Bourbon Turntable

The talented and handsome, Mike Lisac, joins me to discuss Tedeschi Trucks Band's new album "Future Soul".  We also talk about Ass Pocket  Whiskey, the brand founded by my close, personal friend, Derek Trucks.It's always a good time with Mike and these topics were a lot of fun and I think you'll enjoy it.

Things get off the rails a bit, but that is to be expected when I'm joined by this guest, Jason Johantges of All Things Blues and Southern Rock podcast.You'll get our review of the new album from The Cold Stares, "Texas", but you get so much more than that.  We have a really good time together as we talk about the band, the album, and drink some Texas Whiskey (from Ironroot Republic).We also touch on some of our other favorite bands: Parker Barrow, Mojo Thunder, and Otis. The bottom line take away is: we love this album and we love Bryce Kleuh.  We love him very, very much.  

This episode comes from my weekend trip to the Smoky Mountains to see Blackberry Smoke and Parker Barrow at The Shed as I fend off a bear attack.  "Attack" might be a tad too strong.I also discuss my visit to Company Distilling (founded by former Jack Daniel's master distiller, Jeff Arnett).

You need to listen to this self-titled album from Mynd Reader.  It is an amazing story set to incredible music.  I know you'll love the album and I think you'll also love my conversation with Brian Sachs (founder of Mynd Reader).In addition to talking about the album, we also sip on some pours from Leopold Bros. Deerhammer, and Nulu Spirits.Be sure to follow Mynd Reader on all social media and listen to them wherever you stream music. 

It is Derby Week for all those who celebrate (and you should celebrate)!In this episode I share my story of a near-disaster cocktail creation that ended with a call to my wife: "Honey, first, I didn't burn down the house".I also go through my picks for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.  You can bet with me, you can fade me, or pick your tickets all on your own.  But, let's have a little fun with the 1st Saturday in May and the Run for the Roses.

I'm joined by my friend, Jason Johantges of "All Things Blues and Southern Rock" podcast to review the just released solo album from Chris Tapp called "Green".The album is inspired by Peter Green and a Peter Green guitar that Chris acquired in 2023.  Jason and I had a surprise guest join us...Chris Tapp!The album if absolutely fantastic and this review of it is a really good time.  I hope you enjoy this episode.  I know you'll love the album.  

There's a little something for everyone in this episode.  First, we discuss Van Halen's "5150" album on its 40th anniversary.  Next, I taste a couple of whiskeys: Maker's Mark 46 French Oaked Cask Strength and Preservation Estate Pot Still Wheated Bourbon.  Finally, I share with you some of the best candies for your Easter whiskey pairing.

It's been awhile since I've posted a new episode and I explain why in this one.  This episode includes an unconventional take on the Top Pours of 2025.  I hope you'll enjoy it and think about your top pours of 2026 in the same light.It's good to be back...and I have some new content headed your way soon.Cheers!!

If you are a craft whiskey fan, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation with Tim and Greta Wright of Wise Bird Cider Co. Tim and Greta take the same care, attention to detail, and devotion to history as the craft distillers that bourbon enthusiasts have grown to love.I am only a few months smart on cider, but I have greatly enjoyed all I've learned and tasted so far.  The journey for Tim and Greta at Wise Bird is an interesting story that they share well.Both Tim and Greta have music in their backgrounds...Tim was actually in the "best bluegrass band in Mexico".  Be sure to visit Wise Bird in Lexington or check them out at www.wisebirdcider.com.

This week we explore a different aspect of music...the management side.  My guest is Gregg Bell, founder of Wanted Management.  Gregg has a deep background in the music world working for labels and in artist management.  We have a very interesting conversation about his career, how he finds musicians to manage, and we also get into the bands he has loved over the years.We also talk about a couple of bands that he manages: Jane Lee Hooker and (a personal favorite) Parker Barrow.There is always time to taste and talk whiskey, too.  Gregg shares a very special bottle from his home country, Australia, and we have a pour of Blanton's together, too.  

Howl Owl Howl is the new supergroup of Darius Rucker (Hootie & the Blow Fish), Mike Mills (REM), and Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes).  The band has just released their first single, "My Cologne", available wherever you stream music.Howl Owl Howl is on a brief tour this month and the first show was Monday, November 3 at the Vogue Theater.  I was there in the front row and this episode gives you a first hand report of the fantastic rock-n-roll show I witnessed.

