All right, I have talked about it for so long. Until I'm blue in the face American single malt is here to stay and you need either get on the bandwagon or move over.

Today we deep dive into what is American single malt, why American Single Malt. In the future of ASM. I hope you enjoy and keep your mind and your pallet open.

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what is american single malt whiskey

American single malt whiskey is a style of whiskey distilled in the United States, made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery

. This distinguishes it from other American whiskies like bourbon, which requires a minimum of 51% corn in its mash bill. 

In December 2024, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) officially recognized American Single Malt as a distinct category with specific standards. As of January 19, 2025, to be labeled as "American Single Malt Whiskey," it must be made from 100% malted barley, mashed, distilled, and aged in the United States at a single distillery. It must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV), aged in oak barrels of no more than 700 liters, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV). Caramel coloring is permitted but must be declared on the label. This formal recognition ensures consistency and authenticity. 

Comparing American single malt to other whiskies

• Compared to Bourbon: Bourbon requires a mash bill of at least 51% corn and must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, while American single malt is 100% malted barley and allows for the use of used barrels.

• Compared to Scotch: Both are made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery. However, American single malt must be produced in the U.S.. Differences in aging and climate can lead to more pronounced vanilla and caramel notes in American versions, and regional temperature variations further influence flavor profiles. 

The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) was instrumental in advocating for official recognition, leading to growth in the craft distillery scene with diverse regional flavor profiles. 

The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) played a crucial role in establishing and advocating for the official recognition of American single malt whiskey as a distinct category. 

Key aspects of the ASMWC's role

• Defining the category: The ASMWC worked to establish a standard of identity for American single malt whiskey, outlining specific criteria for its production to ensure quality and consistency. These standards include using 100% malted barley, distillation at a single distillery in the U.S., and maturation in oak barrels (used or new, charred or uncharred) with a maximum capacity of 700 liters.

• Advocacy and lobbying: The commission actively campaigned for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to recognize American single malt as a formal whiskey category. They collaborated with organizations like the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) and the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) to achieve this recognition.

• Promoting and educating: The ASMWC aims to promote American single malt whiskey and educate both the trade and consumers about the category. This includes distinguishing it from other types of whiskey and showcasing the unique characteristics and potential of American single malts.

• Supporting growth and innovation: While establishing clear standards, the ASMWC also seeks to foster innovation within the American single malt category, allowing distilleries to experiment with different techniques and flavor profiles. This balance is crucial for both establishing the category's integrity and allowing for its continued evolution. 

“Today we’re heading to the desert — where saguaros stand guard, the sun bakes the earth, and whiskey takes on a flavor you can’t find anywhere else. I’m sitting down with Mark from Whiskey Del Bac, the Arizona distillery turning mesquite smoke, bold ideas, and Southwestern grit into some of the most distinctive American single malts out there. We’ll talk about the magic of desert aging, the art of mesquite malting, and how Whiskey Del Bac is carving its own trail in the whiskey world. So pour a glass, kick back, and join me for a taste of the Southwest — one sip at a time.”

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The Story of

Like many great ideas, it came about while drinking Scotch...

It was one of those cool desert nights in 2006 where Elaine and Stephen Paul sat outside on their patio, barbecuing over a mesquite fire and enjoying a glass of Scotch. Elaine had an idea — “What if you made single malt whiskey with ‘mesquited’ malt instead of peated malt?”
‍
Stephen couldn’t shake the concept. After all, he knew mesquite well. He and Elaine owned a furniture design company that specialized in mesquite. Well-known for the flavor it imparts to food that is cooked over it, mesquite is a beautifully grained wood native to the desert Southwest.

Stephen began learning everything he could about how the Scots make their whiskies. While learning how to floor-malt barley, he began with the recipe for Classic, modeled after the unpeated style of Speyside Scotches. If he could nail down a clean-finishing American Single Malt Whiskey that rivaled Scotland’s finest, then he could take the recipe and put a Southwest spin on it — which is how our mesquited (not peated) Dorado was born.

