The Friskey Whiskey Podcast

EP 8: The States of Whiskey

Join MikeD and TI as we take a trip across the US via whiskey! In this episode we go coast to coast trying the whiskeys from distilleries in Oregon, Wyoming and Virginia.
 
Oregon Spirit Distillers Bourbon:History: Founded in 2009, was born out of Brad Irwin's desire and passion for distilling, his interest in different styles of whiskey, and what made each of them different. Today their distillers are motivated by the same thing. Located in Bend with one of the largest whiskey barrel inventories in the state of Oregon.  Their bourbon whiskey is a four grain bourbon made with corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. This whiskey is made and aged for four years on site in Bend, Oregon. After four years in new American white oak barrels, the barrels are married and a touch of water is added to bring their whiskey to 94 proof.
Taste Profile: Caramel apple, floral, earthy, light smoke, cool mint, vanilla
 
Wyoming Whiskey Bourbon:History: Started back in 2006, with Brad and Kate Mead along with David Defazio. The Meads are very well known Ranchers and Defazio was lawyer among other things(river guide, late night philosopher, angler)
Taste Profile: Floral, baking spices, browned butter, vanilla, cinnamon, toffee
 
Virginia Distillery Company Port Finish:History: The late Dr. George G. Moore had a great passion for single malt whisky and his adopted home in Virginia. A native Irishman, George came to the U.S. in the 1970’s to seek new opportunities. In 2011, after many years of building successful businesses in both the U.S. and Ireland, George finally had the chance to combine his two passions when he started Virginia Distillery Company. Today, George’s wife, Angela Moore and their son, Gareth Moore, along with his wife, Maggie Moore, have taken the helm to continue building George’s dream. They carried the legacy forward by reinventing American Single Malt whisky. Every barrel is a culmination of the world’s finest distilling, aged to perfection in the ideal climate of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. VHW Port Cask Finished Whisky is made from 100% malted barley, marrying American Single Malt whisky made on-site in Virginia with aged Scotch malt whisky.  A focus on finishing in Port casks for a minimum of 12 months adds depth and complexity.
Taste Profile: Honeyed fig, walnut, apple, smoke, sweet fruit, cocoa, cinnamon, clove, caramelized sugar
 
Cigar: Brick House Maduro Robusto
 

EP 7: Name is Bond. Bottled in Bond.

Join MikeD and TI as we welcome our first guest to the show, Jacob! Jacob walks us through some history of his hometown, Chattanooga, while we sip on whiskeys that are bottled in bond.
 
Chattanooga Whiskey:
History: Inspired by the city's rich distilling history, Chattanooga Whiskey was founded in 2011 with a mission to bring back "Whiskey to the People." Due to Prohibition whiskey production stopped in Chattanooga in 1920. And the post prohibition act only allowed 3 counties in Tennessee to make whiskey. In 2009, a law was passed to allow 41 more counties to make whiskey.  Chattanooga Whiskey, eventually became the first distillery in Chattanooga in over a century.
Tasting Profile: Toasted oatmeal cookie, sweet crêpe, dried herbs, slightly smoky
 
Evan Williams:
History: Evan Williams was a natural-born leader, innovator, and entrepreneur. He worked in numerous trades as a businessman, politician, and—most notably—whiskey distiller. In 1783, he founded Kentucky's first commercial distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Bottled in Bardstown, KY, the product is distilled at the Heaven Hill distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.
Tasting Profile: Caramel, vanilla, oak, barley, citrus black pepper
 
Old Grand Dad:
History: Basil Hayden Sr. - known as Old Grand-Dad to the generations that followed - made bourbon the way he wanted. He went against the traditional “grain” of the time and chose to distill his bourbon with a higher percentage of rye. This way of crafting bourbon was likely something he handed down to his son. And in turn, his grandson. That was Colonel R.B. Hayden who would justly name his bourbon after his Old Grand-Dad. The recipe today remains inspired by Basil’s original with complex flavors and an unmistakable spiciness. First bottled in 1882, very little has changed about it. Currently distilled by Jim Beam.
Tasting Profile: Vanilla, dark fruits, spice, oak, caramel, vanilla, pepper
 
