Beards, Books, and Bourbon Podcast

Kari Pohar is an author here in our local community.  Her latest novel is "Cassandra Seer: Psychic on the Run", and on this episode, Kari sits down with BBB to talk all about it.  She even tries her first sip of bourbon!  The story takes place in The Wisconsin Dells, and so it's only appropriate that our pairing is Driftless Glen Port Barrel Finished Bourbon.  Like the bourbon, the story is all the best parts of Wisconsin wrapped up in a tale that is spooky, funny, and heartfelt.  We think you're going to love both.

We're back with Brett Connors from Castle & Key to answer the all important question in 15 minutes or less.  What does a Wizard do all day anyway?

On this episode, we have the privilege of speaking to Brett Connors, Lead Blender & Wizard, at Castle & Key. Brett is a fascinating guy.  He's a mix of technical knowledge and personal experience wrapped in the gift of being a storyteller. We had a great time speaking with Brett, and we think you will love it too.  To learn more about Castle & Key, go here.   Classic Spirits Reimagined in Kentucky – Castle & Key And as always.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

We're back to spend a little more time to talk about the shenanigans from "In The Still of the Night" by David L. Golemon. Our beverage of choice is Dark Arts Whiskey House Straight Kentucky Bourbon with Mizunara wood staves.

Earlier in the season, we talked about "The Supernaturals" by David L. Golemon.  We loved it!  We loved it so much, we grabbed the sequel and started reading.  And that's what we have on this episode. "In the Still of the Night" by David L. Golemon brings back to the ghost hunting team of The Supernaturals, and we can't wait to talk about it! Our companion spirit is "A Midwinter Night's Dram" presented by High West!  We tried to feature this bottle in a previous episode that was eaten by digital demons. So, we're extremely happy to talk about it here on this episode.

We're back with the delightful Cameron Sullivan, author of "The Red Winter".  We spend a little time talking about Joan of Arc, and revisiting Starward Whisky with a twist in the form of Pinhook.  Pull up a chair. Get yourself a glass. We're about to get medeival...well...not really, but it sounded great. And as always.... COME CHECK OUT OUR MERCH. YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO DO IT. https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

On this episode, we have the absolute pleasure of talking with debut Novelist Cameron Sullivan to talk about his New York Times, USA Today, and Indie Bestselling novel, "The Red Winter".  It is a lusciously dark and complex tale of deeply rich characters against the backdrop of the most infamous killings of 18th Century France.  After you're done listening to the interview, find out more about the book and where to buy it here. The Red Winter Our whiskey this time around will be Starward Twofold Whisky, which is appropriate since not only is the whisky and the author from the same nation, but the same city as well.   And as always.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

We're back with Sam Bergren from Still Austin to talk about one of their expressions that his highly sought and hard to find. Once again, thanks so much to Sam and the folks at Still Austin for making these two episodes happen.   And as always.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

On this episode, we get the opportunity to sit down with our friend, Sam Bergren, from Still Austin. His combination of kindness and depth of knowledge made this interview a delight.  Still Austin is relatively new on the scene in an industry with a deep history.  Their innovation and artistry is a welcome addition to the world of whiskies, bourbons, and ryes.  Take a listen! And as always.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

As they do, Stephen and Mark spend a little more time talking about "We Burned So Bright" by TJ Klune.  To see more about the author, check out his website here: TJ Klune For this Oopsisode revisit, the boys say hello to Bulleit Frontier Bourbon with a twist! And as always.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

In "We Burned So Bright" by T.J. Klune, Stephen and Mark dive into a very personal story of what happens when a few people are confronted with the literal end of the world. No Hollywood solutions. No one to save the day. No heroic sacrifices.  Just people, a black hole, and a ticking clock until the end.  It's within those final minutes where life is really lived, where heroism manifests, where what really matters is revealed. Heavy topics need a heavy rye to carry one through.  Oklon Rye by Far North Spirits fits the bill.  To find out more about this unique business and all its products, you can visit their website here:  Far North Spirits As always, don't forget.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

It's the OOPSISODE for our interview with Landon Borders, the Director of the Estate Whiskey Alliance, and on this episode we revisit a very rare bottle.  Be sure to listen in for your chance to pick one up later this year.

