The Rolex Whisky Passion Project
by Gavin Linde
Sharing Whiskey passion globally. Gavin Linde aka @rolexwhisky on Instagram, one of the world's leading whisky influencers and collectors, curates a guest list of passionate Whiskey loving individuals to talk about the history, investing in, the current luxury spirits trends, and of course, drinking whiskey. Join us for each episode to hear our weekly interviews with Whiskey industry professionals and lovers of great luxury spirits.
Episodes
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Investment Shifts, Cask Fraud, and Whiskey's New Horizon
Gavin highlights shifting market conditions across the whiskey industry, where overproduction and reduced consumption have lowered barrel prices and dropped high-end Scotch prices by 40% to 60%, even as high-end vintage bourbon demand stays strong and operational costs have pushed prices up by up...
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Crafting Spirit: Inside the World of Japanese Whisky with James Bowker
House of Suntory global brand ambassador James Bowker traces his remarkable journey from early bartending in English pubs and studying cocktail history to working alongside legendary mixologists in Ginza, Tokyo. Bowker shares expert perspectives on the art of Japanese whisky blending, exploring...
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Bar Shifts, Global Ambassadorship, and Epic Pours with Teddy Joseph
In this episode of The Rolex Whiskey Passion Project, host and guest Teddy Joseph, Global Brand Ambassador for Suntory’s Scotch and Irish whiskies, take a nostalgic, high-spirited dive into the world of fine spirits. Teddy traces his 25-year journey from managing nightclubs and running craft...
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Why the Bourbon Glut is the Best Thing for Drinkers
Gavin welcomes back Erick Ostrander, owner of the Bourbon Club in Lexington, Kentucky, to discuss a major shift in the whiskey world: the correction of the bourbon market. After years of post-COVID scarcity, grocery store shelves are suddenly overflowing with highly sought-after Buffalo Trace...
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Inside the Japanese Whisky Bubble: Market Realities, Hype, and the Authentic Core
Gavin engages with Sagar Vashishta, a veteran collector and author of the coffee table book The Art of Japanese Whisky to examine the structural shifts defining the spirits industry over the past decade. T he discussion traces the market's trajectory from an era of accessible, high-quality...
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Whiskey, Passion, and a New Dawn: A Conversation with Raven Fuller
Gavin catches up with long-time friend and whiskey expert Raven Fuller to trace her remarkable journey through the evolving spirits industry. Moving from central Illinois to the heart of bourbon country in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2017, Raven shares her transition from casual cocktail drinker to...
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John Drummond's Journey from Scottish Blends to Hong Kong’s Luxury Liquid Gold
Gavin Linde is joined by with John Drummond, the General Manager of the Intercontinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong and a true heavyweight in the global whisky scene. John shares his evolution from sneaking sips of blended whiskies as a teenager in Scotland to curating one of the world’s most elite...
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From Tax Tables to Top-Shelf Scotch: The Howard Sacks Import Journey
In a captivating transition, Howard Sacks traded international tax consulting for the spirits industry, founding Saxs Dynamic Operations to bring elite Scotch whiskey to the U.S. market. Specializing in "the good stuff," Sacks acts as a national importer for niche distilleries like Holly and...
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The Art of the Dram: Whiskey, Charity, and the Next Generation
In this lively episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project, host Gavin Linde and guest Matt Lurin dive deep into the evolving landscape of the spirits industry. They explore the rising popularity of independent bottling and the "out of control" trend of high-ABV cask strength whiskies…
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Beyond the Pour: How Fog City Social is Reimagining the Whiskey Festival
In this episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project, co-founders Marcelo Grande and Roland Ng pull back the curtain on Fog City Social, a San Francisco-based event designed to fix the "broken" spirit of corporate whiskey festivals. Moving away from crowded ballrooms and frantic VIP lines, they...
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Whiskey Bodegas & The Golden Age with Kurt Maitland
In this engaging episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project, Gavin Linde welcomes Kurt Maitland (author and founder of the Manhattan Whiskey Club) dive deep into the evolving landscape of whiskey over the last thirty years. Maitland shares nostalgic stories of his "whiskey journey," from...
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Whiskey Writer Joel Harrison on 20 Years of Dram, Price, and Passion
Joel Harrison, a veteran whiskey writer, joined the "Rolex Whiskey Passion Project" to discuss the dramatic changes in the whiskey industry over his nearly 20-year career. They centered on the evolution of whiskey pricing, with Harrison and host Gavin Linde recalling a time two decades ago when...
