Best Islay Podcasts (2025)

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Port Ellen Primary School: Neurodiversity 19:32

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11d ago19:32

19:32

Continuing our collaboration with primary schools on Islay, this episode features students and staff at Port Ellen Primary School discussing neurodiversity, school houses (Orsay, Texa and Nave) and the Gold: Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA), awarded by UNICEF UK. Acknowledgements: Many thanks to the staff and students of Port Ellen Primary Sch…

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An Islay Rye?! Bruichladdich Laddie Rye Review + Big Whiskey & Gaming News 25:58

21d ago25:58

25:58

This week, Clifton covers some of the final big whiskey drops of 2025, including new releases from Clyde May’s, Central Waters’ new Great Blue line, State Line Distillery’s debut 5-year rye, and the dramatic relaunch of Copper & Kings under new ownership. Then it’s time for one of the most surprising pours of the year: Bruichladdich Laddie Rye — a …

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73: Episode 73: Beachapaloosa 3: Our third beach episode featuring Roundstone Rye Whiskey by Catoctin Creek Distilling, Forest Project Single Malt by Browne Distilling, Maryland Style Rye Whiskey by Leopold ... 41:56

1d ago41:56

41:56

Jon and Judy are accompanied by Marlys, Darrel and Barbara this year and have a great time trying out whiskies from their birth states. Honorable Mention goes to Freeland Spirits Bourbon Whiskey - YumBy Fun With Scotch and other fine spirits

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Willett Family Estate 4 Year Bourbon Review & Whiskey Dreams for 2026 24:12

7d ago24:12

24:12

The final Bourbon Bytes Podcast episode of 2025 is here, and it’s a big one. In this episode, Clifton wraps up the year with honest reflections on the future of Bourbon Bytes, the bourbon industry heading into 2026, and a "Byte-Sized Review" of the brand-new Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year Cask Strength Bourbon. Willett is one of the most …

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Copperworks Kilt Lifter Whiskey Review & Huge New Whiskey Releases Coming in 2026! 25:01

14d ago25:01

25:01

This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, Clifton breaks down a massive wave of upcoming whiskey releases for 2026 — including the rumored return of Knob Creek 12-Year Cask Strength, a newly labeled 7-Year Old Grandad 114, Penelope’s new Madagascar Cognac Finish, Blood Oath Pact 12, Lou Gehrig Remus Reserve, a permanent Templeton Rye Double Oak, and …

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Catriona Bell - Life on Islay 2 30:02

16d ago30:02

30:02

This episode is released today to mark Catriona Bell's 90th birthday - Happy Birthday from This Is Islay! Catriona is well known on Islay for her various contributions to the community over many years. Continuing our conversation with Catriona, in this episode she describes the long path leading to success getting Islay its first indoor swimming po…

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72: Episode 72: The Glendronach Masters Anthology: Ode to the Valley, Ode to the Embers, and Ode to the Dark 38:31

25d ago38:31

38:31

Jon, Judy, and Marlys review 3 amazing examples of Sherried Scotch.By Fun With Scotch and other fine spirits

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Solera systems & unique distilling techniques | December Outturn Podcast 39:27

27d ago39:27

39:27

This month Duncan and Calum are joined by the Society's head of whisky creation Euan Campbell where the trio get stuck into all the best drams in the December Outturn. In this Christmas special we embrace the festivities, uncover some unsung heroes, and taste the first bottling to come from the Society's very own solera system.…

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Best 2025 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Whiskey Deals + Town Branch Imperium Bourbon Review 16:22

28d ago16:22

16:22

It’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday Week, and I’m sharing the best whiskey deals, distillery sales, merch discounts, and bottle drops worth your money this season. Whether you’re stocking your bar or shopping for bourbon lovers, I’ve got the highlights you need so you don’t have to scan every mailing list yourself. Then, I crack open the 2025 Town Branc…

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71: Episode 71: Sherry Cask Shootout: Edradour Caledonia 12 year Single Malt vs. The Glendronach Ode to the Dark 38:40

1M ago38:40

38:40

Judy, Marlys, and Jon thoroughly enjoyed this comparison of two wonferful examples of Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch!By Fun With Scotch and other fine spirits

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Is the Bourbon Boom REALLY Over? + Ben Holladay BIB Review 29:20

1M ago29:20

29:20

This week, Clifton digs into one of the biggest questions in whiskey: Is the bourbon boom finally over? After years of price hikes, expansions, and dwindling enthusiasm from younger drinkers, the numbers might finally be catching up. In this episode, he breaks down why the boom may be slowing — and why that might actually be good for bourbon fans. …

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The man who brought The Macallan to the world stage | Willie Phillips 32:13

1M ago32:13

32:13

As managing director of The Macallan in the 1970s, Willie Phillips helped to build its reputation at a time when the industry was in the doldrums and the market for single malts was still miniscule. After bringing The Macallan to the world stage, Willie went on to become chairman of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, collecting plenty of stories along…

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Garrison Brothers Sonora Review + Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon Returns 23:15

