Welcome back to Chill Filtered, the podcast where we drink whiskey so you don't have to (but you probably should)!

This week, Cole and Bryan crack into one of the most talked-about allocated returns of the year: the brand-new Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Cured Oak Bourbon (2026 Release) (massive shoutout to Brian Duncan for sharing the bottle!). Before diving into the pour, the guys reflect on the original 2015 release from Episode 36, recap Bryan’s epic weekend bottle share (tasting Booker’s Apple Brandy/Cinnamon Rye, hazmat Barton, and King of Kentucky), talk Dungeon Crawler Carl, and nerd out on predator-prey mathematical models to explain the bourbon boom-and-bust cycle. Plus, huge updates for the Phoenix Meetup—including potentially hosting our Found North barrel pick inside a WWII airplane hangar!

In this week's history segment, Cole breaks down the cooperage science behind Cured Oak:

6 Months vs. 13 Months Outdoors: Why standard commercial staves only get 6 months of open-air seasoning, and how leaving white oak staves in the elements for 13 full months triggers rain leaching and fungal enzymatic digestion (laccases and peroxidases) to break down rigid wood lignins into sweet aromatic aldehydes like vanillin.

The Age Statement Pivot: Comparing the 2015 original (17-year age statement) to the 2026 release (10-year age statement), and whether pulling the barrels at 10 years prevented the cured staves from over-extracting into dry wood tannins.

Pōkeno x Lord of the Rings 25th Anniversary Whisky: New Zealand distillery Pōkeno teams up with the Tolkien Estate to release an official 25th-anniversary single malt finished in first-fill bourbon, virgin oak, Muscat wine, and native Manuka honey casks.

Parker’s Heritage Collection 20th Edition (2026): Heaven Hill unveils a 14-year Kentucky straight bourbon crafted using a "Rye Backset" (stillage from a previous rye run added to a bourbon mash to spike acidity and grain spice without altering mash bill ratios).

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon & Alpha Industries Distiller's Jacket: The 11-year, 97-proof 2026 release drops alongside a $150+ waxed canvas distiller's jacket, sparking a debate on wearing branded whiskey merch in public.

Helldiver Lottery Recap: 56% of listeners sat out the lottery while 44% took the plunge (shoutout to Miles for scoring a bottle!). Meanwhile, Four Roses Honey blew out Booker’s Cinnamon Rye by more than 2 to 1 in the experimental finish showdown.

This Week’s Bottle Share Scenario: You’re invited to a bourbon bottle share where you want to bring something unique and impressive from your own shelf without going totally over the top. What are you grabbing?

Bryan: Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series High Angel’s Share (Coy Hill).

Cole: Single Oak Project (Barrel 80 Redo) for a fun conversation starter, or an open bottle of A. Smith Bowman Straight Rye.

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Cured Oak Bourbon (2026 / 10-Year, 100 Proof)

Cole's Score: B+ / 9.0 (Prominent oak and cedar notes neat; adding a splash of water transforms the pour, rounding off the bite and bringing forward sweet fruit and rich vanilla that edges out Eagle Rare 10)

Bryan's Score: B- (Solid, wood-forward pour with nice spice on the finish, but missing the rich fruit complexity of top-tier Taylor releases)

Tune in next week for the Loser's Bracket Face-Off: Jack Daniel's 14-Year (Batch 2) vs. Star Hill Farm (2026)!

Enjoying the show? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join our Patreon community for exclusive meetup access and barrel picks!

Welcome back to Chill Filtered, the podcast where we drink whiskey so you don't have to (but you probably should)!

This week, Cole and Bryan dive into a bottle with one of the most unbelievable backstories in spirits history: the brand-new Bruichladdich 14-Year "Yellow Submarine [Reclassified]" (2026 Release)! Before getting to the glass, the guys talk Scotland vacation planning, Cole’s love of Paris, his recent trip to the home office in Ohio (featuring half-off whiskey night in Wadsworth), a top-secret family Disney trip in the works, and huge updates for the Phoenix Meetup—including hopefully hosting the Found North private barrel pick with Nick Taylor inside an authentic WWII airplane hangar!

Cole breaks down the legendary folklore behind Bruichladdich’s Yellow Submarine series:

Part 1 (2003): How the Pentagon’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency flagged Bruichladdich's stillhouse webcams for looking like a chemical weapons factory, prompting Jim McEwan to release WMD I: Whisky of Mass Distinction ("Big Brother is Watching You").

