The Liquor Connoisseur

The Liquor Connoisseur
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • Updated Weekly

Crystal and Roger review bourbon, tequila, cognac, rum, Scotch, Irish whiskey, rye, vodka, mezcal, Bacanora, and craft spirits — with a special focus on craft brands, Oklahoma and Texas distilleries, and the business behind the bottle. New episodes every week. Honest reviews. Real education. No pretense. We've reviewed over 136 expressions and interviewed founders from Uncle Nearest, Sorel Liqueur, Du Noord Social Spirits, Black Momma Vodka, Kilinga Bacanora, and dozens more. We've been inside Hochatown Distilling, Woodworks Distilling Co., Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Black Momma Vo

  1. May 28

    We Found a BETTER Weller 12?! | Thresh & Minnow 12-Year Wheated Whiskey Review

    Is this the wheated whiskey you've been searching for? Crystal & Roger crack open the Thresh & Minnow 12-Year Wheated Whiskey from Koval Distillery — a limited, single cask, 100% wheat, USDA Certified Organic, 100 proof stunner that's already been discontinued. If you can find it, you NEED to watch this first.We're talking vanilla cream, buttery toffee, golden caramel, and zero burn. And then Roger drops the big question — is this actually better than Weller 12? The answer might surprise the Weller faithful. 🌾🥃This was a blind buy from an allocated sale. Crystal did the heavy lifting (as usual 😅), picked it off the shelf with help from the store owner, brought it home, and Roger said — that's exactly the one I was looking at. Some things are just meant to be.Distillery: Koval Distillery — Chicago, IL (Est. 2008)Mash Bill: 100% WheatAge: 12 Years | Batch: #1064Proof: 100Certifications: USDA Organic · MOSA Kosher · Orthodox UnionPrice at Release: ~$100Availability: Discontinued — check secondary market⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – The Weller 12 Comparison Teaser01:15 – Welcome to The Liquor Connoisseur01:45 – What Is Thresh & Minnow? The Story Behind the Bottle03:10 – How Crystal Got This at the Allocated Sale05:00 – Koval Distillery Background06:20 – Bottle & Packaging — Certified Decanter08:00 – The Pour & First Look09:30 – Nose / Aroma Notes11:00 – First Sip — Coating the Palate12:30 – Tasting Notes Deep Dive16:00 – Is It Better Than Weller 12?18:30 – Beginner vs. Expert — Who Is This For?20:15 – Final Thoughts22:00 – Cheers & The Connoisseur Tasting Glasses🔗 FIND US EVERYWHERE🌐 Website & Book a Tasting: www.theliquorconnoisseur.com▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@theliquorconnoisseur📸 Instagram: instagram.com/@theliquorconnoisseur🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@theliquorconnoisseur📘 Facebook: facebook.com/[YourHandle]💬 Drop your thoughts below — have YOU tried Thresh & Minnow? Do you think it beats Weller 12? We read and reply to every comment!👥 Want a set of Connoisseur Tasting Glasses? Comment below — we'll make something happen!"Drink to remember, not to forget." 🥃DRINK RESPONSIBLYThe Liquor Connoisseur promotes the enjoyment of spirits in a safe, responsible, and legal manner. Please drink responsibly. Must be 21+ to purchase and consume alcohol in the United States. Never drink and drive. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, please contact the SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 — free, confidential, and available 24/7.

    15 min

  2. May 28

    Tequila Tromba Review: Blanco, Beast Mode Reposado, Cafeto, and more w/ Katy O'Donnell

    Tequila Tromba is one of the most recognized tequila brands in the on-premise market — and Katy O'Donnell, VP of Brand Development, joins Crystal and Roger to walk through the Blanco, Beast Mode Reposado, Cafeto, and more in a full lineup review. This is the most comprehensive Tequila Tromba episode ever recorded on The Liquor Connoisseur.Drink to remember, not to forget. Tequila Tromba's Katy O'Donnell joins us to review the Blanco, Beast Mode Reposado, Cafeto, and more — a full lineup review.---🎙️ ABOUT THE LIQUOR CONNOISSEURWe believe connoisseurs should know what they're drinking. From novices stepping away from mainstream brands to experts expanding their libraries — we review, educate, and celebrate the art of drinking responsibly.🌐 Website: https://www.theliquorconnoisseur.com📅 Book a Tasting: https://www.theliquorconnoisseur.com/book-a-tasting🛍️ Shop Merchandise: https://www.theliquorconnoisseur.com/merchandise🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VS0bp6wQmFzsBisKHAVRS🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ng/podcast/the-liquor-connoisseur/id1719564956📱 Follow Us:YouTube: @theliquorconnoisseurInstagram: @theliquorconnoisseurTikTok: @theliquorconnoisseurFacebook: @theliquorconnoisseur🥃 A true connoisseur knows their limit. Drink responsibly. 21+