Stephen's Great Aunt, Nina Paul, working in the desert.

When daughter Amanda Paul (Stephen and Elaine’s daughter) got wind that her dad was making whiskey, she moved back home to Tucson from New York City in 2011 to make Whiskey Del Bac a business with Stephen. They founded Hamilton Distillers Group and launched the Whiskey Del Bac brand under it. Named after Tucson’s 17th century Spanish mission San Xavier del Bac, Whiskey Del Bac is a combination of English, Spanish and the native Tohono O’Odham tongue meaning “Whiskey of the Place Where the River Reappears in the Sand.” While it may be tempting to call it Del Bac Whiskey, it is Whiskey Del Bac.

Amanda helped get the licensing, build the Whiskey Del Bac brand, and together with Stephen they officially launched the whiskeys to a warm reception in the Old Pueblo. As a family, the Pauls set out to define what an American Single Malt Whiskey from the great American Southwest could be. The idea of terroir in whiskey has been much debated, but Whiskey Del Bac has established a flavor profile that is firmly rooted in the desert. Amanda and Stephen inherited a profound love for the desert, which began in their family over a century ago when Stephen’s great grandfather pioneered the date farming industry in Coachella, California. Stephen’s great aunt Nina was a role model for him in how to perceive and appreciate the desert.

$120.00

Our annual Distiller’s Cuts are ways to explore the seasonality and complexity of American Single Malt Whiskey.

The Summer 2025 Distiller‘s Cut features a lightly smoked blend of Sauternes, second-use Whiskey Del Bac, and rhum agricole.

By Patreon request, thanks Chris. Today we get into a little review of the world of whiskey. From what it is, to How to get it on the shelf. Hope you enjoy.

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A crash course on whiskey

What is whiskey?

Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains like barley, corn, rye, and wheat, aged in wooden casks. The specific type of grain, how it's prepared, and the distillation and aging processes all influence the final taste and character of the whiskey. 

Main types of whiskey

• Scotch: Made in Scotland, primarily from malted barley, aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks, and often has a smoky flavor from peat.

• Bourbon: Made in the United States, predominantly from corn (at least 51%), and aged in new charred oak barrels, resulting in sweet caramel and vanilla notes.

• Irish Whiskey: Typically triple distilled for a smoother taste, using malted and unmalted barley, and matured for a minimum of three years.

• Rye Whiskey: Characterized by its spicy and fruity notes, made with at least 51% rye grain.

• Canadian Whisky: Aged for a minimum of three years, often lighter and smoother due to the use of column stills.

• Japanese Whisky: Generally smooth and refined, often double distilled, with less smoky or peaty flavor and subtle fruit, floral, and honey notes.

• Tennessee Whiskey: Similar to bourbon, but undergoes a charcoal mellowing process before aging, resulting in a sweet and mellow flavor. 

Key stages in whiskey production

• Mashing: Grains are mixed with hot water, converting starches into sugars.

• Fermentation: Yeast is added to the mash, converting sugars into alcohol.

• Distillation: The fermented liquid is heated in a still, and alcohol vaporizes, separating it from water and impurities.

• Aging: The spirit is matured in wooden barrels, absorbing flavors and colors from the wood.

• Bottling: The whiskey is filtered, diluted (if needed), and bottled for consumption. 

How to taste whiskey

• Observe: Examine the color and viscosity ("legs") in the glass.

• Nose: Gently smell the whiskey, allowing aromas to unfold without overwhelming your senses.

• Sip: Take small sips, letting the whiskey coat your tongue and noting the flavors and mouthfeel.

• Finish: Pay attention to the lingering flavors after swallowing.

• Experiment: Try adding a few drops of water to open up flavors and aromas. 

Enjoying whiskey

Whiskey can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Neat: Served without any additions, allowing you to appreciate its pure flavor.

• On the Rocks: Served over ice, which chills and dilutes the whiskey.

• With a few drops of water: Can help open up the flavor profile and reduce the intensity.

• In cocktails: A versatile spirit used in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Mint Julep. 

