Great American Whiskey Cookers

Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is here, and this week's bottle is a big one.Under the box is Driftless Glen's brand-new 10-Year Bourbon, a milestone release that marks a major achievement for one of America's standout craft distilleries.Reaching the 10-year mark is no small feat in the craft whiskey world. But does this long-aged bourbon live up to the anticipation?No labels. No bias. Just honest reactions, real tasting notes, and one question:Is Driftless Glen's 10-Year Bourbon worth the wait?👉 Listen now to see if this 10-year craft bourbon earns a spot among our favorites.

🥃 Great whiskey doesn't happen by accident, it starts in the still.Every master distiller has a philosophy behind the way they craft their spirits. From fermentation to making precise cuts, every decision influences the final flavor in the glass.In this episode, Master Distiller Ari Klafter takes us behind the scenes to explain his approach to distillation, sharing the techniques, decisions, and craftsmanship that shape every bottle he produces.If you've ever wondered how great whiskey is really made, this is an episode you won't want to miss.👉 Listen now for an inside look at the art and science of distillation from one of the industry's most thoughtful craft distillers.

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is heating up!This week, we put Black Band Wheated Cask Strength Bourbon under the box for a true blind tasting.Cask strength bourbons aren't for everyone. With bold proof and intense flavor, they can be unforgettable—or overwhelming. So, how does this wheated cask strength bourbon stack up with the guys?No labels. No preconceived opinions. Just honest reactions, real tasting notes, and one question:Is Black Band's Wheated Cask Strength Bourbon worth the pour?🎁 Be sure to watch until the end to learn how you can enter our whiskey sample giveaway!👉 Listen now to see if this high-proof craft bourbon earns a place on our shelf.

In this episode, Black Band Distillery Brand Ambassador Tate Ulm takes us through a guided tasting of their Flagship Bourbon Whiskey, sharing the story behind the bottle, its flavor profile, mash bill, aging process, and what makes it the signature expression of the distillery.Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just discovering craft whiskey, this tasting offers an inside look at the craftsmanship and attention to detail that go into every pour.👉 Join us as we explore the flavors, aromas, and history behind Black Band Distillery's Flagship Bourbon and see why it's become the standard-bearer for one of Peoria's fastest-rising craft distilleries.

🥃 Did you know Peoria, Illinois was once known as the Whiskey Capital of the World?Before Prohibition, Peoria was home to one of the largest whiskey industries in America. While those glory days faded after Prohibition, one craft distillery is working to bring that rich whiskey heritage back.Enter Black Band Distillery.During our visit, we discovered a distillery that's passionate about quality, innovation, and honoring Peoria's historic place in American whiskey. After tasting their lineup, it's clear they're not just preserving history—they're creating a new chapter.👉 Join us as we explore Black Band Distillery, learn about Peoria's incredible whiskey legacy, and find out why this is one craft distillery every whiskey fan should have on their radar.

This week, we put Striped Pig Double Barrel Bourbon Whiskey under the box for the very first time.We've never tasted this bourbon before, so we're going in with no expectations—just honest reactions, real tasting notes, and one big question:Does Striped Pig Double Barrel Bourbon deserve a spot on our shelf?No labels. No bias. Just a true blind tasting to see if this craft double barrel bourbon can impress the guys.🎁 Don't leave early! Stick around until the end to find out how to enter our whiskey sample giveaway.👉 Listen now to see if Striped Pig is a hidden gem or one we'll pass on.

🥃 One of the best parts of visiting a craft distillery is discovering expressions you can't find just anywhere.With so many unique whiskeys to choose from at StilL 630 Distillery, it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, Dave Weglarz guided us through one of his favorites—the Maple Sunset Rye.👉 Listen now for a guided tasting of StilL 630's Maple Sunset Rye and discover why this innovative craft whiskey is turning heads.

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge!This week, we put Brickway Distillery's Rye Whiskey under the box for an honest, no-label blind tasting.Rye whiskey is one of the most debated spirits in the whiskey world. Some love its bold spice and complexity, while others stick with bourbon. So where will Jeff, Wes, and the crew land on this craft rye?No labels. No preconceived opinions. Just real reactions, tasting notes, and the final verdict.🎁 Be sure to watch until the end to learn how you can enter our whiskey sample giveaway!👉 Is Brickway Rye a hidden gem or one to pass on? Listen now to find out.

