The Spirits Educator

Brian Donnelly

The Spirits Educator is a digital education platform and trade resource for the distilled spirits industry. Our aim is to provide in-depth spirits information, brand transparency, and category education for distributor sales teams, hospitality & service industry members, and motivated enthusiasts.

  1. Flor de Caña 18 Year-Old vs Don Q Gran Reserva Añejo XO - Which is the best $50 dry rum for Bourbon drinkers?

    May 25 ·  Video

    Flor de Caña 18 Year-Old vs Don Q Gran Reserva Añejo XO - Which is the best $50 dry rum for Bourbon drinkers?

    04:46 - What is Solera aging?  06:22 - Comparing Color  07:23 - Comparing Pricing 08:16 - Tasting Don Q Gran Reserva Añejo XO 13:41 - Tasting Flor de Caña 18 Year 17:21 - Conclusion  Support The Spirits Educator If you would like to support this website, please use the following links to contribute through Patreon, PayPal or Venmo @thespiritseducator. Thank you for your support! Patreon Gift Me Cocktail Interested in sponsoring a YouTube video, podcast episode, or website article? Please email me at Brian.Donnelly@thespiritseducator.com. Newsletter Would you like to receive an update when I have new content on my website, YouTube channel or podcast? Newsletter Sign Up Follow The Spirits Educator Website YouTube Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Blue Sky Social X Glassware Recommendations Riedel Tequila Glasses Set (4) Riedel Double Rocks Set (4) Glencairn Whisky Glass Set (4) Current Gear Canon EOS M50 Mark II Canon EF-M 22mm Camera Desk Stand Samson Technologies Q2U Microphone Adjustable Microphone Desk Stand Affiliate Disclosure  The links for product recommendations in this post are affiliate links. At zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. This material is intended for those of legal drinking age.  Please drink responsibly.

    23 min
  2. Explaining La Pulga Tequila - The Future of Tequila is Hyper-Transparency (NOM 1068)

    Feb 16

    Explaining La Pulga Tequila - The Future of Tequila is Hyper-Transparency (NOM 1068)

    01:35 - Who makes La Pulga Tequila? 02:13 - What is a Tequila NOM? 03:19 - Agroindustria Guadalajara (NOM 1068) 05:43 - Master Distiller, Sixto Verá García 07:30 - Agave  15:37 - Cooking 20:25 - Fermentation 25:56 - Distillation, Water & Proofing 28:36 - Aging 30:31 - Closing Agave Match Maker (formerly Tequila Match Maker) Support The Spirits Educator If you would like to support this website, please use the following links to contribute through Patreon, PayPal or Venmo @thespiritseducator. Thank you for your support! Patreon Gift Me Cocktail Interested in sponsoring a YouTube video, podcast episode, or website article? Please email me at Brian.Donnelly@thespiritseducator.com. Newsletter Would you like to receive an update when I have new content on my website, YouTube channel or podcast? Newsletter Sign Up Follow The Spirits Educator Website YouTube Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Blue Sky Social X Glassware Recommendations Riedel Tequila Glasses Set (4) Riedel Double Rocks Set (4) Glencairn Whisky Glass Set (4) Current Gear Canon EOS M50 Mark II Canon EF-M 22mm Camera Desk Stand Samson Technologies Q2U Microphone Adjustable Microphone Desk Stand Affiliate Disclosure  The links for product recommendations in this post are affiliate links. At zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. This material is intended for those of legal drinking age.  Please drink responsibly.

    33 min
  3. Part 2 - Why You Should Be Drinking Código 1530 Tequila - Reposado, Cristalino, Añejo, Extra Añejo

    12/09/2025

    Part 2 - Why You Should Be Drinking Código 1530 Tequila - Reposado, Cristalino, Añejo, Extra Añejo

    00:50 - Pipónes vs Ex-Bourbon Barrels vs French Oak Ex-Wine Barrels 04:28 - Explaining Código Reposado 08:18 - Tasting Código Reposado 15:03 - Is Código Reposado Worth $55? 18:00 - Explaining Código Cristalino 23:02 - Tasting Código Cristalino 26:57 - Is Código Cristalino Worth $90? 29:47 - Tasting Código Añejo 33:44 - Is Código Añejo Worth $110? 35:43 - Explaining Código Extra Añejo 38:43 - Tasting Código Extra Añejo 43:13 - Is Código Extra Añejo Worth $350? 46:40 - Closing Support The Spirits Educator If you would like to support this website, please use the following links to contribute through Patreon, PayPal or Venmo @thespiritseducator. Thank you for your support! Patreon Gift Me Cocktail Interested in sponsoring a YouTube video, podcast episode, or website article? Please email me at Brian.Donnelly@thespiritseducator.com. Newsletter Would you like to receive an update when I have new content on my website, YouTube channel or podcast? Newsletter Sign Up Follow The Spirits Educator Website YouTube Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Blue Sky Social X Glassware Recommendations Riedel Tequila Glasses Set (4) Riedel Double Rocks Set (4) Glencairn Whisky Glass Set (4) Current Gear Canon EOS M50 Mark II Canon EF-M 22mm Camera Desk Stand Samson Technologies Q2U Microphone Adjustable Microphone Desk Stand Affiliate Disclosure  The links for product recommendations in this post are affiliate links. At zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. This material is intended for those of legal drinking age.  Please drink responsibly.

