WhiskyCast HD

Forty Creek Whisky founder John K. Hall has kept a low profile since selling his distillery to Campari five years ago. He won dozens of awards for his whiskies at Forty Creek, and turned his startup into one of the best-selling Canadian whiskies around - earning him a place in Canadian Whisky history. Hall returned to the 2019 Victoria Whisky Festival for the first time since the sale to serve as the keynote speaker for the Canadian Whisky Awards dinner. In an exclusive interview with WhiskyCast's Mark Gillespie, he shared his thoughts on today's whisky business and whether he may make a comeback once his non-compete agreement with Campari expires later this year.

Forty Creek Whisky founder John K. Hall has kept a low profile since selling his distillery to Campari five years ago. He won dozens of awards for his whiskies at Forty Creek, and turned his startup into one of the best-selling Canadian whiskies around - earning him a place in Canadian Whisky history. Hall returned to the 2019 Victoria Whisky Festival for the first time since the sale to serve as the keynote speaker for the Canadian Whisky Awards dinner. In an exclusive interview with WhiskyCast's Mark Gillespie, he shared his thoughts on today's whisky business and whether he may make a comeback once his non-compete agreement with Campari expires later this year.

On June 22, 2018, half of Warehouse 30 collapsed at the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, spilling around 9,000 barrels of whiskey. The rest of the warehouse collapsed on July 4 with another 9,000 barrels. Crews have been working since then to recover as many barrels - and as much Bourbon - as possible. The site is closed to reporters, but Sazerac has released a video and new images showing cleanup work at the warehouse site.

On June 22, 2018, half of Warehouse 30 collapsed at the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, spilling around 9,000 barrels of whiskey. The rest of the warehouse collapsed on July 4 with another 9,000 barrels. Crews have been working since then to recover as many barrels - and as much Bourbon - as possible. The site is closed to reporters, but Sazerac has released a video and new images showing cleanup work at the warehouse site.

With the ongoing trade dispute between the US and Canada, it's important to keep in mind that Canadian Whisky remains extremely popular in the US. Crown Royal has released the latest edition in its Noble Collection series - a 13-year-old "Blender's Mash" using one of the five different styles of whisky Crown Royal makes at its distillery in Gimli, Manitoba. They call it a different name at the distillery, though...and when they tried to use that "Bourbon Mash" name in the US...let's just say it didn't go quite as planned.

With the ongoing trade dispute between the US and Canada, it's important to keep in mind that Canadian Whisky remains extremely popular in the US. Crown Royal has released the latest edition in its Noble Collection series - a 13-year-old "Blender's Mash" using one of the five different styles of whisky Crown Royal makes at its distillery in Gimli, Manitoba. They call it a different name at the distillery, though...and when they tried to use that "Bourbon Mash" name in the US...let's just say it didn't go quite as planned.

James Yoakum opened Cooper River Distillers in 2014 in the heart of Camden, New Jersey - just wanting to make good whiskies and rum. He and his team did just that, but they learned an important lesson along the way: size matters. They couldn't make enough whiskey and rum to meet the demand, but they also couldn't make enough money to expand the distillery. Faced with that dilemma, Yoakum decided to close the distillery with one final Kentucky Derby party on May 5, 2018.

James Yoakum opened Cooper River Distillers in 2014 in the heart of Camden, New Jersey - just wanting to make good whiskies and rum. He and his team did just that, but they learned an important lesson along the way: size matters. They couldn't make enough whiskey and rum to meet the demand, but they also couldn't make enough money to expand the distillery. Faced with that dilemma, Yoakum decided to close the distillery with one final Kentucky Derby party on May 5, 2018.

Irish Whiskey's history has been written over centuries, but Carol Quinn has the unique task of preserving the history that was actually written down. The professional archivist has spent the last five years cataloging more than two centuries' worth of historic documents, photographs, and bottles from the distilleries that joined forces in 1966 to form Irish Distillers - and she's barely getting started. The stories hidden away in the Irish Whiskey Archive tell more than just the facts and figures ... they give today's whiskey lovers a glimpse of the people who helped put Irish Whiskey on the map.

Irish Whiskey's history has been written over centuries, but Carol Quinn has the unique task of preserving the history that was actually written down. The professional archivist has spent the last five years cataloging more than two centuries' worth of historic documents, photographs, and bottles from the distilleries that joined forces in 1966 to form Irish Distillers - and she's barely getting started. The stories hidden away in the Irish Whiskey Archive tell more than just the facts and figures ... they give today's whiskey lovers a glimpse of the people who helped put Irish Whiskey on the map.

