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Pour yourself a shot and settle in for an entertaining journey through Dodge City lore and fine spirits! Our debut episode of "Whiskey and Westerns on Wednesday" brings together host Mike King and Dodge City historian Brad Smalley to explore frontier legends while sampling Ardbeg 10, a smoky Islay scotch.

We kick things off by shattering a persistent Wild West myth about the origin of "shot" glasses. Despite romantic notions of cowboys trading bullets for whiskey, historical records reveal that in 1870s Dodge City, a shot cost about 25 cents—enough to buy nearly ten bullets. When George Hoover established the first saloon in what would become Dodge, he dispensed whiskey by the ladle for two bits, likely delivering a more generous pour than today's standard shot.

The heart of our episode revolves around Luke McGlue, Dodge City's most infamous resident who never actually existed. This entirely fictional character served as the perfect scapegoat for the town's practical jokers, including legendary figures like Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp. When pranks were pulled and someone needed to take the blame, Luke McGlue became the untraceable culprit, preventing potential violence in a town where everyone carried guns.

We share the hilarious tale of Dr. Meredith, a traveling "medical man" who came to deliver a lecture on "private diseases" after corresponding with the nonexistent Luke. What followed was an elaborately orchestrated practical joke featuring staged disruptions, gunfire that extinguished the saloon's lamps, and ultimately a terrified doctor fleeing town on the first train out.

Throughout our storytelling, we appreciate the complex flavors of Ardbeg 10, discussing how peat imparts its distinctive smoky character during the whiskey-making process and identifying flavor notes from beeswax to black pepper.

Subscribe to our podcast for weekly episodes where we'll continue exploring legendary characters, historical tales, and fine spirits from the American frontier. Search "Wild West podcast" to find us and join our Wednesday tradition of whiskey and wonderful stories!

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