Whiskey Noobs

Sometimes whiskey tastes bad because it is bad. Sometimes the whiskey is great, but something is off. It could be something you ate, or it could be a habit that you haven't thought about.... Whatever the case, there are a LOT of ways to fix it! In this episode, Chris walks through the culprits that may be affecting the way whiskey tastes for you, as well as some fixes to get you back to enjoying your whiskey as soon as possible! If whiskey tastes salty, harsh, or otherwise bad, listen to this episode before you write it off completely!    Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew to support the show: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs 

Sometimes a whiskey is so unique that you just can't nail down what it is. Bourbon? Wheat? Rye??  Stop Reading now if you don't want to know what was tasted in this episode!   In this episode, Chris walks through a totally blind tasting of Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Wheat Whiskey. Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew to support the show: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs 

Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew to support the show: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs  Originally released as a youtube video, this episode looks at four whiskeys that I think more people should talk about. Each of these has it's own merits, but they all have one thing in common - it seems to me like they are worth more than their MSRP.    Featured Bourbons: - Town Branch True Cask (Cask Strength Value Pick) - New Riff Bottled in Bond (High-Rye Everyday Sipper) - Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat (Complex & Underrated) - Ingram River Aged Uncharted (Unique Aging + Insane Price)

Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew to support the show: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs  What makes a whiskey "good"? How can you distinguish between a bottle that you subjectively like and one that is objectively good? And, perhaps more importantly than all of that, how can you use that knowledge to make sure you are buying bottles that you like?    In this episode, Chris breaks down the different characteristics that many of us are looking at, whether we realize it or not, when we are judging a whiskey. Then, he breaks down how you can use that information to make informed purchases for future bottles. 

Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew to support the show: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs  EH Taylor is one of the many notorious bourbon brands coming from the Buffalo Trace Distillery. In this episode, Chris puts a bottle of EH Taylor Small Batch up against three bourbons of similar age and proof, in order to find a less expensive and more widely available replacement. Stick around to hear which bottle wins - it was an upset for the ages! Bottles in this episode: - EH Taylor Small Batch - Benchmark Bonded - Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Bourbon - Redwood Empire Pipe Dream 101

Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew to support the show: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs    Sometimes blind tastings go exactly how you'd expect, and sometimes you are completely caught off guard by the price of the whiskey you've been drinking. This episode is one of those latter situations. Stop reading here if you don't want spoilers! In this episode, Chris walks through a blind tasting of Johnnie Walker Black label, and we find some very interesting surprises along the way. 

Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs  Tullamore D.E.W. and Powers John's Lane are both respected Irish whiskeys that have been around for quite a long time; however, Power's comes at a top shelf price, while Tullamore is available in the budget price range. In this episode, Chris walks through a blind tasting to see if the price difference is truly worth it, and what differences you can expect from the flavor profile.

Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs    Weller Full Proof is one of the most sought after allocated bourbons from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, and Chris's personal favorite of the Weller lineup. In this episode, Chris seeks to find the best possible replacement for it with a blind tasting of Weller Full Proof versus Larceny Barrel Proof, Green River Full Proof, and Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon. 

Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs    There is no review that is more honest than a blind one. In this episode, Chris walks through a blind review of a bottled in bond bourbon that scores really well in a few categories, and has just one flaw drag it down a bit. For those who don't want to know what the bourbon was, consider this your spoiler alert! If you do want to know, Chris was tasting Redwood Empire's Grizzly Beast Batch 005

Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs  We are revisiting more forgotten bottles! In this episode, Chris walks through a review of Watershed Bourbon Bottled in Bond, Barrell Bourbon Mizunara Finish, Penelope Estate Collection 10yr Single Barrel, and Penelope Estate Collection Private Select.

