Episode 11 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and released on February 1, 2026, is your ultimate weekly roundup of the latest news, new releases, upcoming events, and exclusive interviews in the worlds of whisky, premium cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This entertaining and sometimes irreverent show delivers in-depth coverage of major industry developments—including the Kentucky Distillers’ Association naming Gigi DaDan as new board chair, Benriach’s rejected warehouse expansion due to transmission line conflicts, Glencadam’s refreshed packaging and new 17-year-old Calvados cask finish, ongoing Uncle Nearest legal battles, Diageo’s Clynelish visitor centre closure proposal, Powerscourt Distillery’s rescue by Altiva Management, Lark Distilling’s luxury Tasmanian single malt relaunch, a record-breaking $2.5 million Sotheby’s American whiskey auction, the EU-India free trade agreement slashing spirits tariffs, Bardstown Bourbon’s packaging refresh, Radico Khaitan’s new Scotch whisky division, Starward’s return to founder ownership, Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s Year of the Horse collaboration with Robert Wun, The Dalmore’s 17-year-old addition, a proposed Ardrishaig Distillery in Scotland, the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction for veterans, UK-China Scotch tariff cuts, Kentucky Bourbon Trail expansions, Dewar’s Lunar New Year GTR release, Winchester Bourbon’s SHOT Show debut, and Garrison Brothers’ first Bottled-in-Bond Texas bourbon—plus a deep dive into cigar launches like Pangea Cigars, Davidoff ownership transition, Cigar Insider’s 2025 retailer survey, Illusione Group of Five SE, Bentley Short Corona, Quality Importers’ Year of the Horse accessories, Visol Viper lighter, AGANORSA JFR Lunatic Maduro Hombre Libre, Crux Passport update and Marblehead line, Tradecraft The Vitruvian, Isabela The Mammoth 2026, Punch Egg Roll XL, S.T. Dupont Le Grand Cling lighters, and RoMa Craft CRAFT 2026, alongside pipe tobacco news on Cornell & Diehl Firebird Flake. The episode features an in-person interview with Troy Bolotnick, CEO and co-founder of Filmland Spirits, discussing his background, the brand’s movie-inspired whiskey lines, ingenious marketing, and more, plus Chris’s tasting notes on Shiner Texas Bourbon (young but minty and promising), Don Blas Chocolate San Andreas Maduro Robusto cigar (mint-chocolate delight), and plans for Firebird Flake pipe tobacco. Tune in for upcoming events previews, responsible drinking reminders, and a fun, educational vibe—subscribe, like, comment, and review to support the channel!

Episode 10 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and airing January 25, 2026, delivers your weekly roundup of the latest in whisky, cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This entertaining episode features in-depth news coverage, including major whisky industry developments like GHF's acquisition of Fielden English whisky, Stoli Group USA's shift to Chapter 7 liquidation, the court-ordered sale of Luca Mariano Distillery, the global spirits oversupply crisis, the Uncle Nearest asset acquisition bid, bourbon industry slowdown and "ghost distilleries," plus exciting new releases from Lochlea (7-year-old single malt), Kavalan (Lunar New Year Golden Steed & Peonies gift set), Badachro Distillery's upcoming production start, Old Forester documentary, House of Hazelwood Warehouse Reserve, and Duncan Taylor Octave expansions. Cigar highlights include ADVentura's French market entry, Black Works Studio Hawaii Hornet, Tabletop Cutter's Palió Quad, United Cigars Bandolero and Independence Firecrackers, Selected Tobacco's new Madrid facility, Monaco's Ramon Allones Casino regional edition, Cohiba Behike 15th anniversary BHK 58, Ara’o Terrón Maduro, Serino Elenor Rose RPM 45, JM Tobacco's 25th Aniversario, and Prometheus God of Fire KKP expansions. Pipe and tobacco news spotlights Cornell & Diehl's 2026 Summit Series plugs and Peterson's St. Patrick’s Day 2026 pipes. Upcoming events cover tastings, festivals, and master classes worldwide. The episode features an exclusive in-person interview with Amanda Micallef of Micallef Cigars (Weatherford, TX / Estelí, Nicaragua), discussing her background, the brand's major lines, marketing initiatives, and industry insights. Chris shares his "What’s in My Mouth" segment: Pullman Distilling Bourbon Barrel-Finished American Single Malt Whisky (a standout Scotch-like dram with red fruit, vanilla, caramel, and oily finish) paired with the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Toro cigar (rugged Maduro wrapper, cocoa, espresso, spice, and creamy balance). Tune in for irreverent fun, education, and industry passion—subscribe, like, comment, and review on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more for whisky news, cigar reviews, pipe tobacco updates, and engaging interviews! Drink and smoke responsibly.