The Bourbon Road

Jim and Todd welcome Pete Barger, co-founder of Southern Distilling Company, to the show for a deep dive into the history and revival of Statesville, North Carolina—once known as the "Liquor Capital of the World". As one of the nation's largest privately owned distilleries, Southern Distilling balances a massive contract distilling operation with their own award-winning Southern Star brand, all while championing a "grain-to-glass" philosophy that supports over 5,000 acres of local farmland. The tasting kicks off with the Southern Star Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey. Crafted with a unique mash bill featuring 51% Abruzzi rye, this expression leans floral and approachable rather than aggressively spicy, offering notes of buttery rye muffin, honeyed tea, and a touch of ginger. Next, the group samples the limited-edition Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels. Sourced from a single barrel exchange with a local apiary, this cask-strength bourbon delivers a rich, creamy profile packed with butterscotch and toasted Werther's Original notes, balancing the natural sweetness of wildflower honey with bold bourbon character. Finally, Pete showcases their innovation with the Southern Star American Single Malt. Unlike many pot-still single malts, this 114.8-proof expression is produced on a continuous column still, resulting in a distinctively American profile bursting with "fruit cup" flavors—greenish banana, juicy fruit, and poached pear—layered over a robust grain-forward base. Throughout the episode, Pete shares fascinating insights into the "science and geometry" of their palletized warehousing, the advantages of continuous distillation for malt, and the distillery's commitment to reviving heritage grains like Abruzzi rye. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

The "Maltmigos" ride again! Jim and Todd welcome back recurring guests and fellow whiskey lovers, Amsey and Rob, for a long-awaited reunion show. Dubbed "The Revenge of the Maltmigos," this episode strays from the bourbon path to explore a diverse lineup of Irish whiskeys and Scotch whiskies, including a rare and experimental rye from a legendary Islay distillery. The tasting begins with a duo from Two Stacks Irish Whiskey. First up is The First Cut Complex Blend, a unique combination of grain, pot still, and malt whiskeys aged in virgin oak, ex-bourbon, and Oloroso sherry casks. At 86 proof, it surprises the group with a nose that Amsey likens to "freshly opened motor oil" (in a good way) alongside notes of peach, honey, and hay. Next, they sample the Two Stacks Double Barrel Single Grain, a 94% corn and 6% malted barley blend aged in ex-bourbon and finished in Oloroso sherry casks. This 92-proof pour delivers a richer, darker profile with notes of coffee, cold brew, and a savory "fudgy" finish that impresses the table. Moving to Scotland, the group travels to Campbeltown with the Glen Scotia 15-Year-Old. Matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, this 92-proof single malt brings the funk with a nose described as "rubber baby buggy bumpers," iodine, and band-aids—classic Campbeltown markers that evolve into notes of apricot, sea spray, and a buttery texture on the palate. Next is a trip to the Highlands with the Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old. Aged in three types of American oak, this expression offers a "bready" and "crusty" profile with hints of blackberry, peach, and a "whisper of smoke" akin to sweet barbecue or a Dutch oven cobbler cooked over an oak fire. The final pour is a true curiosity: Bruichladdich "The Laddie" Rye. This experimental 7-year-old release from Islay is made with 55% rye and 45% malted barley. Bottled at 100 proof, it defies expectations with a nose of "corn pops" cereal and a palate that balances the spicy kick of rye with the creamy texture of a pot still whiskey. The hosts debate whether it leans more toward a Kentucky rye or something entirely new, picking up notes of clove, leather, and honey. The episode wraps up with the "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" segment, where the four "Migos" struggle to rank such a varied lineup. Opinions are split, with the Glen Scotia and the Bruichladdich Rye battling for the top spot, proving that there's plenty of room for debate when good friends and great whiskey come together. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

"Beam me up, Toddy!" Jim and Todd embark on a voyage to the final frontier of flavor with an epic tasting of four highly anticipated limited releases from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. In a show packed with Star Trek puns and serious spirits, the hosts explore how Eighth Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe is pushing the boundaries of the family legacy. The mission begins with Little Book Chapter 9: "None For Granted." This 2025 release is a complex blend of five unique whiskeys, including 11-year-old bourbon, 8-year-old rye, and two distinct 7-year-old bourbons. Clocking in at 121.8 proof, it surprises the hosts with notes of crisp green apple, peanut shells, and a "Payday bar" sweetness that Todd can't get enough of. Next, they reach into the "Sample Safe" for Little Book The Infinite: Edition 2. This multi-generational blend combines 22-year-old bourbon distilled by Booker Noe, 10-year-old from Fred Noe, and 7-year-old from Freddie Noe, along with a portion of the inaugural Edition 1. At 120.8 proof, it delivers a "master class" in balance, offering a creamy mouthfeel laden with vanilla icing, floral notes, and a depth that represents the "whole flavor wheel" in a glass. The journey takes a sharp turn with Booker's The Reserves 2025, a bold 123.3 proof bourbon finished for 11 weeks in ex-El Tesoro Tequila barrels. This unique experiment—a first for Beam—presents a polarizing dry, earthy profile with notes of citrus and savory herbs that the hosts agree would pair perfectly with a sweet-tipped cigar or even a "Bourbon-Rita". Finally, they tackle the oldest expression ever released by the distillery: the Knob Creek 21 Year Old. Bottled at 100 proof, this ultra-aged bourbon defies expectations by avoiding the bitter "oak bomb" trap of previous 15-year releases. Instead, it offers a velvety palate rich with dark cherry, high-cacao chocolate, and a distinct toasted coconut note that leaves the hosts in awe. The episode concludes with a difficult "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" ranking where two bottles battle for the top spot, followed by a daring "suicide mix" of all four expressions. Plus, stick around for some Thanksgiving talk as Todd shares his plans for a spatchcocked, smoked turkey. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