1M ago23:15

23:15

This week, Clifton dives into the newest limited-edition release from the Lone Star State: the Garrison Brothers Sonora Bourbon, a seven-year, 108-proof expression finished in rye barrels. Crafted under the guidance of Samantha Olvera, Texas’s first female Latina distiller, Sonora is more than just a whiskey, it’s a celebration of women shaping the…

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70: Episode 70: Lowland Scotch: Glenkinchie Single Malt 12 Year, Bothan Single Malt Sherry Expression, and Clydeside Stobcross Single Malt 39:35

2M ago39:35

39:35

Judy Jon and Marlys thoroughly enjoy 3 excellent examples of Lowland ScotchBy Fun With Scotch and other fine spirits

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2025 Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Bourbon Review & BIG News from Jack Daniel's 28:05

2M ago28:05

28:05

This week, Clifton dives into one of the most talked-about limited releases of the year — the 2025 Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Bourbon. Is the $200 price tag justified, or is nostalgia doing the heavy lifting? Plus, there’s a full flight of whiskey news, including: Jack Daniel’s massive new 3-liter bottle Glencairn Glass celebrating 25 years Big new …

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The biggest Outturn of the year & Edinburgh whisky festival | November Outturn Podcast 59:29

2M ago59:29

59:29

This month Calum and Duncan head out to Edinburgh Whisky Festival where they get stuck in to the biggest Outturn of the year. Tune in to hear them chat with some familiar Society faces, uncover an entirely new cask type and get into the Christmas spirit with the perfect stocking filler.By The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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Housing on Islay - Part 3 - Wakey-wakey Islay !? 31:33

2M ago31:33

31:33

We continue our exploration of local housing issues on Islay and Jura. This time Russell discusses the core issue of land ownership and particularly the role of community buyouts with Lesley Riddoch, the award-winning broadcaster, journalist, author, cyclist, land reform campaigner and lover of all things Nordic. For all our podcasts, visit thisisi…

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Bourbon Boos Finale 💀: The Smokiest Surprise Yet - Smokehead Single Malt Scotch Review 16:21

2M ago16:21

16:21

Clifton closes out Bourbon Boos 2025 with a bang — and a cloud of smoke! 💨 This week’s spooky pour is Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch, a bold, affordable peated whisky that just might be the surprise of the series. For under $40, does it hold its own against bigger Islay names? Plus, new whiskey announcements from around the world: 🥃 Heaven Hill…

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The founder of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society | Pip Hills 19:41

2M ago19:41

19:41

In this episode Richard Goslan sits down with Pip Hills, the founder of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Pip lost contact with the Society in the 1990s, and didn't rekindle his relationship with the SMWS until Richard tracked him down in 2018. Here the pair reflect on Pip's return to the Society, his health at the age of 85 and how the Society becam…

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Pineapple in My Scotch? Buchanan's Made Me Do It 22:31

2M ago22:31

22:31

It’s another Bourbon Boos review, and this week Clifton braves one of the strangest bottles yet — Buchanan’s Pineapple “Spirit Drink.” 🥃🍍 Technically not even whisky, this scotch-based pineapple blend surprised him more than expected. Is it a tropical treat or a tiki bar tragedy? Tune in to find out! Plus, this week’s whiskey news covers: 🔥 Elijah …

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Bourbon Boos: $16 Tennessee Whiskey Terror & BTAC 2025 Bombshells 24:09

2M ago24:09

24:09

This week’s Bourbon Boos review might be the scariest pour yet… Clifton cracks open a $16 bottle of King’s Creek Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey, a bottom-shelf mystery brand with no known distillery and a whole lot of red flags. Does it surprise him, or haunt his palate forever? But before the horrors begin, we’ve got MAJOR whiskey news: ✈️ Flaviar’s …

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EPISODE 11: STEPHEN HENDERSON AND BRIAN KELLOCK TRIBUTE 1:23:09

3M ago1:23:09

1:23:09

Tom interviews Stephen Henderson about living in a jazz community, being a drumming composer, and the incredible story of the Fergus McCreadie trio being asked to play on the score of a Spike Lee movie and how the whole thing panned out with a 97 piece orchestra in New York. The episode ends with a personal musical tribute to the great Brian Kelloc…

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👻 Bourbon Boos: Dough Ball Cookie Dough Flavored Whiskey Review 🍪 20:53

3M ago20:53

20:53

Spooky season has arrived, and Clifton’s diving into bottles he’s been too scared to try… starting with Dough Ball Cookie Dough Flavored Whiskey. 🥶 In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, we’re tasting a whiskey that’s more dessert than dram — plus, we’ve got big whiskey news: 🥃 Knob Creek 21-Year Bourbon is here 🍯 Forward Slash Incant…

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New Holland Brewing Co. Origin Small Batch bourbon and Walleye Run Malted Rye Whiskey 7y. 1:26:41

3M ago1:26:41

1:26:41

By Whiskey to Whisky

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Sleeping in the maltings & whisky goosebumps | Stewart Buchanan Benriach distillery 35:25

3M ago35:25

35:25

Global Malts Ambassador for Brown-Forman, Stewart Buchanan stepped into Queen Street earlier this year to talk about his whisky adventures with Mads Schmoll. From his early days on the island of Mull to travelling the world to talk all about all things BenRiach today, he’s worked in nearly every part of the industry. Tune in to hear more and watch …

