Whiskey Thoughts

A Few More Thoughts On Distilling

I know that there are many people that believe that pot stills make superior whiskey. I disagree. They make a different style whiskey, but not better whiskey. The proof of this is the fact that Stitzel-Weller made an excellent whiskey… Continue Readi…

90 Proof Whiskey

I was watching a video on YouTube the other day and the filmmakers who were reviewing whiskeys were complaining that 90 proof whiskey was too low of a proof. They wanted something that was 120 proof or higher. I thought… Continue Reading →

Selecting A Barrel At James E. Pepper Distillery

Recently, Rosemary and I were asked to pick some barrels at James E. Pepper Distillery by Steve Akley. The other members of the team picking the barrels were Royce and Rebekah Neeley, Maggie Kimberl and Fred Mozenter. We gathered at… Continue Reading…

Bourbon’s Unsung Heroes – Martin Duffy

I first met Marty Duffy in 2010 when I was invited by Andrea Wilson to speak to a gathering of Diageo’s Masters of Whisky at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Marty was already an experienced whiskey ambassador at that time. Marty is… Continue Reading &…

A Few Thoughts On Barrels And Warehouses

The other day I had a comment on Facebook about wanting to hear my thoughts on barrels and warehouses. I have written several blogs on both subjects before, but I thought I would add a few thoughts here. On barrels,… Continue Reading →

A Few Thoughts On Distillation

Sometimes I let my mind wander on a subject and this time it is distillation. There are two main types of distillation – the column still and the pot still. In the 21st century the hybrid still has also become… Continue Reading →

A Few Thoughts On Age And Proof

I have been well known for saying that older is not better – better is better. Age is not everything in American whiskey. In fact, the use of new cooperage can lead to over-aged and very tannic and bitter whiskey…. Continue Reading →

Winter Whiskeys

My favorite whiskey to drink in the winter months was Weller Centennial, 10 year old, 100 proof wheat recipe Bourbon that was part of the Bourbon Heritage Collection from United Distillers. When I worked at United Distillers, I remember when… Continu…

The Changing Face Of Modern Distilleries

American distilleries have changed the face of who they call their person representing the distillery and their brands over the years. In the past, up to the late 20th century, they had as their main person the owner of the… Continue Reading →

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