the Whisky Friends

After nearly a year away, Whiskey Friends is back. In this special return episode, Ken Allsup sits down with Melissa Merrifield, Levi Fahlenkamp, and Wes Fahlenkamp, part of the new ownership team behind the Des Moines Whiskey Festival. The conversation explores how the group became involved with the event, their plans for the future, and how they hope to create a premier whiskey experience in Iow...

“Ever wondered what happens when a whiskey lover drags his whiskey-hating partner into the world of bourbon? This week on The Whisky Friends , we’re joined by TikTok’s ‘She Hates My Whiskey’ duo — Matt and Renee — who bring their hilarious on-camera chemistry to our table. From sweet maple Canadian pours to high-proof burn, we sip our way through rare bottles, unexpected favorites, and whiskey fai...

🎄 Day 25 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brought the grand finale to a festive and flavorful journey with The Whisky Friends— Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken —closing out the season in style. 🥃 The nose on today’s pour was rich and inviting , with notes of maple syrup, butterscotch, and raisin , making it a fitting choice for Christmas morning. On the palate, the group noted sweet, su...

🎄 Day 24 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar wrapped up the journey with a surprise pour that left The Whisky Friends—Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—scratching their heads and debating their guesses. 🥃 The nose was funky and sweet, leading to early guesses ranging from orange Tic Tacs to Canadian whiskies like Crown Royal or Caribou Crossing. On the palate, it delivered a candy-like swee...

🎄 Day 23 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brought holiday cheer and a warm, cinnamon-spiced pour to The Whisky Friends— Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken —as they edged closer to Christmas. 🥃 The nose gave off spicy and sweet aromas , immediately capturing the group’s attention. The palate followed through with cinnamon heat, a sweet front, and a lingering warmth —earning comparisons to...

🎄 Day 22 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brought a whiskey that had The Whisky Friends— Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken —in a swirl of debate and curiosity. 🥃 The nose was immediately captivating, offering caramel, oak, and dusty sweetness —classic Wild Turkey vibes that hinted at something special. But the palate? That’s where the conversation turned. While not terrible, it felt a bi...

🎄 Day 21 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar delivers another memorable sip and plenty of laughs with The Whisky Friends— Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken —at the helm. 🥃 After back-to-back days of Wild Turkey Rare Breed, the crew dove into something completely different. The nose brought out sweet and fruity notes, with hints of banana and cherry , sparking comparisons to Old Forester pou...

🎄 Day 20 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brings us another intriguing pour! 🥃 The Whiskey Friends— Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken —gathered to tackle a bottle with a lot of personality and a bit of mystery. From the nose, it sparked debate with floral hints and familiar spice, while the palate revealed a combination of rye-forward notes and a caramel bourbon finish. This pour had the...

🎄 Day 19 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brings a challenging pour that divides opinions! 🥃 Join The Whisky Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they tackle a whiskey with a nose of rubber, paint thinner, and plastic, leading to a polarizing tasting experience. The reveal? A unique blend finished with two types of toasted oak, showcasing bold experimental flavors. While some fo...

🎄 Day 18 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar keeps the holiday spirit alive with a bold, intriguing pour! 🥃 Join The Whisky Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they dive into a whiskey that sparks curiosity and discussion with its sweet nose and layered flavors. The reveal? A unique expression that challenges the palate and showcases the diversity of craft whiskey. As the crew deb...

🎄 Day 17 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brings a bold, divisive Texas whiskey to the table! 🥃 Join The Whisky Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they explore a pour with a unique profile featuring notes of wintergreen, spice, and a touch of plastic, sparking varied reactions from the crew. The reveal? Still Austin Cask Strength , robust and adventurous whiskey that’s both lo...

🎄 Day 16 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brings the heat with a high-proof winner! 🥃 Join The Whisky Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they savor a pour bursting with spice, graham cracker sweetness, and a robust kick. The reveal? Green River Full Proof Bourbon , coming in at 117.3 proof. This recent addition to Green River’s lineup impresses with its bold flavors and excell...

🎄 Day 15 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar offers a rye whiskey with a balanced twist! 🥃 Join The Whisky Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they explore a pour with a spicy, grassy nose and a surprisingly mellow palate. The reveal? Old Overholt Monongahela Rye at 95 proof. Known for its affordability and versatility, this rye impressed as a solid option for mixing or sipping, e...