🥃 Getting to taste a bourbon unicorn never gets old.During our visit to Blaum Bros. Distillery, Matt and Mike surprised us by pulling out a bottle of their Original Knotter Bourbon—a bottle that's become a true bourbon unicorn and is nearly impossible to find today.Opportunities like this don't come around often, so we couldn't pass up the chance to taste this rare pour and see how it holds up.Is the Original Knotter Bourbon worthy of its legendary status? We share our honest tasting notes, first impressions, and why this bottle has become so sought after.👉 Listen now for an inside look at one of the rarest pours to come out of Blaum Bros. Distillery.

🥃 This week, Jeff and Wes put Brickway Double Barrel Bourbon to the test in a true blind tasting.We're both fans of double barrel bourbons, so the expectations are high. But when the label disappears, can Brickway still stand out against some of our favorite pours?No branding. No bias. Just honest reactions, real tasting notes, and one simple question:Is Brickway Double Barrel Bourbon worth adding to your shelf?

🥃 Every great whiskey has a story—and sometimes that story starts in a farm field generations ago.One of our favorite things is discovering how a whiskey got its name. At Wildcat Distillery, their Tillman's Whiskey is more than just a bottle—it's a tribute to family legacy.Named after their Grandpa Al, the original Wildcat Tillman who first planted the grain that would become part of the family's story, this whiskey honors the hard work, perseverance, and farming heritage that helped make it all possible.It's a reminder that great whiskey isn't just made in the distillery—it's rooted in the people and traditions behind it.👉 Listen now to hear the story behind Tillman's Whiskey and why Grandpa Al would be proud.

This pour is for my dad. He wasn't a huge bourbon fan, but he always tried the whiskeys I brought home. A tribute to a father's simple pleasures. Remembering his favorite Crown Royal and Coke, a bond shared through a familiar sip. Cherishing memories, one glass at a time.

After losing my father, I found solace helping my mom. Evenings led us to a local distillery, revealing a community built on shared moments and open learning. The unique smoky flavors explained it all. 

🥃 Sometimes the best things in whiskey happen by accident.You don't just order a custom still and have it show up next week. Building a distillery still can take months—or even years. And when projects stretch that long, mistakes can happen.That's exactly what happened at Lonely Oak Distillery.What started as a mix-up during the still-building process resulted in a unique combination of stainless steel and copper that wasn't exactly what was ordered... but turned out to be a happy accident.The story behind how their still came to be is funny, unexpected, and a great reminder that innovation sometimes comes from embracing the unexpected.👉 Listen now to hear the story behind one of the most unique stills we've encountered and how it became part of Lonely Oak's whiskey-making journey.

🥃 One blind tasting turned into two.On this Friday Blind Tasting Challenge, we put Shortbarrel Straight Rye Whiskey under the box expecting one review—but the conversation quickly led us down the rabbit hole to another Shortbarrel expression: Bees Knees.From rye spice to honey-finished sweetness, these bottles sparked plenty of debate, comparisons, and whiskey geek talk.Which one came out on top? And are either worth hunting down?👉 Listen now for our honest reactions, tasting notes, and a surprising two-for-one whiskey review

🥃 Every new distillery faces the same question: Source whiskey, bottle it young, or wait until it's truly ready?At Wildcat Distilling in Webster City, Iowa, they chose patience.Rather than rush a bourbon to market, they waited for their own whiskey to mature—and now their first-ever bourbon is finally ready.We got a rare opportunity to taste this farm-to-bottle Iowa bourbon straight from the barrel before it was bottled and released to the public.Was the wait worth it?👉 Listen now for this exclusive barrel tasting and get a first look at one of Iowa's newest craft bourbon releases.

🥃 From Iowa farmland to the whiskey glass.At Wildcat Distilling Co. in Webster City, Iowa, a brother-and-sister team, alongside their spouses, are carrying on a tradition as old as America itself. They plant the corn, harvest the crop, and then transform it into handcrafted whiskey.This is true farm-to-bottle whiskey—where the people growing the grain are the same people making the spirit.Join us as we explore how this Iowa farm family turns corn into something greater than the sum of its parts: authentic craft whiskey rooted in the land, hard work, and family tradition.👉 Listen now to discover one of Iowa's most unique craft distilleries.

This week, we put StilL630 Whiskey under the box and put our palates to the test. Jeff is joined by the Big Human and Wes for a true blind tasting—no labels, no preconceived opinions.We were big fans when we visited the distillery and tasted it firsthand. But does it still impress when we don't know what's in the glass?👉 Listen now to see our honest reactions, tasting notes, and whether Still 630's craft whiskey holds up in a blind tasting.

