EmbellishPod John Hughes

Join us in this flavorful journey as we dive into the heart of Owensboro, Kentucky, with Dave from Visit Owensboro. In this episode, we explore the fusion of spirits and smoky goodness at the Barbecue & Barrels event. Discover the city's rich history in bourbon and its unique take on barbecue, including the famous mutton. Learn about the event's intimate bourbon tasting sessions, featuring distilleries like Green River and Bardstown Bourbon Company, and get a sneak peek into the educational classes offered. Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or a barbecue aficionado, this episode serves up a feast for your ears. So, fire up your senses and tune in for a taste of Kentucky's festival city!
Ticket Info and Event Details:https://bbqandbarrels.com/


Visit Evansville Details:https://visitowensboro.com/


Distilleries Mentioned:https://greenriverwhiskey.com/https://bardstownbourbon.com/https://heavenhilldistillery.com/🔔 Subscribe to EmbellishPod for more episodes on the finer things in life: https://www.youtube.com/c/EmbellishPod


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#EmbellishPod #BarbecueAndBarrels #OwensboroKentucky #Bourbon #BBQ #KentuckyEvents #FoodAndDrink #Podcast #Subscribe

Join us in this captivating episode of our podcast as we sit down with Kyle, the master distiller at Holladay Distillery, home of Ben Holladay Bourbon. Kyle shares his journey from biofuel production to master distilling, his agricultural roots, and the intricate process of bourbon making. We delve into the rich history of Holladay Distillery, the oldest west of the Mississippi, and explore how they resurrected their bourbon production with a commitment to tradition and quality.
Kyle gives us an insider's look at the art of blending, the significance of bottled-in-bond, and the importance of transparency in the bourbon industry. We also discuss the unique challenges and rewards of waiting six years to release their first bourbon, the nuances of selecting barrels for their one barrel program, and the excitement behind their recent Bourbon Lure blend release.
Whether you're a bourbon aficionado or simply curious about the science and stories behind distilling, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and anecdotes from the heart of bourbon country.
🥃 Episode Highlights:

Kyle's transition from biofuel to bourbon


The revival of Holladay Distillery's bourbon production


The science and strategy behind blending bourbon


The significance of bottled-in-bond designation


The process of creating the Bourbon Lore blend


The importance of music in the blending process

 
#Bourbon #Distilling #MasterDistiller #HolidayDistillery #BenHolidayBourbon #BottledInBond #WhiskeyPodcast #BourbonLure #BourbonHistory #CraftSpirits

In this episode of the EmbellishPod, we delve into the intricacies of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, a beloved annual event for bourbon enthusiasts. I am joined by Randy, the driving force behind the festival's transformation and success.
The conversation begins with a reflection on the festival's evolution, highlighting the shift towards a more bourbon-centric experience. Randy shares insights into the festival's history and the pivotal changes that were made to align with the needs of distilleries and bourbon enthusiasts. The focus on distilleries as the primary customer is emphasized, showcasing the festival's commitment to showcasing and celebrating the bourbon industry.
Randy and I  discuss the various enhancements and improvements made to the festival over the years, including the expansion of distillery participation, the introduction of craft distilleries, and the emphasis on creating a unique and engaging experience for attendees. The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation, ensuring that the festival continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Key highlights of the upcoming festival are revealed, such as the addition of a People's Choice Award for distillery setups, the expansion of food truck offerings, and the introduction of an expanded VIP experience with enhanced amenities. We also discuss the significance of cocktails at the festival.
The episode concludes with details on the festival dates, ticket availability, and the importance of subscribing to the festival's e-marketing newsletter for exclusive access to ticket sales. The host expresses excitement for the upcoming festival and the opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the world of bourbon while enjoying the vibrant community of Bardstown.kybourbonfestival.com

Today I dive deep into the world of distilling and blending with Kate Douglas from Keeper's Heart. Kate shares her journey from studying fermentation science to becoming a skilled distiller.
 
We start by learning about Kate's background and how she transitioned from a chemistry major to pursuing her passion for distilling. She shares insights into the unique triple pot distillation process, crafting classic Irish-style whiskey and innovative blends of Irish and American whiskeys.
 
She delves into her experiences with blending different spirits, emphasizing the artistry and precision required to create harmonious flavor profiles.
 
The conversation shifts to the educational aspect of blending, with Kate explaining how Keeper's Heart offers blending classes to help consumers understand the components of their whiskeys. She also touches on the experimental side of distilling, including barrel finishes and unique collaborations with other beverages.
 
