The Dram Amateur

The Dram Amateur Podcast

The Dram Amateur Podcast is your go-to show for exploring the fascinating world of bourbon, whiskey, rum, tequila, mezcal and everything in-between. Hosted by Jason, a passionate enthusiast and social media influencer, this podcast dives into the stories, history, and culture behind the spirits we love. From the thoughtful tastings and reviews to interviews with fellow influencers, industry experts, and aficionados, The Dram Amateur Podcast delivers insights for novices and seasoned connoisseurs alike.Whether you're here to find your next favorite bottle, learn about unique distilleries and brands, listen to stories, or simply enjoy spirited conversations this is your space to sip, savor, and celebrate the journey of a dram.

  1. 3D AGO

    Season 3 Ep. 22: Why Armagnac Might Be the Greatest Spirit You’ve Never Tried ft. Dan @oadearmagnac

    Tasting Notes: In this episode, Jason sits down with Dan Hakker, founder of Oade Armagnac, for a deep dive into the history, craftsmanship, and soul behind one of the world’s most overlooked spirits. From hidden cellars in Gascony to tasting 100-year-old Armagnacs straight from the barrel, this conversation explores why Armagnac isn’t just another spirit category—it’s living history in a glass. Dan shares the journey of building Oade Armagnac from scratch, traveling across southwest France to uncover forgotten barrels, meeting multi-generational producers, and introducing American drinkers to a spirit built on patience, authenticity, and human connection. This episode is about more than tasting notes. It’s about slowing down, honoring craftsmanship, and appreciating the stories behind every pour. 🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways 🇫🇷 Discovering the Soul of Gascony How Dan fell in love with Armagnac through travel, food, and cultureWhy Gascony feels completely different from the modern spirits worldThe emotional connection between people, land, and spirit productionWhat makes Armagnac feel deeply personal compared to other categories🥃 What Exactly Is Oade Armagnac? The meaning behind the name “Oade”Why Oade focuses on honoring producers instead of making spirit themselvesTraveling across France to taste over 2,500 barrelsFinding rare single-barrel, cask-strength Armagnacs to bring to the U.S.🧪 How Armagnac Is Actually Made The once-a-year harvest and distillation processTraveling alembic stills that move from farm to farmWhy Armagnac production is still incredibly small-scaleHow aging environments dramatically impact flavor🍇 The Importance of Terroir & Grapes The difference between Bas Armagnac and TenarèzeWhy Baco grapes became legendary after PhylloxeraHow soil, climate, and barrel placement shape flavor profilesWhy no two producers taste alike🏚️ Hidden Cellars & Forgotten Barrels Discovering producers with no digital footprintWalking into century-old cellars covered in dustThe emotional experience of tasting Armagnac from the 1900sWhy some producers refuse to sell—even when the barrels are extraordinary⚠️ Building a Brand With No Roadmap Launching an import business with zero alcohol industry experienceNavigating distribution, importing, and international logisticsSurviving tariff increases right as the first shipment was readyWhy educating consumers is the real challenge🕰️ Why Armagnac Teaches You to Slow Down Appreciating time, craftsmanship, and patienceWhy Armagnac changes in the glass over timeThe importance of savoring experiences instead of rushing through themHow Armagnac became Jason’s “Sunday pour”🧠 What You’ll Learn Why Armagnac is radically different from bourbon and cognacHow vintage Armagnac is preserved and documentedWhat makes aging conditions so important in ArmagnacWhy authenticity matters more than hypeHow culture and craftsmanship still survive in modern spirits🔁 Why This Episode Matters This episode is a reminder that not everything needs to move fast. Armagnac represents: patience over productioncraftsmanship over scaleconnection over marketingAnd in today’s spirits world, that’s becoming increasingly rare. 🥃 Featured Armagnacs Tasted “The Farewell” — 1986 Domaine Marquestau“Serendipity” — 1985 Domaine du Carpoulat1976 Vintage — J. Damblat SelectionFollow Oade Armagnac Oade Armagnac Website: www.oadearmagnac.com@oadearmagnac on Instagram Follow the Dram Amateur Podcast @dram_amateur on InstagramThe Dram Amateur Podcast on YouTube Share this episode with a fellow spirits enthusiastLeave a review to help grow the community🥂 Closing Thought Some spirits are made to sell. Others are made to preserve history. Armagnac belongs to the second category.

