Great American Whiskey Cookers
Welcome to The Great American Whiskey Cookers, your exclusive pass to the world of craft distilling. Join us on this captivating video series and podcast as we venture behind the curtain with America's finest distillers. Get ready to meet the passionate souls who work the stills, discover the exquisite spirits they craft, and uncover the rich stories that embody America's liquid heritage.Ā
Friday Tasting - MB Roland Dark Fired Kentucky Straight Bourbon | An Unexpected Whiskey Gemd Episode
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Sometimes life just happens, and sometimes it puts an unexpected bottle of whiskey in your hands!
Instead of a Friday Blind Tasting, weāre bringing you a special distillery tasting from MB Roland Distillery in Pembroke, Kentucky. Paul and Merry Beth walk us through their Dark Fired Kentucky Straight Bourbon, bottled at an impressive 104.5 proof.
This was a whiskey I wasnāt expecting, and that made the tasting even more fun. We dig into the story, the flavor, and what makes this Dark Fired Bourbon stand out.
š ListenĀ and hear why...
Old Monroe Distillery - Custom Char Level | How Barrel Char Changes Whiskey
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What happens when you create your own char level?
When we sat down with Adam Stumpf at Old Monroe Distilling, we had to talk about one of the most importantāand often overlookedāparts of whiskey production: barrel char.
Adam gives us some insight into the custom char level Old Monroe is using, why they chose it, and what theyāre trying to accomplish with their barrels.
For whiskey geeks, this is the kind of behind-the-scenes detail that can make a big difference in the final spirit...
Episode #148 - Where Farming Meets Whiskey: The Origin Story of Whiskey Acres Distillery
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Farming and distilling have gone hand in hand for generations. But when a multi-generational family farm takes that tradition one step further and turns its own grain into whiskey, we take notice.
On this episode, we introduce you to Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. in DeKalb, Illinoisāa true farm-to-glass distillery with deep agricultural roots and a story that goes back generations.
From growing the grain to distilling the whiskey, Whiskey Acres brings the connection between farming, family, and craft whiskey full circle.
Join us as we explore the origin st...
Friday Blind Tasting - Glenns Creek Flippin the Bird & Glenns Creek Experimental Heirloom Blend
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Two whiskeys. One blind tasting. Zero idea whatās in the glass!
This Fridayās Blind Tasting Challenge features Glenns Creek Flippinā the Bird & Heirloom Blend, courtesy of Patreon supporter Dan Tuuri, who brought these bottles back from one of his travels.
Weāre always up for trying a whiskey we havenāt tasted beforeāand a blind tasting makes it even more interesting.
How do these Glenns Creek whiskeys stack up? Are they hidden gems, or will they leave us wanting more?
š Listen to the tasting and see what we rea...
Friday Blind Tasting Challenge | Striped Pig Single Barrel Bourbon
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Under the box this week is Striped Pig Single Barrel Bourbon from Charleston, South Carolinaāa whiskey weāve never tasted and, honestly, had never even heard of before.
That makes this a true blind tasting. No label. No expectations. Just the whiskey in the glass.
So, does this single barrel bourbon surprise us? Is it a hidden gem worth hunting down, or does it miss the mark?
š Listen to the episode and find out what we really think!
Episode #147 - Rush Creek Distillery | Tasting the Cask Strength Rye
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Christmas candy, cinnamon red hots, and butterscotchāthis rye brings the flavor!
Rush Creekās Cask Strength Rye Whiskey delivers big flavor and plenty of proof, but surprisingly, it doesnāt drink as hot as you might expect.
With notes of cinnamon candy, butterscotch, spice, and a long finish, this is a full-flavored rye whiskey that really stands out.
The catch? Itās not widely distributed and may be one you can only find at the Rush Creek Distillery. And if you'r...
Friday Blind Tasting - Huling Station Bourbon | Can This Tennessee Bourbon Win Us Over?
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š„ Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back!
This week, we put Huling Station Bourbon from Tennessee under the box for a true blind tasting.
Weāre going in without seeing the label, so the only thing that matters is whatās in the glass. Will this Tennessee bourbon win us over and earn a spot on the shelfāor will it miss the mark?
š Listen to the episode to hear our honest reactions, tasting notes, and final verdict!