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Whiskey Munich: From Impulsive Scotch Purchase to Industry Collaborator
Davide Ansalone, known as "Whiskey Munich," joined Gavin Linde on the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project podcast to share his unique journey into the whiskey world. He discussed how he went from discovering smoky Scotch to becoming an influential blogger and photographer who collaborates with the...
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The Rice Whiskey Revolution: Reviving a Thousand-Year Himalayan Heritage with Kashish Shrestha
Kashish Shrestha, founder and CEO of the Nepali Spirit Company, joins the show to share the journey of bringing Nepal’s ancient distilling traditions to the global stage. Shrestha discusses his transition from a high-end whiskey collector and auction regular to a craft distiller based in...
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The Dalmore x BlockBar: Unlocking the Future of Rare Whisky Collecting
In this engaging discussion, Stephen Martin, The Dalmore’s Global Brand Ambassador, joins Sam Rothschild of BlockBar and Gavin to unveil an exclusive 33-year-old single cask release. The conversation highlights a landmark collaboration that merges traditional Scottish craftsmanship with modern…
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Brian Evans on Japanese Whiskey, Experimental Casks, and the Future of Selective Drinking
Gavin traces Brian Evans' journey in spirits, beginning with early experiences with Jameson to a deep appreciation for high-value spirits like rum and Armagnac, culminating in an obsession with Japanese whiskey. Evans details his "aha" moment with Chichibu, a distillery praised for its…
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The Scotch Ambassador: Simon Brooking on Laphroaig, Suntory, and the Spiritual Connection of Whiskey
Suntory Global Scotch Senior Scotch Ambassador, Simon Brooking, was interviewed for the "Rolex Whiskey Passion Project" to discuss his nearly 30-year career. Brooking detailed his 19 years with Laphroaig, emphasizing the brand's unique culture, the enduring legacy established by figures like Ian...
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The Transformation of Luchi's Whiskey Bar from Jäger Bombs to Rare Drams
Gavin Linde welcomed Peter Jnr. of Luchi's Whiskey Bar to the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project. Peter Jr. detailed the bar's transformation into a specialist for Islay and Jura malt whiskies, a shift that was inspired by an American VIP's observation of the jarring contrast between the luxury…
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The Cooperage Business, Whiskey Barrel Sourcing, and Industry Innovations
Gavin welcomes Jessica Ann Zimlich and Zach Zimlich of ZAK Cooperage, discussing their family business history, which started in 1990. Zach's upbringing in the cooperage provided him with creative control over whiskey flavor profiles. The conversation covered the enduring consistency of cooperage...
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The Modern Whiskey Market: Critique and the Enduring Value of People and Experience
Dawn Davies, the buying director for The Whiskey Exchange, talks to Gavin about the modern whiskey market and raises issues such as overcharging customers, releasing substandard, non-age statement liquid, and using excessive packaging that shifts focus from the product to "pomp and ceremony." She...
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The Lofted Spirits Journey: A Conversation on Whiskey Appreciation and Industry Evolution with Brandon Smith
Gavin Linde welcomed Brandon Smith, the National Brand Activation Manager for Lofted Spirits, shared their professional background and their introduction to whiskey, emphasizing the importance of memories and friendships in whiskey appreciation. They discussed the evolution of the whiskey…
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Educated Consumers and Barrel Pick Challenges with Chris Blandford
Gavin Linde and Chris Blandford discussed the significant changes in the whiskey market, highlighting a new era where consumers are more educated and prioritize quality. This shift has also brought challenges, particularly with barrel picks, where palate fatigue makes thorough assessment…
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The Evolution of Hong Kong's Whiskey Scene and the Hong Kong Whiskey Festival
Gavin Linde introduced Lars Rucker from Hong Kong, known for Tiffany's Bar and the Hong Kong Whiskey Festival, as a guest on the Rolex Whiskey podcast. Lars discussed the evolution of the whiskey scene in Hong Kong and China, the growth of Tiffany's New York Bar's whiskey selection, and the...
