Best Cask Strength Podcasts (2025)

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The Rise of Kavalan: How Taiwan Became a Whisky Powerhouse! 48:19

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6d ago48:19

48:19

Join host Max in this exciting episode of WhiskyAngelz as he visits the Kavalan Distillery in Taiwan. Delve into the unique story behind this remarkable distillery, its innovative production methods, and the distinct qualities of its award-winning whisky. In conversation with David Chen, a representative from Kavalan, we explore: The rich history o…

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Frank August Small Batch Review — World’s Best Bourbon of 2025? 23:22

9h ago23:22

23:22

This week on Bourbon Bytes, Clifton reviews the Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon — recently crowned World’s Best Bourbon at the 2025 IWSC. At 100 proof and $70 retail, does this sleek decanter hold a whiskey worthy of the title, or is transparency (or lack thereof) its biggest flaw? Tune in for a full breakdown, tasting notes, and…

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Islay's Farm Distillery Celebrates 20 Years of Single Malts 43:01

2d ago43:01

43:01

Kilchoman Distillery marked its 20th anniversary in 2025, and founder Anthony Wills will be in the U.S. for a series of anniversary tastings this week. Before he left, he joined us for an in-depth interview covering everything from the distillery’s beginnings to the state of the whisky industry today. In the news, Scotch whisky industry leaders are…

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Weller Full Proof Review + 2025 Pappy Collection & Nintendo Direct Surprises 19:56

6d ago19:56

19:56

This week on Bourbon Bytes, Clifton reviews the 2025 Weller Full Proof Bourbon — a rich, wheated Buffalo Trace release bursting with fall bakery notes, buttery pie crust, and toasted vanilla. Does it live up to its hype (and price tag) compared to Weller 107 and other wheated bourbons? Tune in for the full breakdown and rating. Also in whiskey & ga…

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Charting a New Course for Compass Box 37:00

10d ago37:00

37:00

Angela D’Orazio is the new Creative Director of Whisky Making at Compass Box. She spent 17 years as master blender at Sweden’s Mackmyra Distillery, building a reputation for innovation and creativity. D’Orazio joins us this week on WhiskyCast In-Depth in one of her first interviews since joining Compass Box. In the news, Scottish leaders are hoping…

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Throwback Review: 2015 Parker's Heritage 8yr Malt Whiskey + Booker’s Tequila Finish & Heaven Hill’s Grain-to-Glass 18:08

13d ago18:08

18:08

This week on Bourbon Bytes, I take a deep dive into the 2015 Parker’s Heritage 8-Year Malt Whiskey - a rare and experimental Heaven Hill release that was way ahead of its time. How does it hold up nearly a decade later, and why didn’t Heaven Hill continue down the malt path? Also in whiskey news: 🥃 Booker’s The Reserves 2025 gets a bold tequila bar…

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On the Road at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival 48:21

17d ago48:21

48:21

This week, we’re in Bardstown, Kentucky for the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which brings together more than 6,000 whiskey lovers from around the world. We’ll hear from several of the master distillers on hand, including Maker’s Mark’s Dr. Blake Layfield and Craig Beam of Jackson Purchase Distillery. In the news, Heaven Hill officially dedicat…

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Compass Box Transatlanticism Review + Woodford’s First American Single Malt & Michter’s Big Win! 23:57

20d ago23:57

23:57

This week on Bourbon Bytes, I dive into the world of Scotch with a review of Compass Box’s Transatlanticism (2024 release) — a limited-edition blend crafted with help from whiskey reviewer T8ke and industry veteran Will Schragis. How does this $199 bottle stack up against Compass Box favorites like Orchard House and Glasgow Blend? Plus: 🥃 Woodford …

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Celebrating the Great Jim McEwan 52:36

24d ago52:36

52:36

As we continue our series leading up to the 20th anniversary of WhiskyCast in November, it’s important to celebrate the whisky legends who are still with us while they’re still around to receive our recognition. Jim McEwan retired from public life a couple of years ago after nearly 58 years in the whisky business, and he’s always been one of our fa…

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High West Bourye 2025 Review + Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged & Penelope Big LE Drops! 20:50

