The People's Proof
by Michael Walker
Welcome to The People's Proof where we believe the true proof of any spirit are the people who enjoy it. My name's Michael Walker and when I was in law school, back in 2002, I bought a bottle of Pappy van Winkle, 20 year bourbon for $85 at the Liquor Barn. And it was all over the shelf because pretty much people just enjoyed Maker's Mark and Woodford Reserve, where I grew up in, whereas in school and my, how things have changed.It's a whole new industry worth billions, and it's brought millions of people into this wonderful hobby and community that I love and enjoy. Anytime you take a drink of bourbon, you're really taking a drink of history that sat in the barrel for years. But there's more to it than that. It's the grain that made the spirit. It's the wood that made the barrel. It's the farmer and the land and this nation.I hope you'll come along for this journey, because I want to do something different than your typical bourbon podcast. We're going to do happy hour conversati
Episodes
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Ep. 43 - Bro-Ams and Bourbon
In light of some recent HR changes on another pod, Shimmy's crazy busy schedule, and Irish Barry seeking out the best Gin Mickey at Disneyworld, only the Professor and Joe show Joe Turner talks with the Professor about golfing, life, and whether you take bourbon out on the links. The Professor...
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Ep. 42 - Moonshine!
Before bourbon was a thing, the original Proofers were heatin' up the copper and making their own shine to share and love. The Professor brings in an "alleged" bottle of illegal applie pie shine for Shimmy, Joe, Irish Barry, Detective Andy to enjoy while talking about the history of moonshining…
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Ep. 41 - Seltzers?
We stand by our motto when we say the true proof of spirits are the people who enjoy them, even if they are Seltzers. While there may be No Law with the Claw, the Professor, Shimmy, Joe Turner, Irish Barry White try to figure out whether there's any respect in them either. From the latest...
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Ep. 40 - The Bar Hopper
Do you want your party to have the coolest cocktails, but you don't have the time or your mixing skills run the risk of food poisoning? The Professor, Detective Andy, and Shimmy interview Kenzie, bartender extraordinaire and owner of the Bar Hopper - a mobile bartending service bringing...
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Ep. 39 - Whiskey and War Stories with Bryan Avery and Alex Hernandez of Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey
The Professor and Shimmy join Jeffrey Mueller and WhisKY of The Scotchy Bourbon Boys for their first cross-pod episode! The guys sit down with Bryan Avery of Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey. Plus, they get the honor to sit down with a real American hero, retired Army Sergeant Major, Green Beret…
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Ep. 38 - Joe's Mint Julep, First Annual Tater Derby, & My Old Tater Home
Just in time to make your best mint julep for the Kentucky Derby, "Director" Joe Turner makes some of his carefully-curated mint juleps started from his days in Louisville. Irish Barry is pissed that Joe gave him trough juleps at old Derby parties. The Boss himself - Brian Howie - joins for the...
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Ep. 37 - Cinco de Mayo with Western Reserve Distillers and Check Your Vertical!
The Professor, Irish Barry White, Detective Andy Gordon, and Shimmy talk margaritas, mojitos, michaledas and all things Cinco de Mayo. The guys try Western Reserve Distillers new organic anejo with the guidance of Assistant Distiller Vick Moberg. And it a great surprise the hosts of Check Your...
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Ep. 36 - A Bloody Good Show!
The Professor. Shimmy, and Detective Andy Gordon try out all the different ways to enjoy everyone (except Shimmy's) favorite tomato-and-spirit drink. Learn about Bloody Marys, Bloody Marias, Bloody Mariannes, make-your-own mixers, and pre-mixes. The guys dip into the historic "Bring Back Major...
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Ep. 35 - Pod-A-Palooza
Even though our RSVP got lost in the mail, TPP closes out PodPopuli Hudson's second Pod-A-Palooza at Comida in Hudson, Ohio! The Professor, Detective Andy Gordon, and Shimmy give out bottles to tater costume models and get real servers and bartenders to let it all out with therapy only the…
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Ep. 34 - Passover & Easter-Friendly Cocktails
The Professor, Mrs. Professor, Shimmy, Detective Andy Gordon and Irish Barry discuss Passover and Easter-friendly cocktails. Barry gets upset when his Peep-topped Gin Rickey gets a black jelly bean. Detective Andy questions his love of all bloody marys when he tries one with Arak liquor while...
