EmbellishPod

Today I dive deep into the world of distilling and blending with Kate Douglas from Keeper's Heart. Kate shares her journey from studying fermentation science to becoming a skilled distiller.

We start by learning about Kate's background and how she transitioned from a chemistry major to pursuing her passion for distilling. She shares insights into the unique triple pot distillation process, crafting classic Irish-style whiskey and innovative blends of Irish and American whiskeys.

She delves into her experiences with blending different spirits, emphasizing the artistry and precision required to create harmonious flavor profiles.

The conversation shifts to the educational aspect of blending, with Kate explaining how Keeper's Heart offers blending classes to help consumers understand the components of their whiskeys. She also touches on the experimental side of distilling, including barrel finishes and unique collaborations with other beverages.

We explore the award-winning 10-year Irish single malt, a tribute to Brian's decision to move to Minneapolis. Kate shares the intricate flavors of this whiskey, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship behind Keeper's Heart products.

As the episode wraps up, we ponder the possibility of an advanced age Irish plus American blend, hinting at potential future innovations from Keeper's Heart. Join us on this insightful journey through the world of distilling and blending with Kate Douglas from Keeper's Heart. Cheers to the art of crafting exceptional spirits!

Connect with Keeper's Heart:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepersheartwhiskey

Twitter: https://twitter.com/keepersheart

Instagram: https://instagram.com/keepersheartwhiskey

Connect with Kate Douglas

Instagram: https://instagram.com/distillingdouglas

Join us in this captivating episode of EmbellishPod as we dive deep into the world of whiskey with a special focus on American Single Malt. Our guest(@miles_monroe), a master blender and global ambassador for Westward, shares his extensive knowledge and personal anecdotes from the industry. From the nuances of pairing Girl Scout cookies with whiskey to the complexities of blending and maturation techniques, this episode is a treasure trove for whiskey enthusiasts.

We explore the significance of the Girl Scout cookie season in the whiskey world, the personal research into sweets paired with whiskey, and the impact of different whiskey varieties on these pairings. Our guest also opens up about the balance between his social professional life and his introverted personal preferences, including his love for punk music and vinyl records.

As we delve into the art of whiskey making, we discuss the philosophy behind Westward's approach, the importance of creativity in the American Single Malt category, and the exciting new release of Westward's Milestone series. Plus, we touch on the unique aspects of the Oregon Straight Malt and the significance of the phrase "verum factum" on their bottles.

Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just curious about the craft, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of Westward whiskey.

🥃 Featured Whiskeys:

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  Westward American Single Malt

  
  


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  Westward Milestone Series

  
  


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  Various Westward Cask Finishes

  
  

🎵 Music and Personal Interests:

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  Punk Music and Vinyl Records

  
  


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  Personal Anecdotes and Influences

  
  

📚 Mentioned Books:

• 
  

  Appreciating Whiskey

  
  

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more whiskey wisdom and insights from industry experts. Share your thoughts on the episode and let us know what you'd like to hear in future podcasts!

#WhiskeyPodcast #AmericanSingleMalt #WestwardWhiskey #GirlScoutCookies #MusicAndWhiskey #CraftDistilling #WhiskeyPairings #WhiskeyCulture #MilestoneSeries #OregonStraightMalt

Subscribe to our channel for more whiskey talks: @embellishpod
Follow Westward on Instagram: @WestwardWhiskey

Join us in this episode of EmbellishPod as we dive into the world of whiskey with our special guest, Jack ( @HOODSOMMELIER  ) As a seasoned whiskey influencer and a father with a passion for seeing women excel in the industry, Jack shares his insights on the latest trends shaking up the whiskey scene. From the rise of American single malts to the exciting emergence of whiskeys from unexpected corners of the globe, this episode is a treasure trove for enthusiasts looking to expand their palate.

We also delve into the cultural fusion of whiskey with African cuisine, discussing Jack's Afrofusion events and his partnership with Heaven Hill. Jack's journey takes us from the heart of Kentucky to the potential of international whiskey experiences, highlighting the importance of diversity and exploration in the whiskey industry.

Whether you're a bourbon aficionado or a Scotch lover, this episode promises to broaden your horizons and introduce you to the multifaceted world of whiskey. So pour yourself a dram, sit back, and enjoy the ride as we traverse the globe through the lens of whiskey.

About Jack:
https://hoodsom.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hoodsommelier/
https://www.instagram.com/hood_sommelier/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc5ic2XfHW4JHjnqWd1f9VA

Millennial entrepreneur, WSET ii Spirits expert, and content creative Toyi “Jack” Beguedou is building community through his spirited digital platform, the Hood Sommelier. Jack is a native of Togo in West Africa who currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska and is a proud “girl-dad” to his daughter Brennan.