🎄 Day 14 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brings a polarizing pour to the lineup! 🥃 Join The Whisky Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they dive into a whiskey with a nose of banana run(t)s and peanut brittle, but a palate that sparks mixed reviews around the table. The reveal? Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Hungarian, Chinkapin, and French Oak , is a unique and experimental...

🎄 Day 13 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brings a classic favorite to the table! 🥃 On this episode of The Whisky Friends , Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken sip on a pour that immediately hints at Buffalo Trace roots with notes of cherry, red licorice, and a candy-like sweetness. The reveal? Weller Antique 107 is a smooth, well-rounded bourbon with just enough proof to warm up a chilly...

🎄 Day 12 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar presents a pour that sparks curiosity and a bit of debate! 🥃 On this episode of The Whisky Friends , Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken explore a whiskey with a banana-forward nose and a sweet, mellow palate that leaves some wanting more. The reveal? High West Cask Strength Blended Whiskey , a unique blend with a subtle complexity. While the group...

🎄 Day 11 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar delivers a bourbon that’s as bold as it is unforgettable! 🥃 Join The Whiskey Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they dive into a spicy, high-proof pour that immediately sets noses tingling and sparks lively debate. The reveal? Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923 , last year’s bourbon of the year for the group. Known for its rich notes of da...

🎄 Day 10 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar takes us to Virginia with a unique twist on a classic! 🥃 Join The Whiskey Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they sip and analyze a pour with notes of cherry, cinnamon, and spice, evoking memories of a classic soda fountain cherry Coke. The reveal? John J. Bowman Single Barrel , a Virginia bourbon sourced from Buffalo Trace distillate,...

🎄 Day 9 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar delivers a win! 🥃 Join The Whiskey Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they dive into a pour with a familiar nose of dark fruit and a light, easy-drinking profile. The group debates its identity and finally lands on their first correct guess of the calendar. The reveal? Buffalo Trace Store Pick from Ace Spirits , a smooth and approachabl...

🎄 Day 8 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brings a grassy, herbal twist! 🥃 On this episode of The Whisky Friends , Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken tackle a rye whiskey that delivers a bold punch of lemongrass, mint, and spice. The group dives into tasting notes and guesses, all while keeping the banter flowing. The reveal? Mayor Pingree Six-Year Rye, Haskell’s Pick , clocked in at a rob...

🎄 Day 7 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brings a standout pour! 🥃 Join The Whiskey Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they explore a bourbon with a delightful nose of brown sugar and caramel and a rich, fruity palate that leaves the group debating its origins. The reveal? Mayor Pingree Bourbon, Haskell’s Pick , a blend of MGP distillate and Valentine Distilling’s own producti...

🎄 Day 6 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brings a delightful surprise! 🥃 Join The Whiskey Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they explore a pour with a creamy caramel nose and a rich, familiar taste that has everyone guessing. The big reveal? Old Elk Wheated Bourbon Blackwell’s Select , a craft pick with a thick mouthfeel and a smooth sweetness left the crew impressed. While O...

🎄 Day 5 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar takes things up a notch! 🥃 Join The Whiskey Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—as they dive into a bold, high-proof pour that has everyone buzzing. This one hits hard and fast, leaving Michael gasping (literally) and the crew debating its Buffalo Trace roots. The big reveal? Stagg (formerly known as Stagg Jr.) 2024 Release A , packing a fi...

🎄 Day 4 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar is here, and things are looking up! 🥃 After yesterday’s challenging pour, The Whiskey Friends —Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—are relieved to find a whiskey that brings a little holiday cheer back to their glasses. Today’s pour? Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel —a sweet and smooth treat with notes of honey graham crackers and no funk in sight. While...

🎄 Day 3 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar is here! 🥃 On this episode of The Whiskey Friends , Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken take on a bold—and polarizing—pour. With notes of funk, plastic, and even flat Coke , this whiskey stirs up plenty of debate and leaves the crew wondering if this is a gift to treasure or a bottle to regift. Spoiler: it’s 125-proof, port-finished Toppling Goliath...