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100th Episode Celebration with Michter's Master Distiller Dan McKee
Gavin celebrates the milestone of 100 episodes by welcoming a special guest: Dan McKee, Master Distiller at Michter's Distillery. McKee, a longtime friend and industry peer, shares his journey into the world of whiskey, beginning with casual sips as a young man before embarking on a 13-year…
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Onyx and Amber: A New Vision in the Whiskey Market
Gavin Linde welcomed Benjamin Rosen to the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project, acknowledging their long-standing relationship and Benjamin's launch of Onyx and Amber. Benjamin shared insights into the evolving whiskey market, detailing the shift from abundant choices to inflated prices and their...
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The Daily Whisky: Engaging a Younger Audience and Family Project
Gavin Linde welcomed Andreas Lykke, founder of the Daily Whisky. Andreas shared their journey into whiskey, highlighting their focus on challenging traditional perceptions and reaching a younger audience through daily content on "the Daily Whiskey" Instagram. Gavin and Andreas discussed…
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Diego Lanza: From Italian Childhood to Hong Kong Whiskey Curator and Entrepreneur
Gavin Linde and his guest Diego Lanza discuss the Hong Kong Whiskey Festival and Lanza's whiskey journey. Diego Lanza recounted their early exposure to whiskey in Italy, their move to London to specialize in whiskey, and their significant career progression at The Whiskey Exchange as an old and...
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Peter Currie's 25 Years in the Whiskey Industry: From Springbank to Shand Import
Gavin Linde interviews Peter Currie of Shand Import about his 25 years in the whiskey industry. Peter Currie discussed his journey, beginning with following his father into the industry, working for Line Whisies, and then spending eight years at Springbank Distillery where he was involved in all...
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Daryl Proof Is Back Talking Independent Whiskys and Unique Whisky Barrels
Gavin Linde welcomes back Daryl Proof about his take on the whiskey market, specifically independent bottlers, and unique whisky barrels. They shared barrel picking experiences, including an unplanned large pick with Prov, and talked about whisky consumption, high-proof whiskys, and tasting notes...
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Single Malts, Bottlers, and the Future with Mayur Bhatia
Gavin Linde and Mayur Bhatia, a member ambassador for the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society, discussed their early whiskey experiences, discovery of single malts and Japanese whisky, and memorable "wow" whiskies, including those from independent bottlers and the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society. They…
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John Kennedy Talks Single Malts and Independent Bottling
Gavin Linde interviewed John Kennedy, a 20-year whiskey industry veteran, covering Kennedy's career, the evolution of the single malt market, and the rise of independent bottling. They discussed challenges entering the US market, the shift in consumer preference towards single malts, and…
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PureMalts & the Scotch Malt Whisky Society with James Walton
James Walton, a passionate whiskey connoisseur and the driving force behind PureMalts, joins the conversation to share his deep-seated love for the spirit. PureMalts, as James explains, is dedicated to crafting exceptional, curated whiskey tasting experiences. His personal journey into the world…
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Exploring Whiskey Trends with Kevin AKA Bourbon Notes
Gavin Linde hosted Kevin C, known as "Bourbon Notes", about his early experiences to his successful social media presence. Kevin shared insights into his evolution from casual whiskey drinker to a connoisseur focused on high-quality bourbons, highlighting a pivotal moment involving a Four Roses...
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Japanese Whiskey Market & Rare Bourbon Discussion with Daniel Filipek
Daniel Filipek and Gavin Linde discussed the evolution of the Japanese whiskey market since 2015, including their strategic inventory acquisitions, the impact of collectability, and recent market softening due to inventory dumping. They also analyzed the high costs of new make whiskey, the...
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Chris Perugini on Market Shifts and Passion Projects
Chris Perugini of Single Maltsavvy discussed the evolution of the whiskey landscape since 2008. They highlighted the shift from limited availability and special orders to a widespread online market, including price gouging. The conversation covered regional differences, preferences for smaller...
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The Whisky King's Vault: A Deep Dive into Rare Bottles, Market Shifts, and the Passion of Collecting
Gavin and Boris Borissov, affectionately known as the "Whisky King," engaged in a comprehensive discussion exploring their shared passion for whisky, encompassing everything from personal collecting journeys to the intricacies of the global market. Boris, whose whisky journey began in 2013 with a...
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From Discounted Bourbon to Collectible Gold with Marci P.
Marci P. and Gavin explored the fascinating resurgence of bourbon, a spirit once languishing in dusty liquor store shelves during the 1980s. Marci, with her insider perspective from the wine and liquor trade, recounted how bourbon was far from fashionable, and she even assisted distributors in...
