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Fog City Social 2025: A Whiskey Experience Like No Other
On April 26, 2025, whiskey lovers from across the country gathered at the Historic Ring Con Center in San Francisco for the fourth installment of Fog City Social . More than just a festival, Fog City Social has earned a reputation for being a carefully curated celebration of community, craftsmanship, and connection. Every attendee is treated like a VIP, every pour tells a story, and the intimate atmosphere makes it a standout in the crowded world of whiskey events. As host of Barrel Room Chronicles , I had the privilege of walking the floor, tasting extraordinary drams, and sitting down with the people behind them. What struck me most wasn’t just the quality of the whiskey—it was the diversity of stories and the shared passion that connected everyone in the room. Tropical Vibrancy and Rare Casks I caught up with Rory Glasgow , national Scotch ambassador for Brown-Forman, who introduced me to GlenGlassaugh’s Sandend . With notes of mango, papaya, grapefruit, and a crac
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Big Nose Kate Whiskey: Honoring a Legend with Mel Heim
“Many great stories don’t come to life without great investors. Big Nose Kate has them in Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone.” The Wild West has no shortage of larger-than-life legends, but many of its most important figures have been overlooked or written out of history. One of those names is Big Nose Kate —a Hungarian immigrant, frontier woman, and survivor of the myths surrounding Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp. On this episode of Barrel Room Chronicles , host Kerry Moynahan sits down with Mel Heim , co-founder of Big Nose Kate Whiskey , to explore how history, myth, and modern craft whiskey come together to honor one of America’s forgotten icons. Who Was Big Nose Kate? Born Mary Katherine Horony, Big Nose Kate was no stranger to reinvention. She crossed oceans, survived the rough-and-tumble landscape of the Wild West, and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with gunslingers and gamblers. While her connection to Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp cemented her in folklore, s
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Jypsi Whiskey: More Than Just a Celebrity Brand
In this blog post, we'll delve into the unique story behind Whiskey Jypsi, exploring how its Co-founder, Raj Alva and Whiskey Maker Ari Sussman, are committed to creating a high-quality whiskey brand that transcends celebrity status. We'll dive into their personal journeys, the philosophy behind the brand, and their innovative approach to sourcing and blending. You can listen to the full episode, where we had the opportunity to speak with Raj and Ari themselves, here: Exploring the World of Jypsi Whiskey: It's Not Your Average Celebrity Whiskey Brand (S3 E19) Whiskey Jypsi: A Brand Built on More Than Just Celebrity Status Whiskey Jypsi is more than just a celebrity-backed brand. While co-founded by country music star Eric Church, the whiskey's true heart lies in the dedication of Raj and Ari, two individuals who have a deep passion for the art of whiskey making. They have brought together their unique experiences and a shared vision to create a whiskey that stands out in the crowded ma
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Whiskey Sojourns in Sin City: My First WSWA Experience
In this blog post, I'm expanding on my recent episode of Barrel Room Chronicles where I shared my first-ever experience at the WSWA (Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America) conference in Las Vegas. It was a whirlwind of whiskey tastings, industry insights, and exciting new releases. Join me as I delve deeper into the world of whiskey from the heart of the action. A World of Whiskey Awaits: Stepping into the WSWA Walking into the WSWA conference was like stepping into a whiskey wonderland. Imagine rows upon rows of booths showcasing the latest and greatest whiskey offerings from across the globe. I was immediately captivated by the vibrant energy and the sheer volume of whiskey available for sampling. From renowned brands to emerging distilleries, there was something for every palate and preference. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with conversations about new releases, industry trends, and the future of whiskey. Industry Insights from the Heart of the Action The WSWA conference
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From College Campus to Craft Distillery: The Challenges and Triumphs of BHAKTA
