I know the title sounds bad. But really it's focusing on the next step in life. Here is the livestream that I did , ( note all giveaways are done.) I had a blast doing a year in review, and whats in the future. Hope you enjoy and know that i'm trying to produce the best product I can. Anyway Be Blessed.

Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3

https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Death is the end of life, the irreversible cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism.[3] Death eventually and inevitably occurs in all organisms. The remains of a former organism normally begin to decompose shortly after death.[4] Some organisms, such as the immortal jellyfish, are biologically immortal; however, they can still die from means other than the effects of aging.[5] Death is generally applied to whole organisms; the equivalent for individual components of an organism—such as cells or tissues—is necrosis.[6] Something that is not considered an organism may be said "to die" in a figurative sense when it reaches an inactive state, such as when a star runs out of fuel.

As of the early 21st century, 56 million people die per year. As of 2022, an estimated total of almost 110 billion humans have died, or roughly 94% of all humans to have ever lived.[7] The cause of death is usually considered important, and an autopsy can be done to determine it. There are many causes, from accidents to diseases. The most common reason is aging;[8] the most common cause is cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is a disease that affects the heart or blood vessels.[9] A substudy of gerontology known as biogerontology seeks to eliminate death by natural aging in humans, often through the application of natural processes found in certain organisms.[10] However, as humans do not have the means to apply this to themselves, they have to use other ways to reach the maximum lifespan for a human, often through lifestyle changes, such as calorie reduction, dieting, and exercise.[11] The idea of lifespan extension is considered and studied as a way for people to live longer.

Determining when a person has definitively died has proven difficult. Initially, death was defined as occurring when breathing and the heartbeat ceased, a status still known as clinical death.[12] However, the development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) meant that such a state was no longer strictly irreversible.[13] For all organisms with a brain, death can instead be focused on this organ.[14][15] Brain death was then considered a more fitting option, but several definitions exist for this: some people believe that all brain functions must cease; others believe that even if the brainstem is still alive, the personality and identity are irretrievably lost, so therefore the person should be considered entirely dead.[16] Brain death is sometimes used as a legal definition of death.

There is something that keep calling me back. Back to Pennsylvania, is it the people. Is it the story, or the whiskey. Well its all of the above, and i'm in love with it all. Today is no exception. We chat with Matt and Peter at Iron City Distilling. And it was amazing, like talking to old friends. Hope you enjoy, and Be Blessed.

Ironcitydistilling.com

Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3

Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshaman

https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Maryland-Style Rye- Distiller's Reserve

$40.00

Creighton

150 Ferry Street Creighton, PA

Description

SHIPPING TO PA ADDRESSES ONLY

Iron City Distiller’s Reserve is a tribute to our distillers and their ability to turn even the humblest of ingredients into something magical. Made in small batches, these spirits offer a glimpse of the great things to come from our distillery.

Our Master Distiller distilled this straight Maryland-style rye at one of his former distilleries many years ago. Through careful attention to grains, yeast, and whole lot of patience, we offer you this beautifully matured whiskey. Enjoy neat, over ice, on in your favorite cocktail. Cheers!

(375 ml btl; 50% abv)

Agricultural Revival

Our partnership with the SeedSpark Program is more than crafting spirits; it's a pledge to agricultural revival.

This collaboration focuses on rejuvenating Pennsylvania's heritage grains. By using these grains, we enhance our spirits' depth and character, reawakening a historical era.

MATT STRICKLAND

Our Master Distiller began his career in alcohol many years ago when he began doing microbiology research for the Oregon Wine industry during graduate school at Oregon State University. Upon obtaining his Master’s degree he somehow stumbled his way into the wonderous world of whiskey distillation. And once he started working with stills, he never looked back. Since then, he has built numerous distilleries both as a distiller and as a consultant. He also began teaching the science and art of distillation through numerous organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and the UK. In an effort to further the field of whiskey education he has authored countless articles, webinars, and talks. He has also written two highly regarded books for the industry, Cask Management for Distillers (White Mule Press, 2020) and Batch Distillation: Science and Practice (White Mule Press, 2021). Matt lives in Pittsburgh with his wife and two precocious daughters. His hobbies include rock climbing and shopping for cars his wife will never let him buy. He also believes that irony is not a prerequisite for listening to Journey.

