A Steady Pour

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 What happens when you stop building someone else's brand and decide to create your own? This week on A Steady Pour, we're joined by returning guest Trey Wade, former Chief Experience Curator at Blue Run Spirits and now founder of Divergent Spirits, to talk about his bold new chapter in the spirits industry. Trey takes us behind the scenes of launching his own brand, from investing in whiskey barrels years before he had a company to challenging industry norms with his distinctive 375ml bottles and philosophy of accessible luxury. We get an exclusive l...

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 The Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2026 has officially wrapped, but the pours, laughs, and debates are far from over! 🥃 The A Steady Pour crew is joined by Isaac from Isaac's Happy Corner and Will from WheatedWhiskey for an after-hours recap of a weekend filled with incredible whiskey and even better company. We're talking standout pours like Old Forester's Kentucky Boy, an unexpected favorite from O.H. Ingram, and a bold Angel's Envy expression that had some of us reconsidering our feelings about Amburana finishes. We also shine a spotlight on craft distilleries making noise, including Dark...

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Season 13 is here, and the fellas are back like we never left! 🥃

We're kicking things off with plenty of laughs, a few life updates, and some serious whiskey talk. We reflect on the highs, challenges, and unexpected drama surrounding our sold-out A Steady Pour x Mugen Spirits single barrel release, including some eye-opening secondary market prices. Then it's time to get down to business as we taste through three expressions from 1792, including their Small Batch, Straight Rye, and highly anticipated 15-Year Cask Strength. Do these new releases live up to...

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 In this special episode, we're joined by one of the most respected palates in American whiskey, Eboni Major. She takes us behind the scenes of her journey from food scientist and master blender to launching her own brand, Major Spirits, sharing the passion, precision, and purpose that drive every bottle she creates. We dive into the science of blending, the art of building unique whiskey experiences, and why she refuses to chase trends in an industry that's constantly evolving. Along the way, we taste through her newest releases, explore what makes each expression u...

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 Season 12 is in the books, and we're raising a glass to one unforgettable ride. In this finale episode, the crew looks back on some of the biggest moments from the season, from standout guests and memorable pours to barrel picks, whiskey events, and the experiences that continue to shape A Steady Pour. We revisit some of our favorite conversations, share behind-the-scenes stories, and reflect on what we've learned along the way. The discussion also dives into a milestone celebration that turned into a whiskey lover's dream, complete with rare pours, live music, and p...

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What happens when a scientist, conservationist, and whiskey enthusiast decides to launch her own whiskey brand? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dawn O'Neal, founder of New Dawn Distilling, to talk about her unconventional path into the whiskey world and the lessons she's learned building a brand from the ground up. From graduate school whiskey tastings and surprising first impressions of legendary bottles to creating a whiskey company rooted in sustainability and community, Dawn shares a perspective you don't hear often in the industry. We dive into what "craft whiskey" really...

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 The crew puts three Black Bourbon Run single barrel selections through a blind-style showdown, featuring pours ranging from "high proof" to "borderline hazmat." Along the way, the conversation dives into what experienced whiskey enthusiasts look for in a barrel pick, whether higher proof always means a better experience, and how flavor, complexity, and balance really stack up against each other. Expect plenty of laughs as tasting notes take unexpected turns, debates break out over what qualifies as a true "journey" in a whiskey, and one breakfast sandwich pairing nearly derails the entire episode. T...

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 What actually makes a whiskey “craft”? 🥃 This episode started with a pour of 13th Colony’s maple spiral-finished bourbon and rye… and somehow turned into one of our most spirited debates yet. The crew breaks down maple wood spirals, neck pours, proof points, rye spice battles, and whether these unique finishes actually work. Along the way, things get hilarious as terms like “air pour” and “perfectly cromulent” somehow become part of the whiskey vocabulary. 😂 But then the conversation takes a turn… What qualifies a distillery as “craft” in today’s whiskey world? Does sourcing disqualify you? Can bl...

