Armchair Whisky

Happy one-year anniversary to us! For the last 365 days, we have delivered AT LEAST one episode of prime whisky-related content a week! Lagavulin 16 was the featured whisky in our first episode, so we wanted to start our second season by re-reviewing it to see how our opinions have changed.  You can also expect some horrific Tim Allen impressions, self-deprecation, and properly triggering throat noises from Tyler. Support the show

We ring in the new year by continuing to probe into our skepticism of Laphroaig. We compare some of their finest offerings with two of Ardbeg's tried and tested fan favourites at a similar price point. Happy New Year folks. Support the show

What better way to celebrate the whiskiest time of the year than with the spot whiskies?!?! Blue, Gold, Yellow, and Green Spot, are all on the table for tasting and we decide what we think and which one of the 4 we each like best. We also have a special announcement. Merry Christmas!Support the show

We've found ourselves haunted, as of late, by the terrifying suspicion that our beloved Laphroaig might be falling behind the quality offered by the likes of Ardbeg and Lagavulin. Where once, we had nothing but praise we now harbour feelings of doubt and disappointment. In an attempt to quell or confirm these fears, we took it upon ourselves to bear the heavy burden of sampling the Lore, 10 Cask Strength, Cairdeas, and Sherry Oak. What we discovered as the last drop was drained from our curvaceous Glencarin crystals will shock and amaze you. Support the show

Examining our arch nemesis Macallan 12 as well as Blanton's, we look to find out what makes a whiskey overrated or underrated. How do we avoid the overrated ones and take advantage of the underrated ones? Why does Harvey Specter like Macallan so much? Has our persecution of the revered dram been folly? Will we be wearing egg on our faces at the end of this episode? You'll have to listen to find out. Support the show

We finally get into some listener-submitted samples from independent bottlers Gordon and MacPhail and then revisit the Springbank 15 vs Glen Scotia 15 battle that shocked the world. Support the show

It's our 50th episode and to celebrate we blend our own whisky from 50 of our favourite single malt Scotches. We drop knowledge along the way, discuss the difficulties of blending, and ultimately find out if it's possible to make over a whisky you don't like into something moderately tolerable.Support the show

We sample and review three different expressions of a popular Irish whiskey brand, Writers Tears and have a conversation based around Port Charlotte 10 and an interesting query it provoked. Support the show

The Welsh have been making a name for themselves in single malts with the brand Penderyn since the early 2000's. As a Celtic nation, it only seems fair to assume that they can work wonders on the whisky front but you know what they say about assumptions... so we had to give Penderyn a thorough once over. In the process, we thought it a fitting time to experiment with Jim Murray's signature tasting method... This is what happened...Iechyd da!Support the show

As whisky prices get higher and higher people will be looking for more economical options at the liquor store. Today's producers of rum know this which has led to a rise in options and the popularity of "sipping rums". We take a look at several of these to see if they have the potential to compete with our taste for whisky. Support the show

We start this episode off by trying 3 hot toddies, each made with a different whisky, so we can recommend the best spirit for your cold-weather cocktail season. Then, we talk about all the things we wish we had known before starting our whisky journey. Support the show

We sample a variety of Single Malt "Sherry Bombs" and discuss what all the hype is about. Support the show

We are joined by a friend of the pod and introduced to three heavy hitters: Arran 18YO, Highland Parks 15YO, and Bruichladdich Islay Barley.  Do these expensive single malts live up to their price point? We endeavour to sleuth it out. Support the show

The wait for round 2 of Celebrity Fight Club is OVER! In this heavyweight bourbon bout, we have Matthew McConaughey's Longbranch versus Bob Dylan's Heaven's Door. 3,2,1, FIGHT! Support the show

When you start getting into whisky it can be risky. How do you know what bottle to buy before you fully know what you like? After all, whisky offers a wide variety of styles and flavours, some challenging, some off-putting, and some are going to be just what you're looking for. In this episode, we give our 2 cents on how to pick the right one based on your preferred taste so you can stop wasting money and enjoy every dram. Support the show

In celebration of Tyler's 30th birthday, we take on the daunting task of speed reviewing 30 whiskies in one episode. It's like a dream and a nightmare all wrapped up into one. Support the show

Whiskey's historical roots are found in Ireland and it's responsible for making one of the world's best-selling brands in Jameson. The flavour profile and style of Irish whiskey make it distinct, unique, and, rumour has it, extremely friendly. But, does Ireland produce the world's most approachable whiskey style? We sample some of the best the emerald isle has to offer to find out... Josiah also finally gets Tyler's blueberry yogurt note.Support the show

There's no doubt that blends are more popular on a commercial scale but when it comes to enthusiasts they rarely get mentioned.  In this week's episode, we look at blended Scotch to see if we've been missing out on greatness in our obsession with single malts. Support the show