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, taking your time and savoring the experience is the most important part of exploring the world of whiskey.

We are back again with another banger episode. Today we chat with Joe, Master Distiller for Minden Mill Distilling. We talk all things from Dirty Garages to Estate grown grains. I really hope you enjoy.

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Minden Mill oversees every step of the grain-to-glass process on one estate – no part is outsourced. Estate distilling is the highest calling of craft, ensuring unparalleled quality and authenticity.

Featuring best-in-class stills and climate-controlled rickhouses, there is no other whiskey-making facility like it in the world.

Starting with varieties of grain that will thrive in a shorter growing season, the harsh high desert climate yields a more savory and nutty flavor profile across our range of whiskeys.

Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains and a short drive from Lake Tahoe, our state-of-the-art estate distillery is open to visitors for tours, tastings, and craft cocktails that highlight the terroir of our pioneer landscape.

Make a Reservation

Nevada Straight Bourbon Whiskey

A modern take on classic American whiskey, our Bourbon is savory and balanced.

Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey

A celebration of the Carson Valley terroir, our Rye balances spice with candied orange peel notes.

American Single Malt

With a highly innovative process, our American Single Malt is an elegant whiskey.

After a years-long effort by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission American Single Malt has officially been ratified as the newest category of American Whiskey on December 18, 2024. Minden Mill Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan has been a pioneer in the movement for category standard adoption, having apprenticed under Steve McCarthy, who is widely recognized as being the creator of American Single Malt in the 1990s.

Today, Joe furthers the category’s innovation as one of the few U.S. distillers making American Single Malt entirely on a single estate, cultivating the distinctive terroir of Nevada’s High Desert region. Minden Mill remains committed to furthering American Single Malt through its membership with the Commission and educating consumers and trade on whiskey’s newest chapter. Visit our estate distillery for a tour and tasting to discover the new dimension of American Whiskey!

Our Estate Process100% Estate MadeState-of-the-Art DistilleryCrafting a Distinct TerroirDiscover the Estate Whiskey ExperienceDiscover a World-Class Whiskey ExperienceOur Family of Craft SpiritsSingle Estate WhiskeyThe Newest Category of American WhiskeyLeaders in Estate-Made American Single Malt

Well I don't know what to say. Whiskey is changing always moving. But is it going the right way. On todays episode we Talk all about the influencer culture in whiskey and its positive and negative. Let me know how you feel, am I way off. Or is there something to it.

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Whiskey influencers are individuals who use social media platforms to share their knowledge, opinions, and experiences related to whiskey, often with a focus on building a community and promoting specific brands or products. They may review different types of whiskey, provide tasting notes, discuss whiskey history and production, or showcase whiskey-related events and experiences. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Content Creation:

  Whiskey influencers create a variety of content, including reviews, tasting notes, educational posts, and behind-the-scenes looks at distilleries. 

• Platform Focus:

  They utilize platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and blogs to reach their audience. 

• Community Building:

  Many whiskey influencers aim to foster a community around whiskey appreciation, encouraging interaction and engagement with their followers. 

• Brand Partnerships:

  Some influencers collaborate with whiskey brands for sponsored content, product reviews, and event appearances, while others maintain a focus on independent and honest reviews. 

• Variety of Approaches:

  There's a range of styles within the whiskey influencer space, from those who focus on the technical aspects of whiskey to those who emphasize the social and lifestyle aspects. 

Whiskey influencers collaborate with brands in various ways to promote their products and enhance brand awareness. Here's a look at how these partnerships work and some examples: 

1. Types of collaborations

• Sponsored Posts and Reviews: Influencers create content featuring a specific brand's whiskey, sharing their tasting notes, reviews, and overall experience with the product.

• Brand Ambassadorships: Brands establish long-term partnerships with influencers who become advocates for their products, consistently featuring them in content and potentially even participating in product development or special releases.

• Account Takeovers: Influencers temporarily take over a brand's social media accounts, creating engaging content and interacting directly with the brand's audience.