Episode #146 - Dueling Grounds Distillery | Let's talk Distillery Production
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What really goes into distillery production?
Every distillery has its own approach to making whiskey. From fermentation and mashing to distillation, cuts, and barrel selection, there are countless variables that can shape the final spirit.
In this episode, we sit down with Robby and Mark at Dueling Grounds Distillery in Franklin, Kentucky, for a deep dive into the production process.
If you're a whiskey geek, craft distillery fan, or simply curious about how bourbon is made, this episode gets into the production details you don't always hear about.
š Lis...
Can an Unknown Bourbon Beat Old Fitzgerald? | Friday Double Blind Tasting
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Old Fitzgerald vs. an Unknown BourbonāWho Wins the Double Blind?
This Fridayās Blind Tasting Challenge puts a familiar name head-to-head with a bourbon you may have never heard of.
š„ Old Fitzgerald 7 Year ā a well-known whiskey with plenty of fans.
š„ Unrestricted Bourbon ā the wildcard that flies under the radar.
But this isn't just a blind tastingāitās a double blind. No labels, no expectations, and no idea which bourbon is in the glass.
Which one comes out on top?
š Youāll have to listen to find out!
Episode #145 - Pursuit Spirits | The Art & Science of Bourbon Blending
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š„ What really goes into blending a great bourbon?
In this episode, weāre in Louisville, Kentucky, sitting down with Ryan Cecil and Kenny Coleman of Pursuit Spirits for an inside look at the art and science of bourbon blending.
Blending is about much more than putting different barrels together. Ryan and Kenny give us some behind-the-scenes insight into how they approach selecting barrels, developing flavor profiles, and creating the final whiskey that goes into the bottle.
If youāve ever wondered how bourbon blenders turn individual barrels into a...
Friday Blind Tasting Challenge | Sweet Georgia Brown
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Under the box this week is Sweet Georgia Brown Wheated Bourbon from Legends Distillery in Cumming, Georgia.
Weāve never tasted it blind, so there are no labels, expectations, or preconceived opinionsājust honest reactions and tasting notes.
Will this Georgia wheated bourbon surprise us and earn a spot on the shelf?
š Listen to the episode to find out!
Episode #144 - From Barrel to Bottle | The Hidden Work at Sideshow Spirits
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š„ What happens after the whiskey is made?
We spend a lot of time talking about distilling, aging, barrels, and tastingābut what happens when the whiskey is ready for the bottle?
At Sideshow Spirits in Lincoln, Nebraska, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the often-overlooked world of bottling, labeling, boxing, and packaging craft spirits.
From filling the bottles to getting them shelf-ready, thereās a lot more work involved than most whiskey fans ever see.
š Join us inside Sideshow Spirits and discover what it really takes to g...
Episode #143 - Iowa Legendary Rye | Tasting Red Label
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š„ What if one of Iowa's most legendary whiskey recipes traces back to the Prohibition era?
Back in Carroll, Iowa, we sit down for a guided tasting of Iowa Legendary Rye ā Red Label with the grandson of the family's original bootlegger. He shares the history behind a rye whiskey recipe that has been passed down through generations, rooted in Iowa's rich farming tradition.
Made from grain grown in Iowa's fertile fields, this rye carries a fascinating legacyāand local lore even says it was a favorite of Al Capone.
How...
Friday Blind Tasting Challenge | Thornton ASM vs. Cedar Ridge ASM
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š„ Friday Blind Tasting Challenge: American Single Malt Showdown!
This week, we put two outstanding American Single Malts head-to-head in a true blind tasting.
š„ In one corner: Cedar Ridge American Single Maltāan established favorite.
š„ In the other: Thornton American Single Maltāthe rising challenger.
No labels. No bias. Just honest reactions, tasting notes, and one big question:
Which American Single Malt comes out on top?
š Don't miss this battle between two exceptional craft distilleriesāyou might be surprised by the winner.
Episode #142 - Black Band Distillery | The Still Room "Why Black Band Distillery Is Every Whiskey Nerd's Hidden Gem"
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The best craft distilleries don't chase trendsāthey build them into every bottle.
At Black Band Distillery in Peoria, Illinois, being Certified Organic and Certified Kosher isn't reserved for a special releaseāit's simply how they make whiskey every day.
