In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we head to Tennessee to hang out with Brandon O’Daniels, Head Distiller at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, and uncover one of the most incredible comeback stories in American whiskey.

Founded in 1860, Nelson’s Green Brier was once one of the largest whiskey distilleries in the world before disappearing before Prohibition....only to be resurrected over a century later by the founder’s descendants. Brandon walks us through the history, the revival, the craft, and the passion behind bringing this legendary Tennessee whiskey back to life.

We dive into:

• The wild origin story of Nelson’s Green Brier

• What makes Tennessee whiskey unique

• The art and science of distilling

• Their standout Tennessee Whiskey

• The beautifully complex Cognac Cask Finish

• Plus a fast, ridiculous lightning round

Whether you’re a whiskey nerd, a music lover, or just here for a great story...this episode has something for you.

Learn more about Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery:
Nelson's Green Brier Distillery | Nelson's Green Brier DistilleryFollow Whiskey Rocks for more episodes, clips, and behind-the-scenes content:
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Whiskey rocks. Sip hard.

What do Kentucky bourbon, a legendary racehorse, a risky 33–1 wager, and the birth of The Beatles have in common?

Apparently… everything.

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Brian Luftman, co-founder of Never Say Die Bourbon, to unpack one of the most unbelievable origin stories in whiskey. From a Kentucky-born horse shocking the world at the 1954 Epsom Derby, to a Liverpool bet that helped launch the Casbah Coffee Club and the early career of The Beatles, this is a story that sounds completely made up — except it’s 100% true.

We dive into how Never Say Die became one of the most unique bourbon brands on the market, including their bold decision to age Kentucky bourbon across the Atlantic in England, creating a truly one-of-a-kind flavor profile shaped by ocean voyages, climate shifts, and a rebellious mindset.

Plus, we taste through their Small Batch Bourbon and award-winning Rye, pairing each pour with music, storytelling, and plenty of laughs along the way. For more info on the brand, visit https://neversaydiebourbon.com/

If you love great whiskey, legendary music, underdog stories, and behind-the-scenes brand building, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Follow along @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for more whiskey, music, and mayhem.

Whiskey rocks, sip hard!

In this special Mezcal Rocks episode, we step outside the whiskey world and challenge some long-held assumptions as we dive into mezcal with Desolas Mezcal. Joined by Sammy Halpern, former Blue Run Spirits executive and co-founder of Desolas, we break down what whiskey drinkers often get wrong about mezcal, why smoke doesn’t have to dominate the conversation, and how Desolas is approaching the category with intention, balance, and respect for tradition.

If you’ve ever been mezcal-curious but unsure where to start, this episode is your entry point. It’s an honest, educational conversation designed to meet whiskey lovers where they are, while opening the door to something new.

Learn more about Desolas Mezcal at www.desolasmezcal.com, and make sure to listen through the episode to hear an exclusive code for 15% off any order.

Follow along with us at @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and don’t forget to subscribe to Whiskey Rocks anywhere you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.

What does it really mean to make whiskey with conviction?

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Jim Hough of Liberty Pole Spirits, a distillery that isn’t interested in shortcuts, trends, or chasing hype. Instead, they’re laser-focused on doing things the hard way — local grain, grain-to-glass production, and a deep respect for Pennsylvania rye’s rebellious roots.

Jim walks us through why Liberty Pole believes where your grain comes from matters just as much as what’s in the barrel, how patience and stubbornness can actually be competitive advantages, and why some whiskeys are meant to challenge you rather than please everyone.

This is a conversation about independence, identity, and why Liberty Pole might just be the most important whiskey you’re not drinking… yet.

Pour a glass and press play.

To learn more about Liberty Pole Spirits, visit www.libertypolespirits.com

To keep the conversation going and join our community of whiskey and music weirdos, follow us on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube @thewhiskeyrockspodcast

Whiskey rocks, sip hard!

This week on Whiskey Rocks, we’re heading straight into the Rockies with Minturn Whiskey Company—where the elevation is high, the air is thin, and the whiskey doesn’t need any gimmicks to stand out.

