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Have you ever met someone whose generosity and passion for bourbon completely changed your perspective? That's exactly what happened when we reconnected with Artie, one of our earliest supporters, in his whiskey-filled basement for a heartfelt conversation about bourbon, friendship, and the joy of sharing.

This episode takes us back to our humble beginnings when Artie first invited us to film in his basement, generously supplying the whiskey for those early (admittedly rough-around-the-edges) YouTube videos. What blossomed from that initial meeting was a friendship built on mutual appreciation for fine spirits and community building. During our visit, Artie surprised us with special signed and etched Jack Daniels Sturgis Rally bottles, continuing his tradition of remarkable generosity that has defined our relationship over the years.

We dive deep into what we've affectionately named "the Artie line" – the philosophy that quality bourbon generally starts at 100 proof, with his personal sweet spot between 115-135 proof. This sparks a fascinating discussion about proof preferences, with Artie making just one exception to his rule: Elmer T. Lee at 90 proof. Throughout our conversation, we sample an impressive lineup including Russell's 13, Remus Repeal Batch, Bourbon Pursuit, Green River, and RD1, while reflecting on the evolution of brands like Jack Daniels through their special releases and single barrel programs. 

The heart of this episode captures why we created Dram Dialogues in the first place – to build a community where bourbon enthusiasts can connect, share their finds, and enjoy exceptional spirits together. As Artie perfectly summarizes: "You get a nice bottle, you bring some people over, open it and share it." Join us for this intimate conversation that reminds us all what makes the bourbon community truly special, and don't forget to check out our website for more content as we continue to share our whiskey journey!