• Affiliate Marketing: Influencers use unique codes or links to track sales generated through their content, earning a commission on each sale.

• Giveaways and Contests: Brands team up with influencers to run giveaways or contests that engage audiences and generate excitement around their products.

• Hosting Events and Tastings: Influencers host live or virtual events, such as distillery tours or tasting sessions, to promote a brand and its offerings.

• Product Seeding: Brands send free products to influencers in exchange for organic content creation.

• 
  

Lets head up north the Pennsylvania. Where rye whiskey is king and has a long history. Today we are chatting with Avianna Wolfe and talking all things S&W. From there what made them do this, to preserving heritage and history. Its a epic episode.

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Dick Stoll’s roots stretch back to his tenure at the historic Pennsylvania Michter’s Distillery. There, under the mentorship of Master distiller C. Everett Beam, Stoll honed his skills and mastered the particular style of Pennsylvania whiskey distillation.
Despite Pennsylvania Michter’s closure in the 1980s, Stoll’s passion for both whiskey and the region has endured. As a capstone to his career, he partnered with Avianna and Erik Wolfe to revive the historic legacy right here in Lititz, Pennsylvania.

Stoll & Wolfe pays homage to centuries of artisanal craftsmanship while ushering in a new chapter in the state’s whiskey legacy. Stoll & Wolfe has worked diligently to produce premier whiskies that capitalize on historic grains, local techniques, and a connection to the larger community. With each meticulously crafted sip of Stoll & Wolfe spirits, one can taste the echoes of Pennsylvania’s rich past and the promise of its enduring legacy in the world of whiskey.

Established in 2016, Stoll and Wolfe was founded as a revival of the art of Pennsylvania whiskey distilling and the long storied, tradition that has made the Lancaster region a hot bed for innovation.
Pennsylvania’s rich history of American whiskey craftsmanship and heritage dates back to the 1700s. Throughout the history of whiskey making, no distiller has become more synonymous with the Pennsylvania whiskey region than Dick Stoll.

To experience the Stoll & Wolfe dedication to distilling, visit us in our tasting room in Lititz, Pennsylvania or place an order in both our local online store or nationwide shipping options. We are excited for you to join us in celebrating our shared history and craft.

AMERICAN RYE WHISKEY HISTORY BORN IN LANCASER CO, PA. “The Bomberger Distillery Complex (just over 5 miles from Stoll & Wolfe) represents the transformation of whiskey distilling from a seasonal agricultural enterprise into a large-scale industry specializing in the yearround production of distilled spirits.” -National Register Historic Places • The site has a documented history of spirit production since 1753. Bomberger's was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, declared a National Historic Landmark in 1980, and was America's smallest commercial distiller at the time of its 1989 closure. • The National Register of Historic Places lists Bomberger’s Distillery amongst the most significant locations in American Manufacturing History amongst the original Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Coca-Cola Bottling Plant in Georgia, Duke Homestead and Tobacco Factory in North Carolina, and the Milton Hershey Mansion. Notable Dates in Local Whiskey History 1753 John and Michael Shenk, Swiss Mennonite farmers, Began Distilling Rye Whiskey at the Site. 1783-1827 Rudolph Meyer (Brother in Law of Michael Shenk) Acquired the Distillery and Operated with Modest Improvements. 1827-1860 John Kratzer (Shenk’s Descendants) Runs Distillery Making Continual Improvements and Expanding Production. 1860-1919 Abraham Bomberger and Sons Operate Until Prohibition Forces Closure of Distillery. 1920-1934 Distillery is Closed Due to Prohibition 1934-1961 Operates Under Variety of Names, Mostly Small Scale Local Production and Contracts 1961-1972 Charles Everett Beam is Master Distiller 1972-1989 PA Michter’s Operational, Dick Stoll Master Distiller

Ok we have talked stills in the past. But never 3 chamber stills. They are unique and different and tend to make a very oily and viscous whiskey. Check it out, sorry it was raining hard in the shed so the mic might be a little hot or laggy. I tried to clean it up.

