In this episode of the Embellish Pod, we dive deep into the world of Speyside whisky, a region renowned for its elegant and complex single malts. If you stumbled upon this episode by chance, don't forget to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on all things whisky. You can find video versions of this podcast on YouTube and all my links on Instagram and TikTok at @embellishpod. For more details, visit my website at www.embellishpod.com. The Great Whisky Forgery of the Late 90s We kick off the...
Jul 22, 2025•25 min•Ep. 169
In this episode, we dive into a recap of recent happenings and exciting future plans for the podcast. Join us as we discuss: The lull in the whiskey market during the summer and gearing up for the busy fall season. Upcoming podcast episodes featuring more diverse and adjacent topics to bourbon and whiskey. Introducing the Scotch Whiskey Discovery Series! We're thrilled to announce a new mini-series where we'll explore over 35 expressions of Scotch whiskey, all shared by friends and fellow enthus...
Jul 15, 2025•29 min•Ep. 168
Join us in this episode of The Embellish Pod as we dive into the fascinating world of spirits with Monique ten Kortenaar, the master distiller at Lucas Bols. With a legacy spanning over 450 years, Bols is renowned for its exceptional liqueurs, including the newly launched Blue 1575, a modern twist on the classic Blue Curacao. In this episode, we explore: Monique's unique journey to becoming the head distiller of such a historic company. The creative process behind crafting the Blue 1575, includi...
Jun 24, 2025•52 min•Ep. 167
Welcome to another exciting episode of the EmbellishPod! In this episode, we sit down with Anna and Wendelin, the dynamic cousin duo behind Lodestar Whiskey. Join us as we dive into their fascinating journey from the entertainment industry to the world of whiskey, driven by a shared passion and a desire to create something truly unique. In This Episode: Introduction to Lodestar Whiskey and its innovative blend of high rye bourbon and American single malt. Anna and Wendelin's background in entert...
Jun 17, 2025•54 min•Ep. 166
Welcome to another exciting episode of EmbellishPod! 🎙️ In this episode, we dive deep into the world of whiskey with Connor Gilbert, co-founder of McTavish Spirits. Connor shares his unique journey from podcasting to launching a whiskey brand alongside actor Graham McTavish. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest episodes! In This Episode: Introduction to Connor Gilbert and McTavish Spirits (00:00:00) The inception of McTavish Spirits and the transiti...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 165
Welcome to another exciting episode of the EmbellishPod! In this episode, we are joined by Kenny Coleman from Bourbon Pursuit, one of the biggest whiskey podcasts in existence. Kenny shares his journey from starting the podcast in 2015 to launching their own whiskey brand, Pursuit Spirits, in 2018. We dive deep into the world of whiskey podcasting, brand building, and the challenges of starting a whiskey brand. Kenny also gives us a sneak peek into their upcoming downtown Louisville location and...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 164
In this episode, we are joined by George Koutsakis, the innovative mind behind Barrel Global. George shares his fascinating journey from managing a Brewdog bar in Tokyo to becoming a prominent figure in the whiskey industry. With a unique background that spans across Greece, Scotland, Japan, and now Mexico, George brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. What You'll Learn in This Episode: George's Background: Discover how George's love for anime led him to Japan and eventually i...
May 27, 2025•56 min•Ep. 163
Join us for an exciting episode of the Embellish Pod as we dive into the world of Indiana whiskey with Dave McIntyre, co-founder of West Fork Whiskey Company and Old Hamer. In this episode, we explore the journey of West Fork Whiskey, from its humble beginnings to becoming a key player in the craft bourbon scene. Discover how Dave and his childhood friends turned their passion for bourbon into a thriving business, the unique characteristics that set Indiana whiskey apart from its Kentucky counte...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 162
Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we sit down with the incredible Peggy Noe Stephens, a pioneer in the whiskey industry and the founder of the Bourbon Women Association. With nearly 30 years of experience, Peggy shares her journey from marketing to master tasting and her mission to create a community for female bourbon enthusiasts. In this episode, we dive into the origins of Bourbon Women, the importance of mentorship, and how Peggy has helped elevate the role of women in t...