🥃 Honey-finished bourbon is having a moment—and we're here for it.Barrel finishing has become one of the biggest trends in bourbon, and honey cask finishes are creating some seriously interesting pours.So when we got the chance to try Rush Creek's Honey Finished Bourbon, we couldn't pass it up.Did the honey influence add the perfect touch of sweetness and complexity, or does it overpower the bourbon? We dive into the aromas, flavors, and finish to find out.👉 Listen now for our tasting notes and see if this craft bourbon is worth adding to your shelf.

It’s Friday, and that means blind tasting time. Today under the box it turns out to be a Kings Family 10 year Bourbon. Friend of the show, Wes joins me on this blind tasting, so check it out and see what we think.

🥃 No two single barrels are ever the same—and that’s what makes them special.At Old Glory Distilling Co., their Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey has become a regular release, giving whiskey fans a chance to experience the unique character each barrel brings.From flavor differences to proof variations, every single barrel is its own experience.In this episode, we crack open one of Old Glory’s single barrel Tennessee whiskey releases to see how it stacks up.👉 Listen now for honest tasting notes, reactions, and whether this craft whiskey is worth hunting down.

Friday Blind Tasting Challenge: Craft vs. Big Bourbon.This time, we put a Still Austin Single Barrel Straight Rye head-to-head against the bold new Sazerac Rye 125 Proof Rye.One is a rising craft whiskey favorite. The other comes from one of the biggest names in bourbon and rye whiskey.No labels. No bias. Just a true blind rye whiskey tasting to see which bottle comes out on top.👉 Listen now for honest reactions, tasting notes, and the final verdict in this craft whiskey vs big bourbon showdown.

Non-Distillery Producers have lots of choices. And one of those choices is do they ever want to distill their own product. In this episode, Amine Karaoud and Old Louisville Whiskey Co. has made the choice to rely on a heritage distiller who is making some great whiskey to supply his whiskey. Amine gives us his insights on why sourcing is a great way to build a business.👉 Listen now for an inside look at the evolving world of craft whiskey and NDPs.

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back.Under the box this time is Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. Bloody Butcher Bourbon, made with the increasingly popular Bloody Butcher corn, a heritage grain that’s gaining attention across the craft whiskey world.More and more distilleries are experimenting with this unique red corn… but how does it actually change the bourbon?No labels. No expectations. Just an honest blind bourbon tasting to see what Whiskey Acres brings to the glass.👉 Listen now for real reactions, tasting notes, and whether this heritage grain bourbon stands out from the crowd.

🥃 You can find Elijah Craig almost anywhere… but not like this.When Elijah Craig partners with the PGA of America, it results in a limited annual release that’s much harder to track down.In this episode, Craig Duncan of Whiskey University pours us a sample of the Elijah Craig Valhalla CC PGA bottle—and it delivers a surprisingly different experience from the standard Elijah Craig profile.Rare. Unique. Worth the hunt.👉 Watch now to see how this limited edition Elijah Craig bourbon stacks up.Listen to learn more about whiskey tasting, history, and distilling?🎓 Head to whiskeyuniv.com and sign up for 4 free classes—just mention Whiskey Cookers.

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back. Under the box this time? MB Roland Distillery Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.The Big Human and Wes jump in for a true blind rye whiskey tasting—no labels, no expectations, just honest reactions. Will this Kentucky straight rye stand out… or get lost in the shuffle?👉 Listen now for real-time reactions, tasting notes, and the final verdict.

🥃 This one’s for the true whiskey nerds.We sit down with Julian Jones of West Fork Whiskey Co. for a deep dive into the science of distilling whiskey. We’re talking esterification, yeast selection, hybrid sour mash techniques, and how cuts are made, the details that shape flavor long before the whiskey hits the barrel.If you’ve ever wondered how distillers actually craft their whiskey, this episode pulls back the curtain.👉 Listen now for a behind-the-scenes look at the process, chemistry, and craftsmanship behind great whiskey.

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back. This time, we’re putting a limited release 4 grain sour mash bourbon from Steeple Ridge Bourbon to the test, completely blind.We were lucky enough to grab a bottle when it dropped… but the real question is: Does this craft bourbon limited release live up to the hype? No label. No expectations. Just honest reactions and real bourbon tasting notes.👉 Listen now to see if this 4 grain sour mash bourbon earns its spot.

🥃 When you hear “Edelweiss,” you probably think of the classic song… but what if you could distill it?That’s exactly the question Ari Klafter asked at Thornton Distilling Co. and the result is something truly one-of-a-kind.In this episode, we get to taste a rare, experimental spirit inspired by Edelweiss, crafted right at the distillery and not something you’ll find on shelves.Unique. Unexpected. Completely different from anything we’ve tried.👉 Listen now to experience this exclusive craft distillery creation and see what makes it so special.

