Whiskey@Work

Whiskey and… taxes? In this episode of Whiskey@Work, Rob and Mark do the unthinkable, crunch numbers. Kicked off by a viral TikTok, the guys dive deep into the federal excise tax world of bourbon, busting myths about what distillers owe and when. But don't worry, math class is short-lived. The real star of the show is Benchmark Whiskey. With the full line finally available in South Dakota, Rob and Mark crack open the 80-proof Black Label and the 86-proof Top Floor. No snobbery here, just budget-friendly bourbon, Buffalo Trace mash bills, and a whole lot of gratitude to Sheila Seger Ogborn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

XO Marks the Spot this week on Whiskey@Work as Rob and Mark crack open a surprise bottle that showed up like bourbon Santa came early. It's labeled “Pure Kentucky XO,” but what does that even mean? The guys try to figure that out while navigating tangents about Eagle Rare's new 12-year release, bourbon's shrinking demand, and whether Ozempic is coming for your whiskey shelf. Add a dash of rhubarb crisp, a shout-out to koalas, and a healthy dose of sarcasm—and you've got yourself another classic Tuesday afternoon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bears. Berries. Bourbon. This episode of Whiskey@Work gets wild as Rob and Mark sip on Bearproof Huckleberry Whiskey from Glacier Distilling in Montana. Along the way, they dive into the juicy history of huckleberries, grizzly bear encounters, and a surprising debate over Tombstone's most misquoted line. Plus, we finally answer the question: can you farm a huckleberry? (Spoiler: kinda.) Packed with snark and just enough terroir talk to sound fancy—this one's a smooth pour with a rugged finish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The border might be closed, but the bar is wide open! On this episode of Whiskey@Work, Rob and Mark welcome back their favorite Canadian rockers, the Arcana Kings, for an international whiskey summit that's all about building bridges and busting chops. The crew reminisces about wild Sturgis rallies, epic recording sessions, and the finer points of bagpipes in rock. Things get especially spirited as the gang swaps rare pours: Saskatoon's Lucky Bastard single malt and the fire-breathing Jack Daniel's Coy Hill straight from Tennessee. With a little friendly heckling and a whole lot of laughter, both sides sign a “Treaty of the Barrel” and prove once again that good music and great whiskey can fix just about anything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hop into this episode of Whiskey@Work, where things get pretty amphibious. Mark and Rob take a wild detour through the world of frogs, covering everything from pet snakes at the bar and freeze-proof Alaskan frogs to the surprisingly tough hairy frog that can actually make its own claws. They also get into the infamous poison dart frog, some wild frog trivia, and why Ireland's native toad prefers running over hopping.After the amphibian adventure, the guys finally sip on Natterjack Irish Whiskey, which is triple distilled, aged in ex-bourbon barrels, and finished in new American oak. Along the way, they answer important questions, like whether this whiskey tastes like frog and if it goes well with a Kermit impression. Come for the whiskey, stay for the frog facts, and walk away with a new appreciation for weird Irish toads. Cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Whiskey@Work, Mark and Rob dig into the newly released Jack Daniel's 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, one of the oldest and rarest expressions Jack has ever put on the shelf. They break down the surprising history of Jack's age-stated whiskeys, why the brand dropped age statements for decades, and what led them back to long-aged bourbon in today's market. Plus, the guys talk about Chris Stapleton's Traveller becoming the first official whiskey of Major League Baseball, and a new addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond. Along the way, there's a little roadside confession, a look ahead to the Sturgis Jack Tasting event, and a bold new concept: the Mountain West Pork Butt-Off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a long detour through tequila country, the boys are back on the bourbon trail—and this time, they've got country music star Brandon Jones riding shotgun. In this episode of Whiskey@Work, Mark and Rob crack open Row 94, the new celebrity bourbon from Dierks Bentley, and talk all things music, whiskey, and...Chad Greenway? From activated charcoal hangover hacks to awkward Viking fan confessions, this one's got everything—including a whiskey designed to pair with cigarettes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this final leg of our tequila adventure, we dive into the smoky world of mezcal! Rob and Mark sip their way through artisanal spirits, debate wolves vs. leopards, confess their tragic 8th-grade hair choices, and welcome special guest Clay Birkeland to raise the IQ—and the glass—just a little. Plus, we gear up for Mountain West Fiesta Fest with tales of tequila, trust, and a surprising amount of talk about perms. It's smoky, it's silly, and it's a perfect send-off to our tequila series! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tequila train keeps rollin' on Whiskey@Work! This week, Rob and Mark tackle Añejo tequila, diving into two very different bottles: Herradura Ultra and Corazón aged in Blanton's barrels. Along the way, they cough through a cold, reminisce about mezcal mishaps, argue over proof levels, and somehow squeeze in some bourbon news—including Jefferson's return to basics and Weller's big win overseas. Plus, they prep for the upcoming Mountain West Fiesta Fest with a few laughs, a few regrets, and probably too much tequila. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's tequila time on Whiskey@Work! Mark and Rob power through illness, questionable decisions, and Michael Jordan's oddly curvy bottle design to dive into Reposado tequila—specifically, Cincoro, MJ's premium (and possibly additive-packed) bottle. With special guest Adam Patton from The Box in Box Elder, we talk about how tequila is sneaking up on whiskey as the spirit of choice, what makes Reposado perfect for whiskey lovers, and why a sticky hand might mean your tequila isn't what it seems. Oh—and we're throwing a massive tequila-fueled party soon: Mountain West Fiesta Fest. Wrestling ring included. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Whiskey@Work, it's part two of our Tequila@Work series, and Rob and Mark dive into the world of Blanco tequila with a surprise guest—Teramana, courtesy of Dwayne The Rock Johnson. They break down Highland vs. Lowland agave, explore the magic of copper pot stills, and discover that maybe tequila has been getting a bad rap all along. There's also big whiskey news: Buffalo Trace is underwater, Maker's Mark is trying something totally new, and Wild Turkey brings an 8-year legend back to the U.S. Plus, someone drank Mark's prized bottle of Redbreast from Ireland… and we're not letting it slide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're trading whiskey barrels for agave fields this month—it's Tequila@Work! Rob and Mark kick off a month-long journey into the world of tequila, starting at the bottom and sipping their way up. With questionable intros, knife talk, dream analysis, and some surprisingly heartfelt appreciation for mixto tequila, this episode sets the stage for a wild ride to Mountain West Fiesta Fest. If you've ever licked, slammed, sucked, and regretted—this one's for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pour a double and buckle up for this episode of Whiskey@Work! Mark and Rob take a deep dive into the surprising differences between Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare—two bourbons with the same mash bill but totally different vibes. Plus, they dream about sumo wrestling with a side of whiskey in Japan, relive some wild sumo suit memories, and break down the world's most expensive bourbon sale. Oh, and Rob's car crash story from the '90s makes an unexpected cameo. It's just another wild Tuesday in the Whiskey@Work studio. Cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Whiskey@Work, Rob and Mark dive into the beautiful mistakes of history—those happy accidents that changed the world. From the invention of potato chips to penicillin, they break down how some of the greatest things we love today were never meant to happen—including the whiskey in their glasses. That's right, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked started as an experiment, and it turned into one of the richest, most full-bodied bourbons out there. Was it an accident? A paradox? Or just really good whiskey? Either way, grab a drink and join the fun! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recovering from a wild weekend? Yeah, same here. We recap the Mountain West Whiskey Festival, questionable decision-making, secret rooms, and the mysterious benefactor who picked up our bar tab. Plus, we take a sip (or several) of Four Walls—the Irish-American whiskey blend from the gang behind It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Is it a gimmick or a game-changer? And do we finally agree on a flavored whiskey? (Spoiler: probably not.) Pour a drink and join us for another whiskey-fueled ride! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whiskey brings people together, and this episode of Whiskey@Work proves it! Rob and Mark welcome guest (and listener) Dylan Walter, who we met at the 2024 Mountain West Whiskey Festival. Dylan took us up on our open invitation to share a pour, bringing along his favorite rye whiskey—A Midwinter Night's Dram from High West Distillery in Park City, Utah.We chat about Dylan's journey into whiskey, what he does for a living, and, of course, dive into the magic of A Midwinter Night's Dram. Along the way, Mark throws in a Shakespeare quiz (because the whiskey's name has a literary twist, and why not test Rob and Dylan's English class memories?). It's a laid-back, whiskey-fueled conversation between three guys who just love a good pour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore Jack Daniel's new Aged Series, featuring a 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, a 12-Year-Old (Batch 3), and a 10-Year-Old (Batch 4). These limited releases bring back classic age-stated whiskeys with bold, complex flavors like oak, pipe tobacco, and bittersweet cocoa.In the second segment, we dive into the Seahorse Mizunara Cask-finished whiskey, exploring the unique challenges of using Mizunara oak—its rare, twisted grains and signature flavors of sandalwood, coconut, and incense. We also touch on the wood's historical significance in Japanese whiskey-making. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Whiskey@Work, we're diving into Seagram's 7—Houston talks about how he's never actually had a 7 and 7 (yep, that's right, never!), and we discuss the blend percentages and why this whiskey stands out in a way we didn't expect.We also chat about the 2024 Old Fitzgerald VVS, named Whiskey of the Year.But the real gem? We explore the world of Sauternes—a luxurious French dessert wine that's creating some magical whiskey finishes. Learn how Sauternes casks add honeyed sweetness and complexity to whiskey, giving it a whole new twist. We try in in the Distillery Exclusive from Woodinville in Washington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Whiskey@Work!Segment 1:

This week on Whiskey@Work, we're coming to you from the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo in Rapid City, SD! We're diving into the Western heritage, rodeo traditions, and the whiskey that fits right in—including a deep dive into Pendleton 1910 Bourbon and its ties to the legendary Pendleton Round-Up.But that's not all—we're also tackling some big whiskey news:

Rob and Mark are back with another round of whiskey stories, history, and industry shake-ups! Here's what's on the menu:

Ever wondered what happens when the passionate world of Irish literature collides with the rich tradition of whiskey-making? Welcome to this week's Whiskey@Work, where we uncork the story of Writers' Tears - a whiskey that's part spirit, part tribute, and completely captivating. Also, Canada hates us now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it the beginning of the end for whiskey and bourbon popularity? And a distillery exclusive from Redbreast, the largest selling single pot still Irish whiskey in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just what is a Whiskey Bonder? They haven't been around for almost 50 years in Ireland, but they're making a comeback. And judging by this bottle, it's a good thing! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So, Houston went to Ireland. Get ready for the next month of Whiskey@Work being nothing but Irish Whiskey! And he would also like to introduce you to Nessa Blackmore from Midleton. You all want to be her! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Whiskey@Work, Mark challenges Rob to a cinnamon whiskey taste test. Despite Rob's aversion to flavored whiskeys, he'll sample three popular cinnamon varieties: Fireball Dragon's Reserve, Bird Dog Hot Cinnamon, and Jack Fire. Will Rob find an unexpected favorite, or will he reaffirm his stance on flavored whiskeys? Go ahead, guess. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Billboard magazine has name Beyonce the greatest pop star of the 21st Century. Beyoncé has dominated the charts and the music headlines over the past 25 years, always remaining culturally and commercially relevant while staying a step ahead of her contemporaries and critics. And then, she made a whisky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Whiskey@Work, we take a detour from barrels of bourbon to bags of beans as we dive into the story of Rootline Coffee in Summerset, SD. More than just a coffee company, Rootline is on a mission to rescue children from sex trafficking in Central America. Despite facing harrowing challenges like cartel raids and team members being imprisoned, their passion for making a difference burns as strong as their expertly crafted brews.Join us as we explore the parallels between the craftsmanship of coffee and whiskey, the power of storytelling in both worlds, and how the whiskey community can help amplify Rootline's life-changing work. This is a story about resilience, flavor, and a purpose that goes far beyond the cup—or the glass. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Rob and Mark sit down with Steve Smith, owner of Smith's Liquor in Rapid City, SD. A former paratrooper turned liquor store owner, Steve shares his journey and passion for fine spirits.As a devoted scotch enthusiast, Steve brings three of his favorite bottles to sample. Join us for a lively discussion about Steve's military days, his 17 years in the liquor business, and of course, some excellent scotch tasting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Indiana Jones once said, "Peat. Why'd it have to be peat?" Wait, that was snakes. From the newest distillery in Japan, Rob and Mark present Rokkosan Whisky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guys, hold up, isn't this a whiskey podcast? Yes, and whiskey is getting weird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lots of celebrity whiskies have again rolled out. Most have not been, what's the word...great? One of the biggest stars in '90s country music hopes to change that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Houston wanted this to be a scary podcast, Rob wanted to talk about his elk. Rob mostly won. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we're chasing whiskey mysteries. And we'll try to discover how Rob ended up with this bottle he has no memory of getting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Rob and Mark, your everyday bourbon and scotch guys, as they take a wild ride into the world of Serbian rakija. Their buddy Mitch brought back a bottle from his trip, and now they're about to find out if it's the real deal or just a Serbian moonshine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Houston convince Rob that Canadian whiskey holds more influence than American bourbon? Have you met Rob? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Houston gets one more week to tell a couple of good whiskey stories. The crime of PappyGate and the inspirational story of Horse Soldier Bourbon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Mark on a solo adventure through the rich history of Bushmills Irish Whiskey, the world's oldest licensed distillery! While Rob's off in DC trying to rig an election, Mark will be diving into the tales of this iconic Irish brand. From their humble beginnings to their legendary flavors, we'll explore the stories behind the smooth taste of Bushmills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our 202nd episode! Everybody else celebrates their milestones on numbers that end with zeros. Not Rob and Mark. They celebrate when the time is right for them. They are the Benchmark of whiskey podcasts! No, wait, they're drinking Benchmark on the podcast. They really need to get their s*** together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob and Mark have been called a lot of things. Handsome? Not really. Funny? Eh, maybe. Arrogant bastards? All the time. Arrogant Bastard is also what they call this whiskey created from a collaboration of Stone Brewing and Foundry Distilling Company. Let's see if we can match their energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Whiskey@Work, join us as we sip on Blue Note Juke Joint Whiskey and explore the origins of the terms 'juke,' 'blue note,' and 'Beale Street.' Rob will also have to explain how the words "note" and "run" confuse him. It'll make sense when you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to go from underdog to champion? I shot of bourbon, apparently. The story of Never Say Die. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The history of the Sazerac cocktail is pretty interesting. So is making it without breaking a glass. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rock 'n Roll, hockey and whisky. That's what you get when you talk to a bunch of Canadiens. Johnny McCuaig, Al Morrison and Graham Templeman of Arcana Kings hang out with Rob and Mark to crack open a bottle of Lucky Bastard. The coolest part about this? We may have been the first in America to have a taste! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the rally, comes the whiskey. We sit down to talk with Jason Dvorak of Mr. Liquor about the all-new Loud American Jack Daniel's Single Barrel on the shelves and ready to drink! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we're talkin' craft distilleries. The history, the boom, and where they go from here. Plus, we'll sip on two from Colorado. Also, will anyone be in North Dakota over the next few days? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's head into the world of oat whiskey in this episode featuring Bickering Bros. 1804 Oat Whiskey. Join us as we delve into the unique qualities and intriguing history of this lesser-known spirit. Learn about (sort of) the distinctive characteristics that oats bring to whiskey, the challenges of crafting it, and what makes Bickering Bros. 1804 stand out. And the best part? Bickering Bros. is right here in good ol' South Dakota! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does "Old No. 7" mean? What does the 46 stand for on Maker's Mark 46? How many bottles a week is too many bottles to finish off? OK, that last one is a joke, sort of, but we crunched some numbers when it comes to whiskey, scotch, and bourbon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast won't be for everyone, let's just get that out in the open. If you're a whiskey purist, take a pass. But if you want to know more about one of the most popular whiskies ever, stick around. Because this show is about to taste like heaven and burn like hell! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're cracking open dusty records and creaking open forgotten warehouses, sort of. What's the deal with "ghost distilleries"? Our buddy Gabe gives some insights and helps Rob and Mark review a couple of pretty good whiskeys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baker's 7 has never been on our radar, until now. Named after a sixth-generation Beam, it's worth checking out. Plus, what ten bottles would you recommend to someone who is just starting their bourbon journey? We'll give you ours! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.