27d ago20:50

20:50

This week on Bourbon Bytes, I review the brand-new 2025 High West Bourye, the annual limited release blending straight bourbon and rye whiskey. How does this year’s edition stack up against past favorites, and is it worth the hunt? Plus, big whiskey headlines: Maker’s Mark brings back its Cellar Aged Bourbon, High West launches its first Bottled-in…

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NFL 2025 Preview 1:06:43

28d ago1:06:43

1:06:43

This week we are all trying something individual. Whatever we want to drink while we talk. This time it's not really about what we are drinking, but what we are talking about. This is our annual NFL preview episode. Thanks for listening and we'll see you next time. Music by The Passion Hifi.

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Following the Roaming Road 39:05

1M ago39:05

39:05

Frustrated by the hoopla over Bourbons, with their relative scarcity and high pricing, Mike Gilmore decided to take a different tack. He started searching the world for alternatives to Bourbon, and found them in Armagnacs, Cognacs, and Rums from Barbados to Belize. For the last three years, he’s been bottling them under his Roaming Road Spirits lab…

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Elijah Craig’s PGA Championship Bourbon + Old Forester & Four Roses Drop 2025 Limited Editions! 20:31

1M ago20:31

20:31

Clifton dives into some of the hottest whiskey news of the year: Old Forester shakes things up with a sweet mash Birthday Bourbon, Four Roses unveils its 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch, and Elijah Craig tees off with the PGA Quail Hollow Championship Edition. How does this commemorative release stack up against past special collaborations? Plus, …

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Cedar Ridge Celebrates 20 Years of Heartland Distilling 37:19

1M ago37:19

37:19

Jeff and Laurie Quint started Cedar Ridge Distillery and Winery as a retirement lark. 20 years after receiving their distilling licenses, Cedar Ridge has grown from a rented garage space adjoining a liquor store to become Iowa’s largest distillery. Cedar Ridge Bourbons are Iowa’s number-one selling Bourbons, and the distillery is winning awards and…

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Shenk’s vs. Bomberger’s - 2025 Michter’s Legacy Series Whiskey Showdown! 18:28

1M ago18:28

18:28

It’s a head-to-head battle of Michter’s 2025 Legacy Series releases — the sweet and delicate Shenk’s Homestead (91.2 proof) vs. the bold and oaky Bomberger’s Declaration (108 proof). I break down their unique cask choices, share full nose/palate impressions, and crown my pick for the better buy. Plus, two distilleries step up big to support flood r…

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Edinburgh Fringe and Whisky- Showcasing Whisky and Witches 13:04

1M ago13:04

13:04

In this WhiskyAngelz special episode, Max explores the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, focusing on the unique show 'Whisky and Witches.' The creators, Christine and Jane, share their journey of how the show came to be, highlighting the intersection of whisky culture, folklore, and the empowerment of women in the whisky industry. They discuss the immersi…

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A $2 Billion Impact From Trade Tariffs 44:07

2M ago44:07

44:07

The Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition of drinks industry groups estimates trade tariffs could cost the U.S. economy 2 billion dollars and more than 25,000 hospitality jobs. This week on WhiskyCast, we’ll talk with two industry leaders lobbying the Trump Administration to clear a path to “zero for zero” tariffs for whiskies and other distilled spirits. I…

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Edinburgh Fringe and Whisky- Showcasing Whisky Folklore Tasting Show 9:38

2M ago9:38

9:38

In this WhiskyAngelz special episode, we abandon the studio for the glorious bedlam of the Edinburgh Fringe—armed with nothing but a microphone, tall tales, and a questionable sense of direction. Max explores the vibrant world of whisky at the Edinburgh Fringe with Ben Hunter, who runs the Whisky Folklore show. They discuss the evolution of whisky …

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Knob Creek Cask Strength 128 Proof Review + 2025 Parker’s Heritage Whiskey and Bold Gaming Opinions 24:14

2M ago24:14

24:14

Clifton breaks down one of the boldest store picks he's tried in a while: a 128-proof Knob Creek Cask Strength Single Barrel from K&L Wine Merchants. Along the way, he dives into hot whiskey news, including the experimental 2025 Parker’s Heritage release, a Hungarian oak-aged "bourbon" from A. Smith Bowman, and legendary game developer Hideo Kojima…