    46 min

  3. May 28

    The Alchemist of Raleigh: Brandon McCrary’s Quest for the Perfect Pour | Olde Raleigh Distillery

    Olde Raleigh Distillery's Brandon McCraney is a Master Blender and award-winning distillery owner who approaches spirits the way an alchemist approaches chemistry — with obsessive precision and creative vision. We sit down with Brandon to explore the story behind Olde Raleigh Distillery and what it takes to be one of the most awarded small distilleries in the Southeast.Drink to remember, not to forget. We sit down with Brandon McCraney, Master Blender and owner of award-winning Old Raleigh Distillery in Raleigh, NC.---🎙️ ABOUT THE LIQUOR CONNOISSEURWe believe connoisseurs should know what they're drinking. From novices stepping away from mainstream brands to experts expanding their libraries — we review, educate, and celebrate the art of drinking responsibly.🌐 Website: https://www.theliquorconnoisseur.com📅 Book a Tasting: https://www.theliquorconnoisseur.com/book-a-tasting🛍️ Shop Merchandise: https://www.theliquorconnoisseur.com/merchandise🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VS0bp6wQmFzsBisKHAVRS🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ng/podcast/the-liquor-connoisseur/id1719564956📱 Follow Us:YouTube: @theliquorconnoisseurInstagram: @theliquorconnoisseurTikTok: @theliquorconnoisseurFacebook: @theliquorconnoisseur🥃 A true connoisseur knows their limit. Drink responsibly. 21+

    38 min

  4. May 28

    Is This The Ultimate Wheated Bourbon? | Preservation Estate Pot Still Review

    Preservation Estate Pot Still Bourbon is a wheated Kentucky bourbon made using a traditional pot still — a production method that creates a distinctly richer, more expressive spirit than column distillation. Roger nearly loses a thumb battling the wax seal, but the bourbon inside might be the ultimate wheated expression they've reviewed.Drink to remember, not to forget. Is this the ultimate wheated bourbon? We review Preservation Estate Pot Still Bourbon — and Roger battles the most stubborn wax seal in bourbon history.---🎙️ ABOUT THE LIQUOR CONNOISSEURWe believe connoisseurs should know what they're drinking. From novices stepping away from mainstream brands to experts expanding their libraries — we review, educate, and celebrate the art of drinking responsibly.🌐 Website: https://www.theliquorconnoisseur.com📅 Book a Tasting: https://www.theliquorconnoisseur.com/book-a-tasting🛍️ Shop Merchandise: https://www.theliquorconnoisseur.com/merchandise🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VS0bp6wQmFzsBisKHAVRS🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ng/podcast/the-liquor-connoisseur/id1719564956📱 Follow Us:YouTube: @theliquorconnoisseurInstagram: @theliquorconnoisseurTikTok: @theliquorconnoisseurFacebook: @theliquorconnoisseur🥃 A true connoisseur knows their limit. Drink responsibly. 21+

    21 min

  5. Apr 5

    The Industry "Shakeout": Brown-Forman & Pernod Ricard MERGER? + The Uncle Nearest Receivership Saga