Jack is the co-host of YouTube web series MONDAY SUCKS, founder of the trending, TRUTH IS BARREL PROOF PODCAST, SCOTCH SCHOOL education series, AFROFUSION food and spirits pairing series and owner of BEGUEDOU INSURANCE SERVICES LLC.

As a native French speaking immigrant, Jack resonates with the importance of creating community. His thoughtful and inspiring approach to content development focuses on humanizing the spirited consumer journey experience. Jack enjoys being an educational resource to both consumers and talent in the hospitality community. A community architect at heart, Jack bridges the gap between curious consumers at every level and brands through empowerment and engagement.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing David Mark Young, the owner and master blender of Golden Sheaf Whiskey Company. We delved into his varied past, including his military background and his journey to becoming a whiskey brand owner.

David shared his passion for whiskey and how it evolved from a hobby to a full-blown obsession. He discussed the allure of the whiskey lifestyle and his love for the history and backstories behind different brands.

We also explored the concept of blending in the American whiskey market. David explained how blending has traditionally had a negative connotation, but he and other whiskey enthusiasts are working to change that perception. He emphasized the importance of creating unique and innovative blends that cater to different tastes and preferences.

David touched on the challenges of being a startup in the whiskey industry, including the financial constraints and the need for constant creativity and problem-solving. He shared his excitement for the future of Golden Chief and his plans to continue experimenting with different finishes and expressions.

Overall, this episode provided a fascinating insight into the world of whiskey blending and the journey of reviving a historic brand. David's passion and dedication to his craft were evident throughout the conversation, making it an engaging and informative listen for whiskey enthusiasts and novices alike.

Website: GoldenSheafWhiskey.com

Social Media:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GoldenSheafWhiskey


• Twitter: www.twitter.com/GoldenSheafWhiskey


• Instagram: www.instagram.com/GoldenSheafWhiskey


• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/goldensheafwhiskey

In this episode of the Embellish podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jesse Parker, the master blender and one of the founders of Doc Swinson's. Jesse shared his journey into the world of whiskey blending, the challenges of creating unique flavor profiles, and the philosophy behind Doc Swinson's approach to whiskey.

Jesse recounted the origins of Doc Swinson's, which started as a pet project within Distillers Way. The team's passion for brown spirits and their encounters with various distilleries led them to buy older stocks of whiskey and experiment with their own brand. Doc Swinson's was born out of a desire to create a signature whiskey that was both entertaining and reflective of their love for the craft.

Jesse delved into the intricacies of blending and maturation, emphasizing that their focus is not on distillation but on creating unique blends and finishes. He explained that a significant portion of their production is sourced from M.G.P.I., with whom they've had a symbiotic relationship since 2015. Jesse's passion for barrels and his extensive collection from around the world play a crucial role in the finishing process, which sets Doc Swinson's apart in the market.

We discussed the difficulties of naming whiskey releases, a task Jesse finds particularly challenging. He also touched on the importance of transparency in their brand, sharing as much information as possible about their blending and processing methods.

Looking ahead, Jesse teased some of the exciting new releases planned for the year, including multi-cask finishes and unique expressions like a rye whiskey finished in rum and tawny port casks. He also mentioned the arrival of rare casks, such as 23-plus-year-old Pinot de Charente casks, which promise to bring new dimensions to their future blends.

https://www.docswhiskey.com/
https://www.instagram.com/docswinsonswhiskey/
https://www.facebook.com/DocSwinsonsBourbon
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkx_asWXpaofVsDRNscv7Zg

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cody Turner from Casey Jones Distillery, located in western Kentucky. We delved into the history and ethos of the brand, as well as their unique approach to crafting bourbon.

Cody shared the fascinating story of Casey Jones, the namesake of the distillery, who was a still builder during Prohibition. Casey's claim to fame was his ability to create unique square pot stills, which eventually led to his arrest. However, the federal government later commissioned him to build a still for the Land Between the Lakes area.

We discussed the different expressions offered by Casey Jones Distillery, including their moonshine, barrel cut bourbons, and their upcoming releases. Cody highlighted their commitment to transparency, with detailed information about mash bills and barrel aging on their labels.

We also explored the growing trends in the bourbon industry, such as blending, transparent sourcing, and finishing casks. Cody emphasized that Casey Jones Distillery is well-positioned to excel in the finishing category, with their barrel cut product serving as a versatile tool for creating unique and flavorful expressions.

Lastly, we discussed the various experiences offered at the distillery, including tours and tastings, as well as their upcoming special events and releases. Cody invited listeners to join their email newsletter and follow them on social media for updates on these exciting offerings.

https://www.caseyjonesdistillery.com/
https://www.facebook.com/caseyjonesdistillery
https://www.instagram.com/caseyjonesdistillery/
https://www.youtube.com/c/caseyjonesdistillery
https://www.tiktok.com/@caseyjonesdistillery
https://twitter.com/CaseysCut

In this episode I am  joined by Macaulay Minton, the master blender, chief alchemist, and president of Dark Arts Whiskey House.

