GolfCask - Originals

🎙️ Bottle Share Ep. 1 – Todd Emmer of Caiseal Distillery (VA)
Welcome to the first official episode of Bottle Share! Host Brian Bailie sits down with Todd Emmer, Head Distiller at Caiseal (Casual) Distillery in Hampton, Virginia. Joined by regulars Bo and Eddie, they dive deep into Todd’s journey from math major and homebrewer to professional distiller and brewer.

🥃 What to Expect:
• Todd’s origin story—from Baltimore to San Francisco to Virginia
• The science & art of distilling single malt & peated whiskey
• Tasting notes on Caiseal’s signature Single Malt & Peated American Whiskey
• The difference between brewing and distilling
• Behind the scenes of The Vanguard, a one-of-a-kind music venue, distillery, brewery, and restaurant
• Talk of rye whiskey, a hibiscus gin collab, and aging plans
• Banter, laughs, and a casual masterclass in whiskey & beer

🔥 Whether you’re a whiskey geek, a craft beer fan, or just love good conversation, this episode brings the heat (and the smoke). Grab a glass and join the share!

📍Find Caiseal products at Virginia ABC stores and visit The Vanguard in Hampton for food, drinks, and live music.

🔗 More at: thevanguard757.com
Follow: @TheVanguard757 | @Casual757
🎧 More episodes at golfcask.com

#BottleShare #CaisealDistillery #WhiskeyPodcast #VirginiaWhiskey #PeatedWhiskey #GolfCask #CraftSpirits #DistillerInterview #BeerAndWhiskey #TheVanguard757

Starting to move the club, one must understand what components move and when to be able to create a short game!

Rory wins the 2025 Masters. Rose nearly steals it. Bryson earns the crowd.

In this epic two-part Masters recap, we break down how Rory McIlroy finally captured the green jacket through sheer grit, why Justin Rose’s ball-striking masterclass fell just short, and how Bryson DeChambeau went from villain to fan favorite with a major mindset shift.

🔍 For more stories like these, check out Inside the Ropes by GolfCask—written features on the soul of golf, the beauty of whiskey, and the lives behind the leaderboard.
👉 Read more at GolfCask.com

#GolfCask #Masters2025 #RoryMcIlroy #JustinRose #BrysonDeChambeau #WhiskeyAndGolf #InsideTheRopes

In this episode, the hosts navigate technical difficulties while introducing a new whiskey tasting methodology inspired by golf. They explore the High West distillery, discussing its unique offerings and history. The conversation delves into the sensory experience of nosing and tasting the whiskey, with the hosts sharing their flavor profiles and impressions. They conclude by ranking the whiskey based on its nose, taste, and finish, ultimately agreeing on a solid score for this affordable rye whiskey. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the unique parallels between whiskey tasting and golf, using the Masters tournament as a backdrop for their discussions. They delve into the intricacies of predicting golf outcomes, the appeal of flavored whiskeys, and the science behind tasting alcohol. The conversation wraps up with personal anecdotes and plans for future whiskey tastings, emphasizing the fun and camaraderie that comes with sharing these experiences.Takeaways

• The hosts faced technical issues during the episode.
• A new whiskey tasting methodology was introduced, likening it to a golf game.
• High West distillery was founded in 2006 and is known for its unique offerings.
• The whiskey being tasted is a blend of two different ryes.
• Nosing the whiskey revealed notes of vanilla, baking spices, and mint.
• Tasting notes included sweetness, spice, and a light burn.
• The finish of the whiskey was described as long and complex.
• The hosts enjoyed the whiskey's price point and overall quality.
• Ranking the whiskey involved a collaborative discussion among the hosts.
• The conversation highlighted the importance of sensory experiences in whiskey tasting. Whiskey tasting can be likened to playing a round of golf, with each aspect representing a different shot.
• The nose of a whiskey sets the stage for the tasting experience, much like a good tee shot in golf.
• Predicting the outcome of golf tournaments is notoriously difficult due to numerous variables.
• The Masters tournament is a spectacle that captivates both golf fans and casual viewers alike.
• Flavored whiskeys can enhance the drinking experience, especially in cocktails.
• Understanding the science of tasting can deepen appreciation for whiskey.
• A significant portion of the population may not experience hangovers due to genetic factors.
• The camaraderie of tasting whiskey with friends can enhance the experience.
• The conversation highlights the importance of personal preferences in whiskey choices.
• Future plans for whiskey tastings can foster community and shared enjoyment.