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A Whisky Importer's View of Tariffs 31:41

2M ago31:41

31:41

With new U.S. trade tariffs scheduled to take effect this week, we’ll talk with importer Raj Sabharwal about the impact of those tariffs on whisky importers. Raj co-founded Glass Revolution Imports, which is the U.S. importer for Amrut whiskies from India, Blackadder Scotch whiskies, and many more brands, and he’s dealing with tariffs that have bee…

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Maker’s Mark x Dodgers Review, Announcing Weller 18 & Old Forester 1910 Extra Exra Old 21:51

2M ago21:51

21:51

This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, Clifton takes you behind the blue wax to review the Maker’s Mark Champion Selection, handpicked by the Los Angeles Dodgers to celebrate their 2024 World Series win. He dives into hot whiskey headlines—Buffalo Trace's bold Weller 18 release, heirloom corn making waves at craft distilleries, and Old Forester’s …

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Meet Highland Park's New Master Whisky Maker 30:42

2M ago30:42

30:42

Marc Watson took over for the retiring Gordon Motion this month after six months of serving as his understudy. The former master blender for The Famous Grouse has 11 years of industry experience, and he’ll join us for one of his first interviews since his promotion on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the U-S and the European Union have…

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Rocky Mountain Sips: TINCUP 6-Year Review & Buffalo Trace's Green Future 18:49

2M ago18:49

18:49

This week on Bourbon Bytes, Clifton dives into some of the hottest headlines in the whiskey world—from Buffalo Trace’s surprising new 100-proof Sazerac Rye to their bold move into sustainable distilling. Plus, Hidden Barn adds a new Master Taster to their team. But the star of the show? Clifton’s first-ever sip of TINCUP 6-Year American Whiskey—a b…

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A Whisky Book of Biblical Proportions 1:03:41

2M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Award-winning author Noah Rothbaum spent five years researching his new book “The Whiskey Bible.” It’s a comprehensive in-depth look at the spirit we love - its history and some myth-busting, too. Noah joins us on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Diageo parts ways with CEO Debra Crew after just two years on the job, while the Trump Adm…

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Reviewing Louisiana Senator Bourbon: Denny Potter & Jane Bowie's Latest Collaboration 19:48

2M ago19:48

19:48

In this jam-packed episode, Clifton dives into the latest bourbon headlines — from Buffalo Trace’s mysterious E.H. Taylor Jr. Distiller's Council release to A. Smith Bowman’s award-winning rye and Starlight’s 10-Year debut. But the main event? A first sip of the brand-new Louisiana Senator Bourbon, a bold 8-year whiskey from the creators of Kentuck…

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The World of Whisky 34:32

2M ago34:32

34:32

It’s hard to capture the entire world of whisky in one book, but that’s the task Felipe Schrieberg took on with his new book “The World of Whisky.” Schrieberg covers everything from the origins of whisky to today’s modern distilleries located all over the world, and he’ll join us on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the U.S. announces n…

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Part 2 - The bourbon flavor wheel and Michter's sb 10y bourbon and Old Forester 1924 10y bourbon 1:06:35

2M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

We discuss the bourbon flavor wheel published by The Council of Whiskey Masters. Then hold on tight, we close out part 2 with some top notch bourbons!By Whiskey to Whisky

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Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel + Six-Year Surprises from New Riff, Castle & Key, & Garrison Brothers 22:59

3M ago22:59

22:59

This week on Bourbon Bytes, Clifton is diving deep into high-proof territory with a first-time review of Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel — the most elusive (and explosive) bottle in the Blanton’s lineup. How does it hold up to the hype, and is it worth chasing down? Also on the table: three six-year bourbons you need to know — a Single Barrel Se…

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A Salute to Jimmy Russell 32:34

3M ago32:34

32:34

Jimmy Russell will soon begin his 71st year at Wild Turkey Distillery, and this fall, he’ll celebrate his 91st birthday. This week, we’re honoring the Legend of Lawrenceburg with an in-depth interview recorded in 2009, in which Jimmy discusses his friendships with Booker Noe, Parker Beam, and Elmer T. Lee…his way of making Bourbon and how it change…

