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Randy and Tiny explore the true meaning of craft distilleries and what distinguishes authentic craft operations from marketing gimmicks. They delve into personal experiences with Iron Fish Distillery in Michigan and St. Augustine Distillery in Florida, highlighting how these operations represent the soul of American craft whiskey.

• Craft distilleries aren't just about size but about commitment to authentic processes, community engagement, and offering immersive visitor experiences
• True craft distillers typically own and operate their stills, grow or locally source ingredients, and maintain independence from corporate ownership
• Iron Fish Distillery exemplifies farm-based craft production, growing their own rye that becomes part of their distinctive whiskeys
• The Mad Angler Manifesto showcases craft creativity with its unique seven-whiskey blend and balanced four-grain profile
• St. Augustine Distillery demonstrates how craft operations often preserve historic buildings and create community gathering spaces
• Small batch production allows craft distillers to take creative risks impossible for large producers
• Regional climate differences create unique aging environments that contribute to distinctly local whiskey profiles
• Many of today's craft distilleries could become tomorrow's heritage brands as they gain age and experience

Visit www.scotchiebourbonboys.com for merchandise including t-shirts and Glen Cairns. Check out Bourbon Capital Academy's educational experiences in Bardstown for the perfect introduction to bourbon country.

The true essence of craft distilling isn't found in marketing materials—it's written in golden fields of rye, preserved in century-old buildings, and most importantly, created by passionate individuals committed to authentic spirits production. This episode peels back the label to reveal what makes a genuine craft distillery and why these producers represent the soul of American whiskey innovation.

Randy "The Whiskey Doc" joins Tiny to explore the distinction between authentic craft distillers and those merely wearing the craft label. Through their personal experiences at Iron Fish Distillery in northern Michigan and St. Augustine Distillery in Florida, they showcase how true craft operations are transforming communities while creating distinctive spirits.

Iron Fish exemplifies farm-based distilling, where rye grown on-site becomes part of their whiskey, including their remarkable Mad Angler Manifesto—a seven-whiskey blend that defies convention with nearly equal parts corn, rye, barley, and wheat. Meanwhile, St. Augustine demonstrates how craft distilleries often preserve historical architecture, with their operation housed in a 1907 ice plant saved by twenty local families who banded together to create something meaningful.

Beyond the romance lies practical realities that shape craft whiskey. Regional climate differences impact aging conditions, smaller production allows for creative risk-taking impossible at larger scales, and community integration means these distilleries become far more than just production facilities—they're destinations that celebrate local heritage while creating new traditions.

Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast curious about the craft movement or someone who appreciates the stories behind your spirits, this conversation offers genuine insight into an industry where authenticity

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We explore the Evan Williams Master Blend, a special bourbon only available at the Evan Williams Experience distillery in Louisville, featuring their 23-year-old bourbon among other expressions.

• Exclusively available at the Evan Williams Experience in Louisville, not at the Heaven Hill distillery
• Masterful blend of five Evan Williams expressions including 23-year-old single barrel bourbon
• Priced reasonably for a bourbon containing such aged components
• The nose offers caramelized sugar, apple, banana, and subtle vanilla notes
• Remarkable flavor evolution that transforms from initial taste through the finish
• Long-lasting apple-like finish that lingers pleasantly without needing a chaser
• Received a rare perfect score for finish with a 16/18 overall rating
• Perfect for sharing with special friends and family
• Will be included in our upcoming Scotchy Bourbon Boys bus tour

Join us on our bus tour that includes a visit to the Evan Williams Experience where you can try this exceptional bourbon blend yourself.

What makes a bourbon worth the journey? In this special tasting episode, we dive deep into Evan Williams Master Blend – a distillery-only treasure that brings together five different expressions including their coveted 23-year-old single barrel.

The magic of this bourbon lies in its remarkable evolution. Beginning with gentle aromas of caramelized sugar, apple, and subtle floral notes, each sip takes you on a journey reminiscent of slowly caramelizing bananas – transforming from fruit-forward sweetness to rich, complex caramel. Most surprising is the extraordinary finish that lingers with a pleasant apple-like sweetness long after the sip is gone. Unlike many bourbons where the finish is merely an aftermath, here it becomes an entirely new experience worth savoring.

What struck us most was how this 90-proof offering delivers complexity without overwhelming intensity. It's approachable yet sophisticated, making it perfect for sharing with special friends and family. Despite containing well-aged components, it remains reasonably priced (historically under $100), representing one of bourbon's best values if you're willing to make the pilgrimage to Louisville.

Our conversation also explores the science behind bourbon production – from how barrel char affects hangovers to the importance of oak's natural properties in whiskey aging. We even touch on the fascinating details of how specific growing conditions of oak trees influence the final flavor profile.