This time, we’re putting a barrel strength bourbon from Harmony Spirits Distillery to the test, straight out of the northern heartland of Minnesota. Small craft distillery. Big proof. No label.Can this barrel strength craft bourbon stand out in a true blind tasting?👉 Listen now for honest reactions, tasting notes, and whether this hidden gem earns its place.

Some bourbons are hard to find...this is one of them.Back at MB Roland Distillery in Kentucky, we had the chance to experience a guided tasting of their highly sought-after Barker’s Mill Bottled in Bond Bourbon, led by Mary Beth and Paul.This is an allocated craft bourbon that doesn’t always make it to the shelf, making every pour that much more special.If you’re into Bottled in Bond bourbon, Kentucky craft distilleries, and rare whiskey finds, this is one you’ll want to see.👉 Listen now to get an inside look at this limited release and what makes it stand out.

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge just got serious.This time, Wes (Patreon supporter and friend of the show) brings out a heavy hitter—George T. Stagg 2025 from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC).One of the most highly sought-after allocated bourbons on the market… but does it actually live up to the hype?No labels. No bias. Just a true blind tasting to answer the real questions:👉 Is it worth the price?👉 Is it worth the hunt?Listen now to see if George T. Stagg 2025 delivers, or disappoints.

Before the bottle… there’s the barrel. At Thornton Distilling Co., one whiskey stands above the rest, their American Single Malt. After years of aging, it’s finally ready for its first release.In this episode, we get a rare opportunity to taste this American Single Malt whiskey straight from the barrel, just before it’s bottled for the very first time. Rich, complex, and years in the making—this is a true behind-the-scenes look at a craft distillery preparing a flagship release.👉 Listen now to experience this pre-release tasting and see what makes this whiskey so special.

Just outside Chicago, there’s a distillery where history and innovation come together. Located in Thornton, Illinois, Thornton Distilling Co. operates inside the oldest standing brewery in the state, blending deep roots in Prohibition-era history with a modern focus on American Single Malt whiskey.Set on historic Potawatomi land, this distillery is the only one we’ve seen with a natural artesian well flowing beneath it—providing the very water used in their mash bill.Inside this historic space, three founders are pushing boundaries to craft exceptional small-batch American Single Malt whiskey while honoring the past that surrounds them.👉 Listen now to explore one of the most unique distilleries near Chicago.

Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back, and this one has a name as bold as its flavor.We’re putting Shortbarrel “The AfterSwarm” Double Barrel Toasted Straight Rye Whiskey, finished in honey casks to the test in a true blind tasting.It’s a mouthful to say… but does it deliver in the glass? No labels. No expectations. Just honest reactions and real rye whiskey tasting notes.👉 Listen now to see if this double barrel toasted rye lives up to the hype.

One of the coolest whiskey bottles we’ve seen… but does it actually taste as good as it looks?In this Friday Blind Tasting Challenge, we put 13th Century Bourbon to the test—no labels, no bias, just a true blind review. The packaging might steal the show, but in the end, it’s all about what’s in the glass.👉 Listen now to see if 13th Century Bourbon lives up to the hype—or if it’s all style and no substance.

With over 2,300 bottles in the Whiskey University library, it’s rare to find something new… but we did.In this episode, we pour Colonel Craig Duncan of Whiskey University a rye whiskey he’s never had before, a true rarity. What makes it even more interesting? This rye is crafted using a Prohibition era recipe, staying true to how whiskey was made during that time. It’s bold, unique, and definitely not your typical rye whiskey.👉 Listen as we get the Colonel’s first impressions and break down this historic-style pour.

 Hidden in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky is a bourbon experience like no other.As you pass through the gates of Oxmoor Farm, the sheer scale of the property is breathtaking, especially knowing it sits right in the middle of the city.Step inside and you’re stepping into history. Sit at the same table where the Bullitt family once gathered, enjoy a traditional bourbon punch, and take in the stunning library with its cathedral ceilings and a custom wind vane inspired by the American colonies.And it’s right there, in that historic library, where you’ll experience a tasting of Oxmoor Bourbon.This is more than a distillery stop, it’s a journey into bourbon history, heritage, and craftsmanship.👉 Don’t miss this unforgettable Louisville bourbon experience.

Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back. This time, we’re putting Southern Star Paragon Single Barrel Bourbon to the test—thanks to friend of the show Chris, who brought it out for us to try.The catch? We’ve never had it before. No labels. No expectations. Just a true blind tasting to see how this single barrel bourbon stacks up.👉 Listen now to hear our honest reactions, tasting notes, and whether this one earns a spot on our list.

