Distilling the West

In a sneak preview Tasting Talk, Dan and Dave explore Whistling Andy Bottled-in-Bond 5 year corn whiskey. They dive into the history of this Montana distillery, the meaning behind bottled-in-bond, and what sets this whiskey apart. As always, the conversation flows between tasting notes, distilling insights, and a few good laughs along the way. Come get a taste before next week’s interview with Whi...

In this new episode of Distilling the West , Dan and Dave head to Palisade, Colorado, to visit Peach Street Distillers and sit down with none other than Davy Lindig —the man, the myth, the legend. Davy brings bold energy, deep knowledge, and a whole lot of personality to a conversation that’s as lively as it is informative. Peach Street, one of the pioneers of Colorado craft distilling, has been t...

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West , Dan and Dave taste Laws Bottled in Bond Four Grain Bourbon out of Denver, Colorado. They explore the rich and structured profile of this well-aged spirit, highlighting notes of dark caramel, orange, black tea, toasted grain, baking spice, and oak. The hosts appreciate the depth and balance that comes from meeting the strict Bottled in Bond standard...

In this new episode of Distilling the West , Dan and Dave return to the classroom for Whiskey 201 , a much-anticipated sequel to their popular Whiskey 101 episode. If that first tasting laid the foundation, this one builds the walls, raises the roof, and adds a few charred barrels for good measure. They dive deeper into what makes whiskey… whiskey—from fermentation techniques and grain bills to di...

In this heartfelt and lively Tasting Talk on Distilling the West , Dan and Dave dive into Corbin Cash Straight Rye, a bold and expressive spirit known for its high rye content and long aging process. They explore its rich flavor profile, pulling out notes of peppery spice, dried fruit, earthy grain, and a warm, oaky finish that lingers just the right amount. The hosts talk about the balance and de...

In this episode of Distilling the West , Dan and Dave head to Las Vegas, Nevada, to speak with Aaron Chepenik , the mastermind behind Smoke Wagon Whiskey . Known for his authenticity and passion for whiskey, Aaron has built Smoke Wagon into a brand that stands out not just for its bold, high-rye bourbons but also for its unfiltered, no-nonsense approach to the craft. During the tasting, Dan and Da...

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West , Dan and Dave explore Minden Mill Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a spirit crafted entirely on a 1,200-acre estate in Minden, Nevada. They delve into the bourbon's rich flavor profile, highlighting notes of cherry cola, vanilla, and a touch of spice, culminating in a long, sweet finish. The hosts discuss how the high desert climate and estate-grown gr...

In this special episode of Distilling the West —Dan is joined by guest host Oliver Hutton as they sit down with the legendary Crispin Cain , owner and head distiller of Tamar Distillery in Redwood Valley, California. Known for his decades of experience and innovative spirit, Crispin opens up about his long journey in the world of distilling, the founding of Tamar Distillery, and his deeply thought...

In this Tasting Talk on Distilling the West , Dan and Dave dive into Woodinville Straight Rye and Rye finished in a Port cask. They explore how the straight rye is a solid pour in and of itself. Then they move on to how the port finish adds rich, fruity depth to the bold rye spice, bringing out notes of dark berries, chocolate, and a silky sweetness. The hosts highlight the balance and character o...

In this special solo episode of Distilling the West , Dan flies solo while Dave is off on vacation. He sits down with Keith Barnes , founder and distiller at Bainbridge Organic Distillers , Washington’s first USDA-certified organic distillery, located on Bainbridge Island. Keith shares the story behind Bainbridge’s commitment to sustainability, quality, and local ingredients—an ethos that shines t...

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West , Dan and Dave explore Deerhammer American Single Malt finished in a Tawny port cask. Deerhammer Distillery is based out of Buena Vista, Colorado. They dive into the rich complexity of the malt, with the Tawny port cask imparting flavors of dried fruit, caramel, and spice. The hosts thoroughly enjoy this one, noting its smooth and balanced profile. A...

In this special solo Tasting Talk on Distilling the West , Dan takes the spotlight as he explores Woodinville Straight Bourbon. With no co-host this time, Dan offers a thoughtful and detailed tasting experience, diving into the bourbon’s rich layers of flavor. He highlights notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, while discussing its smooth finish and well-rounded profile. In addition to the t...