We talk about what it actually means to make whiskey at altitude, how Minturn balances mountain-town roots with serious distilling chops, and why their approach feels refreshingly honest in a category crowded with hype. From the challenges of proofing and aging in Colorado’s climate to the stories behind the brand, this is a conversation about craft, patience, and letting the whiskey do the talking.

No shortcuts. No fluff. Just good whiskey turned up to 11… thousand feet.

For more info on Minturn Whiskey Company visit:https://www.minturnwhisky.com/

Follow @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to keep the pours flowing and the music blaring.

Whiskey Rocks, Sip Hard!

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel sits down with Chris Crowe from Burnt Church Distillery for a deep dive into what truly sets this Lowcountry standout apart. Chris shares the origin behind the unforgettable name, the intentional philosophy guiding every decision, and how Burnt Church blends Southern heritage with modern whiskey-making.

From grain selection to barrel strategy to the experimental spirits that have locals talking, we explore how Burnt Church has built a distinct identity in a crowded craft landscape. Chris walks through the distillery’s mindset, mission, and the storytelling woven into every bottle.

Joel and Chris also taste through several Burnt Church releases, breaking down the profiles, surprises, and creative choices that make this one of the most unique distilleries in the region.

If you’re curious about Burnt Church, passionate craftsmanship, or what it takes for a whiskey brand to carve out its own lane, this conversation is your perfect pour.

For more info on Burnt Church visithttps://burntchurchdistillery.com/

Make sure to follow us on INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE and TIKTOK @thewhiskeyrockspodcast

Whiskey rocks, sip hard!

Who we are, what we’re about and what to expect when you click “Play Episode”

In this Whiskey Rocks Whiskey Nerd Takeover, Joel and Chris welcome back Blair Ault from Milam & Greene for a deep dive into a special release, The Answer. What starts as a behind-the-scenes breakdown of blending philosophy, flavor decisions, and how this bottle came to life quickly turns into a full-on whiskey masterclass when Master Distiller Marlene Holmes drops in unexpectedly.

But that’s only half the story. Somewhere along the way, the conversation takes a hard left turn into the wonderfully strange. We’re talking Star Trek debates, music tangents, movie villains, and a few moments that have absolutely nothing to do with whiskey—but somehow make perfect sense in the moment. It’s the kind of detour that only happens when the drinks are poured, the mics are on, and everyone’s having too much fun to steer the ship straight.

This episode delivers real insight for anyone who loves whiskey, studies whiskey, or just wants to hang out with two of the sharpest minds in the industry. It’s nerdy, it’s unpredictable, and it might be the most enjoyable chaos we’ve had on the show. Buckle up.

To follow us, find us on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram @thewhiskeyrockspodcast

Whiskey rocks, sip hard!

What does it really mean for a whiskey to be “local”? Is it about where the grains come from, the climate where the barrels age, the people who make it, or something deeper about place and identity?

In this episode, we sit down with Will and Ric at St. Augustine Distillery in the nation’s oldest city to talk about what makes their whiskey unmistakably Floridian. We get into how heat and humidity shape the barrel, why sourcing from nearby farms matters, and how a distillery can reflect the character of a community rather than just operate inside it.

This is a conversation about craft, patience, environment, and pride. And it might change the way you think about where whiskey flavor really comes from.

If you enjoy stories about people building something with intention, this one is for you.

Learn more about St. Augustine at https://www.staugustinedistillery.com/

Follow us for more whiskey and fun over on Instagram, TikTok and even YouTube @thewhiskeyrockspodcast

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Owen King, the distiller behind Iron Clad Distillery out of Newport News, Virginia, a brand that’s as bold and unapologetic as its name.

Owen takes us deep into Iron Clad’s roots, from the Civil War history that inspired its name to the modern craft grit that defines its bourbon. We talk family hustle, local pride, and what it means to build whiskey with real backbone.

This one’s got everything….stories of turning an old shipyard town into whiskey country, the beauty of doing things your own damn way, and a few laughs that’ll make you want to pour another glass.

So crank the volume, grab a pour, and join us for a conversation that proves: when whiskey gets loud, Iron Clad’s leading the band.

Follow us @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on all social channels for more