Colonel E.H. Taylor:
History: E.H. Taylor, Jr. was a visionary in the whiskey world with a mind for distilling that was years ahead of its time. He founded a world class Distillery, made advancements to the industry, and fought for the purity and legitimacy of bourbon, gaining him the title of the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry.” Taylor's 1869 purchase of a small Leestown distillery, was his first into distilling, making an immediate mark on the industry by modernizing, expanding and upgrading the plant. Among his innovations were copper fermentation tanks, state-of-the-art grain equipment, column stills, modernized buildings, a more efficient sour mash technique and a first-of-its-kind steam heating system still used in the barrel warehouses today.
Tasting Profile: Spicy, caramel, sweet, cinnamon, apple, browns sugar, raisin
 
Cigar: Padron Maduro

EP 6: St Paddy’s Day

In this episode MikeD and TI enjoy St. Paddy's Day. We have some homemade corned beef and cabbage while tasting Irish whiskeys.
 
Bushmills Single Malt 10 year:
History:
World's oldest licensed Whiskey Distillery, started in 1608. They are the original ‘Single Malt’ Bushmills is named for the mills that made the barley and the River Bush, which remains the water source to cut their whiskey to proof today. In the 1850s, the Crown imposed a tax on those distilling in Ireland through a tax on barley. That tax, however, forever changed Irish whiskey, as almost every Irish whiskey distillery began substituting corn or other more inferior grains for barley. To this day, the biggest and most infamous Irish blended whiskeys use only corn. But not Bushmills. They paid the tax. Bushmills to this day continues to distill malted barley and is the only Irish distillery still using malted barley in all its whiskeys.
 
Interesting drink option:  Suggested to try it frozen. They call it the perfect ‘summertime whiskey’ poured over 2 ice cubes
 
Tasting profile: Cinnamon, honey, Milk Chocolate, banana, lavender, vanilla spicy
 
Writers Tears:
History:
Having established Walsh Whiskey in 1999, Bernard and Rosemary Walsh are on a life-journey of exploration to create the perfect drop of whiskey imaginable. As their journey and creations evolve, Bernard and Rosemary have built an international following for their portfolio of super-premium, award-winning whiskeys: The Irishman and Writers’ Tears .Build the largest manually operated distillery in Ireland, uniquely distilling all 3 styles of Irish whiskey under one roof. Craft the world’s first distillation of Organic Single Pot Still.
 
Tasting profile: Citrus, floral, lemon, spicy, honey, malted barley, sweet, marmalade, pepper
 
Redbreast 15 year:
History:
Started in 1857 by W & A Gilbey in London importing French wine. Within a couple of years it had branches in Dublin, Belfast, and Edinburgh. By 1874 held stock in bond of 300,000 gallons of whiskey sourced from the most celebrated Dublin Distilleries. Started the brand Gilbey’s Castle Whiskey. By 1875 they were selling 83,000 cases of Irish whiskey. In 1887 formed an alliance with Jameson. The first official reference to the brand Redbreast started in August 1912 as a 12 year old whiskey. The name Redbreast itself refers to the bird Robin Redbreast and is attributed to the then Chairman of Gilbey’s, who was an avid bird-fancier. The last bottling occurred in 1985. Owned by Gilbeys until 1986 when it was sold to Irish Distillers. December of 1991 Redbreast was re-introduced by Irish Distillers Limited after a 10 year absence. 15 year old made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley and then triple distilled in copper pot stills, matured in the finest oak casks for no less than 15 years.
 
Tasting profile: Full, rich, berry fruits aromatic oils, Vanilla, Maple Syrup, berries, Spicy, Oak, apple, malty, cinnamon
 
Cigar: Blacked M81 Corona
 
 
 
 

EP 5: Event Update - Big Smoke Meets Whiskey Fest 2023

In this episode MikeD and TI discuss our Big Smoke Meets Whiskey Fest 2023 experience. We'll be enjoying some of our favorites that were discovered during the event. 
 