I told yall we were gonna finish the last couple of the podcasts with banger after banger. For this show, we sat down with the master blender of Westward whiskey the creative genius behind all of there releases. Miles has an extensive background that we get into. But also this is a conversation of two whiskey lovers, sharing some life story. And they were gracious enough to send over a bottle of there Lamington Porter Cask finished, which is a Australia only release. Super stoked for you to listen and watch. Check the links down below for more content.

Westwardwhiskey.com

Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshaman

Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3

https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

————

A LEGACY THAT SPANS TWO DECADES

In over twenty years of whiskey-making, we’ve learned what it takes to create something unforgettable. Inspired by the beauty of the American Northwest, its pioneering spirit, and its rich culinary culture, Westward Whiskey is crafted to build peak flavor from the ground up. Our award-winning American whiskeys reflect a commitment to boldness, balance, and creativity.

WE ARE THE PINNACLE OF AMERICAN WHISKEY

——

We honor our home in every bottle. From the Columbia River Gorge to the slopes of Mount Hood, the American Northwest is woven into every step of our process.

This region offers one of the most fertile barley-growing climates in the world—an ideal place to craft world-class whiskey.

——

The Northwest has long attracted hardworking visionaries—people driven to build something better.

Our team of creators includes former brewers, winemakers, and Michelin-trained chefs with more than 50 years of collective distilling experience. Their passion and expertise push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making.

——

There are no shortcuts in our deliberate process—and therein lies the beauty.

We blend the best of brewing, distilling, and aging traditions to create a whiskey like no other.

Brewed Like a Craft Ale

We start by brewing a full-flavored American Ale entirely from scratch. Using locally malted barley, ale yeast, and a slow, low-temperature fermentation, we build a bold and complex foundation for our whiskey.

DISTILLED LIKE A SINGLE MALT

That fresh ale is double-distilled in custom low-reflux pot stills designed to retain character and texture. This hands-on method transforms our flavorful brew into a robust and expressive spirit.

AGED LIKE A BOURBON

We age our whiskey in new American oak barrels—heavily toasted and lightly charred—to unlock layers of vanilla, spice, and fruit. Each barrel is carefully selected to enhance the richness and depth of our whiskey.

To showcase the full spectrum of earthy, fruity, and spicy flavors, we mingle our barrels in small batches to achieve Westward’s signature profile: layered, balanced, and unapologetically bold.

DISTINCT. RICH. BRAZEN. FULL OF FLAVOR.

Our Most Ambitious, Limited and Exclusive Whiskey

Available for Distillery Tasting Room pickup only

From our home in the American Northwest, our distillers have pushed boundaries as few dare, reimagining and elevating American whiskey for nearly two decades. We recognize that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts, so we challenged ourselves to explore what the ultimate expression of Westward whiskey could be.

Westward Whiskey Milestone® represents our makers' knowledge and our full body of work, brought together into a single whiskey through a twenty-one barrel Solera system that includes some of our most precious whiskies. By far the most ambitious and exclusive whiskey we will ever craft, this forthcoming annual release is a masterpiece in American whiskey and a milestone for Westward. It reflects both the legacy of our past and the promise of our future.

Bottled at 43% ABV / 86 proof

What happens when you mix 6 Texas summers with a Texas bourbon. You get Garrison Cowboy 2025. Today we deep dive into what Cowboy Bourbon is all about. From the Proof to the presentation. Hope you enjoy.

