Beneath The Char

In this episode, we venture into the heart of Kentucky's whiskey legacy with Royce Neeley and Jackie Zykan, the dynamic duo behind Hidden Barn Bourbon. Royce, a fifth-generation distiller, and Jackie, a master blender renowned for her artistry, share their journey of reviving a Prohibition-era tradition and crafting bourbons that honor both heritage and innovation.Discover the story behind Hidden Barn's inception, their commitment to quality and community, and the meticulous process that goes into creating their award-winning expressions. From the rich history of the Neeley Family Distillery to the artistry of blending that defines Hidden Barn, this conversation offers a deep dive into the world of small-batch bourbon.Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or new to the spirit, this episode provides a captivating look at the passion and craftsmanship that fuel one of Kentucky's most exciting bourbon brands.

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Brent Elliott--Master Distiller at Four Roses.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join Nick as he chats with Tommy Tardie--owner of the top rated whiskey bar in America.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us as we chat with Tommy Tardie!  Tommy runs three incredibly successful companies that are all whiskey centric.  The first restaurant he started was The Flatiron Room, which just won 2021's Best Whiskey Bar in America!  He then started another successful Restaurant (Fine & Rare) before jumping into the coffee world.  This is a conversation about passion, innovation, creativity, and persistence.  Can't wait for everyone to get to know Tommy better!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Colin Spoelman & Ryan Ciuchta from King's County Distillery.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Interested in learning more about NYC's fastest growing whiskey distillery?  Tune in now to hear Colin and Ryan talk about Kings County and what they're building in the heart of Brooklyn!  Fun conversation with two gentlemen pursuing their passions!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Jodie Filiatreau from Evan Williams Bourbon.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us as we chat with Artisanal Distiller, Jodie Filiatreau!  Jodie has been a part of the Heaven Hill family since 1981.  He currently serves as the Artisanal Distiller at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville, KY.  Jodie has many incredible stories while working his way up at Heaven Hill.  Toward the end, he'll tell you what are some must buys if you're justing getting into whiskey!  Enjoy!

Join us as we chat with Murphy Quint, Master Distiller at Cedar Ridge Distillery.  Murphy and his team are putting Iowa whiskey on the map.  Listen in to learn more about what makes their whiskey special, why they partnered with Slipknot on an incredible whiskey, and their dreams for the future.  This is an episode you will not want to miss!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Murphy Quint from Cedar Ridge Distillery.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Lisa Roper Wicker from Widow Jane Distillery.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Lisa Roper Wicker has had one of the more interesting journeys into the bourbon world and is taking the industry by storm.  Winner of multiple awards, she is producing high quality whiskey with a passion for doing it the right way.  This is one of our favorite conversations we've had to date!  

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Ken Lewis from New Riff Distilling.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us as we chat with the Founder of New Riff Distilling.  After running an incredibly successful liquor store for many year, Ken is committed to producing excellent whiskey in one of the most incredible ways.  This is an episode that you will not want to miss.

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Jane Bowie from Maker's Mark.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join as we chat with Jane Bowie--Director of Innovation at Maker's Mark.  Jane is doing incredible things and has had one of the most interesting journeys in the whiskey world that we've had the chance to learn about.  If you're a fan of Maker's Mark, this is a must listen!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Freddie Noe from Jim Beam.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us as we chat with Freddie Noe--8th generation distiller at Jim Beam!  Freddie has such a wealth of experience in the whiskey industry and shares many incredible stories in this particular episode.  This is an episode you will not want to miss!  

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Danny Khan from Barton 1792.  We hope you enjoy the show!

If you're a fan of Sazerac products like us, this is an episode you will not want to miss.  Join us as we speak with Danny Kahn, Master Distiller for Barton 1792!  Danny has had an incredibly interesting path to the whiskey world.  He started as an expert in the beer world and has been making excellent whiskey since 2018. We loved our time with Danny and hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Conor O'Driscoll from Heaven Hill.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us as we speak with Conor O'Driscoll--Master Distiller for Heaven Hill.  Learn more about his transition from pharmaceuticals to the world of bourbon and why he is distilling whiskey versus brewing Guinness in Dublin!  He's maintaining the tradition and excellence of brands like Elijah Craig, Larceny, Pikesville Rye, Evan Williams, and so many more.  This is a conversation you will not want to miss!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Chris Morris from Woodford Reserve.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Chris Morris knows whiskey. As the second Master Distiller at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, Chris was an integral character in the development of Woodford Reserve. As head Master Distiller of one of the world's fastest growing bourbons, he spends his days innovating and planning future releases.The mastermind behind Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Rye, and Master's Collection, Chris knows the keys to making good whiskey are time and patience, but having a sense of good craftsmanship is also a talent that goes a long way.Chris began his career in bourbon in 1976 as a trainee in Brown-Forman's central lab. In 1997, he found himself as an understudy to Lincoln Henderson, Woodford Reserve's Inaugural Master Distiller, who in 2003 Chris succeeded. In the years that followed, Chris was responsible for creating the world's first bourbon finished in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Barrels. He's also credited with developing the world's first maple barrel; a difficult feat made easier when you command your own cooperage.Join us as we speak with Chris and learn more about his passions and hear many incredible stories!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Ariel Jahn from Woodinville Whiskey Co.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Ariel Jahn is the Woodinville Development Manager for Woodinville Whiskey Co. In her role, she is responsible for managing a team of Brand Ambassadors, implementing yearly marketing programs, and supporting sales efforts in the market. She will support regional program managers (MHUSA) in execution and implementation of the brand's strategy of driving awareness, education and engagement with both the trade and consumers alike.Join us for a fun conversation to learn more about Ariel and the great whiskey coming out of the state of Washington!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Alex Castle from Old Dominick Distillery.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us as we chat with Alex Castle--Master Distiller at Old Dominick.  This is a conversation full of heart, candor, innovation, and intrigue.  Alex is doing incredible things at this Memphis-based distillery and following her dreams!  Tune in and learn why folks are talking so positively about what Alex and her team are doing.

