The Hard Proof - podcast cover

The Hard Proof

The Hard Proofthehardproof.com

We’re tired of it. Tired of the cryptic tasting notes. Tired of the elaborate marketing schemes. Tired of the pretentious plague that has sickened the whiskey industry for far too long now. We’ve had enough of the mind-boggling allocated bottle events where liquor store owners force grown men to act like 5th graders in exchange for a chance to buy a bottle of Weller at retail.

The Hard Proof is on a mission to revitalize the whiskey industry and take it back to a time when whiskey was purchased, enjoyed and shared as it should be. No more buying bottles 200% over MSRP just to have a backup bottle for the one you haven’t even opened yet.

We're not afraid to point fingers, shake up the establishment, and have a good laugh while doing it. Join us as we call out the culprits contributing to the pretentious disease destroying the spirits industry and provide a no-nonsense guide through the whiskey landscape. Pour yourself a glass, settle in, and let's cut through the bullshit - one pour at a time.

Episodes

Seltzer Review: Country Luau Spirits

That’s right, it’s almost summer so we decided to do a seltz-off! Our friends at Austin-based Country Luau Spirits sent in 4 of their premium seltzers for review: Strawberry Daq Shack, Yuzu Ranch Water, Mango Mosa, and Pineapple Jalepen-yall. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Country Luau Spirits:  https://www.countryluau.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  ht...

Jun 10, 202216 min

Lord of the Drinks: Return of the King

The King is back baby! This episode is jam packed with pours, profanity, and a little something extra for our Company Distilling fans. Believe us when we tell you, you don't want to miss this one. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not...

Jun 08, 202247 minSeason 6Ep. 21

Whiskey Review: Laws 2022 Bottled in Bond Releases

All the way from Denver, Colorado, our friends at Laws Whiskey House send us their 2022 Bonded Series to review! In this episode we’ll check out their Bonded 8yr Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch #6, as well as their Bonded San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #3. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Laws 2022 Bonded Series:  https://lawswhiskeyhouse.com/laws-bottled-in-bond-2022-release/# Blue Collar...

Jun 03, 202212 min

Barbers, Barbecues, and Butterflies, Oh My!

All these things and more show up on today’s episode because JD brought the pours! Our old pal ‘The Barber’ hangs out and shares a crazy story and in true ‘Mind Games’ style, JD highjacks Choose Your Cheers! Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California ...

Jun 01, 202240 minSeason 6Ep. 20

Whiskey Review: Captain Danger Close

Mail call! A mysterious wooden ammo crate appeared on our doorstep recently, and turns out it had some whiskey in it. Is it good? Is it bad? Is it a school project? Learn all of this and more in our whiskey review of Captain Danger Close Whiskey. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Captain Danger Close: https://www.dangerclosebourbon.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:&nbs...

May 27, 202214 min

The Saddest Episode Ever

We've had a best episode ever, a worst episode ever, and even a cheapest episode ever... Now get ready for the saddest episode ever. I mean, JP brought, so what did you expect? Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19...

May 25, 202225 minSeason 6Ep. 19

Whiskey Review: Yellowstone Family Recipe / Rossville Union 2022 Cask Strength Rye

Today we’re reviewing two new products sent in from our friends at Luxco. We’ll dive in to the new Yellowstone Family Recipe from Limestone Branch, followed by the latest Rossville Union Cask Strength Rye release from the Indiana-based Ross & Squibb Distillery. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Yellowstone Family Recipe:  https://limestonebranch.com/spirits/yellowstone_family_recipe/ Rossville Union:  h...

May 20, 202213 min

West Coast Wildcard

D-Rock is bringing this week, and it's anything but up-the-middle boring. Dare we say D-Rock is dipping into wildcard territory? Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

May 18, 202223 minSeason 6Ep. 18

Whiskey Review: Jack Daniel's Bonded and Triple Mash

For today’s bonus, our friends at Jack Daniel's sent us the first two offerings in their new Bonded Series for review. Learn More: Jack Daniels:  https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-us/whiskey/bonded-experience Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

May 13, 202214 min

Train Tickled Whiskey

JD is bringing the pours this week, and without a doubt mind games are back! Also, Beer Boi coins a new phrase that is interesting to say the least... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-m...

May 11, 202229 minSeason 6Ep. 17

Cinco de Mayo Special

It's Cinco de Drinko here in the Blue Collar Studio! D-Rock not only brought a special guest, but also brought some very special tequilas for us to try. Oh, and JP keeps trying to pick fights? We're not sure what's going on there... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Sazerac: https://www.sazerac.com/our-brands/sazerac-brands.html Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https...

May 05, 202219 min

Tennessee Redemption

Following the "Cheapest Episode Ever," JP has somehow managed to talk JD and D-Rock into letting him bring the pours a second week in a row. With a very special guest joining us this week, will JP double down on the trash or redeem himself? Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://...

May 04, 202231 minSeason 6Ep. 16

Whiskey Review: Blood Oath Pact 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Following a rough couple of pours from earlier in the week, we're welcoming back Hollywood to the show! On this bonus we'll be tasting Lux Row's latest Blood Oath offering: The Pact 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, finished in Calvados casks. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Lux Row Distillers: https://luxrowdistillers.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https...

Apr 29, 202210 min

The Cheapest Episode Ever

It's The Wildcard! JP brought this week, and he spared every expense for this episode. Also, our good friend Hollywood is back in studio. It's just too bad he picked this week to drop by... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ...