Cory Vincent is a singer-songwriter and guitarist our of Washington state.  He draws from a broad range of influences in his music which makes song after song infinitely interesting. I think you'll enjoy getting to know Cory on this episode and be sure to check out his music.  https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OpRIZUGRGCnTtCQtnqm70?si=FpzximVSRyWst3DatJTF-Q

I welcome back to Bourbon Turntable the wonderfully talented, Dusty Bo.  Dusty has a new album out on Friday, October 17 called "V8".  It is a fantastic collection of songs and a very creative next step in Dusty's career as a singer, songwriter, and performer.Be sure to follow Dusty on social media so you can keep up with all he has going on including tour dates. 

Amzie Wenning (Bourbon on the Banks) and Mike Lisac (My Whiskey Den) join me to explore the depths of ridiculous song lyrics starting with that classic from John Cougar's hit "Jack and Diane".  This show could have gone on for hours, so if we left out your "favorite" ridiculous song lyric, leave a note in the comments.We also talk far too much about beards.  For more information about Bourbon on the Banks go here: https://bourbononthebanks.org/For more on My Whiskey Den: https://www.youtube.com/@UC7Iiz944Gz4Rtqt79DimB0w

Some bands just have a great sound...a great vibe.  The Weathered Souls is one of those bands. I think you'll enjoy my conversation with Holdyn Mason, the leader of The Weathered Souls.  And I know you'll enjoy checking out their music.  Follow this link and give it a listen:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zJN9JGIfTEIiL8E58NDtI?si=HjEhvk-1RT63wlQO5024Xw

I will tell you this...as I re-listened to part two of this conversation yesterday, I laughed a lot.  Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes), Brian Mullins (The Cold Stares), and Dylan Turner (Parker Barrow) tell some awesome stories and share some great insights about their favorite drummers.  I know you'll enjoy this episode that includes some hints at Gorman's next supergroup and some good-natured friction about one our drummer's band name.  Share this one with anybody that loves music, plays the drums, or just likes to laugh.  

I'm joined by Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes, Trigger Hippy, Bag Men, Gorman in the Morning), Brian Mullins (The Cold Stares), and Dylan Turner (Parker Barrow) to discuss drummers.  More specifically...who are their personal favorite drummers.We share some Buzzard's Roost Toasted French Oak Bourbon (and some root beer) along the way.  This is part one of two...I think you'll enjoy hearing the backgrounds of these guys and the first one or two of their favorite drummers.  There are some surprises on these lists.

This week I share some thoughts on the recycled story lines of shuttered distilleries, the lawsuits faced by distilleries from contractors and lenders, and what you can do to help the brands you love.

Part two of my conversation with Erik Wolfe is a blast.  If you missed part one, be sure to go back and get it.Erik and I get into more discussions of music and he shares more details about things going on at Stoll & Wolfe Whiskey including some collaborations he is working on with Alan Bishop.

I welcome back one of the show's favorite guests, Erik Wolfe of Stoll & Wolfe Whiskey.  We catch up on all the new things going on at Stoll & Wolfe - including the latest version of Rosen Rye.Erik and I also discuss his love of The Beach Boys and how music, in general, can be transformative.

My friend Jason Johantges of the All Things Blues and Southern Rock podcast joins me again to review the new album from The Cold Stares "Southern II".  In addition to doing a deep dive into the band and the album, we also breakdown this year's Rock Hall inductees, and we drink a little whiskey, too.

Last week was a blast catching up with Alan.  Let's finish up that conversation this week with part two.  We cover more going on at Old Homestead Distilling and dig more into Queens of the Stone Age.

It is always a good time to catch up with my friend, Alan Bishop.  Alan and I discuss the adventurous work he is doing at Old Homestead Distilling and we also get into one of Alan's favorite bands, Queens of the Stone Age.  We break down the QOTSA's new album and short film.

Happy Birthday, America.And...Ken Schreiner. And...The Wife.In this episode I give you the wonderful gift of the Booker Noe bourbon slush recipe, and...a yacht rock playlist! I also rant a bit about the America haters out there.  On a positive spin...focus (for a minute at least) what there is to be thankful and living in the USA.

