Whisky & Smoke News Network

Chris Kumnick - Host

Join your host, Chris Kumnick, on a weekly journey through the world of whisky, cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This isn't just any lifestyle podcast – it's more of a news program that covers the fascinating history, expert insights, and engaging conversation designed to elevate your appreciation for these wonderful pastimes. Whether you're looking to impress your friends with your newfound whisky knowledge, deepen your understanding of the huge world of cigars, or want to watch and learn about the calmness of pipes and pipe tobacco, Whisky & Smoke News Network has something for you.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 30 - 8/16/26 - Paul Storrie - Lowland Cooperage - "Falkirk's Finest!!!"

    In Episode 30 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick brings you the latest whisky, whiskey, bourbon, Scotch, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Paul Storrie of Lowland Cooperage in the Falkirk area of Scotland. This episode explores the cooper’s trade, cask repair, cask rejuvenation, whisky maturation, the importance of oak in Scotch whisky, and why the people behind the wood matter just as much as the spirit inside the barrel. This week’s whisky news includes Kings County Distillery’s 134-proof 9-year bourbon, House of Hazelwood Calm Waters, The Macallan Harmony Collection coconut releases, Stranahan’s 11-year Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt, James B. Beam Distilling Company’s Creator Campus, Unreined Whiskey’s new College Station destination, Chicken C**k Whiskey changing ownership, Duncan Taylor’s Mizunara-finished Auchentoshan, Never Say Die Bourbon’s Lexington visitor home, Jack Daniel’s High Angel’s Share Tennessee Whiskey, Wylye Distillery in England, Scotland’s Whisky Week, Glenfiddich’s Aston Martin Formula One collaboration, and the new Stetson Kentucky Straight Bourbon. In cigar news, Chris covers Ferio Tego Milestones honoring Miles Davis, Casa Carrillo La Historia Silk, Hooten Young Midnight Hammer 2026, Luciano The Maker, Diesel Uncaged by A.J. Fernandez, El Mago The Offender and The Defender, Premium Cigar Association tariff guidance, Room101’s 17th Anniversary cigar, Davidoff Boutique Selection, Creekside Cigar Company’s Queen of the West, and Tradecraft Gladius Box Press. The episode also includes upcoming whisky, bourbon, cigar, and pipe events, followed by “What Is Chris Putting in His Mouth?” featuring Tomintoul TŌR, a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky finished in Oloroso sherry butts. Whether you follow Scotch whisky, bourbon news, American whiskey, American single malt, independent bottlers, cooperages, premium cigars, cigar industry news, whisky festivals, cigar releases, pipe culture, or whisky and cigar pairings, Episode 30 of WNSNN delivers news, insight, interviews, and entertainment for serious enthusiasts. Social Media Links Whisky & Smoke News Network Instagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

    Ep. 30 - 8/16/26 - Paul Storrie - Lowland Cooperage - "Falkirk's Finest!!!"

  2. Aug 6

    Ep. 29 - 8/5/26 - Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers - "It all takes time, there are no shortcuts."

    In Episode 29 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, bourbon, Scotch, Irish whiskey, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Alistair Walker of the Alistair Walker Whisky Company and the Infrequent Flyers independent bottling brand. Recorded during Chris’ March trip to Scotland, this conversation explores Alistair Walker’s path into the whisky business, his approach to cask finishing, careful wood management, independent bottling, the current state of the Scotch whisky industry, and what lies ahead for Infrequent Flyers. This episode also covers major whisky and spirits headlines including Brown-Forman rejecting Sazerac’s acquisition offer, Old Forester Triple Char, RNDC bankruptcy, Glenfarclas 190, Cutty Sark’s new campaign, Beyoncé taking sole ownership of SirDavis American Whisky, The Balvenie Fifty Collection Third Edition, Still Austin Quarter, Jameson becoming the NFL’s official spirits sponsor, MGP’s whiskey slowdown, Tsingtao partnering with Great Northern Distillery, Stranahan’s Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt, Dancing Goat Stillman’s Sonder, Old Elk 10-Year Collection, Bib & Tucker Bottled-in-Bond, New Riff Headliner 2026, Old Pogue Master’s Select, Larrikin Rye, Ten Day Bourbon Prohibition Blend, and Old Overholt 11-Year Cask Strength Rye. In cigar news, Chris highlights Micallef Orange, Maria Mancini packaging updates, Hooten Young American 250 Reserve, RoMa Craft CRAFT Maquette Foreign & Domestic, Joya de Nicaragua Pata Negra, Perez-Carrillo Encore Edición Única II, J.C. Newman Yagua Robusto, Apostate The Lost Pages, Scandinavian Tobacco Group price increases, and Lampert Limitada releases. The episode also features upcoming whisky, cigar, and pipe events, followed by “What Is Chris Putting in His Mouth?” with Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey, making this a must-watch for fans of Scotch whisky, independent bottlers, bourbon news, Irish whiskey, American single malt, premium cigars, cigar news, pipe tobacco, and whisky industry analysis. Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!! Companies & Websites Mentioned in This Episode: Whisky & Smoke News Network — https://www.youtube.com/@whiskynsmokenn Alistair Walker Whisky Company / Infrequent Flyers — https://alistairwalkerwhisky.com

