Are you scared yet, well you will be. This is the spooky episode of TWSP and we found some new stories and legends. So sit back and relax, on second thought turn the lights on and grab a bottle. And enjoy after you visit our sponsors.

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Allow me to regale you instead with the story of the Glenrothes distillery in Scotland. The story actually starts many miles to the south of the town of Rothes, where the distillery is situated, and some years before its construction, by the Firth of Tay at Dundee.

An ambitious construction project to build a rail bridge over a nearly 3 mile-long stretch of the fifth began in 1871. Due to challenges and necessary redesigns, there were significant delays, and the construction was only completed in early 1878, after which the first engine successfully crossed the bridge. Queen Victoria herself used the bridge in June of 1879.

In the same year in which the bridge was completed, the construction of Glenrothes began, and it was not very long until it was ready for production. On the evening of Sunday, 28 December 1879, the first distillation run occurred. On that very same evening, one of the greatest structural disasters in all of the British Isles occurred when a violent storm blew at the precise angles and strength to cause a collapse, just as a train carrying roughly 70 passengers was passing over it. There were no survivors.

Just as the first spirit flowing out of the stills at Glenrothes was being collected, so too did the spirits of those ill-fated travellers depart from this world. Though initially prosperous, the future of Glenrothes would be very turbulent indeed. A fire which raged throughout the distillery 18 years later caused major damage and losses, threatening closure, but they managed to scrape through. Just six years later, in 1903, there was a massive explosion that caused serious damage. In 1922, the second great fire to ravage the distillery burnt down warehouse number 1 and destroyed over 200 000 gallons of maturing whisky. That was not the end of Glenrothes' trial by fire, though, as another significant one occurred in 1962 and prompted the owners to rebuild the damaged structure and also expand the distillery to increase production.

The distillery, by the way, is situated right next to a graveyard. One can't help but think of the staff who worked late shifts throughout the years and caught a glimpse of the tombstones illuminated by the cold glow of a winter moon and reminisced about that tragic day, which some thought to be the cause of all the distillery's woes.

But like an undying spectre, the spirit of Glenrothes has always endured, and they have made and continue to make some good Speyside whisky, though they are quite often overlooked or maybe just regarded as best forgotten, lest some unfortunate series of events be summoned. Better to just let some things lie undisturbed.

Haunted Distilleries: Spirits of a Different Kind

October 31, 2023 –––––– Julia Higgins

Over the centuries, the distilling business has produced famous figures, legends, outright myths, and even ghosts—more than a few of them, in fact. Reports of spectral sightings and other phantom phenomena have occurred so often that they’re almost the rule rather than the exception. Some distilleries have conjured up so much spooky notoriety that paranormal experts have visited, often affirming suspicions that unseen forces are at play. To toast Halloween, we’ve rounded up a handful of distilleries around the world where spirits—the liquid and the otherworldly kind—are both part of the story.

This is the blind challenge I did with Nora from Lost Lantern. It was a awesome time, check it out.

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Whiskey blinds are a way to taste whiskey without knowing what it is, which helps remove biases and develop your palate. Blind tasting can help you learn to taste the whiskey more objectively, and to rely on your senses to identify its characteristics.

Here are some tips for setting up a blind whiskey tasting:

• Arrange bottles randomly: Cover the bottles with numbered sleeves or bags to hide their identities.

• Prepare tasting glasses: Provide a tasting glass for each participant.

• Have water and palate cleansers: Provide water and palate cleansers for participants.

• Bring a notepad and pen: Have a notepad and pen available for taking notes.

You can also buy blind tasting kits, which can include whiskies, instructions, and tasting sheets. Some examples include:

• Whiskies of the World: A package that includes four different whiskies, instructions, a tasting sheet, and hints to help you guess which whiskey is which

• Blind Barrels: A subscription service that provides four 50 ml samples of American whiskey each quarter, along with a tasting led by a spirits guide

• Great Whiskey Challenge: A premium blind taste testing kit that you can use with family and friends

Man oh man i'm so excited to bring this episode to y'all. Today we have Jason with Still Austin Whiskey. We had a great conversation about the brand and the spirit. Lets get into it. Have you checked out our sponsors yet.