"One More Time For the Man" is the new solo album from Nick Govrik and it is a must listen.  Nick has been playing, singing and writing in Nashville for years and has been part of supergroups like Trigger Hippy and Bag Men.The song writing on this album is some of the best I've heard in awhile.  He can tell a beautiful story and can take you from laughing in the verse to shedding tears by the chorus.  Recording this with Nick was a lot of fun and I think you'll enjoy getting to know him and his music.If you're in Nashville on Friday, June 27 be sure to get to 3rd and Lindsley and see Nick's album release show.  Here is a link to "One More Time For the Man"https://open.spotify.com/album/3LaIpDijJ31ss9f6lLOmr6?si=TSICVLnnQiuwqrnUMBcv6g

This is an episode with just me and Fletch.  In this one, I share with you five of my favorite wheated bourbons.  It's some you may have tried and some that might be new to you.  Then, I take a look at the top five wheat producing states in America (you know...why not).  And then the top musician or band out of that state.  Some of these states are more difficult than you might think!

Welcome back to part two of my conversation with The Cold Stares.  We do a deep dive into the new album, The Southern Pt 2.  The Southern Part 2 is streaming now on all services.  You can order autographed vinyl at this link:https://shop.bandwear.com/collections/the-cold-stares-shop/products/tcs019Thanks to Chris, Brian and Bryce for their time.  This was a lot of fun.  

One of the most-beloved bands on Bourbon Turntable is The Cold Stares.  This week we have all three members of this blue-rock trio with me: Chris Tapp, Brian Mullins and Bryce Kleuh.  We spend some time getting to know Brian and Bryce while we also talk with all three about the band's new album, The Southern Pt 2. June 6 is when you can start listening to The Southern Pt 2 on streaming services.  You can also order a vinyl copy from their website.  https://shop.bandwear.com/collections/the-cold-stares-shop/products/tcs018

Mike Lisac (My Whiskey Den) was in Louisville and we took that opportunity to hit up a few spots on the famous Whiskey Row.  Our adventures also took us to a couple of stops beyond there, too.We visited Bardstown Bourbon Co., the bar at Michter's Fort Nelson, Buzzard's Roost (sort of), and Whiskey Thief's new tasting room.  Afterwards, we caught up with our friend Benjamin Eaves at the soft opening of Kentucky Artisan Distiller's  new tasting room.  We finished our time on the town with dinner at one of our favorite spots, Bourbons Bistro.I hope you'll enjoy this show as we give you some tourist tips as we recount our adventures on Whiskey Row and beyond!

One recurring theme of Bourbon Turntable is to support local.  Local music and local whiskey.Wherever you are, there are smaller, local distilleries making great whiskey.  And there are very talented musicians playing small venues practically in your backyard.  This week, I visit with a couple of those musicians in my town: Zeno Jones and Earl Bowman (who is also a co-host of Top Hill Recording Podcast).  We talk about their music, the challenges of being an "established, amateur musician", and how people can help support them.We also enjoy some whiskey from local distilleries.  The first pour is Buzzard's Roost Cigar Rye and the second pour is Toasted Barrel Bourbon from Kentucky Peerless.I encourage you to find some local music venues and musicians, and local distilleries and give them your support.  It will mean more than you know. 

What a special group we have on our guest list this week!  Chris Tapp (The Cold Stares), Chris Williams (Sweet Lady), Bryson Willoughby (MojoThunder) and Boone Froggett (Otis) join me in this episode as we discuss our favorite and most influential guitarists.Each of the guitarists on the panel share their Top Five guitarists of all time.  There are some names you expect and there are some that will be a surprise, and more than a couple have prompted me to go back and revisit some music from days gone by.We also taste a couple of whiskeys together.  One was Roknar Rye from Far North Spirits in Minnesota and the other was Still Austin's bottled in bond red corn bourbon.This was a fun show and I think you'll enjoy it.  Leave any of your favorite guitarists in the comments!

Lenny Eckstein is a favorite guest on Bourbon Turntable .  He always has interesting things going on and is very open to talk about everything he is doing at his distillery.Lenny and I discuss and do side-by-side tastings of his single malts, ryes, bourbons and corn whiskeys.  It was a lot of tasting to squeeze into one show, but we aren't quitters!The side-by-sides include comparisons of some Deerhammer "standards" to some experimental takes on their various lines of whiskeys.I think you'll enjoy the conversation.  Be sure to check out all things Deerhammer at www.deerhammer.com.

Pia Rademann is the vocalist for the German rock band, Dear Robin.  Pia is a very talented singer and songwriter and was a real pleasure to talk with about her career, the band and their music.  I know you'll enjoy getting to know Pia and will love the music made by her band, Dear Robin.