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The $1 Million Whiskey Heist & A Single Cask Nation Westland Review 26:51

3M ago26:51

26:51

Whiskey heists, billion-dollar gaming buyouts, and a rare single malt review? This week’s episode of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast covers it all. Clifton dives into the jaw-dropping $1 million Westland Distillery heist, breaks down the shocking $55B buyout of Electronic Arts, and closes things out with a Byte-Sized Review of Single Cask Nation’s Westla…

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Eight new flavour profiles & local whisky heroes | October Outturn Podcast 40:25

3M ago40:25

40:25

This month Calum and Duncan are joined by Mads Schmoll to uncover the Society's eight new flavour profiles. Working their way through each of the new profiles, the trio reveal what members can expect from this evolution and shine a light on a new Winter Series.By The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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Housing on Islay - Part 2 - A Builder's Perspective 23:32

3M ago23:32

23:32

This Is Islay continues the conversation on housing issues on Islay, exploring the unique challenges and issues which face individuals and families seeking a place to live in our island community. In this episode, we share the perspective of local housing builder, MacLeod Construction, who holds multiple contracts with housing associations on Islay…

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

3M 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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I'd Be Dressing A Banana 21:42

3M ago21:42

21:42

In a conversation with Jean MacLellan, Kate Skinner tells us about the Coop's history with Fairtrade, and how Fairtrade and buying Fairtrade products makes a difference all over the world. Fairtrade Fortnight in 2025 runs from September 22nd to October 5th, with special promotions in the Coop and online. As Kate says: "I'd be dressing a banana". Fi…

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

3M 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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Autumn Music Events around Islay and Jura ft Islay Jazz Festival 20:41

3M ago20:41

20:41

In this episode, This Is Islay gives an update on music events coming up this month and beyond, and talks to Jazz Scotland about the Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival taking place September 19-21 2025: 21 events, 9 venues across Islay. Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival - September 19-21 Islay Local Mod / Mod Ile - September 20 Jura Music Festival - September…

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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

4M 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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Compass Box Transatlanticism Review + Woodford’s First American Single Malt & Michter’s Big Win! 23:57

4M 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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The perfect pairing & whisky that makes you go mad | September Outturn Podcast 47:42

4M ago47:42

47:42

By The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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Housing on Islay - Part 1 38:37

4M ago38:37

38:37

This Is Islay turns to the issue of housing on Islay, exploring the unique challenges and issues which face individuals and families seeking a place to live in our island community. In this episode, the first of a multi-part series, Glen Roberts speaks with local councillor Dougie McFadzean who tells us how many people are on the housing waiting li…

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

4M 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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Elijah Craig’s PGA Championship Bourbon + Old Forester & Four Roses Drop 2025 Limited Editions! 20:31

4M 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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69: Episode 69: Swimming in the Sherry. The Dalmore Sherry Cask Select, Glenfiddich Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish, and Edradour Caledonia Selection 36:52

4M ago36:52

36:52

In this episode, Jon, Judy, and Marlys review 3 examples of Scotch deliciously aged in Sherry casks.By Fun With Scotch and other fine spirits

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

4M 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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2025 Islay Book Festival 41:27

5M ago41:27

41:27

This Is Islay's Jean MacLellan in conversation with Charlène Busali, Chair of Islay Book Festival, discussing the festival programme, authors, events and activities. The 2025 Islay Book Festival takes place across Islay 28-31 August. For more information visit https://islaybookfestival.co.uk or find "Islay Book Festival" on Facebook. This Is Islay …

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

5M 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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Trauma Healing Is Lineage Liberation 31:28

5M ago31:28

31:28

It can feel exhausting, lonely and hopeless when you're in the middle of it — noticing pattern after pattern, your body speaking louder and louder, the people around you seeming to go on with their lives as usual, all while you're asking yourself "what the heck is going on and why is no one else noticing this". In this episode I share how trauma he…

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Rhinns Lighthouse Festival 32:41

5M ago32:41

32:41

The Rhinns Lighthouse was engineered by Robert Stevenson and became operational in 1825. To mark its 200th birthday, local communities have organised the Rhinns Lighthouse Festival to take place over the weekend of August 8-10, 2025. To learn more about the festivities, Jolyon Thurgood met with Mairi Trawber and Angus Ferguson, members of the Festi…

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

5M 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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Taiwanese whisky & worm tub condensers | August Outturn Podcast 44:44

5M ago44:44

44:44

This month Calum and Duncan tuck into some unusual cask types, taste whisky from Taiwan and find the perfect introduction to peat. Our latest Creators Collection, Tales of the Worm Tub, transports the duo back in time as they experience a different era of Scotch whisky distillation.By The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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

5M 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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Her Tongue Is On Fire 26:48

5M ago26:48

26:48

The fear, the fire, two sides of the same truth. Time to rise.By Islay Smedley

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

5M 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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Part 2 - The bourbon flavor wheel and Michter's sb 10y bourbon and Old Forester 1924 10y bourbon 1:06:35

6M 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