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It all started in 2012. Cleveland Seals was looking for a post-retirement project to occupy his time and had the wild idea to start a whiskey distillery. Cleveland shared his dream with his son, Chris, and asked for his help.

Chris —a longtime economist and risk manager— knew all too well how difficult it would be to bring his Dad's dream to life. Looking at the risks, Chris thought that the chances of success were pretty low, but he liked the idea of spending time with his dad, so he suggested to Cleveland that they do a “feasibility study.” The supposed “study” would ostensibly determine the chances of success in starting an Austin-based whiskey distillery, but secretly, Chris’s real plan was just to spend time with his dad, get him settled into retirement, and after having a lot of fun, decide not to actually do it.

Over the course of the next year, that is exactly what Cleveland and Chris did. The two traveled together, visited whiskey distilleries, and had a lot of fun drinking whiskey together. Prior to this “study” the father-son duo rarely talked with one another, but they soon found themselves talking every day. And not just talking about business. After a few whiskeys they were talking about everything -- even their feelings! As Chris says, “it was the best thing that ever happened to me and my dad.”

Then, as fate should have it, in 2013 state laws in Texas changed. The changes made it easier to open a craft Bourbon distillery in Texas, and also made it likely that a Texas Whiskey category would emerge. Having devoted a year to studying the market, the two realized they just might be at the right place at the right time. They assembled a team of local farmers, whiskey experts, local artists, and crazy co-conspirators — and together with the support of their whole community, Still Austin Whiskey Co was born.

The distillery broke ground in 2014 and began distilling in 2017 (yes, it took three years to build this special distillery). In 2020, Still Austin's first straight bourbon whiskey was released. Over the past decade, Cleveland and Chris discovered the power of believing in a special future - especially for someone you love. Cleveland's dream came to life as an authentic Texas whiskey, made from grain to glass in Austin, Texas. Together we make whiskey for everyone: the musicians, the visionaries, the lovers, the scientists, the oddballs, the artists, and the everyday dreamers.

Everybody knows that really great whiskey HAS to come from Kentucky, right?

And everybody knows bourbon HAS to come from Bourbon County, right? Right?

Everybody is wrong.

The truth is great whiskey can come from anywhere, and great bourbon can come from anywhere in the United States (as long as you follow the rules).

Dozens of fantastic whiskeys have popped up over the last few years from all over the world, even from places as far away from the U.S. as Australia. As whiskey making has grown more popular, people from all over the world have learned how to make great

whiskey, and Texas is leading the way.

Here we go again, this was an awesome talk with Ryan. He is a wealth of knowledge for his brand and I can't wait for y'all to see it.

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A RICH HISTORY

The patriotic men of the 10th brought diversity, courage, and hope to the Rocky Mountains when they arrived in the 1940s to train just a few miles south of what is now Vail.

They were part of the greatest generation of men, wanting to make each day count and each day better than the last. The mentality they had was strong after being shaped from the rigors of mountain warfare, their egos humble.

Camp Hale, the legendary home of the 10th Mountain Division, was constructed in 1942, located 22 miles west of Vail between Leadville and Minturn in the Pando Valley. The initial population of Camp Hale included 15,000 soldiers, 3,000 administrative, medical, and other non-skiing staff, 5,000 mules, and 200 dogs.

In January of 1945, the 10th deployed to Italy’s Apennines Mountains, where they would battle the German army for the next two and a half months. On May 2, 1945, Germany surrendered to the Allies in Florence, Italy, ending the 10th’s Italian Campaign.

