The Hard Proof
by The Hard Proof
The Hard Proof isn’t just a show about spirits and alcohol, it’s a gathering place for people who appreciate the stories, the craft, and the culture woven through the bottles we pour and the memories we share. Created as a resource for Patton House members and all curious spirits fans, the show goes well beyond tasting notes and bottle talk. It’s where conversations about rare bourbons blend into stories about legendary athletes, iconic films, classic vinyl, collectible treasures, and the grit and heart of American heritage. We’re here to cut through the noise; no marketing smoke and mirrors, no uptight tasting rooms. Just real people, talking about the things we love: a good pour, a game-winning play, a piece of music that stopped us in our tracks, a vintage neon sign with a story, or a well-worn pair of boots that’s seen more than most. Whether you’re a spirits collector, a sports fan, a history buff, or someone who just wants to enjoy good compa
Episodes
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The Hard Proof - Episode 6: The "Old" Shootout
There are so many "Old" whiskeys these days! Old Elk, Old Grand Dad, Old Line, Old Overholt, Old Barton, Old Medley, Old Taylor, the list goes on and on and on... So today, Benny brought a handful of his favorites to blind the guys on. Youtube: https://youtu.be/TFiOXS-rRxo Website:...
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The Hard Proof - Episode 5: Mail-Day Madness
It's mail-day at the studio! This week we had some interesting bottles arrive at our doorstep, and we'll be breaking them down top-to-bottom. Will the marketing make or break these pours? Join us and find out! YouTube: https://youtu.be/IA52VdID36o?si=fLgaQzQO17g0klVf Website:...
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The Hard Proof - Episode 4: Bourbon and Bigfoot, with Luke Rodgers of Blurry Creatures
Join JP, Benny, and The Lawman this week for a very special, and very blurry episode of The Hard Proof! Joined by special guest Luke Rodgers of the Blurry Creatures Podcast, this episode blends the best of both bourbon and Bigfoot. Follow All Things Blurry Creatures:...
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The Hard Proof - Episode 3: Bye Bye, Blantons
Wait, you mean to tell me JP is STILL upset about Blantons? In 2024? No... it can't be true... Wait, wait... What's he doing with that bottle?? Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehardproof/videos Website: https://thehardproof.com/
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The Hard Proof - Episode 2: Shootouts & Shenanigans
Join the guys for one of the more literal takes on the term "shootout." YouTube: https://youtu.be/IA52VdID36o?si=fLgaQzQO17g0klVf Website: https://thehardproof.com/
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The Hard Proof - Episode 1: Whiskey, Wings, & Taters
As if whiskey and taters weren't enough, the guys bring back some old segments to spice things up. Wings? BMX bikes and lube? Oh great... here we go again... YouTube: https://youtu.be/cW10iyDD1Uo?si=10fquTLMSkECJ7SK Website: https://thehardproof.com/
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The Hard Proof - Pilot Episode
The day has finally arrived. Welcome to Episode 1 of The Hard Proof! Join JP, JD, The Lawman, and Benny The Kid as they blind some pours, talk whiskey favorites, and maybe even point a few fingers along the way... Youtube: https://youtu.be/k3skcuiijOA?si=6ejduRLFNw7K0WCt Website:...
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The Hard Proof - Trailer
Watch the full video trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_PO7QFnmJc&ab_channel=TheHardProof We’re tired of it. Tired of the cryptic tasting notes. Tired of the elaborate marketing schemes. Tired of the pretentious plague that has sickened the whiskey industry for far too long now. We’ve had...
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2024
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A Farewell from Blue Collar Bourbon
Thank you for all your years of listening, supporting, and spreading the word about our show. This journey has gone far beyond our greatest expectations, and it's all thanks to you. Cheers! Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:...
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Announcement - The End of an Era
It's with a heavy heart that we announce the Blue Collar Bourbon Show will be ending March 29th, 2023. Thank you for your continued support over the nearly 5 years we have been on this journey, it means the world to us. Learn More: Hotline: (888) 572-3889 - Press 2, and leave a message Blue…
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Sterling's Secret Speakeasy
This week we're taking a virtual tour of a viral speakeasy! Join us as we chat with our friend Sterling about he and his wife's hidden-door speakeasy, the R-Bar! Learn More: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_r_bar Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:...
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The Most Agreeable Episode Ever
Despite Mind-Games-Madness and D-Rock's complications, the guys still manage to agree on something... Heck, they might just agree on everything! Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media: https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia
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Whiskey Review: Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry
Friday is here! And so is a new limited offering from our good friends at Woodford Reserve. Join us for our review of the 2022 Master's Collection Historic Barrel Entry Bourbon. Learn More: Woodford Reserve: https://www.woodfordreserve.com Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon...