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Episode 9 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and airing January 14, 2026, delivers a comprehensive and entertaining roundup of the latest whisky news, cigar news, pipe tobacco updates, new releases, auctions, and upcoming spirits events from around the world. This week’s show features an in-depth, in-person interview with Brian Smith, Master Distiller and partner at Hard Truth Distilling Company in Nashville, Indiana, covering his career, the distillery’s resort-style campus, sweet mash vs. sour mash, and the current state of the spirits industry. News highlights include major stories from Scotch whisky, American whiskey, Irish whiskey, premium cigars, and packaging innovation, alongside limited-edition releases from brands like Buffalo Trace, The Glenlivet, Knob Creek, Fuente Fuente OpusX, CAO, and more. The episode also includes Chris’s signature tasting segment, pairing RD1 Spirits Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a RoMa Craft Neanderthal Robusto cigar and a Mad Hatters Tobaccos Virginia pipe blend, making this a must-watch (or listen) for whisky lovers, cigar aficionados, and pipe smokers looking for expert insight, industry interviews, and weekly spirits and tobacco news.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Dive into this bottle review of the Ironroot Republic Distillery - Limited Edition - Saints Alley - "The Herald" 10 Year - Cigar Blend, with host Chris Kumnick on Whisky & Smoke News Network - Whiskey Review 3 - from 1/11/26Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Dive into Episode 8 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, your ultimate weekly source for the latest whisky news, cigar releases, pipe tobacco updates, and industry insights as of January 7, 2026! Host Chris Kumnick returns after a brief hiatus to deliver exciting scotch whisky developments—like the sherry cask revival in Spain boosting producers for brands like Macallan, Diageo’s new Buchanan’s Green Seal blend, and Heaven Hill’s 90th anniversary—alongside bourbon highlights including Meat Church BBQ’s stake in Pursuit Spirits and World Whiskey Society’s Doc Holliday Huckleberry Edition. Cigar enthusiasts will love updates on revivals like J.C. Newman’s Sarzedas, Davidoff’s Winston Churchill Late Hour Belicoso, Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Leaf Toro, and limited releases from Alec Bradley and Arturo Fuente OpusX. Pipe fans get the big news on Cornell & Diehl taking over Seattle Pipe Club blends plus a rave review of their new Fires on the Levee tobacco. The episode features an in-depth interview with WhiskyCast podcast legend Mark Gillespie discussing 20+ years in whisky podcasting, memorable guests, and industry trends, plus Chris’s personal reviews of Glenfarclas 25 Year Scotch, Liga Privada T52 cigar, and more—perfect for whisky lovers, cigar aficionados, and pipe smokers seeking entertaining, irreverent luxury spirits and tobacco content!Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

In this week’s episode of Whisky & Smoke News Network (Episode 7 – December 3, 2025), host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, cigar, pipe, and pipe-tobacco news, covering major industry updates from Diageo, Uncle Nearest, Catoctin Creek, Paul John, J.C. Newman, HVC, Artista, and more, along with new releases, investment moves, global market trends, and upcoming tasting events. This episode features an in-depth interview with Michael Smith, owner of Ash & Barrel Cigar Bar in Sherman, TX, plus “What Is Chris Putting in His Mouth,” highlighting the Trinity River Whiskey Cartel advent drams, Mayflower Cigars’ Dawn Robusto, and McClelland Beacon Extra pipe tobacco. Packed with expert insights, breaking news, product launches, and whisky and cigar culture, this episode is perfect for enthusiasts seeking the latest updates in premium spirits, cigars, and pipes.