We'll visit the Hiram Walker and Sons distillery in Windsor, Ontario, which uses around 100 million metric tons of grain each year to distill its Canadian whiskies, and meet "The Gatekeeper," Kristy Fregonese. It's her job to make sure that every truckload of grain that arrives at the distillery meets strict quality control standards.

We'll visit the Hiram Walker and Sons distillery in Windsor, Ontario, which uses around 100 million metric tons of grain each year to distill its Canadian whiskies, and meet "The Gatekeeper," Kristy Fregonese. It's her job to make sure that every truckload of grain that arrives at the distillery meets strict quality control standards.

George Washington's original whiskey distillery at his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia operated from 1797 until shortly after his death in 1799. In 2007, the restored distillery began producing rye whiskey using Washington's original recipe. Ten years later, distillers from around the United States gathered at Mount Vernon to celebrate - and make some whiskey.

George Washington's original whiskey distillery at his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia operated from 1797 until shortly after his death in 1799. In 2007, the restored distillery began producing rye whiskey using Washington's original recipe. Ten years later, distillers from around the United States gathered at Mount Vernon to celebrate - and make some whiskey.

On the first Saturday each December, Stranahan's Distillery in Denver releases its annual Snowflake limited-edition single malt whiskey. The release party has become more than just a one-day event, as hundreds of whiskey lovers start camping outside the distillery days in advance to claim a spot in line. We'll meet these "Strana-fans" and get a look behind the scenes as the 2017 release of Snowflake goes on sale.

On the first Saturday each December, Stranahan's Distillery in Denver releases its annual Snowflake limited-edition single malt whiskey. The release party has become more than just a one-day event, as hundreds of whiskey lovers start camping outside the distillery days in advance to claim a spot in line. We'll meet these "Strana-fans" and get a look behind the scenes as the 2017 release of Snowflake goes on sale.

Dublin's Liberties neighborhood was once the center of the whiskey universe at a time when Irish Whiskey ruled the world more than 100 years ago. Changing tastes, wars, and economics ended that, and the last heritage distillery in the Liberties closed in 1976. Four decades later, the resurgence of Irish Whiskey has led to a resurgence of distilling in the Liberties, with two distilleries now in production and two more under construction as the Liberties reclaims its place in the whiskey world. We'll explore that revival with a visit to Dublin on this episode of WhiskyCast HD!

Dublin's Liberties neighborhood was once the center of the whiskey universe at a time when Irish Whiskey ruled the world more than 100 years ago. Changing tastes, wars, and economics ended that, and the last heritage distillery in the Liberties closed in 1976. Four decades later, the resurgence of Irish Whiskey has led to a resurgence of distilling in the Liberties, with two distilleries now in production and two more under construction as the Liberties reclaims its place in the whiskey world. We'll explore that revival with a visit to Dublin on this episode of WhiskyCast HD!

The boom in Bourbon and American Whiskey sales isn't just a North American phenomenon. Whisky lovers around the world are demanding Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, and other whiskies from legendary and new distilleries alike, as we found during The Whisky Show in London. Part of the demand is being created by the cocktail culture, as American whiskies are key to making both classic and modern cocktails, but there's also a demand for the unique flavors of American whiskies, too.

The boom in Bourbon and American Whiskey sales isn't just a North American phenomenon. Whisky lovers around the world are demanding Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, and other whiskies from legendary and new distilleries alike, as we found during The Whisky Show in London. Part of the demand is being created by the cocktail culture, as American whiskies are key to making both classic and modern cocktails, but there's also a demand for the unique flavors of American whiskies, too.

BTaiwan's King Car Distillery is only 10 years old, yet its Kavalan single malt whiskies have won worldwide acclaim. As the distillery enters its second decade, Master Blender Ian Chang is leading his team with a heavy heart following the sudden death of his mentor earlier this year. Dr. Jim Swan was a consultant and mentor to distillers and blenders around the world, but had a special place in his heart for his friends in Taiwan, where he helped fashion the single malt whiskies that gave Kavalan its global reputation.

BTaiwan's King Car Distillery is only 10 years old, yet its Kavalan single malt whiskies have won worldwide acclaim. As the distillery enters its second decade, Master Blender Ian Chang is leading his team with a heavy heart following the sudden death of his mentor earlier this year. Dr. Jim Swan was a consultant and mentor to distillers and blenders around the world, but had a special place in his heart for his friends in Taiwan, where he helped fashion the single malt whiskies that gave Kavalan its global reputation.

Balcones Distilling moved into a brand-new modern whisky distillery in Waco, Texas in 2016, leaving behind its home in an old welding shop under the 17th Street Bridge a few blocks away. Head Distiller Jared Himstedt helped build the original distillery, and took us back for a tour of the largely hand-built distillery that helped Balcones make its name. We’ll also get a look inside the new state of the art distillery as well.