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 MGP. Ross & Squibb. Luxco. Remus. Penelope. If you’ve ever been confused about how all these names connect in the whiskey world… this episode is for you. 🥃 This week, the crew sits down with Ross & Squibb Master Distiller Ian Stirsman for a deep dive into the world behind some of the most talked-about whiskey brands on the shelf. Ian breaks down how a chemical engineer ended up becoming one of the youngest master distillers in the game, what really goes into blending and barrel selection, and why Indiana whiskey deserves way more respect than it...

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 This episode starts off light but quickly turns into one of those “wait… is this really good? or are we being sold on hype?” whiskey conversations. The crew cracks open two very different pours—one that looks the part but doesn’t quite deliver, and another that has everyone rethinking value vs. hype. From brutally honest ratings to hilarious analogies, they break down what makes a bottle worth your time—and what definitely isn’t. Then things take a turn as they dive into one of the most talked-about trends in whiskey right now: “Buff Turk...

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 ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in February 2026. Since then, Bardstown Bourbon Co. has publicly responded, denying all allegations and stating they intend to defend themselves in court. Pete Marino remains named in the lawsuit but has stepped down from his leadership role, which the company states is unrelated. We will continue to follow and provide updates as more information becomes available. This week, the crew taps into something heavier than your usual pour, breaking down one of the biggest controversies shaking the whiskey world right now. From shocking allegations tied to one of bourb...

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 What happens when a whiskey content creator pulls up and keeps it all the way real? In this episode, the crew is joined by Isaac from Isack’s Happy Corner, and what starts as a laid-back conversation quickly turns into a deep dive into the whiskey game, both in the glass and behind the scenes. From his journey into whiskey and the meaning behind “Happy Corner,” to navigating brand deals without losing authenticity, Isaac doesn’t hold back. They get into the unspoken rules of whiskey social media calling out fake reviews, influencers chasing f...

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 Rare Character night got real… fast The crew lines up three unique pours, from a complex, aged blend to a fresh single barrel pick and a highly anticipated release and things quickly turn into a full-on debate. What starts as excitement turns into disagreements over flavor, proof, and what actually makes a pour “great.” Along the way, they break down tasting notes, call each other out on past takes, and even revisit a controversial opinion that had to be corrected on air. But it’s not just about the whiskey, there’s talk about indus...

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 New season, same energy but this time, the crew is leveling up. From wild “dry January” confessions to being back outside at exclusive tastings and hidden cocktail experiences, the fellas recap a month that clearly didn’t stay dry for long. They tap into high-end NYC mixology, where drinks are curated like art (and priced like it too), and debate whether “fancy juice” can really compete with whiskey. Along the way, they share stories from rare industry events, unexpected celebrity encounters, and how connections in the whiskey world can open some serious doors. Then things...

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They’re closing out 2025 and stepping into 2026 with pure Steady Pour energy: jokes flying, glasses clinking, and a real reflection on how much the brand leveled up this year. The crew talks about how the podcast and events grew from “this is scary” to “we’re really built for this,” and they highlight the moments that made 2025 feel like a true expansion year. Tony gets put on the hot seat for his most memorable “single barrel curation” (and yes, the story comes with classic family chaos). They also revisit some of the biggest experiences that...

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 The crew rings in the holidays the only way they know how—with whiskey, jokes, and a full-on Secret Santa bottle exchange. 🎄🥃 From unexpected gifts and heavy hitters to playful trash talk and instant temptation to crack bottles on the spot, the vibes are festive and unfiltered. They revisit their go-to holiday pour tradition, debating how certain seasonal releases hit differently year to year and why some bottles never make it past Thanksgiving. Along the way, they talk gift-giving wins and fails for whiskey lovers, overrated accessories, and the unspoken rules of bringing bottles t...