Part 2 (2005): Local Islay fishermen snagging a literal military autonomous yellow submarine drone in their fishing nets off the coast.

Part 3: The British Royal Navy retrieving their lost spy sub in exchange for single malt, leading to the birth of the Yellow Submarine bottling.

The 2026 Return: Adam Hannett resurrecting the bottle for Bruichladdich's 25th anniversary of reopening, bumping it to 108.4 proof with 25% Bordeaux wine cask maturation.

Bonus debate: Cole and Bryan break down the mechanics of Scottish pot stills versus column stills (and whether tall, slender pot stills count as "tall and slender").

Woodford Reserve "Super Seasoned Oak": Brown-Forman kicks off Bourbon Heritage Month with a new Master’s Collection release ($180–$200). The guys examine the "Super Seasoned" marketing and wonder if it can redeem last year’s polarizing Barrel Strength Rye.

Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2026): Dan McKee and Andrea Wilson drop the latest 109.1-proof allocated toasted rye ($120 MSRP) finished in custom uncharred toasted barrels.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon & The Alpha Industries Distiller's Jacket: Old Forester announces its 11-year, 97-proof Birthday Bourbon ($200) alongside a $150+ waxed canvas distiller's jacket. Would you wear branded whiskey apparel out in public?

Fast Food Burger Results: Five Guys crushes Burger King with 80% of the vote despite costing 50% more! (Plus write-in love for Culver’s, In-N-Out, Runza, and Freddy’s).

This Week’s Whiskey Lottery Dilemma: You won the grand prize! Which one are you taking home?

Option A: All 6 bottles of the 2026 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC).

Option B: A lifetime supply of standard Buffalo Trace Bourbon (free replacement bottle every time you finish one).

Cole & Bryan's Verdict: Both choose the 6 bottles of BTAC without hesitation—quality and sharing over quantity every day of the week.

Bruichladdich 14-Year "Yellow Submarine [Reclassified]" (108.4 Proof)

Cole's Score: A-- / 9.0 (Unique notes of Welch's white grape juice, rich malt, and an unmistakable gunpowder/firework smoke finish; adding water completely rounds off the bite)

Bryan's Score: A+ (Officially dubbed "The Bryan Scotch"—neat had big malt and grip, but adding a splash of water unlocks a stunning, buttery fruit and wine-cask masterpiece that outperforms bottles twice the price)

Tune in next week as the guys tackle the newly released E.H. Taylor Cured Oak (2026)

Enjoying the show? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join our Patreon community for exclusive meetup access and barrel picks!

Welcome back to Chill Filtered, the podcast where we drink whiskey so you don't have to (but you probably should)!

This week, Cole and Bryan head down to the Heart of Dixie to crack into our very first pour from Alabama: the Dettling 1867 6-Year Single Barrel Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey (116.7 Proof) (huge shoutout to Patrick for the bottle split!). Before diving into the glass, the guys celebrate Beck starting kindergarten, Bryan battling Phoenix haboobs and fried doorbell transformers, Cole winning back his white whale unicorn bottle (A. Smith Bowman Sweet 16), and breaking news that Nick Taylor of Found North is officially attending the Phoenix Meetup barrel pick this November!

In this week's history segment, Cole covers the 160-year story behind the Dettling name. From Franz Xaver Dettling crafting award-winning Kirschwasser in 1867 Switzerland to Seth and Vicki Dettling building Big Escambia Spirits from scratch in Atmore, Alabama, we explore what it takes to run a 100% grain-to-glass pot still distillery under some of the country's strictest post-Prohibition liquor laws.

Booker's "The Reserves" 2026: Beam unveils a 6-year, 124-proof Kentucky straight rye finished in apple brandy barrels and infused with cinnamon sticks. Is it an homage to Booker Noe's "ABC Wassail," or a creative fix for runaway rye barrels?

Four Roses Experimental Series #2: Four Roses announces an ultra-limited, 104-proof bourbon finished in casks previously used to age raw barrel-aged honey ($55 / 375ml), dropping September 18 at distillery visitor centers.

Last Week's Cheap Whiskey Battle: Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond takes down Old Forester 86 with a dominant 69% of listener votes!

This Week's Wild Finish Dilemma: If you could grab one for free, which experimental finish are you taking home?