From sourcing ingredients to controlling the grain milling process, every step of production is intentional. Nothing is left to chance. It's a level of precision and craftsmanship that speaks to Black Band's commitment to producing exceptional whiskey rather than chasing marketing headlines.
If you're the kind of whiskey fan who...
Friday Blind Tasting | Driftless Glen 10 Year Bourbon
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Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is here, and this week's bottle is a big one.
Under the box is Driftless Glen's brand-new 10-Year Bourbon, a milestone release that marks a major achievement for one of America's standout craft distilleries.
Reaching the 10-year mark is no small feat in the craft whiskey world. But does this long-aged bourbon live up to the anticipation?
No labels. No bias. Just honest reactions, real tasting notes, and one question:
Is Driftless Glen's 10-Year Bourbon worth the wait?
š Listen now to see if thi...
Friday Blind Tasting Challenge | Black Band Wheated Cask Strength
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š„ Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is heating up!
This week, we put Black Band Wheated Cask Strength Bourbon under the box for a true blind tasting.
Cask strength bourbons aren't for everyone. With bold proof and intense flavor, they can be unforgettableāor overwhelming. So, how does this wheated cask strength bourbon stack up with the guys?
No labels. No preconceived opinions. Just honest reactions, real tasting notes, and one question:
Is Black Band's Wheated Cask Strength Bourbon worth the pour?
š Be sure to watch until the end to learn...
Episode #141 - Thornton Distilling Co. | Our Distillation is Deliberate
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š„ Great whiskey doesn't happen by accident, it starts in the still.
Every master distiller has a philosophy behind the way they craft their spirits. From fermentation to making precise cuts, every decision influences the final flavor in the glass.
In this episode, Master Distiller Ari Klafter takes us behind the scenes to explain his approach to distillation, sharing the techniques, decisions, and craftsmanship that shape every bottle he produces.
If you've ever wondered how great whiskey is really made, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
š Listen...
Episode #140 - Black Band Distillery's Flagship Bourbon | Guided Tasting & Review
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In this episode, Black Band Distillery Brand Ambassador Tate Ulm takes us through a guided tasting of their Flagship Bourbon Whiskey, sharing the story behind the bottle, its flavor profile, mash bill, aging process, and what makes it the signature expression of the distillery.
Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just discovering craft whiskey, this tasting offers an inside look at the craftsmanship and attention to detail that go into every pour.
š Join us as we explore the flavors, aromas, and history behind Black Band Distillery's Flagship Bourbon and see...
Friday Blind Tasting Challenge | Striped Pig Double Barrel
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This week, we put Striped Pig Double Barrel Bourbon Whiskey under the box for the very first time.
We've never tasted this bourbon before, so we're going in with no expectationsājust honest reactions, real tasting notes, and one big question:
Does Striped Pig Double Barrel Bourbon deserve a spot on our shelf?
No labels. No bias. Just a true blind tasting to see if this craft double barrel bourbon can impress the guys.
š Don't leave early! Stick around until the end to find out how to enter our w...
Episode #139 - Black Band Distillery | Reviving Peoria's Whiskey Legacy
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š„ Did you know Peoria, Illinois was once known as the Whiskey Capital of the World?
Before Prohibition, Peoria was home to one of the largest whiskey industries in America. While those glory days faded after Prohibition, one craft distillery is working to bring that rich whiskey heritage back.
Enter Black Band Distillery.
During our visit, we discovered a distillery that's passionate about quality, innovation, and honoring Peoria's historic place in American whiskey. After tasting their lineup, it's clear they're not just preserving historyāthey're creating a new c...
Friday Blind Tasting Challenge | Brickway Rye Whiskey
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š„ Friday Blind Tasting Challenge!
This week, we put Brickway Distillery's Rye Whiskey under the box for an honest, no-label blind tasting.
Rye whiskey is one of the most debated spirits in the whiskey world. Some love its bold spice and complexity, while others stick with bourbon. So where will Jeff, Wes, and the crew land on this craft rye?
No labels. No preconceived opinions. Just real reactions, tasting notes, and the final verdict.
š Be sure to watch until the end to learn how you can enter...
Episode #138 - StilL 630 Distillery | Tasting Maple Sunset Rye
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š„ One of the best parts of visiting a craft distillery is discovering expressions you can't find just anywhere.