Jim and Todd return to the "Corner Rick House" for a massive tasting session, cracking open the "Sample Safe" to explore Lost Lantern's Fall 2025 Collection. Dubbed "The Scotch Lovers' Collection," this ambitious release focuses entirely on American Single Malt, showcasing the incredible diversity and maturity of the category across seven distinct expressions. From the maritime influence of Nantucket to the high-altitude mountains of Idaho, the hosts take a deep dive into unique mashbills, historic re-releases, and heavy-hitting barrel proofs. The journey begins with two blends: the American Vatted Malt Reissue, a fifth-anniversary tribute to Lost Lantern's debut whiskey featuring six pioneer distilleries, and the American Vatted Malt Remix, a robust evolution blending malts from 11 distilleries across eight states. Next, they head to the Sawtooth Mountains for the Warfield American Single Malt, a single cask release that stuns the hosts with its creamy lemon square profile despite a staggering 135.4 proof. The tour continues to the East Coast with a trio of releases from Nantucket's Triple Eight Distillery. The hosts sample the Triple Eight 10-Year-Old Single Malt, noting its savory "salt-water taffy" and orchard fruit notes, followed by the oldest whiskey in the collection, the Triple Eight 11-Year-Old Sauternes Cask Finish, which brings rich, funky notes of "1790s cavalry tack shop" and honey-roasted almonds. Rounding out the trio is the Triple Eight Peated Single Malt, offering savory campfire smoke and blackberry cobbler vibes that Todd compares to a "pseudo-Ardbeg". Finally, they revisit a classic pioneer with the McCarthy's 10-Year-Old Peated Oregon Single Malt, a milestone release delivering intense medicinal peat and iodine notes reminiscent of Islay scotch. In a challenging "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" segment, Jim and Todd attempt to rank these seven unique whiskeys, culminating in a "suicide mix" of the final four pours that surprisingly works. Tune in to hear which single malt reigned supreme in this coast-to-coast showdown. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

Jim Shannon is back in the saddle at the Corner Rick House! After a week of travel, he rejoins Todd Ritter to recap Todd's recent solo history lesson and, more importantly, to dive into a "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" review show featuring four distinct and intriguing whiskeys. From new brands with legendary backing to rare single-barrel finds, the hosts put their palates to the test in a battle for the top spot. The tasting begins with Burnt Tavern Bourbon, a 7-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a backstory of resilience. Developed with the help of master distiller Chip Tate, this double-barreled expression surprises the hosts with its "whisper of smoke," evoking notes of smoky cherries flambé, caramel, and leather. It's a bold start that sets a high bar for complexity. Next, they explore Whiskey JYPSI Legacy Batch 003: "The Declaration." Co-founded by Eric Church, this ambitious blend pays homage to America's 250th anniversary with a unique mashup of spirits: a 60% Indiana rye finished in apple brandy barrels from George Washington's Mount Vernon, a 30% ancient 20-25-year-old Canadian corn whiskey, and a 10% American single malt. At 115 proof, it delivers a "Mexican chocolate" profile with rich cacao, cayenne spice, and a depth that commands attention. The third pour takes them to the forest with Pursuit United Kodama Mizunara. This limited edition from Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil blends their signature bourbon with a finish in rare Japanese Mizunara oak (80%) and infrared toasted American oak (20%). Aptly named "Spirit of the Trees," it offers a fresh, aromatic nose of sandalwood and cherry blossom, followed by a savory, creamy palate of churro and cinnamon that drinks dangerously below its 117 proof. Finally, they crack open a pint of Pursuit Spirits Old Anvil, an 11-year-old, 119-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon sourced from Heaven Hill. Known for a "sucked then became magical" aging story, this one-off release delivers a syrupy, viscous mouthfeel laden with vanilla cream, crème brûlée, and a distinct "mineral sting" characteristic of dusty, vintage funky bourbon. The episode wraps up with a difficult ranking of these four heavy hitters and a daring "cuvée" experiment where Todd mixes them all together for one final sip. Tune in to see which bottle takes home the "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" title! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!