After World War 2, many of the 10th Mountain Division warriors came home to the USA and continued skiing. The 10th Mountain Division veterans started many of the US ski areas we now love. At least 62 ski resorts have been founded and managed by former 10th Mountain Division veterans.

The tradition of excellence established by the original 10th Mountain Division continues with today’s 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry (LI). Now based at Ft. Drum in Watertown, New York, the 10th Mountain Division LI has the distinction of being the most deployed military unit when a humanitarian, natural disaster, or conflict arises in the world.

the mountain lifestyle

The 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company is an extension of the mountain lifestyle, bringing together the old with the new. Generation after generation, men and women alike, all share this same passion, enjoying it for a day, a weekend, a lifetime, or somewhere in between. No matter how long it’s embraced the combination of friends, mountains, memories, and spirits, brings people together like no other.

To encourage these relationships, to embrace the mountain lifestyle, and to honor the 10th Mountain soldiers who inspired our way of life, we created a tribute spirit company in Vail Colorado. Not only is it a tribute to the 10th Mountain soldier, but it is also a tribute to those that enjoy the mountain lifestyle, living it fully, every day.

Hero to Hero Bourbon

Hero to Hero focuses on connecting qualified military personnel with first responder careers.

This bottle's purchase helps defray the costs of requisite training and associated living and travel expenses, eliminating undue financial stress from this transitional period.

AGED: 2 years

PROOF: 116

ABV: 58

APPEARANCE: Rich Copper and Bronze

NOSE: Brown Sugar, Caramel, a Hint of Strawberry

PALATE: Less sweet than the nose would have you believe. Toffee, Vanilla and Oak. Buttery mouthfeel

FINISH: Slightly hot, but all the palate’s flavors come bouncing back at the end

10th Mountain Rye Whiskey is an award-winning spirit that is sure to please. Distilled with the finest rye grain, this 750mL whiskey has a smooth, balanced taste and a pleasing aroma, making it an amazing drinking experience.

MASH BILL 69% Rye with Corn and Malted Barley
APPEARANCE golden amber
NOSE aromas of oak, dark fruit and light caramel with a hint of cinnamon
PALATE spicy, full-bodied, touch of toffee
FINISH dry finish with lingering spice and oak notes
AGED new charred oak barrel

Alright this was such a fun talk. Today we chatted with Nick founder of Found North Whisky. These guys are doing some amazing things I can't wait for yall to see it.

Make sure you sign up for there mailing list there last Batch sold out in 90 seconds.

But first a word from our sponsors.

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FOUND NORTH

Each batch of Found North whisky is a careful selection of casks blended to bring out the best and most distinctive qualities of the chosen whiskies. Every release is unique, but each also builds on previous batches and fits into the unfolding saga of Found North. All our whiskies are non-chill filtered with no coloring or additives. Batch 001 and Batch 002 were released in April 2021 and both received Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Batch 003 was awarded Double Gold and Batch 004 won "Best Canadian Whisky" and was awarded Double Gold at the John Barleycorn Awards Spring 2022.

Found North Hell Diver
First Flight

Description

Hell Diver First Flight is the newest addition to our High Altitude Collection. Unlike our Batches where we blend fully matured whiskies, our High Altitude Collection is defined by the process of blend, finish, reblend. Adhering to this creation philosophy, Hell Diver started as a blend of 15, 22 and 23 year old corn with 18 and 19 year old rye, which we recasked into Pedro Ximénez Sherry, Cognac, and New American oak casks. Over the following year, we meticulously tracked these casks’ progression, pulling and vatting them as they reached their peak maturation. To achieve the correct balance, we only used two-thirds of these casks in the final blend.
We designed the original blend with Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks in mind. Sherry casks are heavy-handed and prone to overwhelm meek-spirited whisky. A domineering cask requires an imperious spirit. As such, we created a deep, rich and viscous original blend with prominent orchard fruit preserves, earthy rye spice and pronounced rose blossom water top notes. We believed this foundation would handle the sweet and dry resonance of PX Sherry casks.