Judith Hollis-Jones is the CEO and co-founder of Buzzard's Roost Spirits.  She is my guest this week on Bourbon Turntable.  We discuss her career before whiskey, the start of Buzzard's Roost, the growth of the band, and much, much more.Judy shares about not just the whiskey-side of things, but gives us some insights into the business of the industry.

Maggie Kimberl of American Whiskey magazine is my guest on this week's Bourbon Turntable.  We discuss her career as a whiskey writer and how she developed a love of both whiskey and cigars.  We also get into her comments on social media and thoughts on the challenges of making money even as an award winning whiskey writer.  Speaking of award winning...Maggie was presented the Spirits Writer of the Year award from Women of Whiskey.  Together, we taste Ironroot's 10th anniversary cigar blend, Deerhammer's 2023 Progeny Series, and Wild Turkey's Jimmy Russel anniversary release.  Maggie also had a great stack of albums to talk about and share their importance to her.Be sure to check out American Whiskey magazine and follow Maggie's writing there.

One of my favorite brands in all of whiskey is run by some of my favorite people in all of whiskey.  Ironroot Republic has been owned and operated by the Likarish family in Denison, Texas for a decade.  This week, I sit down with Robert Likarish and Shannon Hood.  Robert, along with his brother, Jonathan, is one of the co-owners and co-founders of Ironroot.  Shannon, is a dear friend who now works as a brand ambassador for the distillery.In our hour together, we review the history of the distillery, the wonder of working with family, the many successes and awards over the years, and what is still to come.Cheers to the Likarish family and their entire team.  Congratulations on a magnificent decade and much more to come.

This week I welcome back Drew Crawley to Bourbon Turntable.  We get you caught up on the very busy life Drew has had in 2024 and we discuss his new album, "Hard to Hold".  Be sure to listen to "Hard to Hold" when it comes out on Friday (10/18) and you can also hear the album performed live by Drew and his band at The Monarch in Louisville on the 17th.Drew and I also share a couple of pours together.  One is the Bourbon Turntable Jos. A. Magnus Cigar Blend (thanks, Nancy Fraley) and Old Forester 1920.

One of the most dynamic and innovative whiskey brands of the last five years is Buzzard's Roost.  This week I'm joined by the brands co-founder, Jason Brauner, and their head distiller, Ethan Spalding.  We discuss the five year history of Buzzard's Roost, some of their newest offerings and what to expect down the road.  We also get to know Ethan: his background, his role at Buzzard's Roost and the music that he loves.Speaking of music...there is a very special exclusive announcement from Jason and Ethan.  You do not want to miss this!

If you love southern rock, country, blues rock...if you love music...you need to know Revelry.  This bands music is fun, clever, raunchy, sentimental and thoughtful. Most of all...it is really, really good.I'm joined by Dane, Zack, and Cruze this week and we have a great time talking about their EP "South of Nashville".  This episode goes from laughs about life in a band to very serious conversations about, well, life.If you don't like Revelry, then I don't think you like music.  I have so much love and respect for this band.  They have a new single out today called "Runaround" and they are playing a gig with Them Dirty Roses on 10/4 in Nashville. Check out their music here: https://open.spotify.com/album/0ZPHPBc2QrgFVh5PjXmL1e?si=mMXCzc46Q1q87gQ9hYX79A

I've had many outstanding guitarists on Bourbon Turntable and this week's guest is among the best.  Mike Mostert is the co-founder and guitarist for a Muscle Shoals-based band called In Theory.  In Theory brings a powerful rock sound, with thoughtful lyrics and amazing guitar riffs.  (Their song "World's on Fire" has one of my favorite opening riffs...it's addictive.)We discuss Mike's background and the history of the band.  We also get to talk about how their music is made as we are also joined by Mike's recording  engineer, Charles Holloman.  Once you've listened to this episode, you can find more information about the band at www.intheoryoriginal.com.

I'm joined this week by a young, singer/songwriter out of Toronto named Delyn Grey.   This conversation was a lot of fun and it is interesting to hear her talk about her and plans and dreams as a musician.  She has a very cool Instagram page that features impromptu song convers she performs with her dad.  Be sure to check out her music and the video to the "feel good hit of the summer" - Get Up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjDlZ8YH3HM

Who knew that to find one of the best Blues musicians on the planet you'd need to go to Sidney, Australia?!  Well, we went looking and we found him: Jesse Redwing.Jesse was great fun to talk with and is another artist just about to really break through in the music world. I know you'll enjoy getting to hear from him as you discover his music.