    1h 16m

  2. MAY 5

    Season 3 Ep. 21: They Brought Whiskey Back to a City After 100 Years… Here’s How ft. Tim Piersant @chattwhiskey

    Tasting Notes: What does it take to revive a whiskey city after 100 years? In this episode, Jason sits down with Tim Piersant, CEO of Chattanooga Whiskey, to unpack the journey from grassroots startup to 2x Craft Producer of the Year. From fighting outdated laws to building one of the most innovative distilleries in America, this conversation dives into the mindset, risks, and relentless creativity behind the brand. This isn’t just about whiskey—it’s about identity, community, and building something that actually means something. 🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways 🔥 Bringing Whiskey Back to Chattanooga The accidental discovery of Chattanooga’s pre-Prohibition distilling historyLaunching a brand overnight with nothing but a story and a Facebook pageTurning local pride into a movement🏆 Craft Producer of the Year (Twice) What the award really means internallyWhy “product integrity” is the core of everything they doHow validation changes (and doesn’t change) the mission⚙️ Building a Brand from the Ground Up Bootstrapping the business with extreme risk and beliefThe moment they had to jump from 20 barrels to 1,200Changing Tennessee laws to legally distill🧪 The Experimental Distillery Over 500 experimental barrels and countingWhy innovation never stops being R&DHow small-batch releases became a cult following🥃 Tennessee High Malt Explained Creating a completely new style of American whiskeyWhy they chose to “wear blinders” instead of copying trendsThe role of roasted & toasted grains in their flavor profile⚡ The Biggest Risk That Could’ve Killed the Brand Replacing sourced whiskey with their own overnightWalking away from 18,000-case momentumBetting everything on authenticity🏙️ Why Chattanooga Matters The city’s role in the brand’s successCommunity, culture, and investor supportWhy this story couldn’t exist anywhere else💬 Standout Moments “We didn’t just build whiskey—we built identity.”“Product integrity over brand hype. Every time.”“We could’ve killed the company overnight… but we didn’t.”“This is a company full of creators—not just distillers.”🧠 What You’ll Learn How to turn history into opportunityWhy authenticity beats trend-chasing in spiritsWhat real innovation in whiskey looks likeThe power of community-driven brands🔁 Why This Episode Matters This episode is a masterclass in: Taking risks when there’s no roadmapBuilding a brand with purpose—not just productStaying creative even as you scaleFollow Chattanooga Whiskey: Follow @chattwhiskey on Instagramwww.chattanoogawhiskey.comFollow the Dram Amateur Podcast: Follow @dram_amateur on InstagramYouTube, FacebookShare this with a fellow whiskey loverLeave a review to help grow the community🥂 Closing Thought Some brands follow the rules. Others rewrite them. Chattanooga Whiskey chose the second path.

    1h 25m

  3. APR 21

    Season 3 Ep. 20: What Liquor Stores DON’T Tell You (Allocations Exposed) ft. Vick @kenny18bts

    Tasting Notes:  Ever wonder who actually decides what hits the shelf… and what never makes it out of the warehouse? Jason sits down with Vick, owner of Kenny 18 Bottle Shop in Atlanta, to break down the real world of liquor retail—allocations, hype bottles, hidden gems, and what customers get completely wrong. What We Get Into: 🥃 The Truth About Allocations It’s not just luck—there’s strategy, relationships, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes maneuvering. 📈 Bourbon vs. Tequila Boom Is bourbon cooling off? Is tequila next in line for allocation chaos? 👀 Hype vs. Reality Blanton’s, Weller… worth it? Plus: underrated bottles you’re probably overlooking. 🛒 Customer Mistakes Buying the name instead of the juice—and how to break that habit. 📱 Social Media’s Impact Great for exposure… dangerous when hype replaces honesty. 👉 The best bottle isn’t the most popular one… …it’s the one you actually enjoy drinking. 🏪 What Makes Kenny 18 Different: Community-first vibe 🤝Real conversations, not sales pitchesSampling + education over pushing productFollow Kenny 18 Bottle Shop: Instagram: @kenny18btsFollow The Dram Amateur Podcast: Instagram: @dram_amateurYouTube, Facebook🎯 Final Pour Vick’s goal is simple: Put the right bottle in your hands… and let word of mouth do the rest. 🎧 Listen Now Tap in, pour something good, and enjoy the conversation. Until next time—one more pour. 🥃