We present you with some of the best single malt Scotches we've tried that fly under the radar. We sample, briefly review, and discuss why we like them. So, if you're perpetually on the hunt for a great scotch that's sure to impress even the most hipster-iest of your friends then look no further. Support the show

In this third instalment of our "Pairs With" segment, we interview Texas sensation, David Ramirez. David has been writing, recording, and performing the kind of music that just begs you to listen with a glass of something special. We were delighted to chat with him and share a dram and we hope you enjoy the episode. Support the show

What's the difference between Scotch and Bourbon? What makes a Canadian whisky "Canadian"? What does single malt mean? What the heck is a mash bill, guy? These are all great questions with fairly simple, yet often confusing answers. We've been into whisky for a few years now and STILL have to revisit some of the gritty details of the processes and regulations that separate different whisky types. This episode will canvas the differences and help YOU understand what the words on the labels indicate, helping you make better whisky purchases thus skyrocketing your reputation as a sophisticated gentleman/lady. Support the show

Bespoken Spirits is making award-winning whisk(e)y that takes a fraction of the time to mature and a fraction of the resources to produce. But how can this be?!?  We get to the bottom of this and SO MANY other questions in today's episode with the co-founder of Bespoken Spirits, Martin Janousek. Support the show

In this episode, we discuss collecting and recommend a method for building your own whisky stash with as little wasted money as possible. Support the show

We are joined by fellow podcaster, Chris from Whiskey Noobs to talk about whiskey, drink some Eagle Rare bourbon, learn, and tell stories. Go give him a follow @whiskey_noobs Support the show

Single-origin, local, organic, and natural are words we are hearing and seeing more with single malt scotch and they all have to do with the idea of terroir. In this episode, we look at how this could shape the industry's future for better or worse and ask if whisky made with these methods tastes better? Support the show

Mary Reynier is one of the biggest names in whisky, particularly Scotch. More than two decades ago he saw the future in a derelict distillery. That distillery was Bruichladdich. Not only did he and his team revive the reputation of the brand but they also revolutionized Scotch and played a major role in the whisky renaissance we are experiencing today. He recently began a new venture in Ireland with Waterford Distillery and is continuing to shake things up. Support the show

Greg is the director of The Water of Life- A Whisky Film. It's an amazing documentary about the revolution of Scotch Whisky and an absolute must-see. We pick his brain about the making of the film and other whisky-related things. Cheers

After flip-flopping on Lagavulin for the better part of 6 months we finally seek to make reparation for our outlandish slanderings by drinking 5 expressions of the brand. Which one is best? You'll have to listen to find out.  Also, apologies for the glitch with the theme music at the beginning. Fortunately, that was the only point in the entire history of the podcast when we weren't saying something important...

Drew Hannush is the host/producer/creator of one of the finest wishk(e)y pods out there, Whisky Lore. He has been one of the best sources of whisky knowledge for us and enthusiasts like us and we wanted to get him on the other side of the mic and hear his whisky stories... and the stories behind his stories. Support the show

After Crown Royal Winter Wheat swept the Canadian Whisky Awards we were left wondering if there's more to CR than we previously thought.  It's one of the most successful brands but is often overlooked by enthusiasts... UNTIL NOW! With the help of Headmaster Davin de "Wizard" Kergommeaux we take a closer look at 4 different CR expressions to find see if there's more there than meets the eye (Transformers theme song trigger alert). Support the show

Welcome to this second instalment of our "Pairs With" special. In these episodes, we interview people within the arts and entertainment industry who, like us, love whisky. In today's episode, we are joined by Tim Hicks. Tim is an award-winning and Canadian chart-topping country music artist.Support the show

Today's episode is a tasting of GlenAllachie 10 CS, 12, AND 15, back to back...to back! We want to know which one is the best... that's pretty much what you need to know going into this one folks. Support the show

Charlie Maclean, perhaps you've heard of him? He's been writing about whisky since the 80s and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who knows more about Scotch than this man. He is a true legend in the industry and a gentleman for being so kind as to come on our humble pod and share some thoughts. Support the show

We talk to Gary Quinn, travel writer and author of "Irish Whisky", a guide to Ireland's best-known whiskeys. Word on the street is that Ireland is the country to keep an eye on when it comes to the next big thing in whisky but is that true and if so what is the hype all about? Support the show

In this episode, we randomly select three whiskies for each other to taste blind and unlike "The Three Blind Mice" there is no RHYME or reason behind the selections, other than to test our skills of recognition and maybe learn a thing or two along the way... and boy do we learn a thing or two! Support the show

Mark Gillespie is the creator and producer of the OG whisky podcast, WhiskyCast. He has his finger on the pulse of the global whisky industry like no other and in this episode of AW he graciously shares some of what he knows with us. We get to know him a little more as he is usually the one asking the questions and we pick his brain about industry trends and what he thinks the future of whisky might look like.  Support the show