    Ep. 29 - 8/5/26 - Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers - "It all takes time, there are no shortcuts."

  3. Jul 30

    Ep. 28 - 7/29/26 - Steve Saka - Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust - "Not Throwing Darts!!!"

    In Episode 28 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick brings you the latest whisky, bourbon, Scotch, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Torch the Vitola” interview with Steve Saka, founder of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust and one of the premium cigar industry’s most respected and outspoken cigar makers. This episode covers major whisky and bourbon headlines including Independent Stave Company closing Alabama Cooperage, the UK Parliament’s Scotch whisky inquiry, Moonshine University closing at the end of 2026, Apogee 21’s acquisition moves involving Luca Mariano Distillery and Rod & Hammer’s, Glenglassaugh 15-Year-Old, new Canadian alcohol tariffs, Spirit Capital’s acquisition of the former Killarney Brewing & Distilling site, Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finished Whiskey, and the restoration of tariff-free treatment for Scotch whisky in the United States. In premium cigar news, Chris highlights Cohiba Talismán returning as regular production, Española Cigars Double Toro, new Viaje Skull and Bones and Reserva releases, Perez-Carrillo Ascend, Buffalo Trace Special Selection cigars, Lost&Found Give a F*ck 2026, Cavalier Genève Project 10th Anniversary, Somm Cigars Premier Cru Petra II, Espinosa Operation Arrow, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Red Meat Lovers Spicy Beef Stick, new Tatuaje extensions, Casa 1910’s partnership with Smoker Friendly, and Artista Buffalo TEN Broadleaf. The episode also features upcoming whisky, cigar, and pipe events, followed by Chris’ “What is Chris Putting in His Mouth?” pairing review of Weller Antique 107 bourbon with the Weller by Cohiba 2025 cigar. Whether you follow bourbon news, Scotch whisky, American whiskey, premium cigars, cigar reviews, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, Steve Saka, Buffalo Trace, Weller bourbon, Cohiba cigars, whisky and cigar pairings, or the latest releases across the whisky and smoke industries, this episode delivers news, insight, commentary, and entertainment for serious enthusiasts.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

    Ep. 28 - 7/29/26 - Steve Saka - Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust - "Not Throwing Darts!!!"

  4. Jul 20

    Ep. 27 - 7/15/26 - Nora Ganley-Roper & Adam Polonski - Lost Lantern - 50 States of Bourbon