COWBOY BOURBON®

Every now and then, Garrison Brothers releases one of the most highly-coveted bourbon whiskies in America; Cowboy Bourbon. From Dan and Donnis’ favorite barrels, the liquid is set aside for a couple of years and bottled at cask-strength, uncut and unfiltered.

UNCUT, UNFILTERED

TEXAS STRAIGHT

BOURBON

WHISKEY

73.2%

ALC/VOL

146.4

PROOF

Get Your Hands On a Bottle & Treasure It

Every now and then, Garrison Brothers releases one of the most highly-coveted bourbon whiskies in America: Cowboy Bourbon®. This incredible bourbon has been recognized with numerous Platinum and Gold awards at several prestigious spirits competitions, such as the 2023 ASCOT Awards, the 2024 SIP Awards, and the 2024 TAG Global Spirits Awards, to name a few. Unlike our Small Batch, Cowboy Bourbon comes from Dan and Donnis’ favorite barrels. These barrels are set aside for a couple of years for further maturation and the liquid is bottled at cask-strength, uncut and unfiltered. It’s the ultimate ambrosia.

It takes a special barrel to create a bourbon nectar sweet enough to be enjoyed at such a high proof. The potency normally overpowers the flavor. This ain’t the case with Cowboy Bourbon—it’s so sweet, the flavor overpowers its proof. And you can thank the Texas heat for that.

Out here, it’s 100 degrees six months of the year, and even hotter inside our steel barns. It might seem crazy to buy high quality barrels and torture them this way, but that’s how we extract all the flavor from the American oak. As it matures, the bourbon cycles through the wood’s pores and crevices, yielding a distinct color and bold flavors—everything rich and good about bourbon without the heat.

But as delicious as it all sounds, make sure you proceed with caution; barrel-proof bourbon is not for everyone. It should always be savored in moderation. For something strong enough to run a car engine, the finish is incredibly smooth. It’s peppery, with a restrained current of warmth. While surprising, maybe it ought not be, as that restraint makes it ideal for summertime drinking. This stuff was heat-forged in Texas, after all.

Tasting Notes

NOSE Burnt wood, gun smoke, and toasted marshmallows.

PALATE Surprising and complicated oozing with black pepper and cooking spice, balanced by plum and apricot.

FINISH Flood of warmth layered with dried fruits and toasted marshmallows.

COLOR Dark Cacao Chocolate.

Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon

”118 barrels meant to be enjoyed together."

— Donnis todd, master distiller—

Our Story

OUR FOUNDER

Dan Garrison

There’s a reason why Dan Garrison opened Texas’ first legal bourbon distillery. Well, several.

Grain To Glass

We’re proud to create our world-class bourbons on our ranch in Hye, Texas. From the milling of the grains to the wax seal on the finished bottles, every step is done by us, for you.

There is something in a name. And Chicken Cock Whiskey takes the cake. But its not always about the name, its about the story. And thats just what we get into. Will is the brand rep. and he has a lot of knowledge in the brand and whiskey in general. It was a great conversation, and the story isn't bad either. Enjoy!!

Chickencockwhiskey.com

Thewhiskeyshaman.com (while you still can)

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https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Born in the heart of Bourbon county - before bourbon whiskey was "Bourbon"

In 1856, James A. Miller built a distillery and started making Chicken Cock Whiskey in Paris, Kentucky. After his death, Miller left the business to a trusted distillery clerk, George G. White, who made Chicken Cock into the legend it became.

19th CenturyThe Birth of Chicken Cock Whiskey

1830's-1840's

James A. Miller’s distilling roots.

1856

Our original distillery is built.

1860

Hardships strike.

1862

First mention of the Chicken Cock Whiskey name.

1889

Trademark infringement suit against Miller’s Gamecock in Boston.

1890

Distillery fire does $30,000 in damages.

20th CenturyThe Next Chapter

1900's

Chicken Cock Whiskey is sold.

1920's

Chicken Cock produced during Prohibition.

1930's

Chicken Cock made as a blended whiskey.