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Jack Taub and a Summer of Whiskey Tales
Gavin and Jack Taub, embarked on a conversational journey through the world of whiskey, reflecting on experiences ranging from the bustling Whiskey Live Paris festival to the quiet contemplation of rare Scotch. Their shared passion was evident as they discussed the evolving landscape of whiskey...
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Craftsmanship, History, and Community With Jon Gjbrea
Jon Gjbrea speaks to Gavin about their shared passion for whiskey and cigars, delving into the nuances of brand loyalty, industry trends, and personal experiences. Their discussion reveals a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship, history, and community that surround these indulgences. Jon's...
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Rare Bourbon Market and Industry Trends With Eric Ladin
Today, Gavin and Eric Ladin discuss their experiences with whiskey and the evolution of drinking culture. Eric shared that he grew up in Texas, where Jack Daniels was popular, but he didn't appreciate the nuances of whiskey until recently. Gavin notes that in the past, whiskey was not a common...
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Whiskey Journey and Market Evolution With Roland Ng
In today's episode, Roland Ng shared his journey of discovering and falling in love with whiskey, starting with Yamazaki 18 in 2011. He describes how his friends introduced him to various types of whiskey, including Scotch and rum, and how his palate has evolved over the years. He also discussed...
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Bourbon Market Challenges and Shifts With Erick Ostrander
Erick shares his journey from accidentally buying a bar at age 22 to building a successful bourbon business over 20 years. He highlights how bourbon prices and availability have changed dramatically, with rare bottles like Pappy Van Winkle going from $25 a pour to $350 now. His bar's bourbon...
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Whiskey Enthusiast Zak Kemble
Zak Kemble and Gavin Linde, both whiskey enthusiasts, recently discussed their shared passion. Zak recounted his initial negative experience with whiskey and his subsequent journey exploring different varieties. Both agreed on Glenfarclas 15 as a favorite, appreciating its balance of…
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Gavins Personal Journey With Whisky
In today's episode, Gavin shares the significance of building relationships and trust in the whiskey industry. Gavin emphasizes the challenges of maintaining these relationships and the fluctuating nature of bottle availability. He also shared his personal experiences buying whiskey, starting…
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Rare Character Whiskey With Peter Nevenglosky
Gavin talks with Peter Nevenglosky, a co-founder of Rare Character Whiskey and other spirits brands, discussed their shared love for food and drink, particularly whiskey. They discussed the evolution of the cocktail culture in America, reflecting on how it shifted from a focus on showmanship and...
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The Story Of Liquid Scorsese
Gavin and Liquid Scorsese had a casual conversation where they discussed personal life, work challenges, and their shared passion for whiskey. Gavin opened up about the difficulties he faces balancing work and personal life, especially while traveling. Liquid Scorsese, on the other hand, shared…
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Torsten Zimmerman and the Journey into Scotch
Gavin and Torsten explored the complexities of whiskey production, particularly focusing on the influence of wood and climate on the aging process. They discussed how different environments, like the hot and humid conditions at Kavalan in Taiwan and the cold, isolated setting of Islay in…
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Alaska's Allocated Whiskey Shop: Changing the Paradigm of Spirits
Providing a boutique whiskey shopping experience. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of American whiskey in Alaska, the rise of new distilleries, and the shifts in pricing and consumer preferences in the whiskey market. Key themes include the impact of COVID on the liquor business,...
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Whiskey enthusiast shares passion for bourbon and barrel picks
In this engaging episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion project, Dan Kidd, popularly known as Heavy Bourbon, shares his journey from college whiskey enthusiast to becoming a revered figure in the online whiskey community. With a focus on his creative content creation during quarantine and his…
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Dr. Matt Lurin Dives Deep into Whiskey Journey and Connections
Join the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project as Gavin chats with Dr. Matt Lurin, a Long Island physician and whiskey enthusiast. Together, they explore Dr. Lurin's whiskey journey, from his early love of Laphroaig to organizing the acclaimed charity event, Water of Life. Discover his memorable...
About this show
Sharing Whiskey passion globally. Gavin Linde aka @rolexwhisky on Instagram, one of the world's leading whisky influencers and collectors, curates a guest list of passionate Whiskey loving individuals to talk about the history, investing in, the current luxury spirits trends, and of course, drinking whiskey. Join us for each episode to hear our weekly interviews with Whiskey industry professionals and lovers of great luxury spirits.
Hosted by
Gavin Linde