From Whistlepig to BHAKTA: Pete Lynch's Journey In this blog post, we delve deeper into the captivating conversation with Pete Lynch, Master Blender at BHAKTA Spirits, from our recent podcast episode, Exploring Armagnac and Beyond: A Conversation with Master Blender Pete Lynch at Bhakta Spirits (S3 E17) . Pete's journey to BHAKTA is a testament to his passion for crafting exceptional spirits and his entrepreneurial spirit. After a successful stint at Whistlepig, Pete embarked on a new adventure, drawn by the allure of Armagnac and the potential for innovation. The Birth of BHAKTA Spirits: A Passion for Armagnac Raj Bhakta's global travels led him to the Armagnac-producing region of Gascony, France, where he discovered a world of complex and intriguing spirits. This experience ignited a passion that would eventually shape the foundation of BHAKTA Spirits. Raj, the founder of BHAKTA, took his new enthusiasm for Armagnac and envisioned a brand that would blend traditional methods with mod
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Decades Distilled: Uncorking the History of Whiskey
Dive into the story behind Decades Distilled, Sarah and Kurt's podcast that explores the rich history of whiskey through different decades, starting with the Prohibition era of the 1920s. Decades Distilled: A Journey Through Whiskey History In this blog post, we'll delve into the fascinating world of Decades Distilled, a podcast that takes listeners on a chronological exploration of whiskey's history. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Sarah and Kurt, Decades Distilled is a captivating blend of historical insights, engaging storytelling, and a deep appreciation for the spirit itself. Each season of the podcast focuses on a specific decade, offering listeners a unique perspective on how whiskey evolved during those times, from the tumultuous days of Prohibition to the modern era of craft distilling. Whiskey Nomads: Sarah's Passion for Whiskey Sarah, known as the WhiskyNomad, brings a unique perspective to Decades Distilled. Initially drawn to tequila, a memorable night led her to switch to sc
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Behind the Scenes at the WOW Awards: Interviews with Industry Leaders
Behind the Scenes at the WOW Awards: A Look Inside the Celebration of Women in Whiskey The Bourbon Women’s WOW Awards are a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of women making waves in the whiskey industry. The annual event held in Louisville, Kentucky, celebrates the achievements of female distillers, brewers, entrepreneurs, and advocates who are shaping the future of the spirits world. This year, I was fortunate enough to experience the excitement firsthand, interviewing some of the most inspiring figures in the industry and capturing the energy of the awards ceremony. Exploring Louisville's Whiskey Row: A Journey Through History and Heritage Louisville's Whiskey Row, a historic district that once housed numerous distilleries, has witnessed the evolution of bourbon production for over a century. Stepping onto this iconic street, you can feel the rich history and heritage that permeate the air. I had the opportunity to explore some of the most renowned distilleries
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Corning & Company: Your One-Stop Shop for Craft Spirits
In the world of craft spirits, navigating the complex landscape of production, sourcing, branding, and distribution can be daunting. That's where Corning & Company steps in, offering a comprehensive suite of services that empowers distilleries and brands to thrive. This blog post delves into the story of Corning & Company, its impressive range of services, and the impact it has on the craft spirit industry. If you're curious about the inner workings of whiskey production or want to understand the journey of a craft spirit from grain to bottle, this post is for you. A Journey from Finance to Distilling: Adam Spiegel's Story The journey of Corning & Company begins with Adam Spiegel, the company's President and Master Distiller. Adam's path to the world of distilling was anything but conventional. He started his career in finance, working in San Francisco's bustling financial district. But the allure of creating something tangible, something that could bring joy to others, was
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Barrel Room Chronicles First Ever Barrel Pick
##Barrel pick for BRC podcast. Host Kerry Moynahan travels to Doc Swinson's Blending House to meet with master blender Jesse Parker. The episode kicks off with a brief introduction, highlighting the different platforms where viewers can watch or listen to the podcast. As Kerry and Jesse begin their conversation, it is clear that they have a long-standing relationship, with Jesse recalling their initial connection almost two years ago. Jesse gives Keri a tour of the bottling plant and discusses the various expressions he has worked on over the past year. He mentions that he has created about 16 different expressions in 2022 and plans to continue refining and expanding his offerings in 2023 and beyond. One of the key points of discussion is the focus on larger releases for 2024, with Jesse aiming to produce more bottles to meet the demand from consumers across the country. He emphasizes the importance of creating unique profiles and experimenting with different finishes to