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Leathery Fig Newtons
JP brings the pours and the wonderings this week! We'd love to hear D-Rock's thoughts on the Wildcard Wondering, but he's busy... getting an oil change? Guess the show must go on! Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media: https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia
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Whiskey Review: Old Line Single Malt Whiskey
So nice we had to have it twice! Our friends at Old Line Spirits sent us their Single Malt Whiskey for us to try, and even though we fluffed with it a few weeks back, we enjoyed it so much we had to record a bonus about it. It's also JP's first time tasting it, so will it join the list of single...
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D-Rock Complicates Things
In true D-Rock fashion, nothing can ever be simple. Whether it's introducing a try-scale, or flipping the fluffer on it's head, no part of the Blue Collar Bourbon Show is safe from his shenanigans! Well... except maybe Choose Your Cheers... Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:...
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Whiskey Review: Barrell Bourbon Batch 34
Mail-call! Our dear friends at Barrell Craft Spirits have sent us their latest offering, Barrell Bourbon Batch 34, for review. This high proof bourbon is bound to be delicious, but will that taste justify the high price tag? Tune in to find out! Learn More: Barrell Craft Spirits:...
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Mind-Games, Rap Names, and Bluegrass Fame
This week we are joined by Jordan Tice of the bluegrass quartet Hawktail! After a new gameshow from the mad mind of JD, we blind Jordan on some blue-collar pours. Does JD dare to trash an episode with a special guest? Tune in to find out! Learn More: Hawktail:...
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A Less Than Blue Collar Bonus
We may be short on hosts this week, but we're certainly not short on fantastic pours! Join us for a special bonus where friend of the show "JR" brings in some of his favorite "less than blue collar" pours for us to taste and review. Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:...
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JP and Double B
It's Wildcard Week at Blue Collar Bourbon, and this time he's teamed up with Beer Boi to bring a little something special! Also, JD has had enough with AI... Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media: https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia
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Whiskey Review: Old Charter Oak French Oak Bourbon
From D-Rock's very own personal collection, join us for our review of Buffalo Trace's limited offering: The Old Charter Oak French Oak Bourbon. Will we give it a oui oui or a non? Tune in and find out! Learn More: Old Charter Oak: https://www.oldcharteroak.com/story/french Blue Collar Bourbon:...
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This is Aloha
D-Rock shakes things up this week with some truly unique pours! Also, JP and JD team up to bring a "wildcard wondering" to the table. Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media: https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia
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Whiskey Review: Larceny Barrel Proof Batch A123
Join us for an extra-hot mail call, as we review the latest Larceny Barrel Proof offering from our friends at Heaven Hill. Learn More: Heaven Hill: https://heavenhilldistillery.com Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media: https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia
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Spicy Pool Toys
Mind games aren't the only games being played today. Join us as JD brings not only the pours, but a whole new segment to the show! Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media: https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia
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The B-TACquila Bonus
This week our friends at Corazón sent us their latest offerings from the Expresiones lineup! Join us for our review of these fine tequilas rested in Eagle Rare 17 Year and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Barrels. Learn More: Corazón: https://www.tequilacorazon.com Blue Collar Bourbon:...
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AI Crafted Bootician
New Year, same Wildcard! This week, JP brought us two new left-of-center pours to blind us on, one of which we think may have been distilled artificial intelligence? Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media: https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia
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Happy (Barrell) New Year!
New Year, new bourbon! Join us for our review of Barrell's latest offering, the Barrell Bourbon New Year 2023. Learn More: Barrell Craft Spirits: https://www.barrellbourbon.com Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media: https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia
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Bubblegum, Baking Spices, Begging for More
After a brief holiday hiatus, we are back in business! This week D-Rock is bringing the pours. Will he trash the new year or ring it in with a couple of buys? Join us to find out! Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media: https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia
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Past Favorites: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Join us yet again for one of our favorite interviews in recent memory! On this bonus episode we check in with Master Blender Victoria Butler to talk about her background, as well as the amazing history behind the Uncle Nearest brand. During the interview we also review their Uncle Nearest 1884...
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Past Favorites: From Pro-Bowler to Blue Collar
Today we're taking a trip back in time to enjoy one of our favorite past episodes. Join us yet again as we blind taste test some blue collar pours with former SEC and NFL star Dexter McCluster. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit: https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn...
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Rum-Rum-Rum-Rummm
We may be two hosts down, but we're not out! Join D-Rock and Beer Boy as they taste test the latest barrel finished rum offerings from our good friends at Grander Rum.
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Past Favorites: The Postman Returns
This week we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes, and we think you should revisit it too! This is season 4 episode 20 of the Blue Collar Bourbon show, titled: The Postman Returns. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit: https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More…
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Beer Boy's Tater-Test
Gather round for a special Beer Boy concocted bonus this week! Our producer decided to blind us on some "tater-bait" bourbons to see if we'd fall for the hype, and you won't want to miss what happens! Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit: https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon...