Cole: Four Roses Honey Cask Finish 🍯

Bryan: Booker's Apple Brandy & Cinnamon Rye 🍏

Dettling 1867 6-Year Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye (116.7 Proof)

Cole's Score: B / 8.8 (Unapologetic tiramisu, espresso powder, and sweet chocolate notes neat; drinks best without water or ice)

Bryan's Score: B (Stunning nose of menthol, fruit, and oak, backed by a unique palate of chalky chocolate, Tootsie Roll, and coffee)

Tune in next week for a two-pick Tuesday clash: E.H. Taylor Cured Oak (2026) vs. Bruichladdich Yellow Submarine!

Enjoying the show? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join our Patreon community for exclusive meetup access and barrel picks!

Welcome back to Chill Filtered, the podcast where we drink whiskey so you don't have to (but you probably should)!

This week, Cole and Bryan are thrilled to welcome back one of our all-time favorite guests—Nick Taylor, co-founder, master blender, and barrel seeker at Found North!

We dive deep into the glass for the third and final installment of Found North’s acclaimed High Altitude series: Hell Diver 2026. Alongside a head-to-head retrospective comparing First Flight, the 2025 release, and the 2026 finale, Nick pulls back the curtain on how Found North operates, the philosophy behind hyper-aged Canadian blending, and why perfect whiskey is a lot like the blues.

🦅 Inside the Episode:

The Oloroso Gamble: Why Nick chose to swap out the soft "connective tissue" of Cognac casks for the fiery, unpredictable world of Oloroso Sherry—introducing dense raisin, worked leather, and struck-match complexity into the blend.

Blending & "The Blues": Why making great whiskey isn't about scrubbing away imperfections to make an "autotuned" spirit, but rather leaning into angular notes and letting the flavors dance between the cracks.

Behind the Scenes at Found North: Meet the unsung heroes of the operation—Phil’s rigorous quality control on 175+ lots, Daryl’s logistics and custom lot-tracking systems, and Lauren's back-end mastery.

Wild Yeast & Whiskey Rules: Nick shares his fantasy whiskey regulations, from mandatory wild yeast harvesting to an annual Scotch vs. Bourbon showdown that decides the spelling of "whiskey."

📅 Release & Lottery Details

MSRP: $169.99 (+$20 flat rate shipping)

Lottery Launch: Opens August 25, 2026 (running for 48 hours)

Loon Conservancy Drop: Merch and custom glassware proceeds going to support loon wildlife preservation in New Hampshire.

🌵 Phoenix Meetup Reminder

Enjoying the show? Subscribe on YouTube, rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join our Patreon community for exclusive barrel picks and meetup updates!

Welcome back to Chill Filtered, the podcast where we drink whiskey so you don't have to (but you probably should)!

In this episode, Cole and Bryan pop the cork on one of the most celebrated modern Wild Turkey releases: the brand-new Russell's Reserve 13-Year Barrel Proof (45th Anniversary Edition)! Before getting into the glass, the guys talk batched freezer Old Fashioned recipes, sinking ice cubes, and officially announce the 2026 Chill Filtered Meetup in Phoenix, AZ (November 13–15) featuring an exclusive Found North barrel pick with Chris Riesbeck.

📜 History Deep Dive: Eddie Russell’s 45-Year Legacy

📰 Whiskey World News

Buffalo Trace Single Estate Bourbon: Breaking down Buffalo Trace's ambitious grain-to-glass estate project and the unique heritage corn varietals (including Neon Pink Popcorn and Japonica) grown right on distillery grounds.

❓ What Whiskey Would You Choose?

This Week's Dilemma: What is your undisputed go-to fast food burger? (Five Guys vs. Burger King Double Whopper / Angry Whopper).

📊 Episode Ratings & Final Verdict

Cole's Score: 9.3 / A+ (Exceptional nose of bright blackberry syrup, brown sugar, and rich oak that rivals Russell's 15)

Bryan's Score: Solid A (Damp forest floor and deep vintage oak notes with zero harsh ethanol burn; drinks remarkably below proof)

🔮 Next Week on Chill Filtered

Enjoying the show? Make sure to subscribe on YouTube, leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join our Patreon community for exclusive barrel picks and meetup access!

Welcome back to Chill Filtered, the podcast where we drink whiskey so you don't have to (but you probably should)!

In this episode, Cole and Bryan crack open a special bottle sent over by 13th Colony Distilleries—their brand new Barrel Symphony: Composition No. 1! Before diving into the pour, the guys catch up on Bryan's recent raffle win (a 55-gallon barrel and distillery tour in Mesa), upcoming concerts, family Disney plans, and a chaotic trip to urgent care for "Nursemaid's Elbow."

📜 History Deep Dive: The Art & Chemistry of Bourye Blends

📰 Whiskey World News

❓ What Whiskey Would You Choose?