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A three-chamber still is a type of distillation apparatus, historically used for producing whiskey, particularly rye, in the mid-1800s and early 1900s. It features three separate chambers stacked vertically, each with a specific role in the distillation process. These stills are known for producing a heavier-bodied, aromatic spirit due to the way they extract flavor compounds. 

Here's a breakdown of the three-chamber still:

• Design:

  The still consists of a tall, column-like structure, often made of wood or copper, divided into three chambers. 

• Function:

  Freshly fermented mash (or distiller's beer) is fed into the top chamber. Steam, generated from the bottom chamber, heats the mash, and vapor containing alcohol and flavor compounds rises to the next chamber. Each chamber has a valve for liquid to flow down to the chamber below. 

• Extraction:

  The bottom chamber, initially filled with water and then with spent mash, is where steam extracts heavier oils and flavor compounds. 

• Output:

  The vapor from the bottom chamber then passes through the middle and top chambers, stripping out alcohol and flavor from the mash in each. 

• Historical Use:

  Three-chamber stills were popular for producing rye whiskey in the mid-1800s but largely disappeared after Prohibition. 

Why they are used:

• Flavor profile:

  Three-chamber stills are known for producing a heavy-bodied, oily, and aromatic spirit, often with lavender-like notes, making them suitable for rye whiskey. 

• Efficiency:

  The design allows for efficient extraction of flavor compounds from the mash, resulting in a flavorful distillate. 

• Batch process:

  Three-chamber stills are typically used in a batch process, meaning they are not continuously running, allowing for careful fractionation of heads, hearts, and tails. 

Modern Revival:

• Three-chamber stills are making a comeback in some distilleries as distillers seek to recreate the unique flavor profiles of pre-prohibition spirits. 

• Leopold Bros is a notable example of a distillery reviving this style, using a meticulously engineered three-chamber still to produce their signature Three Chamber Rye. 

  
  

  Leopold Bros Three Chamber Rye

  The Revivial of a Lost American Tradition

  Leopold Bros. painstakingly re-engineered a Three Chamber Still from old manuscripts and grew the heritage grain Abruzzi rye that was favored by Pre-Prohibition distillers to resurrect this one-of-a-kind whiskey. 

  ​The 2022 summer release of the Three Chamber Rye is a Single Barrel offering. Todd Leopold worked through our dunnage warehouse, searching for the best barrels that are at least 5 years old.

  He found some commonalities: rich aromas of peanut shell, maple syrup, cocoa nibs, and hazelnuts followed by wafts of fruits like plum, cherries, apricot and orange marmalade. In the finish, you will find the floral notes that are the hallmarks of Three Chamber Rye: lavender, rose, elderflower, and chamomile. Each barrel he selected has differing intensities of these notes and thus every bottle from this collection is marked with the barrel number and the date the barrel was filled. We hope you enjoy this rebirth of an American classic as much as we enjoyed making it.
  

Finally Im getting to releasing this great episode. Not from not wanting to but MAN its been busy. Today we are talking to the Doll Of Distilling herself Erin Lee. I am so excited for this chat, we talked all about Step up program. We dove deep into Tea. You Just have to check it out.

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Fewspirits.com

ADI’s International Spirits Competition Rising Star in Distilling Shortlist Nominee: Erin Lee

Erin Lee, a graduate of the StepUp Internship program, has transitioned from fashion designer and tea sommelier to distiller in a remarkable journey. Her passion for tea, sparked by a trip to Asia, led her to become a Certified TAC Tea Sommelier in 2021. This newfound appreciation for intricate flavors directed her towards whiskey, culminating in her selection for the inaugural STEP UP Intern class by the American Craft Spirits Association. Erin has trained at renowned distilleries across the U.S. and joined Few Spirits as Head Distiller in 2023. Currently, with support from the Michael James Jackson Foundation, she is pursuing her General Certificate in Distillation from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. And for these reasons the American Distilling Institute’s International Spirits Competition selected Lee as a shortlist nominee for our 2024 Rising Star in Distilling Award.

