Sip Wiselee

Jonathon Lee
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Hobbies
  • Daily

Welcome, bourbon aficionados, enthusiasts, and curious sippers alike, to "Sip Wiselee," a podcast brought to you by the St. Charles Bourbon Society. Let us serve as your guide on this journey through the wonderful world of bourbon. Join us as we uncork the stories behind your favorite distilleries, uncover the secrets of barrel aging, and decode the complexities of tasting notes and flavor profiles. Each episode is crafted with care to inform, entertain, and inspire your own bourbon journey.

  1. Oct 16

    Ep.25 - Augusta Distilling Tasting

    Sip Wiselee | Ep. 25: Augusta Distillery Tasting We learned the history in Part 1—now it’s time to pour the juice! Welcome back to Sip Wiselee, where we bridge our love for Missouri craft spirits with the legendary bourbon tradition of Kentucky. In this second installment, Zack (Brand Ambassador for Augusta Distillery) returns to the studio, and he didn't come empty-handed. He brought the entire Augusta lineup for a epic five-bottle tasting! Joining us at the table are Society members Randy and Dominic to give their honest reactions, compare notes, and talk all things whiskey. If you haven't checked out Part 1 yet, make sure to give it a listen to get the full story behind the distillery (and catch our host’s famous geography blunder on the bottle label!). CONNECT WITH US & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Facebook Website / Society Membership ENJOYING THE SHOW?Hit that Follow button on Spotify, leave us a review, and share this episode with your favorite bourbon-drinking buddy! Let us know in the comments: Which of these 5 bottles are you dying to try? What’s in your glass today? #SipWisely #AugustaDistillery #BourbonTasting #Buckners10Year #Buckners13Year #OldRoute8 #WheatedBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #MissouriSpirits #CraftWhiskey #BourbonReview

  2. Oct 4

    024 Augusta Distillery

    Welcome back to Sip Wiselee! While our heart and roots are firmly planted in celebrating Missouri spirits, we love bridging the gap to the rich history and traditions of iconic Kentucky bourbon. In part one of this two-part series, we sit down with a great friend of the show—Zack, Brand Ambassador for Augusta Distillery in Augusta, Kentucky! Many of you know Zack from his days on the regional distributor side where we first met him. After falling in love with Augusta's whiskey as a fan and distributor, he made the leap to join their team full-time. In this episode, we dive deep into: The history, heritage, and unique location of Augusta Distillery along the Ohio River. Zack’s journey from selling spirits in our region to representing Augusta on the road. A special member Q&A with Society member Randy Davis joining the conversation. A sneak peek at upcoming pours like Old Route 8 and Buckner’s 10-Year Single Barrel (plus a hilarious geography mishap on the small batch label you won't want to miss!). Grab a glass, settle in, and get ready for a deep dive into bourbon history before we pop the corks in Part 2! CONNECT WITH US & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1c2D21uEqd/ Website / Society Membership: https://www.stcharlesbourbonsociety.com/ ENJOYING THE SHOW?Don't forget to Like, Follow, and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube! Leave us a comment or review—we read every single one and love hearing what you're sipping on. Share this episode with a fellow whiskey lover! #SipWisely #Bourbon #AugustaDistillery #KentuckyBourbon #MissouriSpirits #WhiskeyPodcast #CraftSpirits

  3. Jul 15

    Ep. 023 - Old Monroe Tasting

    Grab a glass and join us on the patio at Old Monroe Distilling! In this mid-month tasting episode, we sit down with founder and master distiller Adam to dive deep into the glass. We’re tasting through their impressive lineup—starting with their signature 90-proof everyday Small Batch Bourbon, moving into three distinct high-proof Single Barrels (including a wild 132.5-proof monster and a shockingly dark 3-year heirloom corn bourbon), and finishing with their 115-proof pre-prohibition style Malted Rye. Beyond the tasting, Adam breaks down the fascinating science of craft distilling—from how temperature fluctuations in their Columbia, Illinois rickhouse shape proof and flavor, to how barrel-char layers actually act as natural filtration. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon collector or just starting your whiskey journey, this episode is packed with flavor notes, distilling secrets, and great conversation. Old Monroe Small Batch Bourbon: Why Adam sacrifices "smoothness" for big, bold flavor profiles, and how blending 4.5 to 7-year barrels creates their signature everyday drinker. The Science of Aging: How oak barrel char layers work, how seasonal temperature swings in Illinois affect oxidation, and why 8 years is considered the "sweet spot" for bourbon complexity. Single Barrel Breakdown: Sample #1: An 8-year, 8-month pour at 109.2 proof featuring rich oak and leather notes. Sample #2: A powerhouse 9-year, 2-month pour sitting at a staggering 132.5 proof. Sample #3: A rare 3-year "throwback" bourbon made with Bloody Butcher heirloom corn that punches way above its age. Pre-Prohibition Style Rye: The unique 1911 handwritten manuscript recipe behind their 72% rye / 25% malted rye blend, and why malted rye creates an unforgettable, velvety texture. Follow the Podcast: Don't forget to hit the +Follow or Subscribe button in your podcast app so you never miss an episode! Watch on YouTube: Want to see the rich colors of these pours for yourself? Check out the full video episode on our YouTube Channel. Join the Conversation: Follow us on Social Media to share your favorite tasting notes and let us know which bottle you're hunting down next! Remember: Sip Wiselee and never drink and drive!