    1h 11m

  4. APR 7

    Season 3 Ep. 19: From Zamboni Driver to Spirits Obsession ft. @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppers (Part 2)

    🥃 Tasting Notes: What happens when a hockey-loving Zamboni driver falls headfirst into the world of whiskey, rum, tequila, and cigars? In this episode, I sit down with Jerry—co-host of Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes and the voice behind @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppers. From COVID-fueled curiosity to building a collection of hundreds of bottles, Jerry shares how passion, patience, and community shaped his journey. We talk mezcal surprises, rum revelations, evolving palates, and why sometimes the best pour isn’t the rarest bottle—it’s the right one for the moment. And yeah… we also talk about driving a Zamboni 🧊 🔥 What We Get Into 🧊 From hockey rinks to whiskey glasses: Jerry’s unexpected journey🥃 The COVID turning point that changed everything🌵 Falling down the tequila & mezcal rabbit hole🍌 Breaking down a wild 17-year Trinidad rum pour💸 Why chasing bottles isn’t the move anymore🧠 How your palate actually evolves over time🎙️ Building Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes from the ground up🧔 The beard game… and the products that actually work🤝 Community over hype—always🎯 Key Takeaways Your palate will change—what you loved early on may not stickTrying before buying saves money and regretRum and tequila are still wildly underrated categoriesThe “story” matters… but the moment matters moreCommunity is what keeps this whole thing fun💬 Standout Moment “It’s more important what you say no to than what you say yes to.”That applies to bottles… and honestly, everything else too. 🎧 Why You Should Listen If you’ve ever: Bought a bottle you regrettedWondered how your taste changed over timeFelt overwhelmed by all the options out thereThis episode hits home. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it’s exactly what this community is about. 📲 Where to Connect Follow Jerry: Instagram: @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppersPodcast: Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes @bourbonbeardsandbelvederesFollow The Dram Amateur Podcast: Instagram: @dram_amateurYouTube, Facebook🥃 Final Pour This one’s about the journey. Not the hype bottles. Not the price tags. Just good pours… good people… and figuring it out along the way. Until next time—one more pour. 🥃

    1h 19m

  5. MAR 25

    Season 3 Ep. 18: From Zamboni Driver to Spirits Obsession ft. @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppers (Part 1)

    🥃 Tasting Notes: What happens when a hockey-loving Zamboni driver falls headfirst into the world of whiskey, rum, tequila, and cigars? In this episode, I sit down with Jerry—co-host of Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes and the voice behind @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppers. From COVID-fueled curiosity to building a collection of hundreds of bottles, Jerry shares how passion, patience, and community shaped his journey. We talk mezcal surprises, rum revelations, evolving palates, and why sometimes the best pour isn’t the rarest bottle—it’s the right one for the moment. And yeah… we also talk about driving a Zamboni 🧊 🔥 What We Get Into 🧊 From hockey rinks to whiskey glasses: Jerry’s unexpected journey🥃 The COVID turning point that changed everything🌵 Falling down the tequila & mezcal rabbit hole🍌 Breaking down a wild 17-year Trinidad rum pour💸 Why chasing bottles isn’t the move anymore🧠 How your palate actually evolves over time🎙️ Building Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes from the ground up🧔 The beard game… and the products that actually work🤝 Community over hype—always🎯 Key Takeaways Your palate will change—what you loved early on may not stickTrying before buying saves money and regretRum and tequila are still wildly underrated categoriesThe “story” matters… but the moment matters moreCommunity is what keeps this whole thing fun💬 Standout Moment “It’s more important what you say no to than what you say yes to.”That applies to bottles… and honestly, everything else too. 🎧 Why You Should Listen If you’ve ever: Bought a bottle you regrettedWondered how your taste changed over timeFelt overwhelmed by all the options out thereThis episode hits home. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it’s exactly what this community is about. 📲 Where to Connect Follow Jerry: Instagram: @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppersPodcast: Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes @bourbonbeardsandbelvederesFollow The Dram Amateur Podcast: Instagram: @dram_amateurYouTube, Facebook🥃 Final Pour This one’s about the journey. Not the hype bottles. Not the price tags. Just good pours… good people… and figuring it out along the way. Until next time—one more pour. 🥃

