Season 3 Ep. 24: The Blind Bonanza Returns: Reposado Showdown Part 2 ft. @mr._given

Tasting Notes:  What happens when two friends sit down with four mystery pours, zero preparation, and a shared love for great spirits?In this episode, Jason welcomes back fan-favorite guest John (@mr._given)—the king of Porch Pops and High-Proof Hikes—for another Blind Bonanza. This time, the focus shifts to Reposado tequila as the guys work through a lineup of mystery pours, attempting to identify distilleries, proofs, and flavor profiles completely blind. Along the way, the conversation wanders into everything from social media creativity and tequila collecting to side-by-sides, college tuition, Braves baseball, NFL Draft reactions, and why certain spirits become lifelong favorites.As always, the real fun isn't just what's in the glass—it's the stories that come with it.Key Topics & Takeaways🥃 Blind Bonanza: Reposado EditionFour mystery Reposado tequilas tasted blindGuessing proofs, distilleries, and production stylesWhy proof doesn't always tell the whole storyThe surprising differences between Highland and Lowland tequilasHow barrel influence can dramatically change a tequila's profile🌄 Highlands vs. Lowlands TequilaWhat terroir means in tequila productionWhy Highland tequilas often showcase brighter citrus and fruit notesHow volcanic soils influence Lowland tequila characterLearning to identify regional characteristics through blind tastingAnd why some bottles become "repeat reaches" regardless of how many options sit on the shelf.📸 Creativity, Community & InstagramHow content creators develop their own styleThe inspiration behind Jason's "Repeat Reach" seriesWhy authenticity matters more than chasing trendsBuilding community through shared passions🚜 Porch Pops, High-Proof Hikes & New ToysJohn talks about:Purchasing a Kawasaki MuleThe origins of "Musings from the Mule"Why followers keep asking for merchThe surprising ways social media catchphrases take on a life of their own⚾ Sports Talk & Dad LifeBraves baseball optimismGeorgia Bulldogs baseballNFL Draft reactionsRaising kids, preparing for college, and balancing hobbies with real life🇲🇽 Falling Down the Agave Rabbit HoleThe conversation explores:Why tequila continues to gain momentum among whiskey drinkersThe appeal of additive-free tequilaHigh-proof versus standard-proof expressionsHow tequila and mezcal reveal terroir in unique waysWhy Mexico's culture, food, and hospitality continue to inspireConnect with JohnFollow John for Porch Pops, High-Proof Hikes, whiskey adventures, and plenty of good laughs:Instagram: @mr._givenConnect with The Dram Amateur📸 Instagram: @dram_amateur🎥 YouTube: The Dram Amateur Podcast📘 Facebook: The Dram Amateur PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow whiskey, tequila, or spirits enthusiast and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.Because every pour comes with a story. 🥃