The Liquor Connoisseur

The Liquor Connoisseur
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ENHANCE YOU PALATE, ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE The Liquor Connoisseur is an online resource that’s dedicated to helping you make the most of your drinking experience. From learning how to taste and smell notes in your favorite drinks to discovering the best and most unique cocktails, our mission is to educate and help you enhance your palate. We offer a variety of articles, videos, & tutorials to help you get the most out of your drinking experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, we have something for everyone. +21 A true connoisseur knows their limit, drink responsibly!

  1. FEB 11

    Wait… Blanco Tequila Can Be Aged? Let’s Break It Down as We Review Santaleza Anejo Tequila.

    Did you know Blanco Tequila can be rested up to 2 months?In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal and Roger review Santaleza Blanco Tequila (NOM 1604) made in the highlands with 8-year Blue Weber agave, mountain spring water, and natural fermentation. It’s aged in American bourbon barrels for a minimum of 16 months, yet stays bright, smooth, and incredibly approachable.We break down:• What “Blanco / Reposado / Añejo / Extra Añejo” really means• Why tequila legally allows up to 1% additives and how to spot it• The flavor profile: agave-forward, citrus, earth, oak, dried fruit, and a white pepper finish• Why barrel aging doesn’t always mean “better”• Who this bottle is for (and why it’s sneakily gift-worthy)If you’re trying to taste more agave and less candy-sweet vanilla syrup, this episode is for you.🎧 Sponsored by The Bar Book AppDiscover your perfect pour, join free, and take the guesswork out of finding spirits and cocktails you’ll love.👇 Drop a comment: What’s your favorite tequila right now?#TequilaReview #BlancoTequila #Santaleza #AdditiveFreeTequila#Agave #TequilaEducation #LiquorConnoisseur #NOM1604 #DrinkToRemember #anejo Find us online:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theliquorconnoisseurTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theliquorconnoisseurFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theliquorconnoisseurWebsite: https://theliquorconnoisseur.com👍 Like if you learned something new🔔 Subscribe for more bottle breakdowns and spirit education🥂 Drink to remember, not to forget.

    12 min

  2. FEB 7

    Penelope Toasted Straight Bourbon - Standard Release vs Store Pick

    Is a store pick really that different, or is it just hype?In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal and Roger put Penelope Straight Bourbon Toasted head-to-head with a Penelope Single Barrel Pick from The Well OKC. Same brand. Same DNA. Very different experience.From toasted marshmallow sweetness to rich brownie-like depth, we break down proof, aging, toasting vs charring, and who each bottle is actually for. Comment: Standard release or store pick, which are you choosing?#PenelopeBourbon #singlebarrel #ToastedBourbon #BourbonReview#LiquorConnoisseur #StorePick #drinktoremembernottoforget 🥃 What we cover:• Toasted bourbon vs single barrel picks• Proof differences and flavor impact• Why non-chill filtration matters• Beginner vs intermediate vs advanced drinkers• Cake vs brownie bourbon energyTimestamps:00:00 – Same Bourbon, Different Experience?01:15 – Sponsor: Bar Book App02:10 – Penelope Brand Story04:30 – Toasted vs Single Barrel Explained08:10 – Nose & First Sip (Toasted)12:40 – Store Pick Tasting17:30 – Cake vs Brownie Bourbon22:10 – Who Each Bottle Is For26:30 – Final VerdictFind us Online:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theliquorconnoisseurTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theliquorconnoisseurFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theliquorconnoisseurWebsite: https://theliquorconnoisseur.com🎧 Sponsored by The Bar Book AppFind spirits you’ll love without guessing.

