The Rolex Whisky Passion Project

Gavin Linde welcomes back Daryl Proof about his take on the whiskey market, specifically independent bottlers, and unique whisky barrels. They shared barrel picking experiences, including an unplanned large pick with Prov, and talked about whisky consumption, high-proof whiskys, and tasting notes from picks like Locust Dream. They also discussed barrel pricing, market hype, and future events, with...

Gavin Linde and Mayur Bhatia, a member ambassador for the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society, discussed their early whiskey experiences, discovery of single malts and Japanese whisky, and memorable "wow" whiskies, including those from independent bottlers and the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society. They explored the appeal of independent bottlers, the landscape of blended Scotch post-Compass Box, and th...

Gavin Linde interviewed John Kennedy, a 20-year whiskey industry veteran, covering Kennedy's career, the evolution of the single malt market, and the rise of independent bottling.  They discussed challenges entering the US market, the shift in consumer preference towards single malts, and strategies in independent bottling, including omitting distillery names to create intrigue. 

James Walton, a passionate whiskey connoisseur and the driving force behind PureMalts, joins the conversation to share his deep-seated love for the spirit. PureMalts, as James explains, is dedicated to crafting exceptional, curated whiskey tasting experiences. His personal journey into the world of whisky began with a pivotal Forbes article highlighting the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, an inspirati...

Gavin Linde hosted Kevin C, known as "Bourbon Notes", about his early experiences to his successful social media presence. Kevin shared insights into his evolution from casual whiskey drinker to a connoisseur focused on high-quality bourbons, highlighting a pivotal moment involving a Four Roses Single Barrel that broadened his palate. They also covered the dynamic changes within the bourbo...

Daniel Filipek and Gavin Linde discussed the evolution of the Japanese whiskey market since 2015, including their strategic inventory acquisitions, the impact of collectability, and recent market softening due to inventory dumping. They also analyzed the high costs of new make whiskey, the depletion of old-growth American oak, and the rising value of rare American bourbons in Japan. The conversati...

Chris Perugini of Single Maltsavvy discussed the evolution of the whiskey landscape since 2008. They highlighted the shift from limited availability and special orders to a widespread online market, including price gouging. The conversation covered regional differences, preferences for smaller whiskey gatherings over large festivals, and the transformation of distilleries from small operations to...

Gavin and Boris Borissov, affectionately known as the "Whisky King," engaged in a comprehensive discussion exploring their shared passion for whisky, encompassing everything from personal collecting journeys to the intricacies of the global market. Boris, whose whisky journey began in 2013 with a pivotal tasting and a subsequent trip to Islay in 2014, detailed his evolution into an avid co...

Marci P. and Gavin explored the fascinating resurgence of bourbon, a spirit once languishing in dusty liquor store shelves during the 1980s. Marci, with her insider perspective from the wine and liquor trade, recounted how bourbon was far from fashionable, and she even assisted distributors in offloading surplus stock, a stark contrast to today's market where these same bottles, like Pappy Van...

Gavin and Jack Taub, embarked on a conversational journey through the world of whiskey, reflecting on experiences ranging from the bustling Whiskey Live Paris festival to the quiet contemplation of rare Scotch. Their shared passion was evident as they discussed the evolving landscape of whiskey collecting, investment strategies, and the stark differences in alcohol sales between the UK and the US....

Jon Gjbrea speaks to Gavin about their shared passion for whiskey and cigars, delving into the nuances of brand loyalty, industry trends, and personal experiences. Their discussion reveals a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship, history, and community that surround these indulgences. Jon's unwavering loyalty to McAllen whiskey, instilled by his uncle's collection, highlights the powerfu...

Today, Gavin and Eric Ladin discuss their experiences with whiskey and the evolution of drinking culture. Eric shared that he grew up in Texas, where Jack Daniels was popular, but he didn't appreciate the nuances of whiskey until recently. Gavin notes that in the past, whiskey was not a common choice in bars, and cocktails were more popular among older generations. They both recalled their col...