    48 min
  4. Part 1 - Why You Should Be Drinking Código 1530 Tequila - Blanco & Rosa (NOM 1616)

    11/21/2025

    Part 1 - Why You Should Be Drinking Código 1530 Tequila - Blanco & Rosa (NOM 1616)

    01:17 - Three Things that Separate Código from other Tequila Brands 01:51 - Single NOM Tequila Brand 02:43 - Aged Exclusively in French Oak Ex-Napa Cab Barrels 04:13 - 3x the Agave Compared to other Tequilas 05:35 - Código Hyper Transparency Production Method 09:18 - Brief Brand Backstory 10:39 - What is the Difference between El Valle vs Los Altos Agave?  14:59 - What does the Jerusalem Cross mean? 15:46 - Código Blanco (Explanation, Tasting, Worth It?) 23:22 - Tasting Código Blanco vs Lalo Blanco 29:09 - Tasting Código Rosa 41:25 - Tasting Código Rosa vs El Mayor Rosado 47:28 - Closing  Support The Spirits Educator If you would like to support this website, please use the following links to contribute through Patreon, PayPal or Venmo @thespiritseducator. Thank you for your support! Patreon Gift Me Cocktail Interested in sponsoring a YouTube video, podcast episode, or website article? Please email me at Brian.Donnelly@thespiritseducator.com. Newsletter Would you like to receive an update when I have new content on my website, YouTube channel or podcast? Newsletter Sign Up Follow The Spirits Educator Website YouTube Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Blue Sky Social X Glassware Recommendations Riedel Tequila Glasses Set (4) Riedel Double Rocks Set (4) Glencairn Whisky Glass Set (4) Current Gear Canon EOS M50 Mark II Canon EF-M 22mm Camera Desk Stand Samson Technologies Q2U Microphone Adjustable Microphone Desk Stand Affiliate Disclosure  The links for product recommendations in this post are affiliate links. At zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. This material is intended for those of legal drinking age.  Please drink responsibly.

    48 min
  5. Why You Should Be Drinking Holladay Missouri Bourbon (History, Production & Tasting)

    10/27/2025

    Why You Should Be Drinking Holladay Missouri Bourbon (History, Production & Tasting)

    01:11 - History 04:54 - What is Real Missouri Bourbon?  06:30 - Is it Possible to Make Kentucky-Style Bourbon in Missouri? 09:57 - How is Holladay Bourbon Produced? 21:22 - Tasting Ben Holladay Bourbon (Original Mash Bill)  30:26 - Is Ben Holladay Worth $60? 32:33 - Tasting Holladay Soft Red Wheat (Wheated Mash Bill) 39:18 - Is Soft Red Wheat Worth $60?  39:42 - Tasting Ben Hollday Rickhouse Proof Bourbon (Barrel-Proof) 45:32 - Is Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof Worth $75?  47:14 - Tasting Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof (Barrel-Proof) 53:05 - Is Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof Worth $75? 54:48 - Closing The Complete Guide to Ben Holladay Bourbon - What is Real Missouri Bourbon? Holladay Bourbon Distillers Journal Support The Spirits Educator If you would like to support this website, please use the following links to contribute through Patreon, PayPal or Venmo @thespiritseducator. Thank you for your support! Patreon Gift Me Cocktail Interested in sponsoring a YouTube video, podcast episode, or website article? Please email me at Brian.Donnelly@thespiritseducator.com. Newsletter Would you like to receive an update when I have new content on my website, YouTube channel or podcast? Newsletter Sign Up Follow The Spirits Educator Website YouTube Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Blue Sky Social X Glassware Recommendations Riedel Tequila Glasses Set (4) Riedel Double Rocks Set (4) Glencairn Whisky Glass Set (4) Current Gear Canon EOS M50 Mark II Canon EF-M 22mm Camera Desk Stand Samson Technologies Q2U Microphone Adjustable Microphone Desk Stand Affiliate Disclosure  The links for product recommendations in this post are affiliate links. At zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. This material is intended for those of legal drinking age.  Please drink responsibly.