    17 min

  3. JAN 23

    Is This $125 Rye Worth It? WhistlePig 12-Year World Rye Review

    This is a $125 bottle. So the real question is: is it worth it?We break down why WhistlePig 12-Year World Rye commands its price, from aging to wine barrel finishing to legendary distilling lineage. This is a luxury rye built for collectors, not casual drinkers.You ever taste a whiskey so complex you try everything to unlock it?In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal and Roger break down the legendary Whistle Pig 12-Year World Rye a $125 straight rye finished in three different wine barrels and built for serious whiskey drinkers.From the Kentucky Chew to glassware science, winter fruit flavors, and zero ethanol burn, this rye delivers depth that keeps unfolding with every sip. This isn’t a casual pour. This is a homework bottle.🥃 What you’ll learn:• Why there’s no “Kentucky hug” in rye• How wine barrel finishes change flavor• Why this rye drinks bigger than 86 proof• When glassware actually matters• Who should (and shouldn’t) buy this bottle🎧 Sponsored by The Bar Book AppDiscover your perfect pour without the guesswork.#WhistlePig #RyeWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #WhiskeyTok #LiquorConnoisseur#KentuckyChew #WhiskeyEducation #CraftWhiskey #DrinkToRemember🔗 Social LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theliquorconnoisseurTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theliquorconnoisseurFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theliquorconnoisseurWebsite: https://theliquorconnoisseur.com▶️ YouTubehttps://youtube.com/@TheLiquorConnoisseur⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Kentucky Chew Hook01:10 – Sponsor: Bar Book App02:05 – What We’re Tasting04:00 – Why This Rye Is Different06:45 – Barrel Finish Breakdown09:30 – Nose & First Sip13:10 – Flavor Explosion17:40 – Glassware Science22:00 – Straight Rye vs Bourbon26:30 – Homework Bottle Explained31:00 – Final Verdict💬 Comment: Do you chew your whiskey or just sip?👍 Like & subscribe for real whiskey education

    16 min

  4. JAN 14

    You Can SEE the Flavor in This Bourbon 👀 | 2025 World’s Best Bourbon Tasting (Frank August)

    Is this really the World’s Best Bourbon of 2025… and can you actually see the flavor in the glass?In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal and Roger review Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the IWSC Whiskey of the Year, and things get beautifully nerdy.From visible “whiskey glitter” caused by non-chill filtration, to a bold high-rye spice, honeyed fruit, and a smooth Kentucky hug, this $70 bourbon delivers complexity, intention, and a little mystery. We break down what Kentucky Straight Bourbon really means, why this pour isn’t for beginners, and why it may be one of the most gift-worthy bottles on the shelf.This is bourbon for drinkers who want character, story, and flavor you can literally watch unfold.🥃 Expect:• Why awards matter (and when they don’t)• What non-chill filtration does to flavor and mouthfeel• Who this bourbon is actually for• Why the price likely won’t stay at $70• Cocktail vs neat verdict🎧 Sponsored by The Bar Book AppDiscover spirits you’ll love without the guesswork. Drink smarter, explore more, and pour with confidence.👉 Watch till the end. The pour tells the story.💬 Comment below: Do awards influence what you buy, or does the glass decide?👍 Like & subscribe for real spirit education.🥃 As always: Drink to remember, not to forget.🔗 SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theliquorconnoisseur🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theliquorconnoisseur📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theliquorconnoisseur🌐 Website & Merch: https://theliquorconnoisseur.comTIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS00:00 – Can You SEE Flavor in Bourbon? (Whiskey “Glitter” Explained)01:12 – Welcome to The Liquor Connoisseur02:05 – Episode Sponsor: The Bar Book App03:02 – What We’re Tasting Today: Frank August Small Batch Bourbon04:10 – 2025 World’s Best Bourbon? (IWSC Explained)05:32 – Bottle Design & First Impressions06:48 – Non-Chill Filtration & Visible Flavor Compounds08:22 – The Nose: Fruit, Honey & No Ethanol10:01 – First Sip: High-Rye Spice & Kentucky Hug12:06 – Mouthfeel, Proof & Balance at 100 Proof13:45 – What “Kentucky Straight Bourbon” Really Means15:58 – Is This Beginner Friendly or Not?17:42 – Neat vs Cocktail: How This Bourbon Performs19:15 – Gift-Worthy? Price, Presentation & Cork Talk21:30 – Why the Price May Go Up After Whiskey of the Year23:10 – The Mystery of Frank August’s Blending Process25:05 – Final Verdict: Who This Bourbon Is For27:10 – Moment of Perfection & What We Learned29:05 – Where Frank August Goes Next (Rye & Cask Finishes)31:00 – Merch Shoutout & How to Support the Show32:10 – Final Toast: Drink to Remember, Not to Forget▶️ YOUTUBE CHANNEL LINK👉 https://youtube.com/@TheLiquorConnoisseur