Zach Johnston is the spirits writer for UPROXX. His background behind the bar and the keyboard coupled with his genuine passion for all things distilled means he comes to the table with a wealth of insight into the whisky world. He's got a birds-eye view on trends in the industry and is also just a very cool guy.  We hope you enjoy our chat. Support the show

Who will be crowned "The Peat King of Islay" in this battle of flagship bottles from six different  Islay Distilleries?!?!  It's high time we find out and you better hold onto your hats because this one gets dicey on more than one occasion. We can genuinely say that we've never judged a tighter lineup of whiskies than this one. Support the show

Once again we find ourselves under the masterful tutelage of headmaster Davin de "Wizard" Kergommeaux. This time he leads us on a tour of some unbelievably well-crafted Canadian single malts and educates our palates as well as our whiskraft knowledge. 1. Shelter Point "Classic Single Malt" (cask strength); special for Kensington Wine Market 2. Okannagan Spirits "Laird of Fintry" 3. Stillhead Distillery Single Malt4. Two Brewers Single Malt Support the show

Welcome to our first episode of "Pairs With". This is a special mid-week release series that will air occasionally and for our very first episode, we are joined by Chris Gormley. Chris is the drummer for The Trews, has a solo project called The Whisky Hunter, and is a whisky connoisseur. We talk about all things whisky and music and come up with some great pairings along the way.Support the show

The Doctor is in the HIZZOUSE and we get taken to school! Don Livermore is the master blender for Hiram Walker, producer of Lot 40, Pike Creek, J.P. Wiser's, and Gooderham & Worts. He is a wealth of knowledge and whisky wisdom. We talk about everything from Canadian rye to flavour wheels, cask maturation, and... A LOT more. This one's a crowd pleaser for you whisky nerds

A Hazelburn, Springbank, Glen Scotia, Longrow, and Kilkerran walk into a bar... That's our kind of bar. #nuffsaid Support the show

We are joined by Canada's brand ambassador for Ardbeg and Glenmorangie, Bryan Simpson. We share a dram of Ardbeg Corryvreckan, swap stories, chat about the relationship between transparency and value, and a whole slew of other great things! We also deliver this episode with the most CRINGY opening yet... so... you're welcome

We drink Ardbeg 10 and talk about brand bias. Ardbeg is a brand with a cult-like following but has it, and reputable brands like it, been selling clever marketing to garner consumer loyalty while letting product quality slip? It definitely happens although some brands have earned the praise with a flavour-first approach. How do we sift the wheat from the chaff? Can our loyalty be bought by fluffy marketing? And, ultimately, how susceptible are we to brand bias? Support the show

Welcome to YEAR 1 - that's right, I said it British

Who doesn't love a surprise, right? In this spontaneously recorded episode, Tyler presents Josiah with an unknown (to him) whisky for a totally blind tasting and then... the reveal! What is it? What could it be? How much does brand bias influence our taste? All of this plus some tomfoolery awaits those brave enough to listen. Support the show

In this episode, we're joined by Ralfy of ralfydotcom and if you're like us, you've always wanted a Ralfy Podcast... well now you have one! We talk about the slipping standards of the Scotch industry, how to expand your palate, what to look for when buying, the oxidation of peated whisky, the internet and SO MUCH MORE! Support the show

In this episode we celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style with the coveted Green Spot. We taste, talk, compare, and tackle serious questions such as; does everyone still use SMS TXT? We may not know if good ol' St. Patrick liked uisce beatha but one thing is certain… WE DO! And we need very little excuse to pour a dram. So cheers to the man of the hour, St. Patrick. SLÁINTE! Support the show

This whisky makes NO apologies. It's boldly confident and always goes hard in the paint, BUT can it withstand the scrutiny of Armchair Whisky? Highland Park is known by many, accessible, and often overlooked on the shelves but it's always been respected by us. That said, this non-age statement single malt exacts a hefty toll on your wallet and we want to know if it delivers on the palate. Support the show

We have come down hard on Canadian Whisky in past episodes so we decided to invite an expert on to see if he could expand our minds and pallets. Davin De Kergommeaux has been writing about whisky, presenting whisky seminars, and leading tasting workshops around the globe for over 20 years, as well as judging international whisky competitions such as The World Whisky Awards and The Malt Manics Awards.  We also suspect he might be a wizard but you'll have to listen to the episode to find out more on that. Support the show

We're back to the proverbial Holy Land of Whisky, pulled by the gravitas of the Speyside region and one of its finest representatives... Aberlour!  We're drinking A'bunadh, pronouncing it correctly, talking Scotch, kicking a**, taking names, and providing an education in the process. Support the show