    In Episode 27 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, bourbon, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, founders of Lost Lantern, America’s first independent bottler. This episode covers major whisky and bourbon headlines including Kilchoman Rockside 11-Year-Old, Port of Leith Table Whisky cans, Diageo’s Crown Royal bottling plant sale, the new Isle of Harris Single Malt, Kentucky Bourbon Trail expansion, Barton 1792 Straight Rye and 1792 XV, Aberfeldy 24-Year-Old White Port Double Cask, the continuing Uncle Nearest legal saga, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash, and Yellowstone Limited Edition 2026. In premium cigar news, Chris highlights new and limited releases from Black Label Trading Co., Toscano, San Cristobal, Martello Cigar Co., Notorious Cigars, Puro Sabor Festival 2027, and La Aroma de Cuba. The episode also features upcoming whisky, cigar, and pipe events, followed by a detailed WNSNN pairing review of C.B. Jackson Kentucky Straight Bourbon with the C.B. Jackson Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Toro, making this a must-watch for fans of bourbon news, Scotch whisky, American whiskey, independent bottlers, premium cigars, cigar reviews, whiskey pairings, and the latest releases across the whisky and smoke industries. Summary In this episode, Chris Kumnick hosts a deep dive into whiskey, cigars, and industry insights, featuring Nora Ganley Roper and Adam Polonski of Lost Lantern. Discover the stories behind America's first independent bottler, new whiskey releases, and expert pairing tips. Keywords Whiskey, Cigars, Lost Lantern, Independent Bottler, Whiskey Releases, Cigar Pairing, Industry Insights Key topics Lost Lantern's founding story and philosophy Latest whiskey releases and distillery expansions Cigar and whiskey pairing techniques and recommendations Takeaways Lost Lantern is the first independent bottler in America, emphasizing craftsmanship and discovery. New whiskey releases include Kilhoman's Rockside 11-year-old and Isle of Harris Single Malt. Expert pairing tips highlight how cigars can elevate whiskey experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Whiskey and Cigar Industry Insights 01:03 Interview with Nora Gainley Roper and Adam Polansky of Lost Lantern 02:14 Latest Whiskey Releases: Kilhoman Rockside 11-Year-Old 03:02 Port of Leith's New 100ml Cans of Table Whiskey 04:45 Expansion of Isle of Harris Distillery 06:09 Kentucky Bourbon Trail's New Destinations 07:07 Barton 1792's Landmark Releases 08:47 Aberfeldy's Limited Edition White Port Double Cask 09:46 Uncle Nearest Legal and Financial Developments 11:25 Heaven Hill's New Bottle and Bond Release 12:50 Yellowstone's 2026 Limited Edition Bourbon 13:18 Cigar News: Black Label Trading and More 14:45 Canadian Exclusive Toscano Rosso Cafe 15:44 San Cristobal Golden Hour Launch 17:12 Martello's Limited Edition Cigar Ordolan 18:09 New Core Lines from Notorious Cigars 19:06 Upcoming Cigar Festivals and Events 20:34 La Aroma de Cuba Sampler Release 21:32 Upcoming Industry Events and Festivals 22:30 Interview with Nora and Adam of Lost Lantern 23:37 Closing Remarks and Follow-up Resources Kilhoman Distillery - https://kilhoman.com Port of Leith Distillery - https://portofleithdistillery.com Isle of Harris Distillery - https://harrisdistillery.com Barton 1792 - https://barton1792.com Aberfeldy Distillery - https://aberlfeldy.com Heaven Hill Distillery - https://heavenhilldistillery.com Yellowstone Bourbon - https://yellowstonebourbon.com Black Label Trading Company - https://blacklabeltrading.com San Cristobal Cigars - https://ashtoncigar.com Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

    Ep. 27 - 7/15/26 - Nora Ganley-Roper & Adam Polonski - Lost Lantern - 50 States of Bourbon

  5. Jul 15 ·  Bonus

    WR 5 - 7/14/26 - Doc Brown Farm & Distillery - Effie Jewel - Southern Ember

    Discover one of America's most unique farm-to-glass bourbon distilleries! In this episode of Whisky & Smoke News Network, I review Doc Brown Farm & Distillers from Senoia, Georgia, and explore what makes their estate-grown, heirloom-grain bourbon so special. I'll take you inside the story behind their "Seed to Still" philosophy, the revival of Jimmy Red Corn, and the Brown family's farming heritage dating back to 1816. Then it's time for a side-by-side tasting of Effie Jewel Small Batch Bourbon Batch #2, featuring its unique "Texas Cured" finish in Galveston, Texas, and Southern Ember Small Batch Bourbon Batch #2, finished with toasted Georgia pecan wood staves. Which finishing technique produces the better whiskey? Join me as I break down the history, production methods, tasting notes, aroma, flavor profile, finish, and overall value of these innovative craft bourbons. If you enjoy bourbon reviews, craft whiskey, farm-to-glass distilleries, Jimmy Red Corn bourbon, American whiskey, small-batch bourbon, heirloom-grain whiskey, and discovering hidden gems in the whiskey world, you're in the right place. Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you never miss the latest whiskey news, bourbon reviews, cigar pairings, distillery interviews, and industry insights from Whisky & Smoke News Network.#DocBrownFarm #DocBrownDistillery #Bourbon #BourbonReview #CraftBourbon #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #FarmToGlass #SeedToStill #JimmyRedCorn #HeirloomGrains #GeorgiaBourbon #SmallBatchBourbon #EffieJewel #SouthernEmber #WhiskyAndSmokeNewsNetwork #WhiskeyTube #WhiskeyCommunity #WhiskeyLover #WhiskeyTasting

    WR 5 - 7/14/26 - Doc Brown Farm & Distillery - Effie Jewel - Southern Ember

  6. Jul 14 ·  Bonus

    WR 4 - 6/28/26 - Starlight Distillery - 10 YR Bourbon 2026 Vintage - Small Batch - Bottled In Bond

    Join Chris as he reviews and tastes three bourbon samples from Starlight Distillery, including their 10-year vintage. Discover detailed tasting notes, packaging insights, and recommendations for bourbon enthusiasts.