With so many unique whiskeys to choose from at StilL 630 Distillery, it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, Dave Weglarz guided us through one of his favoritesāthe Maple Sunset Rye.
š Listen now for a guided tasting of StilL 630's Maple Sunset Rye and discover why this innovative craft whiskey is turning heads.
Friday Blind Tasting Challenge | Brickway Double Barrel Bourbon
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š„ This week, Jeff and Wes put Brickway Double Barrel Bourbon to the test in a true blind tasting.
We're both fans of double barrel bourbons, so the expectations are high. But when the label disappears, can Brickway still stand out against some of our favorite pours?
No branding. No bias. Just honest reactions, real tasting notes, and one simple question:
Is Brickway Double Barrel Bourbon worth adding to your shelf?
Episode #137 - Blaum Bros. | Tasting Knotter Bourbon
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š„ Getting to taste a bourbon unicorn never gets old.
During our visit to Blaum Bros. Distillery, Matt and Mike surprised us by pulling out a bottle of their Original Knotter Bourbonāa bottle that's become a true bourbon unicorn and is nearly impossible to find today.
Opportunities like this don't come around often, so we couldn't pass up the chance to taste this rare pour and see how it holds up.
Is the Original Knotter Bourbon worthy of its legendary status? We share our honest tasting notes, first impressions, and w...
Father's Day Special Blind Tasting - My Dad's Legacy & Mesquite Smoke
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After losing my father, I found solace helping my mom. Evenings led us to a local distillery, revealing a community built on shared moments and open learning. The unique smoky flavors explained it all.Ā
Episode #136 - Grandpa Al's Legacy Lives On in This Whiskey | Tasting Wildcat Distillery - Tillmans Whiskey
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š„ Every great whiskey has a storyāand sometimes that story starts in a farm field generations ago.
One of our favorite things is discovering how a whiskey got its name. At Wildcat Distillery, their Tillman's Whiskey is more than just a bottleāit's a tribute to family legacy.
Named after their Grandpa Al, the original Wildcat Tillman who first planted the grain that would become part of the family's story, this whiskey honors the hard work, perseverance, and farming heritage that helped make it all possible.
It's a reminder that gr...
Father's Day Special Blind Tasting - This pour is for my dad.
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This pour is for my dad. He wasn't a huge bourbon fan, but he always tried the whiskeys I brought home. A tribute to a father's simple pleasures. Remembering his favorite Crown Royal and Coke, a bond shared through a familiar sip. Cherishing memories, one glass at a time.
Episode #135 - How a Custom Still Mix-Up Became a Happy Accident at Lonely Oak Distillery
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š„ Sometimes the best things in whiskey happen by accident.
You don't just order a custom still and have it show up next week. Building a distillery still can take monthsāor even years. And when projects stretch that long, mistakes can happen.
That's exactly what happened at Lonely Oak Distillery.
What started as a mix-up during the still-building process resulted in a unique combination of stainless steel and copper that wasn't exactly what was ordered... but turned out to be a happy accident.
The story behind how their still...
Friday Blind Tasting | Shortbarrel Straight Rye Whiskey & Bees Knees
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š„ One blind tasting turned into two.
On this Friday Blind Tasting Challenge, we put Shortbarrel Straight Rye Whiskey under the box expecting one reviewābut the conversation quickly led us down the rabbit hole to another Shortbarrel expression: Bees Knees.
From rye spice to honey-finished sweetness, these bottles sparked plenty of debate, comparisons, and whiskey geek talk.
Which one came out on top? And are either worth hunting down?
š Listen now for our honest reactions, tasting notes, and a surprising two-for-one whiskey review
Episode #133 - A Journey to Wildcat Distilling Co. | A Generational Farm
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š„ From Iowa farmland to the whiskey glass.
At Wildcat Distilling Co. in Webster City, Iowa, a brother-and-sister team, alongside their spouses, are carrying on a tradition as old as America itself. They plant the corn, harvest the crop, and then transform it into handcrafted whiskey.
This is true farm-to-bottle whiskeyāwhere the people growing the grain are the same people making the spirit.
Join us as we explore how this Iowa farm family turns corn into something greater than the sum of it...