Is there ever a reason to do a side by side tasting while knowing what you are drinking rathe than making it a blind tasting? Believe it or not, there are a couple of situations where this makes sense. In this episode, Chris breaks down why you might want to pick a non-blind tasting over a blind tasting, and demonstrates with an in-depth side-by-side review of Green River Full Proof and Town Branch True Cask. Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs 

In this blind tasting episode, Chris walks through the tasting of an incredibly affordable rye that scores surprisingly high.   Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs 

In this episode, Chris walks through four bottles that haven't seen the light of day in a while to give them a fair review and decide whether or not to keep them. There are a couple of very pleasant surprises, with really tasty bottles that he forgot, and a couple of bittersweet goodbyes to bottles that need to move in order to make some space.  Reviewed in this Episode: - Barrell Bourbon Batch 037 - Never Say Die Rye - Punchers Chance Undisputed Single Barrel - Hugh Hamer Rum Finished Bourbon   Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs 

We have all probably heard countless videos preaching to us that drinking is the worst possible thing anyone can do, and there is nothing better than getting sober. We have ALSO heard countless videos explaining why drinking is great for you, and something we should all do! As with anything, the truth probably lies in the middle. One thing is for certain, though - there are some practical benefits that we might throw away if we drink too much, or not at all.  In this episode, Chris walks through a practical discussion about the benefits and the detriments of drinking alcohol, wrapping up with a few studies about how much drinking is necessary to "increase risk", and how drinking affects us later in life. Finally, he gives his personal philosophy on drinking through the lens of a devout Christian.  As stated in this episode, please always drink responsibly. If you have found yourself abusing alcohol, please seek help.  Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs    Sources Cited in this episode: Maisch, B. (2024). Alcohol consumption—none is better than a little. Herz, 49, 409–419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00059-024-05280-z  Scott, R. G., Wiener, C. H., & Paulson, D. (2020). The benefit of moderate alcohol use on mood and functional ability in later life: Due to beers or frequent cheers? The Gerontologist, 60(1), 80–88. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gny129 Holahan, C. J., Schutte, K. K., Brennan, P. L., Holahan, C. K., Moos, B. S., & Moos, R. H. (2010). Late-life alcohol consumption and 20-year mortality. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 34(11), 1961–1971. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01286.x 

In this episode, Chris sits down with Brandon (Whiskey Weather) to talk about the barrel of Old Elk 10yr Wheated Bourbon that they picked together, with the help of Patreon members, at Middle West Spirits in Columbus Ohio! They also touch on barrel picking philosophies, the impact of weather on whiskey aging, and more! You won't want to miss this one. Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew to be first in line for this pick: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs Alternatively, checkout the Whiskey Weather Patreon to support Brandon and access the pick through his group: https://www.patreon.com/whiskeyweather Find all of Brandon's social channels through his main website: https://whiskeywx.com/  

Town Branch Distillery, which is part of the Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company, was one of the first 7 distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon trail. From bourbon, to rye, to single malts, and even barrel aged beers, they have their hand in a lot of product categories. In this episode, Chris walks through his recent trip to the distillery and recounts all that he tasted, including some VERY old American single malt.  Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for a monthly bonus episode, free merch, and more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs 

Double oaked bourbons have been a staple in the world of whiskey for years now. You take a bourbon, aged in an unused barrel as always, you dump it out, and then you put it into yet another unused barrel to get even more of that oaky flavor. It's a really popular finishing method, but what does it actually change about the flavor? In this episode, Chris does a blind tasting of four different whiskeys in order to find out. Listen along to discover the real, unbiased way that double oaking changes flavor. Whiskeys tasted in this episode: -Barrell Foundation -Barrell Foundation Double Barrel -Woodford Reserve -Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for a monthly bonus episode, free merch, and more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs Try Woodford Reserve: https://noobswhiskey.com/products/woodford-reserve?_pos=1&_psq=woodfo&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Try Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: https://noobswhiskey.com/products/woodford-reserve-double-oaked?_pos=2&_psq=woodf&_ss=e&_v=1.0

When you're reviewing a few bottles of whiskey every week, it is easy for everything to start to taste "meh." The bright side is, when something really surprises you, it sticks with you. In this episode, Chris walks through three bottles that were really pleasant surprises this year, and what it was about them that made them stand out. Featured in this episode: - Bulleit Bottled In Bond Bourbon - Loch Lomond 12yr Single Malt Scotch Whisky - JT Meleck Louisiana Rice Whiskey   Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for a monthly bonus episode, free merch, and more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs

In this double blind tasting, Chris walks through a bottle without any clue what it is, giving a score out of 100 and taking some guesses along the way - this is your warning, if you don't want to know what it is, stop reading now!   This episode features Courage and Conviction Cuvee Cask! This is an American Single Malt from the Virginia Distillery Company. For more info on the distiller, check out episode 125!   Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for a monthly bonus episode, free merch, and more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs

In this double blind tasting, Chris walks through Hard Truth's Chocolate Malt release from 2023, but (in case you are new to "double blinds") it could be any bottle from the shelf! For pure, unbiased, unadulterated views about this release, listen to the full episode! Also, any time there is a review of a special release from a brand, it is worth noting that the opinion of that release (good or bad) does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the whole brand. Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs

In this continuation of episode 178, Chris blinds through three MORE potential replacements for Eagle Rare in order to find the best one. In this blind, we put Eagle Rare 10yr against Middle West Spirits Bourbon, Cooper's Craft Barrel Reserve, and Evan Williams Single Barrel.   Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs

Eagle Rare is an exceptional bourbon with one really big problem: it's hard to find anywhere! In this episode, Chris walks through a blind tasting of three similar bourbons vs Eagle Rare with Guest Noob Bryce. Is there a good, cheaper replacement? Listen to find out! Whiskeys Tasted with Eagle Rare: - Evan Williams 1783 (American Hero Edition) - Russell's Reserve 10yr - Wilderness Trail High Rye Bourbon (Bottled in Bond) Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs

As with any topic in pop culture, whiskey is subject to a LOT of myths and stereotypes that cause confusion in the hobby. In this episode, Chris breaks down some of the biggest myths in the whiskey world as well as the underlying truths that have led to their popularity. Are women wired to naturally dislike whiskey? Does ice make your whiskey smoother? Is older whiskey better? These are the questions we will tackle in this episode. Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs NPR article referenced in the episode about women having better tasting ability: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/08/31/427735692/are-women-better-tasters-than-men 

Join the Whiskey Noobs Crew for more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs Green River Wheated Bourbon we recently crowned the best bourbon in the world by the New York World Spirits Competition. In this episode, Chris breaks down the competition, how it works, and how you should look at the different "medals" you see advertised on whiskey bottles. Finally, the episode finishes with an honest review of Green River Wheated Bourbon and a couple of Q&As from the Whiskey Noobs Crew (Patreon).    Winner Announcement on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradjaphe/2025/10/19/the-worlds-best-bourbon-according-to-the-2025-new-york-world-spirits-competition/   Homebar Article: https://homebar.io/whats-up-with-the-san-francisco-world-spirits-competition/#:~:text=They%20also%20state%20that%20%E2%80%9Cwhile%20tasting%2C%20judges,a%20panel%20earn%20a%20Double%20Gold%20award.%E2%80%9D   The Tasting Alliance: https://thetastingalliance.com/

Support the show and access more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs Can you make high end whiskey at home? A lot of whiskey lovers have never even heard of home blending, but it is a really fun way to come up with some great whiskeys. In this episode, Chris walks through the philosophy of home blending, some misconceptions, and tips on how to get started.  

Support the show and access more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs In this special episode recorded at the WhistlePig distillery in Vermont, Chris talks with WhistlePig's Chief Blender, Meghan Ireland, and Research and Development Distiller, Mitch Mahar, about the WhistlePig core lineup, where they get their ideas from, projects gone awry, and of course, the latest release of their ultra-premium "Boss Hog" line - Boss Hog XII - Feather & Flame.  Learn more about WhistlePig: https://www.whistlepigwhiskey.com/

Support the show and access more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs Once upon a time, bourbon was aged on the Mississippi River, more or less by accident. The river was a convenient means of shipping, so barrels would spend their time floating down to Louisiana, and incidentally, the whiskey would gain some age on it's journey.  In 2015, Hank Ingram of the Ingram Distillery set out on a mission to bring that form of aging back into the world of whiskey and see what affect it had on the flavor. Today, they produce multiple different whiskeys with different mashbills and price points.  In this episode, Chris sits down with Hank to learn about their aging method, lineup, and upcoming ventures. Learn more about Ingram Whiskey: https://ingramwhiskey.com/our-story/  

Support the show and access more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs   It's hard to believe that there isn't an episode on the Solo Blind yet, but here we are - if you haven't heard of it, the Solo Blind is a device that can be used to do tastings of 2, 3, or 4 whiskeys without the help of any else (patent pending). In this episode, Chris goes back to the very beginning to explain where the idea of the Solo Blind came from, how it was developed, and even where it is headed. Learn more at justneat.shop

Support the show and access more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs   We've all been there - you start a hobby, you can't get enough of it, and then one day... you've had enough. You're burnt out on your hobby. You want whiskey to have that same excitement that it used to have, but it doesn't. In this episode, Chris breaks down some of the BEST hacks to reignite your passion for whiskey and get back to feeling like its the best hobby out there. 

