https://cohostpodcasting.com <![CDATA[Whiskey Shenanigans]]> en e2339fce-febd-4d0a-8fc4-220dcad00ebc Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:08:10 -0500 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 01:51:47 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com <![CDATA[Whiskey Shenanigans]]> https://files.cohostpodcasting.com/quill-file-prod/6ac2b942-2cf9-4cc1-bdff-3f47c843941f/shows/e2339fce-febd-4d0a-8fc4-220dcad00ebc/cover-art/original_d2043a8ea32fbb81085330f73bf6710d.jpg https://rwarrenv.podbean.com episodic false https://feeds.cohostpodcasting.com/teDeXJrZ info@WhiskeyShenanigans.com <![CDATA[Breaking Rules and Surviving History: Old Forester's Master Taster on Innovation, Prohibition, and Finding Value in Bourbon]]> Master Taster Melissa Rift takes us inside Old Forester's 156-year journey of continuous production, from surviving Prohibition with medicinal whiskey licenses to modern innovations like rum cask finishes. She shares insights on developing your palate, the art of single barrel selection, and how one recipe can create an entire portfolio of expressions through masterful manipulation of maturation, batching, and proofing.

]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 46:56 Master Taster Melissa Rift takes us inside Old Forester's 156-year journey of continuous production, from surviving Prohibition with medicinal whiskey licenses to modern innovations like rum cask finishes. She shares insights on developing your palate, the art of single barrel selection, and how one recipe can create an entire portfolio of expressions through masterful manipulation of maturation, batching, and proofing.

]]> Master Taster Melissa Rift takes us inside Old Forester's 156-year journey of continuous production, from surviving Prohibition with medicinal whiskey licenses to modern innovations like rum cask finishes. She shares insights on developing your palate, the art of single barrel selection, and how one recipe can create an entire portfolio of expressions through masterful manipulation of maturation, batching, and proofing.

]]> false full <![CDATA[The True Story With Wes Henderson]]> Wes Henderson is a true flavor man. In this episode, Randy and Wes trade stories on unconventional barrel finishing, what makes a bourbon truly finished, and why it's sometimes best to break from standard American aging rules.

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 57:12 Wes Henderson is a true flavor man. In this episode, Randy and Wes trade stories on unconventional barrel finishing, what makes a bourbon truly finished, and why it's sometimes best to break from standard American aging rules.

]]> Wes Henderson is a true flavor man. In this episode, Randy and Wes trade stories on unconventional barrel finishing, what makes a bourbon truly finished, and why it's sometimes best to break from standard American aging rules.

]]> false full <![CDATA[Meet Lorne Cousin, the Bagpipe Player Who Created The Single Malt Category In America]]> Lorne Cousin went from professional bagpipe musician in Los Angeles to U.S. brand ambassador for the world's best-selling single malt. See how Glenfiddich created the American single malt category — and is now reinventing its audience.

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 55:18 Lorne Cousin went from professional bagpipe musician in Los Angeles to U.S. brand ambassador for the world's best-selling single malt. See how Glenfiddich created the American single malt category — and is now reinventing its audience.

]]> Lorne Cousin went from professional bagpipe musician in Los Angeles to U.S. brand ambassador for the world's best-selling single malt. See how Glenfiddich created the American single malt category — and is now reinventing its audience.

]]> false full <![CDATA[From Chemistry Lab to Whiskey Innovation: Inside Johnnie Walker's Blending Mastery with George Harper]]> From Chemistry Lab to Whiskey Innovation: Inside Johnnie Walker's Blending Mastery with George Harper.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 49:21 From Chemistry Lab to Whiskey Innovation: Inside Johnnie Walker's Blending Mastery with George Harper.

]]> From Chemistry Lab to Whiskey Innovation: Inside Johnnie Walker's Blending Mastery with George Harper.

]]> false full <![CDATA[How Nicole Austin at Blade & Bow Shoots Straight with Chemistry]]> Nicole Austin left a dead-end engineering job in New York City's sewers for a career in the spirits industry. In this episode, hear how she is now using chemistry to perfect ultra-aged bourbon with Diageo’s Blade & Bow brand.

]]> Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 53:30 Nicole Austin left a dead-end engineering job in New York City's sewers for a career in the spirits industry. In this episode, hear how she is now using chemistry to perfect ultra-aged bourbon with Diageo’s Blade & Bow brand.

]]> Nicole Austin left a dead-end engineering job in New York City's sewers for a career in the spirits industry. In this episode, hear how she is now using chemistry to perfect ultra-aged bourbon with Diageo’s Blade & Bow brand.

]]> false full <![CDATA[The Evan Williams Experience]]> Join Whiskey Shenanigans as Jodie Filiatreau, the artisanal distiller at Evan Williams, shares stories about how “one barrel a day” became the firm’s philosophy for creating unique tastes through small-batch experimentation.

