When I first learned of the small barrels around 2008, I did what I normally do and judged the process by the whiskey. Well, the whiskey stunk. It largely tasted like a mossed-over wooden fence post rotting from the inside. And if you’re about to … Continue readingDear Small Barrels, I Am Sorry I Made Fun of You
In my new book, Bourbon: The Rise, Fall & Rebirth of An American Whiskey, I pay tribute to the men and women who built bourbon and brought it back from near extinction. These are the most important groups for bourbon’s rebirth. Next week, I detail the … Continue readingWho Brought Bourbon Back?
We’re in weird times. There’s a growing consumer acceptance of sourced whiskey and the Non-Distiller Producers who create them. The class-action lawsuits regarding state-of-distillation and misleading consumers are largely over. (Tito’s recently won its case.) Mike Veach and I have offered historical evidence about the … Continue readingSourced Whiskey: Where are we now?
When it comes to whiskey writers, Chuck Cowdery sets the standard for our profession. He delicately walks the fine line of connoisseur and journalist. I first met Chuck on a Canadian Mist whisky press trip and was surprised he didn’t mention he was a member … Continue readingWhiskey Writer Legend: ‘I was a lone voice’