The_Whiskey Shaman Whiskey Business Fbg

Welcome back today chat with Emma Crandall, blender at Balcones Whiskey. This was a fantastic talk, and i'm so excited for yall to hear this.

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Z.Smithwhiskeyandmixology



IN 2008, BALCONES WAS DRIVEN TO CREATE SOMETHING

ORIGINAL AND AUTHENTIC

In 2008, Balcones was nothing more than an idea driven by a passion to create something original and authentic, right here in the Heart of Texas. It all started in an old welding shop under a bridge in Waco. For the next year, we replaced the roofing, knocked out walls, laid brick, cut pipes, installed copper pot stills from Portugal, and shoehorned a whisky distillery inside that quaint building. Proud of what we had accomplished on our own, we began distilling in 2009.

Our reflection on the sacred trance driven out of a solar eclipse inspires our newest release: Balcones Mirador Eclipse Texas Single Malt. An eclipse is the loss of our sun, yet it signifies new beginnings. We can anticipate an eclipse, but we cannot change it. They are out of our control - exquisite and specific to each moment and each place. This is exactly what we worked to reflect in our newest American Single Malt.

TASTING NOTES

ON THE NOSE, sun-kissed notes of poised pressed flowers & clover hay are engulfed by mango meringue & pineapple gum drops, while dense notes of almond biscotti and honeydew rind round out the bunch.



ON THE PALATE, blush lemon custard & white chocolate raspberry tart neighbor more reserved notes of guava pound cake and prairie sage, before a long and confident finish of dried thyme and honeyed jasmine tea.

Whisky Blending

What is blending? What is its purpose?

A number of distilleries bottle and sell some of the whisky they distil for consumption as single or unblended whiskies. By far the greater part of their production, however, is used for the well-known blended Scotch whiskies that are sold all over the world.

Blending whisky is a considerable art acquired only after years of experience.

A blend will consist of anything from 15 to 50 different single whiskies, combined in the proportions of a formula that is the secret of the blending company concerned.

Whiskies from different distilleries have a character of their own and, just as people of different temperaments are often incompatible, so some whiskies will not blend happily with certain others. The Malts and Grains in a blend must therefore, be chosen to complement and enhance their respective flavours. Blending is in no sense a dilution. The blender’s task is to combine different single whiskies, to produce a blend which brings out the best qualities of each of its constituent parts.

The aim of the blender is first to produce a whisky of a definite and recognisable character.

It is of the greatest importance that their blend should never vary from this standard, which customers all over the world will have come to expect. Their second aim is, therefore, to achieve consistency.

The blender must also decide when the different single whiskies are ready to be used in their blend. They are brought from the warehouse where they have been maturing to the blending establishment, where they are mixed together in a blending vat. They are usually returned to cask and left to ‘marry’ for a period of months, before bottling. Some companies prefer to vat their Malts and Grains separately and only bring the two together before bottling.

The combining of Malt with Malt or Grain with Grain is known as vatting.

When was blending introduced?

Blending was pioneered by Andrew Usher in Edinburgh in the early 1860s. It was only after this practice became common that a taste for Scotch Whisky spread first to England and then throughout the world.

Special Release episode.

Today we have Jerm from Freedom Malts, bringing some special single barrel picks. These special Cask Strength

Rye Whiskies, are a treat to have. Lets talk about the distillery, but first our sponsors.

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Rye Whiskey PROOF: 96

Our rye whiskey is made in an old east coast style, reminiscent of a Maryland style rye. Different than a Kentucky rye, we use a higher proportion of raw rye grain, rye malt rather than barley malt which gives a more savory rye flavor rather than the sharpness of the barley, and just a touch of corn to round out the edges. Great Northern rye whiskey is savory and complex with prominent floral notes, subtle rye spice and a very long, smoky finish. Surprisingly smooth for its age and high proof. 

 

·      GOLD MEDAL 93 POINTS “EXCEPTIONAL” – BEVERAGE TESTING INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF SPIRITS ·      SILVER MEDAL - SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION ·      SILVER MEDAL – AMERICAN CRAFT SPIRITS COMPETITION



RYE WHISKEYSAZERAC


3 oz Great Norther Rye Whiskey


3/4 oz Simple Syrup


5 Dashes Peychaud's Bitters


1 Dash Angostura Bitters


1 Dash Orange Bitters



Combine ingredients with ice and store. Strain over a large ice cube and enjoy!