My guest this week is Jim Hough.  Jim is the owner and distiller at Liberty Pole Spirits in eastern Pennsylvania.  Jim is creating unique spirits with a focus on preserving and promoting the distilling history of Pennsylvania.  We taste together their Monongahela Barrel Proof Rye and their Peated Bourbon.  It was a great night for tasting whiskeys that are full of flavor.We also discussed the correlation between making it in distilling and making it in music.  I think you'll enjoy that conversation.

Mojo Thunder II: More Mojo More ThunderBryson Willoughby and Sean Sullivan are my guests on this week's Bourbon Turntable. If you missed last week with Zac Shoopman and Andrew Brockman, then be sure to catch that episode, too.We talk about everything Mojo Thunder, but the focus is on their exceptional new album, "The Infinite Hope".  Each song on this album is special as the elevation in song writing and musicality is evident on each track. You can stream "The Infinite Hope" on all streaming services or go to mojothunder.com to order physical copies of the album.  The second album release show is Friday, August 23 at Zanzabar.  Be there if at all possible!We also taste some whiskey together starting with Cuervito Vivo! from Glenn's Creek Distilling and Bulleit barrel strength.I want to thank all the guys from Mojo Thunder for being on Bourbon Turntable.  Congratulations to you all for such an exceptional new album!

We have Mojo Thunder from A to Z this week.  Andrew Brockman (bass) and Zac Shoopman (drums) are the formidable rhythm section of Mojo Thunder.  I talk with them about some band history, the evolution from Hymns From the Electric Church, and the amazing new album "The Infinite Hope".  It felt like we laughed a lot on this show, too.  Hopefully, you'll have as much fun listening to it.Of course, we tasted some whiskey together.  Kentucky Peerless' toasted barrel bourbon and Bluegrass Distillers' toasted oak bourbon.Stay tuned...next week I have Bryson Willoughby (guitar) and Sean Sullivan (vocals and guitar) for Mojo Thunder Part Two: More Mojo...More Thunder!

This week is the triumphant return of Benjamin Eaves to Bourbon Turntable.  This time as a guest and not a co-host.  Ben and I catch up on his adventures as a distiller since joining Kentucky Artisan Distillers almost two years ago.We taste four different whiskeys.  Two from Kentucky Artisan and also a 25 year old Calvados from Turner Wathen's Wayward Cask and a Chip Tate creation from World Whisky Society.Ben and I talk about Tool - history, relevance, talent and music.  Ben also shares some of the music he's been listening to lately including Nick Cave, Hozier and Jennifer Knapp.This was a fun time to catch up with Ben and I think you'll enjoy hearing his stories, the tastings we share and the music on our "turntable".

This is a special "happy birthday" edition of Bourbon Turntable's Solo Albums & Single Barrels.  Happy birthday to Mick Jagger.  We explore Mick's first solo album "She's the Boss".Happy birthday to Jason Brauner.  We congratulate Jason and Judy on the successes of Buzzard's Roost.

This week we welcome back Parker Barrow to Bourbon Turntable.  Parker Barrow has been on quite a roll in 2024.  Their "Back to Birmingham" video topped over one million views and they have been on a massive "What Momma Don't Know" tour.  We catch up with them about all of this and get a sneak peak on what to expect for the rest of the year.  You can keep up with the band on Facebook and Instagram.  All of their music is available on your favorite streaming services and You Tube.With Megan being from Alabama and Dylan being from Maryland, we taste whiskeys from both states during the show: Dettling Bottled-in-Bond from Alabama and Sagmore Spirits Double Oak Rye from Maryland.

Our friend Chris Tapp of The Cold Stares rejoins Bourbon Turntable this week.  We look back together and celebrate the 5th anniversary of the "Ways" album and the 10th anniversary of "A Cold Wet Night and a Howling Wind".  Chris and I also talk about his upcoming solo album "Green". An album inspired by Peter Green and the guitar Chris owns that was once owned by Peter.We also dive into the next album from The Cold Stares, "The Southern".Chris and The Cold Stares have a lot going on right now and this show is chocked full of great stories, musical reminiscing, and the things that the future may hold.We also drink some interesting spirits.  We start with a new offering from World Whiskey Society and Chip Tate and then enjoy Death in the Afternoon absinthe from Key West Trading Co.

In this episode I am riding solo, so I decided to talk about a great solo album and a great single barrel.The solo album is Sting's "The Dream of the Blue Turtles" and the single barrel is a Russell's Reserve pick.  I get into some background and some opinion on both the album and the bourbon.  I hope you'll enjoy it!