In this engaging conversation, Chris Kumnick interviews Mitch Bichard, a prominent figure in the whiskey industry. They discuss Mitch's journey from being a brand ambassador to launching his own whiskey, Tourist More. Mitch shares insights from his book, 'Not Another F-ing Whiskey Book,' which offers a humorous and candid look at the whiskey world. The conversation touches on the evolution of whiskey culture, the importance of health in the industry, and the growing presence of women in whiskey. Mitch also highlights his bespoke whiskey experiences through Copper Cairn and the significance of personal connections in the whiskey community.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Welcome to Episode 20 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, your premier weekly source for the latest in whisky, cigars, and pipe tobacco. In this episode, host Chris Kumnick presents a special "Torch the Vitola" in-depth interview with industry legend David Garofalo, owner of Two Guys Smoke Shop, renowned author, and veteran podcaster. We dive deep into David’s pre-cigar career, his insights on the current state of the cigar industry, and a fascinating debate on whether modern tobacco truly is the best in history. Whether you are looking for cigar industry news, expert interviews, or simply looking to relax with a fine dram and a "good stick," this episode delivers the perfect blend of scholarly insight and entertainment. Don't forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review to help other enthusiasts find the best whisky and tobacco content on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Join host Chris Kumnick on the Whisky & Smoke News Network (Episode 19) for an essential weekly briefing on the whisky and premium cigar industry. This episode features an exclusive "Pop the Cork" interview with Gordon Dallas of Ian Macleod Distillers, diving into the life of a global brand ambassador. We break down massive industry headlines, including the removal of US tariffs on Scotch whisky, Diageo’s Rare Series luxury launches, and the landmark UK tobacco ban affecting the future of premium cigars. From the latest limited-edition single casks like the Wormtub series to legal victories for handmade cigars against FDA regulations, we cover the trends, new releases, and upcoming global events like Feis Ile 2026 and Houston Cigar Week. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, subscribe for your weekly dose of scholarly insights and cheeky entertainment in the world of fine spirits and tobacco.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Join host Chris Kumnick on Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 18 (April 12, 2026) for your weekly deep dive into the worlds of whisky, cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. In this packed episode, we deliver the latest whisky news including MGP Ingredients temporarily idling two Kentucky distilleries amid the American whiskey oversupply, Sazerac naming its new AJ Bond Distillery and entering Tennessee whiskey, potential major industry mergers, the Fifth Circuit striking down the federal home distillation ban, the grand opening of Laggan Bay Distillery on Islay, plus exciting new releases from Buffalo Trace, Cotswolds, and more. Cigar enthusiasts get full coverage of 30+ new 2026 releases debuting at the PCA Convention in New Orleans, including Oliva Serie V Melanio World Cup and Edición Año 2026 editions, limited anniversary cigars, and fresh lines from PDR, My Father, and Altadis. We also preview upcoming events like the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show, Texas Whiskey Festival, Spirit of Speyside, and Chicago International Pipe Show. The highlight is an exclusive in-person 'Pop the Cork' interview with whisky legend Billy Walker of The GlenAllachie Distillery in Speyside, Scotland—discussing his career, a distillery tour, blending philosophy, and more. Chris reviews a rare 19-year Deanston Armagnac cask strength single malt (55.7% ABV) and the Punch Chinese New Year 2026 Egg Roll XL cigar. Grab your favorite dram, cigar, or pipe, sit back, and enjoy an entertaining, sometimes cheeky, always informative hour of premium spirits and smoke content. Subscribe for weekly whisky news, cigar releases, and industry interviews!