    9 min

  5. JAN 9

    Sober Curious? This Brand is Redefining Social Drinking

    In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, we sit down with James and Alina Mahoney, the husband-and-wife duo behind Madam Mocktail—a bold, ready-to-drink mocktail brand changing how people socialize without alcohol.What started as an Instagram page has grown into a shelf-stable, bar-quality product now featured in 100+ locations across Pennsylvania—including 7-Eleven—with nationwide shipping and hospitality adoption on the rise.We discuss:Their four core mocktail flavors 🍸 (Lemon Drop, Passionfruit Mojito, Cosmo, Black Cherry Mule)How they partnered with BevSource to bring bold, natural ingredients to lifeThe rise of sober curious culture and social drinking without the pressureTheir bottling decision (glass + twist-off = 7-day shelf life)Using Madam Mocktail as a base in cocktails at restaurants🔥 These aren't just seltzers with juice. They're real-deal mocktails you can sip straight, mix, or bring into any setting—from weddings to wellness retreats.🛒 Order online: madammocktail.com🎙️ Tagline: Drink to Remember, Not to Forget.—🎧 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio📲 Follow @TheLiquorConnoisseur on IG, TikTok & YouTube📩 Want your brand featured? email: contact@theliquorconnoisseur.com#SoberCurious #MocktailLife #DryJanuary #MadamMocktail #DrinkToRemember #ZeroProof #TheLiquorConnoisseur #MindfulDrinking #NAspirits

    18 min

  6. 12/27/2025

    The Bottles That Defined Our Year

    We made it to the end of the year, and instead of chasing hype bottles or unicorn myths, we’re breaking down the spirits that actually earned a permanent place on our shelf.In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal and Roger share their Best Spirits of the Year across whiskey, tequila, rum, cognac, vodka, gin, absinthe, and even agave’s lesser‑known cousins. These are bottles we didn’t just review, but finished, re‑bought, and kept reaching for.You’ll hear why:Absinthe myths needed to be retired (no green fairy here)Overproof and cask strength became our word of the yearAdditive‑free tequila changed how we drink agaveCreamy, oily mouthfeel matters more than brand namesRarity doesn’t equal qualityHigh proof doesn’t mean harshFrom Yéyo Rosa Reposado and Dad’s Hat Honey Rye, to Du Nord Gin, Striped Lion Overproof Rum, Delta Dirt Sweet Potato Vodka, and Pierre Ferrand 10 Generations, this episode is your shortcut to drinking smarter, not louder.💬 Tell us in the comments: Which bottle was your favorite this year, and what surprised you the most?As always, we drink to remember, not to forget.⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome + Best of the Year Setup01:35 – Absinthe Myths & Why It Made the List04:20 – New Dawn 10 Year Wheated (Cask Strength Love)07:40 – Yéyo Rosa Reposado & Additive-Free Tequila11:10 – Pierre Ferrand 10 Generations Cognac14:20 – Dad’s Hat Honey Rye & That Creamy Mouthfeel17:30 – Bacanora: Agave’s Lesser-Known Cousin21:05 – Delta Dirt Sweet Potato Vodka24:10 – Loft & Bear Vodka + Giving Back27:00 – Du Nord Gin (Balanced, Bold, Legendary)30:10 – Striped Lion Overproof Rum33:20 – Overproof, Cask Strength & Our Word of the Year36:00 – Final Thoughts + What’s Coming Next#LiquorConnoisseur#BestSpiritsOfTheYear#WhiskeyReview#TequilaLovers#Overproof#CaskStrength#CraftSpirits#SpiritEducation#DrinkToRemember#Absinthe#RumLovers#VodkaReview#GinLovers#Cognac#AgaveSpirits#Mezcal#Bacanora#SpiritPodcast

    12 min

  7. 12/27/2025

    We Stopped Chasing Allocated Bottles | The Real Liquor Connoisseur Journey

    Most people think being a liquor connoisseur means chasing rare, locked-up bottles — standing in line, paying secondary prices, and hoping you’re “chosen” to buy something.We stopped doing that.In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal and Roger break down their real connoisseur journey — from early curiosity bottles to educated, flavor-forward choices you can actually buy off the shelf.We talk about:Why we stopped chasing allocated “unicorn” bottlesHow our palate evolved across absinthe, tequila, rye, cognac, and bourbonWhat bottles we put down — and what we picked up insteadWhy proof doesn’t equal harshnessHow better quality actually makes better cocktailsAnd how to drink smarter without overpaying for hypeThis episode isn’t about flexing rare bottles.It’s about drinking with intention, education, and confidence.👇 Drop a comment and tell us:What bottle did YOU stop chasing?Tell us YOUR connoisseur journey in the comments — what’s one bottle you used to love that you’ve since replaced?#LiquorConnoisseur#DrinkSmarter#BourbonEducation#WhiskeyTalk#StopChasingHype#TequilaJourney#SpiritEducation#AllocatedBourbon#DrinkToRemember#BourbonCommunity#AgaveSpirits#WhiskeyLovers🍸 Sponsored by The Bar BookDiscover your perfect pour.Join today for free and take the guesswork out of finding spirits and cocktails you’ll love.Drink smarter, explore more, and enjoy with confidence.Available on Apple & Android.📌 New episodes weekly📌 Subscribe for spirit education, reviews, and real conversations📌 Drink to remember, not to forget 🥃⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why We Stopped Chasing Allocated Bottles01:05 – The Bottles People Always Ask About02:20 – Our First “Different” Spirit Experience (Absinthe)04:15 – Absinthe Myths vs Reality06:10 – How Education Changed Our Drinking07:45 – Walking Away from Don Julio & 194209:30 – Discovering Agave-Forward Tequila11:40 – Mezcal, Bacanora & Expanding the Palate13:25 – Losing the Fear of Proof15:10 – Why Higher Proof Can Sip Smoother17:00 – When Cheap Spirits Ruin Cocktails18:30 – Cognac: What We Drink Now Instead20:15 – The Truth About Allocated Bourbon22:10 – Shelf Bottles That Beat Hype Bottles24:00 – Stop Waiting in Line, Start Drinking Better25:30 – Share Your Connoisseur Journey