Macaulay shares his journey in the whiskey industry, starting from his days studying brewing and distillation in college to his various roles at a distillery. He emphasizes the importance of blending and the role of the master blender in creating exceptional whiskey.

Macaulay also discusses the concept behind Dark Arts Whiskey House, which honors the process of alchemy and aims to transform ordinary whiskey into liquid gold. He talks about his approach to finishing barrels, including Pinot Noir and Armagnac, and the unique flavors they bring to the whiskey. 

We also touch on the upcoming releases and the innovative projects Dark Arts Whiskey House is working on. 

https://www.darkartswhiskey.com/
http://instagram.com/darkartswhiskey
https://www.instagram.com/thebourbonswami/

In this episode I share my recommendations and highlights from the whiskey world for the year 2024. Discussing the growing trend of creating top drink lists and worst drink lists, expressing my dislike for these types of rankings. Instead, I offer suggestions and brands to watch out for in the coming year.

I recommend attending whiskey events and meetups to broaden one's palate and understanding of the marketplace. I also mention the Kentucky Bourbon Festival as a must-visit event in September 2024. There are also subscription services to try a variety of selected whiskeys from different brands.

Individual taste preferences reign supreme and I encourage listeners to explore different brands and offerings. I caution against getting caught up in age statements, non-distilling producers, and craft labels, focusing instead on whether you personally enjoy the whiskey.

I then share my own tasting experiences from 2023, categorizing the whiskeys based on their scores in different categories. I highlight brands that stood out in each category, including Frank August, Barrel, Wilderness Trail, Old Line Spirits, New Riff, and more.

I also discusses the divisive nature of Amburana finishes and recommend paying attention to brands like Barrell Craft Spirits, Dark Arts, and Fortuna. I briefly mention the Elijah Craig barrel proof releases and Booker's releases as must-try whiskeys for bourbon enthusiasts.

Last but certainly not least the rise of American single malts and recommending paying attention to brands like Old Line Spirits and New Riff. They also mention the success of smoked whiskeys and recommend trying offerings from Spirits of French Lick and Santa Fe Spirits.

In this episode of the EmbellishPod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Smokehead, a  Scotch whisky company. Smokehead is an Islay single malt that prides itself on being rebellious and innovative.

Iain, the brand director, explained that Smokehead is all about intelligent rebellion and turning tradition on its head. They aim to open up whisky to a wider audience by offering a unique and bold experience.

Elliot, a glass sculptor, joined the conversation to discuss his collaboration with Smokehead in designing a new whisky glass called the Smoke Mask. Elliot's artistic background and rebellious mindset made him the perfect partner for this project. He shared his creative process and the challenges he faced in designing a glass that would enhance the sensory experience of drinking Smokehead whisky.

We also delved into the characteristics of Smokehead whisky itself. Iain described it as a smoky, peaty Islay whisky with a touch of sweetness. He emphasized that Smokehead is not just for connoisseurs, but for anyone who enjoys a bold and unique whisky experience. We discussed the different variations of Smokehead, including the original, high voltage, and tequila finishes, and how they cater to different preferences and cocktail creations.

Throughout the episode, we explored the concept of rethinking drinking and breaking the rules when it comes to enjoying whisky.

🔗 Links:
https://www.smokehead.com/
https://www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky/
https://www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky
https://www.youtube.com/@smokeheadwhisky1350

In this episode, I interviews Jim from Liberty Pole Spirits, a family-owned craft whiskey distillery in Pennsylvania.  Jim discusses how Liberty Pole started as a hobby distillery, with him operating a 15-gallon backyard copper still. His two sons, who were science kids, joined him in the hobby. When Jim was winding down his career and not enjoying it anymore, he saw the rise of craft distilling and convinced his wife to start a distillery as a part-time operation. Eventually, his sons left their engineering careers to join the family business.

We discuss the significance of the Whiskey Rebellion in American history and the potential for a musical about it. We also talk about Liberty Pole's focus on pot-distilled whiskey and their recent expansion, including the construction of a rickhouse with a 3,600 barrel capacity.

Jim shares that Liberty Pole produces a variety of whiskeys, including bourbon, rye, corn whiskey, and peated bourbon and rye. They use a unique mash bill for their bourbon, incorporating bloody butcher corn, a non-GMO heirloom varietal. They also experiment with different finishes, such as rum and sherry barrels.

The conversation shifts to the distillery's cocktail program, which has been instrumental in gaining fans and ambassadors for their whiskey. Jim emphasizes the importance of offering a unique experience to visitors, including tours, tastings, and a themed tasting room cocktail bar.

🔗 Links:

https://www.libertypolespirits.com/
https://www.instagram.com/libertypolespirits/
https://www.facebook.com/Libertypolespirits/
https://twitter.com/LibPoleSpirits
https://www.youtube.com/@libertypolespirits8694