Coopers have used everything from torches to infrared lamps to toast the inside of barrels. Now, a technique pioneered by the wine industry is making its way into whisky: the use of heated Icelandic magma stone formed by volcanic lava. It’s said to provide a more consistent toasting than other methods, and Dewar’s is the first to use the technique in whisky. We’ll talk about it with Dewar’s master blender Stephanie Macleod on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, more tariffs on whisky could be coming this week, while Whisky Magazine hands out its annual World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky Awards.

King Car Group’s Kavalan Distillery in Yilan, Taiwan marks its 20th anniversary this year. Kavalan has won numerous awards for its single malts, including the “World’s Best Single Malt” in the World Whisky Awards. We’ll talk with Kavalan’s David Chen about the distillery’s history and its growing global following on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the European Union delays a return to tariffs on American whiskies until mid-April, while Laphroaig Distillery is undergoing repairs after a pressure issue with a boiler led to a loud “bang” that had Ileachs fearing an explosion. 

Joe Magliocco didn’t found Michter’s Whiskey…but he is the modern-day father of the brand. Magliocco uncovered the lapsed trademark for Michter’s nearly 30 years ago that led to the brand’s revival. He’ll join us on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth to discuss everything from the history of Michter’s to today’s concerns over tariffs and overproduction. In the news, the European Union has joined the trade war with the U.S., and will impose a 50% tariff on Bourbon and other American whiskies April 1. The U.S. has responded with a threat from President Donald Trump to tax European spirits and wines at 200%, and spirits producers on both sides of the Atlantic are concerned. We’ll have the details, along with the story of a New Jersey man’s unusual find along the beach — 11 bottles of Prohibition-era whiskey. 

Tara Lindley started out in the wine business before joining High West Distillery nine years ago. Now, she’s the director of sensory analysis and new product development for High West’s owner, Constellation Brands, and her latest project is the 2025 release of High West’s Bourye, a blend of Bourbons and Rye whiskies. We’ll talk with Tara on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the North American trade war heats up as Canada retaliates for U-S tariffs on Canadian imports by pulling American whiskies off retail shelves.

The Ardbeg Committee was one of whisky’s first online affinity groups, and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. We’ll talk with Committee chair Jackie Thomson about the early days of the group, as well as the new Ardbeg Eureka release that marks the anniversary. In the news, the threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports is back this week. Diageo is defending its lackluster earnings as a cyclical phenomenon, while Jack Daniel’s is introducing its oldest whiskey in more than a century. 

San Francisco’s Elixir dates its history back to 1858, when it opened in the city’s Mission District along a plank road at the corner of what is now 16th and Guerrero. The bar still has its Gold Rush-era look and feel, thanks to careful restoration work led by owner H. Joseph Ehrmann. We’ll talk with head bartender Nick Madden and general manager Shea Shawnson on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, English Whisky is a step closer to getting its own geographical indicator status, though not without some objections. Campari is considering layoffs because of declining Cognac sales, and Suntory Holdings is reporting a slight gain in 2024 sales. We’ll have the details, along with the week’s tasting notes and much more. 

Dan Leese wears two hats: one as CEO of the importer and distiller Hotaling & Co., and the second as the current chairman of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Mark Gillespie sat down with Dan Leese to discuss the state of the whisky industry and the threats posed by trade tariffs, legal cannabis, and other challenges. In the news, the Trump Administration gets a victory as India agrees to reduce its tariffs on American whiskies, while new data shows declining sales as consumers switch to less-expensive whiskies. 

Bruce Joseph started out as a brewer at what was then Anchor Brewing in San Francisco, and became a distiller when owner Fritz Maytag decided he wanted to add a distillery to make rye whiskey. Old Potrero has become a San Francisco favorite, and after 45 years with what is now Hotaling & Co., he's easing into retirement this week. Bruce Joseph joins us for an exclusive interview on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, U.S. trade tariffs against Canada and Mexico are on hold for 30 days, but the fallout continues to spread across North America. We'll talk with the co-chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, Kentucky Rep. Morgan McGarvey about that fallout and the impact on the Bourbon industry.

The Bar at Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky serves up more than just neat pours and classic cocktails. It’s also a gourmet-quality restaurant, as proven by its 2025 James Beard Awards nomination. We’ll talk with general manager and beverage director Andy Pope on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, a trade war is brewing across North America after President Trump imposed import tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, which will make Canadian Whisky more expensive. Canadian and Mexican leaders responded with tariffs of their own targeting Bourbon and other American whiskies, and we’ll have all of the details.

Drew Hannush loves nothing more than to disprove whiskey lore, and spends his time researching historical documents to find the truth behind many of whiskey’s legends. His new book is Whiskey Lore: Volume One, and he’ll join us on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, President Trump wants to impose tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, and Canadian leaders are threatening to retaliate with tariffs and boycotts of American whiskies. Bourbon also had a place at Trump’s Inauguration, and we’ll have the details.