator's Mindset — How curiosity and challenging conventional thinking shaped Chip's career.

🥃 Ampersand Spirits — The craftsmanship behind Opimus, Aureus, Vinea, and Malus, including blending and barrel finishing.

🎲 Gambit No. 6 — How six wine-barrel influences come together to create a bourbon that appeals to beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

🛠️ Built, Not Bought — Why building his own distilling equipment taught Chip lessons he couldn't have learned otherwise.

💰 Quality & Accessibility — His philosophy on producing exceptional whiskey at reasonable prices.

🏆 Tradition Meets Innovation — Respecting whiskey's history while pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Plus, we talk sports, fitted caps, family, and life beyond whiskey!

THE BIGGEST TAKEAWAY?

Innovation isn't simply about being different. It's understanding what came before you, questioning what's possible, and creating something meaningful.

Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast, just beginning your whiskey journey, or someone who appreciates stories of perseverance and creativity, this conversation is for you!

📲 *\CONNECT WITH CHIP TATE

Chip Tate: @chiptatewhisky

Ampersand Spirits: @ampersandspirits

Gambit No. 6: @gambitno6

Special thanks to Chip for sharing his time, knowledge, and passion with our community!

🎥 JOIN THE BRIMS & BARRELS COMMUNITY

If you enjoy whiskey reviews, blind tastings, exclusive interviews, sports conversations, and authentic storytelling, you've found your people!

✅ SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel.

👍 LIKE this episode to support the platform.

💬 COMMENT: Have you tried Ampersand Opimus or Gambit No. 6? Which expression is your favorite?

🔔 TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS* so you never miss a Game Ready or full episode.

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We're building more than a whiskey channel. We're building genuine connections, one conversation at a time.

TWO FITS. ONE POUR. 🥃

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Can a legacy bourbon brand still surprise people? 🥃🏀

In this Game Ready, we take a fresh-palate look at Kentucky Boy Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a Brown-Forman release honoring Chris Morris and his 50-year legacy. Ray shares why the bottle reminds him of LeBron James: legacy names can still make a move that gets everybody watching.

We talk tasting notes, the Old Forester and Woodford Double Oaked similarities, the bottle’s presentation, and where it lands for us. Ray calls it a starter; Xavier sees it as a special-teams punter. You’ll have to watch to hear why.

Big thanks to Laz, That Subourbon Guy, for bringing us a sample to try. We also discuss the release’s support for Second Stride, a nonprofit that helps retired thoroughbreds find care and a new purpose after racing.

Catch Game Ready live Wednesday morning on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. Thanks for the continuous support! 🤝

Two Fits. One Pour. 🥃

#KentuckyBoy #BrownForman #Bourbon #Whiskey #GameReady #BrimsAndBarrels #SecondStride

We helped pick a monster. Now it’s time to let it out. 🥃⚡️

On this Brims & Barrels Game Ready, Xavier and Ray pour the Old Zach 12-Year “Frankenstein Barrel”—a 136-proof single barrel that grabbed our attention from the first sample.

Full disclosure: we participated in this pick, and we’re proud of it. But what’s in the glass? Cherry cola, vanilla frosting, caramel, brown sugar spice, a touch of nuttiness, and a finish that just won’t quit.

That’s where Michael Myers and Jason enter the conversation. These two don’t rush—and neither should you with this pour. Take your time, savor it, and share it with somebody you appreciate.

Much love to Laz @thatsubourbonguy, Pete at Liquor Zone in Pearland, Oscar at Katy Liquor, and Emiliano for letting us be part of the experience. Opportunities like this start with relationships, trust, and people who bring something special to the bourbon community.

Did you grab a bottle of barrel #1089? Tell us where it ranks among your pours this year. Could this Frankenstein barrel go toe-to-toe with the big-name limited releases?

Subscribe to Brims & Barrels for more Game Ready pours, blind tastings, and conversations over good whiskey.

Two Fits. One Pour.

#OldZach #BrimsAndBarrels #BourbonReview #SingleBarrelBourbon #GameReady

Three bottles. Three starting spots. One explosive offense. 🥃🏈🏀

Xavier and Ray bring a triple threat to the Brims & Barrels table: Provenance 10 Year, Reveries 10 Year Rye, and Murder of Crow.

Provenance already earned a spot among our top 10 whiskeys of the year—but can the other two make the starting lineup? From cinnamon and clove to green apple, brown sugar, and a finish that keeps going, we break down what stands out in each pour.

Then we take it to the playbook. Xavier brings back the 2001 Florida Gators’ Fun ’n’ Gun with Rex Grossman, Jabar Gaffney, and Reche Caldwell. Ray answers with the triangle offense and a lineup built for championships.

Shoutout to Jay West @t8ke.review for the selections, Pete @liquor_zone_pearland for keeping us in the game, Laz @thatsubourbonguy for always sharing his knowledge, and Pee Wee @xstitchembroidery for the custom Brims & Barrels New Era hats.

Which bottle gets the ball first in your lineup? Let us know in the comments.

Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Game Ready pours and Brims & Barrels sit-downs.

Two Fits. One Pour.

