Sip Wiselee Podcast - Episode 17: The Lionheart Whiskey Co.

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Sip Wiselee podcast! This month, we had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Clayton Newell, the Proprietor of Lionheart Whiskey Co., located in Hermann, Missouri.

Lionheart's foundation is inspired by powerful values: having the courage to be exceptional. They are dedicated to creating whiskeys that are bold yet elegant, familiar yet new, and best shared with friends. Clayton shares his deep-rooted passion for the spirit, revealing he has been appreciating the complex flavor of whiskey for over two decades.

We dive into the history of Lionheart, discussing why quality is their guiding foundation and how they meticulously ensure their expressions are handled with care, even utilizing natural Missouri limestone spring water in their process.

Clayton invites us into the world of Lionheart, explaining the philosophy behind their signature rye whiskey and their barrel proof Single Barrel releases. Plus, we explore the authentic experience visitors can expect when they step into their historic building in Hermann. Clayton describes this experience as inviting you into his living room for the day, complete with tasting tours and guided flights.

To enhance your experience, get out there and pick up a Lionheart single barrel now to prepare for our upcoming tasting episode!

The conversation is just beginning! Be sure to subscribe to the Sip Wiselee podcast and share this episode with friends and family who enjoy whiskey, distilling stories, or learning about unique spots in Missouri.

Head over to the St. Charles Bourbon Society website to catch up on everything we are doing! You will find links to all of our amazing small business partners, links to our YouTube channel where you can subscribe to enjoy our weekly Sip Blindlee episodes, and to our latest Sip Blindlee magazine! Check out our memberships and join today!

No matter how you enjoy your whiskey, be sure to Sip Wiselee!

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This mid-month tasting is a special one! Jonathon welcomes back Hunter and Cole from Red Ox Distillery to explore their full lineup of handcrafted spirits, from bright citrus cordials and aromatic liqueurs to two standout bourbons that showcase the best of Missouri craft distilling.

Recorded live at Ohana Pizzeria, this session pairs Red Ox’s creativity with Ohana’s hospitality and cocktails that perfectly complement the tasting. Grab your favorite pour and join in as the conversation flows from the still to the glass.

If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out the earlier episode featuring the Red Ox story. It’s the perfect setup for this tasting journey.

🎧 In this episode:

• Behind-the-scenes insights from Hunter and Cole

• Flavor exploration across the Red Ox portfolio

• Community and craftsmanship in Missouri spirits

• Bonus: a local shoutout to our friends at Ohana Pizzeria

Before you hit play, don’t forget to:
✅ Visit our website for new Sip Wiselee merchandise
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✅ Subscribe to our YouTube channel for Sip Blindlee, where the pours are blind and the opinions aren’t

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🥃 Red Ox Distillery

The Sip Wisely podcast welcomes distiller guests Hunter Smith and Cole Oxley of Redox Distillery, joining the host from Ohana Pizzeria in Fulton, Missouri. Redox, a name derived from Cole Oxley's nickname ("red ox") and his red hair, focuses on creating high-quality, innovative spirits, emphasizing that they are "not stuck on traditional ways" due to their engineering backgrounds. The conversation covers their unique production process, including using a Civil War-era yeast for precise single distillation to retain maximum flavor. They proudly discuss their award-winning line of products, which includes the ADI "number one citrus liqueur in the world," Orange Cello, and silver medal whiskies like Wicked Warrior and Alumni Select. A core mission of Redox is local partnership; they currently collaborate with over three dozen Missouri businesses on unique products ranging from whiskey-aged cheddars to barreled cigars. The distillers also tease ambitious future projects, including a tea-infused whiskey and a special bourbon blend using spirits gathered from every state in the union for the nation's 250th anniversary. Finally, they reveal that the next episode will feature a tasting of the Wicked Warrior, Alumni Select, Orange Cello, and Almond cordial.

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Episode: Switchgrass Distillery Tasting

Welcome to another exciting tasting episode of the Sip Wisely podcast! This month, we're diving deep into the fantastic spirits from Switchgrass Distillery. If you caught our earlier episode, you heard all about the history and amazing philosophy behind their craft directly from distiller Nick. Now, it's time to taste the results!

Join us as we explore five distinct and delicious expressions from Switchgrass, crafted with their unique sweet mashing technique that ensures smoothness and allows the true flavors of the grain and fruit to shine.