• Navigating Technical Glitches in Whiskey Tasting
• Innovative Whiskey Tasting Methodology
• Discovering High West Distillery
• The Art of Nosing Whiskey
• Flavor Profiles: What Do We Taste?

• "This could be an absolute shit show."
• "High West was founded in 2006."
• "I actually get a sweetness to it for me."
• "I think it's got a really good drink to it."
• "You only have to be 51% of anything though."
• "It's a warm hug."
• "It's still there."
• "I get a little bit of dry mouth from it."
• "I really enjoyed the taste."
• "I would love to see chaos."

TitlesSound Bites

Chapters

00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions

03:04 Whiskey Tasting Methodology

05:54 Exploring High West Distillery

09:01 Nosing the Whiskey

11:48 Tasting Notes and Flavor Profiles

15:06 Ranking the Whiskey

18:04 The Finish and Overall Impressions

27:07 Whiskey and Golf: A Unique Comparison

30:02 Masters Week Predictions and Golf Insights

36:36 The Challenge of Predicting Golf Outcomes

40:21 Flavored Whiskeys and Personal Preferences

46:30 The Science of Tasting and Alcohol Processing

52:01 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

🎯 Breaking 70 Starts Here – Let’s Talk Wedges.

In this GolfCask episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood (and most essential) parts of your golf bag: the wedge.

Why can the pros open their clubface on a tight fairway and still sit it flush? Simple. Their wedges are custom-fit, course-specific tools—not off-the-rack clubs from your local big box store.

Brian breaks down:

• 🧠 The core design components of a wedge—bounce, camber, sole, trail edge, toe/heel relief, and more

• 🧱 What effective bounce really means (hint: it’s not what’s stamped on your club)

• 🔧 Why grinds and custom fitting matter if you want to score like the pros

• 🛠 How amateurs can build a versatile wedge set based on where they play

• 🏌️‍♂️ The truth about wedge companies (and how niche brands changed the game)

You’ll also hear Brian’s take on how a weekend at Pinehurst turned into a chipping clinic (thanks to wedge work), plus a sneak peek into the upcoming GolfCask magazine issue—all about short game and wedges.

📬 Join the free GolfCask “On the House” membership at GolfCask.com to get the full mag, tips, tasting notes, and more. Whether you're chasing birdies or barrel-aged pours—we've got you covered.

⛳️🥃 GolfCask: For golfers who drink, and drinkers who golf.

#Wedges #GolfTips #ShortGame #Bounce #Grind #WedgeFitting #Breaking70 #GolfCask #GolfAndWhiskey #PinehurstChipping #GolfGearTips

Drum & Quill: A Birdie Stop After Pinehurst Play

By the 18th hole, we needed two things:
A proper pour and a proper plate. Pinehurst did its job, humbling and thrilling as always, and as we walked off the green with tired legs and full hearts, one word rang out like a clubhouse bell: Pub.

And in Pinehurst, that means Drum & Quill.

First Impressions – The 19th Hole Buzz

Walking into Drum & Quill, you immediately feel it—this is a golfer's pub. Not a tacky golf-themed spot, but a genuine, weathered tavern where conversations fly as freely as a high draw on a forgiving par 5. The place was buzzing—locals, loopers, and likely a few scratch players all filling the air with post-round analysis and pre-round banter.

Atmosphere rating?
4.0 / 5 – Birdie. Solid strike. Good pace. A natural line into the cup.