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Ep. 33 - The Professor's Interview with Jim Canepa, Superintendent of the Ohio Department of Liquor Control
On this very special episode of the People's Proof, the Professor squares off with none other than the Man himself...Superintendent Jim Canepa of the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. From taters, lines and lost bottles to coming soon spirits and innovation, the two provide some insight on what a...
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Ep. 32 - The First Annual People's Proof Tater Day Parade
The Professor and the gang get into color commentary mode as the Tater Institute hosts the Inaugural National Tater Day Parade! Join them as they highlight the pageantry - from Lady Gaga's Baby Blanton Dress, the bands, dancers, floats, and of course....the Taters who try to ruin it all. Listen,...
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Ep. 31 - National Cocktail Day
Sometimes folks want to enjoy their spirits ways other than neat. Other times folks can't handle a spirit without something a little extra. And sometimes a spirit just needs… something extra. We're not a 100% sure, but we're guessing that's how cocktails came to be, and ultimately leading to...
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Ep. 30 - (Irish) Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
Irish whiskey is on the menu for St. Patrick's Day as Shimmy breaks down Irish whiskey with the Professor, The Detective, and "Irish" Patrick Barry O'Hara. We learn the basics of what makes Irish Whiskey and we all agree it's better without the "E." Dave Goldstein pops in to try some lime green...
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Ep. 29 - Take the Moscow Out of the Mule?
The Proofers stand united with Ukraine's fight for freedom against the Russian Horde. State liquor authorities, private liquor stores, and consumers are clearing their shelves of Russian-made vodka or anything remoely associated with the Russian Federation. Some are even giving the Moscow Mule…
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Ep. 28 - Tater Love
In this Valentine's Day special, the Professor and gang provide some interesting ideas for both the lonely taters and the taters with significant spuds. Listen, like, review, subscribe and share! Send show ideas or ask a be a guest or guest host to [email protected], and join the Facebook...
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Ep. 27 - Mini Madness
This week, the guys explore the virtue and benefits of mini bottles. From ease of travel, to a cheaper way of trying a spirit for the first time, the guys discuss the virtues of mini bottles of spirits. Listen, like, review, subscribe and share! Send show ideas or ask a be a guest or guest host…
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Ep. 26 - Appreciating Bartenders, But They're All Working
With The Professor on lockdown due to orders, and The Detective filming another movie, the show was left to Shimmy. Adrienne steps in for Andy, and we have former celebrity bartender Joe Turner on, as we discuss how to not be a terrible customer. We share our thoughts on how difficult the job is,...
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Ep. 25 - Happy Chinese New Year!
Proofers come from all walks of life, and celebrate all kinds of traditions. In this episode, Lee Turner of After Hours Cinema and the Professor crack open a bottle of xx baiju 1 and a mini Johnnie Walker Blue Label while the gang tries some fun CNY cocktails back home in Hudson. Gong Ha Fat…
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Ep. 24 - Kampai! Japanese Whiskey!
The first podcast while the Professor is on Reserve Orders, the gang dives into the world of Japanese Whiskey and it's growing popularity in the spirits world. Whether you love pure malts or blends, this episode is a great introduction to learning about a style of whiskey that makes up a large...
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Ep. 23 - New Year's Value Shelfers & Listener Mail
The Professor recognizes many of you are paying off debt from buying holiday gifts but that you still have that bourbon itch. On this episode, we provide you some great value shelfer options to scratch that itch. We have our first installment of our "Listener Mail" segment, and and Detective Andy...
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Ep. 22 - The Proofer Spirit of Giving and Tater Carols!
Get in the giving and caroling mood with this week's episode! First the Professor speaks with our old friend the Bourbon Rabbi Chaim Litvin to talk about his efforts to help survivors of the Western Kentucky Tornadoes. Next, the Professor is joined by Anton Gorkavchuk and Chuck Dillon to talk…
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Ep. 21 -The Proofer 2021 Holiday Cocktail Show
This week, the Professor and guests take a crack at some holiday cocktails. Some made on site, other's from Blitzen's pop-up bar at Hudson's Restaurant in Hudson Ohio. Greg Bellan and Shimmy join Detective Andy Gordon and his wife Adrienne, and Joe and Karen Turner round it out. Listen, like,...
