Whiskey with Witcher

Over the course of our latest season, we’ve become friends with a vampire, hung out with baby Geralt, read a book by a bard, savored some fish soup, took a detour into Shondaland, drunk whiskey from a gargoyle and barely survived an encounter with 99 Bananas. Together, we’ve made some great memories (while destroying a few brain cells), but sadly, it’s time to say goodbye as our season has reached its end. But before we head off down the path, we’re stopping for one final look at The Witcher’s fourth season. What did we like and what did we not care for? What surprised us and what do we expect to see in season five? We each pick our favorite and least favorite costumes, songs, whiskeys and episodes (you’ll never guess which one made both lists) and choose a Kaer Moron for the season, all while enjoying three of our favorite recent bourbons. The bar may be closing for the night, but first we’re breaking out the good stuff. Care to join us for one more round?

Dearest gentle listener, on this first day of April, it is this author’s sincerest pleasure to welcome you once again to the noble kingdom of Shondaland for an afternoon of…particularly strong tea and lively conversation. Our subject this week? Why none other than the latest events concerning the Bridgerton household, particularly the recent gossip surrounding second son Benedict and his new wife. Our guest of honor for this truly once—er, twice-in-a-lifetime event is none other than our dear friend and patron, the Viscountess Lucy J Robyn of the noble households of YouTube and Twitch. We hope you will enjoy the proceedings, but do heed this most delicate of warnings: those arriving in hope of familiarizing themselves with the recent exploits of that infamous rake Geralt of Rivia may find themselves in unfamiliar company. Should that prove to be you, we suggest simply asking your server to make your tea a “double.” Just ensure you do not do this so often that you besmirch your standing in society. Poor decisions like that are, as they say, best left up to us. Keep up with Lucy by following her on Twitch, Youtube, Twitter and Instagram at @lucyjrobyn.

This week, we’re side questing into the world of It’s Not a Cult, the new novel written by our favorite on-screen bard, Joey Batey. Since books are better with booze, the whiskey flows generously as we unpack everything the novel has to say about obsessive fandom, mob behavior, found families, experiencing life through screens and ice lollies (though we may need your help with that last one). We also tackle the tough, yet impossible to ignore questions: How much of this book is meant to be reflective of Joey’s life? What’s up with the ending? And why the heck isn’t this thing available in the United States? Don’t look for clear answers…or anything clear, really. But we do reveal the one thing the ridiculously multi-talented Joey Batey can’t yet do. So take that, Bard!

Our latest side quest is sure to appeal to all swipes—er, types! When we first discussed Reigns: The Witcher, the new “swipe ’em up” mobile game from CDPR, Nerial and Devolver Digital, we failed to answer one very important question: which member of the Whiskey with Witcher crew can survive for the longest in the game after drinking copious amounts of alcohol? Well, you’re about to find out! Recorded a few days after Reigns: The Witcher’s release, we each take a spin until three things become clear. First, we probably should have practiced a lot more. Second, battling is really hard when you’re drinking cask-strength whiskey. And three, this is the wildest episode we’ve recorded in quite some time. Enjoy!

A great story is truly timeless. However, since “A Question of Price” is pretty mid at best, we’re giving it a little less than 90 minutes. In our newest side quest, we’re returning to the world of Witcher comics to discuss Dark Horse’s adaptation of the Andrzej Sapkowski short story, determining if this recent graphic novel has anything new to offer besides some pretty art. (In fairness, it’s VERY pretty art.) Does the story that introduced The Witcher’s Law of Surprise still hold some surprises of its own? Does the return of “Headband Geralt” hit differently after Crossroads of Ravens? And does Calanthe bring that milf energy and thirst for Geralt that she has in other versions of this story? Sharpen your swords and don your doublets, we’re returning to Cintra!