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Some podcasts take whiskey very seriously. We do not.
Whiskey Rocks is a fun, music-fueled whiskey podcast where hosts Joel and Chris explore great pours, great albums, and the ridiculous conversations that happen when those two worlds collide. Expect honest tasting notes, killer music recommendations, and plenty of laughs along the way with distillers and musicians alike.
Come for the whiskey. Stay for the stories. Blame the music.
Whiskey Rocks is a fun, music-fueled whiskey podcast where hosts Joel and Chris explore great pours, great albums, and the ridiculous conversations that happen when those two worlds collide. Expect honest tasting notes, killer music recommendations, and plenty of laughs along the way with distillers and musicians alike.
Come for the whiskey. Stay for the stories. Blame the music.
80 Episodes
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In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we head to Tennessee to hang out with Brandon O’Daniels, Head Distiller at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, and uncover one of the most incredible comeback stories in American whiskey.Founded in 1860, Nelson’s Green Brier was once one of the largest whiskey distilleries in the world before disappearing before Prohibition....only to be resurrected over a century later by the founder’s descendants. Brandon walks us through the history, the revival, the craft, and the passion behind bringing this legendary Tennessee whiskey back to life.We dive into:The wild origin story of Nelson’s Green BrierWhat makes Tennessee whiskey uniqueThe art and science of distillingTheir standout Tennessee WhiskeyThe beautifully complex Cognac Cask FinishPlus a fast, ridiculous lightning roundWhether you’re a whiskey nerd, a music lover, or just here for a great story...this episode has something for you.Learn more about Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery: Nelson's Green Brier Distillery | Nelson's Green Brier DistilleryFollow Whiskey Rocks for more episodes, clips, and behind-the-scenes content:TikTok, YouTube, Instagram → @thewhiskeyrockspodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a fellow whiskey lover and help us spread the word. Every listen, follow, and share means the world to us. Whiskey rocks. Sip hard.
What do Kentucky bourbon, a legendary racehorse, a risky 33–1 wager, and the birth of The Beatles have in common?Apparently… everything.In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Brian Luftman, co-founder of Never Say Die Bourbon, to unpack one of the most unbelievable origin stories in whiskey. From a Kentucky-born horse shocking the world at the 1954 Epsom Derby, to a Liverpool bet that helped launch the Casbah Coffee Club and the early career of The Beatles, this is a story that sounds completely made up — except it’s 100% true.We dive into how Never Say Die became one of the most unique bourbon brands on the market, including their bold decision to age Kentucky bourbon across the Atlantic in England, creating a truly one-of-a-kind flavor profile shaped by ocean voyages, climate shifts, and a rebellious mindset.Plus, we taste through their Small Batch Bourbon and award-winning Rye, pairing each pour with music, storytelling, and plenty of laughs along the way. For more info on the brand, visit https://neversaydiebourbon.com/If you love great whiskey, legendary music, underdog stories, and behind-the-scenes brand building, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Follow along @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for more whiskey, music, and mayhem.Whiskey rocks, sip hard!
In this special Mezcal Rocks episode, we step outside the whiskey world and challenge some long-held assumptions as we dive into mezcal with Desolas Mezcal. Joined by Sammy Halpern, former Blue Run Spirits executive and co-founder of Desolas, we break down what whiskey drinkers often get wrong about mezcal, why smoke doesn’t have to dominate the conversation, and how Desolas is approaching the category with intention, balance, and respect for tradition.If you’ve ever been mezcal-curious but unsure where to start, this episode is your entry point. It’s an honest, educational conversation designed to meet whiskey lovers where they are, while opening the door to something new.Learn more about Desolas Mezcal at www.desolasmezcal.com, and make sure to listen through the episode to hear an exclusive code for 15% off any order.Follow along with us at @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and don’t forget to subscribe to Whiskey Rocks anywhere you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
What does it really mean to make whiskey with conviction?In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Jim Hough of Liberty Pole Spirits, a distillery that isn’t interested in shortcuts, trends, or chasing hype. Instead, they’re laser-focused on doing things the hard way — local grain, grain-to-glass production, and a deep respect for Pennsylvania rye’s rebellious roots.Jim walks us through why Liberty Pole believes where your grain comes from matters just as much as what’s in the barrel, how patience and stubbornness can actually be competitive advantages, and why some whiskeys are meant to challenge you rather than please everyone.This is a conversation about independence, identity, and why Liberty Pole might just be the most important whiskey you’re not drinking… yet.Pour a glass and press play.To learn more about Liberty Pole Spirits, visit www.libertypolespirits.com To keep the conversation going and join our community of whiskey and music weirdos, follow us on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube @thewhiskeyrockspodcastWhiskey rocks, sip hard!