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Deep Dive into Tuning Spoon with Brian Summers
## Good food and drink connect. Good food and drink have the power to connect people in a way that transcends language, culture, and background. This is a theme that is explored in the podcast episode featuring Brian Summers of Tuning Spoon. Brian, a native Angeleno with a background in music and hospitality, has built his career around the idea that good food and drink are the greatest conduit to human connection. From a young age, Brian was influenced by his mother's love for food and the way she approached cooking with mindfulness and care. This early exposure to the importance of food as a means of bringing people together shaped Brian's career path and led him to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. Through his work at some of LA's best craft cocktail bars and with spirit brands, Brian has honed his skills in creating brand experiences that resonate with audiences on a personal level. The concept of "good food and drink connect" is not just a tagline for Bria
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The Rich History of Whiskey in Washington State
## Whiskey journey in the Pacific Northwest. The whiskey journey in the Pacific Northwest is a fascinating tale of innovation, passion, and dedication to craft. From the early days of distilling in Washington state to the award-winning craft distilleries of today, the region has a rich history of whiskey production that continues to evolve and thrive. One of the most interesting things I learned while researching for my book, "Distilled in Washington," was the unique approach that distilleries in the Pacific Northwest take to their craft. From beer-informed whiskey at Copperworks to the unique barley and oat programs at Westland, each distillery has its own story to tell. I was particularly struck by the fact that whiskey became the dominant spirit that "won the West" in the Pacific Northwest. From its humble beginnings as a rough and harsh drink of necessity, whiskey has evolved into an award-winning craft that is celebrated and enjoyed by connoisseurs around the world.
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Madhu Kanna and Indri Indian Whiskey
## An Interview with Madhu Kanna The podcast hosts an interview with Madhu Kanna, who represents Indri, a single malt whiskey from India, and Kamikara, a pure cane juice rum. Madhu shares his background in the spirits industry, having spent 18 years working with Indian beer and spirits companies, as well as a single malt distillery called Paul John. After taking a break from the industry, Madhu was approached by the owner of Piccadilly Distilleries, the makers of Indri and Kamikara, to join their brand. Impressed by the distillery's infrastructure and quality spirits, Madhu decided to get involved. The interview highlights Madhu's journey with Piccadilly Distilleries, starting in August 2021. By February 2022, their first consignment was shipped, and within a year and a half, they expanded to 16 countries. Madhu mentions their plans to be in 20-25 countries by the end of the year. In terms of the U.S. market, the first bottles arrived in August 2022, marking a year of presence in the c
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Press Release - BARREL ROOM CHRONICLES PODCAST SPECIAL SEASON 2 EPISODES ADDED TO THE WHISKEY NETWORK LINEUP
Los Angeles, California: December, 2023: The award-winning Barrel Room Chronicles announces its collaboration with Whiskey Network.net, the premier online source for whiskey lifestyle enthusiasts. Following a successful first and second season, these special 2-part episodes included in season 2 of Barrel Room Chronicles will begin airing on Wednesday, November 8 across the WhiskeyNetwork.net platform. The network will air four very special episodes in two parts, and add to their lineup of compelling stories about notable distilleries and talented distillers from around the world. The 100% video podcast is also available free across all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pocket Casts, and Overcast. Barrel Room Chronicles, hosted by Kerry Moynahan and produced by 1st Reel Entertainment is a celebration and exploration of all things spirits, with a specific emphasis on whisky. Kerry is a
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Sustainable Whiskey Magic with The Scully Family & Oisin Mulcahy
Follow the story of the Scully family and Oisin Mulcahy as they transform the Irish coast into a world-renowned whiskey-making haven, but their journey takes an unexpected twist when a chance encounter leads Oisin to a role as a distiller and blender - proving that dreams really can come true. Follow their story as they make a sustainable mark on the whiskey world and discover what fate has in store for them. In episode 3 of season 2, you will be able to: 1. Discover Clonakilty Distillery's eco-friendly methods and their exceptional whiskey creations. 2. Learn about an innovative whiskey-making technique involving extended fermentation periods. 3. Explore the use of local ingredients and cooperation with neighboring farmers at Clonakilty Distillery. 4. Uncover Clonakilty's growth strategies through collaboration with Marusha, their new US importer. 5. Anticipate the upcoming launch of a singular pot still Irish whiskey from Clonakilty Distillery. Michael Scully, a ninth-generati