On this episode, we interview Landon Borders, Director of the Estate Whiskey Alliance.  We learn all about the tradition of farmers and farming families who are creating a legacy of land, water, and whiskey. Our pairing comes from a member of the Estate Whiskey Alliance, Maker's Mark.  Landon samples a bottle of Star Hill, while Stephen and Mark take a few sips from Maker's Mark Home of the Brave edition. ESTATE WHISKEY WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

So many animals, like a lovely petting zoo of death. Sooth your PETA sensibilities with Middle West Port Pumpernickel Rye

What happens when everyone, from a washed up professor, to a state trooper, to a news anchor, and even a TV network executive all pin their hopes on a live TV event about the nation's most infamous haunted house?  Nothing good for them, which makes it a great book for us!  Stephen and Mark dive into the world of "The Supernaturals" by David L. Golemon. Their whisky sampling on this episode will be WOLFBORNE by Three Floyds. Wolfborne - 3 Floyds Brewing WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

The boys are back and ready to go down the oopsisode rabbit hole of the nature of reality. Oh, BTW... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

Literature is full of stories about the nature of reality, the bending of it, or the outright removal of it. On this episode, we muse upon reality.  To keep us ground, we sample Stork House Rye.  And just in case you haven't heard.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

Our oopsisode of Hell House is about....well, you'll just have to listen.  Our bourbon revisit is Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon 

"Hell House" by Richard Matheson is an American classic of horror. Published in 1971, Hell House is a product of the end of the 60's and the questioning of the ideals of the previous two decades.  It is horrific, graphic, scandelous, gory, and just generally an great scary tale. Debauchery, possession, cannibalism. Really, what more could you ask? Th bourbon on this episode is Cream of Kentucky, a long standing world famous label that has ties with the artist Norman Rockwell.  If you would like to see some of the advertizing Rockwell did for the label back in the day, you can find those easily with a quick search of Norman Rockwell and Cream of Kentucky.  Also?  After a book like Hell House, you need a bourbon like Cream of Kentucky to sooth all the scratches and cuts to your psyche. WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon    

Our listeners know how much we love Filmland Spirits.  From Moonlight Mayhem, to Town at the End of Tomorrow, to Ryes of the Robots and Quadraforce.  We have featured and loved everything Filmland has brought to market.  In this episode, Stephen and Mark fanboy shamelessly when they spend some time talking with Troy Bolotnick, CEO and Founder of Filmland.  Troy makes our dreams come true by sharing with us the latest label, Moonlight Mayhem 2: The White Port Wolf! WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon Be sure to check out Filmland's website. Ask The Filmologist to recoomend a bottle or suggest a cocktail.  It is both helpful and HILARIOUS. Filmland Spirits  

We're back, and we're drinking Chicken Cock Double Oaked! There was a book, but we're having a hard time remembering it. Also, WE HAVE MERCH https://jamintshirts.com/collections/beards-books-bourbon

In this episode, two timelines collide. Something must have happened.  We thought we recorded this once before, but upon looking, there was nothing.  We recorded again, and now there are fragments of the ghost of a show inside the episode! This week we are getting scared to death with "There is no Antimemetics Division" by QNTM.  This story is like a British spy novel set in the universe of cosmic horror with a decidedly 21st Century feel.  It is terrifying, crushing, and awe inspiring.  We love it. Appropriately enough, we're pairing it with The Devil's Tower from Redwood Empire, an equally mysterious and awe inspiring high rye bourbon whiskey.   To learn more about QNTM and his work, check out HERE To learn more about Redwood Empire, check out HERE AND DON'T FORGET WE HAVE MERCH!  This week's featured item is THIS.

We're back with Joe O'Sullivan from Minden Mill, and the book "Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury.  In this oopsisode, Joe poses a very interesting question about our story, one that could be a very pertinant one for many other works of literature and art.  Will this story survive the Digital Age?  Come and take a listen as we go deep on the philosophy as well as our bottle of Minden Mill American Single Malt.

On this very special episode, we are joined by Joseph O'Sullivan, Master Distiller at Minden Mill Distilling.  Joe sits down with us to talk about estate distilling, Minden Mill, and perhaps most importantly, our book to review.  It turns out Joe loves reading, and one of his very favorite books is "Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury. Our tasting will be, of course, Minden Mill.  Learn more HERE WE HAVE MERCH. You can check it out HERE. Let us know what you think, and what you might want to see offered!

And in this one, we get an explanation about our mystery beverage FROM THE FUTURE!!!

We're back to talk about King Sorrow, and with a special mystery whiskey FROM THE FUTURE.

On this episode of BBB, we return to the universe of Stephen King and Joe Hill in  King Sorrow" by Joe Hill.  A tale of a group of friends you attempt to create the impossible, and then try to make a deal with it.  Careful watch you wish for. WIshes come true, not free, and no good deed goes unpunished. Our pairing on this episode is Virginia Distillery American Single Malt Whisky To learn more about Virginia Distillery, take a gander HERE To see more of Joe Hill and his books, wander on over HERE

We're back with H.M. Lawson, author of "Mystery In Mapleton".  In this oopsisode, or inter-oops-a-view, we talk to Hillary about her boutique plublishing company. We also get her to try some more whiskey. KOVAL's Thresh & Winnow Millet whiskey.   If you'd like to see more about her publishing company, click HERE.   To read more about Thresh & Winnow, click HERE. 