Ready to experience this special bourbon yourself? Join our upcoming Scotchy Bourbon Boys bus tour featuring the Evan Williams Experience or plan your own visit to Louisville. Have you tried any distillery-only releases that surprised you? Let us know in the comments!

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The Bourbon on the Banks festival in Frankfurt, Kentucky is expanding with more exclusive offerings while maintaining its charitable mission that raised $80,000 for local causes last year. Festival organizers Amzie Wenning, Diane Strong, and Rene True share what makes this year's event special with notable upgrades to distillery participation, barrel picks, and special events.

• Thursday kickoff includes bourbon boat tours with Heather Wibbels and a party at Whiskey Thief Distillery
• Friday features a bourbon pairing with Peggy Noe Stevens and a VIP event highlighting the Women of Bourbon
• This year's VIP event will include exclusive pours not available during the Saturday festival
• Auction items include a private barrel from LF Heritage and a design-your-own-mash-bill experience from Whiskey Thief
• Festival has expanded to include 10-11 unique barrel picks from distilleries like Angel's Envy, Bespoken, and Chicken Cock
• After party features American Idol winner Noah Thompson and is open to the public, not just festival attendees
• New accommodations include bourbon-themed hotels The Delegate and The Ashbrook within walking distance
• Twilight tickets ($55) are still available for Saturday from 4-6pm, offering access to all distilleries
• Festival grounds have recovered well from recent flooding and will have an expanded footprint

Twilight tickets are available at bourbononthebanks.org for those who want to experience the festival and after party.

From exclusive barrel picks to charity auctions that fuel community support, the Bourbon on the Banks festival has evolved into one of Kentucky's most distinctive bourbon experiences. This annual celebration brings together distillers, enthusiasts, and the community of Frankfurt for a weekend that extends far beyond typical whiskey tastings.

What sets this festival apart is its mission—last year alone, the event raised $80,000 for local charities. With this success, organizers have expanded their offerings while maintaining the intimate, community-driven feel that attendees love. The 2023 festival, taking place October 3-5, features an impressive array of experiences including a special Friday VIP event highlighting the Women of Bourbon with exclusive pours not available during the main festival.

Barrel pick enthusiasts will find extraordinary offerings this year, with 10-11 unique selections from distilleries like Angel's Envy, Whiskey Thief, and Bespoken Spirits (featuring a nine-and-a-half-year hazmat Barton finished in Riesling ice wine barrels). The charity auction promises rare bottles from Buffalo Trace alongside unique experiences like designing your own mash bill with Whiskey Thief Distillery—opportunities that can't be found elsewhere.

The festival experience extends throughout Frankfurt, with the Goodwood After Party featuring 2022 American Idol winner Noah Thompson, bourbon-themed hotels like The Delegate and The Ashbrook offering accommodations within walking distance, and local establishments like House of Commons becoming gathering spots for bourbon enthusiasts and distillers alike. Despite recent flooding challenges, the festival grounds have recovered well with an expanded footprint to accommodate more distilleries than ever before.

While general admission tickets have sold out, Twilight tickets remain available for $55, offering entry from 4-6 PM on Saturday with acces

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The Diablo's Cut Smoker Kit transforms whiskey into a smoky delight while we explore twelve American whiskeys that capture the spirit of Independence Day.

• Demonstrating the Diablo's Cut Smoker Kit made from authentic bourbon barrel staves
• Creating smoked old fashioned cocktails with Middle West wheat bourbon
• Adding smoke to Buffalo Trace's bottled old fashioned
• Exploring whiskey's deep connections to American history and independence
• Tasting through notable American whiskeys including EH Taylor, Eagle Rare, Michter's, and Yellowstone
• Discussing George Washington's distillery and whiskey's role in the Revolutionary War
• Sharing the stories behind historically significant American whiskey brands

Remember our 500th episode is coming on July 24th, featuring special guests from across the industry. Visit www.scotchybourbonboys.com for all things Scotchy Bourbon Boys - Glen Cairns, t-shirts, and information about us.

The amber glow of bourbon takes on a mystical quality when kissed by smoke. Tonight's exploration of the Diablo's Cut Smoker Kit reveals how authentic bourbon barrel oak transforms ordinary spirits into something extraordinary, imparting toasted caramel notes that smooth away any harshness.

As America's birthday approaches, we dive into the fascinating history connecting whiskey to our national identity. From George Washington's Mount Vernon distillery to the whiskey that fortified Revolutionary troops at Valley Forge, these spirits didn't just witness history—they helped shape it. The Whiskey Rebellion, presidential pardons, and centuries-old distilling traditions reveal how deeply intertwined American independence and whiskey truly are.