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Kerry's Dingle Malt Whiskey
When whiskey expert Graham Coull and his team set out to bring the Dingle Bash festival to life, they had no idea that it would become so much more than just a celebration of fine whiskey. But as laughter and cheers filled the air, they realized they had achieved something extraordinary - something that would leave a lasting impression on all who experienced it. What could be the unexpected twist in this story? Whiskey is still my favorite. I enjoy the whole process. I enjoy working with whiskeys, maturing whiskeys, creating whiskeys and planning for the future. - Graham Coull My special guests are Graham Coull, Fay Coull, Steven O'Carroll and Hunter Leese Graham Coull, a respected Master Distiller with 25 years of experience in the whiskey industry, has been crafting exceptional spirits at Dingle Distillery since his move from Scotland three years ago. Graham's passion for whiskey-making has been a driving force in his career, leading him to work at renowned distilleries such as Glenf
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The Barrel Room Parlor is hosting its first LIVE event!
The Barrel Room Chronicles podcast (formerly Spirits of Whisk(e)y) was born out of the pandemic in order to continue the momentum started while filming a whiskey and food TV pilot. Little did we know the podcast would take on a life of its own and still be producing episodes three years later. Starting with audio only and moving into virtual video interviews BRC has strived to better the production value as we have grown. Season 2 of BRC is no different. Now that the travel restrictions have lifted, we are taking the show on the road starting on the emerald isle. Look for my live in person Irish whiskey tour episodes in Ireland airing in early 2023. But that’s not all! We are expanding the Barrel Room Parlor to include LIVE and in person events! As each Irish episode is completed, we will hold an in person viewing / tasting event prior to the online premier of the show. Some events will even take place before the end of season 1.&nb
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SOW EP 53 - Paul John Indian Single Malts: The Man & His Whiskies
This week's guest on Spirits of Whisk(e)y is Paul John, Chairman of John Distilleries in Goa, India, makers of Paul John Indian Single Malts, some of the world's finest and most award-winning whiskies. Listen and learn how the company, founded in 1996, grew from an idea to a leading spirits manufacturer in less than a decade—not just in India, but across the globe—introducing its first single malt whiskies, to worldwide acclaim, in 2012. To watch the podcast, click HERE. HERE Ad Music for Whiskey: A Chef's Journey - HillbillyBed Creative Commons Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com
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SOW S2 EP 54 - Whisky for Wine Lovers with Mark Reynier
This week's guest on SPIRITS OF WHISK(E)Y is Mark Reynier, Founder of Waterford Whisky in Waterford, Ireland, the Emerald Isle's oldest city, as well as Renegade Rum Distillery on the tiny Caribbean island nation of Grenada. Listen and learn how this former wine merchant went from resurrecting Islay's long-shuttered Bruichladdich Distillery and helping to revive the tradition of Scottish gin making by introducing The Botanist to converting a former Guinness brewery into Waterford Distillery, makers of more than 40(!) single malt—and single farm—whiskies. To watch the full episode, click HERE. WACJ ad Music - HillbillyBed Creative Commons Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com
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SOW S2 EP52 American History Through a Whiskey Glass
This week's guest on Spirits of Whisk(e)y is Harris Cooper, PhD, Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience, Emeritus, at Duke University and author of American History Through a Whiskey Glass. Listen and learn how Dr. Cooper, the editor and author of numerous social science textbooks and an avid student of American history, went from hosting whiskey and music pairing dinners with his wife to becoming an Executive Bourbon Steward and penning an engaging and whimsical book that colorfully illustrates how distilled spirits, domestic cuisine, and popular music shaped a nation. Click HERE to watch episode 52 on YouTube. To purchase a copy of Dr. Cooper's book visit: Amazon.com or www.skyhorsepublishing.com or BarnsandNoble.com or www.indiebound.org or bookshop.org WACJ ad Music - HillbillyBed Creative Commons Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com .