A grain-to-glass distillery since 2011, FEW Spirits produces award–winning craft whiskey and gin in a tucked away alley located in the growing Chicago suburb of Evanston, IL..

ALSO KNOWN AS THE COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION, THE 1893 WORLD’S FAIR TOOK PLACE IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.  IT REPRESENTED THE DAWN OF MODERNISM & INTRODUCED OUR NATION TO phosphorescent LIGHTS, MOVING WALKWAYS, an electricity powered water fountain and the invention of THE FERRIS WHEEL.  It WAS even THE LAUNCHING GROUND OF A NOTABLE BRAND OF JUICY CHEWING GUM AND A BRAND OF BEER THAT WAS AWARDED A FIRST PLACE BLUE RIBBON.  BOTH ARE STILL AROUND TODAY. 

however, IT WAS ALSO THE GOLDEN AGE OF PRE-PROHIBITION WHISKY.

SEVERAL DECADES LATER, EVANSTON, A SUBURB JUST NORTH OF CHICAGO, WOULD BECOME KNOWN AS THE SEAT OF PROHIBITION AND THE established HEADQUARTERS FOR THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT – SPEARHEADED BY A WELL KNOWN FEMALE FIGURE, WHO ALSO ADVOCATED HEAVILY FOR WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE.  prohibition was repealed in 1933, but EVANSTON WAS A DRY COMMUNITY THAT CLUNG DEAR TO concept of the NOBLE EXPERIMENT decades AFTER repeal.  

THESE TWO ICONIC MOMENTS IN TIME AND PLACE, BECAME the INSPIRATION behind few spirits.        

PAUL HLETKO, FOUNDER & DISTILLER, SAW THE POWER OF PEOPLE FOLLOWING THEIR DREAMS.  he TURNED HIS SIGHTS TO MAKING SPIRITS.  HE RELENTLESSLY PURSUED A NEW STYLE OF URBAN WHISKEY THAT WOULD BE THE EQUAL TO THAT OF HIS FRIENDS IN KENTUCKY.  BUT CREATING WHISKEY IN THE SEAT OF PROHIBITION?  SEEMED LIKE A GOOD PLACE TO START A BOLD, PARADIGM BREAKING WHISKEY BRAND.  

DOWN A DARK BACK ALLEY IN EVANSTON, YOU WILL FIND AN OLD CHOP-SHOP MAKING FLAVORFUL BOURBON & RYE FROM GRAIN-TO-GLASS WITH A BOLD CHICAGO-STYLE TWIST.  Innovative products continue to flow from the team at FEW.   PROOF, AS EVER, THAT APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEPTIVE.

Smashing Pumpkins

In an innovative collaboration, FEW Spirits and The Smashing Pumpkins have unveiled a distinctive bourbon, meticulously crafted and brought to bottle strength using Billy Corgan’s own Midnight Rose Tea from his tea shop in Chicago, Madame Zuzu’s. This unique partnership – unlike any in the rock-whiskey world before – blends the bold flavors of our exceptional FEW bourbon with the avant-garde musical spirit of The Smashing Pumpkins, known for their influential alternative rock sound showcased in iconic albums like ‘Siamese Dream’ and ‘Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness.

I Have wanted to do this episode for so long. And now it's done. I have the pleasure of having Psych_Man on to talk about Mental Health. He has dealt with tons of patients dealing with mental health and Alcohol abuse. This is a hard episode, but a much needed on in todays whiskey world. I hope you find something to take from it, and find peace in knowing your not alone.

If you have no one to talk to about mental health or alcohol abuse. I want you to email me and I will find someone to help if I cant. [email protected]. And I'm serious, because this is a serious matter. Be Blessed.

Why is men’s mental health important?

Mental disorders affect men and women. The prevalence of several mental disorders is lower in men than in women. However, other disorders are diagnosed at comparable rates for men and women or at higher rates for men, like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Men are also more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Certain symptoms may also be more common in men than women, and the course of illness can be affected by a person’s sex. Researchers are only now beginning to tease apart the various biological and psychosocial factors that may impact mental health.

