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.

Today’s episode of Distilling the West features a conversation with Brucato Amaro from San Francisco, California. Dan and Dave sit down with Sierra Clark, the co-founder, to talk about the inspiration and craftsmanship behind their lineup of amaros. Sierra shares the story of how Brucato came to life, blending California’s agricultural bounty with traditional Italian methods to create modern expressions of this classic spirit.The discussion dives into the unique botanicals, flavor profiles, and the versatility of amaro — from sipping neat to elevating cocktails. Along the way, Dan and Dave bring their usual curiosity and tasting insights, making for an engaging and flavorful interview that highlights the artistry and passion driving Brucato Amaro.

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave sit down with a pour of Distillarium’s Techno Trit, a whiskey that immediately grabs their attention. From the first sip, they recognize the thoughtful craftsmanship behind it — a spirit that balances bold flavors with smooth drinkability. They take their time unpacking the layers, discussing how the grain character comes through alongside rich vanilla, oak, and subtle spice, creating a profile that feels both approachable and refined.As they talk, it’s clear that Techno Trit stands out as one of those whiskeys that delivers far above expectations. Dan and Dave highlight what makes it unique, from the innovation behind the distilling process to the way it reflects Distillarium’s creative approach to whiskey-making. Their enthusiasm is evident as they agree that this is not only a very good product, but also one that whiskey fans will want to seek out for its distinctive character and high quality.

In this new episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave welcome Kevin Aslan from Hotaling & Co., one of San Francisco’s most historic and innovative spirits companies. The conversation takes listeners on a wide-ranging journey through Hotaling’s diverse portfolio, beginning with Junipero, a bright and expressive gin that highlights their precision in botanical balance. From there, the discussion moves into Hirsch The Departure American Single Malt, where Kevin shares insights into how Hotaling approaches this growing category and what makes their expression stand out.The tasting continues with the Old Potrero label bold 6-year malted rye whiskey, layered with spice, depth, and character that sparks a conversation about the art of aging and blending. To finish, Dan and Dave explore a truly unique spirit — a malted rye whiskey aged in beer barrels — and dive into the creativity and experimentation that drives Hotaling’s innovation.Alongside the tastings, Kevin shares stories about Hotaling & Co.’s history, its role in shaping the modern American spirits landscape, and the passion behind each bottle. This episode is packed with flavor, history, and insight, making it a must-listen for whiskey and gin lovers alike.

This is a new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West where Dan and Dave dive into 503 Distilling’s Single Barrel Bourbon. Right from the first sip, vanilla shines through as the standout note, giving the whiskey a rich and inviting character. They explore how the single barrel expression brings depth, balance, and individuality to the pour, making each taste a unique experience. Their conversation highlights what sets this bourbon apart and why it deserves a spot on the shelf of any whiskey lover.

In this new episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave welcome a special guest, Logan Perkins, the creator of the popular social media page The Perks of Cognac. Together, they dive deep into the world of cognac, comparing different expressions, exploring tasting notes, and discussing how cognac stacks up alongside whiskey.Logan shares stories from his travels to the Cognac region of France, giving listeners an inside look at the history, traditions, and artistry that go into crafting this world-renowned spirit. From the vineyards and cellars of Cognac to the glass in front of them, the conversation touches on culture, heritage, and the passion of the people who dedicate their lives to this craft.Along the way, the discussion weaves naturally into whiskey, highlighting both the contrasts and similarities between the two spirits. The result is an engaging and educational conversation filled with personal anecdotes, laughter, and a true appreciation for fine distilling. Whether you’re a whiskey fan, a cognac enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the stories behind these spirits, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

This is a new Tasting Talk where Dan and Dave taste Woodinville’s newest release — a 9-Year-Old Bourbon. Right away, they note the especially dark color, a sign of its long aging, and dive into the rich flavors and depth that nearly a decade in oak brings. They share their impressions of how this bourbon stacks up in Woodinville’s lineup and what makes it stand out.

In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan is away on vacation, so Dave takes the reins for a one-on-one conversation with Dave Schleef, co-founder of 503 Distilling out of Portland, Oregon.Known for their creativity and bold flavors, 503 has carved out a space in the world of RTDs (Ready-to-Drink cocktails)—and Dave and Dave waste no time diving in. Together, they taste through several of 503’s lineup, exploring the inspiration, craft, and unique flavor profiles that make these canned cocktails stand out.From the stories behind the recipes to the innovation happening at 503, this episode is full of insight, flavor, and a fresh perspective on how RTDs are shaping the spirits world.

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave enjoy a special pour from San Diego Distillery — a Mizunara staved 9-year bourbon. They break down how the rare Japanese oak staves impart notes of sandalwood, coconut, exotic spice, and delicate florals, which beautifully complement the bourbon’s deep caramel, vanilla, and oak backbone. The conversation highlights both the whiskey’s complexity and the artistry behind blending Mizunara influence with a well-aged American bourbon.In between sips, the guys shift gears as Dave shares his plans for attending this year’s Comic-Con. From panel discussions to pop culture excitement, his trip adds a fun, offbeat twist to the whiskey-focused talk, making this episode a blend of tasting exploration and geek culture enthusiasm.

In this lively and wide-ranging episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave are joined by guest host Oliver for a special conversation with Rohit Nayyar and Jason Ornellas—two dedicated whiskey lovers who have helped shape a thriving community of enthusiasts.Rohit, ever the adventurer, joins the call from the middle of a camping trip, using Starlink to beam in from the wilderness. Despite the remote setting, he brings his signature energy and a wealth of knowledge about whiskey, distilleries, and what makes this spirit so compelling. Jason offers sharp insight into the whiskey world as well—covering everything from how he approaches tasting and collecting to his thoughts on barrel picks, club culture, and the future of craft whiskey.Together, the group digs into the story behind the River City Whiskey Society, one of the most active and passionate whiskey communities around. They talk about how the group started, how it has grown, and the way it connects people from all walks of life around a shared love for great spirits.Of course, there’s plenty of talk about whiskey itself—favorite bottles, emerging trends, and the role of community in shaping the whiskey scene. It’s an episode full of laughs, honest conversation, and a real sense of what makes this community so special.Whether you're a seasoned collector, a curious newcomer, or just someone who enjoys a good pour and good company—this one’s for you.

In this new Tasting Talk, Dan and Dave crack open a special barrel pick of Laws San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey. This limited-edition release brings bold rye spice, deep earthy character, and the unmistakable terroir of Colorado’s San Luis Valley. They break down the flavor profile, talk about what makes this barrel unique, and share why Laws continues to stand out in the world of American rye.