Distilling the West

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave delve into Laws Whiskey House's Centennial Straight Wheat Whiskey – Bottled in Bond. This is a prelude episode to the upcoming interview with Al Laws of Laws Whiskey House out Denver, Colorado. They explore its unique profile, highlighting notes of honey, fresh-baked bread, and a touch of spice. The hosts discuss the significance of the Bottled in Bond designation, ensuring quality and consistency in this 100% heirloom soft white spring wheat whiskey. Additionally, they share their thoughts on the recent Super Bowl, adding a lively sports discussion to the episode. This combination of whiskey tasting and football talk makes for an engaging and entertaining listen.

In this episode ofDistilling the West, Dan and Dave speak with Coby and Will Jamieson from Demptos Cooperage out of Napa, California. They dive into the craftsmanship behind barrel-making, discussing how wood selection, toasting, and charring impact the flavors of whiskey and other spirits. Coby and Will share their expertise on the cooperage industry, offering insights into both traditional and modern techniques used in barrel production. This conversation sheds light on the critical role barrels play in distillation, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about whiskey and aging science.

In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave sit down with Ken Miller, Co-Owner of The Distillarium, to dive into the creativity and craftsmanship behind their unique spirits. The Distillarium is known for pushing boundaries, blending traditional distilling techniques with innovative aging and finishing methods to create truly distinctive flavors. The tasting lineup includes four standout spirits: CASK & SPIN Triticale, a bold and complex whiskey made from the unique hybrid grain; VSOP American Brandy, a smooth and refined expression of aged brandy; Cask & Slide Bourbon, showcasing rich caramel and oak notes; and No Man’s Whizkey Rye, a rye whiskey with a character all its own. As Ken shares insights into The Distillarium’s approach to distillation and aging, Dan and Dave explore the nuanced flavors of each spirit, offering their signature tasting notes and lively discussion. From grain selection to barrel treatment, this episode provides a fascinating look into what makes The Distillarium a standout in the craft spirits world. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur, a brandy enthusiast, or just love discovering new distilleries, this episode is packed with great conversation, expert insights, and exceptional spirits.

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave explore High West American Prairie Finished in Oloroso Sherry Cask for 9 months (98.6 proof). They dive into the impact of the sherry cask finish, noting how it enhances the bourbon’s rich caramel and vanilla base with layers of dried fruit, spice, and a touch of nuttiness. The hosts discuss the balance between the sweetness from the sherry influence and the underlying bourbon character, making for a nuanced and complex pour. As always, their insights and banter make for an engaging and informative tasting session.

In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave welcome Clayton Mendel from Devils Creek Distillery to explore the artistry and passion behind their exceptional spirits. Located in Mammoth Lake, CA, Devils Creek has become a standout in the craft distilling world, celebrated for its bold, flavorful whiskeys. The tasting lineup features four remarkable offerings: Small Batch Bourbon, Snow Job Single Barrel Bourbon, Small Batch Rye, and Barrel Proof Rye. As Clayton shares the inspiration and intricate process behind each whiskey, listeners get an inside look at the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle, from grain selection to barrel aging. Dan and Dave provide their tasting notes, highlighting the unique character of each whiskey while discussing the distillery's creative approach to their craft. This episode is a must-listen for whiskey enthusiasts and anyone interested in the stories behind great spirits.

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave explore a Cognac Finish Bourbon from Branch Point Distillery out of Dayton, Oregon. They discuss how the cognac cask aging imparts a rich and nuanced layer to the bourbon, adding notes of dried fruit, subtle spice, and a velvety finish. The hosts share their tasting notes, highlighting the interplay between the bourbon's robust base and the elegant influence of the cognac barrels.As always, their engaging discussion offers a deep dive into the craftsmanship behind this unique craft spirit from the western United States. Perfect for fans of innovative bourbon expressions!

In this Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave delve into St. George Spirits' Baller Whiskey, which they praise as a standout American single malt. They highlight its unique profile, with notes of malt, subtle smokiness, and a crisp, clean finish reminiscent of Japanese whisky. The hosts discuss how Baller Whiskey exemplifies innovation in American single malts, offering both versatility and depth of flavor, whether enjoyed neat or in cocktails. Their discussion provides a compelling look at this exceptional whiskey for enthusiasts of craft distilling.