Alright guys welcome back. This was a hard one for me, and I hope you enjoy. But I heavily edited this episode took a lot of housekeeping and a couple rants. Hope it is not too choppy. Thank you for the continued support

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We love Texas Whiskeys and let’s face it. Texas is a great state! From El Paso to Texarkana, from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, we claim some of the most beautiful landscapes, proudest people and grandest cities in the USA. We also distill some of the most excellent whiskey in the world. While they all do it a bit different, they all embody what it means to be Texan! Below is a list of distilleries that we have identified as being distilled, bottled, or a brand based in Texas. We will update the list as we learn more. This list was updated 1/9/2024.



Texas Whiskey Association Members

Texas Distilleries that are members of the Texas Whiskey Association. The TXWA is made up of distillers whose purpose is to educate consumers and support distilleries that produce whiskey all within the territorial boundaries of the State of Texas. Encouraging truth and transparency in labeling and setting certification standards that assure quality and authenticity are among many of their focuses.


1845 DISTILLING COMPANY
Acre Distilling Co.
Andalusia Whiskey Co.
Balcones Distilling
Bendt Distilling Co.
Bomb City Distillling
Crowded Barrel Whiskey
Devils River Whiskey
Distillery at Kiepersol
Fierce Whiskers Distillery
Garrison Brothers Distillery
Giant Texas Distillery
Ironroot Republic
Johnny Pickles Distillery
K. Spoetzl Distillery
Lone Elm Whiskey
Maverick Whiskey Co.
Milam and Greene Whiskey
Modisett & Sons
Oak and Eden
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
Real Spirits Distilling
Rebecca Creek Distillery
Shire Distilling Co.
Spirit of Texas Distillery
Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Tahwahkaro Distilling
Treaty Oak Distilling
William Price Distilling
Yellow Rose Distilling
Wilson Valley Mercantile


Texas-based distilleries, blenders, and bottliers that are not TXWA members.Many of these distillers are producing grain to glass product or a combination of sorts. Many are barreling and aging in our great state so that our Texas climate can do its part before bottling. Either way, there is some fine whiskey being produced and sold.


1876 Texas Straight Bourbon
Alamo Distilling
American Badass Whiskey
Austin Craft Spirits (Austin 101)
Austonian Spirits
BAHNBRËCKER
Banner Distilling Co.
Big Spring Distilling
Blackland Distillery
Blue Flag Distillery
Bone Bourbon
Box Car Texas Whiskey
Coastal Bend Distilling
Copper Shot Distillery
Fire Oak Distillery
Firestone and Roberston Distilling
Herman Marshall Distillery
Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery
Kooper Family Rye
Lockwood Distilling
Martin Greer Distillery
Merica Bourbon
Moonshine Ridge
Nine Banded Whiskey
Old Humble Distilling Company
Rek Hill Distillery
Remington Family Distillers
Republic Whiskey
Saint Liberty Whiskey
Silver Star Spirits
Sisterdale Whiskey
Sixth Street Spirits
Sun City Distillery
Swift Distillery
Texas Hearland Whiskey
Texas Rivers Distilling Co.
Texas Tail Distilling
Title No 21
Whitmeyer’s Distilling Co.



TEXAS WHISKEY MAKERS


JARED HIMSTEDT, BALCONES DISTILLING HEAD DISTILLER


HEATHER GREENE, MILAM & GREENE MASTER BLENDER


JONATHAN LIKARISH, IRONROOT REPUBLIC HEAD DISTILLER


JOHN SCHREPEL, STILL AUSTIN HEAD DISTILLER


SAM OLVERA, GARRISON BROS DISTILLER


JACOB PERAZA, BENDT DISTILLING CO. LEAD DISTILLER


NATASHA DEHART, BENDT DISTILLING CO. BLENDER


TIM RAINES, SHIRE DISTILLING HEAD DISTILLER


DONNIS TODD, GARRISON BROTHERS MASTER DISTILLER


JULIAN GIRALDO, GIANT TEXAS HEAD DISTILLER


MIGUEL PEREZ, 1845 DI

Howdy folks here is the episode with Mia at Jt Meleck. This was a great Story and Mia is on fire for her brand. She brings excitment in big ways to rice whiskey hope you enjoy.