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Join host Chris Kumnick on Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 17 (April 5, 2026) for your weekly deep dive into the latest whisky, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news! In this jam-packed episode, we break down the massive potential Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman (Jack Daniel’s) “merger of equals,” plus exciting new releases including Ardbeg Dolce, Knob Creek Blender’s Edition, Nikka Miyagikyo 10-Year-Old, Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon & Rye, Talisker Magma 47-Year-Old, Milam & Greene Bourbon Quest sea-aged whiskey, Kiyokawa Distillery’s farm-to-glass single malt, Glencadam cask finishes, Yeats Irish Whiskey, Gambit No. 6 Bourbon, Hard Truth French Oak Finished Bourbon, and Gallo’s acquisition of Four Roses. Cigar news covers new launches from JRE Tobacco (Gorbusto by Aladino), Fratello Camo Cigarillos, Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Edición Doble Diamante Red, Micallef Color Blend Bundles, Black Label Trading Co. Macabre, Ashton San Cristobal Golden Hour, HVC 500 Years Lancero, and many more PCA 2026 debuts. We also preview upcoming events like the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show in New Orleans, Texas Whiskey Festival, Spirit of Speyside, and more. Plus, enjoy an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Dr. Don Livermore, Master Blender at JP Wiser’s in Windsor, Ontario, discussing Canadian whisky, yeast’s role in flavor, and his journey in the industry. We wrap it up with a funky “What is Chris Putting in His Mouth?” pairing of Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem! 2 White Port Wolf bourbon and Micallef White Label cigar. Whether you love Scotch, bourbon, Irish whiskey, Japanese whisky, premium cigars, or pipes, this episode delivers entertainment, insight, and industry intel. Subscribe, hit the bell, like, comment, and drink & smoke responsibly! #WhiskyNews #CigarNews #WhiskyAndCigars #CanadianWhisky #Bourbon #ScotchWhisky #JPWisers #DrDonLivermoreSocial Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

In this episode 16 of Whisky & Smoke News Network (March 15, 2026), host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky and cigar news, new releases, and upcoming events, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Rifino Valentine of Valentine Distilling in Ferndale, Michigan. This week’s whisky news covers major industry moves including Reyes Beverage Group’s expansion with RNDC territories, the latest Uncle Nearest legal battle, new releases from Bruichladdich Old Skool, Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit, Johnnie Walker Red Soul, High West Bourye, Garrison Brothers Lady Bird, Lost Lantern Spring Collection, and many more limited editions and core range additions. Cigar news includes updates from Lure, Casa Carrillo, Bolivar, Casa Molina, Founders, Davidoff, Casa 1910, RoMa Craft, Perdomo, Pariah, and AJ Fernandez. Chris also reviews The GlenAllachie Meikle Toir 5 Year Old Sherry One as the dram of the week and a mellow Bentley Premium Cigars White Series corona as the stick of the week. Perfect for whisky lovers, cigar enthusiasts, and anyone interested in spirits and tobacco industry news.

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Welcome to Episode 15 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, your premier weekly guide to the latest in whisky news, premium cigars, and pipe tobacco. Hosted by Chris Kumnick, this jam-packed episode features an exclusive "Pop the Cork" interview with Tim Huels of The Whiskey Blendery in Oak Point, Texas, diving deep into the craft of spirits blending and the trials of starting a distillery. We break down the top industry headlines for March 2026, including the surge of private-label spirits at Costco, the legal sagas surrounding Uncle Nearest, and exciting new releases from brands like The Macallan, Woodinville, Redbreast, and Bulleit. Cigar enthusiasts won't want to miss updates on the Casdagli Daughters of the Wind Rosado, America’s 250th-anniversary releases from JRE Tobacco and Fratello, plus the highly anticipated Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust samplers. Whether you're looking for upcoming events like the PCA Trade Show and Whisky Riot or seeking the perfect pairing for the "Dram and Stick of the Week," join our community of connoisseurs for an hour of scholarly insights and cheeky entertainment.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 14 (March 1, 2026) delivers a packed hour of whisky, cigar, pipe, and tobacco updates hosted by Chris Kumnick. This week's show features in-depth whisky and cigar industry news, including Trump’s new 15% tariffs impacting Scotch imports, Suntory combining Bowmore and Laphroaig operations, Virginia Distillery’s cigar-pairing single malts, That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s five-bottle single cask collection, The Spirits Group’s massive Kentucky blending facility, Peaky Blinders Kentucky Bourbon launch, leadership changes at William Grant & Sons, Yellowstone Recollection nationwide rollout, Hard Truth’s 7-year-old trio, Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon, Still Austin’s $20M financing, MGP’s 2025 sales challenges, Starward x Lagavulin UK debut, Nc’nean’s £2.5M funding round, Johnnie Walker Black Cask, The Macallan Distil Your World Paris, Lindores Abbey redundancies, and Heaven Hill Deatsville 13-Year-Old Bourbon. Cigar highlights cover 2025 premium import growth, Red Phone Booth Miami’s anniversary, Matilde Limited Exposure No. 3, Warped Isla del Cocodrilo Blanco, Artista’s new releases, Cavalier Genève Green Jacket 2026, Dunbarton’s 10th Jubilee and Todos Las Días Double Wide, Punch Rare Corojo 25th Anniversary, CLE TAA 2025, Fratello 1821 Dominican Republic, Rojas Street Tacos Cinco de Mayo 2026, El Titan de Bronze Nicaragua, Cohiba Serie M Reserva Plata, Viaje Skull and Bones Red, Black Works Boondock 2026, and Principle Engagement. The episode includes upcoming event listings (Muletown Pipe Show, Whisky Live Athens, Great Smoke, Whisky Riot Dallas, PCA Trade Show, and more), plus a “Pop the Cork” interview with Tim Huels of The Whiskey Blendery in Oak Point, Texas, and Chris’s tasting notes on Meikle Toir The Chinquapin One peated Scotch and Cortesano Origen cigar from Havana House UK.