May 13, 2025•47 min•Ep. 161
Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we dive into the world of craft distilling with Greg from Larrikin Distillery, formerly known as Lawrenceburg Distillery. In this episode, we explore the evolution of Larrikin, the inspiration behind its unique branding, and the fascinating story of Greg's journey from the Australian Navy to the U.S. Navy and ultimately to the bourbon industry. Discover the meaning behind the name "Larrikin," an Australian slang term that embodies a spirit o...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 160
Join us in this episode of the Embellish podcast as we dive into the fascinating story of Delta Dirt Distillery with Harvey Williams. Located in the heart of Arkansas, Delta Dirt is not just a distillery; it's a family legacy rooted in agriculture and innovation. In this episode, Harvey shares the rich history of the Williams family, tracing back to his great-grandfather, Papa Joe, who began farming in the late 1800s. Discover how the family's journey from sharecropping to owning their land led ...
Apr 29, 2025•47 min•Ep. 159
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Embellish Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dawn O'Neal, the visionary founder of New Dawn Distilling. Join us as we dive into a fascinating conversation about the intersection of conservation, sustainability, and the art of whiskey making. Dr. Dawn O'Neal shares her unique journey from a background in conservation ecology to creating a brand that prioritizes environmental responsibility. Learn about New Dawn Distilling's commitment to ...
Apr 22, 2025•59 min•Ep. 158
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Embellish Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Michael Frazier, the founder of Reverence Bourbon, based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Michael shares his incredible journey from being a firefighter to launching a successful bourbon brand that pays homage to his personal story and Tennessee roots. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:40 - Meet Michael Frazier and Reverence Bourbon 01:13 - Michael's Background and Journey 02:09 - The Birth of Rever...
Apr 15, 2025•52 min•Ep. 156
Welcome to another episode of EmbellishPod! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Sailor Guevara, the Executive Director of Good Deeds Spirits, join us for an insightful conversation. Sailor shares her incredible journey in the spirits industry, from her early days in hospitality to becoming a key figure in promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:11 - Subscribe and Connect with EmbellishPod 00:42 - Introducing Sailor Guevara 01:15 - Sailor's Backgro...
Apr 08, 2025•53 min•Ep. 155
Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we dive into the world of Black Eden 1912 with founders John and Dr. Wanda Joubert. Discover the rich history and inspiration behind their unique whiskey brand, rooted in the legacy of the historic Black resort community in Idlewild, Michigan. In this episode, we explore: The origins of Black Eden 1912 and its connection to Idlewild, Michigan. The journey of creating a whiskey brand from scratch. The significance of the name "Black Eden" and...
Apr 01, 2025•49 min•Ep. 154
Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we dive into the world of BBQ and Barrels with Dave from Owensboro, Kentucky! 🎙️🔥🥃 In this episode, we explore the highly anticipated BBQ and Barrels event happening on May 9th and 10th, 2025. Dave shares all the juicy details about this unique festival that combines the best of bourbon and barbecue. From the spirited dinner at Green River Distilling Company to the backyard cookoff and VIP bourbon tasting, there's something for everyone! ...
Mar 25, 2025•48 min•Ep. 153
In this episode of EmbellishPod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan, one of the founders of Rolling Fork Spirits. We delved into the fascinating world of spirits, discussing everything from the origins of Rolling Fork to the intricacies of blending and bottling various types of alcohol. If you haven't already, please take a moment to hit the subscribe button on your preferred podcast platform. You can also find video versions of this podcast on YouTube and all my links on Instagram and T...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 152
Welcome to another exciting episode of the EmbellishPod! In this episode, we sit down with Brett Connors from Castle & Key to delve into the fascinating world of whiskey, historic preservation, and innovative distilling practices. Brett shares his journey from the hospitality industry to becoming a key player at Castle & Key, a distillery known for its unique blend of modern whiskey-making techniques and historic preservation. We discuss the challenges and rewards of reviving an old dist...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 151
In this episode of the EmbellishPod, we dive deep into the world of whiskey with Ari Sussman from Outsider Spirits. Join us as we explore the innovative journey behind Whiskey JYPSI, a brand that defies the norms of celebrity spirits. Ari shares the fascinating story of how country musician Eric Church and serial entrepreneur Raj Elva came together to create a whiskey brand that truly stands out. Topics Covered: The inception of Outsider Spirits and the collaboration between Eric Church and Raj ...
Jan 04, 2025•48 min•Ep. 150
In this episode of the Embellish Pod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jose Valdez, the Maestro Tequilero and guardian of quality at Tequila Partida. This episode is a deep dive into the world of tequila, exploring everything from the cultivation of agave plants to the intricate details of the distillation and aging processes. Introduction The episode kicks off with a brief introduction about the podcast and where listeners can find it. I then introduce Jose Valdez, who provides a fascinating...
