PODCAST · arts
The Spirits Guide
by Richard Beams
Executive Bourbon Steward and Spirits Guide Rich Beams guides you through the intoxicating world of Spirits through tastings, history lessons, books, cocktail making and anything else that the Spirits world conjures up.
Episodes
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Another Sizable Amount of Samples
Thank you all for coming back for another episode. This week, I finish talking about what I was doing this summer, which includes some movies that I went to go see. Along thecway, I am also tasting some samples that some of you guys shared with me over the past couple months. One of which…
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The Year of Rye
Thank you all for coming back and listening last after my long layoff from the podcast. This week i go a little bit in to why I took so much time off. Im also talking about another great Glenpharmer experience, tasting some more great Rye Whiskies, and talking about an amazing book that I…
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Tony?
Its been a long time,but I am finally back, and I have a couple months of things to catch up on. So, to get back in the swing of things, I am starting back talking about the trash Anthony Bourdain "bio pic", Tony. I am also picking up where I left off with the greatest year of Whiskey, with 3…
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New Bourbons
It's already been an incredible year for Whiskey, and this week I am tasting 3 high profile releases that are try6to get in to my top ten of 2026. I am also talking about if Whiskey goes bad and my annoyance over bottles labeled with 250 and World Cup logos. Plus, a little culture with a new...
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TNT- Sazerac RTD's
This is a little TNT (Thursday Night Tasting), just a little something to get you ready for the weekend. And on this episode I am tasting some new RTDs from Sazerac, for a little yay or nay, on whether or not i'm going to bringvthem in to my store. If you like what I am doing here go to the…
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Beer and a Shot
This week Im talking about America's greatest contribution to drinking culture, the Beer and Shot combo. Inspired by a recent road trip and concert experience, where I had a few Ber and Shot combos, I was inspired to go down a rabbit hole of how this experience came to be. What i found was kind…
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Books, Bottles, Movies, Music
This week Im talking about some culture. Im talking about some new music i discovered, a movie that is better than the book, and a documentary about Martin Short. But first i have some (more) thoughts about the state of Bourbon. Oh, and by the way, im tasting some good Tequilla. If you like what…
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TNT-Tamworth Graverobber Unholy Rye
This is a little TNT (Thursday Night Tasting), just a little something to get you ready for the weekend. And on this episode I am tasting something fun from one of my new favorite distilleries, Tamworth Distillery in New Hampshire. Thier Graverobber Unholy Rye is a surisingly fun Whiskey, with a...
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Interesting Whiskies
This week I try to keep things positive. So no rants and raves, just some interesting Whiskies. But first, I do have some thoughts on the increasing wild story of the troubled Uncle Nearest brand. If you like what I am doing here go to the podcast page and click the follow button and give it a...
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It All Comes Together Part 2
This week I was inspired by what is the best potential of Spirits, and that is the ability to facilitate connections. So, inspired by 2 friends i have made through spirits, I am talking about the current state of the liquor industry, and an amazing book by David Byrne, all while tasting some...
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It All Comes Together Part 1
This week I was inspired by what is the best potential of Spirits, and that is the ability to facilitate connections. So, inspired by 2 friends i have made through spirits, I am talking about the current state of the liquor industry, and an amazing book by David Byrne, all while tasting some...
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TNT-Madre Tequila
This is a little TNT (Thursday Night Tasting), just a little something to get you ready for the weekend. And on this episode I am tasting a relatively new Tequila, made by one of my favorite brands of Mezcal, Madre. It turns out thier Tequila can hold its own against any of the top brands of...
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What is Craft ?
This week I decided to a serious approach to the podcast. I was first inspired by an opportunity to buy a local, "craft" Bourbon, that i passed on. But that lead down a Rabbit Hole of craft spirits. And, what exactly is Craft. Its a pretty interesting exploration. Also, I want to thank everyone…
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Buzz Ballz World Cup
This is a little TNT, Thursday Night Tasting, just a little something to get you ready for the weekend. After a day of tasting Whiskey, I was somehow inspired to taste through the lineup of World Cup Branded Buzz Ballz, and it didn't go so great. But it did prove that I will taste anything once.…
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More Good Whiskey
This week is coming to you a bit late, in part due to some mental health issues, but also due to waiting for a bottle to get delivered to me. And, as it turns out, that bottle was well worth waiting for. So, I am tasting some more great Whiskey, talking about mental health, as well as the state…
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Boom and Bust
This week you guys have sent me alot of interesting articles and videos, and I somehow managed to string them all together. So this week, I am tasting Tequilla for Cinco de Mayo, while talking about the booms and busts of Wine, Bourbon, and my prediction of the same for Tequilla. There may be…
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Hype
On this weeks episode is am talking about the ridiculous hype surrounding Busch Lt Apple, and the people who chased it. I am also tasting some Whiskey that had alot of hype, and one that should have had even more. In fact, it is my new Whiskey of the Year candidate. If you like what I am doing…
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TNT-Pickle Stuff
This is a little TNT (Thursday Night Tasting), and this time I am doing an impromptu tasting of a new pickle flavored beer from Pabst, and tasting some Pickle Vodka shots. If you like pickles, this is for you. If you like what I am doing here go to the podcast page and click the follow button and...