1950's

Chicken Cock fades away.

21st CenturyThe Birth of the Brand

2011

Crowing at the new dawn.

2017

Collaborative Distilling Program & Bardstown Bourbon Company.

2024

A new home in Bardstown, KY.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky, Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a rich, elegant mahogany hue color, a nose with a nice balance of oak tones with sweet notes of dried fruit, caramel and vanilla.

750ml | 45% ABV | 90 Proof

PROOF: 90

AGE: Minimum of 4 Years

MASHBILL: 70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley

CHAR / TOAST: Level 3/Medium+

$59.99

Tasting Notes

Nose

Nice balance of oak tones with sweet notes of dried fruit, caramel and vanilla.

Palate

Soft oak tannin upfront, which dissipates into delightful toasted oak lactones. At 90 proof there's a slight bourbon heat that let's you know this is a real deal, full-bodied bourbon. On the tongue, it evolves into a creamy almost buttery mouthfeel with sweet butterscotch notes.

Finish

Vanilla wafer finish with salted caramel.

Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey

You can’t have great whiskey without great wood. That is why we aged our 8-year-old whiskey in American oak barrels twice. This process allows us to extract all of the great flavor within the oak to create a robust and interesting sipper.

750ml | 46% ABV | 92 Proof

PROOF: 92

AGE: 8 Years

MASHBILL: 80.5% corn / 11% Rye / 8.5% Malted Barley

FINISHING BARREL: Used bourbon barrels then American White Oak

CHAR / TOAST: Level 4

WAREHOUSE LOCATION: Top of Rickhouse

$92.99

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dark chocolate covered berries, toasted coconut shavings, and caramel coffee

Palate

Sapid flavors of vanilla bean, waffle cone, steeped berries, and warm baking spices

Finish

Round and balanced with creamy undertones and hints of crème brulée and cinnamon flan

So we start with a blind, as we should. Then the wheels fall off, like always. Don't get it twisted this is a banger. It once again doesn't follow the algo. Hope you enjoy??!!

Thewhiskeyshaman.com

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A good holiday whiskey guide offers recommendations based on the recipient's palate, price range, and the type of whiskey (Bourbon, Scotch, Rye, Irish, etc.) they enjoy. Top recommendations for the holiday season often include approachable, high-quality bottles as well as unique or rare finds. 

For the Beginner or Casual Drinker

If the recipient is new to whiskey, opt for a smooth, balanced, and versatile option that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. 

• Bourbon: Buffalo Trace or Four Roses Small Batch are widely available and well-regarded, offering classic notes of caramel and vanilla without being too overwhelming.

• Irish Whiskey: Jameson or Redbreast 12 Year are excellent choices known for their exceptional smoothness due to triple distillation and balanced flavor profiles.

• Scotch (Unpeated): Glenlivet 12 Year or Glenfiddich 12 Year are classic, approachable single malts with fruit and malt flavors, serving as a solid introduction to the category. 

For the Enthusiast or Connoisseur

For someone with a more developed palate, look for single barrel, cask strength, or age-stated bottles that offer complexity and unique flavor profiles. 

• Bourbon: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof offers rich caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors, while Blanton's Single Barrel is a highly sought-after and collectible option.

• Rye Whiskey: Wild Turkey Rare Breed provides a high-ABV, complex experience with notes of spice and oak. A quality single barrel store pick of Knob Creek Rye is also a great option.

• Scotch (Peated): For those who enjoy a smoky flavor, Ardbeg Corryvreckan provides an intense maritime peat experience, or a more subtle introduction can be found with Bowmore 15 Year.

• Unique Finds: Japanese whiskies like Hibiki Japanese Harmony are elegant blends that offer a different profile of honey, orange peel, and oak. 

Beyond the Bottle

You can also enhance the whiskey-drinking experience with complementary gifts: 

• High-quality glassware: Glencairn glasses are specifically designed to enhance the aroma and tasting experience.