Episode #134 - Wildcat Distilling Co. | Tasting Wildcat's first Bourbon...from the barrel
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š„ Every new distillery faces the same question: Source whiskey, bottle it young, or wait until it's truly ready?
At Wildcat Distilling in Webster City, Iowa, they chose patience.
Rather than rush a bourbon to market, they waited for their own whiskey to matureāand now their first-ever bourbon is finally ready.
We got a rare opportunity to taste this farm-to-bottle Iowa bourbon straight from the barrel before it was bottled and released to the public.
Was the wait worth it?
š L...
Friday Blind Tasting | StilL630 Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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This week, we put StilL630 Whiskey under the box and put our palates to the test. Jeff is joined by the Big Human and Wes for a true blind tastingāno labels, no preconceived opinions.
We were big fans when we visited the distillery and tasted it firsthand. But does it still impress when we don't know what's in the glass?
š Listen now to see our honest reactions, tasting notes, and whether Still 630's craft whiskey holds up in a blind tasting.
Friday Blind Tasting | Kings Family 10 year Bourbon
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Itās Friday, and that means blind tasting time. Today under the box it turns out to be a Kings Family 10 year Bourbon. Friend of the show, Wes joins me on this blind tasting, so check it out and see what we think.
Episode #132 - Rush Creek Distillery | Tasting Honey Finished Bourbon
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š„ Honey-finished bourbon is having a momentāand we're here for it.
Barrel finishing has become one of the biggest trends in bourbon, and honey cask finishes are creating some seriously interesting pours.
So when we got the chance to try Rush Creek's Honey Finished Bourbon, we couldn't pass it up.
Did the honey influence add the perfect touch of sweetness and complexity, or does it overpower the bourbon? We dive into the aromas, flavors, and finish to find out.
š Listen now for our tasting notes and see if this cra...
Episode #131 - Old Glory Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey Review
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š„ No two single barrels are ever the sameāand thatās what makes them special.
At Old Glory Distilling Co., their Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey has become a regular release, giving whiskey fans a chance to experience the unique character each barrel brings.
From flavor differences to proof variations, every single barrel is its own experience.
In this episode, we crack open one of Old Gloryās single barrel Tennessee whiskey releases to see how it stacks up.
š Listen now for honest tasting notes, reactions, a...
Blind Tasting Challenge | Still Austin Single Barrel Straight Rye vs. Sazerac Rye 125 Proof
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Friday Blind Tasting Challenge: Craft vs. Big Bourbon.
This time, we put a Still Austin Single Barrel Straight Rye head-to-head against the bold new Sazerac Rye 125 Proof Rye.
One is a rising craft whiskey favorite. The other comes from one of the biggest names in bourbon and rye whiskey.
No labels. No bias. Just a true blind rye whiskey tasting to see which bottle comes out on top.
š Listen now for honest reactions, tasting notes, and the final verdict in this craft whiskey vs big...
Episode #130 - Old Louisville Whiskey Co. | Production is Production, it hasn't changed.
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Non-Distillery Producers have lots of choices. And one of those choices is do they ever want to distill their own product.Ā
In this episode, Amine Karaoud and Old Louisville Whiskey Co. has made the choice to rely on a heritage distiller who is making some great whiskey to supply his whiskey. Amine gives us his insights on why sourcing is a great way to build a business.
š Listen now for an inside look at the evolving world of craft whiskey and NDPs.
Friday Blind Tasting | Whiskey Acres Bloody Butcher Bourbon
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š„ Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back.
Under the box this time is Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. Bloody Butcher Bourbon, made with the increasingly popular Bloody Butcher corn, a heritage grain thatās gaining attention across the craft whiskey world.
More and more distilleries are experimenting with this unique red cornā¦ but how does it actually change the bourbon?
No labels. No expectations. Just an honest blind bourbon tasting to see what Whiskey Acres brings to the glass.
š Listen now for real reactions, tasting notes, and whethe...
Blind Tasting MB Roland Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey | Friday Whiskey Challenge
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š„ Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back. Under the box this time? MB Roland Distillery Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.
The Big Human and Wes jump in for a true blind rye whiskey tastingāno labels, no expectations, just honest reactions. Will this Kentucky straight rye stand outā¦ or get lost in the shuffle?
š Listen now for real-time reactions, tasting notes, and the final verdict.