In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave dive into the world of Westland Distillery from Seattle, Washington with Tyler Pederson. Known for their commitment to crafting exceptional single malts, Westland has redefined American whiskey. Tyler shares insights into the distillery's unique approach, from their use of local barley to their exploration of terroir in whiskey production.The tasting lineup features some of Westland’s most remarkable creations, showcasing their innovation and artistry in every sip. Whether you’re a fan of single malts or just discovering them, this episode is packed with fascinating stories, expert insights, and, of course, incredible flavors.Westland has been instrumental in the recent passage of legislation to recognize American Single Malt as an official spirits category with the TTB. Grab a glass and join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Westland Distillery!

In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave are joined by Pat Donovan, President of Dry Fly Distilling, for a deep dive into the craft behind their award-winning whiskeys. Based in Spokane, Washington, Dry Fly is celebrated for its use of locally sourced grains and innovative barrel finishing techniques. The tasting lineup includes three exceptional whiskeys: Straight Wheat Whiskey, showcasing the purity of Washington-grown wheat; Straight Triticale Whiskey (90 proof), a unique hybrid grain whiskey with a distinct profile; and Straight Triticale Whiskey Finished in Côte Bonneville Cabernet Wine Barrels (98.6 proof), a bold expression marrying whiskey with wine barrel complexity. As they sip and savor, Pat shares the story of Dry Fly’s commitment to sustainable practices, local partnerships, and pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making. Dan and Dave provide their tasting notes, exploring the nuances of each spirit and reflecting on how Dry Fly’s innovative approach sets them apart in the craft distilling world. This episode is a must-listen for whiskey enthusiasts and anyone curious about the intersection of tradition, innovation, and a passion for local ingredients.

Welcome to Distilling the West, where every sip is a journey into the world of whiskey. Join us as we explore the rich history, intricate craftsmanship, and diverse flavors that define this timeless spirit. We focus on distilleries west of the Rockies where we will uncover the stories behind each dram and share our passion for all things whiskey. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just dipping your toe into the whisky world, pour yourself a dram, sit back, and let's explore the spirits of the west.

On this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave sit down with John and Deborah Patt from Desert Diamond Distillery, out of Kingman, Arizona, the first Arizona distillery featured on the podcast. They talk about the origins of the distillery, how it came to be, and what it takes to operate a craft distillery in the Arizona desert. The conversation also touches on the distillery’s award-winning spirits and the recognition they’ve received along the way. Throughout the episode, Dan and Dave taste and discuss a wide variety of offerings, including rum and whiskey, exploring flavors, production methods, and what makes Desert Diamond Distillery stand out.

On this Cocktail Hour from Distilling the West, Dan is joined by guest host Oliver as they dive into one of the most iconic cocktails of all time—the Manhattan. From its storied origins to the balance between whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, they explore what makes a Manhattan timeless, debate rye versus bourbon, and share tips on dialing in the perfect stir. A classic cocktail, thoughtfully unpacked, West-style.

On this special year-end episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave take a moment to reflect on an incredible year. They thank all of the guests who joined them behind the mic, as well as the listeners who tuned in, shared episodes, and supported the show throughout the year.The conversation turns a bit more personal as they talk about holiday activities, traditions, and how they’re spending the season away from the studio.

In this episode of Distilling the West, we’re joined by guest hosts Oliver Hutton and Travis Cardoso from CASKS & CORKS for a relaxed but detailed tasting that focuses heavily on process and how it shows up in the glass.Today’s tasting lineup includes:​Charbay Distillery 24 year old Brandy​Sabbatical Distillery Straight Bourbon​Woodinville Whiskey Company Rye finished in Port casks​Woodinville Whiskey Company Bourbon finished in Sauternes casksAlongside the spirit tastings, the conversation naturally moves into wine-making processes and how wine and spirits intersect—especially when it comes to finished barrels and secondary cask influence. Rather than getting overly technical, the discussion stays practical and experience-based, exploring how wine practices and wine-finished casks impact flavor, color, and overall character in whiskey and brandy.This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in how wine and spirits worlds overlap, with thoughtful tasting notes, real-world perspective, and plenty of insight into how process decisions shape the final pour.