• Whiskey-themed accessories: Consider a decanter, sphere-shaped ice molds, a cocktail smoker, or a relevant book like The Bourbon Bible.

• Gourmet pairings: Bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup or a set of Woodford Reserve bourbon balls make for a tasty, themed

  Beyond a bottle of whiskey, great gifts for a whiskey lover include high-quality glassware and decanters, tasting accessories like whiskey stones and cocktail smoking kits, educational books, and food pairings.

  Glassware & Barware

  Upgrading their bar setup enhances the entire whiskey experience.

  Glencairn Glasses: These are the official tasting glasses used by distilleries because their unique, tulip shape is designed to concentrate and funnel the whiskey's aromas to the nose, maximizing the tasting experience.

  Heavy Tumblers (Rocks Glasses): Essential for enjoying whiskey on the rocks or in cocktails like an Old Fashioned. Look for quality crystal glasses that have a satisfying weight and feel in the hand.

  Decanter: A stylish, airtight decanter provides an elegant way to store and display their favorite spirit, turning a simple pour into a ritual and becoming a beautiful statement piece for their home bar.

  Specialty Ice Molds: Large square or sphere-shaped ice molds are highly useful as they melt slowly, chilling the drink without diluting the complex flavors as quickly as regular ice cubes.

  20 Unique Gifts for Whiskey Lovers (Not Just a Bottle)

  Oct 27, 2025 — Table of Contents For WordPress Implementation: Key Takeaways. * What Makes a Great Whiskey Gift? Focus on Quality...

  
  

  
  

Today we talk about alot. I will admit i was a little under the weather.

So there is that. We did a walkthrough of some of the offerings of the new Lost Lantern release Scotch Lovers Collection

Lets just say it was AMAZING. KYSULost Lantern's newest major release is the "Scotch Lovers' Collection" for Fall 2025, which focuses entirely on American single malts designed to appeal to fans of traditional Scotch whisky profiles. The collection was released on November 12, 2025. In addition to the main collection, the November 2025 Discovery Club release is a unique pot-still whiskey from Painted Stave Distilling in Delaware. The Scotch Lovers' Collection (Fall 2025)This collection features seven different expressions (two blends and five single casks) and is a celebration of American single malts following their official category recognition in late 2024. Blends:American Vatted Malt RemixAmerican Vatted Malt Reissue Single Casks:Warfield Idaho Single MaltTriple Eight Trio A set of three whiskies from Triple Eight Distillery:Triple Eight Peated Massachusetts Single MaltTriple Eight Massachusetts Single Malt 10 Years OldTriple Eight Sauternes Cask Aged Massachusetts Single Malt 11 Years OldMcCarthy's Peated Oregon Single Malt 10 Years Old

Well I can quit for the year now. (Just wait we aint done yet). Today we have Ana with Westland. We chatted about it all Beginnings and 5 malts. The road there and back again. Can't wait for yall to watch/listen. Enjoy!!

Thewhiskeyshaman.com

Westlanddistillery.com

Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshaman

Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3

https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

it begins with an idea

In whiskey itself, as a discipline, we do not see a fully explored, mature world, as most in our industry do. We see the opposite. For us, whiskey is not a feature of this world that is ours to protect, it is an extension of ourselves that is ours to advance when the opportunity presents itself. And the opportunities are vast, maybe incalculable. Each bottle of whiskey we fill at Westland represents one step forward in sharing the story of our place. Ten years have passed, and we have circled the topic of terroir again and again, each time sensing an opportunity to approach it from a new perspective. But always, we’re heading west.

Westland Whiskey started in 2011 with a great vision to create American Single Malt whiskey that reflects the true colors of the Pacific Northwest region. Over ten years later, we continue to fill casks with single malt whiskey that we distill in Seattle's SoDo neighborhood and age mindfully in Washington State's Skagit Valley region.
We are proud to be seen as one of America's premiere distillers with sustainable practices and award-winning spirits. We love hearing from you; contact us if you have any questions about Westland.