Blackened Cask Strength:
History: Collaborative effort between Metallica and Master Distiller & Blender Dave Pickerell. The venture started in early 2018. Sadly, Dave passed away in late 2018, shortly after the launch of BLACKENED. In 2019, Master Distiller Rob Dietrich joined the team as Master Distiller & Blender, and guardian of Dave’s legacy blend. Whiskeys are aged 8+ years Distillery located in Columbus, Ohio
Tasting Profile:
Burnt caramel
Oak
Honey
Cinnamon
Allspice
Dark fruit
Clove
Mint
Smooth
Creamy
Hints of butterscotch
Maple
 
Keeper's Heart Irish Bourbon:
History: Family owned in Minneapolis, started by the O’Shaughnessy cousins Patrick and Michael. Created to celebrate the spirit of Family and to leave a meaningful legacy for generations to come. They went to their homeland of Ireland and met with Master Distiller Brian Nation and that is what started to form the idea of what they wanted to produce. What was born out of that was traditional Irish whiskeys, American / Irish blends and American whiskeys made in the traditional Irish style. Their distillery was built in an old potato factory and use 3 copper pot stills. Their whiskey debuted in 2021.
Tasting Profile:
Peppery
Herbal
Sweet
Caramel
Cocoa
Vanilla malt shake
Pecan
Lingering sweet rich wood
 
Calumet 10 yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon: 
History: William Monroe Wright established Calumet Farm in 1924 on a small farm in Lexington, KY. After Wright’s death in 1933 his son Warren began to move the farm’s business toward Thoroughbred racing. Over the decades that came the farm produced 2 Triple Crown winners, 8 Kentucky Derby winners and 8 Preakness winners. In 2013 Calumet launched and released small batch bourbon. To this day they still produce champion Thoroughbreds (2019 lead in total money won) and make great Bourbons 10yr Old Bourbon crafted in 50 barrel batches. Showcases the development of their traditional ‘high rye’ mash bill over time.
Tasting Profile:
Caramel
Toffee
Vanilla
Leather
Wood char
Toasted honey
Cinnamon
Oak
Soft baking spices
 
Cigar: Arturo Fuente: Don Carlos Belicoso

EP 4: Home Mixologist Series - Old Fashioned Mixers

In this episode MikeD and TI introduce the Home Mixologist Series. In the first of many we'll be discussing Old Fashioned ready made mixers. Great if you have a party where you want your guests to be able to mix their own Old Fashioned without all the steps. Also we will be discussing the much anticipated Big Smoke Meets Whiskey Fest! As we gear up to head down to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for a night of whiskey and cigars. We'll be giving the run down on which whiskeys we are going to sample! Plus we have a special whisky that was discussed in Episode 3!
 
Brenne:
History: Distillery located in Cognac, France. The world’s first single malt aged exclusively in both new French Limousin Oak barrels and Cognac casks. Founded by Allison Parc who had a dream to make a great single malt. She is from a third generation Cognac family in the heart of the Cognac region. Using her family's farm-distillery.
 
Tasting Profile:
Orange
Almonds
Blueberry
Hibiscus
Oak
Anise
Chocolate
Floral
Honey
 
 
Stillhouse Black Bourbon:
History: The idea started in 2014 by Brad Beckerman out of Tenn. Wanted to break the normal tradition of whiskey making. Distilled from unknown locations in Virginia and Kentucky.  Done in traditional copper pots then charcoal filtered. The Black Bourbon added the extra step to filter through coffee beans as well. 
 
 
Proof Old Fashioned Traditional
 
Stirrings Simple Old Fashioned Cocktail Mix
 
Bittermilk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned
 
My Father Cigar Fonseca
 
 
 
 

EP 3: Scotch - Let’s talk single malts

In this episode MikeD and TI discuss single malt Scotch! We touch on some interesting takes of single malt Scotch whisky. First up we have The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve then the Glenfiddich 12 year Amontillado Sherry Cask and finish with The Macallan 12 year Double Cask.
 
The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve:
History: George Smith started learning his craft of distilling whisky in 1822. The Glenlivet distillery was created in 1824 by Geroge Smith and his son John Smith. By 1839 they were producing 200 gallons a week.  The Glenlivet name is a Gaelic name meaning is Valley of the smooth flowing one.
 
Taste Profile:
Apple
Mandarin
Toffee
Mint
Pear
Vanilla
Banana
Cinnamon
Melon
 
Glenfiddich 12 year Amontillado Sherry Cask:
History: In 1886 William Grant had a dream to build his own Distillery with his family, they did this stone by stone.. They started producing in 1887. Still to this day, run by the Grant Family.  The Glenfiddich name is Gaelic meaning is Valley of the Deer.
 