On this episode, we sit down with local Author, HM Lawson and her book "Mystery in Mapleton".  Out bourbon selection is The Devil's Whip from 3 Floyds Distilling. It was an absolute delight to sit down and chat with Hillary about writing, storytelling, childhood experiences, and how they all relate to her book.  The story is fun and fast paced in a slow paced world.  Evoking images of long summers spent outdoors with friends, this book is a great read for all members of the family, not just the kids!   For more on HM Lawson and her book, go HERE To see more about 3 Floyds, crack your devil's whip HERE

We're back with Will Woodington, National Brand Ambassador for Chicken Cock Whiskey. In this oopsisode, we talk about 170th anniversary of the Chicken Cock name.

The art of story comes in many forms. Books and tales. Songs and poetry. There is also story in the things we do. The objects (and liquids) that we touch.  On this episode, Stephen and Mark interview Will Woodington, National Brand Ambassador for Chicken Cock Whiskey. In this first of a series of interviews for Season 6, Mr. Woodington will tell us the story of the Chicken Cock name, the people behind it, it's history, and what it is doing today.   For our sampling, we will explore three different offerings from Chicken Cock, luxuriating in the flavors of history, hard work, and passion that goes into the creation of these fantastic whiskies.   Visit the Chicken Cock website HERE.

Stephen and Mark get lost again with Wanderers by Chuck Wendig.  To help them guide their own home (or detour them into the future) they will revisit Town At The Edge of Tomorrow from Filmland Spirits   Chuck Wendig Filmland Spirits

SEASON 6 PREMIER! For the first episode of Season 6, Stephen and Mark visit one of their favorite destinations, the end of the world.  They'll meander their way toward it in the novel Wanderers by Chuck Wendig. A trip to the apocalypse needs an appropriately named beverage.  Tonight's bourbon is Bloody Butcher by Whiskey Acres.

Be sure to listen all the way to the end. Stephen wants to make sure you know how much he likes this.

IT'S THE FINAL OOPSISODE OF SEASON 5!!!!!!   In this quick turnaround oopsisode, we revisit The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig.  Our bourbon revisit this time around is Oak & Eden 4 Grain Spire. Chuck Wendig: Terribleminds – Apple-Obsessed Author Fella oakandeden.com/collections/inspired-series

IT'S THE SEASON 5 FINALE!!!  A heartfelt thank you to all of our listeners this and every season thus far. We're very excited about what we will be doing in Season 6. Keep us on your favorites. Turn on those notifications. Leave us some stars. Tell all your buddies, and get ready.  Season 6 is going to be amazing.   We wrap up Season 5 with a modern day horror novel from the famous, infamous, apple-licious Chuck Wendig. Like many of his books, The Staircase in the Woods is a character driven horror story that both embraces common tropes while twisting some or introducing entirely new ones.  It's a special and uncommon kind of story. Kind of like our pick of beverage on this episode.  J. Henry & Sons Reserva Sevilana Straight Rye is so uncommon, they had to go across an ocean to get all of the ingredients.   Our Rye | Discover Our Unique Taste — J. Henry & Sons Chuck Wendig: Terribleminds – Apple-Obsessed Author Fella

When a good (or absurd) conversation just isn't over.  We talk more about existing inside a memory of a universe. Hand Picked Single Barrel Bourbon

Are we the echoing memory of an already dead universe, that echo pulsing forever outward into the black depths of what exists outside what we know as reality? Does that mean all of our choices have already been made?  Are we stuck inside the memory of a deus ex machina that repeats itself over and over in the silent black? Well, looks like it's going to be one of THOSE episodes.  Good thing we have Middle West Ported Pumpernickel Rye to keep the ennui at bay! Double Cask Collection Ported Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey - Middle West Spirits

It's not a repeat!  We just decided that both the book and the bourbon needed a revisit...WITH A TWIST.   Windupstories.com - Fiction by Paolo Bacigalupi EMERALD GIANT - Craft Rye Whiskey - Redwood Empire Whiskey

Do you like big Italian dramas?  Do you enjoy Machiavelian style politics?  How do you about the occasional eye gouging?  Do you have any thoughts on vague, subtley applied mystical themes?  How about generally forbidden love?  What's that?  You like all of it, you sick twisted puppy?  Then we have the book for you! On this episode, we explore the deeply nuanced grimdark epic of "Navola" by Paolo Bacigalupi.  Really, this one is rich and complex. So much so that we need an equally rich and complex bourbon to pair with it.  For this book, we picked Emerald Giant Rye from Redwood Empire as the perfect bottle to go with this story.   Windupstories.com - Fiction by Paolo Bacigalupi EMERALD GIANT - Craft Rye Whiskey - Redwood Empire Whiskey