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Dr. Pat Heist from Wilderness Trail Distillery.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us as we chat with Dr. Pat Heist--co-founder of Ferm Solutions & Wilderness Trail Distillery.  Dr. Pat is one of the most knowledgeable people we have ever spoken with.  Listen in as he educates us on all things whiskey while sprinkling in so many incredible hilarious moments!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Ed & Dayn Belfour from Belfour Spirits.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us as we talk to NHL Hall of Famer Ed Belfour and his son, Dayn Belfour, to learn about their new whiskey venture.  This conversation is packed with passion, humor, and excitement.  Learn more about Belfour Spirits, what's currently cooking, and what they're excited about for the future!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with popular musician Drew Holcomb.  Drew is an incredible talent, father, and all around gentleman.  This conversation covers both his musical career as well as his love for whiskey--diving into his latest project with Sweeten's Cove.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us as we chat with Drew Holcomb!  Drew is a passionate musician, a bourbon nerd, and a dedicated father and husband to his wife and three children.  This is a fun conversation about why he loves music, what he's currently drinking, and why he chose to invest in Sweeten's Cove.  It's one of the more memorable conversations we've had recently, and you'll quickly see why it's a must listen!  To learn more about Drew and his music, check out his website here: https://www.drewholcomb.com/.  

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Clay Risen.  Clay is a prolific writer and is well known in the bourbon world for his book: American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye: A Guide to the Nation's Favorite Spirit.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us as we chat with Clay Risen! Clay is a journalist for the New York Times, a historian, and a devout whiskey enthusiast.  Having authored several books about whiskey, Clay is an expert on what makes whiskey special.  This is a conversation that dives deep into Clay's passion for writing, whiskey, and good 'ol stories.  Join us with a glass of Blanton's or Elijah Craig!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Bruce Buffer from UFC & Puncher's Chance Bourbon.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Bruce Buffer is the internationally renowned sports and entertainment announcer, best known for his work around the world over the last 25 years as the “Voice of the UFC Octagon” announcer for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Bruce's is also known for his famous catchphrase is "It's Time!” which he announces before the main event of the UFC and other events around the world. Bruce also enjoys his favorite hobbies, poker and surfing, and lives by the motto, “Warrior Spirit Forever”!Join us to find out more as to why he helped start Puncher's Chance Bourbon and hear which fighter he think embodies the bourbon most! This is an incredibly fun conversation that will leave you wanting to learn more.  Cheers, y'all!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Trey Zoeller from Jefferson's Bourbon.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Founded back in 1997, Trey and Chet Zoeller wanted to be innovative with whiskey when whiskey wasn't even hot yet!  Fast forward 24 years, and they are a household name.  Join us as we chat with Trey Zoeller and learn more about his passions, why he started Jefferson's with his father, and what he's excited about for the future!  Enjoy!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Eric Jett and Michael Myers from Distillery 291.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us for our first in-person interview with Founder and CEO Michael Myers and Head Distiller Eric Jett.  This is a special episode that is funny, vulnerable, informative, and full of tears.  Distillery 291 is creating something truly special.  This is a must listen episode!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with David Altrogge--director of the film "Neat."  If you haven't seen this documentary, it's a must watch.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Join us as we speak to David Altrogge, the film director for the incredible documentary, "Neat."  We are huge fans of this film and feel incredibly honored to be speaking to one of the people behind the film.  It's a must see documentary, and this is a must listen episode!  If you would like to learn more about the film itself, go to: http://www.thebourbonfilm.com/.

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with James Davenport & Mike Hinds from Nashville Barrel Co.  We hope you enjoy the show!

On today's episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with James Davenport and Mike Hinds from Nashville Barrel Company.  Their story is one that can inspire all of us as they took their love of whiskey and friendship and decided to start a whiskey business that puts out some delicious varieties that folks are seeking out!  Join us to learn more about them and what they're up to!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Jay West from Whiskey Raiders.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Better known in the Reddit world as t8ke, Jay West is the Managing Editor and Spirits Critic for WhiskeyRaiders.com - a new, novel, whiskey review website. Whiskey Raiders focuses on bringing trusted reviews through the voice of Jay, combined with aggregating the scores and thoughts of the whiskey world's other top publications to create a one stop shop for anyone reading about whiskey. Jay's reviewed almost 2,000 bottles, and tried many more in his time writing about spirits.This is a fun conversation that you will not want to miss!

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Christian and Blake Huber from Starlight Distillery.  We hope you enjoy the show!

The story of Starlight Distillery dates back to the 1800's.  It's a story of passion, tradition, and purpose--all from a rural town in Indiana.  Listen in as these two brothers tell their own stories and the larger story of their family's business.https://www.huberwinery.com/starlight-distillery/

Join Nick and Jason as they chat with Owen Locke from Locke & Co.  We hope you enjoy the show!