Seeing that we're getting towards the end of Fall when the bi-annual release of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon hits the marketplace, I thought it would be fun to discuss the whole extravaganza with one of the actual Van Winkles.  There has never been a greater demand for these whiskies, and the short supply has only sent enthusiasts into an absolute frenzy.  Preston, son of Julian, and great-grandson of "Pappy" sits down with me to discuss the history of the Stitzel-Weller distillery, the extent of Buffalo Trace in the newer releases, and how to keep scrambling customers as happy as possible.

We'd yet to do an episode about rum, but only because I couldn't find time to track down the man who is perhaps the world's leading authority.  Ed Hamilton lives for rum and maintains his own website http://www.ministryofrum.com.  His work as an author, an importer, and an enthusiast have helped rum find a wider audience in the U.S.  Listen to him talk sailboats, cocktails, and the geography of the rum world.

Jacob Lustig, a Bay Area-born importer of tequila, was the head of Latin Spirits for Southern Distributing for over 10 years.  He now works with Haas Brothers in San Francisco and brings in a line of distillery-bottled tequilas called Selección ArteNOM.  His knowledge of various distilleries and producers is unreal and he has established relationships in Mexico based on over 20 years of experience.  On this podcast he talks agave farming, distillation practices, and the regional differences of tequila production in Jalisco.

The second part of a two hour conversation between David D and David OG regarding K&L's newest single casks, direct from Scotland and exclusively at K&L retail stores. 

Now that we've finally secured all of our casks from Scotland, we thought we'd break down the list and talk about each of the 18 total barrels.  Listen to a few stories, tasting notes, and distillery information from our romp through the Celtic heartland.

If you've ever come to K&L and thought, "I like the wines that K&L selects and the unique products they're able to find from small producers in other countries," then we've achieved our goal.  However, there are a number of importers who do the same thing we do, only they sell directly to retailers like us rather than to the public.  Charles Neal makes a living by going to the French countryside, in search of the finest alcoholic beverages that never make quite make it stateside.  His selection of fine Cognac, Armagnac, and Calvados is unmatched by any other portfolio, namely because Charles has gone and found the finest, most interesting expressions.  Listen to him talk about his history, the products he imports, and the people who make them. 

Erik Ellestad's cocktail blog, www.underhill-lounge.com, has chronicled his attempt to make every single drink in the Savoy Cocktail Book.  His passion and enthusiasm for this educational adventure led him to opportunities behind the best bars in the Bay Area and features in both the Wall Street Journal and San Francisco Chronicle.  His website has become THE place to find information on how to mix cocktails period.  His humble personality and easy-going manner make him both approachable and admirable.  Today we talk cocktails, bartending, recipes, and the Bay Area bar scene.

WARNING! I am totally biased towards Springbank and I simply cannot contain it in this interview.  At some moments I start gushing like a little girl over Justin Bieber and, while I am not proud of these moments, they are indicitive of true Springbank superfan.  Listen to Peter Currie, Sales Manager for Springbank, talk about the history of the distillery, the terroir of Campbeltown, and the pride he feels for his whiskies.

If the idea of a whisk(e)y related podcast sounds boring to you, I couldn't blame you one bit.  Two guys sitting down and talking about malts the whole time?  Really, people want to hear that?  I don't know how interesting most of them really are to people outside the industry, but if you had to sit down and listen to one person talk about booze, just one guy who really knew how to entertain people and engage them, then that person is Jim McEwan.  Bruichladdich's master distiller and figurehead is as charasmatic a speaker as he is a talented whisky maker.  Listen to Jim compare cask enhancement to art restoration, lay out the perfect scenario for enjoying a glass of Black Art, and breakdown the burdens of being an independent in a world full of corporate giants.  I spent most of the time laughing.  Hopefully you will as well.

Andrew Weir, brand ambassador for Balvenie and Glenfiddich, sits down with K&L Spirits Buyer David Driscoll, to discuss the accessibility of Speyside malts, the true age of the Balvenie 15, and general anti-Glen snobbery.