Taste Profile:
Sweet
Fruit
Oak
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Hits of Baked Apple
 
The Macallan 12 year Double Cask:
History: Founded by Alexander Reid in 1824 (he was a barley farmer and school teacher). It was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed.  Macallan means ‘son of a handsome man’.
 
Taste Profile:
Orange
Citrus
Caramel
Vanilla
Oak
Spicy
Cherry
Sweet Sherry
 
Cigar - Crazy Alice

EP 2: Battle of the Ryes

In this episode MikeD and TI do a battle of the ryes! Truly a battle between legacy distillers and new age distillery with this one. Join us as we taste and give our opinions on Old Forester Rye, Michter's Single Barrel Straight Rye and Milam & Greene Port Wine Cask Rye.
 
 
Old Forester Rye:
 
History: Part of the Whisky Row collection in Kentucky, Old Forester has about as much tradition as you can get in a Bourbon. It is a single brand of Bourbon that has been continuously available for 145 years — most of that time from the same family of craftsmen at the same distillery. Interestingly, it was the first Bourbon to be available exclusively in sealed glass bottles. Back in the day, the barrels were certified by a doctor (Dr. Forester) as a drinkable whiskey and was prescribed to his patients.
 
Taste Profile:RyeSpicyPepperBrown SugarChestnutDillApplePine
 
Michter's Single Barrel Straight Rye:
 
History: This is also part of the Whisky Row collection in Kentucky. The Whiskey recipe dates from 1753. That’s when John Shenk founded Shenk’s Whiskey in Pennsylvania. It was America’s first production distillery from before America was a country. In fact, it is said that George Washington himself set out from nearby Valley Forge and personally requisitioned casks for his soldiers wintering there. The company has gone through several name changes and eventually moved to Kentucky. Now, more than 260 years later, they still do it the right way, producing a range of American Whiskeys.
 
Taste Profile:RyeSpicyPepperButterscotchMarmaladePortGrain
 
Milam & Greene Port Wine Cask Rye:
 
History: This is a woman owned distillery out of Texas. The entrepreneur Marsha Milam visited a Kentucky warehouse and fell in love with the elusive art of Whiskey-making. She partnered with some of the world’s best Whiskey professionals: Whiskey expert and author Heather Greene, Whiskey veteran Marlene Holmes with 30 years of experience, and Master Brewer Jordan Osborne who brought 60 years of combined experience to the table. They have both smaller 300-gallon and a bigger 1,000-gallon copper-pot stills in the Texas Hill Country, plus classic column stills in Bardstown, Kentucky. They use their proprietary yeast and grain recipes and age their juice across 4 states to ensure a variety of flavors.
 
Taste Profile:CinnamonChocolateFruitBlackberrySweetWarm
 
Cigars - Leaf by Oscar
 

EP 1: Whisky From Down Under

In this episode MikeD and TI discuss three whiskys from the New World Whisky Distillery out of Melbourne Australia. Join us as we taste and give our opinions on Starward Nova, Two Folds and Solera.
 
Starward Whiskey Pack
 
Starward Nova Whisky
Appearance / Color: Reddish hue
Nose / Aroma / Smell: A wonderful concoction of dried and tropical fruits followed by complex Wine notes and a spicy-sweet dance.
Flavor / Taste / Palate: The palate is ruled by red fruits, accompanied by fresh oak spice and Red Wine influence.
Finish: Savory and dry finish with oaky notes.
 
Starward Two-Fold Double Grain Whisky
Appearance / Color: Warm Amber
Nose / Aroma / Smell: On the nose you’ll find lush fruit aromas combined with toffee notes.
Flavor / Taste / Palate: The palate is adorned with Wine influenced flavors like Fuji apple, roasted pineapple, berry compote, and old wood.
Finish: The finish is medium-length and lightly dry.
 
Starward Solera Malt Whisky
Appearance / Color: Orange
Nose / Aroma / Smell: Sherry, rich caramel, and toasted almonds.
Flavor / Taste / Palate: Rich and well-balanced with toasted oak, black currants, and dried fig.
Finish: Long with a hint of milk chocolate.