    56 min
  6. Eco-Friendly B-Corp Tequila - Tasting Mijenta Blanco, Reposado, Cristalino & Añejo (NOM 1499)

    10/20/2025

    Eco-Friendly B-Corp Tequila - Tasting Mijenta Blanco, Reposado, Cristalino & Añejo (NOM 1499)

    00:38 - Brand Information 03:28 - Mijenta Blanco 04:15 - Tasting Mijenta Blanco 10:18 - Tasting Mijenta Blanco vs Lalo Blanco 16:41 - Is Mijenta Blanco Worth $41-$45? 17:11 - Mijenta Reposado 18:24 - Tasting Mijenta Reposado  23:14 - Is Mijenta Reposado Worth $60-$66? 25:15 - Mijenta Cristalino Reposado 26:56 - Tasting Mijenta Cristalino 31:07 - Is Mijenta Cristalino Worth $82-$88? 33:14 - Mijenta Gran Añejo 37:57 - Tasting Mijenta Gran Añejo 41:42 - Is Mijenta Gran Añejo Worth $130-$140? 42:57 - Closing Support The Spirits Educator If you would like to support this website, please use the following links to contribute through Patreon, PayPal or Venmo @thespiritseducator. Thank you for your support! Patreon Gift Me Cocktail Interested in sponsoring a YouTube video, podcast episode, or website article? Please email me at Brian.Donnelly@thespiritseducator.com. Newsletter Would you like to receive an update when I have new content on my website, YouTube channel or podcast? Newsletter Sign Up Follow The Spirits Educator Website YouTube Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Blue Sky Social X Glassware Recommendations Riedel Tequila Glasses Set (4) Riedel Double Rocks Set (4) Glencairn Whisky Glass Set (4) Current Gear Canon EOS M50 Mark II Canon EF-M 22mm Camera Desk Stand Samson Technologies Q2U Microphone Adjustable Microphone Desk Stand Affiliate Disclosure  The links for product recommendations in this post are affiliate links. At zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. This material is intended for those of legal drinking age.  Please drink responsibly.

    44 min
  7. Tasting Mijenta Añejo Gran Reserva (Aged 18 Months American White Oak, French Oak, Acacia & Cherry)

    10/13/2025

    Tasting Mijenta Añejo Gran Reserva (Aged 18 Months American White Oak, French Oak, Acacia & Cherry)

    Support The Spirits Educator If you would like to support this website, please use the following links to contribute through Patreon, PayPal or Venmo @thespiritseducator. Thank you for your support! Patreon Gift Me Cocktail Interested in sponsoring a YouTube video, podcast episode, or website article? Please email me at Brian.Donnelly@thespiritseducator.com. Newsletter Would you like to receive an update when I have new content on my website, YouTube channel or podcast? Newsletter Sign Up Follow The Spirits Educator Website YouTube Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Blue Sky Social X Glassware Recommendations Riedel Tequila Glasses Set (4) Riedel Double Rocks Set (4) Glencairn Whisky Glass Set (4) Current Gear Canon EOS M50 Mark II Canon EF-M 22mm Camera Desk Stand Samson Technologies Q2U Microphone Adjustable Microphone Desk Stand Affiliate Disclosure  The links for product recommendations in this post are affiliate links. At zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. This material is intended for those of legal drinking age.  Please drink responsibly.

    14 min
  8. Tasting Mijenta Cristalino Reposado Tequila - Is It Worth $85? (Aged in Symphony Barrels) (NOM 1499)

    10/06/2025

    Tasting Mijenta Cristalino Reposado Tequila - Is It Worth $85? (Aged in Symphony Barrels) (NOM 1499)

    Support The Spirits Educator If you would like to support this website, please use the following links to contribute through Patreon, PayPal or Venmo @thespiritseducator. Thank you for your support! Patreon Gift Me Cocktail Interested in sponsoring a YouTube video, podcast episode, or website article? Please email me at Brian.Donnelly@thespiritseducator.com. Newsletter Would you like to receive an update when I have new content on my website, YouTube channel or podcast? Newsletter Sign Up Follow The Spirits Educator Website YouTube Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Blue Sky Social X Glassware Recommendations Riedel Tequila Glasses Set (4) Riedel Double Rocks Set (4) Glencairn Whisky Glass Set (4) Current Gear Canon EOS M50 Mark II Canon EF-M 22mm Camera Desk Stand Samson Technologies Q2U Microphone Adjustable Microphone Desk Stand Affiliate Disclosure  The links for product recommendations in this post are affiliate links. At zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. This material is intended for those of legal drinking age.  Please drink responsibly.

    12 min
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About

The Spirits Educator is a digital education platform and trade resource for the distilled spirits industry. Our aim is to provide in-depth spirits information, brand transparency, and category education for distributor sales teams, hospitality & service industry members, and motivated enthusiasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Donnelly
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Spirits Educator