Old Fashioned Dads

A margarita that punches you in the face, a food event that ends in karaoke, and one very urgent question: have two guys with a cocktail podcast become bourbon snobs? Season 2, Episode 3 is loud, boozy and gloriously off the rails. Trevor and Justin start the episode mid-rant about sanding a table (spoiler: don't start on the heaviest grit), then wing a margarita they openly admit they may have ruined. The recipe is Hornitos Black Barrel, orange liqueur from Croatia that was bought untested, triple sec syrup, Fresca and a salted rim. The orange liqueur tastes like orange-flavored rubbing alcohol, and half an ounce was already too much. Verdict: good bad or bad bad? You'll have to hear the faces. Then comes the big story, a Saskatoon food and cocktail pairing event from Kindred Plates. You'll hear about:

• Guests in purple sequin and red jackets, and sparkling wine that never stopped flowing
• Oysters with beets, and a very real argument over canapé vs. hors d'oeuvre
• Five dishes paired with five cocktails, plus a soup with umami so good it cost someone sleep
• Centerpieces that blocked the table view, a stolen frog, a bird that lost a leg, and the legend of Karaoke Kyle
• A stranger inviting them to record a podcast in her basement, and why that's a hard no

Along the way: a pool that shifted, buckled and triggered a worrying water bill, a hot pepper that ruined a chili with a quarter of one, and a jalapeno simple syrup idea the absent producer is "making a note of. "Back at the bar, the real debate kicks in. Can you make a proper Old Fashioned in its basic form? Should a Boston Pizza bartender have to? Would you pick a hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar over a chain? Hear how a bottle of Buffalo Trace in Rome earned a bar five out of five, why the Wendell Clark 11-year rye tasting notes sound like a hockey fight, and why Old Tub may get a second chance. Underneath the chaos is a real nudge. Try the tasting, order the weird thing, ask yourself the Yes Man question ("Are you going to die?") and give people the benefit of the doubt. Perfect for cocktail nerds, curious eaters, and anyone who has ever said "fuck it, let's roll" at the wrong moment. Grab a drink and hit play.

Croatia was supposed to be a dream trip. Instead, Trevor and Justin come back with a brutally honest travel story about what happens when the hype meets the reality , crowded national parks, chaotic road trips, surprising museum finds, and a few cocktails that were much better in theory than in practice.

They kick off with a return to Canadian soil, a stack of whiskey and bourbon samples, and a fall cocktail called the Forbidden Sour before opening up the real conversation: what they loved, what disappointed them, and what they would do differently next time. From a tequila brand whiskey that tastes like dessert to a Wayne Gretzky ginger beer cask that keeps creeping up on you, the drink tasting is almost a story of its own.

Then the trip stories take over. You’ll hear about navigating Croatia as a group, learning when to show up early, how to survive crowded landmarks, and why the best experiences often come from wandering off the main road.

Trevor and Justin break down a castle stop with medieval gear and motorcycles in the same building, a tiny farm shop with incredible cheese and yogurt, and the kind of travel moments you only get when someone is willing to say yes to the detours.

They also get into the deeper stuff , the emotional weight of a war museum, the importance of understanding history beyond the headlines, and the difference between seeing a place and actually experiencing it. Along the way, you’ll get their take on Dubrovnik, the islands, the Koka highway, travel with mixed personalities, and why some places are one-and-done while others pull you back immediately.

Trevor brings the steady, reflective perspective of the planner who wants to understand the place.

Justin brings the loose, curious energy of the traveler who wants to chase the next great stop, the next great drink, and the next great story. Together, they make a case for saying yes more often, planning a little better, and never underestimating the power of good company, good food, and dippy bread. Perfect for anyone who loves travel stories with honesty, cocktails with opinions, and the kind of conversation that makes you want to book a trip before the episode is over.

Season Two Starts in Croatia, and the Old Fashioned Dads Are Testing the Limits of Vacation, Bourbon, and “Holiday Time”

Dubrovnik sets the stage for a hilariously specific mission: find the best old fashioned in Croatia, survive the heat, and figure out whether a fortress city full of tourists, Game of Thrones history, and endless drinks is actually worth the hype. Justin, Trevor, and their first guest, Scott, turn a vacation recap into a full-on travel, cocktail, and culture experiment. They break down why old fashioned's across Croatia keep missing the mark, from bourbon availability to too much ice, the wrong sweeteners, and the occasional peat bomb that changes everything. Justin even jumps behind the bar in Zagreb to make his own version, while Trevor and Scott compare notes on espresso martinis, liqueurs, grappa, and a dangerously over built Game of Thrones cocktail that tastes better than it sounds. You’ll hear about:

• Why Dubrovnik is stunning, exhausting, and packed with tourists
• The difference between a “good enough” cocktail and one worth chasing
• How local drinks, liqueurs, and bourbon culture shift from country to country
• Game of Thrones filming locations, the Iron Throne, and the hidden Star Wars connection
• Why the best food on the trip might be a simple sandwich, potato, or stuffed pepper

Justin and Trevor also get honest about what travel really feels like when every day is scheduled, every walk is uphill, and even a vacation becomes work if you try to see everything. They talk through what they’d do differently if they came back, why slowing down might be the smarter move, and how the best moments often happen outside the obvious tourist spots. This one is perfect if you love travel stories, cocktail debates, and two guys who can turn a scorching Croatian holiday into a surprisingly useful guide for how to actually enjoy a place. If you’ve ever over planned a trip, over-ordered a drink, or wondered whether the hype around Dubrovnik is real, this episode is for you.