    11 min

  8. 12/27/2025

    You haven’t had Wilderness Trail like THIS before.

    This isn’t just another bourbon review. This is Angry Mac’s personal private barrel pick of Wilderness Trail’s Family Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon — a cask strength beauty aged 5 years and 10 months and bottled at a bold 112.9 proof.This rare gem was hand-picked by one of our favorite whiskey influencers and comes in at only 210 bottles total, making it an incredibly exclusive experience few will ever get to taste. But today, you do.🥃 What you’ll discover in this episode:What makes barrel picks so special and how you can get oneTasting notes: Chocolate, cherry, toffee, and a lingering winter-warming finishPairing bourbon with cigars and desserts 🍫Why this bottle might remind you of grandma’s baked goodsBourbon 101: What "non-chill filtered" and "cask strength" really meanHow to enjoy high-proof whiskey even if you're a beginner🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for more rare spirit reviews, distillery visits, and insider interviews with the people changing the way we drink.🎙 Hosted by Crystal & Roger | The Liquor Connoisseur📍 Shot on location in Oklahoma | Tasting Angry Mac’s New York pick🧠 This episode is sponsored by The Bar Book App – Discover your perfect pour. Download FREE on Apple & Android!Comment below:Have you ever tried a private barrel pick? Would you want to do one?👍 Like if you’ve ever tasted a cask strength bourbon🔁 Share with a friend who needs to experience real bourbon🛎 Subscribe for exclusive spirits, distilleries & cocktail content🍫 What chocolate would YOU pair with this bourbon?Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – Intro: Why Private Barrel Picks Matter 01:20 – Meet Angry Mac’s Exclusive Wilderness Trail Pick 02:45 – Wilderness Trail Distillery Background 04:35 – What Makes This Cask Strength So Special 06:00 – Barrel Char, Age, and Yeast Strain Breakdown 07:15 – Tasting Begins: First Sip & Immediate Reactions 08:50 – Flavor Notes: Chocolate, Cherry, Toffee, Coffee 10:30 – Pairing with Cigars and Baked Goods 12:00 – Bourbon vs Brownies: Why Richness Wins 13:30 – Bourbon & Memory: Grandma’s Desserts & Nose Notes 15:00 – Chill Filtration & Lipid Retention Explained 17:15 – How to Sip High Proof Spirits as a Beginner 18:45 – Final Thoughts, Toasts & Teasers of What’s Coming Next 20:00 – Outro: Like, Subscribe & Drink to Remember#BourbonReview #WildernessTrail #PrivateBarrelPick #CaskStrengthBourbon #AngryMac #WhiskeyTasting #TheLiquorConnoisseur #RareBourbon #WhiskeyCommunity #CigarAndBourbon #BourbonLovers #BarBook #BourbonPairing #HighProofWhiskey #WhiskeyLife

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

ENHANCE YOU PALATE, ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE The Liquor Connoisseur is an online resource that’s dedicated to helping you make the most of your drinking experience. From learning how to taste and smell notes in your favorite drinks to discovering the best and most unique cocktails, our mission is to educate and help you enhance your palate. We offer a variety of articles, videos, & tutorials to help you get the most out of your drinking experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, we have something for everyone. +21 A true connoisseur knows their limit, drink responsibly!

Information

  • Creator
    The Liquor Connoisseur
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    122
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Liquor Connoisseur
  • Show Website
    The Liquor Connoisseur