Support the show and access more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs   Ask a room full of 100 whiskey lovers what the best part of whiskey is, and I'd be willing to bet that more than 50 of them say "the people". If you want to enjoy "the people," there is just about no better way than a bottle share! In this episode, Chris breaks down what a bottle share is, how it works, what you should bring, and some added tips for setting up your own bottle share!

Support the show and access more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs   Craig Beam has a long history in the world of bourbon, and now he is on to a new project with the Jackson Purchase Distillery. In this episode, Chris and Craig dig into Craig's history at Heaven Hill, his upbringing in the bourbon world, and the success of his latest project as Master Distiller at the Jackson Purchase Distillery.    Learn more about Jackson Purchase: https://www.jacksonpurchasedistillery.com/

Support the show and access more content: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs   Fall is nearly upon us, and as the temperature changes, so do most people's drink preferences. In this episode, Chris breaks down some of the best options for fall whiskeys, followed by a crash course on peated scotch, finally culminating in a blind tasting of three peated scotches from different price ranges. You'll want to tstay for the reveal on this one... it was certainly a rollercoaster. Reviewed in this episode: - Johnnie Walker Double Black Blended Scotch - Ardbeg 10 year old Single Malt Scotch - Lagavulin 16yrSingle Malt Scotch

If you enjoy this show, please take a moment to check out the Patreon page, which has bonus episodes, meet-ups, and even more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs It's one of the most common questions in whiskey: How can I find *insert allocated bottle here*? What a lot of people don't realize is that there's an alternative way to get bottles that you feel are a good deal - barrel picks. At least... that was once the case. Now there are a TON of barrel picks on the market, so how can you find one that is worth it? In this episode, Chris breaks down what a barrel pick is, how it works, and how YOU can find one that is worth your money.

If you enjoy this show, please take a moment to check out the Patreon page, which has bonus episodes, meet-ups, and even more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs Whiskey labels and terms can be about as confusing as rocket science. Let's keep it simple. In this episode, Chris breaks down some of the most common terms that you will come across when talking whiskey with friends, coworkers, or strangers. 

If you enjoy this show, please take a moment to check out the Patreon page, which has bonus episodes, meet-ups, and even more: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs Ireland is known for a lot of things, and of course, it's whiskey is the one of the most interesting! In this episode, Chris breaks down a few Irish distilleries and their whiskeys, gives a brief background on the history that has created the current landscape of whiskey in Ireland, and then rounds it out with a full review of the Midleton distillery flagship tour in County Cork!

Patreon: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs If you want to have your own selection of whiskey at home for tastings, guests, etc, what is the perfect set up? How do you avoid wasting money on bottles that you won't really drink? How many bottles should you have, and how do you break that down into different types? These are the questions that Chris tackles in this episode of Whiskey Noobs, before finally giving his insight into what exactly he would keep on-hand in a perfect world. 

Patreon: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs We've all heard of them - "toasted" whiskeys, *insert bourbon name here* Toast, etc. In this episode, Chris breaks down what exactly it means for a whiskey to be "Toasted" and walks through a blind tasting of four toasted bourbons: Basil Hayden Toast, Nulu Toasted Bourbon, Elijah Craig Toast, and Penelope Toasted Barrel. 

Patreon: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs Sticking with our summer theme, in this episode I walk through some of my favorite cocktails and mixed drinks that use whiskey, and I explain what to expect from them, how strong they are, and a few extra tips to make them taste better in the summer time. As always, we round it out with a Q&A from our awesome patrons!