    Drink to remember, not to forget. Please enjoy the craft of fine spirits responsibly. This video is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+ in the US). The "Bourbon Renaissance" is officially over, and the "Historic Shakeout" has begun.In this special report, Crystal and Roger dive deep into the state of the whiskey industry in 2026. From the shocking merger talks between Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard to the "High Stakes War" for control of Uncle Nearest, the landscape of American spirits is shifting faster than ever.In this episode, we break down:The Merger of Equals: What the Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard deal means for Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve if it happens.The Uncle Nearest Saga: Receivership, Chapter 11 dismissals, and the $100M+ battle with Farm Credit.The "Ozempic Effect": How GLP-1s and the rise of CBD/THC beverages are hurting spirit consumption.The Surplus Crisis: Kentucky has 16.1 million barrels aging (4 per person!), but sales are slowing.The "Winners": Why Buffalo Trace is flooding the zone while Jim Beam pauses production at Clermont.DRINK SMARTER WITH THE BAR BOOK APP 📖Take the guesswork out of your next pour. Discover spirits and cocktails you’ll actually love.Download on Apple & Android: [Insert Your Link Here]TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - The State of the Industry: The Bubble is Bursting1:15 - The Brown-Forman & Pernod Ricard Potential Merger3:10 - Tariffs, CBD, & The Ozempic Effect4:45 - The Uncle Nearest Saga: Receivership & Bankruptcy Drama7:20 - Kentucky Owl & Stoli: A Comeback in Jeopardy?9:05 - The $75M Barrel Tax & The Surplus Crisis11:30 - Jim Beam Pauses Production: A Sign of the Times13:15 - Buffalo Trace: The King of Allocation Wins Again15:00 - How to Support Local Craft Distilleries#WhiskeyIndustry #BourbonBubble #UncleNearest #WhiskeyNews #BuffaloTrace #LiquorConnoisseur #BrownForman #PernodRicard

    15 min

  6. Mar 25

    A 100-Year-Old Blend for Only $75?! | Bhakta 1928 Review

    Drink to remember, not to forget. Please enjoy the craft of fine spirits responsibly. This video is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+ in the US). In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Roger and Crystal finally unseal a masterpiece: a custom-engraved bottle of Bhakta 1928. Is this the ultimate "gateway spirit" for bridging the gap between Brandy/Cognac lovers and Rye Whiskey fans?🥂 SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by the Bar Book app! Discover your perfect pour, take the guesswork out of finding spirits you'll love, and drink smarter. Download the Bar Book app for free on Apple and Android today!About Bhakta 1928:Created by Raj Bhakta (founder of WhistlePig), this 100-proof spirit is a stunning marriage of 2018 Straight Rye Whiskey (60%), XO Calvados (30%), and ancient French Armagnac vintages dating back to 1928 (10%). At $75, does it deliver on its "100-year-old" promise? We break down the nose, the tasting notes, the juiciness of the Calvados, and the beautiful rye spice finish.Shoutout to Engraving by Grace LeBlanc for the incredible custom bottle art!If you’ve tried Bhakta 1928 or any of their other expressions, let us know your thoughts in the comments!👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share!🥃 Please drink to remember, not to forget. Cheers!#Bhakta1928 #WhiskeyReview #RyeWhiskey #Armagnac #Calvados #BourbonTube #WhiskeyTasting #theliquorconnoisseur #drinktoremembernottoforget #BourbonReview #CraftSpirits #Mixology #SpiritsEducation, #TastingNotes #HowToTasteWhiskey #BestBourbon2026 #HomeBarChapters:0:00 - Intro & The Bar Book App0:45 - What is Bhakta 1928? (Specs & Price)1:20 - The Custom Engraved Bottle2:30 - The Pour & First Impressions3:15 - Tasting Notes: Rye Spice meets Calvados4:50 - The Verdict: Who is this spirit for?