]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 36:56 Join Whiskey Shenanigans as Jodie Filiatreau, the artisanal distiller at Evan Williams, shares stories about how “one barrel a day” became the firm’s philosophy for creating unique tastes through small-batch experimentation.

]]> Join Whiskey Shenanigans as Jodie Filiatreau, the artisanal distiller at Evan Williams, shares stories about how “one barrel a day” became the firm’s philosophy for creating unique tastes through small-batch experimentation.

]]> false full <![CDATA[American Whiskey Association]]> American Whiskey Association founder Michael Bilello is on a mission to make American whiskey the world’s whiskey. View now to see how he’s fighting tariffs, reshaping global trade, and turning US bartenders into ambassadors.

]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 49:44 American Whiskey Association founder Michael Bilello is on a mission to make American whiskey the world’s whiskey. View now to see how he’s fighting tariffs, reshaping global trade, and turning US bartenders into ambassadors.

]]> American Whiskey Association founder Michael Bilello is on a mission to make American whiskey the world’s whiskey. View now to see how he’s fighting tariffs, reshaping global trade, and turning US bartenders into ambassadors.

]]> false full <![CDATA[The Gold Bricks of Heaven Hill Bourbon]]> In this podcast, Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll reveals how a firm with a 90-year legacy looks to out-innovate whiskey upstarts, and turn everyday bonded bottles into gold bricks of bourbon.

]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 43:31 In this podcast, Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll reveals how a firm with a 90-year legacy looks to out-innovate whiskey upstarts, and turn everyday bonded bottles into gold bricks of bourbon.

]]> In this podcast, Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll reveals how a firm with a 90-year legacy looks to out-innovate whiskey upstarts, and turn everyday bonded bottles into gold bricks of bourbon.

]]> false full <![CDATA[How Mission Craft Cocktails Has Reinvented Ready‑to‑Drink Whiskey]]> Mission Craft Cocktails co-founder Amit Singh discusses how two self-funded “non-industry” guys built bar-quality, bottled cocktails that fund over a million meals—andchallenge all you may know about ready-to-drink whiskey.

]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 52:34 Mission Craft Cocktails co-founder Amit Singh discusses how two self-funded “non-industry” guys built bar-quality, bottled cocktails that fund over a million meals—andchallenge all you may know about ready-to-drink whiskey.

]]> Mission Craft Cocktails co-founder Amit Singh discusses how two self-funded “non-industry” guys built bar-quality, bottled cocktails that fund over a million meals—andchallenge all you may know about ready-to-drink whiskey.

]]> false full <![CDATA[How the DC Neighborhood Restaurant Group Beat Bourbon Hunters at Their Own Game]]> How did the Neighborhood Restaurant Group become one of DC’s most coveted whiskey destinations? Hear how Nick Farrell and Greg Engert hunt big game bourbon and how customers hunt for the neighborhood.

]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 59:32 How did the Neighborhood Restaurant Group become one of DC’s most coveted whiskey destinations? Hear how Nick Farrell and Greg Engert hunt big game bourbon and how customers hunt for the neighborhood.

]]> How did the Neighborhood Restaurant Group become one of DC’s most coveted whiskey destinations? Hear how Nick Farrell and Greg Engert hunt big game bourbon and how customers hunt for the neighborhood.

]]> false full <![CDATA[From Maker's Mark to Bardstown: A Master Distiller's Journey Through Bourbon's Evolution]]> Join us for an exclusive conversation with Steve Nally, a member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame and master distiller with over 50 years in the industry. From his early days at Maker's Mark working with legendary figures to pioneering custom distilling at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Steve shares insider stories about yeast cultures, expansion challenges, and the current bourbon inventory crisis facing the industry.

]]> Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 52:23 Join us for an exclusive conversation with Steve Nally, a member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame and master distiller with over 50 years in the industry. From his early days at Maker's Mark working with legendary figures to pioneering custom distilling at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Steve shares insider stories about yeast cultures, expansion challenges, and the current bourbon inventory crisis facing the industry.

]]> Join us for an exclusive conversation with Steve Nally, a member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame and master distiller with over 50 years in the industry. From his early days at Maker's Mark working with legendary figures to pioneering custom distilling at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Steve shares insider stories about yeast cultures, expansion challenges, and the current bourbon inventory crisis facing the industry.

]]> false full <![CDATA[From Hobby to Heritage: Horse Soldier Bourbon's Patriotic Journey and the Future of Premium Whiskey]]> Join host Randy Warren as he sits down with Scott Neil from Horse Soldier Bourbon to explore an incredible journey from military service to master distilling. Discover how a group of veterans turned their whiskey-making hobby into a premium bourbon brand with bottles forged from World Trade Center steel, plus insights into how younger consumers are reshaping the whiskey industry through intentional, experiential drinking.