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 The fellas sit down with Wendy Peveich, founder and blender of Archer Eland, for a conversation that’s part whiskey tasting, part life masterclass. She breaks down her journey from healthcare to whiskey, why rye deserves more respect, and how “single barrel curation” is more than just picking a good barrel. The crew works through multiple rye expressions that challenge everything you think rye is supposed to taste like, sparking real debate at the table. Along the way, Wendy opens up about risk, faith, grief, confidence, and what it really takes to build a brand...

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 The crew is back at the table talking bottles, budgets, FOMO, and how their whiskey-buying habits have evolved since Season 1, when nobody dared spend over $50. From the overwhelming wave of new releases hitting shelves to the psychology of chasing hype, the guys break down what really makes a bottle worth the buy. They get honest about guardrails, dealing with the “whiskey glut,” and why a $30 bar pour might save you from a $300 mistake. Then they dive into something surprising: a brand-new release from Maker’s Mark, their first new mashbill in over 70 years. The fel...

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 The crew is back at the table with a special guest: Frank, aka Boricua Bourbon Cigar Journey, a man with over 100 whiskey samples, custom labels, and enough honey-finished bottles to turn Winnie the Pooh into a whiskey drinker. 🐝🥃 Together, they dive into a full lineup of honey-finished bourbons and ryes  (Short Barrel, Blue Note, and more) comparing notes, debating textures, and discovering which pours really buzz. As the guys sip through each bottle, the conversation flows into whiskey habits, sample-hoarding confessionals, Puerto Rican pride, and how cigars and bourbon became Frank’s perfect pairing. T...

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 The crew is back at the table with three new pours from Starlight Distillery, and things heat up fast... literally. They kick off with the Mizunara Finish Bourbon, a bold pour that sparks debate over flavor vs. fire, before moving to the Double Oaked, where caramel, brown sugar, and “toasted cookie vibes” smooth things out. Finally, the team uncorks Starlight’s first-ever 10-Year Bourbon, and let’s just say the nose alone had everyone saying it “smells like hope.” From sandalwood surprises to “Charizard-level” heat references, the conversation flows with laughs, honest ratings, and a little frie...

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 The crew takes A Steady Pour on the road to Lynchburg, Tennessee for an exclusive barrel-picking experience at Jack Daniel’s Distillery with Byron Copeland, the brand’s barrel maturation manager and master taster, and special guest OJ Lima of Taste Select Repeat. From behind-the-scenes access to the charcoal mellowing process to learning about “tylosis” (yep, it’s a thing), the guys get a firsthand look at what makes Jack Daniel’s whiskey truly Tennessee. Byron opens up about his journey from the cooperage floor to becoming a master taster, shares how the Nearest & Jac...

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The crew is back with a true 107 wheated blind battle – Weller Antique 107, Bardstown Wheat Origin Series, and Seelbach's Wheated all in the mix, but nobody knows what’s what. A third party set the lineup, so you get real reactions as the guys break down the noses, palates, and finishes and find out which pour really stands out. Along the way, they get honest about bottle habits: are you Team “Crack It Open Now” or Team “Unopened Trophy Shelf”? They swap stories about consignment centers (aka friends’ houses stacked with your bottles), brok...

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 The crew is back at the table, warming up with “hit ’em with the shoulders” and cracking open a special media sample from Four Roses. We pour up their latest limited edition release and talk through how it hits our palates, where it lands in the Four Roses lineup, and why this brand is tied to our own whiskey journeys. From there, we shift into a real conversation about the Uncle Nearest lawsuit – what we’re hearing, what we don’t know yet, and how it feels watching a Black-owned whiskey giant navigate public strugg...

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 The crew goes back on the road to Louisville for Black Bourbon Run 6 and they brought the mics with them. Joined by the architect of BBR himself, Paul aka Black Bourbon Maverick, this episode dives into the growth of the BBR experience, the strategy behind curating distillery visits and barrel picks, and the importance of building a whiskey community rooted in intention, inclusion, and vibes. From the evolution of event planning and merch drops to legendary moments like the Utopia Bottle Share and karaoke under the stars, this one captures what makes BBR m...