The Whiskey – A Westward Pour

Naturally, I started with what matters most: the whiskey list.

Their selection? Respectable. Legit. Approachable yet with some depth.
I went for a High West Double Rye (Double Oak finish)—a prelude to next week’s sensory tasting we’re hosting. Bartender Isaiah built the Old Fashioned with care, not flair, and I respect that. No flaming oranges or dramatic smoke domes. Just a well-balanced, spirit-forward drink with the right amount of bitter and sweet.

High West fans take note—this bottle is a gem. We’ll talk about it more next week when the sensory training come on wednesday live.

The Food – From Greens to Greens (and Burgers)

I’ll admit it. I went with the Black & Blue Salad.
Yes, I know—it’s a pub, and I ordered salad. But listen, after chasing pins and dodging bunkers, sometimes you need greens that don’t have slope.

Medium rare steak was on point, sliced with skill, and still juicy. Salad was crisp and fresh, a fine fairway of flavor.
4.0 / 5 – Birdie. Chef got it done.

My son, however, went full throttle:
Breakfast burger and fries.
His review? Burger got a 3.5 – Birdie, and that’s saying something. He’s a burger snob the way I'm a cask snob. So that’s a high compliment.
Fries? 2.5 – Par/Bogey. He’s a harsh critic, especially with the fried stuff. Thinks he's the Anthony Bourdain of crinkle cuts.

Final Score – Certified Clubhouse Stop

All told, we give Drum & Quill a 3.5 / 5 overall, and that earns it our GolfCask Certified label.

It’s the kind of place that hits just right after a round.
A bar that feels like it belongs in a golfer's story—
Whether it’s the pint, the pour, or the playlist of conversations around you.

Would we go back?
Absolutely.
Would we bring a foursome? Without hesitation.
Would we order the salad again? Ok, maybe not—next time I’m chasing that burger for myself.

Until then, raise a glass and aim for the center cut.
Cheers from Pinehurst.

.🍃 Greens & Grains – GolfCask Whiskey Trail: Pinehurst, NC 🍂

Join host Brian Bailie on the inaugural GolfCask Day Trip – a certified journey through golf, whiskey, and legendary local flavor. This episode takes you to Pinehurst No. 5, a friendly handshake of a course perfect for easing into resort life, with help from two local characters, George and Richard. Spoiler: Brian gets thumped by his son and loses "Thor’s Hammer."

After the round, we visit Brad Halling’s Bhawk Distillery, where the pours are bold, layered, and approachable. The Sergeant’s Valor Bourbon steals the show, and the pistachio cream… well, let’s just say it’s an acquired taste.

Finally, we land at Drum & Quill, a rustic local pub with heart, heritage, and a mean High West Old Fashioned. Burgers, whiskey, and Pinehurst charm cap off the perfect trail day.

🏌️ Golf. 🥃 Whiskey. 🍔 Pub Vibes.
📍 All in one day. All certified.
🎧 Subscribe and follow the trail at golfcask.com

Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro to the GolfCask Whiskey Trail
2:15 – Playing Pinehurst No. 5
8:20 – Bhawk Distillery Tasting
14:10 – Pub Stop at Drum & Quill
17:45 – Recap & How to Join the Greens & Grains Society

Like. Comment. Subscribe. And pour one for the trail.

Join us at https://golfcask.com

#golfcask #golfandwhiskey #pinehurst #whiskeytrail #golftrip #bhawkdistillery #drumandquill #bourbon #golfvlog #golftrip2025 #golfcaskcertified #greensandgrains

Mastering Short Game Skills | GolfCask Practice Series with Brian Bailie

Join Brian Bailie from GolfCask as he walks you through an in-depth short game skills session built to improve your chipping, pitching, and distance control. Whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen your edge around the greens, this video gives you a system to build consistency, creativity, and confidence.

