Whisky Snobs of Lower MoCo

In this episode, the Whisky Snobs are joined by Evan, founder of Parhelia Spirits, a new independent bottler focused on releases that showcase unique and uncommon flavor profiles.

Tune in to hear about Evan’s path from rum enthusiast to full-on spirits entrepreneur, and how his passion turned into a business—complete with the realities of sourcing barrels, navigating regulations, and building a brand.

We also taste through three standout Parhelia releases: a wild Indonesian rum, a funky Guadeloupe agricole, and a bold Barbados pot still rum—plus a bit of discussion on pot vs. column stills, the Barbados GI debate, and what makes independent bottling special, from Parhelia’s intense tasting panels to the people and community behind the scenes.

Listen in for an inside look at a rising independent bottler—and some seriously interesting pours!

Learn more about Parhelia Spirits at parheliaspirits.com

As always, dram in good health. 🥃

Join us for a comparative tasting of Johnnie Walker Black from two different eras — one bottled in the late 1980s and the other fresh from the shelf. We delve into the fascinating history of Johnnie Walker, established in 1820 by grocer John Walker, now the world’s highest-selling Scotch whisky blend, produced by Diageo with malt whiskies from notable distilleries like Clynelish, Cardhu, Glenkinchie, and Caol Ila.

Johnnie Walker Black Tasting Details:

• 1980s Bottling: 43% ABV

• Modern Bottling: 40% ABV, $39.99 MSRP

Tune in as we share detailed tasting notes, including the modern expression’s deep golden color, sweet vanilla and creamy toffee palate, and smoky peat finish. We also discuss our impressions of the brand, blends versus single malts, and whether the two expressions show notable differences. Whether a longtime fan or new to blended Scotch, this episode offers insights and enjoyment sure to enhance your appreciation of Johnnie Walker Black.

And as always, dram in good health!

#whiskysnobsoflowermoco #dramingoodhealth #slaintemhath #whiskey #whisky #podcast #blendedscotch #johnniewalker #diageo

Join us for a vertical tasting of two expressions from the iconic Grand Old Parr brand – the 12-Year and 18-Year blended Scotch whiskies. We explore the rich history of Old Parr, and discuss the merits of blends versus single malts. Could Old Parr be a new go to rail whisky at the bar?

Old Parr Tasting Details:

Tune in as we take you through the tasting notes, share insights about the whisky's connection to Cragganmore and Glendullan distilleries, and discuss our impressions of these time-honored Scotch whiskies. Whether you prefer your whisky neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, this episode will give you plenty to think about the next time you reach for a dram of Old Parr.

And as always, dram in good health!

#whiskysnobsoflowermoco #dramingoodhealth #slaintemhath #whiskey #whisky #podcast #whiskypodcast #blendedscotch #oldparr #diageo

Join us on a journey through the haunted halls of history as we explore the legend of Castle’s Curse, the recent independent bottling of Teaninich from Diageo’s Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co.

Tune in as we taste this rare release, reach tenuous agreement on the correct pronunciation of Teaninich, and uncork the captivating legend of the Kelpie. From the depths of forgotten barrels to the heights of ancient castles, this episode will leave you spellbound and thirsty for more.

Nick Offerman, much like his Parks and Recreation character Ron Swanson, loves his Lagavulin! So much so that Lagavulin partnered with Nick on a limited release series of Offerman branded expressions. The 2022 release presented a perfect opportunity to test Nick’s talent for picking whisky. Join us for a side-by-side tasting of Lagavulin’s three releases in the Offerman series: 

Is the Offerman Edition series just another trivial marketing campaign based on a celebrity endorsement, or does Nick Offerman have a genuinely good palate for whisky? Listen in to find out!   And as always, dram in good health!  #whiskysnobsoflowermoco #dramingoodhealth #slaintemhath #whiskey #whisky #podcast #whiskypodcast #singlemalt #lagavulin #nickofferman #ronswanson

Every year whisky writers and enthusiasts the world over taste, rate, and rank the year’s “best” releases. Taste may be subjective, but there’s no question that there were some exciting expressions released in 2022. Which ones should you spend your money on? Join us to find out, as we sample three noteworthy drams from Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies of 2022:

As always, dram in good health!

#whiskysnobsoflowermoco #dramingoodhealth #slaintemhath #whiskey #whisky #podcast #whiskypodcast #whiskyadvocate #top20whiskies #tennesseewhiskey #jackdaniels #dewars #blendedwhisky #indri #indiansinglemalt

Join the Whisky Snobs for a fun detour into another hidden gem of the spirits world -- Italian Amaro! Or at least Italian-style, as we toss several American variations into the mix as well. We explore the surprising variety of flavors and styles within this relatively small category, including a few ideal for cocktails and a few that are perfect over ice as an after-dinner digestivo.

This episode’s bittersweet pours:

Amaro de Etna Bruto Americano

Founding Spirits Amaro

Don Ciccio & Figli Luna Aperitivo

Rabarbaro Sfumato

A mystery amaro!

As always, dram in good health!

#whiskysnobsoflowermoco #dramingoodhealth #amaro #bittersweet

Join the Whisky Snobs for a fun detour into another hidden gem of the spirits world -- Italian Amaro!  Or at least Italian-style, as we toss several American variations into the mix as well.  We explore the surprising variety of flavors and styles within this relatively small category, including a few ideal for cocktails and a few that are perfect over ice as an after-dinner digestivo.

This episode’s bittersweet pours:

As always, dram in good health!  #whiskysnobsoflowermoco #dramingoodhealth #amaro #bittersweet

Never mind the bollocks, get ready for anarchy in a bottle! Join the Snobs as we take on this year’s spiky new Ardbeg Day Committee Release, “Ardcore”, a hardcore 50.1% ABV mosh pit of flavor. Will we be Damned to another overhyped special release, and left feeling Exploited, or will we Jam with the roasted black malt spirit and keep this dram in our Stiff Little Fingers all night? Listen in to find out!

This episode’s dram: Ardbeg Ardcore, Committee Release (50.1% ABV)

As always, God Save the Queen and Dram in Good Health! 

#whiskysnobsoflowermoco #dramingoodhealth #socialdistancing #ardbeg #ardcore #singlemalt #isleofislay

This isn’t your grandpa’s applejack! Join the Snobs as we explore the fascinating world of Calvados, an apple and pear brandy produced in Normandy. Calvados, a lesser known brandy cousin of Cognac and Armagnac, is made by distilling cider into an eau-de-vie, and then barrel aging. A versatile, complex spirit with a lengthy history, it deserves a closer look from spirits enthusiasts.  

This episode’s drams: 

Roger Groult 7 Kriek Cask, Calvados Pays d’Auge (47.3 abv) 

Roger Groult 12, Calvados Pays d’Auge (41.0 abv) 

Adrien Camut 12, Calvados Pays d’Auge (41.0 abv) 

Calvados Morin Hors d'Age 15 (42.0 abv)   

As always, dram in good health!  #whiskysnobsoflowermoco #dramingoodhealth #socialdistancing #calvados #rogergroult #adriencamut #calvadosmorin