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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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!!!"

  6. Jun 22

    Ep. 24 - 6/14/26 - Murray Kerr - Deanston Distillery - "The Deanston Greatness Starts Here!!"

    Welcome to Episode 24 of Whisky & Smoke News Network! This week, host Chris Kumnick brings you the latest whisky, whiskey, bourbon, and premium cigar news from around the globe, including major releases from Frey Ranch, Green River, Garrison Brothers, Elijah Craig, Old Forester, Penelope Bourbon, Tormore, Kavalan, and The Macallan. We also cover the biggest stories in the cigar world from Joya de Nicaragua, Arturo Fuente, CAO, and Smoke This Trust Me Cigars, along with upcoming whisky, bourbon, cigar, and pipe events across the United States and Europe. The featured "Pop the Cork" interview takes us to Scotland for an exclusive in-person conversation with Deanston Distillery Manager Murray Kerr, where we discuss his whisky journey, the future of Deanston, upcoming releases, and enjoy a special three-dram tasting. Plus, Chris continues his whisky-and-cigar pairing series with a detailed review of the Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Buffalo Trace Cigar pairing. If you love Scotch whisky, bourbon, cigars, pipe tobacco, distillery interviews, whisky reviews, and industry news, be sure to subscribe, like, and join the conversation.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

    Ep. 24 - 6/14/26 - Murray Kerr - Deanston Distillery - "The Deanston Greatness Starts Here!!"

  7. Jun 10

    Ep. 23 - 6/7/26 - Greg Standard - Standard Cooperage - The Man Building Texas' Newest Cooperage

    Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 23 | June 7, 2026 — Join host Chris Kumnick for another packed episode covering the latest news from the worlds of whisky, bourbon, cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This week features breaking industry updates from Brown-Forman, Slane Distillery, Bruichladdich's Yellow Submarine III, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Mars Whisky, Uncle Nearest, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare 30, The Macallan, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Glenmorangie, Gordon & MacPhail, and more. In cigar news, we cover major releases from Espinosa Cigars, OZ Family Cigars, Room101, J.C. Newman, United Cigars, and Don Palomón. Pipe enthusiasts won't want to miss the latest from G.L. Pease and the new Metropolis Flake. Plus, Chris sits down with Greg Standard of Standard Cooperage in Blanco, Texas, for an in-depth interview covering barrel making, cooperage craftsmanship, whiskey maturation, and the future of American coopering. Finally, Chris reviews an exclusive pairing of the Oliva-made Isle of Skye cigar and Isle of Skye PX Sherry Cigar Reserve Scotch Whisky. If you love Scotch whisky, bourbon, Irish whiskey, premium cigars, pipe tobacco, whiskey news, cigar reviews, distillery releases, and industry interviews, be sure to subscribe, like, comment, and follow Whisky & Smoke News Network on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly coverage of the whisky and cigar lifestyle.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!#Whisky #whiskey #cigars #smoking pipes #pipe tobacco #bourbon #scotch #single malt #WhiskyAndSmokeNewsNetwork,#WhiskyNews,#BourbonNews,#ScotchWhisky,#IrishWhiskey,#CigarNews,#PremiumCigars,#WhiskeyPodcast,#WhiskyPodcast,#GregStandard,#StandardCooperage,#YellowSubmarineIII,#EagleRare30,#TheMacallan,#FourRoses,#WildTurkey,#BuffaloTrace,#BardstownBourbon,#UncleNearest,#CigarReview,#WhiskyReview,#WhiskeyTube,#CigarCommunity,#PipeSmoking,#WhiskyLife,#BourbonLife,#ScotchLovers,#CigarAficionado

    Ep. 23 - 6/7/26 - Greg Standard - Standard Cooperage - The Man Building Texas' Newest Cooperage

  8. May 24

    Ep. 22 - 5/24/26 - Luciano Meirelles - Luciano Cigars - Serial Entrepreneur - "Seed to Smoke"

    In this episode of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick delivers a deep dive into the latest whisky, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, new releases, and industry events, highlighted by an exclusive “Torch the Vitola” interview with Luciano Meirelles of Luciano Cigars recorded at the Premium Cigar Association trade show. Episode 21 (May 17, 2026) explores Luciano’s journey into the cigar industry, his blending philosophy, new product releases, and his work supporting emerging producers, offering valuable insights for enthusiasts and collectors alike. This weekly podcast is your go-to source for whisky reviews, cigar culture, premium accessories, and expert interviews, blending entertainment with education for fans of fine spirits and tobacco. Subscribe for more whisky and cigar content, industry news, and in-depth conversations with leading voices in the world of premium lifestyle experiences. Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

    Ep. 22 - 5/24/26 - Luciano Meirelles - Luciano Cigars - Serial Entrepreneur - "Seed to Smoke"
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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
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Chris Kumnick - Host
  • Show Website
    Whisky & Smoke News Network