]]> Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 30:54 Join host Randy Warren as he sits down with Scott Neil from Horse Soldier Bourbon to explore an incredible journey from military service to master distilling. Discover how a group of veterans turned their whiskey-making hobby into a premium bourbon brand with bottles forged from World Trade Center steel, plus insights into how younger consumers are reshaping the whiskey industry through intentional, experiential drinking.

]]> Join host Randy Warren as he sits down with Scott Neil from Horse Soldier Bourbon to explore an incredible journey from military service to master distilling. Discover how a group of veterans turned their whiskey-making hobby into a premium bourbon brand with bottles forged from World Trade Center steel, plus insights into how younger consumers are reshaping the whiskey industry through intentional, experiential drinking.

]]> false full <![CDATA[From New Make to Barrel Picks: Investing in Whiskey with Jeremy Kasler of CaskX]]> Join host Randy Warren as he explores the fascinating world of whiskey investment with Jeremy Kasler, founder and CEO of CaskX, an alternative investment fund specializing in bourbon barrels. From understanding how clear "new make" transforms into aged bourbon to learning about the explosive growth of barrel picks from the 1980s to today, this episode reveals the business side of bourbon and announces Whiskey Shenanigans' own upcoming barrel pick collaboration.

]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 36:09 Join host Randy Warren as he explores the fascinating world of whiskey investment with Jeremy Kasler, founder and CEO of CaskX, an alternative investment fund specializing in bourbon barrels. From understanding how clear "new make" transforms into aged bourbon to learning about the explosive growth of barrel picks from the 1980s to today, this episode reveals the business side of bourbon and announces Whiskey Shenanigans' own upcoming barrel pick collaboration.

]]> Join host Randy Warren as he explores the fascinating world of whiskey investment with Jeremy Kasler, founder and CEO of CaskX, an alternative investment fund specializing in bourbon barrels. From understanding how clear "new make" transforms into aged bourbon to learning about the explosive growth of barrel picks from the 1980s to today, this episode reveals the business side of bourbon and announces Whiskey Shenanigans' own upcoming barrel pick collaboration.

]]> false full <![CDATA[Pickle Barrels and Blue Corn: Inside Bluegrass Distillers' Unconventional Craft]]> Ben Franzini of Bluegrass Distillers grows his own blue corn, finishes whiskey in toasted and Spanish oak barrels, and once ran a pickle-barrel whiskey experiment. In this episode, we talk farm-to-barrel distilling and the race to quality in American whiskey.

]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 30:25 Ben Franzini of Bluegrass Distillers grows his own blue corn, finishes whiskey in toasted and Spanish oak barrels, and once ran a pickle-barrel whiskey experiment. In this episode, we talk farm-to-barrel distilling and the race to quality in American whiskey.

]]> Ben Franzini of Bluegrass Distillers grows his own blue corn, finishes whiskey in toasted and Spanish oak barrels, and once ran a pickle-barrel whiskey experiment. In this episode, we talk farm-to-barrel distilling and the race to quality in American whiskey.

]]> false full <![CDATA[How Marc Dottore Built Dueling Grounds Distillery on Local Grain and No Shortcuts]]> Does spending 40 years in Nashville's music business before building a bourbon brand make sense? In the case of Marc Dottore, founder of Dueling Grounds Distillery in Franklin, Kentucky, the answer is yes. Hear why and how Marc went from music to whiskey.

]]> Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:21:00 -0500 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 1:09:55 Does spending 40 years in Nashville's music business before building a bourbon brand make sense? In the case of Marc Dottore, founder of Dueling Grounds Distillery in Franklin, Kentucky, the answer is yes. Hear why and how Marc went from music to whiskey.

]]> Does spending 40 years in Nashville's music business before building a bourbon brand make sense? In the case of Marc Dottore, founder of Dueling Grounds Distillery in Franklin, Kentucky, the answer is yes. Hear why and how Marc went from music to whiskey.

]]> false full <![CDATA[Nathan Burkhead of Bulleit on High-Tech Bourbon and Breaking Kentucky's Whiskey Traditions]]> Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren interviews Nathan Burkhead, Bulleit's maturation and warehousing manager at Diageo, about how Bulleit is revolutionizing bourbon production. Discover how their futuristic stack houses store 55,000 barrels standing upright instead of on their side, and why Bulleit's high-rye mash bill breaks traditional bourbon rules.

]]> Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:08:00 -0500 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 1:04:03 Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren interviews Nathan Burkhead, Bulleit's maturation and warehousing manager at Diageo, about how Bulleit is revolutionizing bourbon production. Discover how their futuristic stack houses store 55,000 barrels standing upright instead of on their side, and why Bulleit's high-rye mash bill breaks traditional bourbon rules.

]]> Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren interviews Nathan Burkhead, Bulleit's maturation and warehousing manager at Diageo, about how Bulleit is revolutionizing bourbon production. Discover how their futuristic stack houses store 55,000 barrels standing upright instead of on their side, and why Bulleit's high-rye mash bill breaks traditional bourbon rules.