    12 min

  7. Mar 25

    The Birthplace of American Whiskey? | PonFEIGH Monongahela Style Rye

    Drink to remember, not to forget. Please enjoy the craft of fine spirits responsibly. This video is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+ in the US). Is this the smoothest 120-proof whiskey on the market? 🥃Today on The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal and Roger are diving into a special find from their East Coast journey: Ponfeigh West Pennsylvania Cask Strength Single Barrel Rye.Hailing from Somerset, PA—the literal birthplace of American Whiskey—this "Monongahela Style" rye skips the "corn shenanigans" and delivers a massive 95% rye punch. But here’s the kicker: despite being 60% ABV, it drinks like a dream with notes of Apple Cinnamon, "Cinnamon Toast Crunch," and buttery baked goods.In this episode, we discuss:What exactly is "Monongahela Style" Rye?The unique "Letterman Patch" bottle design.Why we think this $70 bottle is 100% gift-worthy.Our experience at the Reading Terminal Market and Pennsylvania Libations.How to get your Rye Whiskey Certificate through Whiskey University!DRINK SMARTER WITH THE BAR BOOK APP 📖Take the guesswork out of your next pour. Discover spirits and cocktails you’ll actually love.Download on Apple & AndroidJOIN WHISKEY UNIVERSITY 🎓Want to learn more about Monongahela Rye? Comment "Whiskey University" below, and we’ll help you get started on your certificate! The first five classes are free.  @whiskeyuniversity9706  TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - No Corn Shenanigans: What is Monongahela Rye?1:15 - Meet Pon Faye: The Somerset, PA Story2:30 - The "Letterman Jacket" Bottle Design3:45 - The Pour & The "Worst Cork Pop Ever"5:10 - Tasting Notes: Cinnamon Toast Crunch?7:30 - Why there is NO burn at 120 Proof9:00 - Is it worth $70? (Gift-Worthiness)11:20 - How to join Whiskey University#Ponfeigh #ryewhiskey #PennsylvaniaWhiskey #whiskeyreview #theliquorconnoisseur #MonongahelaRye #caskstrength

    13 min

  8. Mar 25

    Grain-to-Glass Arkansas Gin: Delta Dirt Tall Cotton Review

    Drink to remember, not to forget. Please enjoy the craft of fine spirits responsibly. This video is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+ in the US). Raising Spirits in the Delta! 🌿🍸In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal and Roger dive into a bottle that has been a long time coming: Tall Cotton Gin from Delta Dirt Distillery.Located in the Arkansas Delta, Delta Dirt is a family-owned, four-generation farm and distillery with deep roots. We discuss their incredible transition from sharecropping to owning the land and producing world-class spirits using sweet potatoes, corn, and wheat grown right on their farm.Is it really the "tea of spirits"? Roger and Crystal break down the "finger-snap crisp" profile of this 92-proof gin, its surprising peppery finish, and why Roger compares the refreshing tingle to a legendary McDonald’s Sprite. Whether you're a gin purist or looking for the perfect cocktail mixer, this Arkansas gem is one you need to hear about.In this episode, we cover:The history of Papa Joe and the Williams family legacy.The "Grain-to-Glass" process and the use of sweet potatoes.Tasting notes: Juniper, Black Pepper, and Citrus.Best ways to drink it (Hint: Try an orange twist!).A shoutout to Pronghorn and the Delta Dirt story.Price Point: $36.99Proof: 92 (46% ABV)“Drink to remember, not to forget.”Timestamps0:00 — Intro to Delta Dirt Distillery0:35 — The Specs: Proof, Price, and Grain-to-Glass1:10 — The Family Legacy: From Sharecropping to Moonshine2:15 — The Fresh Crack: Pouring Tall Cotton Gin3:04 — The Nose: Earthy, Crisp, and Juniper3:30 — Is Gin just "Vodka with Seasoning"?4:12 — The Taste: Warmth, Sweetness, and Balance5:05 — The "McDonald’s Sprite" Comparison6:10 — Who is this for? (Newbies vs. Intermediates)7:00 — Cocktail Suggestions: Tea, Soda, and Orange Twists8:15 — Final Thoughts & Supporting Local Brands#GinReview #DeltaDirt #TallCottonGin #CraftDistillery #ArkansasMade #GrainToGlass #LiquorConnoisseur #BlackOwnedBusiness #GinTasting #spirits Find us online:Instagram: @theliquorconnoisseurFacebook: @theliquorconnoisseurTikTok: @theliquorconnoisseurSpotify: @theliquorconnoisseurWebsite: theliquorconnoisseur.comFind Delta Dirt: deltadirtdistillery.com

    9 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Crystal and Roger review bourbon, tequila, cognac, rum, Scotch, Irish whiskey, rye, vodka, mezcal, Bacanora, and craft spirits — with a special focus on craft brands, Oklahoma and Texas distilleries, and the business behind the bottle. New episodes every week. Honest reviews. Real education. No pretense. We've reviewed over 136 expressions and interviewed founders from Uncle Nearest, Sorel Liqueur, Du Noord Social Spirits, Black Momma Vodka, Kilinga Bacanora, and dozens more. We've been inside Hochatown Distilling, Woodworks Distilling Co., Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Black Momma Vo

Information

  • Creator
    The Liquor Connoisseur
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Liquor Connoisseur
  • Show Website
    The Liquor Connoisseur