    1h 16m

  6. MAR 10

    Season 3 Ep. 17: The Hidden Crisis Behind Mezcal | What @planetmezcal Found in Oaxaca

    Tasting Notes:  In this episode of the Dram Amateur Podcast, Jason welcomes back Adrian from Planet Mezcal after his recent trip to Oaxaca — the sacred ground of mezcal production. But this wasn’t just another influencer visit. Adrian spent time in remote palenques, talking directly with mezcaleros and documenting the realities of producing one of the world’s most traditional spirits. What he discovered goes far beyond smoky flavors and beautiful agave fields. From water shortages and government regulation to falling prices and generational traditions, Adrian’s documentary shines a light on the real challenges facing mezcal producers today. The conversation dives deep into what consumers rarely see — the work, the culture, and the struggle behind every bottle.  If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to taste mezcal straight from the still, meet the families behind it, or walk through a working palenque in Oaxaca… this episode takes you there. Pour yourself something good and join the journey. 🌎 In This EpisodeJason and Adrian explore: 🥃 Adrian’s recent trips to Oaxaca and Guadalajara 🎥 The story behind his documentary “Mezcal en Peligro: Lo Que Nadie Está Comentando” (Mezcal in Danger) 🌵 The realities of agave harvesting and traditional mezcal production 💧 Why water scarcity is becoming a major issue for mezcaleros 📉 How post-COVID oversupply and market forces are affecting producers 🏛️ Government regulations and taxes impacting small palenques 👨‍👩‍👦 Generational mezcal families and passing the craft to the next generation 🍊 Why food in Oaxaca might ruin you for food back home 🎟️ Adrian’s plans for a Planet Mezcal community event 🎥 Adrian’s DocumentaryAdrian’s independently produced documentary highlights the human side of mezcal production. Rather than focusing only on romantic imagery of agave fields and traditional distillation, the film explores: • Financial pressures on small producers • Environmental challenges like water scarcity • Corruption and regulatory hurdles • Market forces affecting agave pricing • The cultural responsibility of preserving mezcal traditions And perhaps most importantly, it captures the voices of mezcaleros themselves. 🌵 The Reality of Making MezcalMany drinkers don’t realize the time and effort behind each bottle. A typical bottle may represent: • 10+ years for the agave plant to mature • Days of roasting agave in underground earthen ovens • Manual crushing using tahonas or traditional tools • Natural fermentation • Small-batch copper or clay pot distillation Add aging in glass, export logistics, taxes, labeling, and distribution — and suddenly the price of mezcal starts to make a lot more sense. 🔥 A Visit With a Mezcal LegendOne highlight of Adrian’s trip was visiting Berta Vasquez, one of the most respected mezcaleras in Oaxaca. Her mezcal represents generations of knowledge and craftsmanship — and tasting it directly at the source is a rare experience few enthusiasts ever get. For Jason, it reinforces an important truth: Every bottle tells a story. Sometimes that story spans decades. His goal is simple: Help more people understand mezcal — and the people who make it. 🔗 Connect With AdrianFollow Adrian and Planet Mezcal (www.planetmezcal.com): Instagram: @planetmezcal YouTube: Planet Mezcal 🎧 Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share it with a fellow spirits lover 🥃 And most importantly… pour something good Because the best conversations happen one more pour at a time.