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 6 (Nov 23, 2025): Latest Bourbon, Scotch, Irish Whiskey News + Cigar Releases, Pipe Tobacco & Industry ShakeupsJoin host Chris Kumnick for the ultimate weekly roundup of whisky news, premium cigar launches, pipe tobacco drops, and industry updates in Episode 6 of Whisky & Smoke News Network! This packed episode covers major stories like Lexington’s new Bourbonland Tasting Pass ($45–$75 for flights at six distilleries), shocking closures of Black Button and Rogue Ales & Spirits, Waterford Whisky’s potential rescue by Tennessee Distilling Group, California’s 2026 DTC spirits shipping pilot, Diageo pausing Roseisle maltings, Brown-Forman’s 42nd dividend hike, and standout releases including Bruichladdich X4+18 (world’s first quadruple-distilled 18YO), Ballantine’s $13K “The Moment” 40YO, Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Bourbon & Rye ($59.99), John Lee Hooker Legacy bourbons, and Eden Mill’s rescue by Ruby Capital. Cigar highlights feature J.C. Newman as the official cigar of America’s 250th anniversary, Rocky Patel 30th Anniversary, Black Label Deliverance Nocturne, Foundation Tabernacle Knight Commander (100% proceeds to Ethiopia), Crowned Heads Jericho Hill rebrand, Paul Garmirian 35th Anniversary, and Powstanie War Bear of Mass Destruction. Pipe fans get Low Country Carolina Christmas and Warped Saint Espresso aromatics—plus upcoming events like Teeling tastings, Buffalo Trace holiday lights, and Macallan masterclasses. Features an in-depth interview with Philip West of Texas’ Bearded Wheat Distillery, Chris’s tasting notes (Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Blue Corn Bourbon 92/100, J.C. Newman Bricktoberfest 6.5/10), and congratulations on WhiskyCast’s 20th anniversary. Subscribe now for weekly whisky reviews, cigar pairings, bourbon rankings, Scotch updates, cigar news, and pipe tobacco insights—cheers and smoke responsibly!Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Dive into the ultimate weekly roundup of Scotch whisky news, bourbon releases, premium cigar launches, and pipe tobacco innovations with host Chris Kumnick on Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 5 from November 5th, 2025—your go-to source for irreverent, entertaining, and educational vibes in the world of whisky, cigars, pipes, and more! This jam-packed episode spotlights groundbreaking Scotch whisky drops like Glengoyne's eco-charity Wetlands Single Cask (61.1% ABV, citrus-kiwi explosion for £190 supporting UK wetland restoration), Ballina Distillery's debut Irish single malts Dúbailte Double Wood and Triarach Triple Wood (43% ABV fruit-forward gems at €49.90-€59.90), The Macallan's A Night on Earth: The First Light (Manuka honey and pavlova-perfect £99 gift honoring New Zealand's New Year's dawn), Bruichladdich's regenerative Laddie Rye (50% ABV Islay-grown peppery innovation at $60 US-exclusive), and Nikka From The Barrel's 40th anniversary Extra Marriage (51.4% ABV richer oak-chocolate limited edition at $69.99); bourbon buzz includes MGP Ingredients' Q3 sales dip amid barrel surplus recovery, Jeptha Creed's veteran-honoring Red White & Blue Batch 4 ($74.99 with PTSD service dog donations), JYPSI's 250th anniversary Declaration rye (115.74 proof Maryland-style at $199.99), Jack Daniel's Tanyard Hill Rye barrel-proof special ($79.99), Hardin's Creek Warehouse Series 11-year trios ($149.99 exploring rickhouse magic), and Knob Creek's historic 21-year-old ($249.99 depth bomb); plus American single malt spotlights from Lost Lantern's Scotch-inspired Fall 2025 Collection ($90-$180 cask-strength peated and vatted masterpieces). Cigar aficionados, gear up for ADVentura's elite La Llorona Toro ($17 complex Habano), Cavalier Genève's Masters-inspired Green Jacket 2026 pre-order ($203 Churchills with 2027 preview), La Aurora's festive Holiday Box ($130 Dominican sampler), Tatuaje's affordable Series P Honduras expansion ($4.25-$4.75 approachable Cubans), Alec Bradley's Fine & Rare ANB-228 ($19.99 hazelnut-cinnamon Churchill), Meerapfel's 20+ year-aged Ernest Lancero ($73 refined Cameroon), Davidoff's Zodiac Year of the Horse 2026 tiers ($65-$49K humidor opulence), Cohiba's poised C8 re-release ($249.99 collector Churchill), and Plasencia's Winter Robusto Collection ($99.90 award-winning holiday sampler). Pipe and tobacco fans, explore Georgetown Tobacco's retailer guide urging tactile pipe stock for loyal "pipe-curious" cigar smokers (33% crossover appeal with bespoke blends), plus the Per Jensen Legacy Collection's Danish-American flakes like Brothers in Arms (cocoa-spiced Kentucky-Perique) and Harbour Dreams (chocolate-almond Burley-Virginia)—all available nationwide. Don't miss the exclusive interview with Jay Roberts of The Whisky Lab on importing indie bottlers like Whispering Waters, Ferg & Harris, Glaschu Spirits, Tri Carrach, and Uncharted Whisky Co., plus Ardbeg House's quirky Islay hotel debut and Leiper's Fork's Pre-Prohibition Tennessee revival—subscribe now for weekly whisky reviews, cigar pairings, pipe tips, bourbon rankings, Scotch news updates, and event alerts to elevate your smoke and sip game!

