The Whiskey Rocks Podcast

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

When we invited Ben and Jess Loseke, the married co-founders of Midwest Barrel Co., onto the show, we thought we were just going to talk about barrels — the kind that once held bourbon, whiskey, wine, and beer. But what we got was a front-row seat to one of the most unexpected and inspiring stories in the world of whiskey.In this episode, we dig into how a simple side hustle turned into a booming business, what most people don’t know about used barrels, and the wild places these barrels end up next (spoiler: it’s not always whiskey 👀 ). From building a business as a couple to serving everyone from distilleries to DIY-ers to barbecue pitmasters, Ben and Jess are redefining what it means to be a part of the spirits community — even after the spirits are long gone.This one’s equal parts business, love story, and bourbon-soaked adventure. Pour a glass of one of your favorite drams and enjoy a Hollywood worthy story in the first of our “Voices of the Industry” special episodes.

In this very special episode of Whiskey Rocks, we go deep into the heart of Texas to explore the sound, soul, and spirit of Still Austin—one of the boldest voices in American craft whiskey today. Joining us is Jason Harry from Still Austin, who walks us through how music influences their distilling philosophy, why every barrel tells a story, and what it means to create a whiskey that doesn’t just taste good, but feels good.We’re also thrilled to be joined by whiskey Instagram creator Cinebourbon, who brings his signature cinematic perspective and tasting chops to the conversation. From movie pairings to musical mash bills, this episode is a love letter to the art of whiskey-making—where grain meets groove and every sip strikes a chord.Pour yourself something soulful and press play.

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Caryn Wells, National Brand Ambassador for Green River Distilling Co., for an unfiltered conversation about Kentucky’s 10th oldest distillery and its unexpected rebirth. From whiskey history and heritage to branding brilliance and bold flavor profiles, Caryn pulls back the curtain on how Green River is honoring tradition while carving a fresh path forward.We talk about the journey from mothballs to must-have bottles, the magic behind the Green River blends, and why Owensboro, Kentucky is punching way above its weight in the whiskey world. Plus, you’ll hear Caryn’s personal whiskey origin story—and yes, we pair it all with the perfect soundtrack.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to bring a legacy brand back to life, this one’s for you.

We sat down with Cyrus Kehyari, the driving force behind Hughes Brothers to explore what it really means to bring a legacy back to life. In this episode, Cyrus shares the remarkable story of reviving his family’s pre-Prohibition whiskey brand—a journey that spans centuries, state lines, and generations. From dusty archives to working stills, we talk about the soul of Pennsylvania whiskey, the weight of history, and the modern grit it takes to restore a name with meaning. This isn’t just a story about spirits—it’s about spirit. And the Hughes Brothers have it in barrel-strength.

On this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris head (virtually) to Hagerstown, Maryland to hang out with Cort Meinelschmidt, the man behind Meinelschmidt Distillery. Nestled in the heart of Western Maryland, Cort’s distillery is bringing bold character and local pride to every barrel—and we’re here for it.We talk shop about what it takes to build a distillery from the ground up in a small town, the unique flavor profile of Maryland-style whiskey, and why keeping things local—grain, team, and community—is at the core of everything Meinelschmidt does. Cort shares the story behind the distillery’s roots, what sets his spirits apart, and the soundtrack that’s playing in the background of his whiskey journey.Tune in for great pours, good vibes, and a conversation that proves small towns can produce some big-time whiskey.

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with one of the fearless founders of Old Line Spirits—Mark McLaughlin- a former Navy pilot who traded fighter jets for fermenters. Based in Baltimore, Old Line is making serious noise in the American Single Malt game with bold flavors, unapologetic storytelling, and a rebellious spirit rooted in brotherhood and adventure.We dive into how a chance encounter with a defunct distillery launched their journey, the risks they took to honor tradition while breaking the rules, and why American Single Malt might just be the next big thing in whiskey. Along the way, we pair their flagship whiskey with some high-octane rock anthems and unpack what makes a great bottle—and a great story.This one’s got jets, jams, and just the right amount of char. Buckle up.To learn more about Old Line Spirits visit: http://www.oldlinespirits.com/

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Mark Vierthaler from Whiskey Del Bac to explore how the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert shapes every bottle they produce. From mesquite-smoked malts to bold innovation rooted in tradition, Mark walks us through the unique distilling process that gives Whiskey Del Bac its unmistakable Southwestern character. Along the way, they talk about the challenges of crafting American single malt in a region known more for saguaros than spirits—and the surprising ways music, community, and creativity fuel the distillery’s vision. Whether you’re a desert dweller or a whiskey wanderer, this episode will leave you craving a sip of the Southwest.For more info on Whiskey Del Bac please visit: https://whiskeydelbac.com/Whiskey Rocks, Sip Hard!

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Liz Pirnat of WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) to explore her journey through the whiskey world and her impact as a catalyst in the industry. Liz shares her experiences not only in whiskey but also her time with the Napa Valley Wine Academy, where she deepened her knowledge of spirits and honed her expertise.Liz talks about how her education in wine and spirits gave her a unique perspective that she brings to the whiskey world today. She discusses the parallels between wine and whiskey, the art of sensory evaluation, and how her time at the academy prepared her to better understand and appreciate the complexity of whiskey.Joel and Chris dive into the evolving role of women in whiskey, the importance of education in building confidence in the industry, and Liz’s thoughts on how mentorship can create more opportunities for future generations.Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or curious about the intersection of wine and spirits, this episode is packed with knowledge, inspiration, and a few good laughs. Don’t miss this conversation with one of the women shaping the future of whiskey.

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Miles Munroe, master blender at Westward Whiskey, to explore the bold world of American Single Malt. They dive into Westward’s brewing-inspired approach, the impact of Oregon’s unique climate on aging, and how innovation drives their whiskey-making philosophy. Of course, no episode is complete without pairing whiskey with music—so expect some great tunes to match Westward’s signature flavors. Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or just whiskey-curious, this conversation uncorks something for everyone!Whiskeys we tasted this episode:Westward American Single Malt finished in Pinot Noir CasksWestward American Single Malt finished in Guatemalan Rum casks Westward American Single Malt single barrel Westward Club special release For more info on Westward Whiskey visit: https://westwardwhiskey.com

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with the one and only Jaz Weaver from Bardstown Bourbon Company—a distillery that’s redefining the whiskey game with innovation, collaboration, and some serious rockstar energy.We dive into Bardstown’s unique approach to blending tradition with creativity, taste through three incredible pours and talk about the future of Bardstown.Whiskeys We Tasted: • Origin Series High-Wheat Bourbon – A smooth, well-balanced sip with notes of caramel, fruit, and a soft wheat finish. • Discovery Series #12 – A bold and complex blend showcasing Bardstown’s expertise in pushing the boundaries of whiskey. • Collaborative Series with Goose Island Brewing – A one-of-a-kind release that brings together the best of bourbon and barrel-aged beer.From killer collaborations to the art of blending, this episode has everything a whiskey (and music) lover could want. Tune in, pour a glass, and get ready to turn up the volume on Bardstown Bourbon!To learn more about Bardstown Bourbon Company visit https://bardstownbourbon.com/To visit their Saint or Sinner quiz go to http://www.bourbonsaintorsinner.comWhiskey Rocks, Sip Hard! 🥃🎸