Flavor Notes

A swirling aura of fig preserves, chocolate pound cake and straight cacao waft from the glass as the first pour flows from the bottle. The nose evolves into caramel, shortbread wafer and candied apricot with coffee ice cream and chocolate covered raspberries.
‍
Hell Diver lands like a power chord, strumming cinnamon, dark chocolate and wood spice on the front palate. This whisky is a maelstrom of layered flavor and texture. Like the wind and the tide, the oily-sweet viscosity on the tongue merges with the crackling nutmeg spice on the roof of the palate, meeting in the middle to create a tempest of tannin, graham cracker, vanilla and allspice, all tinged a deep shade of ruby red fruit. If your palate had eyes it would see claret.
The flavors coalesce, the sea calms and the finish leaves you with reverberating notes of candied dates and cloves.

Why We Made This Whisky

For us, Found North is an ongoing journey, an unfolding story. When we made Peregrine, we had a vision for an elegant, elevated whisky; a bird, a blend and a style that could wear the crown of the High Altitude Collection. The resulting whisky embodied the high-soaring Peregrine Falcon that reaches for the heavens.
As we contemplated the next chapter in the collection, we wanted to create Peregrine’s counterpart. Though the loon is a great flier, traveling upwards of 500 miles in a single day, it is known for its aquatic prowess and its eerie nighttime call that haunts the foggy northern lakes of North America. Nicknamed the Hell Diver, the Common Loon is an uncommonly heavy bird allowing it to propel itself below the water’s surface.

And if you read this far Batch 10 release is right now so get it while you can.

This is a impromptu live I did with Dylan over at Whiskey House Pub House.

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And Psychman Joined as well.

Such a good time with whiskey family.

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And psych man is MIA

Bourbon heritage month is upon us and a big milestone happened. Jimmy Russell just passed 70 years at Wild Turkey, this is such a epic event they are releasing a special bottle for the event. But first a word from our sponsors.

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JIMMY RUSSELL’S
70th ANNIVERSARY
8-YEAR-OLD RELEASE

Commemorative bourbon release honoring Master Distiller Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary with Wild Turkey making him the longest-tenured spirits Master Distiller in the world.

WILD TURKEY JIMMY RUSSELL’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY

To honor Jimmy’s incredible impact on the bourbon world, Wild Turkey is proud to present the limited-edition Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon.

This collector-worthy release is an 8-Year-Old, 101-proof bourbon, with an additional blend of 8- to 9-year-old whiskeys, hand-selected from a few of Jimmy’s favorite Rickhouses. Best enjoyed neat or over ice, this bourbon is a true tribute to Jimmy’s legacy

From his earliest days at the distillery sweeping the floors at age 18 to rising through the ranks to become Master Distiller, Jimmy has remained committed to crafting bourbon one way, the right way, even when it wasn’t popular. In the 1970’s and 80’s when the bourbon industry was close to collapse, Jimmy stayed the course.

1855

Wholesale grocer Austin Nichols begins selling wine and spirits. The business would later go on to own and sell Wild Turkey.

1869

The Ripy brothers open their family distillery on Wild Turkey Hill in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

1893

The Ripy Brothers’ bourbon represents Kentucky at the World’s Fair in Chicago, Illinois.

1940

Wild Turkey Bourbon gets its name after a distillery executive shares his bourbon with friends on an annual hunting trip — of course, they were after wild turkey.

THE RUSSELL EFFECT

1954

Master Distiller Jimmy Russell joins Wild Turkey. He learns his craft from becomes the third in a line of master distillers for the brand which includes second master distiller, Bill Hughes, and Ernest W. Ripy, son of the original distiller.

1976

Wild Turkey introduces the world’s first bourbon liqueur, introducing a broader audience and attracting even more drinkers to the bourbon world. The liqueur would eventually lead to the creation of American Honey.