    59 min

  7. FEB 24

    Season 3 Ep. 16: Why He Rejects More Barrels Than He Bottles | Featuring @t8ke.review

    🥃 Tasting Notes Some people build brands. Some build followings. Jay West (@t8ke.review) builds trust. Known to many as T8KE, Jay has helped shape how thousands experience whiskey — through the subreddit selection program and now as principal whiskey maker behind Provenance Bourbon and The Reveries. This conversation isn’t about scores or hype. It’s about intent. Restraint. And earning the right to put your name on a bottle. 🔥 In This Episode 🧠 From Reddit to Reveries What started as tasting notes became one of the most respected community-driven barrel programs in the country. Jay shares how a medical setback in college reshaped his relationship with spirits — ultimately leading to Wild Turkey 101, Reddit, and a philosophy built on transparency and feedback. 🏛 Democratizing Whiskey The subreddit program isn’t about exclusivity — it’s about fairness. Same odds. No shortcuts. No pay-to-play. That kind of integrity doesn’t scale easily — but it builds credibility. 🥃 Provenance vs. The Reveries Provenance Classic. Balanced. Intentional. Complex without chasing extremes. The Reveries Experimental. Avant-garde. A home for barrels too strange — or too special — to fit anywhere else. Jay rejects more barrels than he bottles. Saying no protects the brand more than saying yes. 🎨 What’s Coming Next We also talk about: Murder of CrowsThe DeepAnd why innovation doesn’t require abandoning restraint.🧭 What Stood Out Jay doesn’t call himself “Master.” He chooses “Principal.” Because stewardship matters more than ego. When I asked what he hopes remains after the bottle is empty, his answer was simple: Trust in the process — and excitement for what’s next. 📲 Connect with Jay Reddit: R/BOURBONProvenance Bourbon | @provenancebourbon | 1787provenancebourbon.com@t8ke.review(And yes… set your alarm for that email drop.) If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who cares about what’s in their glass. Until we get to share one more pour together — cheers. 🥃

    56 min

  8. FEB 10

    Season 3 Ep. 15: The Stories We Keep In The Bottle w/ Mike from Whiskey Morgue

    🥃 The Stories We Keep in the BottleBecause the pours we remember are never just about what’s in the glass. Some bottles are opened. Others open chapters. Because the pours we carry with us? They’re rarely about rarity — and always about the moment. 🎙️ Tasting Notes On this episode of The Dram Amateur Podcast, Jason welcomes back Mike from Whiskey Morgue (@whiskeymorgue) for a conversation that steps away from specs and scores and into the personal stories behind the bottles — the moments, places, and relationships that continue to echo long after the glass is empty. Mike approaches whiskey with a different lens, chasing feeling instead of hype and reflecting on why a bottle entered your life when it did — and what it still says years later. Because Dram Amateur has never been about chasing bottles… It’s about chasing the stories inside them. 🔥 What You’ll Discover Inside this episode: How a simple Penelope store pick became a powerful reminder of home, family memories, and growing up.Why the best pours often come from shared experiences — even something as unexpected as sipping Michter’s 20 from a solo cup with a new industry friend.How whiskey builds community, turning conversations into friendships and bottles into lifelong markers.🧭 The Brand Anchor Dram Amateur believes in: 🥃 Connection over collecting 🥃 Story over status 🥃 People over product 💡 Signature Reflection The longer you spend in this world, the more you realize… The rarest thing you’ll ever collect isn’t the bottle. It’s the memory attached to it — the people beside you, the laughter across the table, the moment you wish you could relive just one more time. Because in the end… We may arrive for the pour. But we stay for the connection. 🙌 Gratitude  A huge thanks to Mike from Whiskey Morgue for joining the conversation — and to all of you for tuning in, sipping along, and helping build this incredible community. If this episode resonated with you, follow the show, share it with someone who appreciates a meaningful pour, and leave a review to help more listeners find their way to the table. You can also follow @dram_amateur for updates and behind-the-scenes content. 🥃 Until Next Time Until we get to share one more pour together… cheers.

    1h 14m
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Dram Amateur Podcast is your go-to show for exploring the fascinating world of bourbon, whiskey, rum, tequila, mezcal and everything in-between. Hosted by Jason, a passionate enthusiast and social media influencer, this podcast dives into the stories, history, and culture behind the spirits we love. From the thoughtful tastings and reviews to interviews with fellow influencers, industry experts, and aficionados, The Dram Amateur Podcast delivers insights for novices and seasoned connoisseurs alike.Whether you're here to find your next favorite bottle, learn about unique distilleries and brands, listen to stories, or simply enjoy spirited conversations this is your space to sip, savor, and celebrate the journey of a dram.

Information

  • Creator
    The Dram Amateur Podcast
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dram Amateur
  • Show Website
    The Dram Amateur

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