Men are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women in the past year. Recognizing the signs that you or someone you love may have a mental disorder is the first step toward getting treatment. The earlier that treatment begins, the more effective it can be.

Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Learn more about taking care of your mental health.

What are the symptoms of mental disorders in men?

Men and women can develop most of the same mental disorders and conditions, but they may experience different symptoms. Some common symptoms include:

• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness

• Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge

• Increased worry or feeling stressed

• Misuse of alcohol, drugs, or both

• Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness

• Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions

• Engaging in high-risk activities

• Aches, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear cause

• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior

• Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life

• Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts

Mental disorders can be treated: A primary care provider is a good place to start if you’re looking for help. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can help you figure out next steps. Find tips for talking with a health care provider about your mental health.

You can learn more about getting help on the NIMH website. You can also learn about finding support  and locating mental health services  in your area on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.

What is A.A.?

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem.  It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.

A.A.’s primary purpose is to help alcoholics to achieve sobriety. aa.org

If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.

Alright this is the final episode for the book club over, Drew Hannush book. I hope that you have enjoyed this series. And i hope that you pick up the book and support Drew with his vast research. Thanks Again.

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Drew Hannush Bio

Best-selling Author, Whisky Historian, and World Whisky Ambassador

Celebrating over two decades as an entrepreneur, Drew Hannush has taken the business acumen developed during his 20 years as owner of the Hannush Web Design firm and brought his drive and passion into the world of whisky.

In 2019, he founded Travel Fuels Life, LLC with an initial mission of teaching people how to live a travel lifestyle. What he learned along the way is that travel needs purpose to be truly fulfilling. It was during these travels that he went on a themed trip to Kentucky so he could learn about Bourbon. After visiting 17 distilleries in Kentucky and two more in Tennessee in eight days, he fell in love with the history, stories, and traditions of whisky distilling. But he also noticed that not all distilleries were telling the same story. His natural curiosity led him to shift from travel to creating the Whiskey Lore podcast.

Drew’s journey has now taken him to over 300 distilleries worldwide, exploring the unique stories and traditions behind each one. In 2025, he embarked on his ambitious “Great 48 Tour,” visiting craft distilleries across the United States, one state at a time, connecting with the passionate people behind America’s vibrant distilling scene. These experiences, combined with his meticulous research, have culminated in Whiskey Lore: Volume One, a deep dive into 24 whiskey myths and legends that reveal the real stories behind the lore.

Drew’s passion for whisky history and storytelling doesn’t stop there. He is also creating the ultimate distillery travel guide at whiskey-lore.com/travel, providing a comprehensive resource for planning immersive distillery visits. His earlier books, Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon and Experiencing Irish Whiskey, have set a standard for whisky travel guides, and he continues to raise the bar with every new project.

The success of his books and podcast has driven Drew’s mission to uncover more stories, write more books, and bring whisky scholarship to a higher level. Along the way, he is spreading the word through guided whisky tastings, speaking engagements, and interviews around the globe, inspiring whisky enthusiasts and travelers alike to explore the rich history and culture of this beloved spirit.

Tennessee whiskey, a unique American spirit, boasts a history deeply intertwined with the state's cultural and economic development. It's characterized by the Lincoln County Process, a unique charcoal mellowing step before aging, which contributes to its distinctive smoothness and flavor. While sharing similarities with bourbon, Tennessee whiskey producers emphasize their spirit's unique identity and connection to the state. 

Early Days and Pioneers:

• Frontier Roots:

  Tennessee whiskey's origins trace back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, coinciding with westward expansion and the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants. These settlers brought their distilling knowledge and traditions, initially using rye, but later shifting to corn as a primary grain. 

• The Lincoln County Process:

  A key figure in Tennessee whiskey's history is Nearest Green, an enslaved man who taught Jack Danielthe art of distilling. Green is credited with developing the Lincoln County Process, a method of filtering whiskey through sugar maple charcoal. This process, which precedes aging, is crucial to Tennessee whiskey's distinct character.