This week on Whiskey Rocks, we’re heading straight into the Rockies with Minturn Whiskey Company—where the elevation is high, the air is thin, and the whiskey doesn’t need any gimmicks to stand out.We talk about what it actually means to make whiskey at altitude, how Minturn balances mountain-town roots with serious distilling chops, and why their approach feels refreshingly honest in a category crowded with hype. From the challenges of proofing and aging in Colorado’s climate to the stories behind the brand, this is a conversation about craft, patience, and letting the whiskey do the talking.No shortcuts. No fluff. Just good whiskey turned up to 11… thousand feet.For more info on Minturn Whiskey Company visit:https://www.minturnwhisky.com/ Follow @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to keep the pours flowing and the music blaring.Whiskey Rocks, Sip Hard!
In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel sits down with Chris Crowe from Burnt Church Distillery for a deep dive into what truly sets this Lowcountry standout apart. Chris shares the origin behind the unforgettable name, the intentional philosophy guiding every decision, and how Burnt Church blends Southern heritage with modern whiskey-making.From grain selection to barrel strategy to the experimental spirits that have locals talking, we explore how Burnt Church has built a distinct identity in a crowded craft landscape. Chris walks through the distillery’s mindset, mission, and the storytelling woven into every bottle.Joel and Chris also taste through several Burnt Church releases, breaking down the profiles, surprises, and creative choices that make this one of the most unique distilleries in the region.If you’re curious about Burnt Church, passionate craftsmanship, or what it takes for a whiskey brand to carve out its own lane, this conversation is your perfect pour.For more info on Burnt Church visithttps://burntchurchdistillery.com/ Make sure to follow us on INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE and TIKTOK @thewhiskeyrockspodcastWhiskey rocks, sip hard!
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In this Whiskey Rocks Whiskey Nerd Takeover, Joel and Chris welcome back Blair Ault from Milam & Greene for a deep dive into a special release, The Answer. What starts as a behind-the-scenes breakdown of blending philosophy, flavor decisions, and how this bottle came to life quickly turns into a full-on whiskey masterclass when Master Distiller Marlene Holmes drops in unexpectedly.But that’s only half the story. Somewhere along the way, the conversation takes a hard left turn into the wonderfully strange. We’re talking Star Trek debates, music tangents, movie villains, and a few moments that have absolutely nothing to do with whiskey—but somehow make perfect sense in the moment. It’s the kind of detour that only happens when the drinks are poured, the mics are on, and everyone’s having too much fun to steer the ship straight.This episode delivers real insight for anyone who loves whiskey, studies whiskey, or just wants to hang out with two of the sharpest minds in the industry. It’s nerdy, it’s unpredictable, and it might be the most enjoyable chaos we’ve had on the show. Buckle up.To follow us, find us on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram @thewhiskeyrockspodcastWhiskey rocks, sip hard!
What does it really mean for a whiskey to be “local”? Is it about where the grains come from, the climate where the barrels age, the people who make it, or something deeper about place and identity?In this episode, we sit down with Will and Ric at St. Augustine Distillery in the nation’s oldest city to talk about what makes their whiskey unmistakably Floridian. We get into how heat and humidity shape the barrel, why sourcing from nearby farms matters, and how a distillery can reflect the character of a community rather than just operate inside it.This is a conversation about craft, patience, environment, and pride. And it might change the way you think about where whiskey flavor really comes from.If you enjoy stories about people building something with intention, this one is for you.Learn more about St. Augustine at https://www.staugustinedistillery.com/Follow us for more whiskey and fun over on Instagram, TikTok and even YouTube @thewhiskeyrockspodcast
In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Owen King, the distiller behind Iron Clad Distillery out of Newport News, Virginia, a brand that’s as bold and unapologetic as its name.Owen takes us deep into Iron Clad’s roots, from the Civil War history that inspired its name to the modern craft grit that defines its bourbon. We talk family hustle, local pride, and what it means to build whiskey with real backbone.This one’s got everything….stories of turning an old shipyard town into whiskey country, the beauty of doing things your own damn way, and a few laughs that’ll make you want to pour another glass.So crank the volume, grab a pour, and join us for a conversation that proves: when whiskey gets loud, Iron Clad’s leading the band.Follow us @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on all social channels for more
What happens when bourbon meets a prison cell? You get one of the most fascinating stories in whiskey.In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel, Chris and guest host Brad Hughes from @bradsbourbonreviews dive into the incredible journey of Thomas Thacker, co-founder of Southern Grace Distillery…the North Carolina whiskey that ages its barrels inside a former prison.From converting cell blocks into barrelhouses to unlocking unexpected flavor profiles, Thomas shares how Southern Grace turned confinement into creativity. We talk heritage, innovation, and the beautiful madness that comes with making whiskey in a place built for second chances.Follow Southern Grace Distillery on Instagram @southerngracedistilleries to see where the magic happens.Follow Brad Hughes at @bradsbourbonreviews on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram for honest whiskey takes and behind-the-scenes pours.And don’t forget to follow us at @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on TikTok and Instagram…because whiskey’s better when the music’s loud and the company’s good.