In this episode of Distilling the West , Dan and Dave travel to the heart of the Rocky Mountains to speak with Lenny Eckstein , founder and head distiller of Deerhammer Distilling in Buena Vista, Colorado. Known for its bold, grain-to-glass approach, Deerhammer has built a reputation for crafting uniquely rugged and flavorful whiskeys, influenced by the high-altitude aging environment. During the...

In this Tasting Talk on Distilling the West , Dan and Dave explore Woodinville Whiskey bourbon aged in Sauternes casks. They dive into how the influence of the French dessert wine barrels imparts rich, honeyed sweetness, layered with dried fruit and spice. The hosts break down the whiskey’s depth and complexity, discussing how the Sauternes finish elevates its profile. If you're a fan of unique ca...

In this episode of Distilling the West , Dan and Dave sit down with Al Laws, Founder and President of Laws Whiskey House out of Denver, Colorado, to discuss the distillery’s dedication to heirloom grains, time-honored techniques, and bold, grain-forward flavors. They explore the craftsmanship behind their Centennial Straight Wheat Whiskey – Bottled in Bond, breaking down how the distillation and a...

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West , Dan and Dave delve into Laws Whiskey House's Centennial Straight Wheat Whiskey – Bottled in Bond. This is a prelude episode to the upcoming interview with Al Laws of Laws Whiskey House out Denver, Colorado. They explore its unique profile, highlighting notes of honey, fresh-baked bread, and a touch of spice. The hosts discuss the significance of th...

In this episode of Distilling the West , Dan and Dave speak with Coby and Will Jamieson from Demptos Cooperage out of Napa, California. They dive into the craftsmanship behind barrel-making, discussing how wood selection, toasting, and charring impact the flavors of whiskey and other spirits. Coby and Will share their expertise on the cooperage industry, offering insights into both traditional and...

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West , Dan and Dave explore Red Dog Rye from Devil’s Creek Distillery out of Mammoth Lakes, California. They break down its bold and spicy profile, highlighting the rye grain's signature peppery bite balanced with hints of caramel, oak, and a touch of sweetness. Part of Devil’s Creek adventure series, the hosts discuss how it stands out among other rye wh...

In this episode of Distilling the West , Dan and Dave sit down with Ken Miller, Co-Owner of The Distillarium, to dive into the creativity and craftsmanship behind their unique spirits. The Distillarium is known for pushing boundaries, blending traditional distilling techniques with innovative aging and finishing methods to create truly distinctive flavors. The tasting lineup includes four standout...

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave explore High West American Prairie Finished in Oloroso Sherry Cask for 9 months (98.6 proof). They dive into the impact of the sherry cask finish, noting how it enhances the bourbon’s rich caramel and vanilla base with layers of dried fruit, spice, and a touch of nuttiness. The hosts discuss the balance between the sweetness from the sh...

In this episode of Distilling the West , Dan and Dave welcome Clayton Mendel from Devils Creek Distillery to explore the artistry and passion behind their exceptional spirits. Located in Mammoth Lake, CA, Devils Creek has become a standout in the craft distilling world, celebrated for its bold, flavorful whiskeys. The tasting lineup features four remarkable offerings: Small Batch Bourbon, Snow Job...

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave explore a Cognac Finish Bourbon from Branch Point Distillery out of Dayton, Oregon. They discuss how the cognac cask aging imparts a rich and nuanced layer to the bourbon, adding notes of dried fruit, subtle spice, and a velvety finish. The hosts share their tasting notes, highlighting the interplay between the bourbon's robust base and...

In this Tasting Talk on Distilling the West , Dan and Dave delve into St. George Spirits' Baller Whiskey, which they praise as a standout American single malt. They highlight its unique profile, with notes of malt, subtle smokiness, and a crisp, clean finish reminiscent of Japanese whisky. The hosts discuss how Baller Whiskey exemplifies innovation in American single malts, offering both versatili...

In this episode of Distilling the West , Dan and Dave dive into the world of Westland Distillery from Seattle, Washington with Tyler Pederson. Known for their commitment to crafting exceptional single malts, Westland has redefined American whiskey. Tyler shares insights into the distillery's unique approach, from their use of local barley to their exploration of terroir in whiskey production. The...

In this episode of Distilling the West , Dan and Dave are joined by Pat Donovan, President of Dry Fly Distilling, for a deep dive into the craft behind their award-winning whiskeys. Based in Spokane, Washington, Dry Fly is celebrated for its use of locally sourced grains and innovative barrel finishing techniques. The tasting lineup includes three exceptional whiskeys: Straight Wheat Whiskey, show...