In today's episode, Roland Ng shared his journey of discovering and falling in love with whiskey, starting with Yamazaki 18 in 2011. He describes how his friends introduced him to various types of whiskey, including Scotch and rum, and how his palate has evolved over the years. He also discussed the significant changes in the whiskey market, particularly the rise of Japanese whiskey, which he...

Erick shares his journey from accidentally buying a bar at age 22 to building a successful bourbon business over 20 years. He highlights how bourbon prices and availability have changed dramatically, with rare bottles like Pappy Van Winkle going from $25 a pour to $350 now. His bar's bourbon selection has grown from around 150 bottles to 900 at his bourbon club. Erick notes that interest in ne...

Zak Kemble and Gavin Linde, both whiskey enthusiasts, recently discussed their shared passion. Zak recounted his initial negative experience with whiskey and his subsequent journey exploring different varieties. Both agreed on Glenfarclas 15 as a favorite, appreciating its balance of accessibility and flavor, while Gavin also highlighted Glenfiddich for its consistent quality and affordability. Th...

In today's episode, Gavin shares the significance of building relationships and trust in the whiskey industry. Gavin emphasizes the challenges of maintaining these relationships and the fluctuating nature of bottle availability. He also shared his personal experiences buying whiskey, starting with Japanese whiskey due to its limited availability and how his Instagram account, Rolex Whiskey, gr...

Gavin talks with Peter Nevenglosky, a co-founder of Rare Character Whiskey and other spirits brands, discussed their shared love for food and drink, particularly whiskey.  They discussed the evolution of the cocktail culture in America, reflecting on how it shifted from a focus on showmanship and quality to a broader, more inclusive landscape. They also talked about their experiences with differen...

Gavin and Liquid Scorsese had a casual conversation where they discussed personal life, work challenges, and their shared passion for whiskey. Gavin opened up about the difficulties he faces balancing work and personal life, especially while traveling. Liquid Scorsese, on the other hand, shared his plans for the upcoming year, including the exciting news of expecting a baby. They also reminisced a...

Gavin and Torsten explored the complexities of whiskey production, particularly focusing on the influence of wood and climate on the aging process. They discussed how different environments, like the hot and humid conditions at Kavalan in Taiwan and the cold, isolated setting of Islay in Scotland, impart unique characteristics to the whiskey. They underscored the importance of the relationship bet...

Providing a boutique whiskey shopping experience. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of American whiskey in Alaska, the rise of new distilleries, and the shifts in pricing and consumer preferences in the whiskey market. Key themes include the impact of COVID on the liquor business, the distinction between American bourbon and Scotch whiskey, the importance of transparent barrel picks...

In this engaging episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion project, Dan Kidd, popularly known as Heavy Bourbon, shares his journey from college whiskey enthusiast to becoming a revered figure in the online whiskey community. With a focus on his creative content creation during quarantine and his unique approach to whiskey tasting, Dan provides a lighthearted and humorous perspective on exploring the wo...

Join the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project as Gavin chats with Dr. Matt Lurin, a Long Island physician and whiskey enthusiast. Together, they explore Dr. Lurin's whiskey journey, from his early love of Laphroaig to organizing the acclaimed charity event, Water of Life. Discover his memorable experiences, insights into the evolution of whiskey events, and the camaraderie within the industry. This e...

Join us as we chat with Struan Ralph, aka "The Whisky Beard," from the William Grant family. We dive into Struan's early whiskey memories, the transformative journey of single malt whiskies, and their rise in global markets. Listen in for anecdotes from New York's social scene, industry insights, and discussions on whisky trends, finishes, and pricing. Discover how the whisky indus...

Ryan Mills and Gavin engage in a detailed discussion about their whiskey passion, exploring various types of whiskeys and the whiskey-making process. They emphasize authenticity in social media, focusing on genuine enjoyment over popularity. Ryan shares his whiskey tasting events and collaborations within the whiskey community, highlighting the educational and enjoyable aspects of whiskey explorat...

Jordan Felix engages in a deep dive into premium whiskies at Clyde Common, exploring a diverse selection of single malts and bourbons. Gavin and Jordan engaged in a wide-ranging conversation about their experiences with alcohol and whiskey, starting with their early introduction to alcohol and their favorite drinks during their youth. They reflected on the lack of customer care in some establishme...