Whiskey

$59.99

Westland's signature American Single Malt Whiskey is a culmination of over 10 years pioneering a new category of whiskey that has put America on the global single malt map. This latest expression represents the possibilities to be explored in single malt and captures the essence of our house style in one flagship bottle.

Garryana 10th Edition - Aged 10 Years

A Decade of Pursuit

Our exploration of Garryana began with purpose and curiosity in November of 2011. It was with that first cask that we saw the massive potential of our native oak, not just for its incredible flavor profile, but for its ability to distinguish, in a palpable way, the unique character of our Pacific Northwest terroir. 

Since 2011, we’ve been waiting for the opportunity to showcase the qualities of our native oak in a new way, and to honor Garryana with the reverence and patience it deserves. Westland is releasing, for the first time, an age-stated whiskey, Garryana, Aged 10 years. The result of years of dedicated effort and the beginning of a new chapter for Westland, as we continue to explore the unique qualities of our Pacific Northwest home. 

We hope you enjoy the journey as much as we have.

Product Specs: 

Maturation Time: 10 years

ABV: 50% ABV // 100 Proof 

Grain Bill: Westland Signature Five Malt + Washington Pale Malts 

Primary Casks: First & Second Fill Garry Oak 

Secondary Casks: Pedro Ximenez Hogshead, Rum, and Ex-Bourbon 

Nose: Mulled Wine, Clove, Walnut Fudge Brownie, and Lemon Danish Pastry

Palate: S’mores, Dehydrated Strawberry, Toasted Cumin, Blood Orange

So this is something new i thought I would try. I really hope you enjoy. A deep dive of Gold Finch, the in's and out's. We get into Canadian Whisky, Sauternes and Quadrants.

Foundnorthwhisky.com

Thewhiskeyshaman.com

Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3

https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshaman

At Found North, we make blended Canadian whisky for whisky enthusiasts. We work with Canadian distilleries to source well-aged, well-made distillates, which we further mature and blend in the U.S. We are extremely meticulous in our wood selection and aging process, our blending process and all of the important details that impact the quality of the whisky. Every Found North release is cask strength with no additives or chill filtration.
Each year, we release 1-2 Batches and 1-2 High Altitude Collection whiskies. We also release 1-2 whiskies exclusively for our mailing list. At present, all of our releases sell out immediately, so we use a lottery system. Like our whisky-making process, we try to be as thoughtful as possible about how we get our whisky to our supporters. If you participate consistently, you will get bottles of Found North.
We love what we do. We’re thankful to all of you for appreciating the way we make whisky so that we can keep exploring the boundaries of what Canadian whisky can be.

Each batch of Found North whisky is a careful selection of casks blended to bring out the best and most distinctive qualities of the chosen whiskies. Every release is unique, but each also builds on previous batches and fits into the unfolding saga of Found North. All our whiskies are non-chill filtered with no coloring or additives. Batch 001 and Batch 002 were released in April 2021 and both received Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Batch 003 was awarded Double Gold and Batch 004 won "Best Canadian Whisky" and was awarded Double Gold at the John Barleycorn Awards Spring 2022.

Double Gold (San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021)

Batch 001 is a 3-whisky blend that started with an herbaceous, feisty and deeply flavorful 16 year old rye aged in Hungarian oak. We blended in fruit-forward, 17 year old rye aged in ex-Speyside scotch casks. The combination revealed a smoldering symphony of spice. Last, we lengthened the finish and increased the viscosity by adding double-distilled corn whisky aged for 20 years in refill and level-2-char virgin oak.

Batch 001 is defined by its spice profile. The first impression is hot cinnamon and cayenne mixed with earthy jalapeno, black pepper and peppermint. The second pass presents lively and herbaceous spices of green tea, basil and bay leaves. While the initial profile is all spice, there are layers of fruit and butterscotch lying in wait, especially in the mid-palate, including red fruits, blackberry, apple and sweet melon. The finish walks an endless tightrope with dry spice on one side and chewy tannins on the other.