]]> false full 15 <![CDATA[The Mystery Behind Burnt Church With Chris Crow]]> How did Burnt Church Distillery get it’s mysterious name? Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren interviews Chris Crow, president of Burnt Church, about crafting authentic South Carolina whiskey in Bluffton's humid climate. Chris explains his commitment to 100% South Carolina grain sourcing and how burnt church road got its mysterious name.

]]> Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:10:00 -0500 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 52:48 How did Burnt Church Distillery get it’s mysterious name? Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren interviews Chris Crow, president of Burnt Church, about crafting authentic South Carolina whiskey in Bluffton's humid climate. Chris explains his commitment to 100% South Carolina grain sourcing and how burnt church road got its mysterious name.

]]> How did Burnt Church Distillery get it’s mysterious name? Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren interviews Chris Crow, president of Burnt Church, about crafting authentic South Carolina whiskey in Bluffton's humid climate. Chris explains his commitment to 100% South Carolina grain sourcing and how burnt church road got its mysterious name.

]]> false full 14 <![CDATA[How Does Chris Chapanar of Whiskey Noobs Eliminate Bourbon Snobbery?]]> Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren talks with Chris Chapanar, creator of Whiskey Noobs, about how he built his Instagram following by making whiskey culture accessible for all. Hear how Chris’s "Better Than Blanton's" blind tasting series challenged whiskey snobbery, why Bottled in Bond matters, and why he chose "Noobs."

]]> Sat, 06 Dec 2025 20:15:00 -0500 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 57:35 Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren talks with Chris Chapanar, creator of Whiskey Noobs, about how he built his Instagram following by making whiskey culture accessible for all. Hear how Chris’s "Better Than Blanton's" blind tasting series challenged whiskey snobbery, why Bottled in Bond matters, and why he chose "Noobs."

]]> Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren talks with Chris Chapanar, creator of Whiskey Noobs, about how he built his Instagram following by making whiskey culture accessible for all. Hear how Chris’s "Better Than Blanton's" blind tasting series challenged whiskey snobbery, why Bottled in Bond matters, and why he chose "Noobs."

]]> false full 12 <![CDATA[Let’s Talk Super Palates With Misty Blu Stewart of Bourbon Plus]]> Misty Blu Stewart, Director of Brand Experience at Bourbon Plus, chatted with Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren about her journey from Navy brat to Nashville whiskey professional. Discover why women dominate tasting panels with superior palates, and how the daughter of a Southern Baptist Deacon built a 400-bottle collection.

]]> Sat, 15 Nov 2025 19:58:00 -0500 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 46:22 Misty Blu Stewart, Director of Brand Experience at Bourbon Plus, chatted with Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren about her journey from Navy brat to Nashville whiskey professional. Discover why women dominate tasting panels with superior palates, and how the daughter of a Southern Baptist Deacon built a 400-bottle collection.

]]> Misty Blu Stewart, Director of Brand Experience at Bourbon Plus, chatted with Whiskey Shenanigans' Randy Warren about her journey from Navy brat to Nashville whiskey professional. Discover why women dominate tasting panels with superior palates, and how the daughter of a Southern Baptist Deacon built a 400-bottle collection.

]]> false full 13 <![CDATA[Drew Hannush of Whiskey Lore Debunks Bourbon Myths and Folklore]]> Drew Hannush of Whiskey Lore is a whiskey debunker. In this episode, Drew and Randy talk about how Drew’s meticulous research and travel to more than 400 distilleries across America have led him to believe that bourbon’s oral traditions often contradict documented history. Learn about Drew’s approach to separating fact from fiction in whiskey folklore and why he champions overlooked micro-distilleries instead of tourist hotspots.

]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:16:00 -0500 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 1:12:06 Drew Hannush of Whiskey Lore is a whiskey debunker. In this episode, Drew and Randy talk about how Drew’s meticulous research and travel to more than 400 distilleries across America have led him to believe that bourbon’s oral traditions often contradict documented history. Learn about Drew’s approach to separating fact from fiction in whiskey folklore and why he champions overlooked micro-distilleries instead of tourist hotspots.

]]> Drew Hannush of Whiskey Lore is a whiskey debunker. In this episode, Drew and Randy talk about how Drew’s meticulous research and travel to more than 400 distilleries across America have led him to believe that bourbon’s oral traditions often contradict documented history. Learn about Drew’s approach to separating fact from fiction in whiskey folklore and why he champions overlooked micro-distilleries instead of tourist hotspots.

