Great American Whiskey Cookers

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back. Under the box this time? MB Roland Distillery Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.The Big Human and Wes jump in for a true blind rye whiskey tasting—no labels, no expectations, just honest reactions. Will this Kentucky straight rye stand out… or get lost in the shuffle?👉 Listen now for real-time reactions, tasting notes, and the final verdict.

5/11/26 • 08:53

🥃 You can find Elijah Craig almost anywhere… but not like this.When Elijah Craig partners with the PGA of America, it results in a limited annual release that’s much harder to track down.In this episode, Craig Duncan of Whiskey University pours us a sample of the Elijah Craig Valhalla CC PGA bottle—and it delivers a surprisingly different experience from the standard Elijah Craig profile.Rare. Unique. Worth the hunt.👉 Watch now to see how this limited edition Elijah Craig bourbon stacks up.Listen to learn more about whiskey tasting, history, and distilling?🎓 Head to whiskeyuniv.com and sign up for 4 free classes—just mention Whiskey Cookers.

5/11/26 • 07:31

🥃 This one’s for the true whiskey nerds.We sit down with Julian Jones of West Fork Whiskey Co. for a deep dive into the science of distilling whiskey. We’re talking esterification, yeast selection, hybrid sour mash techniques, and how cuts are made, the details that shape flavor long before the whiskey hits the barrel.If you’ve ever wondered how distillers actually craft their whiskey, this episode pulls back the curtain.👉 Listen now for a behind-the-scenes look at the process, chemistry, and craftsmanship behind great whiskey.

5/8/26 • 07:04

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back. This time, we’re putting a limited release 4 grain sour mash bourbon from Steeple Ridge Bourbon to the test, completely blind.We were lucky enough to grab a bottle when it dropped… but the real question is: Does this craft bourbon limited release live up to the hype? No label. No expectations. Just honest reactions and real bourbon tasting notes.👉 Listen now to see if this 4 grain sour mash bourbon earns its spot.

5/4/26 • 08:53

This time, we’re putting a barrel strength bourbon from Harmony Spirits Distillery to the test, straight out of the northern heartland of Minnesota. Small craft distillery. Big proof. No label.Can this barrel strength craft bourbon stand out in a true blind tasting?👉 Listen now for honest reactions, tasting notes, and whether this hidden gem earns its place.

4/27/26 • 07:43

🥃 When you hear “Edelweiss,” you probably think of the classic song… but what if you could distill it?That’s exactly the question Ari Klafter asked at Thornton Distilling Co. and the result is something truly one-of-a-kind.In this episode, we get to taste a rare, experimental spirit inspired by Edelweiss, crafted right at the distillery and not something you’ll find on shelves.Unique. Unexpected. Completely different from anything we’ve tried.👉 Listen now to experience this exclusive craft distillery creation and see what makes it so special.

4/27/26 • 07:10

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge just got serious.This time, Wes (Patreon supporter and friend of the show) brings out a heavy hitter—George T. Stagg 2025 from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC).One of the most highly sought-after allocated bourbons on the market… but does it actually live up to the hype?No labels. No bias. Just a true blind tasting to answer the real questions:👉 Is it worth the price?👉 Is it worth the hunt?Listen now to see if George T. Stagg 2025 delivers, or disappoints.

4/20/26 • 07:47

Some bourbons are hard to find...this is one of them.Back at MB Roland Distillery in Kentucky, we had the chance to experience a guided tasting of their highly sought-after Barker’s Mill Bottled in Bond Bourbon, led by Mary Beth and Paul.This is an allocated craft bourbon that doesn’t always make it to the shelf, making every pour that much more special.If you’re into Bottled in Bond bourbon, Kentucky craft distilleries, and rare whiskey finds, this is one you’ll want to see.👉 Listen now to get an inside look at this limited release and what makes it stand out.

4/20/26 • 06:59

Before the bottle… there’s the barrel. At Thornton Distilling Co., one whiskey stands above the rest, their American Single Malt. After years of aging, it’s finally ready for its first release.In this episode, we get a rare opportunity to taste this American Single Malt whiskey straight from the barrel, just before it’s bottled for the very first time. Rich, complex, and years in the making—this is a true behind-the-scenes look at a craft distillery preparing a flagship release.👉 Listen now to experience this pre-release tasting and see what makes this whiskey so special.

4/17/26 • 08:39

Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back, and this one has a name as bold as its flavor.We’re putting Shortbarrel “The AfterSwarm” Double Barrel Toasted Straight Rye Whiskey, finished in honey casks to the test in a true blind tasting.It’s a mouthful to say… but does it deliver in the glass? No labels. No expectations. Just honest reactions and real rye whiskey tasting notes.👉 Listen now to see if this double barrel toasted rye lives up to the hype.

