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

Past Favorites: From Pro-Bowler to Blue Collar

Today we're taking a trip back in time to enjoy one of our favorite past episodes. Join us yet again as we blind taste test some blue collar pours with former SEC and NFL star Dexter McCluster. 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...

Jan 04, 202342 minSeason 7Ep. 18

Rum-Rum-Rum-Rummm

We may be two hosts down, but we're not out! Join D-Rock and Beer Boy as they taste test the latest barrel finished rum offerings from our good friends at Grander Rum. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Dec 30, 202210 min

Past Favorites: The Postman Returns

This week we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes, and we think you should revisit it too! This is season 4 episode 20 of the Blue Collar Bourbon show, titled: The Postman Returns. 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 htt...

Dec 28, 202235 minSeason 7Ep. 17

Beer Boy's Tater-Test

Gather round for a special Beer Boy concocted bonus this week! Our producer decided to blind us on some "tater-bait" bourbons to see if we'd fall for the hype, and you won't want to miss what happens! 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...

Dec 23, 202219 min

2022 Secret Santa Spectacular

Merry Christmas! For this year's Christmas special, we decided to draw names and buy each other a blue collar bottle, Secret-Santa style! Join us as we blind each other on the four bottles we chose, pick our favorites, and celebrate the end of a great year. 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 P...

Dec 21, 202219 minSeason 7Ep. 16

Whiskey Review: Old Ezra 7 Straight Rye Whiskey

Mail call! Our good friends at Lux Row just sent us their latest Old Ezra offering to review: The Old Ezra 7 Straight Rye Whiskey. Will this limited release live up to the legacy of the Ezra Brooks brand, or will it stray too far from the family? Tune in for our take... 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 Las...

Dec 16, 202213 min

Lemon Zest That Ain't The Best

The Wildcard returns this week with not only pours, but also one of his famous wonderings! And for some reason D-Rock keeps talking about ordering drawers, but not the kind you might 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 ...

Dec 14, 202232 minSeason 7Ep. 15

Whiskey Review: Backbone Old Bones 10 Year Reserve Rye

You'd better have some backbone for this bonus, because we're drinking a hot and spicy rye straight from our friends at Backbone Bourbon. Join us for our review of Backbone's Old Bones 10 Year Reserve Rye. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Backbone Bourbon: https://backbonebourbon.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy ...

Dec 09, 20229 min

Bargains, Buys, and Barrel Picks

D-Rock brings the heat this week... literally! This episode is packed with proof, but will it be packed with purchases? 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 ....

Dec 07, 202228 minSeason 7Ep. 14

Whiskey Review: Puncher's Chance "The Left Cross"

The good folks over at Wolf Spirit in Eugene, Oregon sent us their latest limited offering in the Puncher's Chance lineup for review! Will this barrel finished pour be a knockout, or a swing and a miss? Tune in to find out! Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Wolf Spirit: https://ourwolfspirit.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Priv...

Dec 02, 202213 min

Hazmat Heat and A Nose of Cheese

This week is packed with mind games, as it's JD's turn to bring the pours! Also, we think JP's nose might be broken because he's picking up notes of... is that... Cheetos? 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/...

Nov 30, 202226 minSeason 7Ep. 13

Whiskey Review: Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond Fall 2022 Edition

Our dear friends at Heaven Hill Distillery were kind enough to send us their Fall 2022 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond Bourbon for review. Will we love the whiskey? Will JP love the price? Tune in to find out... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Heaven Hill Distillery: https://heavenhilldistillery.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/l...

Nov 25, 202211 min

2022 Thanksgiving Thanktacular

Happy Thanksgiving! To show just how thankful we are for whiskey, we decided to each bring a pour we're thankful for and blind each other on it. Safe to say, it was a tasty episode. We also take a trip down memory lane that you won't want to miss. 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 h...

Nov 23, 202238 minSeason 7Ep. 12

Live From Bourbon Bash

We're coming to you live from the sold out whiskey event of the year! Join us as we sit down with our friends at Company Distilling, 291 Distilling, and Fugitives Spirits to talk all things whiskey. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Company Distilling: https://companydistilling.com 291 Distilling: https://distillery291.com Fugitives Spirits: https://fugitivesspirits.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bl...

Nov 18, 202236 min

Salty About Honey

JP's pours weren't the only wildcard on the table this week! Not only does he bring out the beast in JD, he also brings out some trivia... Wait, I thought this was 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://ar...

Nov 16, 202239 minSeason 7Ep. 11

An Interview With Blue Run Spirits

Happy Tuesday! Betcha didn't see this one coming... For this special bonus, we'll be sitting down with Mike Montgomery of Blue Run Spirits to talk all things Blue Run, as well as taste their latest offering, the Barrel Strength Emerald Rye. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Blue Run Spirits: https://www.bluerunspirits.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://link...

Nov 15, 202228 min

The Single Barrel Shootout

D-Rock showed up with something special in store for this bonus! We take a trip down memory lane, and delight our tastebuds with a shootout comprised of our very own single barrel picks. Which one will come out on top? Tune in to find out... 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:/...