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Jtmeleck.com



One family, one farm, one great idea… It begins in 1896, when John Meleck had the crazy idea to grow his 1st rice on 20 acres of marshland in s. Louisiana. Against the odds, the name J.T. Meleck became synonymous with Louisiana rice, but to us he is great, great uncle John. Five generations later we still grow rice – and now crawfish – on the same 20 acres as our Uncle John. We’ve grown since then but we are still as connected to the dirt as J.T. Meleck.

I began thinking, what if we could make a great spirit from our rice? It would make our Uncle John proud. The result is something truly special. It’s American Rice, born right here on our farm, just off hwy 35 in Branch, LA. We´re proud to take our rice from grain to bottle.

We work the dirt and grow the seed, just like Uncle John did. That’s why we’ve named it J.T. Meleck. Because our crazy idea has managed to create a whole new Louisiana classic. One that goes straight from our farm to your front porch. 



We present to you

In 2018, J.T. Meleck Distillers launched it's Louisiana Rice Vodka made 100% from the rice we harvest on our farm in Branch, Louisiana. This rice spirit reaches 191 proof in the distillation process, and then brought down to 80 proof for consumption. A clear spirit with a touch of sweetness on the nose and slight vanilla characteristics on the palate. Beautiful viscosity and a clean spirit.





Released in 2022, this is J.T. Meleck’s staple and long talked about American Rice Whiskey. Aged in new American oak barrels for almost 5 years our whiskey is amber in color and deep in intensity.

J.T. Meleck's Single Barrel Program was launched in October of 2022 with picks dropping at Nunu's Market and Champagnes Market in Lafayette, LA. We decided to launch this program after discovering that some barrels were not like the others. They were meant to be enjoyed separately. Whether it be the nose, flavor or finish, we knew these barrels were special and need to be shared with our fans. Select groups or retailers are invited to our distillery for a tour & tasting where they choose a barrel that will become their single barrel pick. Each pick varies in flavor, yield and proof, making each bottle unique. No barrel is the same so each single barrel pick is its own experience. Personalized stickers are present on each bottle identifying the group or retailer who picked, the bottle number, barrel number, proof and ABV. Aged 4-5 years in new American Oak 53-gallon barrels with proofs having ranged from 118.2-123.9





Our Founder’s Edition was the first ever soft launch of our American Rice whiskey in November of 2021. Aged in 30-gallon barrels for 4 years, this small batch release yielded only 1000 bottles at 96-proof. An explosion of vanilla and charred oak on the nose creating a smoky chocolate taste.



Laissez Bon Temps Rouler

Let the Good Times Roll the RICE Way!



Ingredients Include:

2 oz. J.T Meleck American Rice Whiskey

1/4 oz. orange curacao

1 teaspoon maraschino liqueur

1/2 oz. lemon juice

1/2 oz. simple syrup

1 dash Angostura bitters

Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions: add all ingredients to a glass of your choosing, stir, add ice, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Louisiana Rice VodkaAmerican Rice WhiskeySingle Barrel Cask Strength American Rice WhiskeyRice Whiskey, Founder's Edition

We are back with more music and whiskey. Today we dive into 3 whiskies and see if celebrity whiskey can be good.

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And today Whiskeydecisions.beehive.com

Celebrity liquor brands are a real gray area when it comes to endorsements. As whiskey grows more popular, and more celebrities hop on the bandwagon, it can be hard to distinguish who’s just taking a paycheck, and who cares about what you’re drinking. But the good news is that increasingly, the big names attached to these bottles really care about the brand and the people who drink it. Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, who recently announced their new Dos Hombres mezcal, are just the latest in a series of famous people taking time out of their artistic careers to make artful beverages.



What happens when a heavy metal band makes a whiskey? It’s certainly not a quiet process. The Blackened American Whiskey is pummeled with low-hertz sound waves from a Metallica-curated playlist. It might sound like a marketing ploy, but distillers insist the sonic-enhancement process drives the whiskey deeper into the wood of the barrel where it picks up extra flavor. As for the tasting notes, expect honey, cinnamon, allspice, and some lingering apricot.