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2022 Secret Santa Spectacular
Merry Christmas! For this year's Christmas special, we decided to draw names and buy each other a blue collar bottle, Secret-Santa style! Join us as we blind each other on the four bottles we chose, pick our favorites, and celebrate the end of a great year. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar...
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Whiskey Review: Old Ezra 7 Straight Rye Whiskey
Mail call! Our good friends at Lux Row just sent us their latest Old Ezra offering to review: The Old Ezra 7 Straight Rye Whiskey. Will this limited release live up to the legacy of the Ezra Brooks brand, or will it stray too far from the family? Tune in for our take... Want to get in on…
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Lemon Zest That Ain't The Best
The Wildcard returns this week with not only pours, but also one of his famous wonderings! And for some reason D-Rock keeps talking about ordering drawers, but not the kind you might expect... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit: https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn...
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Whiskey Review: Backbone Old Bones 10 Year Reserve Rye
You'd better have some backbone for this bonus, because we're drinking a hot and spicy rye straight from our friends at Backbone Bourbon. Join us for our review of Backbone's Old Bones 10 Year Reserve Rye. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:...
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Bargains, Buys, and Barrel Picks
D-Rock brings the heat this week... literally! This episode is packed with proof, but will it be packed with purchases? Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit: https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon: https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting…
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Whiskey Review: Puncher's Chance "The Left Cross"
The good folks over at Wolf Spirit in Eugene, Oregon sent us their latest limited offering in the Puncher's Chance lineup for review! Will this barrel finished pour be a knockout, or a swing and a miss? Tune in to find out! Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:...
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Hazmat Heat and A Nose of Cheese
This week is packed with mind games, as it's JD's turn to bring the pours! Also, we think JP's nose might be broken because he's picking up notes of... is that... Cheetos? Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit: https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar...
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Whiskey Review: Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond Fall 2022 Edition
Our dear friends at Heaven Hill Distillery were kind enough to send us their Fall 2022 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond Bourbon for review. Will we love the whiskey? Will JP love the price? Tune in to find out... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:...
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2022 Thanksgiving Thanktacular
Happy Thanksgiving! To show just how thankful we are for whiskey, we decided to each bring a pour we're thankful for and blind each other on it. Safe to say, it was a tasty episode. We also take a trip down memory lane that you won't want to miss. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks?...
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Live From Bourbon Bash
We're coming to you live from the sold out whiskey event of the year! Join us as we sit down with our friends at Company Distilling, 291 Distilling, and Fugitives Spirits to talk all things whiskey. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit: https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon...
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Salty About Honey
JP's pours weren't the only wildcard on the table this week! Not only does he bring out the beast in JD, he also brings out some trivia... Wait, I thought this was a bourbon show? Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit: https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue…
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An Interview With Blue Run Spirits
Happy Tuesday! Betcha didn't see this one coming... For this special bonus, we'll be sitting down with Mike Montgomery of Blue Run Spirits to talk all things Blue Run, as well as taste their latest offering, the Barrel Strength Emerald Rye. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:...
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The Single Barrel Shootout
D-Rock showed up with something special in store for this bonus! We take a trip down memory lane, and delight our tastebuds with a shootout comprised of our very own single barrel picks. Which one will come out on top? Tune in to find out... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:...
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JD is Mad at It
It's D-Rock's turn to bring the pours this week, but that doesn't mean its any regular ole' middle-of-the-road episode! And we're definitely not going to talk about the new Blanton's Honey Barrel, we would never talk about that... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:...
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Whiskey Review: Barrel Vantage Bourbon
Our good friends at Barrel Craft Spirits were kind enough to send us their latest flagship offering, the Vantage Bourbon, for us to review. This unique blend of Mizunara, French and American Toasted Oak bourbons certainly has our attention, but does it have our wallets? Want to get in on…
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Postman Brings The Dough
The infamous Postman is back, and we decided to let him bring a couple of his own pours... which was probably a mistake. Also, it was JD's turn to bring the blind pours this week, and of course it was mind games as usual. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:...
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About this show
The Hard Proof isn’t just a show about spirits and alcohol, it’s a gathering place for people who appreciate the stories, the craft, and the culture woven through the bottles we pour and the memories we share.
Created as a resource for Patton House members and all curious spirits fans, the show goes well beyond tasting notes and bottle talk. It’s where conversations about rare bourbons blend into stories about legendary athletes, iconic films, classic vinyl, collectible treasures, and the grit and heart of American heritage.
We’re here to cut through the noise; no marketing smoke and mirrors, no uptight tasting rooms. Just real people, talking about the things we love: a good pour, a game-winning play, a piece of music that stopped us in our tracks, a vintage neon sign with a story, or a well-worn pair of boots that’s seen more than most.
Whether you’re a spirits collector, a sports fan, a history buff, or someone who just wants to enjoy good compa
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