On this episode, we're tasting:

• Switchgrass Bourbon Whiskey (Blue Label)
• Switchgrass Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
• Switchgrass Apple Brandy
• Switchgrass Rye Whiskey (Red Label)
• Switchgrass Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey (White Label)

We encourage you to grab a bottle (or five!) of Switchgrass spirits, re-listen to the episode, and share your tasting notes on social media – don't forget to tag Switchgrass!

Find more from us and Switchgrass Distillery:

• Switchgrass Spirits
• Our Website
• Our Merch Store
• Our YouTube Channel

Welcome to another episode of the Sip Wiselee podcast! For this episode we were live at Switchgrass Distillery in St. Louis, with owner Nick. Join us as Nick shares his journey from a surprising career path to establishing a distillery known for its unique "sweet mashing" process and commitment to crafting distinctive whiskies and brandies. Explore how Switchgrass is redefining craft spirits with its local focus and innovative techniques, setting the stage for an exciting tasting in our next episode!

Learn more about Switchgrass Spirits

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Tasting the 10-Year Stowloch Single Barrel with Mark Sutherland

The story continues, this time in the glass.

In this tasting episode, host Jonathon Lee reconnects with Mark Sutherland of Stone Ledge Distillery to explore their latest release: the 10-year-old Stowloch Single Barrel, the oldest flagship expression in the distillery’s history.

Together, they nose, sip, and savor the complexity of this well-aged Missouri bourbon. From vanilla and caramel to deep oak, tobacco, and that signature long finish, this pour is a patient one and it’s worth every second.

If you’ve got a bottle, pour a glass and sip along. If not, you’ll want one by the end of this episode.

🥃 Tasting highlights include:

• First impressions from the pour

• How 10 years transformed this barrel

• Layered flavor notes & mouthfeel

• Reflections on patience, craft, and finish

🎧 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the Sip Wiselee Podcast.
Proudly presented by the St. Charles Bourbon Society.

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Stone Ledge Distillery — A Sense of Place with Mark Sutherland

Season 2 kicks off with a conversation that goes far beyond the barrel.

In this episode, host Jonathon Lee sits down with Mark Sutherland, founder of Stone Ledge Distillery in Defiance, Missouri. From his background as a global connector and Missouri trade ambassador to his passion for local craftsmanship, Mark brings a unique perspective to the world of whiskey making.

Learn how Stone Ledge was built on the idea that place matters and how every element of their process, from Missouri-grown grain to Missouri-made barrels, reflects a deep commitment to authenticity.

This episode is full of insight, reflection, and heart the perfect way to pour into a brand new season.

🛠️ Topics include:

• Mark’s journey from diplomacy to distilling

• Why Missouri terroir makes a difference

• The story behind the Stowloch label

• Building something real for the Defiance community

🎧 Be sure to follow, rate, and share the Sip Wiselee Podcast.

Presented by the St. Charles Bourbon Society.

#SipWiseleePodcast #StoneLedgeDistillery #MissouriBourbon #Season2Premiere

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32In this episode of the Sip Wiselee Podcast, I sat down with the owner and head distiller of Nobletons Distillery Demetrius Cain. He let me taste 5 different whiskeys! They were all fantastic! They each came with their own story or two! Such a fun episode! Enjoy!​

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Checkout A1 Wine & Spirits on Mexico Rd.

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Checkout Grillo's Chop & Barrel

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In this episode of the Sip Wiselee Podcast, I sat down with the owner and head distiller of Nobletons Distillery Demetrius Cain. We have a fabulous conversation! We begin with a quick game where Demetrius shares a little science around his choice. 

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We then get into the rich history. Such an interesting story! One that is worth hearing in person! Be sure to get out there and checkout the distillery for yourself!

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In this episode of the Sip Wiselee Podcast, I sat down with the Chief Experience Officer of the Blacksmith Distillery. Located in Lohman, MO just outside of Jefferson City sits this hidden gem of a distillery for our tasting episode. Russ brought us three of his wonderful spirits to taste and share.

In this episode we had the pleasure of tasting the Blacksmith Snow Day, Black Anvil Family Reserve & the Black Anvil Barrel Proof. Check their website linked below to locate this great bourbon.

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Have you tried Blacksmith? Share your thoughts and ideas via our social media. 

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Checkout The Rack House Kitchen Wine & Whiskey

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