]]> false full 11 <![CDATA[Challenging​ ​Bourbon​ ​Tradition:​ ​Devil​ ​River's​ ​Goes​ ​High-Proof​ ​and​ ​Heat-Aged]]> Mike​ ​Cameron,​ ​founder​ ​of​ ​Devils​ ​River​ ​Distillery​ ​in​ ​San​ ​Antonio,​ ​Texas,​ ​had​ ​an​ ​unconventional​ ​journey​ ​from​ ​tractor​ ​dealer​ ​to​ ​bourbon​ ​innovator.​ ​In​ ​this​ ​episode​ ​of​ ​Whiskey​ ​Shenanigans,​ ​host​ ​Randy​ ​Warren​ ​speaks​ ​with​ ​Mike​ ​about​ ​the​ ​unique​ ​Devils​ ​River​ ​approach​ ​to​ ​whiskey-making,​ ​from​ ​proprietary​ ​yeast​ ​strains​ ​to​ ​heat-accelerated​ ​aging​ ​in​ ​metal​ ​buildings.​ ​Hear​ ​how​ ​Mike's​ ​controversial​ ​agave​ ​bourbon—often​ ​dismissed​ ​by​ ​purists​ ​but​ ​embraced​ ​by​ ​many—became​ ​the​ ​brand's​ ​bestseller.​ ​Mike​ ​also​ ​shares​ ​the​ ​realities​ ​facing​ ​craft​ ​distillers​ ​and​ ​why​ ​defying​ ​traditional​ ​bourbon​ ​conventions​ ​opened​ ​doors​ ​to​ ​new​ ​markets.

Randy interviews distillers, industry leaders, and enthusiasts who share personal, behind-the-glass stories.  He weaves whiskey traditions and innovations with lighthearted shenanigans.

The podcast celebrates five core values: fun, respect, curiosity, community, and knowledge.

Join the conversation, because no great story ever started with a salad!

]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2025 17:57:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 59:15 Mike​ ​Cameron,​ ​founder​ ​of​ ​Devils​ ​River​ ​Distillery​ ​in​ ​San​ ​Antonio,​ ​Texas,​ ​had​ ​an​ ​unconventional​ ​journey​ ​from​ ​tractor​ ​dealer​ ​to​ ​bourbon​ ​innovator.​ ​In​ ​this​ ​episode​ ​of​ ​Whiskey​ ​Shenanigans,​ ​host​ ​Randy​ ​Warren​ ​speaks​ ​with​ ​Mike​ ​about​ ​the​ ​unique​ ​Devils​ ​River​ ​approach​ ​to​ ​whiskey-making,​ ​from​ ​proprietary​ ​yeast​ ​strains​ ​to​ ​heat-accelerated​ ​aging​ ​in​ ​metal​ ​buildings.​ ​Hear​ ​how​ ​Mike's​ ​controversial​ ​agave​ ​bourbon—often​ ​dismissed​ ​by​ ​purists​ ​but​ ​embraced​ ​by​ ​many—became​ ​the​ ​brand's​ ​bestseller.​ ​Mike​ ​also​ ​shares​ ​the​ ​realities​ ​facing​ ​craft​ ​distillers​ ​and​ ​why​ ​defying​ ​traditional​ ​bourbon​ ​conventions​ ​opened​ ​doors​ ​to​ ​new​ ​markets.

Randy interviews distillers, industry leaders, and enthusiasts who share personal, behind-the-glass stories.  He weaves whiskey traditions and innovations with lighthearted shenanigans.

The podcast celebrates five core values: fun, respect, curiosity, community, and knowledge.

Join the conversation, because no great story ever started with a salad!

]]> Mike​ ​Cameron,​ ​founder​ ​of​ ​Devils​ ​River​ ​Distillery​ ​in​ ​San​ ​Antonio,​ ​Texas,​ ​had​ ​an​ ​unconventional​ ​journey​ ​from​ ​tractor​ ​dealer​ ​to​ ​bourbon​ ​innovator.​ ​In​ ​this​ ​episode​ ​of​ ​Whiskey​ ​Shenanigans,​ ​host​ ​Randy​ ​Warren​ ​speaks​ ​with​ ​Mike​ ​about​ ​the​ ​unique​ ​Devils​ ​River​ ​approach​ ​to​ ​whiskey-making,​ ​from​ ​proprietary​ ​yeast​ ​strains​ ​to​ ​heat-accelerated​ ​aging​ ​in​ ​metal​ ​buildings.​ ​Hear​ ​how​ ​Mike's​ ​controversial​ ​agave​ ​bourbon—often​ ​dismissed​ ​by​ ​purists​ ​but​ ​embraced​ ​by​ ​many—became​ ​the​ ​brand's​ ​bestseller.​ ​Mike​ ​also​ ​shares​ ​the​ ​realities​ ​facing​ ​craft​ ​distillers​ ​and​ ​why​ ​defying​ ​traditional​ ​bourbon​ ​conventions​ ​opened​ ​doors​ ​to​ ​new​ ​markets.

