Whiskey Lore®: The Interviews

Whiskey Lore fans will remember Clay from his article that prompted Fawn Weaver to research the Uncle Nearest story, leading to the establishment of her own whiskey and a foundation in Nathan "Nearest" Greens' name.

He is releasing a beautiful new book, perfect for the bourbon fan on your list, called "Bourbon: The Story of Kentucky Whiskey."

We'll dive into how he writes about historic figures, to finding amazing dusty bottles in the Buffalo Trace bottle archive and more.

Time to share an interview talking about my favorite Highland whisky, GlenDronach. Brand Ambassador Rory Glasgow will introduce us more of the story of James Allardice along with Billy Walker, and Dr. Rachel Barrie.

Plus I do a tasting of the core line of whiskies, up to the 21 year and including the recent Port Wood edition. Plus we'll talk a little controversy and get scoop on some words that disappeared recently from their bottles. It's all here! Enjoy.

Have I got an entertaining interview for you today, with my guests Joe O'Sullivan and Caitlin Bartlemay of Hood River and Clear Creek distilleries in Oregon.

We're going to uncover the secrets of Johnny Appleseed, talk about the origins of American Single Malt and its godfather Steve McCarthy, find out what distiller may have had the worst luck in history, and discover the deeper history of Oregon whisky, including the notorious concoction known as Blue Ruin.

And make sure to join me for Friday Happy Hour to chat about the show on YouTube.com/WhiskeyLore

What happens when a Kentuckian heads to Memphis, Tennessee to make whiskey?

Check out my conversation with Old Dominick's Alex Castle, as we talk bourbon from both sides of the border. We'll dive into the storied history of the 19th century brand, discover a decades old Memphis Toddy, and talk about Alex' journey from pot stills to Wild Turkey to just south of Beale Street. And we'll taste some whiskies as well. Thanks to Old Dominick for the samples. #ad

Some of the world's great whiskies come out of Bruichladdich, including Classic Laddie (unpeated), Port Charlotte (peated), and Octomore (heaviest peat in the world). And the distillery was on the forefront of transparency in its marketing.

But in 2001, the distillery was in mothballs and the future was uncertain. Hear the story of how this great distillery made its way into the hearts of scotch lovers across the planet, as I speak with a man who was a part of that great evolution - Allan Logan.

Plus, we'll talk about and taste the latest Octomore series! #ad

We've grown accustomed to seeing that beautiful bottle of Woodford Reserve on the shelf, but when it debuted, it was putting a whole new image on bourbon.

October marked the 25th Anniversary of Woodford Reserve and we're going to celebrate by talking with Chris Morris, Master Distiller - a man who has been around since the beginning. We'll talk about the historic grounds, talk about the brand's development, triple pot distilling, and I'll taste the Distiller's Series Chocolate Malt Whisper Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Enjoy the show!

In the world of scotch you'll find Highland, Lowland, Speyside, and Islay. Can you name the 5th region?

It's Campbeltown. And at one time, the wee toon had around 30 distilleries - today it has three. It's a town rich with history and Glen Scotia has weathered a lot of it.

My guest is Distillery Manager Iain McAllister, who will share stories of growing up in Campbeltown and some of the rich history of the town and distillery.

Why does Ireland spell whiskey with an "e?" What is the oldest brand of whisky in Ireland? And how many distilleries are there in Belfast?

Just some of the questions I'll explore with McConnell's very passionate brand ambassador Sarah Kennedy. We'll also take our first dive into Irish whiskey history. I'll do a tasting of McConnell's age stated blended whisky and we'll talk about a planned revival of distilling in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Slainte!

Get ready to dig deep into the history of Anderson County, Kentucky - where today Four Roses and Wild Turkey reign supreme.

But when my guest Tom Ripy was a youth there, he lived among distilling royalty, including the Saffells, Bonds, Lillards, Dowlings, and his own family, the Ripys. Some of these names returning to shelves in liquor stores and bars.

Join me in a time machine as we hear how it was in Lawrenceburg, KY from a man who had personal connections to many of the families that helped build the legacy of bourbon.

What town in the 19th Century was known as the "Whisky Capital of the World?" Edinburgh, Louisville, Nashville - none of the above. How about Peoria, Illinois?

Join me as I chat with J.K. Williams CEO Andy Faris and Master Distiller Jeff Murphy about the storied history of distilling in Peoria and their brand's namesake, who was a bootlegger that had some run-ins with Al Capone and Peoria's mafia family.

Hear the history and we'll talk about where J.K. Williams is heading.