Whiskey Lore: Stories Drew Hannush

While traveling in Scotland and Ireland, I'm surprised at how many distilleries tell the story of a mighty cooper's union that lobbied for American's single use barrel rule. I've never heard a single American distillery even mention it. And when I ask them about it, I get blank stares.

 

Let's dive into the history of coopers, find out more about their craft, take a ride on a flatboat covered in barrel staves, and find out if some magical cooper's union is the reason for all of those lovely caramel and vanilla notes in our American whiskies.

In a world where branding has become paramount in the promotion of people and products, certain brands have slipped from our vernacular, or have taken on new roles.
Long ago, the saloon was much more than just the domain of cowboys and gunfighters in the Old West. But for some reason, the name disappeared. It's time to delve into the history of the concept and find out...whatever happened to the old time saloon?
For more Whiskey Lore Stories, check out the new book The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey by Drew Hannush. It's available at your favorite online bookseller or at Whiskey-Lore.com/audio

Welcome to Season 6! Join me for three amazing journeys into Irish whiskey. 
We'll go back to the very origins of the spirit, see it rise to become the most popular whiskey in the world, and trace its from its fall to rebirth.
We'll also follow a 19th century writer on his historic journey to the Irish distilleries of the first boom. And I'll share my own historic journey, as the first person to travel to over 40 modern Irish distilleries as I give you a window into the industries rebirth.
We’ll meet rebellions, kings, inventors, drinks, distillers, heroes and villains, and we’ll dispel a few myths along the way.
Welcome to Season 6 of Whiskey Lore Stories!

Time for episode 2 of my journey through Ireland, along with Alfred Barnard's historic trip to John Jameson & Son's famous Bow Street Distillery, and the story of a man who will turn your impression of the Irish and their love affair with drink on its head.

As Sinatra said, "come fly with me" as we head to Foynes Airport in Ireland and learn how a stormy night and cold wet passengers led to one of the most iconic drinks in Irish Whiskey. We'll also follow along with Alfred Barnard and join him at the home of Powers Whiskey. And I'll continue my journey through the modern distilleries of Ireland with a trip to Tullamore DEW.

For centuries, the British royal crown and parliament have had a say over the distilling habits of the Irish. Where did it all start? I'll dive deep into the history to find an inception point for the control over distilling in Ireland.
 

Meanwhile, Alfred Barnard will find his way to the largest distillery in the world and I'll make two stops on my visit, including one involving two kinds of unforgettable fires.
 

Enjoy episode 4 of this Irish Whiskey journey.