Bryan: Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond (~$18–$20) — Was it good? Absolutely not.

Cole: Old Forester 86 Proof (~$18) — Was it good? Honestly, yes!

📊 Episode Ratings & Final Verdict

Cole's Score: B- / 8.5 out of 10 (Soft maple sweetness, great balance of grain spice when poured neat)

Bryan's Score: Highly recommended with a splash of water (Super smooth, drinks way below its 116.2 proof with creamy vanilla and subtle fruit notes)

Enjoying the show? Subscribe on YouTube, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join our Patreon community for exclusive perks!

This week on Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan dive into one of the most anticipated monster releases of the year: the Jack Daniel's Special Release (2026) Boiler Hill #1 Rye Whiskey. Clocking in at a towering 146.1 proof, this high-octane Tennessee rye officially charges straight into true hazmat territory.

Before uncorking this heavyweight pour, the boys catch up on recent adventures and unexpected surprises. They share stories of recent special whiskey finds, Bryan breaks down his random bout of pneumonia, and they talk about battling wild dust storms out in Phoenix.

On Whiskey World News, Bryan covers a packed slate of industry headlines, breaking down the announcements for two brand-new rare whiskey releases and the massive industry news surrounding the lifting of tariffs on Scotch whiskey.

And for “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, Bryan poses a stranded-in-paradise dilemma:

Say you're headed to a remote Pacific Island for a 3-week trip—what bottle are you stopping by a standard, everyday liquor store to grab for the journey?

A face-melting hazmat rye, wild travel stories, and big industry updates—crack open a bottle and join us! 🥃🌴💨

This week on Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan pull out a massive, highly anticipated release: the Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives: Gold Foil Edition. As a modern 16-year-old, 120-proof tribute to the legendary 1980s "Cheesy Gold Foil," this initial entry in the Archives series is ready to bring serious presence to the table.

Before pouring and reviewing this brand-new release, the boys start off with some casual banter, discussing Baxus’s wild slot-machine-style whiskey vending machine concept, chatting through plans for an upcoming listener meetup, and taking a deep dive into the heritage of vintage Wild Turkey—explaining what those original "Cheesy Gold Foil" bottles represented and why that profile inspired this modern homage.

On Whiskey World News, Bryan reads about some exciting updates out of Islay as Kilchoman Distillery announces a batch of incredible new releases, proving why farm-to-glass Scotch continues to capture the whiskey world's attention.

And for “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys pose an agonizing dilemma for George T. Stagg fans:

Would you rather have an infinite lifetime supply of GTS, but it's watered down to 80 proof—or an infinite supply, but it's only been aged for 2 years?

Reviewing a brand-new tribute to a classic, debating impossible whiskey tradeoffs, and catching up on news—crack open a bottle and join us! 🥃✨

This week on Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan get their hands on a very rare and highly anticipated release: the Bulleit 20-Year Rye. As a massive age statement for the brand, the boys are eager to see how two decades in the wood treats Bulleit's signature high-rye profile.

Before sampling the whiskey, they catch up on life and casual debates, talking through the chaos of kids' birthday parties, sharing their specific pencil preferences, and discussing the major historical impact of what Bulleit did to popularize rye whiskey for the modern market.

On Whiskey World News, Bryan reads about an intriguing new distillery experience: Camp Buffalo Trace. They break down the details of the brand's newly announced adult summer camp sweepstakes, which features hands-on bourbon workshops and rare overnight glamping on the historic distillery grounds.

And for “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys cross the Atlantic for a hypothetical dream scenario:

If you were given the chance to do a custom barrel pick in Scotland, which distillery would you choose?

An ultra-aged rye, some unique distillery tourism news, and a Scotch daydream—pour a glass and join us for this one! 🥃🏕️✏️

This week on Chill Filtered, the boys are changing things up for a special one-off episode! Cole and Bryan are joined in the studio by their good friend Randall from the Off Topic Whiskey podcast for an episode packed with pure banter, laughs, and plenty of open bottles.

Instead of the usual routine, this one is all about hanging out and sharing some great whiskey. They kick things off by tasting a blind pour for each other, picking out specific drams for the group to try, and even throwing down in a little friendly whiskey trivia! It's a massive, free-flowing conversation covering a ton of different topics.

This kind of format is a rare treat for the show, but hanging out with Randall was an absolute blast.

Grab a pour of whatever you've been meaning to open, settle in, and join the session! 🥃🎙️✨