Dec 13, 2024•55 min•Ep. 149
In this episode of EmbellishPod, I had the pleasure of welcoming Josh and Jason from Single Cask Nation, a pioneering independent bottler in the whiskey industry. We dove deep into the fascinating world of independent bottling, exploring its significance in the whiskey landscape, particularly in the United States, where it is still a relatively novel concept. We kicked off the conversation with an introduction to Single Cask Nation, where Josh and Jason shared their journey from whiskey enthusia...
Dec 06, 2024•58 min•Ep. 148
Welcome to another episode of The Embellish Pod! 🎙️ I'm your host, John Hughes, and today we're exploring the fascinating world of cigar tobacco. From ancient Mayan rituals to modern cigar craftsmanship, this episode covers it all. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just curious about cigars, you'll find something intriguing in this deep dive. In This Episode: History of Tobacco: Discover how the Mayans first cultivated tobacco and its sacred significance. European Introduction: Learn abou...
Nov 29, 2024•27 min•Ep. 147
Welcome to another episode of The Embellish Pod! I'm your host, John Hughes, and today we're diving deep into the rich and fascinating world of Armagnac. Whether you're a seasoned spirits enthusiast or just curious about this historic French brandy, this episode has something for you. In this episode, we cover: The history of Armagnac, from its medicinal beginnings in the 15th century to its modern-day revival. The unique production process that sets Armagnac apart from other spirits, including ...
Nov 22, 2024•23 min•Ep. 146
Welcome to another episode of The Embellished Pod! 🌾🥃 Join host John Hughes as we embark on an epic journey through time and across continents to uncover the fascinating story of rice whiskey in America. From the ancient traditions of Asia to modern innovations in Louisiana, this episode dives deep into the unique world of rice whiskey. In This Episode: Historical Context: Learn about the origins of rice whiskey, tracing back to ancient China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Technical Insigh...
Nov 15, 2024•18 min•Ep. 145
Welcome, spirits enthusiasts and curious listeners alike! In this episode of The Embellished Pod, your host Jon Huth takes you on an extensive journey into the fascinating world of Amburana wood. 🌳✨ From the lush forests of South America to the rolling hills of Kentucky, discover how Amburana is not just expanding the game but rewriting the rules in the spirits industry. Learn about its unique properties, its impact on spirit making, and its cultural significance in Brazil. 🔍 What You'll Learn...
Oct 29, 2024•15 min•Ep. 144
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Embellish Pod! In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Kasler from CaskX to explore the fascinating world of bourbon barrel investments. 🎙️ Jeremy shares his journey from England to Los Angeles and how he became involved in the unique niche of tangible asset diversification through bourbon barrels. We delve into the intricacies of CaskX, a company that allows accredited investors to invest in new filled barrels of bourbon, manage them, and potentially...
Oct 22, 2024•56 min•Ep. 143
Welcome to this episode of EmbellishPod, where we delve into the intriguing history of light whiskey in America! Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of this unique spirit, from its ambitious beginnings in the late 1960s to its unexpected afterlife in today's whiskey landscape. In this episode, we explore: The cultural shifts in American drinking habits during the post-World War II era. The rise of vodka and its impact on traditional whiskey consumption. The introduction of light whiske...
Oct 15, 2024•16 min•Ep. 142
Welcome to the Embellished Podcast! In this episode, host John takes you on a captivating journey through the rich and complex history of Japanese whiskey. From its humble beginnings in the 1920s to its current status as a globally revered spirit, we explore the cultural and historical contexts that shaped this unique beverage. Discover the influence of the Meiji period, the pioneering efforts of Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Takatsuru, and the evolution of whiskey consumption in Japan. We'll also...
Oct 08, 2024•15 min•Ep. 141
Join us in this episode of the Embellish Pod as we embark on a fascinating journey through the evolution of whiskey in India! From ancient fermented rice beverages to world-class single malts, we explore how India has emerged as a significant player in the global whiskey scene. In this episode, we delve into: The historical roots of fermentation in ancient India, including traditional drinks like sura, Zutho, Apong, and Lugadi. The impact of colonialism on India's drinking culture and the rise o...
Oct 01, 2024•14 min•Ep. 140
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Embellish Pod! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of bourbon with our special guest, Cordell, who joins us on behalf of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Cordell has an extensive background in the bourbon industry, having worked with renowned brands like Maker's Mark, Southern Comfort, Jack Daniels, Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Peerless, and now Eastern Light. In this episode, we discuss: Cordell's journey in the bourbon industry and his various ro...
Aug 21, 2024•49 min•Ep. 139
