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

An Interview with Branch Point Distillery

Today we're taking a virtual trip to the Pacific Northwest for an interview with Steven Day, Master Distiller at Branch Point Distillery. His unique take on locavore whiskey might even be able to win over JP's picky palate... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Branch Point Distillery:  https://www.branchpointdistillery.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https:/...

Sep 23, 202236 min

Mountain Strawberries, Microwave Oatmeal, and Mosquito Spray

D-Rock brought the pours this week, and the tasting notes on these whiskies are anything but up the middle! From mountain strawberries to stinky shoes, this episode is quite the trip... 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 http...

Sep 21, 202227 minSeason 7Ep. 3

How to Make an Old Fashioned, with JaNee Nyberg

We've been looking forward to this bonus for a long time! This week we are joined by viral sensation JaNee Nyberg, best known for her iconic "How to Make an Old Fashioned" YouTube video. Not only do we get the inside scoop on what the YouTube video was all about, but we actually  make  JaNee's legendary Old Fashioned as it was presented. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Follow JaNee: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ja...

Sep 16, 202224 min

Sloppy Madness

JD brought the pours this week, and the season 7 mind games have arrived full force! We also talk extensively about goat yoga... yes, we promise it's still a bourbon show... 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.co...

Sep 14, 202228 minSeason 7Ep. 2

Whiskey Review: Larceny Barrel Proof Batch C922

Another Friday, another mail call! This week our good friends at Heaven Hill sent us their latest Larceny Barrel Proof offering, the C922 batch. This batch is their highest proof offering so far this year... will it be too hot to handle? Join us and find out! Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Heaven Hill: https://heavenhilldistillery.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:&nb...

Sep 09, 202213 min

Season 7 Premiere

With the month of shootouts done, season 7 has officially begun! JP, aka "The Wildcard", decided he'd take the reins this week for our season kickoff, and he certainly didn't hold back on this jam-packed episode. 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 Califo...

Sep 07, 202236 minSeason 7Ep. 1

Whiskey Review: Daviess County Lightly Toasted Barrel Bourbon

Mail call! Our good friends at Lux Row just sent us their latest Daviess County offering, and we can't wait to taste it! All their other specialty finishes have been delicious, so will this one continue the winning streak? Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Daviess County: https://daviesscountybourbon.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedi...

Sep 02, 20229 min

Wet Hot Whiskey Summer Shootout Series, Vol. 5

We've reached the end of the line this week... No matter how wet, hot, or whiskey filled its been, all great things must come to an end. It's time for us to send off the Wet Hot Whiskey Summer Shootout Series with a bang in this final Patreon-provided shootout! 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 Priva...

Aug 31, 202233 minSeason 6Ep. 33

Spirits Distilled From Grain Review: Cascade Moon Aged 15 Years Barrel Proof

Mail call! Our good friends at Cascade Hollow sent us their latest "Mellow As Moonlight" Cascade Moon offering: The Aged 15 Years Barrel Proof Spirit. Will this high-dollar/low-proof offering win us over, or only stir up the Blue Collar pot? Join us to find out... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Cascade Hollow: https://www.cascademooneditions.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasti...

Aug 26, 202215 min

Wet Hot Whiskey Summer Shootout Series, Vol. 4

We may be nearing the end of the series, but the heat is still on! This week Beer Boi is bringing the pours, and it's safe to say this shootout is white-hot... 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...

Aug 24, 202224 minSeason 6Ep. 32

Back in Time with Blue Collar Bourbon

With the summer heat in full swing, Beer Boi decided to stay in and dig through the archives of Blue Collar's past to give you a very special bonus episode. My oh my, how far we've come... 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 h...

Aug 19, 202217 min

Wet Hot Whiskey Summer Shootout Series, Vol. 3

It wouldn't be JD's shootout without some mind games! Heck, we still aren't quite sure what the theme was... 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 ....

Aug 17, 202237 minSeason 6Ep. 31

Whiskey Review: Woodford Reserve Batch Proof 2022 Edition

Another Friday, another mail call! This week our friends at Woodford Reserve sent us their latest Master's Collection Batch Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon to taste and review. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Woodford Reserve: https://www.woodfordreserve.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pri...

Aug 12, 202215 min

Wet Hot Whiskey Summer Shootout Series, Vol. 2

It's still hot outside and we're still doing shootouts! This week it's JP's turn to bring, and based on his theme, we think it's safe to say he's a changed man for good. 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/pr...

Aug 10, 202221 minSeason 6Ep. 30

A Feast with the King

D-Rock is out of town this week, and the King's imagination has been running rampant. What have we gotten ourselves into this time... 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 ....