Guided by Whiskey Advocate's selection of twelve American whiskeys that capture the spirit of Independence Day, we taste through bottles that tell uniquely American stories. Colonel EH Taylor's pioneering work at what would become Buffalo Trace, the Jefferson's family connection to Thomas Jefferson himself, and Yellowstone's homage to our first national park—each bottle offers more than just flavor; it provides a tangible connection to our shared heritage.

Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this episode offers historical context and practical appreciation techniques that will enhance your Fourth of July celebrations. The combination of smoke, spirit, and story creates an experience as multifaceted as America itself—bold, complex, and worthy of celebration.

Join us for our milestone 500th episode on July 24th with special guests from across the whiskey industry. Until then, remember: good bourbon equals good times and good friends. Drink responsibly and live your life uncut and unfiltered.

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The Scotchy Bourbon Boys dive deep into A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength, discovering what might be the best non-Kentucky bourbon ever tasted. Tiny conducts a solo tasting that results in a perfect score for this remarkable Virginia whiskey.

• Discussion of Whiskey House of Kentucky's recent business developments and financial stability
• History of A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Virginia's oldest distillery founded in 1934
• Background on A. Smith Bowman's acquisition by Sazerac, owner of Buffalo Trace and 1792
• Detailed analysis of A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Batch 4 (139.7 proof, 10 years old)
• Perfect score of 18/18 in the Old Louisville Whiskey Company Barrel Bottle Breakdown
• Tasting notes featuring remarkable cherry cola flavors and exceptional body
• Announcements about upcoming appearances in Lexington, Frankfurt, and Bardstown
• Recommendations for bourbon destinations including House of Commons Bourbon Library and Brad Bond's Vintage Spirits and Bottle Shop

Remember to check out our website at scotchybourbonboys.com for merch and updates. Please like, comment, subscribe, and leave good feedback on your podcast platform of choice. Good bourbon equals good times and good friends.
A remarkable journey through Virginia's whiskey legacy unfolds as Tiny conducts a solo tasting of A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon. This exceptional spirit from Virginia's oldest distillery reveals itself as possibly the finest non-Kentucky bourbon ever encountered on the show.

The story of A. Smith Bowman begins in 1927 when its namesake purchased a 7,200-acre farm for dairy and grain production. When his fields yielded excess grain, Bowman made a decision that would change Virginia's spirits landscape forever—establishing a distillery in 1934 that became the state's sole legal whiskey producer until the 1950s. Now owned by Sazerac (the company behind Buffalo Trace), A. Smith Bowman has evolved into an award-winning distillery creating some of America's most distinguished spirits.

What makes this particular bourbon exceptional is found in its contradictions. Despite its intimidating 139.7 proof (69.85% ABV), the 10-year-old whiskey delivers astonishingly little ethanol burn. Instead, drinkers experience a symphony of cherry, vanilla, and distinctive cola notes that create what Tiny describes as "the biggest body I've ever had in a bourbon." The experience culminates in a unique Coca-Cola finish unlike anything previously encountered.

The Old Louisville Whiskey Company Barrel Bottle Breakdown system awards this bourbon a perfect 18/18 score—with the body category even receiving the rare "butt-up-up" designation for exceeding the normal scale. This places A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength among the most highly-rated spirits in the show's history.

Between sips, Tiny shares exciting updates about Whiskey House of Kentucky's financial developments and announces upcoming appearances across bourbon country. He also highlights must-visit bourbon destinations including House of Commons Bourbon Library in Frankfurt and Brad Bond's Vintage Spirits in Covington.

Subscribe to the Scotchy Bourbon Boys on your favorite podcast platform, follow on social media, and visit scotchybourbonboys.com for merchandise and updates. Remember—good bourbon equals good times and good friends, so drink responsibly and live your life uncut and unfiltered.

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Brad Bonds welcomes listeners to Revival Vintage Spirits and Bottle Shop in Covington, Kentucky, where vintage whiskeys tell the story of American distilling from Prohibition to present day. Located just minutes from the interstate at the unofficial start of the bourbon trail, Revival offers a unique experience with rare and historic spirits that can't be found anywhere else.

• Revival Vintage Spirits occupies a historic 1800s building that once served as Covington's YMCA
• Dusty bottles aren't just old whiskeys—true dusties have tax strips from before 1984
• Well-preserved vintage spirits can remain good for decades or centuries if properly sealed
• Revival makes rare spirits accessible by offering affordable quarter-ounce pours of pre-prohibition whiskey
• The shop occasionally features medicinal prohibition bottles complete with original prescriptions
• Revival hosts distillers and brand owners regularly for special events and tastings
• The store serves as both a bottle shop and bar, creating a comprehensive whiskey experience
• Brad and his business partner are working to change Kentucky law to improve vintage spirit regulations
• Small distilleries can partner with Revival to showcase their products and connect with enthusiasts
• Whiskey collecting is comparable to baseball card collecting, but with the added benefit of consumption

If you're passing through Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky, stop by Revival Vintage Spirits, ask for Brad personally, and experience a true grain-to-glass journey from the past to your present.

