Chris Kumnick - Host

Whisky & Smoke News Network

Leisure EN ↓ 27 episodes

Join your host, Chris Kumnick, on a weekly journey through the world of whisky, cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This isn't just any lifestyle podcast – it's more of a news program that covers the fascinating history, expert insights, and engaging conversation designed to elevate your appreciation for these wonderful pastimes. Whether you're looking to impress your friends with your newfound whisky knowledge, deepen your understanding of the huge world of cigars, or want to watch and learn about the calmness of pipes and pipe tobacco, Whisky & Smoke News Network has something for you.

Author

Chris Kumnick - Host

Episodes

Ep. 26 - 7/8/26 - Allisa Henley - AJ Bond Distillery - Building the Castle / Playing the Long Game 09.07.2026 1:14:17

In Episode 26 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, bourbon, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Allisa Henley, Master Distiller at AJ Bond Tennessee Distillery in La Vergne, Tennessee. This episode covers major whiskey and spirits headlines including Sazerac’s $20 million purchase of the former Garrard Cou...

Ep. 25 - 6/21/26 - Christian Huber - Starlight Distillery - "True, Grain-to-Glass Greatness!!!" 24.06.2026 1:23:02

In Episode 25 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, bourbon, cigar, pipe, and tobacco news from around the world before sitting down with Christian Huber, 7th-generation distiller at Starlight Distillery, for an in-depth interview about the highly anticipated 2026 Starlight 10-Year Reserve Bourbon. This episode covers major industry developments includi...

Ep. 24 - 6/14/26 - Murray Kerr - Deanston Distillery - "The Deanston Greatness Starts Here!!" 22.06.2026 1:21:53

Welcome to Episode 24 of Whisky & Smoke News Network! This week, host Chris Kumnick brings you the latest whisky, whiskey, bourbon, and premium cigar news from around the globe, including major releases from Frey Ranch, Green River, Garrison Brothers, Elijah Craig, Old Forester, Penelope Bourbon, Tormore, Kavalan, and The Macallan. We also cover the biggest stories in the cigar world from Joya...

Ep. 23 - 6/7/26 - Greg Standard - Standard Cooperage - The Man Building Texas' Newest Cooperage 10.06.2026 1:03:43

Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 23 | June 7, 2026 — Join host Chris Kumnick for another packed episode covering the latest news from the worlds of whisky, bourbon, cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This week features breaking industry updates from Brown-Forman, Slane Distillery, Bruichladdich's Yellow Submarine III, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Mars Whisky, Uncle Nearest, Buffalo Trace, E...

Ep. 22 - 5/24/26 - Luciano Meirelles - Luciano Cigars - Serial Entrepreneur - "Seed to Smoke" 24.05.2026 21:10

In this episode of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick delivers a deep dive into the latest whisky, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, new releases, and industry events, highlighted by an exclusive “Torch the Vitola” interview with Luciano Meirelles of Luciano Cigars recorded at the Premium Cigar Association trade show. Episode 21 (May 17, 2026) explores Luciano’s journey into the...

Ep. 21 - 5/17/26 - Mitch Bechard - Not Another F-cking Whisky Book - "Exploring the World of Whisky!!" 17.05.2026 58:21

In this engaging conversation, Chris Kumnick interviews Mitch Bichard, a prominent figure in the whiskey industry. They discuss Mitch's journey from being a brand ambassador to launching his own whiskey, Tourist More. Mitch shares insights from his book, 'Not Another F-ing Whiskey Book,' which offers a humorous and candid look at the whiskey world. The conversation touches on the evolu...

EP. 20 - 5/10/26 - DAVID GAROFALO - Two Guys Cigars - "The Cigar Authority!!!" 10.05.2026 37:24

Welcome to Episode 20 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, your premier weekly source for the latest in whisky, cigars, and pipe tobacco. In this episode, host Chris Kumnick presents a special "Torch the Vitola" in-depth interview with industry legend David Garofalo, owner of Two Guys Smoke Shop, renowned author, and veteran podcaster. We dive deep into David’s pre-cigar career, his i...