Aug 05, 202214 min

Wet Hot Whiskey Summer Shootout Series, Vol. 1

Buckle up for a little bit of madness, because we're changing the game this month. D-Rock is bringing the pours this week for our first installment of the "Wet Hot Whiskey Summer Shootout Series." 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...

Aug 03, 202215 minSeason 6Ep. 29

Taking to the Stars: An Interview with Stellum Spirits

Today we sit down with Chief Products Innovation Officer for Stellum Spirits, Will Schragis, to discuss the brand's latest offerings: The Stellum Black Equinox and Fibonacci Blends. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Stellum Spirits: https://www.stellum.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...

Jul 29, 202245 min

Ribblets, Yuenglings, and Doo-Doo Cookies

He's a risk taker, and a rule breaker. JP, aka "The Wildcard" returns in full force this week, bringing some unexpected pours to blind us on. Oh, and he also keeps talking about something called DooDoo Cookies? 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 Californ...

Jul 27, 202232 minSeason 6Ep. 28

Whiskey Review: Tamworth Distilling's Crab Trapper

Another year, another unique offering from our friends at Tamworth Distilling. Join us for our review of their latest experimental whiskey: The Crab Trapper Green Crab Flavored Whiskey. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Tamworth Distilling: http://tamworthdistilling.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art...

Jul 22, 202212 min

Majestic Mind Games

JD is bringing the pours this week! Or... is he? Let the mind games begin! 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 ....

Jul 20, 202229 minSeason 6Ep. 27

Whiskey Review: Woodford Reserve Toasted Oak Oat Grain Bourbon

Mail call! Our friends at Woodford send in their new Toasted Oak Oat Grain Bourbon for us to review. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Woodford Reserve: https://www.woodfordreserve.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-m...

Jul 15, 20228 min

Mace, Maize, or Ma$e?

D-Rock is bringing the pours this week, and JP is dying to trash something! Will his dream come true, or will these pours shine through? 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 ....

Jul 13, 202227 minSeason 6Ep. 26

Whiskey Review: Union Horse Distilling Company

Established in 2010, Union Horse Distilling Company is a family owned and operated, award–winning distillery in Kansas City. On today’s episode we review their Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Reunion Straight Rye Whiskey, Reunion Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey and give a second chance to their Rolling Standard Midwestern Four Grain Whiskey. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Union Horse Distilling Company:  https:...

Jul 08, 202221 min

Stoked for a Lil Bit of Madness!

Today’s episode is sure to be a smooth sipper, because we’re blind tasting two offerings under 100 proof. We’ll also be returning to the Sonoran Desert to try a new offering for our ‘Choose Your Cheers’ segment! 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 Califor...

Jul 06, 202227 minSeason 6Ep. 25

Whiskey Review: Whiskey Del Bac

Hailing from the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, AZ, craft distiller Whiskey Del Bac has been distilling and producing their own unique spin on American Single Malts. Whether you’re a bourbon purist or like your pours a bit more adventurous, their unique portfolio of ‘desert aged’ drams are sure to have something for everyone. In this episode we review Whiskey Del Bac’s Classic American Single Malt, Winter 2021 and Spring 2022 releases. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https...

Jul 01, 202219 min

South by Midwest

Today JP’s bringing some ‘Wild Card’ pours! We’ll also try a blind pour that we’ve previously had on the show to see if our votes have changed over time! 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-sel...

Jun 29, 202233 minSeason 6Ep. 24

Whiskey Review: Red Line Whiskey Shootout

On today’s bonus we’ll be going fancy with some premium finished whiskey from the fine folks at Red Line Whiskey from Paducah, KY. Will these sourced single barrel finished bourbons live up to the price tag? Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Red Line Whiskey Co: https://www.redlinebourbon.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privac...

Jun 24, 202213 min

That's Some Spicy Corn!

We've got the whole gang back together and D-Rock is bringing the drams! We’ll also have a special ‘Two’s-Your-Cheers’ segment, where we showcase two very special pours. 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/pr...

Jun 22, 202232 minSeason 6Ep. 23

Whiskey Review: Five Trail Whiskey

Today we are joined by David Coors of Coors Whiskey Co. Yes, you read that right, Coors is now in the whiskey game! Join us for our review of the new Five Trail Blended American Whiskey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jun 17, 202218 min

WANTED: The Wild Card

On this week's episode we attempt to track down JP while the rest of us play a little 'mind games'. We'll also talk summer concerts and D-Rock finally breaks down his "Over-O" scale! 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:/...

Jun 15, 202233 minSeason 6Ep. 22