In 2026, how do you introduce a man who has next to no online presence? 

Sam Komlenic (pronounced "kom-LEN-ick") is not unknown. He's arguably the foremost historian of Pennsylvania rye whiskey, and has been quoted a number of times in major publications as such. He's been the copy editor of Whisky Advocate magazine for years, well-known at the magazine's WhiskyFest Chicago event. He's been on the board of West Overton Village, where his antique whiskey bottle collection is displayed in the Sam Komlenic Gallery. He worked as a fundraiser for WPSU, public broadcasting in State College, PA for 19 years, making friends all over north central Pennsylvania.

God knows I've mentioned him many times, in articles, books (Sam has been my first reader on every book since New York Breweries until American Whiskey Master Class, and we missed that one only because I got pressed for time). 

He's got plenty to say, and he will in this interview. But this episode will represent one of Sam's largest online exposures. He has no social media accounts; he has no blog, podcast, or Substack. Google his name for images, and you may find a dozen pictures of Sam, at least two of which I've uploaded to the Net. But people want to hear what Sam has to say, particularly about rye whiskey, so I decided to give him a forum. Sam's also one of my best friends, and it was a pleasure doing this. 

I'll tell you about how the Day of Delicious Darkness went, about a place where the rivers run north, and about a new book I just contracted to write! Surprise!

What I'm Drinking Today is a whiskey I shared with Sam, Iron City Distilling Bessemer Rye. It's their first release, and it's a doozy, one of the best young ryes I've had. I look forward to more releases from Matt Strickland and the crew at ICD. 

The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about the Happy Valley PA Geotour, a geocaching journey set up by our sponsor, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.  

Next episode is about Kane, PA, a "Star in the Forest," and I am headed up there tomorrow to see some woods, and the Kinzua Bridge, and the Texas Hot Lunch, and a place that makes booze out of sunflowers!

See you in two weeks!

Until then?

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Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!

This episode uses these sounds under the following license:

"Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com)

All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.