In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Trey Boggs, co-founder of Palmetto Distillery, the trailblazing South Carolina brand behind the state’s first legal moonshine. Trey takes us inside the Palmetto story — from family roots and Southern tradition to building a distillery that celebrates Carolina pride with every pour.We dive into Palmetto’s journey from moonshine to whiskey, the challenges of carving out a space in the craft spirits world, and why music is such a big part of their DNA. Trey also shares the inside scoop on Palmetto’s collaboration with Darius Rucker, blending whiskey, country, and rock into something that hits all the right notes.Whether you’re a whiskey lover, a music fan, or just someone who enjoys a good Southern story, this episode is a must-listen.For more info on Palmetto Distillery, please visit them at https://www.palmettodistillery.com/To follow us on IG and TikTok, find us at @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on both platforms.
On this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Blair Ault of Milam & Greene Whiskey, a trailblazing voice in the world of American whiskey. Milam & Greene isn’t just another Texas distillery, it’s a woman-owned and woman-led brand that’s breaking barriers while crafting some of the most exciting bottles on the market today.Blair takes us inside the story of Milam & Greene, from their innovative blending techniques to the challenges of standing out in a crowded whiskey scene. We talk about what makes their whiskey unique, why their woman-owned leadership matters in an industry long dominated by men, and which bottles you should be reaching for if you want to experience the heart of Milam & Greene.Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey drinker or new to exploring Texas spirits, this conversation will give you a deeper appreciation for the craft, the people, and the passion behind every pour.Visit https://milamandgreenewhiskey.com to learn more.Follow us at @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on Instagram or Tiktok to keep the fun going.
Keeper’s Heart Whiskey is making waves with a bold idea: blending the rich tradition of Irish whiskey with the deep character of American bourbon. In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Keeper’s Heart’s lead distiller, Kate Douglas, to talk about the inspiration behind the blend, how it’s crafted, and why it’s turning heads across the whiskey world. From the challenges of merging two whiskey heritages to the exciting innovations happening at their Minneapolis distillery, Kate gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Keeper’s Heart so unique.Whether you’re an Irish whiskey fan, a bourbon devotee, or just someone curious about what happens when the two collide, this conversation will leave you reaching for a glass.Learn more about Keeper’s Heart at keepersheartwhiskey.com.Follow Whiskey Rocks on Instagram and TikTok for more whiskey stories, tastings, and laughs: • Instagram: @thewhiskeyrockspodcast • TikTok: @thewhiskeyrockspodcast
From Bourbon Pursuit to Pursuit Spirits, Ryan Cecil has carved out a unique path in the whiskey world, transforming his passion for storytelling into a whiskey brand that’s challenging industry norms. In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Ryan to dig into the origins of Pursuit Spirits, the philosophy behind their blends, and what it takes to move from documenting whiskey history to actually making it.Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or just starting your whiskey journey, Ryan’s perspective offers both insider knowledge and inspiration for anyone who’s ever wondered what it takes to turn a passion into a legacy.To learn more, visit www.pursuitspirits.comAnd don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and Instagram at @thewhiskeyrockspodcast for more whiskey conversations, reviews, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Watershed Distillery has been quietly making waves in the world of craft whiskey — and it’s time you heard the story straight from the source. In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Tommy Householder, U.S. Brand Ambassador for Watershed, to talk about how a Columbus, Ohio distillery is redefining what bourbon can be.From their bold approach to flavor to the surprising history behind the brand, we dig into what makes Watershed stand out in a crowded market. We’ll cover their distilling process, the role of local ingredients, and the whiskey expressions you should be sipping right now.Whether you’re an Ohio bourbon skeptic or already a fan, this conversation will have you rethinking the Midwest’s place in American whiskey.Learn more about Watershed Distillery at www.watersheddistillery.com.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @thewhiskeyrockspodcast for more whiskey stories, laughs, and music pairings.