If there is any topic in the whiskey world that has the MOST myths, fake tips, and out-right incorrect information surrounding it, aging has to take the cake. In this episode, Chris breaks down what is ACTUALLY happening when a whiskey is aging, as well as some of the most common myths about aging whiskey (especially home aging). Finally, we round it out with some questions from our awesome Patrons! Learn More about the Kentucky Bourbon Festival: https://kybourbonfestival.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs

Please consider checking out our Patreon: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs Summer is almost here, and with the heat, many of us change our whiskey preferences a bit. Let's talk about some of the ways you can improve your whiskey tasting experience in the summer heat, and then of course, some of my favorite whiskeys to drink in the summer time! Of course we have to add in a blind tasting of a few bourbons, both with AND without ice. Bourbons tasted: Redwood Empire Pipe Dream, Russell's Reserve 10yr, and Brothers Bond Bottled in Bond

Patreon: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs In 2024, Ohio launched it's "Distillery Trail", highlighting the up-and-coming craft distilleries in the state. I have had the pleasure to visit four of them, so in this episode I break down the purpose of the trail as well as my review of each distillery I have visited! This includes a review of Minglewood, Watershed, High Bank, and Echo Spirits distilleries. 

Patreon: http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs What is an American Single Malt Whiskey? If you have enjoyed your share of scotch whisky, you may have been confused when you first heard the term. In this episode, I break down this new category of American Whiskey, and taste through a few of my favorite brands in a blind tasting

And just like that, we are back! http://patreon.com/whiskeynoobs In this episode, I walk through the plan moving forward for the Whiskey Noobs podcast, followed by a quick breakdown of bottled-in-bond whiskey. Finally, we wrap up with a blind tasting of Old Fitzgerald 10yr Bottled in Bond (Spring 2024) against three other bonded bourbons to see if it is truly worth that hefty price tag. 

In this last episode of Whiskey Noobs, I go out on one of my favorite types of episodes: listener Q&A. And then, of course, I explain the ending of the show, where to go from here, etc. Thank you all so much for the journey these past few years. Cheers.   Join the Discord: https://discord.com/invite/7gXuKzMQYS

Finding the right pairing for a cigar or whiskey is no small task. Sometimes the pairing turns out to be exactly what you expected, but that is often not the case. In this episode, I walk through all of the lessons I have learned so far from having three pairings per week over the course of the past few months. If you'd like to listen to me discussing those pairings in depth, check out the Perfect Pairing Podcast! Finally, I walk through a pairing of Dewars 12yr and a Brickhouse Maduro Cigar Try Blind Barrels: https://blindbarrels.com?sca_ref=3596916.CsSlj86s7W Listen to Perfect Pairing: https://youtu.be/TAp8UCNA8zc?si=mScpvlowonYLNTz4

I am a big fan of French Oaked bourbons. Such a fan, in fact, that I currently have three of them: Maker's Mark No. 46, Penelope Architect, and Nulu French Oak. I wanted to know which one I TRULY liked the most, so I put them head to head in a blind tasting. Try Blind Barrels: https://blindbarrels.com?sca_ref=3596916.CsSlj86s7W Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whiskeynoobs  

When does whiskey go bad, my goals inside the whiskey industry, and the best whiskey for your wedding day - these are just a few of the topics we cover in this month's Q&A episode! If you'd like to have a question answered about whiskey, the podcast, or just my life/opinions/etc, you can submit it through Patreon to be first in line, or on my Instagram Story every Wednesday (@Whiskey_Noobs). Cheers! Check out the Kentucky Bourbon Festival: https://kybourbonfestival.com/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whiskeynoobs  

Whiskeys such as Bourbon, Scotch, Rye, and Irish Whiskey are often made from some combination of four main grains: barley, wheat, corn, and/or rye. Each of these brings their own flair in terms of the flavor profile, so what exactly should you expect? In this episode I walk through four examples, and give my experience with each. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whiskeynoobs   Barrel Pick: https://shop.whiskeynoobsllc.com/products/hard-truth-sweet-mash-rye-single-barrel-19-0991

Happy Easter!! This week's episode is rather brief - like 2 minutes brief. We just couldn't make an episode happen, BUT you can get your fill of whiskey knowledge and tasting on my new podcast, the Perfect Pairing Podcast, streaming everywhere! We will be back in full force next week - thank you for your understanding, Whiskey Noobs. Cheers!

In the second half of this extended Q&A episode, we not only discuss all things whiskey, but we also review some Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey! If you'd like to have a question answered about whiskey, the podcast, or just my life/opinions/etc, you can submit it through Patreon to be first in line, or on my Instagram Story every Wednesday (@Whiskey_Noobs). Cheers! Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whiskeynoobs   Try the James Bentley glass: James Bentley