In this new Tasting Talk, Dan is joined by guest host Oliver as they dive into a special release from Branch Point Distillery — the Rare & Limited Oloroso Cask Finish.They explore how the Oloroso sherry cask shapes the whiskey’s aroma, flavor, and strikingly dark color, discussing what that deep, rich hue says about the cask influence and extended finishing time. Dan and Oliver break down layers of banana, dried fruit, nutty sweetness, and oak-driven complexity while talking about why sherry finishes can add both depth in flavor and intensity in appearance.They also discuss what makes this limited release stand out, the role of secondary maturation, and why rare cask-finished whiskeys like this are worth paying attention to.

On today’s episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave sit down with Marko Karakasevic — the 13th-generation master distiller behind Charbay Distillery. Marko shares the extraordinary history of the Karakasevic family, whose distilling lineage spans centuries. He talks about how this heritage influences his approach to craftsmanship, innovation, and preserving Old World techniques in a modern American distillery.During the conversation, they taste and explore three standout Charbay spirits:​Doubled & Twisted – a boldly expressive whiskey distilled from finished beer.​Brandy No. 89 – a refined, elegant 24 year old brandy that reflects generations of artistry.​Double-Distilled, Double-Aged Rum – a rich and layered rum shaped by time and technique. From family legacy to creative experimentation, this episode dives deep into what makes Charbay and the Karakasevic story truly one-of-a-kind—paired with lively tasting notes and behind-the-scenes insights.

In this new Tasting Talk session, Dan and Dave dig into a compelling bottle from Bainbridge Organic Distillers: the Battle Point Wheat Whiskey finished in Hokkaido Mizunara Casks.They explore how Bainbridge takes its organic wheat whiskey and finishes it in Hokkaido-grown Mizunara oak, creating a whiskey that blends tropical warmth with the famed incense-spice character of Japanese Mizunara. Expect them to break down:​Aromas: vanilla cream soda, and that signature Mizunara temple incense​Palate: sandalwood , toasted coconut from the Mizunara influence, and big creamy vanilla notes​Finish: long, viscous, warming, with lingering oak spice​Overall impressions: Does this Bainbridge expression push the Battle Point line into new territory?Dan and Dave compare tasting notes, debate the dominant flavors, and deliver their verdict on whether this bottle earns a spot on your shelf. They also talk about how the western U.S. is churning out exceptional single grain whiskeys. Hint: because a lot of it’s grown in the west!

Ever wonder about the history of the Old Fashioned cocktail? In this new episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave introduce a fresh segment: Cocktail Hour. For its debut, they dive into one of the most iconic drinks in American cocktail history—the Old Fashioned.They explore how this simple mix of spirit, sugar, bitters, and citrus became a timeless classic, and why it evolved into two beloved regional variations:​the traditional rye Old Fashioned, dry, spicy, and spirit-forward​the Brandy Old Fashioned, the sweet Midwestern staple with its own unique twistFrom frontier-era origins to modern interpretations, Dan and Dave break down the history, the myths, and the flavors behind each version. If you enjoy a good drink—and a good story—this is the perfect pour.

In this Tasting Talk, Dan and Dave sit down with a glass of The Distillarium Riveter Rye — a bold and balanced rye whiskey out of Yakima, Washington that pays tribute to hard work and heritage. They explore its aroma, flavor, and finish, share stories of their interview with the distillery, and, of course, toss in a few rye puns along the way. It’s an approachable sip with plenty of laughs.

Dave is flying solo this week while Dan is out sick, and he’s joined by Julia Bringolf from Cash Butte Distillery in Royal City, Washington. Cash Butte operates on the grounds of Royal Bluff Orchards, where apples have been grown since the early 1980s. The distillery was founded to bring back the tradition of true farm distilling—transforming orchard fruit (including fruit that might not make it to store shelves) directly into character-rich spirits.Julia walks Dave through the origins of Cash Butte, how the Central Washington desert climate shapes their fruit, and why starting with whole apples or grapes creates spirits that are anything but neutral. They taste through a lineup that highlights the orchard-to-glass approach: apple brandy, apple vodka, grape vodka, and a carefully layered gin built around botanicals that complement fruit-based distillates.