We explore the award-winning 10-year Irish single malt, a tribute to Brian's decision to move to Minneapolis. Kate shares the intricate flavors of this whiskey, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship behind Keeper's Heart products.
 
As the episode wraps up, we ponder the possibility of an advanced age Irish plus American blend, hinting at potential future innovations from Keeper's Heart. Join us on this insightful journey through the world of distilling and blending with Kate Douglas from Keeper's Heart. Cheers to the art of crafting exceptional spirits!
 
Connect with Keeper's Heart:
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepersheartwhiskey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/keepersheart
Instagram: https://instagram.com/keepersheartwhiskey
 
Connect with Kate Douglas
 
Instagram: https://instagram.com/distillingdouglas

Join us in this captivating episode of EmbellishPod as we dive deep into the world of whiskey with a special focus on American Single Malt. Our guest(@miles_monroe), a master blender and global ambassador for Westward, shares his extensive knowledge and personal anecdotes from the industry. From the nuances of pairing Girl Scout cookies with whiskey to the complexities of blending and maturation techniques, this episode is a treasure trove for whiskey enthusiasts.
We explore the significance of the Girl Scout cookie season in the whiskey world, the personal research into sweets paired with whiskey, and the impact of different whiskey varieties on these pairings. Our guest also opens up about the balance between his social professional life and his introverted personal preferences, including his love for punk music and vinyl records.
As we delve into the art of whiskey making, we discuss the philosophy behind Westward's approach, the importance of creativity in the American Single Malt category, and the exciting new release of Westward's Milestone series. Plus, we touch on the unique aspects of the Oregon Straight Malt and the significance of the phrase "verum factum" on their bottles.
Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just curious about the craft, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of Westward whiskey.
🥃 Featured Whiskeys:

Westward American Single Malt


Westward Milestone Series


Various Westward Cask Finishes

🎵 Music and Personal Interests:

Punk Music and Vinyl Records


Personal Anecdotes and Influences

📚 Mentioned Books:

Appreciating Whiskey

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more whiskey wisdom and insights from industry experts. Share your thoughts on the episode and let us know what you'd like to hear in future podcasts!
#WhiskeyPodcast #AmericanSingleMalt #WestwardWhiskey #GirlScoutCookies #MusicAndWhiskey #CraftDistilling #WhiskeyPairings #WhiskeyCulture #MilestoneSeries #OregonStraightMalt
Subscribe to our channel for more whiskey talks: @embellishpodFollow Westward on Instagram: @WestwardWhiskey

Join us in this episode of EmbellishPod as we dive into the world of whiskey with our special guest, Jack ( @HOODSOMMELIER  ) As a seasoned whiskey influencer and a father with a passion for seeing women excel in the industry, Jack shares his insights on the latest trends shaking up the whiskey scene. From the rise of American single malts to the exciting emergence of whiskeys from unexpected corners of the globe, this episode is a treasure trove for enthusiasts looking to expand their palate.
We also delve into the cultural fusion of whiskey with African cuisine, discussing Jack's Afrofusion events and his partnership with Heaven Hill. Jack's journey takes us from the heart of Kentucky to the potential of international whiskey experiences, highlighting the importance of diversity and exploration in the whiskey industry.
Whether you're a bourbon aficionado or a Scotch lover, this episode promises to broaden your horizons and introduce you to the multifaceted world of whiskey. So pour yourself a dram, sit back, and enjoy the ride as we traverse the globe through the lens of whiskey.
About Jack:https://hoodsom.com/https://www.facebook.com/hoodsommelier/https://www.instagram.com/hood_sommelier/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc5ic2XfHW4JHjnqWd1f9VA
Millennial entrepreneur, WSET ii Spirits expert, and content creative Toyi “Jack” Beguedou is building community through his spirited digital platform, the Hood Sommelier. Jack is a native of Togo in West Africa who currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska and is a proud “girl-dad” to his daughter Brennan.
Jack is the co-host of YouTube web series MONDAY SUCKS, founder of the trending, TRUTH IS BARREL PROOF PODCAST, SCOTCH SCHOOL education series, AFROFUSION food and spirits pairing series and owner of BEGUEDOU INSURANCE SERVICES LLC.
As a native French speaking immigrant, Jack resonates with the importance of creating community. His thoughtful and inspiring approach to content development focuses on humanizing the spirited consumer journey experience. Jack enjoys being an educational resource to both consumers and talent in the hospitality community. A community architect at heart, Jack bridges the gap between curious consumers at every level and brands through empowerment and engagement.