Apr 27, 202225 minSeason 6Ep. 15

Patreon Purveyor's Pours: Brad Ayer

On today’s show we’ll be handing over the controls to our resident Kuwaiti and OG supporter, Mr. Brad Ayer! Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Apr 22, 202230 min

We're Going Green!

On today’s episode we got the whole crew together and D-Rock’s bringing the pours! We’ll try something ‘green’ from Kentucky, as well as try another offering from FERNdale, Washington. In addition to trying out a celebrity whiskey for ‘Choose Your Cheers’, Beerboi brings us a ‘smoky’ surprise! Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https:/...

Apr 20, 202230 minSeason 6Ep. 14

Whiskey Review: Buffalo Trace Kosher Whiskey

On this very special Good Friday/Passover episode, we sit down to review Buffalo Trace’s Kosher Wheat and Kosher Rye Recipe Whiskies. Are they worth the hype? What other distilleries are making kosher whiskey? Tune in to find out! Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Buffalo Trace Distillery:  https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media: ...

Apr 15, 202213 min

Hoary Burnt Syrup

Who’s ready to play with madness?! JD’s bringing this week, D-Rock’s back, and in addition to our blind pour’s, we talk a little about Total Wine in Tennessee. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-n...

Apr 13, 202228 minSeason 6Ep. 13

Whiskey Review: Thomas S. Moore Second Collection Extended Cask Finished Bourbon

D-Rock may have found his way back to the studio, but JD just found his way out! Don't worry though, Beer Boi is here to fill in for a Whiskey Review provided by our friends at Sazerac. On this bonus, we'll be reviewing Thomas S. Moore's latest collection of "Extended Cask Finished" bourbons, including Merlot, Cognac, Madeira, and Sherry cask finished whiskeys. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Thomas S. Moore: https...

Apr 08, 202224 min

Darrell's Dander

D-Rock has gone rogue, but the show must go on! JP, AKA "The Wild Card", brought this week, and make no mistake, there is a wild card in the mix... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-i...

Apr 06, 202226 minSeason 6Ep. 12

Whiskey Review: Bespoken Spirits

Bespoken Spirits is “not your grandpa’s whiskey." By using proprietary technology, they claim their products can be ‘speed aged’ to create a premium whiskey experience. On today’s bonus we review Bespoken’s award-winning bourbon and rye offerings. Learn More: Bespoken Spirits: https://www.bespokenspirits.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not...

Apr 01, 202215 min

Gulf Coast Whiskey Rebels

D-Rock’s back and bringing ALL the pours! We get an update on his whereabouts, try a couple of price performers, as well as finish off the episode with some honey barrel goodness! Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://ar...

Mar 30, 202225 minSeason 6Ep. 11

Patreon Purveyor's Pours: Don John Returns

Today we’re handing the keys to the show over to long-time patron Don John! While he’s in studio we’ll also do a Wild Card Wondering and even have a first ever food pairing! Want to get in on exclusive Patreon perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...

Mar 25, 202232 min

The Cup of Columbus

On this week’s episode, we’ve got a special guest and JD’s bringing the pours! We’re also talking boat names, climbing the Rocky Mountains, crazy tasting notes and the whiskey pump makes a return appearance to the show! Want to get in on exclusive Patreon perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cal...

Mar 23, 202239 minSeason 6Ep. 10

Whiskey Review: Kentucky Owl St. Patrick's Day Limited Edition Straight Bourbon

Just in time for St. Patty’s Day, our friends at Kentucky Owl sent in their St. Patrick’s Edition Limited Release Bourbon for us to review. Learn More: Kentucky Owl:  https://kentuckyowlbourbon.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Mar 17, 202212 min

The Great Gatsby Went Down to Georgia

This week, Uncle Kenny drops by and The Wild Card is bringing the blind pours! We’ll also be reading your reviews and Uncle Kenny takes us to school with his ‘Choose Your Cheers’ offering. Patreon: Want to get in on exclusive Patreon perks? Join our Patreon at:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California ...

Mar 16, 202235 minSeason 6Ep. 9

Whiskey Review: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

On this bonus episode we check in with Master Blender Victoria Butler to talk about her background, as well as the amazing history behind the Uncle Nearest brand. During the interview we also review their Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey as well as their Master Blend Edition Premium Whiskey. Learn More: Uncle Nearest Whiskey: https://unclenearest.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at htt...

Mar 11, 202228 min

Who's Doing Train Stuff?

For this week’s blind pours, we’re guessing what D-Rock brought in! We’re also talking a little about music, train aged whiskey and what a ‘white fruit’ tasting note is. Patreon: Want to get in on exclusive BCB perks? Join the party:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://ar...

Mar 09, 202234 minSeason 6Ep. 8

Whiskey Product Review: The Whiskey Pump

Curiosity got the best of us this week, so on today’s show we review a product called, ‘The Whiskey Pump’. The makers of this product report that this device will enhance your drink with “flavors equivalent to 5 years of barrel aging according to blind taste testing”, so we had to put the pump to the test! Want to get in on exclusive Patreon perks? Join our Patreon at:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: The Whiskey Pump:  www.whiskeypump.com Blue Collar Bourbon:&nbs...

Mar 04, 202217 min

Get Sloppy With It

This week, JP 'The Wild Card' brings the pours, leading to questions, conflict, concern, and Canada. What does it all mean? Tune in to give us your best guess. Want to get in on exclusive Patreon perks? Join our Patreon at:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...

Mar 02, 202228 minSeason 6Ep. 7