1981

Eddie Russell, son of Jimmy Russell, joins Wild Turkey as a relief operator and begins to work his way up the distillery ladder.

1991

Wild Turkey introduces our premium Rare Breed bourbon, one of the first barrel proof bourbons to hit the market.

1995

Wild Turkey follows it up with the launch of Kentucky Spirit, a single-barrel 101-proof bourbon, one of the only single barrel American whiskey offerings of the time.

THE NEW VISION

2000

Master Distiller Jimmy Russell is inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.

2004

Jimmy Russell celebrates his 50th year at the Wild Turkey distillery.

2010

Eddie Russell is inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame by his father, Jimmy Russell.

2015

Eddie Russell is officially given the title of Master Distiller, then making Jimmy and Eddie the only active father and son duo of bourbon Master Distillers in the world.

2016

Famed actor and bourbon enthusiast Matthew McConaughey joins Wild Turkey as Creative Director.

2018

Wild Turkey introduces Longbranch, a small-batch bourbon refined with Texas Mesquite and American Oak charcoals, and the first co-creation from Master Distiller Eddie Russell and Creative Director Matthew McConaughey.

2020

Wild Turkey introduces Rare Breed Rye, our premium quality, masterfully crafted barrel proof rye.

Alright guys I got a great story for y'all. Today we chatted with Josh with Ranger Creek Distilling. They are based in San Antonio Texas, they are also a brewery. We dipped into a couple samples, and talked of process and backstory.

Lets get into it, but first a word from our sponsors

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SAn antonio's Brewstillery

Ranger Creek is a combined brewery/distillery proudly located in San Antonio, TX. Established in 2010, we make beer and whiskey in our “brewstillery”, and we make it by hand one batch at a time with lots of love and attention.

handcrafted texas Whiskey

Award-winning Texas bourbon, single malt and rye whiskey. Grain-to-glass spirits made in small batches using Texas ingredients.

RANGER CREEK .36 TEXAS STRAIGHT BOURBON

.36 Texas Straight Bourbon is our flagship whiskey, handcrafted in small batches, aged in traditional large oak casks and matured under the Texas sun. It’s an award-winning sipping bourbon that’s also cocktail friendly.

Originally crafted by our Co-Founder and Head Distiller emeritus, TJ Miller, each batch follows our grain-to-glass philosophy. Texas corn is milled, mashed, fermented, and our whiskey is distilled and aged at our San Antonio distillery, That same traditional process is carried on today by our current head distiller, Josh Gardner, and assistant distiller Tim Crofton.

RANGER CREEK .36 TEXAS Cask Strength

This is Texas Bourbon in all its grandeur. Directly out of the barrel. Uncut. Unfiltered.

Our .36 Texas Cask Strength Bourbon is a rare release, using only a few barrels hand-selected by our head distiller. Handcrafted at our San Antonio distillery, aged and matured in the Texas heat, this whiskey is a unique and bold expression with Texas terroir.

The finish is smooth. The flavor is bold. The craftsmanship is uncompromising.

RANGER CREEK .44 TEXAS RYE

Ranger Creek .44 Texas Rye Whiskey is made from 100% malted rye and matured in our used .36 Texas Straight Bourbon barrels. The process highlights the complexity of the rye grain, resulting in a spirit-forward whiskey. It pours a rich gold with a nose of cinnamon, mint and toffee. At 94 proof, the taste is strong but mellow with notes of clove and spice. The taste ultimately gives way to a clean, warming finish with lingering notes of fresh bread.

True and authentic to our brand, .44 Texas Rye is a premium whiskey made from grain to glass in our hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks. It also works great in a classic Old Fashioned or Manhattan cocktail.

RANGER CREEK RUM

This original rum was inspired by the positive response to our limited small-batch release. Made with the finest molasses and twice distilled in copper pots, this rum offers a smooth yet complex flavor profile. Our approach to crafting spirits is forged in authenticity and the desire to create products Texans are proud to call their own. Cheers!