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Part 1 - Old Fitzgerald 7y and 9y 54:26

3M ago54:26

54:26

We're off the peated series for now and we taste 4 excellent bourbons in one episode so were breaking it up into two parts.By Whiskey to Whisky

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Old Oak & New Heat: Kentucky Whiskey Updates + Old Soul Bourbon Review 25:37

3M ago25:37

25:37

In this episode of Bourbon Bytes, Clifton dives into the 2025 Old Soul Single Barrel Bourbon—a bold cask strength pick from Mississippi's oldest distillery… or is it? With transparency under the spotlight, Clifton uncovers what’s really inside the bottle, and why it might just be the sleeper hit of the summer. Plus, he breaks down the latest in the…

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Whisky, Hollywood Style 36:04

3M ago36:04

36:04

Filmland Spirits founders Troy Bolotnick and Charlie Flint created their brand as an homage to the classic “B Movies” of the 1950’s and 60’s. With eye-catching labels based on movie posters and names like “Moonlight Mayhem” and “Ryes of the Robots,” their whiskies stand out on store shelves and in the eyes of the critics, who have given Filmland Sp…

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Maker’s Mark 2025 “The Keeper’s Release” Review + Bourbon Aged by Climate? 21:15

3M ago21:15

21:15

This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, Clifton dives into one of the boldest Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series bottles to date — the 2025 Keeper’s Release, packed with ten toasted American oak staves. Is it a worthy successor to The Heart, or an over-oaked detour? Also in the mix: a fascinating experiment in climate-aged bourbon from Milam & Gree…

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Campbeltown's Role in Scotch Whisky History 38:28

3M ago38:28

38:28

At one time, Campbeltown, Scotland was the heart of the Scotch Whisky industry with around 30 working distilleries. Over the years, all but two disappeared, and the futures of Springbank and Glen Scotia were very much in doubt at various times over the last century. Author David Stirk researched the history of Campbeltown and its distilleries for h…

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Russell’s Reserve 13 is Back + Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old BiB Review 20:48

3M ago20:48

20:48

In this week’s pour of Bourbon Bytes, Clifton dives into the hottest release yet from Wild Turkey: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Bourbon is back — and this time, it’s clocking in at a blistering 123.8 proof. Is it the best Wild Turkey yet, or just another hard-to-find unicorn? We also explore the return of Stitzel-Weller with a jaw-dropping 24-year-old…

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In Search of Vintage Whiskey 36:46

3M ago36:46

36:46

Whisky collector Mark Wade specializes in vintage bottlings, specifically Prohibition-era “medicinal” bottles. Part of his collection went on the auction block this month at Sotheby’s, and he’ll join us on his week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth to discuss the search for dusties, authenticating his finds, and that one whisky he’s still searching for. In the…

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Eagle Rare 12?! Plus Rock Hill Farms Bourbon Review 20:20

3M ago20:20

20:20

After a three-year hiatus, Bourbon Bytes is back with a brand-new season and a barrel full of whiskey news. Clifton breaks down the surprise announcement of Eagle Rare 12 — is it a smart move or an unnecessary twist? He also dives into the ultra-limited Remus Babe Ruth Reserve and some game-changing distribution news for Old Forester fans outside o…

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The Masters...and The Protege 42:36

4M ago42:36

42:36

Dr. Bill Lumsden is best known as the head of whisky creation for The Glenmorangie Company, but he’s also the master blender for Beyonce’s Sir Davis American whiskey. Much of the day to day work of blending Sir Davis falls to master blender Cameron George, who took on the role when Sir Davis was launched last year. We’ll talk with both of them on t…

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Whisky in Film: Bowmore 12 Year Old Tasting and Fictional Hollywood Malts 15:28

4M ago15:28

15:28

Bowmore 12 year old sets the stage as our reference dram in this episode of WhiskyAngelz, Cask Strength Chaos. Join Max for a dive into what makes a reference whisky essential for our podcast – from comparing new bottlings to building your own taste vocabulary. Special guest André de Almeida (Inside the Cask blog) joins the fun to explore the wild …

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Mary Dowling: The Mother of Bourbon 34:34