Join host Chris Kumnick on Episode 3 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, aired October 19, 2025, for a lively dive into whisky, cigar, and pipe tobacco news, featuring a sneak peek interview with Tucker McCormack of The Algiers Club in Dallas, TX. This episode covers major whisky updates, including InchDairnie Distillery’s workforce restructuring amid a global demand dip, Jameson’s rebranded Distiller’s Batch, Glenfiddich XS’s premium single malts, and new releases from Heaven Hill, Woodford Reserve, and more. Cigar highlights include Two Guys Cigars’ 40th anniversary humidors, Diesel’s Sideshow Sampler, and Cohiba’s Weller 2025 collaboration. Pipe enthusiasts get a nod with Cornell & Diehl’s “From Beyond” blend, while upcoming events like the Las Vegas International Pipe Show and Whisky Advocate’s New York WhiskeyFest are spotlighted. Kumnick shares his dram (Jack Daniel’s Heritage Barrel), stick (5 Vegas Series A Maduro), and pipe tobacco (Peterson’s Elizabethan Mixture) picks, wrapping up with a call to subscribe and engage for more whisky, cigar, and pipe content.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!Episode Links:Inchdairnie Distillery: https://www.inchdairniedistillery.com/Jameson: https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en/Glenfiddich: https://www.glenfiddich.com/en-us/SMWS - US: https://smwsa.com/Loch Lomond Group: https://www.lochlomondgroup.com/Portintruan: https://elixirdistillers.com/distilleries/Staggemeyer Stave: https://staggemeyerstave.com/Frey Ranch: https://freyranch.com/Russell's Reserve: https://www.russellsreserve.com/en-us/James B. Beam: https://www.jimbeam.com/en-us/Heaven Hill: https://heavenhilldistillery.com/Woodford Reserve: https://www.woodfordreserve.com/Pursuit Spirits: https://pursuitspirits.com/McBrayer Legacy Spirits: https://www.mcbrayerlegacyspirits.com/old-mcbrayer/Old Commonwealth: https://oldcommonwealth.com/Ingram Distillery: https://ingramwhiskey.com/Sagamore Spirits: https://sagamorespirit.com/Smokeye Hill: https://www.smokeyehill.com/Two Guys Cigars: https://www.2guyscigars.com/Diesel Cigars: https://www.dieselcigars.com/Cohiba Cigars: https://www.cohiba.com/Tobacconist of Greenwich: https://tobacconistofgreenwich.com/Cornell & Diehl: https://www.cornellanddiehl.com/

Join us for Episode 2 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, your ultimate weekly source for whisky, cigar, and pipe tobacco enthusiasts!

https://youtu.be/6KZ6W-v8iuA

Hosted by Chris Kumnick, this episode, released October 13th, 2025, dives into the latest industry news, including the Distillers One of One Auction raising £2.326 million, Uncle Nearest’s financial restructuring, and the impact of U.S.-Canada trade tariffs on spirits. Discover upcoming events like the Whiskey Washback Festival in Dallas and the Las Vegas International Pipe Show, plus new releases from Buffalo Trace’s 2025 Antique Collection and Plasencia Cigars’ Short Smokes Collection. Enjoy Part 2 of our in-depth interview with Robert Likarish of Ironroot Republic Distillery, exploring innovative whisky releases, paired with tasting notes on Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, AVO Cigars’ XO Intermezzo, and Cornell & Diehl’s The Haunting pipe tobacco. Perfect for whisky drinkers, cigar smokers, and pipe aficionados seeking news, events, and engaging conversations—subscribe now for your weekly dose of flavor and fun!Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please like and follow!!Episode Linkshttps://www.cvhspirits.com/our-brands/https://www.thealgiersclub.com/https://www.distillersoneofone.com/https://unclenearest.com/https://www.distilledspirits.org/https://www.fdf.org.uk/https://stoli-group.com/https://www.ttb.gov/https://kybourbon.com/industry/https://www.laalazanawhisky.com/https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-ushttps://www.mclaren.com/racing/formul...https://chickencockwhiskey.com/https://pursuitspirits.com/https://www.buffalotracedistillery.co...https://premiumcigars.org/https://www.plasenciacigars.com/https://www.rockypatel.com/https://www.laaurora.com/https://alecbradley.com/https://www.macanudo.com/https://www.room101cigars.com/https://lurecigars.com/https://www.cavalier-cigars.com/home....https://www.cornellanddiehl.com/Events Links:https://whiskeycrusaders.com/https://mastersofsmoketour.com/https://www.whiskeywashback.com/https://whiskeyriot.com/oklahoma-city-okhttps://vegaspipeshow.com/https://www.henmick.com/ohio-craft-wh...