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The Pete (@liquor_zone_pearland) and Laz (@thatsubourbonguy) invited Brims & Barrels to join them at Liquor Zone for a Provenance barrel pick with Jay West (@t8ke.review) We tasted through four samples, shared our notes, and then revisited the favorites blind to see which barrel stood out.

Jay also talked about his approach to selecting barrels and what makes the Reveries 10 Year Liquor Zone (Pete’s Pick) unique. We’re grateful to Pete and Laz for welcoming us into the experience and letting us share it with you.

Which part of a barrel pick matters most to you—the nose, palate, or finish? Let us know in the comments.

#BrimsAndBarrels #Provenance #JayWest #LiquorZone #BarrelPick

🥃 GAME READY: Old Elk 10-Year Straight Bourbon

Old Elk took its signature high-malt bourbon recipe and gave it a full decade in the barrel. So naturally, we had to find out if those extra years earned it a spot in the starting lineup.

This new Old Elk clocks in at 105 proof (52.5% ABV) and uses an unusual high-malt mash bill of 51% corn, 34% malted barley and 15% rye. That 34% malted barley is a major part of what separates Old Elk's bourbon profile from a more traditional bourbon mash bill. (Old Elk)

It's also one of three expressions in Old Elk's new 10 Year Collection, alongside a 10-Year Wheated Bourbon and 10-Year Straight Wheat Whiskey. (Old Elk)

Old Elk's official notes call out rich oak, fig jam, almond paste, cocoa powder and honeycomb on the aroma; bright fruit, oak sweetness, caramel and vanilla on the palate; and vanilla oak, confectioner's sugar and light stone fruit on the finish. (Old Elk)

Our fresh-crack experience went somewhere different.

Xavier picked up tobacco, leather and corn, while Ray found an earthy, grain-forward profile. Once we got into the palate, the sweetness came through, followed by leather and darker fruit. It even had us talking about some of the characteristics we associate with Texas whiskey.

Different? Absolutely.

But when it's time for STARTER or BENCH, there's nowhere to hide. 🏈🥃

Watch the full Game Ready and let us know where Old Elk 10 Year lands in your lineup.

Two Fits. One Pour.

🥃 Old Elk 10-Year Straight Bourbon
⏳ Age: 10 Years
🔥 Proof: 105
💧 ABV: 52.5%
🌽 Mash Bill: 51% Corn / 34% Malted Barley / 15% Rye (Old Elk)

#BrimsAndBarrels #OldElk #OldElk10Year #GameReady #Bourbon #BourbonReview #Whiskey #WhiskeyReview #BourbonCommunity #TwoFitsOnePour

Old Elk 10 Year Collection

Bourbon may bring us to the table, but the people are what keep us there. 🥃🔥

On this episode of Brims & Barrels, Xavier and Ray sit down with Kyle from Smoke Pour Repeat for a conversation that goes way beyond what's in the glass.

Kyle shares how Smoke Pour Repeat brings together two things deeply connected to Texas culture — bourbon and BBQ — and how his journey through the Houston whiskey community has become about relationships, experiences and giving back.

We get into Houston bourbon culture, the evolution from hunting allocated bottles to actually enjoying whiskey again, and why single-barrel picks offer something completely different. Kyle also takes us behind the scenes of barrel selections at places like Maker's Mark, Four Roses, Heaven Hill and Peerless.

And then there's the BBQ. 🔥

Kyle breaks down life on the pit, pairing bourbon with brisket, surviving a Texas cook with high-proof whiskey 😂, and why the right pour can complement what's coming off the smoker.

But one of the best parts of the conversation is what whiskey can create outside of drinking. Kyle discusses helping build the Bourbon Hounds of Houston and using bourbon to support charitable causes, while all three of us talk about friendship, brotherhood, mental health and having other men around who can simply ask, “Are you okay?”

In this episode: Houston whiskey culture • BBQ & bourbon pairings • barrel picks • Kentucky experiences • Texas whiskey • the end of the bourbon-hunting craze • community • brotherhood • and plenty of laughs.

🥃 Two Fits. One Pour.

Subscribe to Brims & Barrels and join us for the next pour.

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The 2026 Russell’s Reserve 13 Year is here and it celebrates Eddie Russell’s 45 years at Wild Turkey.

Xavier and Ray are joined by Kyle from Smoke Pour Repeat to find out whether this highly anticipated release is Game Ready or headed for the bench.

🥃 RUSSELL’S RESERVE 13 YEAR 2026

• 13-year age statement
• Includes bourbon aged up to 18 years
• 121.2 proof
• Non-chill filtered
• Mash bill: 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley
• Suggested retail price: $200

On the nose, we found rich cherry, strawberry, dark fruit, toffee, seasoned oak and even a peanut-butter-and-Heath-bar combination.

The palate follows with mature oak, leather, tobacco, baking spice and a long Kentucky hug.

When it was time to make the call, the decision was unanimous: three starters. This is a dependable veteran pour that shows up, handles its assignment and represents some of the best that Wild Turkey has to offer.

Stay tuned for our full sit-down episode with Kyle from Smoke Pour Repeat.

LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE for more Game Ready reviews, blind tastings and bourbon conversations.

Two Fits. One Pour. 🥃

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