EP 19 - 5/3/2026 - GORDON DALLAS - Ian Macleod Distillers - Experiential Brand Ambassador 03.05.2026 2:02:34

Join host Chris Kumnick on the Whisky & Smoke News Network (Episode 19) for an essential weekly briefing on the whisky and premium cigar industry. This episode features an exclusive "Pop the Cork" interview with Gordon Dallas of Ian Macleod Distillers, diving into the life of a global brand ambassador. We break down massive industry headlines, including the removal of US tariffs on S...

EP. 18 - 4/12/26 - Billy Walker - The GlenAllachie - Industry Legend-Wodd Finishing Master 16.04.2026 1:28:11

Join host Chris Kumnick on Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 18 (April 12, 2026) for your weekly deep dive into the worlds of whisky, cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. In this packed episode, we deliver the latest whisky news including MGP Ingredients temporarily idling two Kentucky distilleries amid the American whiskey oversupply, Sazerac naming its new AJ Bond Distillery and entering Tenne...

Ep.17 - 4/5/26 - Dr. Don Livermore - JP Wiser - "Yeast = Flavor!!!" 09.04.2026 1:30:02

Join host Chris Kumnick on Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 17 (April 5, 2026) for your weekly deep dive into the latest whisky, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news! In this jam-packed episode, we break down the massive potential Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman (Jack Daniel’s) “merger of equals,” plus exciting new releases including Ardbeg Dolce, Knob Creek Blender’s Edition, Nikka Miyagikyo...

Ep. 16 - 3/15/26 - Rifino Valentine - Valentine Distilling Co. 30.03.2026 2:03:25

In this episode 16 of Whisky & Smoke News Network (March 15, 2026), host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky and cigar news, new releases, and upcoming events, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Rifino Valentine of Valentine Distilling in Ferndale, Michigan. This week’s whisky news covers major industry moves including Reyes Beverage Group’s expansion with RNDC territories, th...

Ep. 15 - 3/8/26 - Tim Huels Pt. 2 - The Whiskey Blendery - Best Barrel Picker Bar None!!! 16.03.2026 1:24:01

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, your premier weekly guide to the latest in whisky news, premium cigars, and pipe tobacco. Hosted by Chris Kumnick, this jam-packed episode features an exclusive "Pop the Cork" interview with Tim Huels of The Whiskey Blendery in Oak Point, Texas, diving deep into the craft of spirits blending and the trials of starting a distil...

Ep. 14 - 3/1/26 - Tim Huels Pt. 1 - The Whisky Blendery - "Best Barrel Wins!" 07.03.2026 1:30:50

Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 14 (March 1, 2026) delivers a packed hour of whisky, cigar, pipe, and tobacco updates hosted by Chris Kumnick. This week's show features in-depth whisky and cigar industry news, including Trump’s new 15% tariffs impacting Scotch imports, Suntory combining Bowmore and Laphroaig operations, Virginia Distillery’s cigar-pairing single malts, That Boutique-y...

Ep. 13 - 2/22/26 - Drew Newman - JC Newman Cigar Co - ""Cigar City - USA 250" 24.02.2026 1:30:51

Episode 13 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and released on February 22, 2026, delivers the latest whisky, premium cigar, and pipe tobacco news, new releases, upcoming events, and a remote interview with Drew Newman, co-owner and General Counsel of JC Newman Cigar Company in Tampa, FL—covering his background, the new book Cigar City, core cigar lines, and more. This week...

Ep. 12 - 2/15/26 - Jack Breslin - Uncharted Whisky Company - "Just the Hits!!!" 17.02.2026 1:58:23

Episode 12 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and released on February 15, 2026, delivers the latest whisky, premium cigar, and pipe tobacco news, new releases, upcoming events, and an exclusive in-person interview with Jack Breslin, co-founder and CEO of Uncharted Whisky Company from Scotland—covering his background, the brand’s core lines, and more (with a note on audio...

Ep. 11 - 2/1/26 - Troy Bolotnick - Filmland Spirits - "Making Whiskey Fun Again!!" 03.02.2026 1:19:38

Episode 11 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and released on February 1, 2026, is your ultimate weekly roundup of the latest news, new releases, upcoming events, and exclusive interviews in the worlds of whisky, premium cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This entertaining and sometimes irreverent show delivers in-depth coverage of major industry developments—including the K...