Most people underestimate the complexity behind Alberta's push for independence—and the hidden economic and political stakes that could reshape Canada forever. Justin Wiens and Trevor dive into the nuances of Alberta’s sovereignty movement, exploring whether it's truly about oil, resources, or a deeper fight for political power. From the intricacies of provincial populations and voting power to the real costs of immigration and national division, they reveal the surprising truths you're not hearing in the headlines.You’ll discover how Alberta’s oil influence, population dynamics in Quebec, and the energy sector's role could tip the scales toward independence—or keep the country united. They break down the myths about economic self-sufficiency, the risks of breaking apart, and what a new Canada might look like if the West truly secedes. Plus, they explore the ripple effects on corporations, military security, and indigenous voices, raising the question—what’s really at stake for all Canadians?This episode is a must-listen for anyone following Western sovereignty, Canadian unity, or the future of North American politics. Whether you're a concerned citizen, a political junkie, or just curious about what might come next, you'll get fresh insights into the power plays and policies shaping our country’s destiny.Justin Wiens, host of [Podcast Name], is a strategic thinker and political commentator known for breaking down complex issues with clarity and candor. Trevor, a fellow analyst and former politician, offers a uniquely balanced perspective on Canada’s divisive debates and the true costs of independence.Perfect for those interested in Canadian politics, energy policy, or regional independence movements,

In this episode, Justin Wiens explores a variety of whiskies, including White Owl, Gold Bar, and Sour Mash, providing tasting notes, rankings, and insights into their unique characteristics. He shares personal experiences, tasting techniques, and thoughts on whiskey marketing and packaging.

whiskey tasting, White Owl, Gold Bar, Sour Mash, whiskey review, spirits, tasting notes, whiskey ranking, bourbon, Canadian whiskey

Whiskey tasting techniques

Characteristics of White Owl, Gold Bar, and Sour Mash

Impact of packaging and marketing on whiskey perception

Personal preferences in whiskey

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter

02:58 Health and Fitness Goals

05:57 Sports Discussions and Game Analysis

10:06 Vehicle Preferences and Investments

17:54 Whiskey Tasting Introduction

21:15 White Owl Whiskey Review

27:04 Gold Bar Whiskey Review

41:00 Michter's Sour Mash Whiskey Review

resources

White Owl Whiskey - https://www.whitespirit.com/white-owl-whiskey

Gold Bar Whiskey - https://www.goldbarwhiskey.com/

Michter's Small Batch Sour Mash - https://michters.com/

Join Justin and Trevor as they explore the art of cocktail making, whiskey tasting, and the science behind spirits. Discover tips, recipes, and insights into the world of alcohol, from sour cocktails to bourbon production techniques.

🍀 St. Paddy’s Sips & Friday Night Lights Beginnings 🍀

This week on Old Fashioned Dads, we’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day the right way—pouring up some bold cocktails, testing out a few Irish-inspired mixes, and, as always, getting a little carried away in the process.

But between the clinks of the glass and questionable drink decisions, we get into something real—our 15-year-old kids kicking off a brand new football season. The excitement, the pressure, the early practices, and that wild moment when you realize they’re not little kids anymore… they’re stepping into the game for real.

We talk about what it’s like as dads watching them chase it, the pride that hits different, and yeah… figuring out how hard you’re allowed to yell from the sidelines without embarrassing everyone involved.

It’s laughs, it’s whiskey, it’s fatherhood in real time—where St. Paddy’s chaos meets the start of something big under the lights.

So grab a drink, settle in, and join us for a fun, honest, and slightly unhinged episode. 🍻

Episode 8: Taste the Rainbow 🌈 (But Make It Questionable)

What started as a normal conversation took a hard left turn… straight into chaos.

This week on Old Fashioned Dads, we dive headfirst into one of the most unhinged ideas we’ve ever discussed — including a “Let Jesus Take the Wheel” tramp stamp that absolutely no one was prepared for. Somewhere between questionable tattoos, bad decisions, and the kind of debates you only have after two Old Fashioneds, things escalated quickly.

We talk about:
• The wild things people commit to permanently
• Why modern culture has zero chill
• The difference between bold and “what were you thinking?”
• And how dads somehow always end up judging… but laughing

It’s ridiculous. It’s slightly inappropriate. It’s deeply unserious.

Pour yourself a drink and taste the rainbow responsibly.

🎙️ New episodes every two weeks.
🥃 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Summary

In this episode, Justin and Trevor explore various themes including bourbon tasting, cocktail recipes, coaching philosophies, and travel experiences. They share their thoughts on different bourbons, particularly focusing on the Old Fashioned cocktail, while also discussing their experiences as coaches and the importance of mentorship in youth sports. The conversation is light-hearted and filled with humor, reflecting their camaraderie as they navigate the challenges of parenting and adult life.

In this episode, Justin and Trevor discuss their podcast growth strategies, the intricacies of making old fashioned cocktails, and their experiences with dry January. They reflect on their fitness journeys, the challenges of parenting, and engage in philosophical discussions about politics and ideology. The conversation flows naturally, allowing for a deep exploration of each topic while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.