The Whiskey Ring Podcast

Heritage Grains, Modern Spirits, and a Craft Cocktail Revolution in Colorado

In this episode, we explore the unique landscape of craft distilling in Colorado with Jamie Burns, the innovative lead distiller at The Family Jones Distillery. Jamie's journey is one of blending tradition with cutting-edge techniques, drawing from his extensive education, including a Master of Science in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt, and his experiences at Michigan State University. Discover how his background in biosystems engineering and his passion for food and beverage have shaped his approach to distilling.

We dive deep into the use of unconventional grains, such as naked barley and heritage Oland wheat, and the collaborative efforts with local farmers and malting partners that drive The Family Jones' commitment to sustainability and flavor innovation. Learn about the challenges and triumphs in the distillation process, as well as the importance of maintaining a strong local presence while gradually expanding.

The episode also delves into the art of branding, highlighting the stories and symbolism behind product names like Atticus Jones whiskey. Jamie shares insights into their organic growth strategy and community engagement efforts that embody the true spirit of Colorado. Join us for an inspiring conversation on how tradition and innovation come together in every bottle from The Family Jones Distillery.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There is 1 more spot available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

The Family Jones

• The Family Jones Website

Redefining Canadian Whisky And Mash Bills vs Grain Bills

Nick Taylor is no stranger to blending - he hit 40 Scottish distilleries in 30 days pretending to be a whisky writer (and no, I asked, he wasn't caught!), and has since visited Ireland, Japan, and most of the distilleries in Kentucky, not to mention Canada. Bottom line, he knows that you don't have to distill to create something exceptional. 

In creating Found North with his partners, Nick is taking on a monumental task - redefining Canadian whisky for an American market conditioned to see Canadian as lesser, inferior, or just plain bad. The big brands don't do themselves any favors, but then again they don't have much incentive (we get into that), so it's up to the small guys like Found North to crack that nut. 

In a fascinating exploration of the art and science of whisky blending, Nick reveals how synesthesia and musical influences spark creativity in crafting harmonious blends, from classical to funky things even I had never heard of before. We delve into techniques for balancing flavors and how strategic buying and aging of whisky components allow Found North to create and fill a new niche. Throughout the episode, personal anecdotes and insights from Nick offer an engaging and enlightening look at the passion and expertise that drive Found North's unique journey in the whiskey world.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There is 1 more spot available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Found North Whisky

• Found North Whisky Website

An Innovative Copper Method and An Oregonian Distiller in Ireland

Join me on this episode to Ireland's Boyne Valley, where we explore the historic and picturesque Brú na Bóinne and the modern Boann Distillery. I sit down with Alex Witt, the head distiller at Boann, who shares his captivating journey from the United States to Ireland and his immersion into the Irish whiskey industry. Alex takes us through the Cooney family's transition from brewing craft beer to creating whiskey, highlighting their passion for the drinks industry and the intimate, collaborative atmosphere of working in a family-run business. Discover the innovative and state-of-the-art facilities at Boann, which are housed in a repurposed car dealership, and get a sneak peek at their exciting new PX cask finish whiskey.

In our conversation, we delve into the unique distillation techniques and sustainability initiatives at Boann Distillery. Alex provides insight into the application of nanotechnology in their distillation process, the historical significance of copper in whiskey production, and the potential for new whiskey releases pending regulatory changes. We also touch on Boann's commitment to environmental sustainability, plans for expansion, and their multifaceted visitor experience. With a rich discussion on maturation experiments and the use of diverse casks, this episode is a must-listen for whiskey enthusiasts and those interested in innovative production methods.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There is 1 more spot available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Boann Distillery

• Boann Distillery Website

From Teachers to Distillers on the Longest Hike in Wales

Ever wondered what it takes to leave behind a steady career and venture into uncharted territory? Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Ellen Wakelam and her partner Alexander, who transformed their lives from a geography teacher and a baker to becoming founders of In the Welsh Wind Distillery. Ellen narrates their story, filled with adventurous walks around Wales and a life-changing trip to Scotland, culminating in the creation of a distillery that quickly gained momentum since its inception in 2018. We delve into their diverse spirit production, including gin, vodka, rum, and the burgeoning development of Welsh whisky.

Our conversation also touches on the ambitious expansion into whisky production and the significance of creating an authentic Welsh whisky using locally grown grain. Ellen's passion shines through as she talks about their first whisky release and the excitement surrounding future batches. We explore the collaborative efforts to achieve Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status for Welsh whisky, emphasizing the unity and shared vision within the Welsh distilling community. Tune in to hear Ellen's dedication to tradition, quality, and the local community, and get a glimpse into the future of In the Welsh Wind Distillery.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There is 1 more spot available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

In The Welsh Wind

• In The Welsh Wind Website

From Derby Winner to Whiskey Namesake (and the Beatles, too!)

I sit down with Brian Luffman, co-founder of Never Say Die Spirits, to delve into the transatlantic journey that birthed their unique bourbon brand. We kick things off with the riveting tale of a horse named Never Say Die, whose life-saving shot of whiskey led to an improbable Epsom Derby win and ultimately funded a Liverpool music venue where the future Beatles first performed. Brian’s passion for honoring this remarkable legacy through their whiskey-making process is clearly evident throughout the episode.

You've got custom mashbills made at a distillery in Danville, Kentucky (though they can't say where, I hint strongly at it), with partners on both sides of the Atlantic. It's easy enough to start a brand nowadays, but not everyone does it from scratch with their own mashbills and yeasts. Add in the complexities of both Kentucky and English aging and a transatlantic journey, and there's much more to this brand than meets the eye. 