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Ep. 20 - Proofer Holiday Gift Ideas
Matt Synder - owner of Bourbon Trading Company - joins the Professor, Detective Andy Gordon, "Irish Barry White" Barry O'Hara, and Paul Levine to discuss bourbon-themed holiday ideas. Michael "Shimmy" Chmielewski brings some Whistlepig Piggyback and 12-Year Ryes, Claude Mays, and Rittenhouse…
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Ep. 19 - Vodka Vibes
The Professor - calling in from Duluth, Minnesota - is joined by Detective Andy Gordon, Adrienne Gordon, the Ginfluencer Barry O'Haara, Joe and Karen Turner, and Shimmy to talk all things vodka! Listen, like, review, and share! Send show ideas or ask a be a guest or guest host to...
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Ep. 18 - Blind as a Bat!
Sherif "Egyptian Barry White" Mansour, "Detective" Andy Gordon, Joe Turner, Barry O'Hara, and Professor Matt Lozy join the Professor for a fun-filled blind tasting. What's good? What's not? Who won? Who lost? You'll have to tune in to find out. Listen, like, review, and share! Send show ideas or...
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Ep. 17 - Prooftoberfest!
Travis Pennick and Andy Gordon join the Professor with their favorite beers for Prooftoberfest! Listen, like, review, and share! Send show ideas or ask a be a guest or guest host to [email protected], and join the Facebook Page at tinyurl.com/ThePeoplesProofFB!
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Ep. 16 - Ginnin' Up a Good Episode!
Put up your tonic water and break out your botanicals; the Professor and crew are talkin' gin! The Professor is joined again by Michael "Shimmy"Chmielewski of Southern Glazers, "Detective" Andy Gordon, Sherif Mansour, and the pod's favorite Irishman, Barry O'Hara. Barry takes us on a history tour...
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Ep. 15 - Ruminating on Rum!
Michael "Shimmy" Chmielewski, Andy Gordon, Greg Bellan, Sherif Mansour, and Matt Lozy talk about rum & highlight some brands that would make Jobu proud! Listen and look for these brands at your nearest Canepastan Ration Stores! The guys discuss the latest OHLQ lottery, and take a deep dive into...
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Ep. 14 - Tacklin' TEQUILA!
Proofers know there's more good stuff on the shelves than just Bourbon and Rye. The Professor is joined again by Michael "Shimmy"Chmielewski of Southern Glazer Spirits to learn more about tequila and what folks can find on Canepastan shelves. Sherif Mansour and his cousin, Andy Gordon and his…
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Ep. 13 - Trail Runnin' and Mash Tastin'
Michael is joined by his buddies Actor and Pricing Analyst Andrew Gordon and Liquor Whistler Michael "Brandon" Chmielewski. Both endurance runners and bourbon enthusiasts, they share their love of America's native spirit. Chmielewski also provides some insight into bourbon purchasing in…
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Ep. 12 - Crazy Lithuanians and Their Krupnikas!
The Professor introduces Proofers to his friends from community theater and local. Mark Durbin, Bill Onion bring stories of their love of bourbon. Ed Kijauskas and Jonas Muliolis talk about the Lithuanian roots and making Krupnikas - a traditional liqueur of grain spirits, honey, and spices....
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Ep. 11 - Bourbon History and Tatering with the Spudfather, Wade Woodard
The Professor, Matt Lozy, and Travis Pennick host a conversation with Wade Woodard, lay bourbon historian, legal guru, humorist, and publisher of http://www.tater-talk.com. We discuss the evolution of th bourbon craze and tatering. Listen, like, review, and share! Send show ideas or ask to be a...
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Ep. 10 - Keep It Kosher With the Bourbon Rabbi
For those celebrating the Jewish faith, the Jewish High Holy Days are coming up soon. In this episode, Michael interviews friends Yisroel Goldstein and the Bourbon Rabbi, Rabbi Chaim Litvin, to talk about how spirits are certified Kosher. The Bourbon Rabbi advises many distilleries on how to make...