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Episode 13 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and released on February 22, 2026, delivers the latest whisky, premium cigar, and pipe tobacco news, new releases, upcoming events, and a remote interview with Drew Newman, co-owner and General Counsel of JC Newman Cigar Company in Tampa, FL—covering his background, the new book Cigar City, core cigar lines, and more. This week’s whisky highlights include Penderyn’s 25th anniversary age-statement launches (starting with 25-Year-Old Barrel No.1), Diageo’s CA$23M Ontario settlement for Crown Royal shelf placement, Compass Box Hedonism 2026 with Karen Gillan muse artwork, Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival details, Kavalan’s UK partnership with Marussia Beverages, Loch Lomond Brewery crowdfunding for Levenbank Distillery, Bruichladdich Rock’ndaal festival, World Whiskies Awards America 2026 winners, Rebel Bourbon Kyle Busch Single Barrel, Glenfiddich visual redesign, Welcome to Whisky show, Hotaling & Co distillery closure, Diageo UK retail team expansion, Rocky Patel Year of the Horse, Micallef White, Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Profundo, Dunbarton StillWell Star revamp, Casa Carrillo Pledge Purple, German Engineered RVGN Extrem, La Aurora Anthony Muñoz 78, and USDA/DISCUS export funding. Upcoming events include Bourbon Classic, Garrison Brothers BIB launch, Welcome to Whisky, Muletown Pipe Show, Finck’s Cigar Lounge Crawl, Galena Whiskey Weekend, Great Smoke festival, Whisky Riot Dallas/Houston, Beam Institute Conference, Independent Spirits Festival, Whiskyschiff Lucerne, Whisky Live London, DailyCon, Texas Whiskey Festival, PCA Trade Show, Chicago International Pipe Show, Spirit of Speyside, Whisky Live Melbourne, Maltstock Down Under, and Summerton Whisky Festival. Chris shares a head cold update (no dram, stick, or pipe review this week) and reminds viewers to subscribe, like, comment, review, and drink & smoke responsibly.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Episode 12 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and released on February 15, 2026, delivers the latest whisky, premium cigar, and pipe tobacco news, new releases, upcoming events, and an exclusive in-person interview with Jack Breslin, co-founder and CEO of Uncharted Whisky Company from Scotland—covering his background, the brand’s core lines, and more (with a note on audio levels and plans for a future Scotland redo). This week’s whisky highlights include Barrell Craft Spirits selling its Jeffersontown blending facility, WhistlePig’s CEO departure and CFO promotion, the US-India trade deal slashing tariffs to 18%, Mangrove Global’s Nick Gillett on the $22 billion spirits inventory crisis, Kentucky Bourbon’s record $10.6 billion economic impact, Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength for the Committee, The Whisky Exchange Zodiac Series debut, The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th, Karuizawa cask auction, Eau Claire Ploughman’s, GlenWyvis funding, Arbikie pre-orders, Kirin selling Four Roses, Lagavulin Sweet Peat, The Spirits Embassy Imperious Reserve, BTG distress report on Scottish distilleries, Redbreast Moscatel, Aberargie inaugural, The London Distillery Ten Times Around the Sun, Michter’s Celebration, Traveller Full Proof, Archie Rose Batch No.3, SWA 2025 export decline, Highland Park Year of the Horse packaging, AWA-America250 partnership, alcohol social effects research, Steve Forbes on liquor commerce, King of Kentucky Small Batch, and Lost Lantern Far-Flung Rye II. Cigar news covers the Habanos Festival postponement, Alec Bradley Fat Pack, Crowned Heads Juárez Mini-Dozer, Pangea inaugural, PCA-Honduras festival partnership, Trinidad Corcel, Don Carlos Sangre de Toro, Ferio Tego Metropolitan 30 Years, Romeo y Julieta in Switzerland, Plasencia barn fire, EGM Ninfa, Atabey Black Ritos, Freud Elvis, Avowed New Dawn Corona Gorda, AGANORSA Supreme Leaf Toro 109, Gran Habano Corojo #7 Corona Especial, Smoke Inn acquiring Protocol, Paul Stulac Blue Lightning Sky, El Mago Beach Blend, and Klaro Mission Zero. Upcoming events include tastings at The Algiers Club, Garrison Brothers BIB launch, Welcome to Whisky in London, Muletown Pipe Show, Galena Whiskey Weekend, Great Smoke festival, Whisky Riot Dallas/Houston, Beam Institute Conference, Whiskyschiff Lucerne, DailyCon, Maltstock Down Under, and Summerton Whisky Festival. Chris reviews Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage (93 points, his first Japanese whisky) and Bariay 1492 Red (medium-bodied favorite), with a reminder to subscribe, like, comment, review, and drink & smoke responsibly.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!