Personally, I prefer the rye (so does Brian!), but both are solid pours at reasonable prices that have the extra component of a bottle designed by Stranger & Stranger, a guest on the Whiskey Ring Podcast back in Episode 74 and famous (to me) for their work with Compass Box. 

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Never Say Die Spirits

• Never Say Die Spirits Website

The First Craft Distillery 

St. George Spirits launched the craft distilling movement in the US. No, that's not an overstatement. Starting with brandies and eau-de-vies, adding whiskey in 1997 and various liqueurs, gins, and other spirits along the way, St. George has steadfastly led the way while remaining true to its roots and creating ever-more-interesting things to drink. 

I'm joined by Master Distiller Lance Winters and Head Distiller Dave Smith, both long-haulers at St. George (Lance from 1997 and Dave from 2005) who have introduced the world to St. George Spirits' Baller American Single Malt, NOLA Coffee Liqueur, and Bruto Americano, among many many others. The Bruto, by the way, has become my go-to aperitif, replacing Campari and Aperol with a more intense flavor and body. 

More than anything, this interview delves into the ethos and process of St. George, how this continuously innovative distillery both keeps up with the times and leads by example. They may not be the biggest, but there's no doubt they are one of the most important. Lance and Dave are determined - and I use that word with emphasis - to make what they like, bring the drinker to them, and expand the definition of what American distilleries can do.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Lost Lantern Whiskey

• Lost Lantern Whiskey Website

Join me as I sit down with Nora and Adam from Lost Lantern Whiskey to uncover the magic behind their Summer of Bourbon 2 series. We'll explore the rich tapestry of nine distinct bourbon releases, each chosen from twelve distilleries across twelve states, including the rare gems from a ghost distillery in Mississippi. Discover what makes this year's collection a step up from last year's and hear about the serendipitous journey that led them to acquiring Rich Grain Distilling's bourbon stocks.

Ever wondered how the Gulf Coast climate impacts the flavor profile of bourbon? Nora and Adam share their groundbreaking techniques and insights, such as rebarreling bourbon into larger used casks to create flavor complexity without the tannin overload (a major sticking point that I thank them for, profusely). We'll dive into the unique qualities of Gulf Coast bourbon and why it's exclusively available through Lost Lantern's Mississippi Memory series. Additionally, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how blending bourbons from diverse distilleries across America creates a balanced and intricate final product, guided by a blend captain who ensures each batch is perfect.

Curious about the challenges faced by regional distilleries and the innovative approaches they use? We'll highlight distilleries like Rock Town in Arkansas, High Wire in South Carolina, and the nuances of the Lincoln County Process in Tennessee whiskey at Lieper's Fork. Listen as we compare the unique methods, ingredients, and local climates that shape these exceptional bourbons. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how Lost Lantern selects and maintains high standards for their releases, ensuring that each bottle tells a story and captures the essence of its origins. Don't miss this journey through the evolving landscape of American bourbon.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Lost Lantern Whiskey

• Lost Lantern Whiskey Website

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Baltimore Spirits Company

• Baltimore Spirits Company Website

From Rye to Armagnac: Pete Lynch's Story 

In the second part to our Bhakta Sessions series as we welcome the exceptional Pete Lynch, the master blender for Bhakta Spirits. With a career that kick-started under the legendary Dave Pickerel at Whistlepig, Pete’s journey in the whiskey and armagnac world is nothing short of inspiring. We delve into his deep passion for rye whiskey, the pivotal role of sensory memory in tasting, and his current intriguing project involving a 2012 vintage Armagnac. Pete’s insights into the art of blending whiskey offer a masterclass in balancing flavors and honoring the heritage of historic spirits.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

Bhakta Spirits

• Bhakta Spirits Website

Embracing Your Heritage: Ken Schreiner's Journey from Real Estate to Artisanal Whiskey and Gin

In this riveting episode, we explore Ken Schreiner's inspiring transition from a religious upbringing that shunned alcohol to reviving his family's historic whiskey brand. Ken discusses cherished old distilling notebooks as he navigates the labyrinth of "labeling hell" to breathe new life into spirits named after his great-great-grandfather AJ Schreiner, a master distiller from Louisville, Kentucky, and how these historical roots inspired him to embrace his heritage.

We delve into the Prohibition era, uncovering the gritty realities of both legal and illicit distilling. Ken offers fascinating insights into dating historical records, maintaining proprietary yeast strains, and understanding distillation techniques from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Alongside master distiller Alan Bishop (a great friend of the podcast!), Ken's transition from real estate to whiskey-making unfolds as a passionate pursuit infused with historical accuracy and artisanal craftsmanship. His journey emphasizes the importance of honesty in the whiskey industry, even when faced with the many challenges of recreating a bygone era.

Beyond the craft of whiskey, Ken shares his poignant personal story of dealing with PTSD from his time in emergency services. Whiskey became more than a passion; like it was for me, for him, it became a grounding activity that helped him navigate mental health challenges. Through this episode, we advocate for responsible consumption and mental health support for first responders and high-stress professions.

Stay tuned to hear about Ken's plans for the future of AJ Schreiner Spirits, including a new/old gin distillation technique that blends tradition with modern craft. This episode is a heartfelt blend of history, authenticity, and personal connection, celebrating the rich legacy of the Schreiner family spirits.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ken for entering the Whiskey Ring!

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up! 

• BAXUS Website

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 

• Black Button Distilling Website

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level. 

If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 

AJ Schreiner Spirits

• AJ Schreiner Spirits Website