4/13/26 • 07:14

Just outside Chicago, there’s a distillery where history and innovation come together. Located in Thornton, Illinois, Thornton Distilling Co. operates inside the oldest standing brewery in the state, blending deep roots in Prohibition-era history with a modern focus on American Single Malt whiskey.Set on historic Potawatomi land, this distillery is the only one we’ve seen with a natural artesian well flowing beneath it—providing the very water used in their mash bill.Inside this historic space, three founders are pushing boundaries to craft exceptional small-batch American Single Malt whiskey while honoring the past that surrounds them.👉 Listen now to explore one of the most unique distilleries near Chicago.

4/13/26 • 17:06

With over 2,300 bottles in the Whiskey University library, it’s rare to find something new… but we did.In this episode, we pour Colonel Craig Duncan of Whiskey University a rye whiskey he’s never had before, a true rarity. What makes it even more interesting? This rye is crafted using a Prohibition era recipe, staying true to how whiskey was made during that time. It’s bold, unique, and definitely not your typical rye whiskey.👉 Listen as we get the Colonel’s first impressions and break down this historic-style pour.

4/6/26 • 11:19

One of the coolest whiskey bottles we’ve seen… but does it actually taste as good as it looks?In this Friday Blind Tasting Challenge, we put 13th Century Bourbon to the test—no labels, no bias, just a true blind review. The packaging might steal the show, but in the end, it’s all about what’s in the glass.👉 Listen now to see if 13th Century Bourbon lives up to the hype—or if it’s all style and no substance.

4/6/26 • 11:03

 Hidden in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky is a bourbon experience like no other.As you pass through the gates of Oxmoor Farm, the sheer scale of the property is breathtaking, especially knowing it sits right in the middle of the city.Step inside and you’re stepping into history. Sit at the same table where the Bullitt family once gathered, enjoy a traditional bourbon punch, and take in the stunning library with its cathedral ceilings and a custom wind vane inspired by the American colonies.And it’s right there, in that historic library, where you’ll experience a tasting of Oxmoor Bourbon.This is more than a distillery stop, it’s a journey into bourbon history, heritage, and craftsmanship.👉 Don’t miss this unforgettable Louisville bourbon experience.

4/6/26 • 09:26

Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back. This time, we’re putting Southern Star Paragon Single Barrel Bourbon to the test—thanks to friend of the show Chris, who brought it out for us to try.The catch? We’ve never had it before. No labels. No expectations. Just a true blind tasting to see how this single barrel bourbon stacks up.👉 Listen now to hear our honest reactions, tasting notes, and whether this one earns a spot on our list.

3/30/26 • 08:28

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back.This time, Jeff and Wes put Huling Station Straight Bourbon, crafted by Old Dominick Distillery in Tennessee to the test in a true blind tasting.Wes is already a fan of Old Dominick… but can he actually recognize it without the label?No hints. No bias. Just honest reactions and real tasting notes.👉 Listen now to see if Huling Station Bourbon stands out, and if Wes can call it correctly.

3/23/26 • 06:54

🥃 When passion meets precision, great whiskey follows.Sitting down with Dave Weglarz of StilL 630 Distillery is always a treat. His deep knowledge and passion for craft whiskey and distilling come through in every part of the conversation.In this episode, Dave breaks down his distilling process from start to finish, from carefully selected ingredients and sourcing, to the intentional decisions that shape the flavor of his whiskey.And yes… even the water source plays a bigger role than you might expect. If you’re curious about how craft whiskey is made, this is a behind-the-scenes look you don’t want to miss.👉 Listen now to learn what makes StilL 630’s approach to distilling so unique.

3/23/26 • 15:08

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back and this time we’re going Irish.The Big Human pulls out one of his favorite Irish whiskeys, Blue Spot, and puts it to the test in a true blind tasting.Joining us is friend of the show Chris, who usually sticks to bourbon. So the big question is… can this legendary Irish whiskey win over a bourbon fan?No labels. No expectations. Just honest reactions.👉 Watch the episode to see if Blue Spot Irish Whiskey converts Chris to the Irish side.

3/16/26 • 07:49

🥃 Sometimes you stumble onto something special.During our visit to Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, we were lucky enough to taste the very last bottle from one of their single barrels and it turned out to be quite the treat.Single barrel whiskeys can offer unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else, and this one definitely left an impression. In fact, it has us on the lookout for more of Casey Jones Distillery’s single barrel releases.👉 Listen to the episode and hear why this final bottle was worth the pour.

3/16/26 • 09:57

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting is back and this time Wes from Patreon joins the challenge.In the glass is a Conviction Double Oak 1929 Bourbon… but there’s one catch. I’ve never tried it before.Double oak bourbons can bring big flavor, rich sweetness, and heavy oak influence, but does this one deliver when tasted completely blind? No label. No expectations. Just an honest first reaction.👉 Listen now to hear if this Double Oak bourbon wins me over.

