The Rolex Whisky Passion Project

Gavin welcomes back Erick Ostrander, owner of the Bourbon Club in Lexington, Kentucky, to discuss a major shift in the whiskey world: the correction of the bourbon market. After years of post-COVID scarcity, grocery store shelves are suddenly overflowing with highly sought-after Buffalo Trace products like Blanton's, Stagg Jr., and E.H. Taylor. The duo rejoices over the decline of the predator...

Gavin engages with Sagar Vashishta, a veteran collector and author of the coffee table book The Art of Japanese Whisky to examine the structural shifts defining the spirits industry over the past decade. T he discussion traces the market's trajectory from an era of accessible, high-quality age-statement expressions to the current post-COVID climate characterized by aggressive corporate price i...

Gavin catches up with long-time friend and whiskey expert Raven Fuller to trace her remarkable journey through the evolving spirits industry. Moving from central Illinois to the heart of bourbon country in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2017, Raven shares her transition from casual cocktail drinker to industry insider at Michter's, detailing the explosive growth of whiskey tourism over the past deca...

Gavin Linde is joined by with John Drummond , the General Manager of the Intercontinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong and a true heavyweight in the global whisky scene. John shares his evolution from sneaking sips of blended whiskies as a teenager in Scotland to curating one of the world’s most elite collections at the hotel’s famed Tiffany’s New York Bar . They also talk about their unique "shar...

In a captivating transition, Howard Sacks traded international tax consulting for the spirits industry, founding Saxs Dynamic Operations to bring elite Scotch whiskey to the U.S. market. Specializing in "the good stuff," Sacks acts as a national importer for niche distilleries like Holly and Addendale, alongside high-end Independent Bottlers such as Lady of the Glenn. His business strategy...

In this lively episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project, host Gavin Linde and guest Matt Lurin dive deep into the evolving landscape of the spirits industry. They explore the rising popularity of independent bottling and the "out of control" trend of high-ABV cask strength whiskies, contrasting modern preferences with the classic, lower-proof vintages of the past. They also take a cand...

In this episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project , co-founders Marcelo Grande and Roland Ng pull back the curtain on Fog City Social , a San Francisco-based event designed to fix the "broken" spirit of corporate whiskey festivals. Moving away from crowded ballrooms and frantic VIP lines, they explain their "everyone is a VIP" philosophy, where every ticket includes a high-end f...

In this engaging episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project , Gavin Linde welcomes Kurt Maitland (author and founder of the Manhattan Whiskey Club ) dive deep into the evolving landscape of whiskey over the last thirty years. Maitland shares nostalgic stories of his "whiskey journey," from discovering Jameson in college to hunting for "dusty" rare bottles in overlooked corner liq...

Joel Harrison, a veteran whiskey writer, joined the "Rolex Whiskey Passion Project" to discuss the dramatic changes in the whiskey industry over his nearly 20-year career. They centered on the evolution of whiskey pricing, with Harrison and host Gavin Linde recalling a time two decades ago when quality, mature whiskies, including rare bottles from now-closed distilleries like Port Ellen, w...

Davide Ansalone, known as "Whiskey Munich," joined Gavin Linde on the  Rolex Whiskey Passion Project  podcast to share his unique journey into the whiskey world. He discussed how he went from discovering smoky Scotch to becoming an influential blogger and photographer who collaborates with the whiskey industry. Highlights of his story include an impulsive, yet valuable, purchase of a 30-ye...

Kashish Shrestha , founder and CEO of the Nepali Spirit Company , joins the show to share the journey of bringing Nepal’s ancient distilling traditions to the global stage. Shrestha discusses his transition from a high-end whiskey collector and auction regular to a craft distiller based in California, producing traditional rice spirits out of Florida. He provides a deep dive into the cultural hist...

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Martin , The Dalmore’s Global Brand Ambassador, joins Sam Rothschild of BlockBar and Gavin to unveil an exclusive 33-year-old single cask release. The conversation highlights a landmark collaboration that merges traditional Scottish craftsmanship with modern NFT technology , allowing enthusiasts to purchase high-end spirits directly from the distillery without...

Gavin traces Brian Evans' journey in spirits, beginning with early experiences with Jameson to a deep appreciation for high-value spirits like rum and Armagnac, culminating in an obsession with Japanese whiskey. Evans details his "aha" moment with Chichibu, a distillery praised for its experimental use of unconventional casks, and the massive undertaking of curating the Hotel Chelsea&#...