Balcones Distilling moved into a brand-new modern whisky distillery in Waco, Texas in 2016, leaving behind its home in an old welding shop under the 17th Street Bridge a few blocks away. Head Distiller Jared Himstedt helped build the original distillery, and took us back for a tour of the largely hand-built distillery that helped Balcones make its name. We’ll also get a look inside the new state of the art distillery as well.

The pagodas that adorn the roofs of many whisky distilleries in Scotland aren't there just for show. Years ago, those pagodas reeked with smoke as distillers dried the malted barley they produced on their malting floors. Economics forced all but a handful of distilleries to shut down their maltings many years ago and source their malted barley from large commercial maltings. However, a handful of Scotland's distilleries still malt some of their own barley because they believe it makes a difference in their whisky. We'll visit the malting floors and smoky peat-fired kilns at Orkney's Highland Park Distillery, where they malt peated barley for use in their single malt Scotch whiskies.

The pagodas that adorn the roofs of many whisky distilleries in Scotland aren't there just for show. Years ago, those pagodas reeked with smoke as distillers dried the malted barley they produced on their malting floors. Economics forced all but a handful of distilleries to shut down their maltings many years ago and source their malted barley from large commercial maltings. However, a handful of Scotland's distilleries still malt some of their own barley because they believe it makes a difference in their whisky. We'll visit the malting floors and smoky peat-fired kilns at Orkney's Highland Park Distillery, where they malt peated barley for use in their single malt Scotch whiskies.

For years, whiskey lovers spoke of a mysterious Irish Whiskey that could generally be found only in Ireland. Green Spot is a single pot still Irish Whiskey that was created by Mitchell and Son, the legendary Dublin wine and whiskey merchant. Green Spot got its name from the dab of green paint on each cask, and was one of four different Spot whiskeys bottled by the Mitchell family for decades using whiskey from Dublin's Jameson Distillery.

For years, whiskey lovers spoke of a mysterious Irish Whiskey that could generally be found only in Ireland. Green Spot is a single pot still Irish Whiskey that was created by Mitchell and Son, the legendary Dublin wine and whiskey merchant. Green Spot got its name from the dab of green paint on each cask, and was one of four different Spot whiskeys bottled by the Mitchell family for decades using whiskey from Dublin's Jameson Distillery.

The Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin has been one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions for years, but it closed at the end of August 2016 for an €11 million renovation project. It has now reopened as the Jameson Distillery Bow Street, with a whole new approach to go along with the new name.

The Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin has been one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions for years, but it closed at the end of August 2016 for an €11 million renovation project. It has now reopened as the Jameson Distillery Bow Street, with a whole new approach to go along with the new name.

The days when each Scotch Whisky distillery malted its own barley are long gone, and only a few distilleries still have malting floors. Now, most distilleries get their malt from one of the 11 commercial maltings in Scotland, and we’ll go inside Diageo’s Port Ellen Maltings on Islay for a look at the process of malting barley - one of the first steps in making whisky.

The days when each Scotch Whisky distillery malted its own barley are long gone, and only a few distilleries still have malting floors. Now, most distilleries get their malt from one of the 11 commercial maltings in Scotland, and we’ll go inside Diageo’s Port Ellen Maltings on Islay for a look at the process of malting barley - one of the first steps in making whisky.

Lagavulin Distillery on Scotland's Isle of Islay is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2016. It's not Islay's largest distillery, nor does it make the island's smokiest single malt Scotch whisky. Instead, Lagavulin's distillers focus on making the best whisky they can every day, and that dedication has led to whisky lovers around the world falling in love with Lagavulin.

Lagavulin Distillery on Scotland's Isle of Islay is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2016. It's not Islay's largest distillery, nor does it make the island's smokiest single malt Scotch whisky. Instead, Lagavulin's distillers focus on making the best whisky they can every day, and that dedication has led to whisky lovers around the world falling in love with Lagavulin.

Many of our favorite whiskies can be traced to Spain’s Sherry Triangle, the coastal region where Sherry comes from. We’ll look at the influence Sherry casks have on whiskies and visit the Antonio Páez Cooperage in Jerez, where Sherry casks are still made largely by hand.

Many of our favorite whiskies can be traced to Spain’s Sherry Triangle, the coastal region where Sherry comes from. We’ll look at the influence Sherry casks have on whiskies and visit the Antonio Páez Cooperage in Jerez, where Sherry casks are still made largely by hand.

Many of Scotland's whisky distilleries are named after their towns, such as Aberlour, Bowmore, and Craigellachie. However, The Glenrothes is the exception...it's distilled in the Speyside town of Rothes, 92 miles north of Glenrothes in Fife. Glenrothes has a new distillery to call its own, and we'll visit InchDairnie Distillery for a look at its modern way of making classic Scotch Whisky.