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Ridiculousness
This week, I am diving into some ridiculous things in the spirits world. I am always talking about a ridiculous documentary. So to balance out all that ridiculousness, I'm tasting some serious Gins. One of them may ne one of the best Gins I've ever tasted. I had fun with this one. If you like…
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TNT- Makers Mark Cask Strength
This is just a little TNT, Thursday Night Tasting, to get you ready for the weekend. On this episode I get to taste sone from one of my favorite distilleries, Makers Mark. Im tasting the cask strength version, and i will say that it exceeded even my expectations. Its a fun little episode. If you...
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The Re Drinkables
This weeks episode was inspired by my recent re watching of movies I have seen before. This lead me to think of which Whiskies i would always go back to. So, this we I am retasting some of my favorite, everyday American Whiskies, while also talking about some of my favorite movies to re watch. I…
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Dollar Store Dating
This week is another, take 2, late arriving episode, but better late than never. This week I am talking about 1 of 6 great Whiskies I've tasted so far this year, Fred Minicks new book, and the dumpster fire that is Facebook dating. I took me a couple extra days to get here, but I truly enjoyed…
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Lost Spirit of Rum
This week turned out to be a wild rabbit hole ride. I set out to talk about Rum, and its lost place in drinking culture. But the rabbit hole I found myself in lead my to a very dark place. So, I balanced that out by watching a great documentary called Big Smooth about about a local sports legend...
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TNT- Dr McGillicuddy Sours
This is a little TNT-Thursday night tasting, just a quick little products reviews. This time i am taking one for the team by tasting 2 of the new Dr McGillicuddy Sours. And there is nothing surprising about the results. This is for anyone who thinks I only taste good things. If you like what I am...
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Lost Spirit of Gin
This week I was a little lost for inspiration, then I tasted a new product, and it led my to a spirit that is also a little lost right now, Gin. So this week, I am tasting Gin, making Gin cocktails, tasting a Gin based spirit, and a Gin based RTD. Also, I share some quick thoughts on the new…
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New Stuff
This week I had something planned for the podcast, but it had me uninspired, so I made a pivot. Thankfully I had so much new stuff to talk about that it was easy. So I am tasting some exciting new whiskies, while talking about some new music, and a new TV show that is finally something…
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The 4 Basics
As St. Patrick's Day approaches, I took the opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Ireland by tasting the 4 basic, but most important Irish Whiskies. Im also talking a little bit about the history of this sometimes under appreciated spirit. I also share some good and bad customer experiences.…
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Parade Day-Another Dumb Holiday
This weeks episode is a few days late and definitely a few dollars short, but hey, better late than never. After some creative stifling, snow affected schedules, and a possible concussion I finally sat down to record. Taking inspiration from one of the dumbest days of the year, the St Patrick's…
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Rabbit Holes
This week I fell in to a Rabbit Hole. First, about a myth of who invented vodka, and it being at the perfect proof point. Then that lead to a Rabbit Hole about what proof actually means. And somehow it all tied in to the spirits industry had already planned to taste. Oh ya, and I finished another...
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5 Dumb Holidays
This past weekend was Valentines Day, and its a pretty dumb holiday. So it got me thinking about what the 5 dumbest holidays are that we observe. But in keeping with the Valentines theme, I am tasting 4 decadent spirits. Also, there is also a little talk about vinyl not always being the best…
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More Bourdain
This week is was fully prepared to talk about the trash, hatchet piece, "unauthorized " Anthony Bourdain biography, Down and Out in Paradise. Then, a stop the presses moment happened when one of my favorite Bourbon brands , Four Roses, got sold to the Gallo Family. So, this week I am sharing my...
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Corny, Convoluted, and Interesting
On this weeks episode, I am talking about being back in retail, the state of the liquor biz, and some of the corny people I have to deal with in retail. Plus I'm sharing my thoughts on some convoluted TV shows I've seen. All while tasting 3 interesting spirits that I've never tried before, and…
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Defined
I reallly do appreciate when people reach out to me about the podcast. This week one listener reached out which a thought that sent me spuraling down a rabbit hole. If the question of what is the song is valid, then what is the definition of the band when it changes members. So i grabbed a couple...
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I'm Not a Grownup
I'm back. Its been a few weeks since we've chatted, and boy has alot happened. So, this week, I am updating you on whats been going on.Along the way I'm tasting some new whiskies in my collection. I'm also talking about one of my favorite musical groups, Counting Crows. It definitely feels good…
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2025 Recap
For a final recap on 2025, im doing one of my favorite types of episodes, tasting sampmes that you guys have shared with me. Im also talking about the crazy year its been and some of my favorite music that i have discoveredthis year. I hope you guys all have a safe and Happy Holiday season. .If…
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TNT-Becherovka
On this weeks TNT, I decided to taste something way off the beaten path, the Chech herbal liqueur Becherovka. Its got a very history, and an even cooler flavor. If you are looking for the taste of Christmas in a glass, this is the bottle for you. If you like what I am doing here, click the follow...