  4. Jul 1

    Ep. 022 Old Monroe Distilling

    What does true grain-to-glass distilling actually look like? In this episode of Sip Wisely, we hit the road and head over to Columbia, Illinois, to visit Old Monroe Distilling. Host [Your Name] and club member Art sit down with owner and master distiller, Adam, to talk about the rich history of Old Monroe and their uncompromising commitment to the craft. From growing their own grains right on the family farm to the final pour in your glass, Adam shares the passion, hard work, and agriculture that defines their exceptional spirits. If you love local craft distilling and great storytelling, this is an episode you can't miss. In this episode, we cover: The history and origin story of Old Monroe Distilling. What it really means to be a "grain-to-glass" distillery. How farming and distilling merge on their local Illinois farm. A sneak peek at what we're tasting for our upcoming episode! Quick Notes:📺 Watch the Video: This episode was recorded live on camera! Head over to our YouTube channel to see the distillery and watch the interview in action.🗓️ Mark Your Calendars: Pay close attention to what we taste in this episode, because our official tasting episode drops on the 15th of the month! Get your glasses ready.👉 Subscribe & Review: If you love what we're doing, please subscribe and leave us a review!

  5. Jun 11

    Ep.021

    Welcome into our first episode of Season 3! In this episode we have a special treat for you! Members of the St. Charles Bourbon Society took a trip to Memphis to help with a special barrel pick with A1 Wine & Spirits on Mexico rd. After this amazing experience, I had the pleasure sitting down with Brittney to learn all about this historic distillery! Enjoy!

  6. 12/15/2025

    Ep.20 Cardinal Sin

    It is the 15th of the month and that means it is time for another tasting episode. I got to sit down with Nick from Cardinal Sin and taste three of their amazing products! Pride, Envy and Wrath are three amazing products that should be on anyone's shelf! What do you think of Cardinal Sin whiskey? Share your thoughts on social media. Be sure to check out their store on main street St. Charles! Cardinal Sin Distillery St. Charles Bourbon Society

  7. 12/02/2025

    Ep.019 Cardinal Sin Distillery

    Join us on location just off Main Street in St. Charles as we sit down with Steve Herberhold from Cardinal Sin Distillery. Have you ever wondered what happens when an aerospace engineer, an orthopedic surgeon, and a marketing executive are all neighbors who enjoy a drink together? In 2010, this trio turned a casual neighborhood hang-out into a partnership that blends mechanical aptitude with chemical precision. In this episode, we dive into the science behind their process and the unique challenges of jumping from day jobs to distillation. You’ll hear the story behind "Starka," a barrel-aged spirit so unique that it initially baffled federal regulators and sparked a debate over what to legally call it. Steve explains how a clear spirit can take on the soul of a whiskey and why the government refused to let them put certain words on the same line of the label. Tune in to discover how "Cardinal Sin" got its name, why they are currently facing "champagne problems" at their historic storefront, and how they manage to keep their friendship intact while navigating the complex world of craft spirits. Whether you are a vodka drinker or a die-hard bourbon fan, this conversation proves that sometimes the best business plans start in a neighbor's living room. Cardinal Sin Distillery St. Charles Bourbon Society

  8. 11/15/2025

    Ep.18 Lionheart Tasting

    Welcome to another monthly tasting episode of the Sip Wiselee Podcast! We are thrilled to welcome back Clayton from Lionheart Distilling. In this episode, we dive deep into the glass to explore a highly celebrated single barrel spirit that has become the distillery's number one seller. We reveal why this expression, along with others submitted by Lionheart, earned multiple medals in their inaugural competition, including a top score of 95. Prepare to become a "mad scientist" as we discuss the complex factors that give a spirit its exceptional viscosity and desirable "legs on the glass". We explore how the smallest addition of water can dramatically transform the flavor profile, opening up new characteristics and making the spirit "smooth as can be going down". You'll hear about the immense care and quality put into the product, including the rigorous process of selecting single barrels and the dedication required to taste through multiple barrels to ensure consistency. This dedication extends to their unique water source: learn why the team drives approximately 2.5 hours one way with a stainless tank to collect high-quality water from Welpman Springs in Stover, Missouri, ensuring essential mineral content is retained. Finally, we discuss some of Lionheart’s other creative products, including Coalesce, a "really fun" blend of bourbons and ryes resulting from collaborations across the whiskey community. Listen now, and then make plans to visit the historic and quaint town of Hermann, Missouri, to experience this quality for yourself! Lionheart Distilling is easily accessible from major nearby highways.Lionheart Distilling Co. St. Charles Bourbon Society

See All (28)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

About

Welcome, bourbon aficionados, enthusiasts, and curious sippers alike, to "Sip Wiselee," a podcast brought to you by the St. Charles Bourbon Society. Let us serve as your guide on this journey through the wonderful world of bourbon. Join us as we uncork the stories behind your favorite distilleries, uncover the secrets of barrel aging, and decode the complexities of tasting notes and flavor profiles. Each episode is crafted with care to inform, entertain, and inspire your own bourbon journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathon Lee
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jonathon Lee
  • Show Website
    Sip Wiselee