Brims and Barrels

Join us as we break down Smoke Wagon Rare & Limited Triple Sevens, a unique blend of three different 7-year whiskeys — two bourbons and one rye — bottled at 108 proof. In this Game Ready segment, we dive into the mash bill, flavor profile, and the story behind this limited release from Smoke Wagon. With only 1600 bottles produced, the question is simple: Did Smoke Wagon hit the jackpot with Tr...

Wheated bourbon… smooth, approachable, and often full of surprise. In this episode of Brims & Barrels, we're diving into a blind tasting of four wheated bourbons to see which one truly stands out when it counts. No labels, no price tags—just nose, palate, and finish. From well-known heavy hitters to hidden craft gems, we’ll break down each one and keep it real the whole time. Plus, we’ll chat...

Join us as we explore the rich history and unique characteristics of Old Forester's 1924 whiskey, including its mash bill, historical significance during Prohibition, and tasting notes. Discover how this limited release compares to other classics and get expert insights on pairing and collecting. Keywords: Old Forester, whiskey, bourbon, 1924 release, mash bill, Prohibition, tasting notes, whiskey...

Join us as we explore the world of rye whiskey through a blind tasting of four top-rated bottles, discussing their unique characteristics, tasting notes, and the art of whiskey appreciation. Perfect for enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this episode offers insights into whiskey profiles, tasting techniques, and industry favorites. Keywords: Rye whiskey, blind tasting, whiskey review, whiskey educat...

The conversation delves into the history and characteristics of DH Cromwell, a 15-year age, 106 proof Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It explores the fascinating story of Dirty Helen Cromwell, the aroma and flavor profile of the whiskey, and concludes with analogies and a final verdict on its quality. Keywords:Whiskey, Bourbon, Dirty Helen Cromwell, Prohibition, Bourbon Tasting, Heritage Distil...

Xavier and Ray engage in a blind tasting of four bourbon samples, discussing their selection, scoring, and evaluation of each sample. They reveal their guesses and scores, reflecting on the blind tasting experience and promoting their Patreon and subscription services. Takeaways* Blind tasting allows for unbiased evaluation of bourbon samples.* Scoring and guessing the samples adds an element of f...

The conversation begins with an introduction to Old Commonwealth's Old Colonel Randolph's, followed by a discussion on the history and background of the brand. Tasting notes and characteristics of the bourbon are explored, along with an evaluation of its scarcity. The conversation concludes with a comparative analysis and a final conclusion. Disclaimer: The whiskey featured in this Game Ready was...

In this conversation, Ray and Xavier discuss Pursuit Spirits and their unique Triple Mash whiskey. They explore the backstory of Pursuit Spirits, the details of the Triple Mash blend, and share their tasting notes. Finally, they give their verdict on whether the Triple Mash is 'game ready' or should 'ride the bench'. Takeaways ​Pursuit Spirits - A Story of Podcasters Turned Whiskey Creators ​Tripl...

Preservation Estate Pot Distilled Wheated Bourbon – 7 yrs 5 mos | 115.6 proof (57.8% ABV) | MSRP $119–$129 | Micro single batch, pot distilled in Bardstown, KY. In this episode of Brims and Barrels, hosts Xavier and Ray dive into the world of Preservation Distillery, exploring its unique approach to bourbon production, including its pot distillation process and commitment to sustainability. They d...

In this engaging conversation, Ray and Xavier interviews Mike, a seasoned bartender at Off the Record, a popular speakeasy bar in Houston. They discuss the bar's unique atmosphere, cocktail trends, and the importance of customer preferences in bartending. Mike shares insights from his 17-year journey in the industry, touching on the rise of speakeasy bars and the dynamics of drink orders. The conv...

In this episode of Brims and Barrels Blind, Xavier and Ray takes listeners on a journey through the world of wheat whiskey and wheated bourbon. The conversation begins with Brims & Barrels personal background and experiences, leading into a detailed discussion about the differences between wheat whiskey and wheated bourbon. Then dive into a blind tasting of various whiskeys, sharing their tast...

