When I worked at Stitzel-Weller as an archivist, I always liked the summer. Walking between the warehouses brought that wonderful aroma of the angel’s share – Bourbon that was literally in the air. I admit, I had an air conditioned... Continue Reading →
I was invited, along with seven other whiskey writers, to be part of a private selection at Maker’s Mark to support the LEE Initiative. Besides myself, there was Susan Reigler, Sara Havens, Carla Carlton, Maggie Kimberl, Steve Coomes, Seth Thompson,... Continue Reading →
I would make a lousy owner of a distillery because I would be more interested in experimenting with making the whiskey than selling it. I would quickly go bankrupt! Still, I like to think about what I would do to... Continue Reading →
Back in 1992, when I was hired full time by United Distillers as their archivist in North America, I was fortunate enough to become involved with the Quality Control Department at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. That is where I met Mike... Continue Reading →
Maker’s Mark has always been a good corporate citizen in Kentucky. They have been issuing special bottles of Maker’s Mark with the profits going to charities for decades. Maker’s Mark, like all distilleries, also recognizes the importance of on-premise sales... Continue Reading →
The distilling industry and its tools have evolved over the centuries of whiskey making. Most people think of this evolution in regards to the still, when it gained a worm for cooling vapor and then into a column still. However,... Continue Reading →
Whiskey is like a lot like people – some mature quicker than others. The passage of time is not the only thing that determines how good a whiskey is going to taste. In fact there are six sources of flavor... Continue Reading →
Another summer has passed and it is time to taste the four barrels of Bourbon Bill Thomas and I had Kentucky Artisan Distillery (KAD) make for us. The barrels will be three years old on January 4, 2021 but this... Continue Reading →
Blind tastings are difficult and humbling to those who feel they can name a brand from the taste. I always do a blind tasting at the end of my Bourbon Country Institute as a way to show students how difficult... Continue Reading →


