Raise a Glass

On Episode 18 of Raise a Glass I sit down with Graeme Wallace, a native of Scotland who has written about whisky for 20 years and currently owns Hogback Distillery in Boulder, Colorado.   Graeme intends to create the best single malt whiskey in the U.S. by uniting "Scottish and American traditions in harmony."   While his single malts mature peacefully in oak casks, he has been developing his skills as a blender by sourcing various American Bourbons and Ryes and blending and maturing them in a range of unique wood finishes.  In one week his first single malt release will be out in local retail stores who covet craft distillates so keep an eye out!

Its always a pleasure to chat with Henry Preiss, a gentleman with 46 years in the wine and spirits industry whose passion is second to none.  In this episode we chat about his diverse experiences over the years, observations on cocktail trends and conversation regarding some of the unique, independent products he proudly represents such as Shortcross Gin, Silkie Irish Whiskey, Jumping Goat Cold Brew Coffee Liqueurs, D'Aristi Xtabentun, Kalani Coconut Liqueur, Huana Guanabana Liqueur, etc.  For more information on his vast portfolio be sure to explore www.preissimports.com

I sit down with the lovely, inspiring Rachel MacNeill to chat about one of my favourite topics in the universe:  Islay whisky.   Rachel shares stories from her time growing up on Islay, her impressions of numerous Scotch whiskies, and exciting information on an upcoming online whisky course she is launching soon that focuses not only on whisky but on Gaelic/Celtic consciousness.  I have always revered whisky as a magical, transformative sacrament that unites likeminded beings and Rachel is most definitely a kindred spirit.

It was my genuine pleasure to chat with Read Spear, founder of Cuentacuentos Mezcal.  Cuentacuentos curates small batch traditional mezcals from artisanal and ancestral producers throughout the state of Oaxaca.   We chatted about the various mezcaleros who produce the mezcals for Cuentacuentos, some of Read's favorite spots in Oaxaca, an exciting new project recently launched by Cuentacuentos and the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of mezcal.

Dan shares valuable insights into the world of the Scotch Whisky Ambassador, the vital relevance of the on premise channel for culture and connectivity of its citizenry, and his usual mastery of Scotch whisky and all things Glenmorangie and Ardbeg.    

I sit down with Tony to explore the category of natural wines, and taste through a unique assortment of the spectrum that is natural wine.  We taste De Stefani Processco, Broc Cellars White Zinfandel, Di Giovanna Camurria, Volvoreta Tinta de Toro and Santa Duc Côtes du Rhône.   We wrap up our sensory journey with samplings of Talisker Distiller's Edition, La Cigarerra Manzanilla, and Leipziger Gose.  Not a bad way to close a Sunday evening.