In this engaging conversation, Ray and Xavier explore various themes surrounding the Houston area, the bourbon market, and the importance of community. They share personal stories, including a heartfelt tribute to a beloved pet, Mellow, and discuss the resurgence of bourbon availability. The conversation highlights the significance of events like Bourbon Con for networking and building relationshi...

In this engaging episode, Xavier and Ray dive into the world of whiskey tasting, sharing their thoughts on various bourbons and ryes. The conversation flows naturally as they discuss their tasting experiences, flavor profiles, and the nuances of different bottles, including the Jefferson's Reserve Cash Strength Limited Edition. They emphasize the importance of savoring each sip and the joy of disc...

The conversation revolves around the dynamics of college football, focusing on the transition to the transfer portal, the business aspects of the sport, and the importance of branding for athletes. Participants share their perspectives as former players, coaches, and parents, discussing the challenges and opportunities in the current landscape of college athletics. In this conversation, the partic...

In this episode, Ray and Xavier sits down with Oscar Galvan, the owner of OG Pour, to discuss the art of mixology and the journey of becoming a luxury mobile bartender. Oscar shares his experiences from starting as a waiter to establishing his own bartending business, emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients and creating memorable experiences for clients. The conversation delves into the...

In this engaging conversation, Xavier and Ray shares insights on whiskey tasting, particularly focusing on Buffalo Trace and its various offerings. The discussion transitions from personal anecdotes about baseball and college experiences at HBCUs to the intricacies of blind tasting different bourbons. The participants explore their preferences, ranking the whiskeys based on taste and aroma, while...

In this engaging conversation, Ray and Xavier discuss the innovative features of the OnlyDrams app with its co-founder, Collin Armold. They explore the app's functionalities, including collection management and the unique 'Pick My Pour' feature, which simplifies the decision-making process for bourbon enthusiasts. The discussion also delves into personal anecdotes from their college days, highligh...

Location: Bayou & Bottle | Four Seasons HoustonIn this episode of Brims & Barrels, Xavier and Ray post up at one of Ray’s favorite spots Bayou & Bottle at the Four Seasons Houston. Over elevated cuisine and a couple of Bayou & Bottle barrel picks, the conversation centers on a simple but often overlooked idea in whiskey culture: treating yourself. This isn’t about hype bottles or c...

In this engaging conversation, the participants explore the intricate world of bourbon and whiskey, discussing unique aromas, flavors, and the importance of family and fellowship in the enjoyment of these spirits. They delve into the nuances of high-end bourbons, the emotional weight of grandparenting, and the evolving landscape of Texas bourbon. The discussion highlights the significance of commu...

Summary In this episode of Brims and Barrels, hosts Xavier and Ray delve into the world of Stagg 25A, discussing its unique characteristics, tasting notes, and the legacy of the Stagg brand. They explore the cult following of Stagg, the significance of its high proof, and how it compares to previous batches. The conversation highlights the appeal of George T. Stagg and concludes with their final t...

Summary In this episode of Throwback Thursday Pours, hosts Xavier and Ray explore nostalgic whiskey pours, sharing personal stories and memories associated with their favorite bottles. They discuss the importance of revisiting old favorites, the joy of sharing whiskey with friends, and recent exciting finds from their local liquor store. The conversation flows from personal anecdotes to recommenda...

Summary In this episode, Ray and Xavier explore the world of Scotch whisky, prompted by a listener's request. They share their initial impressions, tasting experiences, and the aesthetics of Scotch bottles. The conversation flows through various Scotch brands, including Aberlour, Glen Fohdry, and Glen Allachie, highlighting their unique characteristics and flavors. The hosts express their exciteme...

Three bottles. Zero script. Just vibes. For this Fresh Crack Friday, we opened Brewtally Honest Bourbon, J.W. Kelly Double Oaked Single Barrel, and Silver Springs Sweet Rye — and let the conversation go wherever the pour took us. Honest reactions. Real flavors. Real moments. Drop your bottle of the day in the comments and tell us what we should crack next Friday. 🥃🔥

In this episode of Brims & Barrels, hosts Xavier and Ray dive into the 2025 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, discussing its unique characteristics, history, and tasting notes. They explore the significance of the bourbon's release, its production process, and how it compares to previous years. The conversation also touches on the hosts' personal experiences with the bourbon, culminating in a rat...