What if your favorite whiskey… wasn’t actually your favorite? In this “Voices of the Industry” episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Bobby DeMars, founder of Blind Barrels, the underground whiskey subscription that’s flipping the script on how we taste, discover, and love American whiskey.Bobby shares the story behind launching Blind Barrels, why blind tasting reveals more than any label ever could, and how they’re giving underdog distilleries the spotlight they deserve. Whether you’re a whiskey collector, a casual sipper, or just chasing that next hidden gem, this conversation will change how you think about what’s in your glass.We talk about: •Why blind tastings strip away bias and elevate flavor •How Blind Barrels is building a community of curious drinkers •What most people get wrong when “rating” whiskey •Bobby’s biggest surprises (and failures) from blind tasting •The indie rock spirit of craft distilling💥 Spoiler alert: Your “top shelf” may not be your best sip.Want to test your palate? Explore the whiskey world without the hype at blindbarrels.com.Follow us for behind-the-scenes pours, blind tasting reactions, and dad-worthy whiskey wisdom: • Instagram- @thewhiskeyrockspodcast • TikTok- @thewhiskeyrockspodcast
During Prohibition, a legal loophole allowed doctors to prescribe whiskey for “medicinal use”—and patients could walk away with a 10-day supply. In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we’re joined by Dr. Rob and Dr. Dave, two of the co-founders of Ten Day Bourbon, a bold brand bringing that rebellious spirit back to the glass.We explore: •The wild true story behind prescription bourbon during Prohibition •How two real-life doctors turned that history into a full-flavored modern whiskey •The science, creativity, and grit behind Ten Day Bourbon’s unique approach •How they’re breaking norms in an industry steeped in tradition •And of course, a tasting session that blends medicine with mischiefWhether you’re a whiskey nerd, a history lover, or just into drinking with purpose, this episode is your prescription. Pour a glass and discover how Ten Day Bourbon is rewriting the rules—one dose at a time.
In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Adam Hines — designer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of High Bank Distillery — to go deep into the brand’s meteoric rise and their fearless approach to craft whiskey. From the early days of conceptual design to winning multiple gold medals, Adam shares the bold strategy behind High Bank’s standout line, Whiskey War.We unpack how High Bank blends award-winning spirits with sharp branding, the mindset behind challenging industry norms, and why disrupting the whiskey world sometimes means throwing out the traditional playbook. Whether you’re a whiskey lover, a brand builder, or just love a good underdog story, this one’s for you.Topics We Cover: • The origin and evolution of Whiskey War • Adam’s transition from creative director to distiller • Building a brand-first distillery in a product-first industry • The role of storytelling, design, and bold moves in craft whiskey • High Bank’s secret to staying scrappy and standing out • Why the Whiskey War name is more than just a labelDrinks we pour and Joel’s review of them:https://www.instagram.com/p/DL8fvoes0CR/?igsh=MTF4NGRycWdheng3Ng==https://www.instagram.com/p/DLyHfZ-MSVV/?igsh=MTJha2xqZGFlaTJnbQ==https://www.instagram.com/p/DKfqMvbMAWl/?igsh=N3c0enA4dWNuZzRwFollow Us:→ Instagram: @thewhiskeyrockspodcast→ TikTok: @thewhiskeyrockspodcast
In this episode of the Whiskey Rocks podcast, Joel is joined by guest co-host Angry Irish Mac (sitting in for Chris) for a bold conversation with Greg Keeley, founder of Larrikin Bourbon, a Kentucky-based distillery making waves in the craft whiskey scene.Before launching one of the most unapologetic bourbon brands on the market, Greg served in covert operations with both the Australian and U.S. Navies. His journey from military missions to mash bills is as intense as it is inspiring. We explore how his no-nonsense background influences his whiskey-making philosophy, what makes Larrikin stand out in a crowded field, and why he believes bourbon should be as bold as the people who drink it.Whether you’re a fan of independent distilleries, a lover of American whiskey, or just want to hear how someone went from the battlefield to the barrel room, this episode is packed with grit, guts, and rock and roll energy.Listen now and discover why Larrikin might just be the most rebellious bourbon you’ve never tried.Find Whiskey Rocks online:Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @thewhiskeyrockspodcastJoin the conversation on Reddit at r/whiskeyrocks
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