In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave sit down with Ken Miller, Co-Owner of The Distillarium, to dive into the creativity and craftsmanship behind their unique spirits. The Distillarium is known for pushing boundaries, blending traditional distilling techniques with innovative aging and finishing methods to create truly distinctive flavors.

The tasting lineup includes four standout spirits: CASK & SPIN Triticale, a bold and complex whiskey made from the unique hybrid grain; VSOP American Brandy, a smooth and refined expression of aged brandy; Cask & Slide Bourbon, showcasing rich caramel and oak notes; and No Man’s Whizkey Rye, a rye whiskey with a character all its own.

As Ken shares insights into The Distillarium’s approach to distillation and aging, Dan and Dave explore the nuanced flavors of each spirit, offering their signature tasting notes and lively discussion. From grain selection to barrel treatment, this episode provides a fascinating look into what makes The Distillarium a standout in the craft spirits world.

Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur, a brandy enthusiast, or just love discovering new distilleries, this episode is packed with great conversation, expert insights, and exceptional spirits.

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave explore High West American Prairie Finished in Oloroso Sherry Cask for 9 months (98.6 proof). They dive into the impact of the sherry cask finish, noting how it enhances the bourbon’s rich caramel and vanilla base with layers of dried fruit, spice, and a touch of nuttiness. The hosts discuss the balance between the sweetness from the sherry influence and the underlying bourbon character, making for a nuanced and complex pour. As always, their insights and banter make for an engaging and informative tasting session.

In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave welcome Clayton Mendel from Devils Creek Distillery to explore the artistry and passion behind their exceptional spirits. Located in Mammoth Lake, CA, Devils Creek has become a standout in the craft distilling world, celebrated for its bold, flavorful whiskeys.

The tasting lineup features four remarkable offerings: Small Batch Bourbon, Snow Job Single Barrel Bourbon, Small Batch Rye, and Barrel Proof Rye. As Clayton shares the inspiration and intricate process behind each whiskey, listeners get an inside look at the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle, from grain selection to barrel aging. Dan and Dave provide their tasting notes, highlighting the unique character of each whiskey while discussing the distillery's creative approach to their craft.

This episode is a must-listen for whiskey enthusiasts and anyone interested in the stories behind great spirits.

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave explore a Cognac Finish Bourbon from Branch Point Distillery out of Dayton, Oregon. They discuss how the cognac cask aging imparts a rich and nuanced layer to the bourbon, adding notes of dried fruit, subtle spice, and a velvety finish. The hosts share their tasting notes, highlighting the interplay between the bourbon's robust base and the elegant influence of the cognac barrels.

As always, their engaging discussion offers a deep dive into the craftsmanship behind this unique craft spirit from the western United States. Perfect for fans of innovative bourbon expressions!

In this Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave delve into St. George Spirits' Baller Whiskey, which they praise as a standout American single malt. They highlight its unique profile, with notes of malt, subtle smokiness, and a crisp, clean finish reminiscent of Japanese whisky. The hosts discuss how Baller Whiskey exemplifies innovation in American single malts, offering both versatility and depth of flavor, whether enjoyed neat or in cocktails. Their discussion provides a compelling look at this exceptional whiskey for enthusiasts of craft distilling.

In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave dive into the world of Westland Distillery from Seattle, Washington with Tyler Pederson. Known for their commitment to crafting exceptional single malts, Westland has redefined American whiskey. Tyler shares insights into the distillery's unique approach, from their use of local barley to their exploration of terroir in whiskey production.

The tasting lineup features some of Westland’s most remarkable creations, showcasing their innovation and artistry in every sip. Whether you’re a fan of single malts or just discovering them, this episode is packed with fascinating stories, expert insights, and, of course, incredible flavors.

Westland has been instrumental in the recent passage of legislation to recognize American Single Malt as an official spirits category with the TTB. Grab a glass and join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Westland Distillery!

In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave are joined by Pat Donovan, President of Dry Fly Distilling, for a deep dive into the craft behind their award-winning whiskeys. Based in Spokane, Washington, Dry Fly is celebrated for its use of locally sourced grains and innovative barrel finishing techniques.

The tasting lineup includes three exceptional whiskeys: Straight Wheat Whiskey, showcasing the purity of Washington-grown wheat; Straight Triticale Whiskey (90 proof), a unique hybrid grain whiskey with a distinct profile; and Straight Triticale Whiskey Finished in Côte Bonneville Cabernet Wine Barrels (98.6 proof), a bold expression marrying whiskey with wine barrel complexity.

As they sip and savor, Pat shares the story of Dry Fly’s commitment to sustainable practices, local partnerships, and pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making. Dan and Dave provide their tasting notes, exploring the nuances of each spirit and reflecting on how Dry Fly’s innovative approach sets them apart in the craft distilling world.

This episode is a must-listen for whiskey enthusiasts and anyone curious about the intersection of tradition, innovation, and a passion for local ingredients.

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave dive into Woodinville Whiskey Co. 100% Straight Rye from Woodinville, Washington. They break down the rye’s unique flavor profile, noting its spicy, pepper-forward character balanced with hints of caramel and oak from its aging process. The hosts discuss the whiskey’s smoothness, complexity, and how it stands up in the growing rye category, providing insightful tasting notes alongside their signature banter.

A great episode for fans of rye and those interested in the depth and diversity of this style!

In this captivating episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave sit down with Ron Silberstein, Co-Founder and Proprietor of Admiral Maltings, to uncover the intricate world of malting—a critical but often overlooked foundation of flavor in both spirits and beer. Based in Alameda, California, Admiral Maltings is renowned for its commitment to traditional floor-malting techniques and its dedication to quality, locally sourced grains.

Ron takes listeners through the malting process step-by-step, beginning with grain selection, where Admiral emphasizes working with sustainable, family-owned farms to source grains with distinct regional character. From there, he explains the germination process, where careful timing and attention to temperature bring the grains to life, beginning their transformation. Next, Dan and Dave learn about the drying phase in custom kilns, which ultimately preserves the malt and locks in the flavors that give spirits and beers their depth.

Throughout the conversation, Ron emphasizes how these malting techniques, rooted in centuries-old practices, impart unique characteristics that are lost in more industrialized processes. He also discusses the revival of craft malting in the U.S., Admiral’s role in that resurgence, and how their collaboration with craft breweries and distilleries helps showcase local ingredients on a national scale. Dan and Dave ask insightful questions about how different types of malt impact whiskey production, creating a bridge between malting and distillation for listeners interested in both crafts.

This episode offers an in-depth look at malting as both an art and a science, providing listeners with a newfound appreciation for the foundational steps that shape the final character of their favorite spirits. Perfect for spirits enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, and anyone intrigued by the journey from grain to glass, this episode shines a light on the indispensable role of malting in crafting quality beverages.

In this latest Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave explore Two Bitch Small Batch Bourbon from Eureka, Nevada. They dive into its flavor profile, discussing its bold and balanced character, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice. The hosts share their impressions of the bourbon's smoothness and how it compares to other small-batch bourbons they’ve tasted, bringing their usual mix of expertise and humor to the conversation. Perfect for listeners interested in unique, small-batch bourbons!