We created Batch 001 in order to demonstrate the dynamism of aged rye and shatter the misconception that rye shows its best spice profile when bottled young. That said, rye spice is a double-edged sword. The deeper we cut into the flavor opportunities, the spicier the palate. You can try to smooth the spice out with new oak or water it down through proofing. Batch 001 exemplifies the third option -- forget about making it “smooth” and instead make the whisky as robust and multifaceted as possible while finding the careful balance between astringency and tannin.

We are headed back to a familiar place. Pennsylvania, it calls me back again. Jim over at Liberty Pole is producing some great stuff. And it shows not only in flavor but also in passion. I really hope you enjoy.

Thewhiskeyshaman.com

Libertypolespirits.com

Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3

https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshaman

About the Houghs

Liberty Pole Spirits is a family owned and operated craft whiskey distillery started by Jim, Ellen, Rob and Kevin Hough in July 2016. The Houghs, longtime residents of Washington County, Pennsylvania got the distilling bug in the early 2000's when Jim bought a 10 gallon still off the interwebs to learn the art of distilling. As Jim was contemplating retirement he began to think about what he could do for a second act. After visiting numerous craft distilleries and having developed some pretty solid whiskey mash bills, Jim was able to convince Ellen that opening a craft whiskey distillery just might be a fun retirement activity. Rob and Kevin, both mechanical engineering graduates who were on their own promising career paths, decided they didn't want their parents to have all the fun and joined the family business. With Rob and Kevin running production, Ellen creating the best craft cocktail and whiskey experience this side of Kentucky, and Jim greeting customers and talking whiskey in the tasting room, Liberty Pole Spirits was born.

The distillery started as a 300 gallon operation and expanded to a 600 gallon operation in 2019 and moved to a distillery campus in July of 2023 where we were able to triple our production.

Our Story

In 1791, Washington County, Pennsylvania, was a heavily wooded wilderness at the headwaters of the Ohio River. Many Scotch-Irish veterans of the Revolutionary War had returned to the area and the rocky farms that they had established before the War. They struggled against the weather and disease, and being far from the East Coast, enjoyed few luxuries.

But through the rugged ingenuity of the brave Colonists, one of the first American Industries was born. Whiskey. For years, the grain that wasn't consumed was preserved in the form of distilled spirits. It was safer to drink than contaminated water, eased pain and suffering, and improved the spirits of friends and neighbors. It was easy to ship over the mountains in barrels on backs of mules or down the Ohio River to the Mississippi and up the coast to Boston.

It was then that the government of our new nation saw the opportunity, through the imposition of an excise tax on whiskey, to pay off the debts owed to the allies who had helped to win independence from tyranny. Yet, the farmers of Washington County were struggling mightily to keep their land and grow crops. Having no cash, they used their whiskey to barter for goods and supplies that they needed for daily life. Whiskey-making provided their best chance to survive. This is why they saw the tax as an imposition of an arrogant, out-of-touch, new government.

So they gathered together secretly in a meetinghouse near Mingo Creek and vowed not to pay the tax. They were the first men to oppose an act of the new government, and they vowed to stick together. They called themselves the Mingo Creek Society.

As a symbol of their unity, they planted Liberty Poles throughout the county.

Years later, the stories of their defiance are preserved in museums, churches and cemeteries around the county.

Now, heritage grain once again grows in the same soil they so dearly loved, travels down the paved paths upon which they drove the whiskey-laden mule trains, and arrives at the new Mingo Creek Meetinghouse where it is distilled and enjoyed by the next generation of the Mingo Creek Society.

And this time, the Liberty Pole is displayed on the label of each whiskey bottle and symbolizes the loving appreciation for a craft that once again is bringing livelihood to a proud community.