Crafted Conversations

In this episode, Allan sits down with Master Distiller Steve Bashore at George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill on the Mount Vernon property. Steve shares his expertise on all things whiskey from the time of our first president and explains the 18th century distillation process. While discussing this incredible history, Steve shares the three rye whiskies that are produced to honor the lega...

In this short episode, Allan discusses the rise in craft distilleries in the past decade and their influence on the whiskey market and how it has opened the door for several celebrities to create their own lines of whiskey - for better or worse. Background music courtesy of the Blues Lounge YouTube channel. They are a band of musicians performing under one alias Brian Grey. Be sure to like, follow...

Nathan Haug, a longtime friend since their college bowling days, joins Allan to sample 3 bottled-in-bond bourbons. Featured is Heaven HIll 7yr old Bonded, Old Grand Dad bonded, and Fainting Goat's C.B. Fishers Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. All three are very different, but very delicious! While enjoying these samples, Allan gets to know Nate better as they discuss fatherhood, work life and their indivi...

Philip Dannelly, an old friend from Army Basic Training joins Allan to sample 3 single malt whiskies, each with a unique flavor profile. Featured is the Door County Distillery's American Single Malt, Edradour 10yr old Scotch, and finally the Glenfarclas 25yr old scotch. While enjoying these samples, Allan gets to know Phil better as they discuss life inside and outside of the Army. visit www.theco...

Brad Lake joins Allan to enjoy some of the most well known peated scotches including Laphroaig 10, Talisker Storm, Ardbeg Uigeadail, Lagavulin 16, and Bruichladdich Octomore 13.3. Brad is a longtime friend and former co-worker of Allan's who has recently developed a taste for peated scotch rather than the usual sweetness of Bourbon. Amid sharing some of these fantastic whisky samples, Brad answers...

Recorded back in the beginning of the year as a proof of concept for the new iteration of The Cogan Conversation, Grant Brown sits down with Allan to sample 3 offerings from The Balvenie Distillery in Scotland. While learning about Balvenie's history and wonderful whiskey, Grant discusses his roots and livelihood - a welcome shift in conversation from the usual current affairs. Main background mus...

In this episode, I debunk some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding whiskey as well as defining certain terms and buzzwords often found on the bottle. Understanding what is what can help you confidently purchase a bottle to enjoy!  The reality is that the whiskey industry is a business that sells product. In order to sell that product, they have to market to a wide audience including t...

Episode 1 is here! The question I hear most often is “How do I know what to buy, and if I’ll like it?”  - It’s a fair question, and if I’m being honest, I learned by buying bottles of whiskey that looked interesting and trying them myself or with a group of close friends. I developed my palate and know what I like and dislike. However, I recognize that this isn’t the most cost-effective way t...

Crafted Conversations is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the craft of small businesses within the alcohol industry! In 2024, we plan to visit distilleries, breweries, wineries, and more and discuss their awesome products with them onsite and share it with you! "The Cogan Conversation" was always about engaging in meaningful conversations, but with this redesign and rename we're fully sinking our...