Step into the fascinating world of vintage spirits as we join Brad Bonds at Revival Vintage Spirits and Bottle Shop in historic Covington, Kentucky. Just minutes from Cincinnati, this extraordinary establishment serves as both the gateway to bourbon country and a living museum of American whiskey history.

Brad guides us through the remarkable journey of Revival, from its humble beginnings to its current home in a beautifully restored 1800s building that once housed Covington's YMCA. More than just a bottle shop, Revival represents the preservation of whiskey heritage, offering enthusiasts the chance to taste spirits that most people only read about in books.

The conversation delves deep into what makes "dusty" bottles special – those time capsules of whiskey history featuring tax strips from before 1984 that capture production methods long since abandoned. Brad explains the remarkable stability of properly stored vintage spirits, which can remain perfect for decades or even centuries, unlike wine or other collectibles. We explore the delicate art of bottle assessment, learning how clarity, fill level, and label condition impact both value and the drinking experience.

What sets Revival apart is its commitment to accessibility. While some establishments might charge $1,000 per ounce for pre-Prohibition whiskey, Brad shares stories of offering quarter-ounce pours for $40, allowing hundreds of people to experience liquid history. His philosophy shines through in every aspect of the business: "We're trying to figure out a way every day to be fair to who we buy from and fair to who we sell to."

The passion behind Revival is infectious as Brad compares whiskey collecting to baseball cards, but with one crucial difference – "this is the final frontier, because you can choose to buy a bottle from us and collect it, o

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The bourbon lifestyle encompasses more than just drinking; it's about creating connections through shared experiences, travel, food pairings, and immersing oneself in bourbon culture from Kentucky trails to home collections.

• Bourbon lifestyle defined: relaxation, moderation, appreciation over consumption
• The House of Commons Bourbon Library in Frankfurt epitomizes bourbon elegance with jazz, leather couches, and expertly curated selections
• Travel experiences: Kentucky Bourbon Trail, regional distillery tours, and destination bourbon bars
• Home bar setup: proper glassware, decanters, and specialized tools for the authentic experience
• Food pairings enhance bourbon enjoyment, demonstrated by the chef-inspired Maker's Mark Tastemakers Series
• Maker's Mark Tastemakers Series highlights collaborations with James Beard-nominated Ohio chefs
• Detailed tasting of Chef Vinnie Camino's Maker's Mark selection revealed notes of cherry cobbler, cinnamon, and chai spices
• Barrel stave bar creation project showcases how enthusiasts incorporate bourbon elements into home design
• Merchandise and accessories signal passion and create conversation starters within the community

Live your life uncut and unfiltered, drink fancy, don't get drunk, and embrace the bourbon lifestyle in all its dimensions.

What does it truly mean to live the bourbon lifestyle? In this captivating exploration, we uncover the multidimensional world that extends far beyond simply drinking whiskey. From crafting the perfect home bar to journeying through Kentucky's hallowed distilleries, the bourbon lifestyle represents a rich tapestry of experiences connected by a common thread – appreciation over consumption.

The House of Commons Bourbon Library in Frankfurt emerges as a shining example of bourbon culture done right. With its elegant atmosphere, leather couches, jazz soundtrack, and meticulously curated selection, this establishment creates a space where bourbon serves as the centerpiece for meaningful connections. Owner David Sandiam has mastered the art of bourbon hospitality, demonstrating how the right environment enhances every sip.

We take a deep dive into the remarkable Maker's Mark Tastemakers Series, a limited Ohio release featuring expressions created in collaboration with James Beard-nominated chefs. Our comprehensive breakdown of Chef Vinnie Camino's selection reveals a complex profile with notes of cherry cobbler, cinnamon, and chai spice – earning an impressive 17 out of 18 on our rating scale. This innovative series perfectly illustrates how bourbon intersects with culinary artistry, creating truly unique expressions that tell a story in every glass.

The bourbon lifestyle encompasses many elements – specialized glassware, thoughtful food pairings, distillery merchandise, and even home design incorporating bourbon elements. We share the journey of creating a custom barrel stave bar face, transforming a standard bar into a showpiece that celebrates bourbon heritage through repurposed materials from various distilleries.

Whether you're new to bourbon or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into cultivating authentic bourbon experiences. The lifestyle isn't about showcasing expensive bottles or excessive consumption – it's about the stories, the craftsmanship, and the connections made along the way. Join us in exploring how to live

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