3/9/26 • 07:25

🥃 With more than 2,300 bottles in the Whiskey University library, you never know what hidden gem you might discover.During one of our tastings, an offhand comment somehow led us to a whiskey with the perfect name , “Off the Rails.” And when you find a bottle like that, you simply have to try it.Colonel Craig Duncan of Whiskey University pours us a sample and walks us through this unique whiskey in what turned out to be a fun and memorable tasting.If you love learning about whiskey, tasting notes, and the stories behind the bottles, Whiskey University is a great place to dive deeper.👉 Visit whiskeyuniv.com and sign up for four free classes,  just mention Whiskey Cookers when you register.

3/9/26 • 09:17

This Friday, the guys go in blind with First West Toasted Bourbon, looking for that rich, toasted sweetness everyone talks about. It sounds delicious… but without the label, does it still impress? No hype. No hints. Just honest reactions.👉 Listen now to see if that toasty goodness holds up in a true blind tasting.

3/2/26 • 08:33

🥃 You see Double Barrel Bourbons everywhere… but what about a Double Barrel Rye?Now imagine that rye is ranked among the top rye whiskeys in the USA.Would you try it? We did, and let’s just say, it delivers.Dave Weglarz of StilL 630 Distillery walks us through a guided tasting of this bold, layered, double-barreled rye, breaking down what makes it stand out in a crowded whiskey market.Spice. Depth. Sweet oak. Big flavor.👉 Listen now to hear why this Double Barrel Rye is turning heads.

3/2/26 • 07:09

🥃 Friday Blind Tasting Challenge is back.Jeff, The Big Human, and friend of the show Chris Damon go in completely blind as they taste a Hard Truth Sweet Mash Wheated Bourbon Bottled in Bond without knowing what’s in their glass.No labels. No hype. Just honest reactions. Will this Bottled-in-Bond wheater win them over?👉 Listen now and hear if it earns their vote.

2/23/26 • 07:28

🌽🥃 Most craft distilleries follow the proven path. Pat Hoffmann didn’t.At Lonely Oak Distillery, he revived a rare heritage corn variety that only one U.S. farmer was still growing and now he’s the only distiller using it to make whiskey.This is true grain-to-glass craft whiskey, built from the ground up.And there’s another custom corn variety coming soon that was made especially for him.👉 Discover how heritage grain is changing the flavor of small-batch American whiskey.

2/23/26 • 11:58

🔥 Forced out of the distillery he built… so he built another.Zac Triemert didn’t waste time looking back. With less space but the same relentless passion, he opened a new distillery in Omaha’s Old Market and got right back to doing what he loves — making whiskey.This is a story of grit, comeback, and an entrepreneur who refused to quit.👉 Listen how Zac turned a setback into his next chapter.

2/21/26 • 11:32

🔥 David vs. Goliath a rye whiskey edition.In this Friday Blind Tasting Challenge, we put big bourbon head-to-head with craft rye:🥃 Bardstown Bourbon Co. Rye vs. 45th Parallel Rye 100.No labels. No bias. Just a true blind tasting to see how large-scale bourbon stacks up against small craft distilling.So which rye comes out on top?👉 Listen, taste along, and see what we think.

2/16/26 • 10:12

🥃 Same whiskey. Different batches. Big differences.We had the chance to taste two releases from Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co. out of Austin, Texas—Eleanor Batch 3 and Eleanor Batch 14—side by side.Crowded Barrel is a non-distiller producer (NDP) with a sharp focus on one thing: flavor first. And comparing these two batches shows just how much a whiskey can evolve over time.A huge thanks to friend of the show Chris Damon for making this tasting possible.👉 Listen as we break down the differences, compare notes, and see which batch stands out.

2/9/26 • 09:30

🥃 Ever discovered a whiskey you’d never even heard of — and it completely surprised you?In this episode, we dive into a guided tasting of Old Forge Bourbon from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, uncovering the story behind this under-the-radar bottle and what makes it worth your attention.This was just one of several standout whiskies we experienced during our visit with Colonel Craig Duncan of Whiskey University, and let’s just say… it made an impression.Is this a hidden gem in the bourbon world?👉 Listen now to hear the history, tasting notes, and our honest reaction.

2/9/26 • 08:20

Every distiller has that one bottle. For Zac Triemert of Brickway Distillery, it’s his American Single Malt finished in an Oloroso Sherry cask—a whiskey that never has time to collect dust on the shelf.And once you taste it, you understand why.In this episode, Zac walks us through a guided tasting, breaking down what makes this whiskey so special: rich balance, layered sweetness, and a finish that keeps you coming back for another sip.🥃 Crafted with intention.  🍷 Finished with elegance.  🔥 A personal favorite—for good reason.👉 Listen, taste along, and see why this bottle stands out.

2/6/26 • 04:48