    WR 4 - 6/28/26 - Starlight Distillery - 10 YR Bourbon 2026 Vintage - Small Batch - Bottled In Bond

  7. Jul 9

    Ep. 26 - 7/8/26 - Allisa Henley - AJ Bond Distillery - Building the Castle / Playing the Long Game

    In Episode 26 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, bourbon, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Allisa Henley, Master Distiller at AJ Bond Tennessee Distillery in La Vergne, Tennessee. This episode covers major whiskey and spirits headlines including Sazerac’s $20 million purchase of the former Garrard County Distilling property, proposed Irish whiskey GI rule changes, Bulleit 20-Year-Old Straight Rye, Bacardi’s full acquisition of Teeling Whiskey, Edrington’s Scotch whisky sales decline, the bipartisan SPIRIT Act for craft distillers, America’s 250th anniversary whiskey releases, Kavalan Solist Madeira Cask, Ian Macleod production cuts, The Singleton packaging redesign, and Buffalo Trace’s Prohibition Collection. In premium cigar news, Chris highlights the passing of Drew Estate CEO Glenn Wolfson, new releases from Punch Cigars, Montecristo, My Father Cigars, ADV & McKay, Micallef, Wildfire, Bunny Droppings, Ceniza Fina, Principle Cigars, RoMa Craft Tobac, AGANORSA Leaf, and Hiram & Solomon, along with upcoming whisky, cigar, and pipe events. The episode closes with a detailed WNSNN pairing review of Eagle Rare 10-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon and the Eagle Rare Special Release #5 Batch 22-E2-21F Toro, making this a must-watch for fans of bourbon news, Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, craft distilling, premium cigars, cigar reviews, whiskey pairings, and the latest releases across the whisky and smoke industries. Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

    Ep. 26 - 7/8/26 - Allisa Henley - AJ Bond Distillery - Building the Castle / Playing the Long Game

  8. Jun 24

    Ep. 25 - 6/21/26 - Christian Huber - Starlight Distillery - "True, Grain-to-Glass Greatness!!!"

    In Episode 25 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, bourbon, cigar, pipe, and tobacco news from around the world before sitting down with Christian Huber, 7th-generation distiller at Starlight Distillery, for an in-depth interview about the highly anticipated 2026 Starlight 10-Year Reserve Bourbon. This episode covers major industry developments including Diageo's restructuring under new CEO Dave Lewis, the UK's lowest barley acreage in 16 years, Ad Gefrin's first Northumbrian single malt in over 200 years, Coors Whiskey Company's new American Malt Whiskey, Blade and Bow's 12-Year Solera Reserve, SHĀNG's groundbreaking baijiu-whiskey fusion, The Donn Single Malt's award-winning success, DEWAR'S 19-Year Champions Edition, Barrel House Distilling's Kentucky expansion, Willett Distillery's new Springfield facility, and Cave City Distilling's grand opening. In cigar news, Chris covers the latest releases from E.P. Carrillo, Arturo Fuente, Kristoff, Crowned Heads, Powstanie, Liga Tridente, RoMa Craft Tobac, Knuckle Sandwich, Lure Cigars, and more. The episode concludes with Chris' latest whisky-and-cigar pairing featuring the E.H. Taylor Corojo Robusto and E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon. Whether you're a Scotch whisky enthusiast, bourbon collector, premium cigar smoker, pipe tobacco fan, or spirits industry follower, this episode is packed with breaking news, new releases, upcoming events, expert insights, and one of the most comprehensive interviews with Christian Huber and Starlight Distillery available anywhere online.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

    Ep. 25 - 6/21/26 - Christian Huber - Starlight Distillery - "True, Grain-to-Glass Greatness!!!"
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About

Join your host, Chris Kumnick, on a weekly journey through the world of whisky, cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This isn't just any lifestyle podcast – it's more of a news program that covers the fascinating history, expert insights, and engaging conversation designed to elevate your appreciation for these wonderful pastimes. Whether you're looking to impress your friends with your newfound whisky knowledge, deepen your understanding of the huge world of cigars, or want to watch and learn about the calmness of pipes and pipe tobacco, Whisky & Smoke News Network has something for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Kumnick - Host
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Chris Kumnick - Host
  • Show Website
    Whisky & Smoke News Network