Cask Chasers Podcast: Conversations about Whiskey

A Whisky Revolution

We have talked about it before: we are living in exciting times.
There is a revitalization that is happening in the industry which is creating a bright future for whisky. As we ride the wave of a new generation discovering their love a for a good scotch or bourbon, we also see a wave of new documentaires, films and other forms of media that may just be playing a big part in it all. In this week's episode, we explore what media we think is playing a key role and who we think are some of the biggest influencers leading the movement. Plus, stick around at the end for an announcement about next week's episode, and a special sneak peek.

A Well Earned Whiskey

We have all been there...you are going to dinner at a reastaurant, you walk in and the first thing you do is scan the shelves beind the bar to see what the whisky selection is. Usually, there are a handful of whiskies that are almost always guaranteed to be in stock. This week, we are discussing which one of those staples is your go-to whisky when the selection is limited! It's a common decision we all have to make and if you are new to whisky, we try to help steer you in the right direction. Plus, if you would like to try the more expensive whiskies, but don't want to spend the extra cash, we give you our cheaper substitutes for some of the favorite high end brands.

It's The Cask Chasers Whisky Mixer!

This week's show comes directly from a listener question: with whisky mixed drinks, do you have a whisky that makes a great mixer that may not be great on its own? It sparked a long conversation about mixed drinks, well whisky and the ol' to ice or not to ice debate.

The Cask Chasers Tasting Guide

Just like everyone has their favorite whisky, everyone also has their own particular way of drinking it. If you are new to whisky and want to learn the basics of tasting, The Cask Chasers share their own take on how to properly enjoy your favorite dram. Whether it is analyzing the appearance, hunting for the aromatics or disecting the flavor profile, we will provide some help to ensure you are getting the most out of your favorite whisky and will also help you feel more confident at your next event with other enthusiasts. We give our take, but it is by no means the only way, so we want to hear how you enjoy your favorite whisky! Also, we always talk about enjoying one around a campfire, but do you have a favorite beach whisky? Let us know what your go to whisky is during those dog days of summer! Cheers!

A Story of Firsts...

Its time to get a little nostalgic on the Cask Chasers Podcast. Do you remember your first whiskey? Can you still taste it? In this episode, the three of us share the stories of our first whiskies, and why it shaped our love for it to this day, It's always good to look back at where you came from, but more importantly to see where it has brought you today. Did you branch out, or did you stick to your guns? As you take the journey, what whiskey has blown you away? One that makes you pause, for just a split second, to truly get lost in the experience. When we say it's all in the chase, it's also about that one moment where the chase stops to encounter something truly amazing. We will share what that was for us on an all new episode of the Cask Chasers Podcast!

Live from the State Theater

This week the Cask Chasers Podcast has taken the show on the road!  We are recording in front of a live audience at the State Theater in Havre de Grace, Maryland to kickoff a weekend of activities leading up to the traditional Burns Supper evening.  The town invited the Cask Chasers to hold a whisky tasting from the theater, so we took the audience on a trip around Scotland as we tasted a whisky from each of the 5 regions.  In our kilts and up on stage, join us as we discuss what makes each region unique and how that translates to the taste of whisky in your glass.  

A Whiskey in the Spotlight

Being in the spotlight can change an entire perspective. With whisky, it’s no different. We explore how one title, Best Whisky in the World, propelled Henry McKenna to the upper echelon virtually overnight. It is just one of the many marketing aspects that is often used to distinguish a whisky in an increasingly crowded sea of “small batches” and “Master Distillers”. This begged the question: "What other marketing tactics are out there?" How else do companies try to influence your decision when standing in the aisle? Not all things are as they seem, but not all things are done maliciously; some are just plain creative. From back stories and labeling to dyes and bottle shape, join us as we explore the marketing techniques and creative lengths companies will go to ensure their whisky ends up in your spotlight and in your glass.

Cask Giveth, Cask Taketh

Four words for you this week: Spanish Oloroso Sherry Butts. Just part of the beauty that goes into the artfully crafted Aberlour A'bunadh we are tasting this week on this Cask Chasers Podcast. Casks play such an important role in the maturation and character of a whisky. The push and pull interaction between whisky and wood is like a brush to canvas creating the flavor profile as unique as the cask around it. We explore the passion and art poured out from the Coopers and in to your favorite dram. Plus, we dispel the thought that tasting notes are the only good way to enjoy a good whisky. Sometimes it's more about enjoying the experience and appreciating the labor of love that goes into it.

Heads, Hearts and Tales

We are heading to the Highlands with a little Tomatin sherry cask in tow.  Distillation is an art form that has been around for thousands of years.  While the basic process is virtually unchanged, the science behind it is quite amazing.  We are going to look at where the distilling process came from and how we, quite possibly, could be in the middle of the most exciting time in whisky history.  Plus, age vs. value?  Where do you fall in the argument?  Is age truly the best indicator of quality?  We will give our take on the topic.  

Origin Series: Whiskies of the World

Whisky is not just a Scottish or American product anymore.  There is amazing whisky to found all over the world in different types of finishes and expressions.  From Japan, to India, to a very special Welsh whisky, we are exploring some of the lesser known areas that are producing amazing whisky.  The world is truly becoming a slate for experimenting in new ways to take whisky production to new heights and we are all benefiting from it.  To top it off, we are trying a whisky that world-renowned critic Jim Murray once called, one of the best whiskies in the world!