This is one of those oopsisodes where it's not so much that we forgot, but rather that there's just too much to say.  This week, we revisit The Life of Chuck by Stephen King. While we discuss the power of opportunities taken, we take the opportunity to revisit a previous expression. Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke. Stephen King | The Life of Chuck Subtle Smoke Bourbon | Basil Hayden®

Stephen King has a habit of putting his strongest messages into his shortest of works.  Stand By Me (The Body), Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Life of Chuck is no exception.  First of all, read it.  No. Really.  READ IT.  Then go and watch the movie.  No no. Really. WATCH THE MOVIE. The Life of Chuck is the affirmation of life that we need in the world we live in today.  It doesn't assure us that all will be well, or even that everything will work out just the way we want or hope or think we deserve. No, but it does affirm to us all this. Each of us, every single one of us, are more than we suppose. Not just that, but additionally, who we are, what we experience, what we dream and hope and imagine, absolutely all of it, is important in some way and to some one. Our pairing on this episode is Ryes of the Robots by Filmland Spirits.  We felt it was appropriate. This is a fantastic rye whiskey, and we're looking forward to telling you all about it.   Stephen King | The Life of Chuck Ryes of the Robots Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey  

BODYBALL!!!!  In this Oopsisode, the boys discuss one of the more horrific/grossest/hilarious parts of "From Below" by Darcy Coates. To keep themselves sane, the boys revisit an old friend, Thomas S. Moore Bourbon finished in sherry casks. Darcy Coates – Horror and Suspense Author NOTE There is no official website for Thomas S Moore anymore that we can find.  It is a product of the Barton 1792 Distillery.  If you can find it still on the retail market or other venues, don't miss the chance to pick up a bottle.

On this episode of BBB, Stephen and Mark review a book from Darcy Coates, an author known for her prolific collection of haunted house stories. In From Below, Darcy Coates turns the haunted house story on its head, and takes us on an adventure deep into the ocean and the past. To keep them afloat, Stephen and Mark will be sampling Old Elk Cigar Cut, Islander Blend. Darcy Coates – Horror and Suspense Author Specialty Products — Old Elk

On this episode, Stephen and Mark talk about forbidden relationships in the story. Hilarious and tragic, the boys will make everything better by revisiting Penelope Toasted Bourbon Whiskey.   Home - Joe Abercrombie Toasted Bourbon – Penelope Bourbon

On this epsisode of BBB, the boys explore a beloved author who they somehow haven't managed to review until now. Mr. Joe Abercrombie's alternate history/fantasy tale "The Devils" is the subject this time around. Hilarious, gory, and unrepentantly grim and sardonic, Stephen and Mark dive into a world of curses, werewolves, elves, Popes, and, of course, truly flawed and damaged characters. It is a world where the scariest things aren't the summoned Dukes of Hell, but the people doing the summoning.   To guard against any lingering traumas from this darkly funny and brutal story, Stephen and Mark will be sampling a new bourbon whiskey from a local distillery, Geneva Lakes Bourbon Whiskey by Geneva Lakes Distilling & Studio Winery in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.   Home - Joe Abercrombie Studio Winery

In the oopsisode following the interview, Shannon, Eddie, Stephen, and Mark all sit down for one last addendum to the interview they did on The Chimera Snare by writing team S & E Black.  In this unique oopsisode, the group samples not one, but two bourbons they've had before. Stephen and Shannon try In Lieu of Flowers while Mark and Eddie sample Redwood Empire's Emerald Giant. Welcome to The Chimera Snare - The Chimera Snare series by S&E Black Dancing Goat Presents — Dancing Goat Distillery EMERALD GIANT - Craft Rye Whiskey - Redwood Empire Whiskey

On this episode of BBB, Stephen and Mark get to sit down for an extended interview with the husband and wife writing team behind S & E Black, author's of The Chimera Snare: Fragments.  Shannon and Eddie are simply amazing people. Kind, funny, and thoughtful, we had a wonderful evening getting to know them, their work, and what's on the horizon for them. Our featured bourbon for the evening is Angel's Envy Triple Oak. It's an appropriate expression for us to try with this particular episode.  Deep, layered, and nuanced both in craft and flavor, it matches with with our interview with Shannon and Eddie as well as the complexity of the story they are sharing with the world. Because we run out, we also try a bourbon with a good cause by the end of the episode.  As many of you know, Stephen's daughter has a rare condition known as Joubert's Syndrome. In order to raise money for research into this disease, the Joubert Syndrome Foundation is selling a bourbon of their own! This LIMITED TIME OFFERING was picked by Stephen and Mark themselves in a comparison with four other blends. They think you will absolutely love it, not to mention it's Bourbon With A Purpose. If you would like to support the cause and get a truly special bourbon expression, follow the link at the bottom.   Welcome to The Chimera Snare - The Chimera Snare series by S&E Black TRIPLE OAK - Angel's Envy US/EN