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The crew hit the road for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and brought the mics with them. What started as a travel nightmare turned into a weekend packed with top-tier whiskey, deep convos, unexpected laughs, and unforgettable connections. From pulling up to Blue Run’s pool party straight from the airport to sipping rare pours from Dark Arts, Old Louisville, and Preservation, the team recaps all the chaos, community, and craft.

You’ll hear reflections on navigating the festival as media for the first time, interviews with distillers like Eastern Light and That...

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 In Season 11, Episode 1 of A Steady Pour, the crew kicks off the season by diving into high-proof HazMat bourbons from Mugen Spirits, featuring Yokai and its sister barrels curated by Kojin Tashiro. From floral gardens to fruit-forward notes, they explore how each barrel delivers unique flavors while balancing proof and approachability. The hosts share their live tasting experiences with both new whiskey drinkers and seasoned collectors, debating palates, comparing flavors, and even drawing fun parallels to 90s hip-hop and R&B. Learn the story behind t...

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 In this second part of the season finale, we dive deeper into the journey of James Saunders, founder of New England Barrel Co. James talks about his pivot from the tech world to whiskey entrepreneurship, revealing how his passion for whiskey led him to start his own company and make a mark in the industry. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of barrel picking, the importance of craftsmanship in whiskey, and his respect for the artistry of blending. From discussing his unique process of selecting barrels to his views on finishing techniques, James provides valuable i...

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 In this episode of A Steady Pour Podcast, the crew heads to the barbershop for an exciting conversation with James Saunders, the founder of New England Barrel Co. James shares the journey of starting his whiskey company, from his early passion for whiskey to making the leap from a successful career in IT to full-time entrepreneurship. He opens up about the challenges of sourcing barrels, his approach to blending, and the importance of building a strong business foundation. The discussion touches on the nuances of whiskey pricing, the unique complexities of the industry, a...

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 In this episode of A Steady Pour Podcast, the crew circles back to Uncle Nearest for the third time, this time reviewing their Anniversary Blend, the 777. With a bold 121 proof, the team dives into the whiskey’s intense character and what sets it apart from previous offerings. They reflect on Uncle Nearest’s rich history, highlighting its significant ties to the world of whiskey and the impact of its legacy. The crew discusses how this high-proof blend stands up to the other bottles in the lineup and how they seem themselves enjoying it. Tune...

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 In this episode of A Steady Pour Podcast, the crew welcomes David Thomas-Tao, a whiskey expert and Kentucky Colonel, who brings his wealth of knowledge about spirits, writing, and entertainment. David shares his journey from growing up in Bardstown, Kentucky—whiskey capital of the world—to becoming a respected voice in the whiskey industry. The discussion dives deep into David's career, his love for bourbon, and how he became a writer and reviewer. From his first taste of sour mash as a kid to his professional journey of reviewing whiskey, David reflects on the e...

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 In this episode of A Steady Pour Podcast, the crew dives into three whiskey reviews, courtesy of Seelbach’s private reserve collection. Drew, Calvin, Tony, and Darius discuss the nuances of each bottle, highlighting the craft distilleries behind them and the evolving whiskey journey they’re on. The guys talk about their personal experiences moving from mainstream bourbons to craft whiskeys, with an appreciation for Seelbach’s curated selection of single barrels and blends. They review an 8-year-old cast strength bourbon, a 10-year-old bourbon, and the unique Pride of Indiana blend that combines 17-year-o...

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In this episode of A Steady Pour Podcast, the crew welcomes Emiliano Chalchiuhtohtli Angel Guajardo from Still Austin, a rising star in Texas whiskey. Emiliano shares his unique journey from the world of education to the distilling industry, including his time at Treaty Oak and his current work at Still Austin. We dive deep into the creative processes behind Still Austin’s products, particularly their signature use of different types of corn and their innovative barrel finishes.