Nov 11, 202225 min

JD is Mad at It

It's D-Rock's turn to bring the pours this week, but that doesn't mean its any regular ole' middle-of-the-road episode! And we're definitely not going to talk about the new Blanton's Honey Barrel, we would never talk about that... 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/...

Nov 09, 202228 minSeason 7Ep. 10

Whiskey Review: Barrel Vantage Bourbon

Our good friends at Barrel Craft Spirits were kind enough to send us their latest flagship offering, the Vantage Bourbon, for us to review. This unique blend of Mizunara, French and American Toasted Oak bourbons certainly has our attention, but does it have our wallets? Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Barrel Bourbon:  https://www.barrellbourbon.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon...

Nov 04, 202214 min

Postman Brings The Dough

The infamous Postman is back, and we decided to let him bring a couple of his own pours... which was probably a mistake. Also, it was JD's turn to bring the blind pours this week, and of course it was mind games as usual. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Bourbon Bash Tickets:  bourbonbashtix.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia Se...

Nov 02, 202245 minSeason 7Ep. 9

Whiskey Review: WhistlePig Piggyback Bourbon

This week's bonus has both Birthdays and Bourbon! Our good friends at WhistlePig sent us their new Piggyback Bourbon to taste and review! Also on the show we talk Halloween costumes, celebrate someone's special day and realize we’ve all been thinking about ‘it’! Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: WhistlePig: https://whistlepigwhiskey.com/ Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:&nb...

Oct 28, 202214 min

2022 Halloween Spooktacular

Trick or Treat! The holiday season is here, and with it comes the annual Blue Collar Bourbon Halloween Spooktacular special! This year Beer Boi has something special in store for us, but will it be a trick or a treat? Or better yet... both! Happy Halloween! Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Bourbon Bash Tickets:  bourbonbashtix.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:&nbs...

Oct 26, 202235 minSeason 7Ep. 8

Whiskey Review: George Dickel Bottled-In-Bond Tennessee Whiskey (2022)

As we like to say around here: "A little Dickel' do ya", and this 2022 bottle-in-bond release is no exception. But how does it stack up to prior releases? Guess you'll have to tune in to find out... Join us for our review of the 2022 George Dickel Bottled-In-Bond 13 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: George Dickel:  https://www.georgedickel.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr...

Oct 21, 20229 min

From Hollywood to the Highlands

JP, aka "The Wild-Card", pulled out all the stops this week, and we nearly traveled across half the globe trying to guess what these pours were! However, JP didn't bring choose your cheers... so who did then? Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Bourbon Bash Tickets:  bourbonbashtix.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Pol...

Oct 19, 202242 minSeason 7Ep. 7

Whiskey Review: Jack Daniel's Distillery Series Cask Finished Ryes

Mail call! And this one came overnight! Jack Daniel's sent us their latest Distillery Series offerings for review (formerly known as Tennessee Tasters). Will these premium products get us all to a buy or leave some of us at a try? At least we know for certain they won't be trash... unless? Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Jack Daniel's:  https://www.jackdaniels.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr...

Oct 14, 202214 min

D-Rock Gets Crafty

D-Rock brought the pours this week, and it was no ordinary-straight-up-the-middle-of-the-road-boring episode like JD expected! Also, JP gives a history lesson... Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Bourbon Bash Tickets:  bourbonbashtix.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr.ee/lastingmedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California...

Oct 12, 202229 minSeason 7Ep. 6

Whiskey Review: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C922

Another Friday, another mail call! This week our good friends at Heaven Hill sent us their latest batch of the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Straight Kentucky Bourbon. It's the highest proof of the year thus far, but will it get our highest praises? Listen in to find out what we think! 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/bluec...

Oct 07, 202210 min

Wayne's World of Madness

JD’s bringing the blind pours this weekend, but not without a little help from a friend and listener in Pennsylvania. These pours go from crafty to crazy! Also on the show, we’ll unpack why the world has lost their minds doing Tik Tok Challenges. 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 ht...

Oct 05, 202235 minSeason 7Ep. 5

An Interview with David Coors of Coors Whiskey Co.

This week we're joined in studio by the one and only David Coors of Coors Whiskey Co. In addition to talking a little about life and (obviously) beer, we had the privilege of reviewing three brand new Five Trail offerings. Want to get in on exclusive Blue Collar perks? Visit:  https://www.patreon.com/bluecollarbourbon Learn More: Coors Whiskey Co. / Five Trail:  https://www.fivetrail.com Blue Collar Bourbon:  https://linktr.ee/bluecollarbourbon Lasting Media:  https://linktr....

Sep 30, 202229 min

From the Andes Glaciers to the Big Apple

D-Rock is simply out of the loop this week! Even though JP brought the pours, JD has a little bit of inside information. One might even say: "bias"... 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...

Sep 28, 202233 minSeason 7Ep. 4