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SOW S2 EP51 From Speyside to the Highlands with Matthew Cordiner
This week's guest on Spirits of Whisk(e)y is Matthew Cordiner, Global Brand Ambassador for Single Malts at Scotland's John Dewar & Sons. While this Speyside native grew up in the village of Craigellachie, home to one of the single malt whiskies in his charge, it was a chance summer position as a distillery tour guide that opened his eyes to the possibility of a career in promoting the water of life. Hear Matthew wax both poetic and technical over Aberfeldy and Craigellachie, but two of the five single malts he now represents worldwide. Watch or listen to episode 51 on EatsDringksTV. WACJ ad Music- HillbillyBed Creative Commons Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com .
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SOW S2 EP50 Stellum Spirits: American Whiskey Shoots for the Star
This week's guest on Spirits of Whisk(e)y is Joe Beatrice, Founder of Louisville, Kentucky's Barrell Craft Spirits and his newest project, Stellum Spirits. After a successful career in advertising, founding and leading Blue Dingo Digital in the 1990s, the Boston native and New York technology and marketing entrepreneur turned his talents to whiskey and rum, launching Barrell Craft in 2013. Hear Joe, the driving force behind Stellum Spirits , discuss the brand's initial blends, Stellum Bourbon and Stellum Rye, both released in 2021, and how they point to what he believes is the future of American whiskey. To watch this episode, visit EatsDrinksTV .
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SOW S2 EP49 Distilled: A Game of Spirited Strategy
This week's guest on Spirits of Whisk(e)y is Dave Beck, a practicing 3D digital, game, and new media artist. He's also a professor of game design at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, in Menomonie, Wisconsin. All very exciting stuff, but just why are we featuring him and his work in this space? Well, he created Distilled , a board game of spirited strategy based on his sabbatical research in—where else?—Scotland! The Kickstarter for DISTILLED began this week on July 6, 2021. To make a pledge to help this game make it to a store near you please visit the Distilled Kickstarter page. If you are interested in seeing this episode so you can learn how to play, head over to EatsDrinksTV .
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SOW S2 EP48 PENDERYN: A WELSH WHISKY RENAISSANCE
This week's guests on Spirits of Whisk(e)y are the trio who quite literally run, distill, and blend Penderyn, the first whisky made in Wales in over 100 years. Listen and learn how CEO Stephen Davies, Distillery Manager Lauren Davies, and Master Blender Aista Phillips followed unlikely career paths to making award-winning single malt whiskies and other spirits at the Welsh Whisky Company and its Penderyn Distillery, in the foothills of the magnificent Brecon Beacons in South Wales. Then hear Chef Louise Leonard talk Welsh culture and cocktails with Rhino Williams, the Wales-born master bartender and owner of Lost Property Bar in Hollywood, California. Check us out at EatsDrinksTV to watch this episode.
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SOW S2 EP47 Kavalan: World-Class Whiskies from Taiwanese Spirits
This week's guest on Spirits of Whisk(e)y is Kaitlyn Tsai, Global PR Officer at Taiwan's Kavalan Distillery, recognized by the spirits press as maker of multiple best-in-class whiskies, including the celebrated Vinho Barrique. Listen and learn how Kaitlyn went from a successful career in film production to representing Taiwanese whisky before a global audience, in the process being named Icons of Whisky's 2021 "World Whisky Brand Ambassador." Then hear Chef Louise Leonard wax delicious over pairing Kavalan Classic with Pork Belly Bao—a match made in culinary heaven! Kaitlyn Tsai, is the winner of the 2021 Icons of Whisky World Whisky －Brand Ambassador of the Year award. She also holds a communication degree from one of Taiwan's most prestigious universities. She brings to her passion for whisky some high-level film industry experience, having worked closely with one of Taiwan's most revered documentary directors, the late Po-lin Chi, on his masterpiece series: "Beyond Beau