Distilling the West

Distilling the West
  • 5.0 (24)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Our mission is to explore exceptionally made craft spirits from the western US. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @DistillingtheWest and reach us by email at info@distillingthewest.com.

  1. 4D AGO

    072: Tasting Talk - High West Double Rye Grenache

    In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave dive into High West Double Rye aged in a Grenache barrel — a fascinating twist on one of High West’s most popular whiskeys. They explore how the finishing in Grenache wine casks adds a layer of fruit-forward complexity to the classic rye spice, bringing out notes of cherry, honey, and subtle tannins alongside the peppery warmth High West is known for. As longtime fans of High West, Dan and Dave break down the flavor evolution, share their impressions of this unique expression, and talk about why barrel finishing can transform a familiar whiskey into something truly special.

    7 min

  2. OCT 27

    071 : Tasting Talk - Hinterhaus Trapper's Oath

    This is a new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West where Dan and Dave sit down with a bottle of Hinterhaus Distilling’s Trapper’s Oath, a bold and complex rye whiskey that captures the rugged spirit of the Sierra Nevada. Made from a sourced Canadian rye whiskey, Trapper’s Oath is further aged to 18 years old at elevation in Arnold, California, and is finished in stout barrels, developing rich layers of chocolate, toasted oak, and a hint of alpine spice. Dan and Dave talk about the whiskey’s deep amber color, its smooth yet powerful character, and the balance between sweetness and char that makes Hinterhaus one of their favorite small-batch producers. As always, they share tasting notes, personal impressions, and a few stories along the way.

    6 min

  3. OCT 20

    070 : Venus Spirits

    This is a new episode of Distilling the West featuring Venus Spirits out of Santa Cruz, California. Dan and Dave sit down with founder and head distiller Sean Venus to explore his path from the world of brewing to launching one of California’s standout craft distilleries. Sean shares how his background in brewing helped shape his approach to distilling, blending creativity and precision to produce spirits that truly reflect the character of the Central Coast. The conversation covers his philosophy on small-batch production, local sourcing, and the artistry that goes into every bottle of Venus Spirits. During the episode, Dan and Dave taste three of Sean’s exceptional creations: ​Gin Blend No. 01 – a refined and aromatic gin that balances citrus, spice, and fresh coastal botanicals.​El Ladrón Blanco – a smooth, expressive agave spirit inspired by traditional tequila-making methods.​Single Malt Whiskey – rich, complex, and layered, a testament to patience and craftsmanship.From the beaches of Santa Cruz to the barrels in the distillery, this episode offers a fascinating look into Sean’s creative process and his mission to push boundaries while staying true to the craft. With engaging conversation, thoughtful tastings, and plenty of good humor, it’s another great installment of Distilling the West.

    1h 2m

  4. OCT 6

    069: Tasting Talk - Frey Ranch Cask Strength Bourbon CA Costco Members Pick

    Welcome to Distilling the West, the podcast where we explore the stories, people, and spirits that define craft distilling across the American West. This week, your hosts Dan Machek and Dave Wolper sip on Frey Ranch Cask Strength Bourbon Hand Selected for CA Costco Members. This big baby comes in at 124.44 proof and packs a big and bold bag of flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning your adventure into the world of craft distilling, pour yourself a glass and join us as we celebrate the spirit of the West.

    13 min

  5. SEP 29

    068: Brucato Amaro

    Today’s episode of Distilling the West features a conversation with Brucato Amaro from San Francisco, California. Dan and Dave sit down with Sierra Clark, the co-founder, to talk about the inspiration and craftsmanship behind their lineup of amaros. Sierra shares the story of how Brucato came to life, blending California’s agricultural bounty with traditional Italian methods to create modern expressions of this classic spirit. The discussion dives into the unique botanicals, flavor profiles, and the versatility of amaro — from sipping neat to elevating cocktails. Along the way, Dan and Dave bring their usual curiosity and tasting insights, making for an engaging and flavorful interview that highlights the artistry and passion driving Brucato Amaro.

    1h 4m

  6. SEP 22

    067: Tasting Talk - Distillarium Techno Triticale Whiskey

    In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave sit down with a pour of Distillarium’s Techno Trit, a whiskey that immediately grabs their attention. From the first sip, they recognize the thoughtful craftsmanship behind it — a spirit that balances bold flavors with smooth drinkability. They take their time unpacking the layers, discussing how the grain character comes through alongside rich vanilla, oak, and subtle spice, creating a profile that feels both approachable and refined. As they talk, it’s clear that Techno Trit stands out as one of those whiskeys that delivers far above expectations. Dan and Dave highlight what makes it unique, from the innovation behind the distilling process to the way it reflects Distillarium’s creative approach to whiskey-making. Their enthusiasm is evident as they agree that this is not only a very good product, but also one that whiskey fans will want to seek out for its distinctive character and high quality.

    11 min

  7. SEP 15

    066: Hotaling & Co.

    In this new episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave welcome Kevin Aslan from Hotaling & Co., one of San Francisco’s most historic and innovative spirits companies. The conversation takes listeners on a wide-ranging journey through Hotaling’s diverse portfolio, beginning with Junipero, a bright and expressive gin that highlights their precision in botanical balance. From there, the discussion moves into Hirsch The Departure American Single Malt, where Kevin shares insights into how Hotaling approaches this growing category and what makes their expression stand out. The tasting continues with the Old Potrero label bold 6-year malted rye whiskey, layered with spice, depth, and character that sparks a conversation about the art of aging and blending. To finish, Dan and Dave explore a truly unique spirit — a malted rye whiskey aged in beer barrels — and dive into the creativity and experimentation that drives Hotaling’s innovation. Alongside the tastings, Kevin shares stories about Hotaling & Co.’s history, its role in shaping the modern American spirits landscape, and the passion behind each bottle. This episode is packed with flavor, history, and insight, making it a must-listen for whiskey and gin lovers alike.

    1h 13m

  8. SEP 8

    065: Tasting Talk - 503 single barrel bourbon

    This is a new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West where Dan and Dave dive into 503 Distilling’s Single Barrel Bourbon. Right from the first sip, vanilla shines through as the standout note, giving the whiskey a rich and inviting character. They explore how the single barrel expression brings depth, balance, and individuality to the pour, making each taste a unique experience. Their conversation highlights what sets this bourbon apart and why it deserves a spot on the shelf of any whiskey lover.

    8 min
See All (72)

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Our mission is to explore exceptionally made craft spirits from the western US. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @DistillingtheWest and reach us by email at info@distillingthewest.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Distilling the West
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Distilling the West
  • Show Website
    Distilling the West

You Might Also Like