4M ago34:34

34:34

Mary Dowling was a pioneer among women in distilling. She ran distilleries and cooperages with her husband John before and after his death in 1903, and is the subject of a new historical novel, “Mother of Bourbon” by Eric Goodman and Kaveh Zamanian. Zamanian is the founder of Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, and recently released a series of w…

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T is for Texas and Terroir 41:32

4M ago41:32

41:32

This week, we’re going to geek out with the results of two studies comparing whiskies matured in Texas with the same whiskey matured elsewhere. Milam and Greene’s Heather Greene joins us to explain her team’s decision to age otherwise identical whiskey in Texas and Kentucky, while Jared Himstedt and Gabe Richarde of Balcones Distilling share the fi…

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Gunpowder, Whisky and Women. Dram Queen Ann Miller’s tales will blow your mind! 45:35

4M ago45:35

45:35

Tune into WhiskyAngelz: Cask Strength Chaos for a wild ride through Scotland's whisky culture. Max and Ann Miller, the Dram Queen, explore the magic of whisky festivals, the unsung heroines of whisky, and the evolution from illicit stills to global icons. With tales of gunpowder proofing, smuggling adventures, and the importance of casks, this epis…

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Highland Park Cask Strength No. 4 single malt scotch and Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength batch 12 36:20

4M ago36:20

36:20

These are two big hitters when it comes to peated scotch. They are both reasonably priced for what they deliver. We highly recommended both of these single malts.By Whiskey to Whisky

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Ireland's Midleton Distillery Celebrates 200 Years 38:02

4M ago38:02

38:02

Ireland’s largest distillery is celebrating 200 years since the original Midleton Distillery opened in 1825, along with the 50th anniversary of the “new” Midleton, which replaced the original distillery in 1975. Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman joins us on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth with details on two new whiskies commemorating the anniversari…

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Glendronach Releases The Master's Anthology Series 47:53

5M ago47:53

47:53

Scotland’s GlenDronach Distillery has released a new collection of three no-age-statement single malts created by master blender Dr. Rachel Barrie, including a rare peated GlenDronach. We’ll talk with Rachel about the collection, along with her comparison of a whisky blender to a symphony conductor, on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, …

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Angel’s Share Gone Wild: Whisky Maturation in Brazil’s Heat 25:37

5M ago25:37

25:37

🥃🌴 Brazilian whisky? Of course it’s a thing—and it’s spectacular. This week on WhiskyAngelz: Cask Strength Chaos, we’re joined by the wonderful André de Almeida from Inside the Cask Blog to explore Brazil’s booming whisky scene. From Union Distillery’s 16-year-old single malt to Lunatic Asylum’s bold experiments, Brazil is proving it’s more than be…

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The Spirit of Independents 36:44

5M ago36:44

36:44

Independent bottlers take sourced casks of whisky, mature them, and then bottle them under their own brand names. It’s a practice that’s been commonplace in Scotland for generations, and has expanded to the U.S. with independents like Single Cask Nation and Lost Lantern. Greg Swartz is the co-director of Independent Spirits, a new documentary serie…

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Bunnahabhain 12y Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Bowmore Vault Edition Atlantic Sea Salt first release 37:52

5M ago37:52

37:52

We continue this peat series with another two W2W recommended single malts form Islay.By Whiskey to Whisky

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Inside the Johnnie Walker Vault 34:46

5M ago34:46

34:46

Deep below the Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience in Edinburgh lies Dr. Emma Walker’s personal playground. The Johnnie Walker master blender curates around 500 of the more than 10 million casks of maturing whisky in Diageo’s inventory in the Vault. If you have the means, she’ll create a bespoke blend that takes your personal likes and dislike…

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Outlaws and Angels: The Wild Whisky 'Rescue' of the SS Politician 18:52

5M ago18:52

18:52

WhiskyAngelz dive into the wild true story of the SS Politician, the shipwreck that sent 22,000 cases of whisky and millions in cash washing up on Scottish shores—and sparked a legendary islander “rescue” operation. #Whisky #Scotland #WhiskyGalore #SSPolitician #Podcast #History Watch the full video version of the podcast at: https://spoti.fi/3EgZB…