Ep. 10 - 1/25/26 - Amanda Micallef - Micallef Cigars - "Texas Cigar Specialists" 26.01.2026 1:17:38

Episode 10 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and airing January 25, 2026, delivers your weekly roundup of the latest in whisky, cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This entertaining episode features in-depth news coverage, including major whisky industry developments like GHF's acquisition of Fielden English whisky, Stoli Group USA's shift to Chapter 7 liquidation, the c...

Ep. 9 - 1/14/26 - Bryan Smith - Hard Truth Distillery - "Sweet Mash-R-Us!!" 20.01.2026 1:16:25

Episode 9 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and airing January 14, 2026, delivers a comprehensive and entertaining roundup of the latest whisky news, cigar news, pipe tobacco updates, new releases, auctions, and upcoming spirits events from around the world. This week’s show features an in-depth, in-person interview with Brian Smith, Master Distiller and partner at Ha...

WR 3 - IRR - Saints Alley The Herald 10 Yr - Cigar Blend 12.01.2026 8:39

Dive into this bottle review of the Ironroot Republic Distillery - Limited Edition - Saints Alley - "The Herald" 10 Year - Cigar Blend, with host Chris Kumnick on Whisky & Smoke News Network - Whiskey Review 3 - from 1/11/26Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Ep. 8 - 1/7/26 - Mark Gillespie - WhiskyCast - "20+ Year Master Podcaster!!!" 08.01.2026 59:05

Dive into Episode 8 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, your ultimate weekly source for the latest whisky news, cigar releases, pipe tobacco updates, and industry insights as of January 7, 2026! Host Chris Kumnick returns after a brief hiatus to deliver exciting scotch whisky developments—like the sherry cask revival in Spain boosting producers for brands like Macallan, Diageo’s new Buchanan’s Gre...

Ep. 7 - 12/3/25 - Michael Smith - Ash & Barrel Cigar Bar - "The Viking Bar Owner!!!" 08.12.2025 1:36:04

In this week’s episode of Whisky & Smoke News Network (Episode 7 – December 3, 2025), host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, cigar, pipe, and pipe-tobacco news, covering major industry updates from Diageo, Uncle Nearest, Catoctin Creek, Paul John, J.C. Newman, HVC, Artista, and more, along with new releases, investment moves, global market trends, and upcoming tasting events. This epis...

Ep. 6 - 11/23/25 - Philip West - Bearded Wheat Distillery - "Deep in the Heart of TX" 25.11.2025 1:27:43

Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 6 (Nov 23, 2025): Latest Bourbon, Scotch, Irish Whiskey News + Cigar Releases, Pipe Tobacco & Industry ShakeupsJoin host Chris Kumnick for the ultimate weekly roundup of whisky news, premium cigar launches, pipe tobacco drops, and industry updates in Episode 6 of Whisky & Smoke News Network! This packed episode covers major stories like Lexington’s n...

Ep. 5 - 11/5/25 - Jay Roberts - The Whisky Lab - "The Scotch Cask Whisperer" 11.11.2025 1:32:10

Dive into the ultimate weekly roundup of Scotch whisky news, bourbon releases, premium cigar launches, and pipe tobacco innovations with host Chris Kumnick on Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 5 from November 5th, 2025—your go-to source for irreverent, entertaining, and educational vibes in the world of whisky, cigars, pipes, and more! This jam-packed episode spotlights groundbreaking Scotch...

Ep. 3 - 10/19/25 - Tucker McCormack - The Algiers Club - "The Best Little Speakeasy In Texas!!!" 23.10.2025 1:12:07

Join host Chris Kumnick on Episode 3 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, aired October 19, 2025, for a lively dive into whisky, cigar, and pipe tobacco news, featuring a sneak peek interview with Tucker McCormack of The Algiers Club in Dallas, TX. This episode covers major whisky updates, including InchDairnie Distillery’s workforce restructuring amid a global demand dip, Jameson’s rebranded Disti...

Ep. 2 - 10/13/25 - Robert Likarish Pt 2 - Ironroot Republic - "Best Cigar Batch Ever" 14.10.2025 1:32:13

Join us for Episode 2 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, your ultimate weekly source for whisky, cigar, and pipe tobacco enthusiasts! https://youtu.be/6KZ6W-v8iuA Hosted by Chris Kumnick, this episode, released October 13th, 2025, dives into the latest industry news, including the Distillers One of One Auction raising £2.326 million, Uncle Nearest’s financial restructuring, and the impact of...