Randy interviews distillers, industry leaders, and enthusiasts who share personal, behind-the-glass stories.  He weaves whiskey traditions and innovations with lighthearted shenanigans.

The podcast celebrates five core values: fun, respect, curiosity, community, and knowledge.

Join the conversation, because no great story ever started with a salad!

]]> false full 10 <![CDATA[St. Augustine Distillery's Mike Diaz on Making Whiskey Where Barrels Never Sleep in Florida Heat]]> Whiskey Shennanigan’s Randy Warren interviews Mike Diaz of St. Augustine Distillery about making bourbon in Florida's humid climate. Mike explains how Florida's year-round heat creates darker bourbon faster through constant extraction, why they age in ambient temperature without rotation, and their innovative finishing program using port, cognac, and Armagnac barrels. Hear about how Mike and his team built a distillery in America's oldest city, and why it’s now America’s top distillery tour, according to USA Today.

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:43:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 57:27 Whiskey Shennanigan’s Randy Warren interviews Mike Diaz of St. Augustine Distillery about making bourbon in Florida's humid climate. Mike explains how Florida's year-round heat creates darker bourbon faster through constant extraction, why they age in ambient temperature without rotation, and their innovative finishing program using port, cognac, and Armagnac barrels. Hear about how Mike and his team built a distillery in America's oldest city, and why it’s now America’s top distillery tour, according to USA Today.

]]> Whiskey Shennanigan’s Randy Warren interviews Mike Diaz of St. Augustine Distillery about making bourbon in Florida's humid climate. Mike explains how Florida's year-round heat creates darker bourbon faster through constant extraction, why they age in ambient temperature without rotation, and their innovative finishing program using port, cognac, and Armagnac barrels. Hear about how Mike and his team built a distillery in America's oldest city, and why it’s now America’s top distillery tour, according to USA Today.

]]> false full 9 <![CDATA[Benjamin Rosen of Onyx & Amber on Making Unconventional Whiskey in Colorado]]> Randy Warren talks with Benjamin Rosen of Onyx & Amber about breaking whiskey's quiet rules. Discover why Onyx & Amber is not a distillery, but sources barrels from MGP Distillery and others, then transforms them through Colorado's extreme barometric pressure swings. Learn why he prices 18-year whiskey at a fair $74.99, avoids "middle flavors," and runs his five-person operation from Boulder warehouses. Ben also explains how high-altitude aging creates unique flavor profiles without actually speeding up time.

]]> Sat, 27 Sep 2025 01:38:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 49:02 Randy Warren talks with Benjamin Rosen of Onyx & Amber about breaking whiskey's quiet rules. Discover why Onyx & Amber is not a distillery, but sources barrels from MGP Distillery and others, then transforms them through Colorado's extreme barometric pressure swings. Learn why he prices 18-year whiskey at a fair $74.99, avoids "middle flavors," and runs his five-person operation from Boulder warehouses. Ben also explains how high-altitude aging creates unique flavor profiles without actually speeding up time.

]]> Randy Warren talks with Benjamin Rosen of Onyx & Amber about breaking whiskey's quiet rules. Discover why Onyx & Amber is not a distillery, but sources barrels from MGP Distillery and others, then transforms them through Colorado's extreme barometric pressure swings. Learn why he prices 18-year whiskey at a fair $74.99, avoids "middle flavors," and runs his five-person operation from Boulder warehouses. Ben also explains how high-altitude aging creates unique flavor profiles without actually speeding up time.

]]> false full 8 <![CDATA[How Jose Calderon Used Special Forces Training and Latin American Distilling to Build Everglades Distillers]]> Jose Calderon committed everything to Everglades Distillers after spending 20 years in Special Forces learning distilling techniques across Latin America. In this episode, host Randy Warren explores how Jose tested over 30 corn varieties in his backyard to discover the perfect red corn for whiskey, why his family conducts blind tastings together, and how Florida's extreme heat ages bourbon naturally without temperature control. Hear about how their three-person family operation worked 16-hour days and doubled sales every year.

]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:53:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 1:22:59 Jose Calderon committed everything to Everglades Distillers after spending 20 years in Special Forces learning distilling techniques across Latin America. In this episode, host Randy Warren explores how Jose tested over 30 corn varieties in his backyard to discover the perfect red corn for whiskey, why his family conducts blind tastings together, and how Florida's extreme heat ages bourbon naturally without temperature control. Hear about how their three-person family operation worked 16-hour days and doubled sales every year.

]]> Jose Calderon committed everything to Everglades Distillers after spending 20 years in Special Forces learning distilling techniques across Latin America. In this episode, host Randy Warren explores how Jose tested over 30 corn varieties in his backyard to discover the perfect red corn for whiskey, why his family conducts blind tastings together, and how Florida's extreme heat ages bourbon naturally without temperature control. Hear about how their three-person family operation worked 16-hour days and doubled sales every year.

