Whisky Buzz

Bottled in Bond is an early example of a consumer protection laws passed to the benefit of the whisky buyer. That law was more about health and authenticity. Food lawyer, Glenford Jameson, talks about consumer protection laws as it relates to whisky. Plus, what’s whisky supposed to taste like? And we touch on that phrase, craft whisky.

Canadian whisky offers a unique voice in the whisky world. Davin de Kergommeaux, author of Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert, joins Jamie and Mark this week. The discussion goes deep into authenticity of whisky, additives, and comparisons between Canadian whisky and the rest of the world. Plus, Davin and Mark get dramatic about swirling and warming whisky, and Jamie seeks out whisky gossip!

Jamie Johnson and Mark Bylok discuss whisky events—what to do, and what not to do. They review Spirit of Toronto, and highlight rare whiskies they enjoyed at the event including Jim Murray’s 2015 winner. the Yamakazi 2013 Sherry Cask. Finally, Jamie and Mark touch upon rugby, the Apple Watch, and Jamie comes up with (at least) two big ideas that should be kickstarted!

Host a whisky party! Jamie Johnson and Mark Bylok discuss their tips and tricks for throwing your own whisky party. Topics include considerations for glassware, setting up the order of the whisky, and the types of party you might want to throw.

Mark and Jamie discuss the ridiculous articles claiming the health benefits of whisky. We also look at Sinfully Thinn Light Whisky, and Oliver Klimek breaking the story on the definition of a light whisky. Finally, we talk about vintage whisky advertisements targeting women, feminism, Jamie’s wedding, manhattans, and old fashions (somehow all this ties in!).

Mark Bylok and Jamie Johnson review whisky from Scotland. Is scotch on its way down? What makes a good single malt scotch? Mark manages to rant on about no-age statements whisky. Lots of quick-tips on how to start with scotch. Plus, TV make-up. What’s up with that?

Many whisky enthusiasts were surprised Knob Creek won San Francisco’s World Spirit 2015 Award for best bourbon. On the first episode of The Whisky Topic, Jamie and Mark agreed that they liked Knob Creek, but loved Booker’s. So what happened? Fred Minnick likewise [seemed puzzled!]Jamie Johnson and Mark Bylok do a blind tasting between the two in different glassware. Does glassware make a difference in what we’re tasting? Listen ‘live’ to this blind tasting, filled with foils and nervous laughter. Which one wins out? Plus, we rehash the debate on the origin of whisky, and talk (briefly) about Kavalan.

The Whisky Topic heads to Kentucky! Mark Bylok and Glenford Jameson visit Buffalo Trace and Barton Distillery (home of 1792). In their visit to Buffalo Trace Distillery, they review the process Buffalo Trace uses to pick those special barrels that make it as Blanton’s single barrel bourbon. Reviewed whiskies included a range of Colonel E.H. Taylor (Cured Oak, Tornado, Cask Strength), the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, and the yet to be released 2015 Pappy Van Winkle 20 year old. 1792 was had from the cask. Speaking of cask-strength whisky, how does Maker’s Mark measure up?

This week, Mark and Jamie discuss the infamous Pappy Van Winkle whisky. The history is quite complex! Is it worth the hype? Are whisky drinkers a touch sensitive about Pappy? Is Pappy 15 the perfect Pappy? Plus, Mark went to Panama City. Occasionally, there was whisky.

Mark Bylok, whisky writer, and Jamie Johnson, who runs a private bourbon club, explore the world of Irish Whiskey. Is Irish whiskey going to see the same boom that bourbon has seen? Mark shares his thoughts. Jamie and Mark talk about flavoured whisky, and parallels in the industry with flavoured vodka. Also tackled, with some reluctance, the no-age statement movement and the hosts tell there story of what steps they need to go through to get Pappy Van Winkle in Toronto.