New year, new you, right? Okay, by mid-January a bit of the luster has worn off those shiny new resolutions. In fact, National Today says that January 17 is actually the official Ditch New Year's Resolution Day. Still, even if all your grand plans to walk 5 miles a day, save half your paycheck, and subside off nothing but kale, quinoa, and spring water have come to naught, that doesn't mean you can't make some revised resolutions that will be both easier and more fun to follow. Like, how about you simply resolve to try a few new things? This is hardly likely to hurt, particularly if you choose things you already enjoy, such as sampling a few new bourbons.

Single Barrel

Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Heaven’s Door and retailers across the country selected barrels that vary in age, mashbill, and warehousing locations, in order to select their own Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon.​This limited release will be hand numbered and adorned with our partners name, offering a distinctive experience.





750 ML, 49.5% ABV (99 PROOF)

A blend of 4-5 yr. old straight rye and straight bourbon mashed, fermented, distilled and aged at the Cedar Ridge Distillery.

Direct shipping is available in select markets. Unfortunately we do not ship to the states of AK, AL, HI, ID, MI, MS, OK, UT.

Mashbill: 51% Corn, 35% Malted Rye, 14% Malted Barley

“Think cinnamon, clove, butter and oak. As it hits the palate, it coats it with this goodness, buttery almost, dripping down the side of the cheeks and warms all throughout. There’s a comfort here, cornbread-like, with notes of fried apple pie, apricot and macaroon. It finishes medium to long with a hint of bananas foster.”

WAIT AND BLEED



Ingredients:


2 oz No. 9 Reserve Whiskey


1 oz Sweet Vermouth


2 dashes of Angostura Bitters



Equipment:


Mixing glass


Stirring spoon


Strainer


Chilled cocktail glass



Instructions:


Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.


Pour 2 ounces of No. 9 Reserve Whiskey into the mixing glass.


Add 1 ounce of Sweet Vermouth to the glass.


Add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters to the mixture.


Stir the ingredients gently but thoroughly using a stirring spoon for about 30 seconds to chill and combine them.


Place a strainer over a chilled cocktail glass and strain the mixture into the glass.


Optionally, garnish with a orange twist or cherry if desired.


Sip and savor the bold and balanced flavors of Wait and Bleed.



Enjoy responsibly!

 

What can i say one of the best interview so far. Aiden is a super cool person, and got hit by a bus. You just have to listen. Make sure you use code Aidenspecial @natterjack.com to get a discount.



Thank you to the sponsors

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An Irish Whiskey with an American Accent

Natterjack is for people who want to try something a little different. Mixing the craft of Irish whiskey with the aging techniques of a bourbon. Enjoy it however you like - neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail - Natterjack, like the Irish, is versatile and mixes well.





NATTERJACK

Natterjack Irish Whiskey is a unique blend, triple distilled in true Irish spirit and carefully crafted using Irish and American techniques.

Triple Distilled

Finish: Virgin American Oak

700ml

40%Alc. / Vol.

Blend No. 1







NATTERJACK

Bottled at 63% straight from a char 4 virgin American oak cask, Natterjack Cask Strength is the truest expression of our whiskey.Pure, Natural and Uncut

Rare Specimen

Captured & Bottled in

2023

700ml

63%Alc. / Vol.

Blend No. 1

Natterjack Irish whiskey was born of a quest for adventure, to leave the beaten track and create a new one for ourselves.



As a group of pioneering spirits, driven by a passion to make whiskey, we left all we knew behind to create something different, to build something.



Independent of industry shackles and corporate ownership has been liberating, but it has not been easy getting here. Building something great takes mettle, sweat and an ounce of terror…



You’ll taste the true authenticity of adventure and fear in our whiskey. Live Deliberately is our mantra, and that is what we set out to do every day.



We set out to make new whiskey traditions for a generation that is challenging the status quo. We stand on the shoulders of giants to create something interesting, adventurous and new.



Natterjack is the result of our adventure - an adventure that we are still on, and like any good adventure, it is full of twists and turns and has a hero you can believe in at its core - the Natterjack toad.



Introducing Natterjack Toad.It’s an intriguing character.Its distinctive yellow stripe sets it apart from other toads. While all around it are hopping, it walks. It chooses its own course.

With a call that can be heard from two kilometres away, you will hear it before you see it, it’s not shy. The only toad native to Ireland, a tendency to roam and love of a story shared are buried deep in its DNA. Like the Irish, it travels well, and is shaped by the places it goes and people it meets along the way.

What better namesake for our whiskey. Join it on the journey, everyone is welcome. You never know where you may end up.