Many of Scotland's whisky distilleries are named after their towns, such as Aberlour, Bowmore, and Craigellachie. However, The Glenrothes is the exception...it's distilled in the Speyside town of Rothes, 92 miles north of Glenrothes in Fife. Glenrothes has a new distillery to call its own, and we'll visit InchDairnie Distillery for a look at its modern way of making classic Scotch Whisky.

This is a special “throwback” video with the very first WhiskyCast video segment released on March 17, 2011 featuring former Guinness master brewer Fergal Murray demonstrating how to pull a perfect pint of Guinness from the tap.

This is a special “throwback” video with the very first WhiskyCast video segment released on March 17, 2011 featuring former Guinness master brewer Fergal Murray demonstrating how to pull a perfect pint of Guinness from the tap.

Brian Kinsman became the sixth Master Blender in the history of William Grant and Sons in 2009, following in the footsteps of his mentor, David Stewart. While Stewart continues to oversee The Balvenie, Kinsman is responsible for Glenfiddich, the Grant's blended Scotch whiskies, and the rest of the company's portfolio.

Brian Kinsman became the sixth Master Blender in the history of William Grant and Sons in 2009, following in the footsteps of his mentor, David Stewart. While Stewart continues to oversee The Balvenie, Kinsman is responsible for Glenfiddich, the Grant's blended Scotch whiskies, and the rest of the company's portfolio.

It's rare to watch a whiskey distillery's stills run for the very first time, but that's what we're bringing you in this episode of WhiskyCast HD. Just a year and a week after buying the former Guinness brewery in Waterford, Ireland, Mark Reynier's Renegade Spirits has fired up the stills at what's now known as Waterford Distillery. Many of the brewery's former employees laid off after it closed two years ago have come back to work at the distillery, and 46 area farmers have been contracted to grow barley for use in Waterford's single malt whiskey, which is expected to go on sale five years from now.

Whisky glasses come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and while most of us have our own personal favorite style of glass, they all start out the same way...white-hot molten glass on the end of a glass blower's pipe. As part of Auchentoshan's "Art of Auchentoshan" project, a group of whisky writers was given a chance to hand-blow our own whisky glasses at Brooklyn's Urban Glass - with supervision!

Dr. Jim Beveridge is the Master Blender for Johnnie Walker, and leads a team of blenders at Diageo's blending lab in Menstrie, Scotland. He rarely does interviews, but sat down with WhiskyCast's Mark Gillespie recently in New York City to discuss the science and the art behind whisky blending.

Parker Beam and Jimmy Russell were part of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame's inaugural class in 2001, and on September 16, 2015, Jimmy helped present Parker with the Hall of Fame's first Lifetime Achievement Award. The award has been named for Parker as a tribute to the longtime Heaven Hill master distiller, who has been fighting ALS for the last three years. After the presentation, both Bourbon legends sat down with WhiskyCast's Mark Gillespie for a chat.

Seattle is known for coffee, but Westland Distillery wants Seattle to be known for its whiskey, too. Westland has already outgrown its original distillery, and is one of the few American distilleries producing single malt whiskey exclusively. Westland is also one of the few North American distilleries with its own peat bog...the only one in the region not designated as protected wetlands.

Kentucky had not had a fatal distillery accident since Prohibition until the morning of April 24, 2015, when the still at the Silver Trail Distillery suddenly over-pressurized and exploded. Distillers Jay Rogers and Kyle Rogers were hit with a blast of steam followed by burning alcohol, and both men suffered severe burns. Kyle Rogers died 17 days later at Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center, while Jay Rogers spent more than two months in the burn unit before he was released. He and Silver Trail founder Spencer Balentine share their stories of survival, the generosity of Kentucky's whiskey community, their future plans, and pay tribute to Kyle Rogers in this episode of WhiskyCast HD.

The Macpherson-Grant family has owned Scotland's Ballindalloch Estate for 469 years, so short-term thinking isn't in their DNA. The family has converted an old barn on the estate into Speyside's smallest distillery, with plans to release a Ballindalloch Single Malt Scotch Whisky years from now.

Thousands of whisky lovers descend on Scotland's Speyside region on the first weekend of May each year for the Spirit of Speyside Festival. The festival has more than 400 events over the River Spey's 100-mile length, combining music, art, and food as well as some of the world's finest whiskies.

Alan Winchester is Master Distiller for The Glenlivet, along with overseeing distilling operations at all of the Chivas Brothers distilleries in Scotland. This June, he'll celebrate his 40th anniversary in the Scotch Whisky industry, and he sat down with WhiskyCast's Mark Gillespie to discuss the past, present, and future of Scotch Whisky during the Spirit of Speyside Festival.