]]> false full 7 <![CDATA[Amanda Colomb on Breaking Whiskey's Conformity: The Story Behind Bourbon and Bikinis' Rapid Rise]]> Whiskey Shenanigans Podcast uncovers more about Bourbon_and_Bikinis with Amanda Colomb. They explore Amanda's journey from wine to whiskey, and the impact of social media on whiskey culture. The conversation delves into personal preferences for bourbon and Scotch, family influences on whiskey appreciation, and the unique approach Amanda takes in her whiskey reviews. See if Whiskey Shenanigans can stump Amanda with a tasting of a Craft distillery offering that perhaps she has never tried. Finally in the ON-Whiskey segment hear true unpaid fans discuss the MLB, recent roster moves of the Phillies, the good, but bad, and the ugly.

]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:10:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 51:51 Whiskey Shenanigans Podcast uncovers more about Bourbon_and_Bikinis with Amanda Colomb. They explore Amanda's journey from wine to whiskey, and the impact of social media on whiskey culture. The conversation delves into personal preferences for bourbon and Scotch, family influences on whiskey appreciation, and the unique approach Amanda takes in her whiskey reviews. See if Whiskey Shenanigans can stump Amanda with a tasting of a Craft distillery offering that perhaps she has never tried. Finally in the ON-Whiskey segment hear true unpaid fans discuss the MLB, recent roster moves of the Phillies, the good, but bad, and the ugly.

]]> Whiskey Shenanigans Podcast uncovers more about Bourbon_and_Bikinis with Amanda Colomb. They explore Amanda's journey from wine to whiskey, and the impact of social media on whiskey culture. The conversation delves into personal preferences for bourbon and Scotch, family influences on whiskey appreciation, and the unique approach Amanda takes in her whiskey reviews. See if Whiskey Shenanigans can stump Amanda with a tasting of a Craft distillery offering that perhaps she has never tried. Finally in the ON-Whiskey segment hear true unpaid fans discuss the MLB, recent roster moves of the Phillies, the good, but bad, and the ugly.

]]> false full 6 <![CDATA[Why the Dram Dad Rejects Bourbon Collecting Culture]]> Host Randy Warren sits down with Chris, known as the Dram Dad, to explore how bringing a photographer's perspective to American bourbon culture can enrich the experience. Hear how Chris went from bourbon novice to enthusiast in just 18 months, thanks to a transformative Booker's gift from his brother. Uncover his "pop it and drink it" philosophy that rejects bottle hoarding, his California bourbon finds like Stellum Rye, and why he believes whiskey is about building experiences, not collections.

]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2025 17:27:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 27:03 Host Randy Warren sits down with Chris, known as the Dram Dad, to explore how bringing a photographer's perspective to American bourbon culture can enrich the experience. Hear how Chris went from bourbon novice to enthusiast in just 18 months, thanks to a transformative Booker's gift from his brother. Uncover his "pop it and drink it" philosophy that rejects bottle hoarding, his California bourbon finds like Stellum Rye, and why he believes whiskey is about building experiences, not collections.

]]> Host Randy Warren sits down with Chris, known as the Dram Dad, to explore how bringing a photographer's perspective to American bourbon culture can enrich the experience. Hear how Chris went from bourbon novice to enthusiast in just 18 months, thanks to a transformative Booker's gift from his brother. Uncover his "pop it and drink it" philosophy that rejects bottle hoarding, his California bourbon finds like Stellum Rye, and why he believes whiskey is about building experiences, not collections.

]]> false full 5 <![CDATA[Who Is the Bourbon Nymph and Why Does She Drink Every Bottle She Buys?]]> In this episode, host Randy Warren talks with Heidi Durst, known as The Bourbon Nymph, about building community through whiskey. Heidi shares how barrel-aged beer led her to bourbon eight years ago and why she hosts bottle shares at her home. Discover her approach to introducing newcomers to bourbon, why she drinks everything she buys instead of collecting, and her sweet spot for bourbon pricing between $35 and $90.

]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2025 16:53:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 37:18 In this episode, host Randy Warren talks with Heidi Durst, known as The Bourbon Nymph, about building community through whiskey. Heidi shares how barrel-aged beer led her to bourbon eight years ago and why she hosts bottle shares at her home. Discover her approach to introducing newcomers to bourbon, why she drinks everything she buys instead of collecting, and her sweet spot for bourbon pricing between $35 and $90.

]]> In this episode, host Randy Warren talks with Heidi Durst, known as The Bourbon Nymph, about building community through whiskey. Heidi shares how barrel-aged beer led her to bourbon eight years ago and why she hosts bottle shares at her home. Discover her approach to introducing newcomers to bourbon, why she drinks everything she buys instead of collecting, and her sweet spot for bourbon pricing between $35 and $90.