Suntory Global Scotch Senior Scotch Ambassador, Simon Brooking, was interviewed for the "Rolex Whiskey Passion Project" to discuss his nearly 30-year career. Brooking detailed his 19 years with Laphroaig, emphasizing the brand's unique culture, the enduring legacy established by figures like Ian Hunter and Bessie Williamson, and the 30th anniversary of the highly personal "Friends...

Gavin Linde welcomed Peter Jnr. of Luchi's Whiskey Bar to the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project. Peter Jr. detailed the bar's transformation into a specialist for Islay and Jura malt whiskies, a shift that was inspired by an American VIP's observation of the jarring contrast between the luxury whiskey lounge and the public bar's Jäger bomb clientele. This led to the decision to focus o...

Gavin welcomes Jessica Ann Zimlich and Zach Zimlich of ZAK Cooperage, discussing their family business history, which started in 1990. Zach's upbringing in the cooperage provided him with creative control over whiskey flavor profiles. The conversation covered the enduring consistency of cooperage techniques despite automation and the critical importance of responsibly sourcing white oak due to...

Dawn Davies, the buying director for The Whiskey Exchange, talks to Gavin about the modern whiskey market and raises issues such as overcharging customers, releasing substandard, non-age statement liquid, and using excessive packaging that shifts focus from the product to "pomp and ceremony." She also highlighted a concern that the market prioritizes "flippers" over long-term custo...

Gavin Linde welcomed Brandon Smith, the National Brand Activation Manager for Lofted Spirits, shared their professional background and their introduction to whiskey, emphasizing the importance of memories and friendships in whiskey appreciation. They discussed the evolution of the whiskey industry, Bardstown Bourbon Company's unique approach, and the collaborative and innovative culture within...

Gavin Linde and Chris Blandford discussed the significant changes in the whiskey market, highlighting a new era where consumers are more educated and prioritize quality. This shift has also brought challenges, particularly with barrel picks, where palate fatigue makes thorough assessment difficult. Starlight Distillery was praised for its innovative and passionate approach, distinguishing it from...

Gavin Linde introduced Lars Rucker from Hong Kong, known for Tiffany's Bar and the Hong Kong Whiskey Festival, as a guest on the Rolex Whiskey podcast. Lars discussed the evolution of the whiskey scene in Hong Kong and China, the growth of Tiffany's New York Bar's whiskey selection, and the significant development of the Hong Kong Whiskey Festival since its inception in 2016. They also...

Gavin celebrates the milestone of 100 episodes by welcoming a special guest: Dan McKee, Master Distiller at Michter's Distillery . McKee, a longtime friend and industry peer, shares his journey into the world of whiskey, beginning with casual sips as a young man before embarking on a 13-year career in commercial roofing. His path shifted dramatically when he took a job as a distillery operator...

Gavin Linde welcomed Benjamin Rosen to the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project, acknowledging their long-standing relationship and Benjamin's launch of Onyx and Amber. Benjamin shared insights into the evolving whiskey market, detailing the shift from abundant choices to inflated prices and their personal investment in MGP barrels. Benjamin Rosen explained that Onyx and Amber is a long-term, indepen...

Gavin Linde welcomed Andreas Lykke, founder of the Daily Whisky. Andreas shared their journey into whiskey, highlighting their focus on challenging traditional perceptions and reaching a younger audience through daily content on "the Daily Whiskey" Instagram. Gavin and Andreas discussed experiences visiting distilleries, adapting to Instagram's algorithm changes, and revealed that &#34...

Gavin Linde and his guest Diego Lanza discuss the Hong Kong Whiskey Festival and Lanza's whiskey journey. Diego Lanza recounted their early exposure to whiskey in Italy, their move to London to specialize in whiskey, and their significant career progression at The Whiskey Exchange as an old and rare whiskey curator. Gavin and Diego also discussed the evolution of sherry casks in whiskey produc...

Gavin Linde interviews Peter Currie of Shand Import about his 25 years in the whiskey industry. Peter Currie discussed his journey, beginning with following his father into the industry, working for Line Whisies, and then spending eight years at Springbank Distillery where he was involved in all aspects of production and eventually became the sales and marketing director. He then moved to Californ...