🥃 When passion meets precision, great whiskey follows.Sitting down with Dave Weglarz of StilL 630 Distillery is always a treat. His deep knowledge and passion for craft whiskey and distilling come through in every part of the conversation.In this episode, Dave breaks down his distilling process from start to finish, from carefully selected ingredients and sourcing, to the intentional decisions that shape the flavor of his whiskey.And yes… even the water source plays a bigger role than you might expect. If you’re curious about how craft whiskey is made, this is a behind-the-scenes look you don’t want to miss.👉 Listen now to learn what makes StilL 630’s approach to distilling so unique.

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back.This time, Jeff and Wes put Huling Station Straight Bourbon, crafted by Old Dominick Distillery in Tennessee to the test in a true blind tasting.Wes is already a fan of Old Dominick… but can he actually recognize it without the label?No hints. No bias. Just honest reactions and real tasting notes.👉 Listen now to see if Huling Station Bourbon stands out, and if Wes can call it correctly.

🥃 Sometimes you stumble onto something special.During our visit to Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, we were lucky enough to taste the very last bottle from one of their single barrels and it turned out to be quite the treat.Single barrel whiskeys can offer unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else, and this one definitely left an impression. In fact, it has us on the lookout for more of Casey Jones Distillery’s single barrel releases.👉 Listen to the episode and hear why this final bottle was worth the pour.

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back and this time we’re going Irish.The Big Human pulls out one of his favorite Irish whiskeys, Blue Spot, and puts it to the test in a true blind tasting.Joining us is friend of the show Chris, who usually sticks to bourbon. So the big question is… can this legendary Irish whiskey win over a bourbon fan?No labels. No expectations. Just honest reactions.👉 Watch the episode to see if Blue Spot Irish Whiskey converts Chris to the Irish side.

🥃 With more than 2,300 bottles in the Whiskey University library, you never know what hidden gem you might discover.During one of our tastings, an offhand comment somehow led us to a whiskey with the perfect name , “Off the Rails.” And when you find a bottle like that, you simply have to try it.Colonel Craig Duncan of Whiskey University pours us a sample and walks us through this unique whiskey in what turned out to be a fun and memorable tasting.If you love learning about whiskey, tasting notes, and the stories behind the bottles, Whiskey University is a great place to dive deeper.👉 Visit whiskeyuniv.com and sign up for four free classes,  just mention Whiskey Cookers when you register.

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting is back and this time Wes from Patreon joins the challenge.In the glass is a Conviction Double Oak 1929 Bourbon… but there’s one catch. I’ve never tried it before.Double oak bourbons can bring big flavor, rich sweetness, and heavy oak influence, but does this one deliver when tasted completely blind? No label. No expectations. Just an honest first reaction.👉 Listen now to hear if this Double Oak bourbon wins me over.

🥃 You see Double Barrel Bourbons everywhere… but what about a Double Barrel Rye?Now imagine that rye is ranked among the top rye whiskeys in the USA.Would you try it? We did, and let’s just say, it delivers.Dave Weglarz of StilL 630 Distillery walks us through a guided tasting of this bold, layered, double-barreled rye, breaking down what makes it stand out in a crowded whiskey market.Spice. Depth. Sweet oak. Big flavor.👉 Listen now to hear why this Double Barrel Rye is turning heads.

This Friday, the guys go in blind with First West Toasted Bourbon, looking for that rich, toasted sweetness everyone talks about. It sounds delicious… but without the label, does it still impress? No hype. No hints. Just honest reactions.👉 Listen now to see if that toasty goodness holds up in a true blind tasting.

🌽🥃 Most craft distilleries follow the proven path. Pat Hoffmann didn’t.At Lonely Oak Distillery, he revived a rare heritage corn variety that only one U.S. farmer was still growing and now he’s the only distiller using it to make whiskey.This is true grain-to-glass craft whiskey, built from the ground up.And there’s another custom corn variety coming soon that was made especially for him.👉 Discover how heritage grain is changing the flavor of small-batch American whiskey.

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back.Jeff, The Big Human, and friend of the show Chris Damon go in completely blind as they taste a Hard Truth Sweet Mash Wheated Bourbon Bottled in Bond without knowing what’s in their glass.No labels. No hype. Just honest reactions. Will this Bottled-in-Bond wheater win them over?👉 Listen now and hear if it earns their vote.

🔥 Forced out of the distillery he built… so he built another.Zac Triemert didn’t waste time looking back. With less space but the same relentless passion, he opened a new distillery in Omaha’s Old Market and got right back to doing what he loves — making whiskey.This is a story of grit, comeback, and an entrepreneur who refused to quit.👉 Listen how Zac turned a setback into his next chapter.