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Ep. 9 - Sips and Smokes
Michael is joined by Matt Khron and Mark Ibrahim to learn more about selecting, lighting the right cigar. They guys also discuss pairing a cigar with the right spirit or beer. Listen, review, and share! Send show ideas or ask a be a guest or guest host to [email protected], and join the...
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Ep. 8 - Barrel-Aged Stouts
In the first of viewer-requested episodes - Matt Krohn joins Michael to discuss another favorite of bourbon fans - Barrel-Aged Stouts. Join as Matt discusses his love of home brewing, tips for home brewing beginners, beer tasting, and how America's Native Spirit have added an extra layer of…
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Ep. 7 - DIY Speakeasy!
This week the Professor joins the Real Wives of Bourbons (RWOB's) guests Matt and Christa Khron from their home speakeasy! Learn their inspiration for building it am be inspired to maybe build one yourself! Assistant Professor Matt Lozy joins and brings a phenomenal dusty Jim Beam. This episodes…
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Ep. 6 - From Kentucky to Your Door! Kentucky's Direct-to-Consumer Program
Representative Adam Koenig, Chairman of the Kentucky House of Representative's Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations and Christy Trout Van Tatenhove, Special Counsel to the Speaker of the Kentucky House and former Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage...
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Ep. 5 - Mash Libs!
Michael is joined by Matt Lozy, Sherif Mansour, Rony Daher, and Abhi "Handlebar" Vijaywergiya to discuss the art and technique of tasting whiskies using their own take on Mad Libs. Matt reads a heartwarming story of tatercovery from the T.A.T.E.R. Institute, the folks discuss how to enroll…
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Ep. 4 - A "Serious" Conversation on Tatering
Michael is joined by Matt Lozy, Dave McFarland, Brett Shriver, and special guest Diane Demuynck - host of "Blonde and Ordained" - to discuss the epidemic and national security threats of Tatering. The gang unveils the public Facebook page for the T.A.T.E.R. Institute, prank calls a local store…
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Ep. 3 - The Real Wives of Bourbon!
Michael is joined Justin and Liz Yeakley, Matt and Christa Krohn, and his wife Lindsay as the boys' better halves share their loves and not-so-loves on their husbands bourbon enthusiasm. From who has the better nose and palate to how to divide and conquer at the store, they cover bourbon from a...
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Ep. 2 - Brian Haara, Author of Bourbon Justice
Michael and friends interview Brian Haara, commercial lawyer, contributor to The Bourbon Community Roundtable on the Bourbon Pursuit Podcast, and notably, author of "Bourbon Justice: How Whiskey Law Shaped America." Brian shares how a dusty case allowed him to fuse his passions of the law and...
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Ep. 1 - A Fresh Crack on a New Bourbon Podcast
Michael is joined by friends Steve Lombardo, Sherif Mansour, Brett Shriver, and Justin Yeakley to discuss the history of their love of bourbon, COVID and the bourbon enthusiast, and the enjoyment of private barrel picks. Justin shares with the group the history of his website and app - Bourbon...
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It's Time To Raise Our Glasses
A sneak peek at what's ahead on The People's Proof!
About this show
Welcome to The People's Proof where we believe the true proof of any spirit are the people who enjoy it. My name's Michael Walker and when I was in law school, back in 2002, I bought a bottle of Pappy van Winkle, 20 year bourbon for $85 at the Liquor Barn. And it was all over the shelf because pretty much people just enjoyed Maker's Mark and Woodford Reserve, where I grew up in, whereas in school and my, how things have changed.It's a whole new industry worth billions, and it's brought millions of people into this wonderful hobby and community that I love and enjoy. Anytime you take a drink of bourbon, you're really taking a drink of history that sat in the barrel for years. But there's more to it than that. It's the grain that made the spirit. It's the wood that made the barrel. It's the farmer and the land and this nation.I hope you'll come along for this journey, because I want to do something different than your typical bourbon podcast. We're going to do happy hour conversati
Hosted by
Michael Walker