]]> false full 4 1 <![CDATA[How Buffalo Trace Breaks Bourbon Conventions: Harlen Wheatley on Innovation and Experimentation]]> In this episode, host Randy Warren chats with Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley to explore the distillery's groundbreaking 4,000-barrel experimental program, and how the team recovered from 2025's devastating Kentucky River flood. Discover why Buffalo Trace never rotates barrels, how they create 48 whiskeys from 12 mash bills, and what ancient emmer wheat teaches modern distillers. Harlen also reveals why breaking conventional aging rules gives their blending team unmatched flexibility.

]]> Mon, 19 May 2025 12:35:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 39:27 In this episode, host Randy Warren chats with Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley to explore the distillery's groundbreaking 4,000-barrel experimental program, and how the team recovered from 2025's devastating Kentucky River flood. Discover why Buffalo Trace never rotates barrels, how they create 48 whiskeys from 12 mash bills, and what ancient emmer wheat teaches modern distillers. Harlen also reveals why breaking conventional aging rules gives their blending team unmatched flexibility.

]]> In this episode, host Randy Warren chats with Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley to explore the distillery's groundbreaking 4,000-barrel experimental program, and how the team recovered from 2025's devastating Kentucky River flood. Discover why Buffalo Trace never rotates barrels, how they create 48 whiskeys from 12 mash bills, and what ancient emmer wheat teaches modern distillers. Harlen also reveals why breaking conventional aging rules gives their blending team unmatched flexibility.

]]> false full 3 1 <![CDATA[Whiskey Row, Pick Your Poison]]> In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the intricacies of bourbon, from its defining characteristics to the experiences along the Bourbon Trail. They also delve into sports commentary, discussing the NBA and NHL playoffs, and tackle the complexities of tariffs and their impact on consumers. The discussion takes a light-hearted turn as they speculate on what drinks various pop culture figures would order, culminating in a look ahead at future episodes and bourbon insights.

]]> Thu, 08 May 2025 17:26:25 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 30:01 In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the intricacies of bourbon, from its defining characteristics to the experiences along the Bourbon Trail. They also delve into sports commentary, discussing the NBA and NHL playoffs, and tackle the complexities of tariffs and their impact on consumers. The discussion takes a light-hearted turn as they speculate on what drinks various pop culture figures would order, culminating in a look ahead at future episodes and bourbon insights.

]]> In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the intricacies of bourbon, from its defining characteristics to the experiences along the Bourbon Trail. They also delve into sports commentary, discussing the NBA and NHL playoffs, and tackle the complexities of tariffs and their impact on consumers. The discussion takes a light-hearted turn as they speculate on what drinks various pop culture figures would order, culminating in a look ahead at future episodes and bourbon insights.

]]> false full 2 1 <![CDATA[Whiskey Shenanigans Ep1 Apr 2025]]>
  • The conversation highlights the intersection of sports and whiskey culture.
  • Whiskey Row has a rich history tied to the development of bourbon. Hear our exclusive interview with Evan Williams expert taster/distiller from Kentucky
  • Aaron Rodgers' potential signing raises questions about the Steelers' future.
  • Are the Steelers _____ On Whiskey? what? no QB?
  • Quality ingredients and processes are crucial in whiskey making.
  • The NFL draft is unpredictable, especially for quarterbacks.
  • Running backs are often seen as a luxury for already strong teams.
  • Coaching plays a vital role in player development and success.
  • The Steelers' current roster decisions reflect a lack of offensive focus.
    • ]]>     Sat, 12 Apr 2025 21:24:00 -0400 https://rwarrenv.podbean.com 52:42
  • The conversation highlights the intersection of sports and whiskey culture.
  • Whiskey Row has a rich history tied to the development of bourbon. Hear our exclusive interview with Evan Williams expert taster/distiller from Kentucky
  • Aaron Rodgers' potential signing raises questions about the Steelers' future.
  • Are the Steelers _____ On Whiskey? what? no QB?
  • Quality ingredients and processes are crucial in whiskey making.
  • The NFL draft is unpredictable, especially for quarterbacks.
  • Running backs are often seen as a luxury for already strong teams.
  • Coaching plays a vital role in player development and success.
  • The Steelers' current roster decisions reflect a lack of offensive focus.
    • ]]>
  • The conversation highlights the intersection of sports and whiskey culture.
  • Whiskey Row has a rich history tied to the development of bourbon. Hear our exclusive interview with Evan Williams expert taster/distiller from Kentucky
  • Aaron Rodgers' potential signing raises questions about the Steelers' future.
  • Are the Steelers _____ On Whiskey? what? no QB?
  • Quality ingredients and processes are crucial in whiskey making.
  • The NFL draft is unpredictable, especially for quarterbacks.
  • Running backs are often seen as a luxury for already strong teams.
  • Coaching plays a vital role in player development and success.
  • The Steelers' current roster decisions reflect a lack of offensive focus.
    • ]]>     false full 1 1