You'll learn how to:

• Develop low point control, arc height, face control, and path control

• Use distance control to fine-tune touch

• Practice effectively using block, random, and variance training

• Challenge yourself with Brian's favorite game: Ten Degrees of Variance

• Dial in feel with Goldilocks Drills for “Too much, Too little, Just right”

• Turn post-round frustrations into skill-building using shot recreation drills

Each drill is designed to help you understand club interaction with the ground, how to manipulate trajectory, and how to read feedback from each shot—making you a smarter, more adaptable golfer around the green.

Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro
01:20 – Skill #1: Low Point Control
03:30 – Skill #2: Arc Height & Entry Point
06:10 – Skill #3: Face Control
08:00 – Skill #4: Path Control
10:00 – Skill #5: Distance Control
12:15 – Ten Degrees of Variance Drill
18:30 – Goldilocks Drills
22:00 – Call Your Shot Variance Game
26:40 – Post-Round Review Practice

🎯 Great for all skill levels, especially golfers looking to build a reliable short game under pressure.

🧠 “Confidence is nice. But concentration wins.” – Dr. Mike

📌 Subscribe to GolfCask for more weekly practice ideas, whiskey pairings, and golf lifestyle content.

Grains, Grooves & Greatness | GolfCask x Powerscourt x Roger Cleveland

Grab your glencairns and your gap wedges—this episode of GolfCask takes you inside the ropes with whiskey in one hand and a pitching wedge in the other. We’re toasting the World’s Best Grain Whiskey — Fercullen 15 from Powerscourt Distillery — fresh off its global win at the World Whiskies Awards!

Plus, we're celebrating the legendary return of Roger Cleveland—creator of the iconic 588 wedge—back to Cleveland Golf, where it all began.

🏌️‍♂️ Whiskey & golf stories you won’t want to miss
🥃 Highlights from the Waldorf Hotel awards
⛳ Golf gear nostalgia with a modern twist
🎉 Details on our upcoming GolfCask Happy Hour – April 25 in Charlottesville at Birdwood Golf’s Nest course & The Mill Room with a premium Maker’s Mark barrel pick tasting.

Join the movement where whiskey meets the fairway.
Subscribe & swing with us for more pours, more wedges, and legendary stories.

#GolfCask #Fercullen15 #PowerscourtWhiskey #RogerCleveland #ClevelandGolf #WhiskeyAwards #ShortGameMagic #GolfLife #WhiskeyTasting #GolfEvents #BirdwoodGolf #MakersMarkPrivateSelect

🎙️ Greens & Grain Podcast | Irish Whiskey Month Finale – Your Top 5 Questions Answered! 🇮🇪⛳

Welcome back to Greens & Grain — the podcast where whiskey meets the fairway! This month has been a flavorful ride through Ireland’s coastlines, casks, and character. To close out Irish Whiskey Month, we’re turning the mic toward you, our community.

In this episode, we answer the Top 5 questions you’ve asked during our tastings, live events, and GolfCask chats:

1. How is Irish whiskey made?
   A journey through triple distillation, from wash to whiskey.

2. What makes Irish Pot Still whiskey unique?
   The mash bill, the copper stills, and the spice-packed tradition.

3. What defines a true Links Golf Course?
   Wind, turf, and raw coastal beauty — golf shaped by nature.

4. What are your current top 3 Irish whiskeys?

   • Powers John’s Lane

   • Drumshanbo Pot Still

   • Crolly Quercus Robur

5. What’s your dream day on a Northern Ireland golf & whiskey trail?
   A perfect round at Royal Portrush, a tour of Bushmills, and a nightcap at Harbour Bar.

Plus, we shout out our newest GolfCask Life Magazine, upcoming events (👀 Charlottesville happy hour!), and what’s next as we head west to the Rockies for a month of bold American spirits and mountain golf vibes.

🍀 Hit play, pour a dram, and come along for the ride.
👇 Join the community at golfcask.com

#IrishWhiskey #LinksGolf #GolfCask #WhiskeyPodcast #GolfLife #PowersWhiskey #RoyalPortrush #Bushmills #WhiskeyTrail #Drumshanbo #CrollyWhiskey