The conversation takes us through Emiliano’s passion for blending whiskey and his approach to c...

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 In this episode of A Steady Pour Podcast, the crew is excited to explore two offerings from the rapidly growing Still Austin whiskey brand – their Tanager Cigar Batch and a Single Barrel Rye. They dive into the brand’s rise in popularity, including some innovative marketing tactics like the viral "fill your own bottle" event. The hosts also discuss the intriguing concept behind Still Austin’s unique blends and their creative approach to whiskey-making. Tune in to hear the crew’s candid thoughts on both expressions, as they explore whether Still Austin’s products li...

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 In this episode of A Steady Pour Podcast, the crew dives into a review of the Sneakerhead Blend, a special release from 2XO, which features a bourbon finished in Muscatel wine casks and a rye aged in Amburana and Sherry casks. Brought to the table by Tony, they discuss the story behind the blend and its connection to sneaker culture. The team shares their thoughts on the overall experience of the whiskey, touching on its complexity and how it stands out in the crowded world of whiskey. As they sip and reflect, the c...

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 In this episode of A Steady Pour Podcast, the crew reviews two unique whiskeys from the new brand, True Story, and dives into some interesting finishes. They explore the details behind the True Story Bourbon and Rye, both of which bring new twists with finishes in Muscatel and Amburana casks. The crew shares their initial thoughts on the flavors, aromas, and the intriguing journey these whiskeys take you on. While the bourbon brings subtle fruity notes, the rye stirs up some serious conversation with its bold Amburana finish. Is it a hit or m...

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 On this episode of A Steady Pour Podcast, the crew invites the talented J Jig Cicero to the show. As the songwriter and voice of the Podcast intro, the crew sat down with J to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the intro was made, hear how she got started in the game, and, of course, taste some whiskey. We also reviewed three distinct whiskeys, sharing our thoughts on each pour while exchanging some epic whiskey bars. Whether you're here for the music, the whiskey, or the conversation, this episode brings you the p...

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In this episode, the crew at A Steady Pour takes on the highly anticipated Penelope Havana, a bourbon finished in maple syrup and rum barrels. The hosts discuss the excitement surrounding this release, which combines elements of sweetness and complexity. They dive into the unique aspects of the Penelope Havana, comparing it to other finished bourbons they've tried, and explore how it fits into the broader world of sweet-finished whiskeys. The team debates its overall drinkability, with some finding it to be a perfect dessert pour while others feel it might not be...

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 Season 10 is here, and we’re kicking things off with big energy, bold pours, and fresh perspectives! In this episode, we dive into what’s in store for the season, including exciting new experiments, podcast goals, and community-building whiskey events. We also tackle the shifting whiskey landscape, from industry layoffs to the impact of health trends and changing consumer habits. But of course, no episode is complete without a pour, and this time, we’re reviewing a rare and highly-anticipated bottle from Rare Character—a blend of straight rye whiskies that had us breaking...

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In this exciting episode of A Steady Pour, the hosts celebrate the season with a look back at their favorite pours of the year and dive into a rare tasting experience with a 15-year-old Brook Hill bourbon from Rare Character. With lively banter and a bit of playful teasing, they explore the bourbon’s rich, complex profile, describing it as savory, refined, and reminiscent of a bold red wine.

As the crew reflects on the standout whiskey moments of the year, they share their top picks from all the pours reviewed in...

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 The holiday spirit takes center stage in this festive episode of A Steady Pour! The co-hosts—Drew, Calvin, Tony, and Darius—kick things off with a lively Secret Santa exchange, swapping thoughtful whiskey gifts that showcase their deep appreciation for one another's tastes. From rare bottles to exciting blends, the camaraderie is as rich as the spirits.

The team also discusses their annual traditions, including a curated Christmas playlist and the joys (and occasional struggles) of keeping holiday rituals alive, like the infamous Elf on the Shelf. Amid the laughs, they dive...