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Bourbon 2025
As the year comes to a close, it is a time for refection, and i certainly have alot to reflect on from the past year. This week i am reflecting on my Bourbon journey through the year bu tasting a couple "special" bottles as well as a couple "everyday" Bourbons. Im also talking about the cult of...
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TNT-Richmas Special
This is TNT (Thursday Night Tasting), just a little something to get you in to the weekend. And this week, its a bonus, bonus episode.With Christmas almost upon, i am tasting some sweet holiday spirits, and giving a full Richmas rant about Christmas music and movies. Its all in good fun though.…
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Cover Songs and Single Malts
Imitation is a sincere form of flattery. That, combined with the question of what exactly is a song, and in what form do we recognize it, lead me to this episode. So this week, I am tasting Whiskies from around the world that pay homage to, and reflect the style of Scotch Whisky, while also…
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TNT- Old Fitzgerald 7 Year
On this episode of Thursday Night Tasting, I am tasting the new Heaven Hill addition to their Old Fitzgerald line, the (supposed to be) every day available 7 year Bottled in Bond. No rants, no stories, just my thoughts and opinion of this one bottle. If you like what I am doing here, go to the...
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Winter Beers
From time to time, you guys send me articles about the spirits industry. This week, i use one of those articles to express not only a buddhist view of mine, but also my thoughts on online articles, as well as my take on that article. All the while, i am tasting some "local" seasonal Winter Beers....
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LIfe Hacks, Bad Movies, Good Whiskey
As Thanksgiving approaches, the time for refection and thankfulnessis upon us. So this week, I am reflected way back towhen I first got to meet Amanda from Virginia Distillery, and I am revisiting those amazing American Single Malts. Im also sharing a life hack I learned, and ranting about one of...
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TNT-The Good (or bad) Doctor
This os TNT (Thursday Night Tasting), just a little something to get you in to the weekend. This week I am taking one for the team. This is a TNT to blow up my pallet before the weekend. Inspired by the Thanksgiving holiday, I planned to taste Dr McGillicuty Apple Pie, but then I expanded that to...
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Old Overholt
Unscripted, unfiltered, unedited, and definitely unprepared, that's what thus weeks episode is. I sat down with no agenda, and not even something definitive to drink, and just let it rip. What came out was me tasting a lineup of Old Overholt, a rant about people who play lottery,and some words...
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TNT Birthday Bourbon
This is TNT (Thursday Night Tasting), just a little something to get you in to the weekend. This week I am tasting one of the best Bourbons I have ever tasted, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. This is a special one, and a special thank you goes out to my friend TJ for providing me with the sample.…
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The Good, The Great, The WTF
This week I am tasting what I consider to be the mother of all Spirits, Cognac. So I put together a lineupe from my favorite Congnac producer, Pierre Ferrand. But before I got to tasting them, I had to go on a rant about the absurdity of doordash. Then I also talk about so.e great songs that hit…
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TNT- Bully Boy L&K Collab
This is TNT, just a little tasting to get you through to the weekend. This week I am tasting a unique Single Barrel offering from the Lock and Key Society, a Bully Boy American Whiskey aged in barrels that were used to age Negronis. Plus a Negroni that was aged in Port Wine barrels. If you like...
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Garrison Brothers
This weeks episode was supposed to be about my trip to Chicago. But since that trip got canceled, it left me available to meet Charlie Garrison, from Garrison Bros Bourbon in Texas. So on this episode I am tasting some Garrison Bros Bourbon, and taking about my favorite thing from Texas, the…
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Scotchtober Stuff
This is not the original episode I recorded first this week. But some events, and the creative urge led me to this one. Being the last week of Scotch-Tober, I am tasting so.e more Scotchs. Im also talking about mental health, customer conduct, and some recent movies that I've seen. If you like…
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TNT Bank Street Bourbon
Its been a while since I've done this, so I thought it was time to bring it back. This is TNT, just a quick tasting review. On this episode, I am tasting a Total product, Bank Street Barrel Series Bourbon finished in Lairds Apple Brandy Barrels. Hope you like it. If you like what I am doing here…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Spirits Guide have?
The Spirits Guide currently has 252 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Spirits Guide about?
Executive Bourbon Steward and Spirits Guide Rich Beams guides you through the intoxicating world of Spirits through tastings, history lessons, books, cocktail making and anything else that the Spirits world conjures up.
How often does The Spirits Guide release new episodes?
The Spirits Guide publishes regularly with 252 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Spirits Guide?
You can listen to The Spirits Guide on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Spirits Guide?
The Spirits Guide is created and hosted by Richard Beams.
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