All things whiskey related. We will talk process, deep dives on distilleries and bottles. And the whiskey scene. And now so much more.
The_Whiskey Shaman
Claim This Podcastby Randall Janc
5.0(13 reviews)
191 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
89
Podcast Authority
BetaExcellentBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality96
Social91
YouTube86
Engagement77
Podcast Overview
All things whiskey related. We will talk process, deep dives on distilleries and bottles. And the whiskey scene. And now so much more.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/25/2023
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BetaExcellentBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
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Recent Episodes
May 30, 2026
185: Is The Whiskey Market Healing
<p>Good news on the whiskey front for today. Couple of topics and friendly banter is what were all about. Enjoy</p><p><a href="https://badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3" target="_blank">Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==</a></p><p><a href="Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskey" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskey</a></p><p><br></p><p>Donald Trump has said he will remove all tariffs and restrictions on whisky imports in honour of King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to the US.</p><p>The US president said he would lift restrictions on Scotland's ability to work with the state of Kentucky on whisky and bourbon.</p><p>The UK government confirmed this applies to all whisky tariffs, including on Irish whiskey.</p><p>Industry representatives said distillers would be able to "breathe a little easier during a period of significant pressure on the sector".</p><p><br></p><p>President Trump told reporters why he has decided to lift tariffs on whisky</p><p>Trump said the Royal visit "got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking".</p><p>The King and Queen spent four days in the US on a state visit hosted by Trump where they visited Washington DC, New York and Virginia before they left on Thursday.</p><p>In response to the news, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said the King sent his "sincere gratitude" to Trump and he "will be raising a dram to the President's thoughtfulness".</p><p>Scotland's First Minister John Swinney called it "tremendous news for Scotland" and said he was grateful to the King for the key role he played.</p><p>Swinney added: "Millions of pounds were being lost every month from the Scottish economy."</p><p>'Wonderful honour'</p><p>In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump said the move was "in honour of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, who have just left the White House, soon headed back to their wonderful country".</p><p>He said the tariffs and restrictions related to "Scotland's ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon, two very important industries within Scotland and Kentucky", and noted how the two areas were linked through the use of wooden barrels.</p><p>The main customer for Kentucky's used bourbon barrels is the Scotch industry, which has been importing around £200m-worth each year.</p><p><br></p><p>The president added: "The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!</p><p><br></p><p>"A wonderful honour to have them both in the USA."</p><p>At a press conference later on Thursday, Trump added: "I just took all the restrictions off, so Scotland and Kentucky can start dealing again.</p><p>"And I did it in honour of the King and Queen who just left."</p><p>'Royal sparkle'</p><p>The Scottish and UK governments had both lobbied for the current 10% tariff rate to be reduced or removed on the basis it would benefit both Scottish and US distillers.</p><p>Tariffs for exports to the US, introduced under the Trump administration and adding 10% to importers' costs, hit sales in Scotland's whisky industry's biggest export market.</p><p>American tariffs on single malts, which were suspended four years ago, were on course to return this spring with a further 25% charge, unless a deal could be done with the Trump administration.</p><p>Single malts, which sell at premium prices, are a particularly important part of exports to the US.</p><p><br></p><p>Yes, whisky enthusiasts are finally starting to see more allocated bottles sitting directly on retail shelves. Driven by increased production capacity and a cooling of the post-pandemic "bourbon craze," popular labels are becoming much easier to find without relying on raffles, lotteries, or secondary markets.</p><p>While true "unicorn" status bottles (like Pappy Van Winkle or George T. Stagg) remain incredibly rare, the wider market is shifting. </p>
May 23, 2026
184: Barrel Pick Deep Dive
<p>So as y'all well know i did a barrel pick with my buddies Jerm and Doug. on my other channel 3 guys 1 grain. I don't really know how it happened it just did. So i'm gonna give you the in's and out's of doing a barrel pick. So that if you get the chance to do one, you'll have some for knowledge. Hope you enjoy. And if you picked up one of the Bonvale Pick let me know what you think of them. Be Blessed</p><p><a href="Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskey" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskey</a></p><p><a href="https://badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3" target="_blank">Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==</a></p><p>To do a whiskey barrel pick, you must <strong>partner with a licensed retailer</strong>, <strong>secure an allocation</strong> with a distillery, and <strong>sample a curated flight</strong> of single barrels to select your favorite profile. Because of the U.S. three-tier alcohol distribution system, individuals cannot buy a full barrel directly from a producer; the entire transaction and delivery must flow through a licensed liquor store, bar, or restaurant</p><p><br></p><p><strong>1. Establish Your Buying Power</strong></p><p>Before reaching out to a distillery, you need to ensure you can legally handle and afford the volume.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Partner with a retailer</strong>: Find a local independent liquor store owner willing to broker the deal. They will officially place the order, front the wholesale cost, and handle state tax compliance.</p></li><li><p><strong>Form a tasting group</strong>: A standard whiskey barrel yields anywhere from 150 to 240 bottles depending on its age and "angel's share" evaporation. Form a bourbon club or group to guarantee all bottles will be purchased.</p></li><li><p><strong>Budget realistically</strong>: Expect a full barrel pick to cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $15,000 depending on the brand and proof. You will pay on a per-bottle basis through your retail partner.</p></li><li><p><strong>2. Secure a Distillery Allocation</strong></p></li></ul><p>Getting a spot in a single barrel program requires planning, as demand heavily outweighs supply.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Apply for programs</strong>: Major heritage brands like Buffalo Trace manage their selections through structured portals like the <a href="https://sazeracbarrelselect.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Sazerac Barrel Select Program</strong></a>, which uses lottery drawings.</p></li><li><p><strong>Leverage store relationships</strong>: Established stores often have dedicated allocations through regional distributors. It is much easier to secure a pick by joining a retailer's existing trip rather than applying as an independent individual.</p></li><li><p><strong>Look at craft distilleries</strong>: If heritage Kentucky brands have multi-year waitlists, look into regional craft distilleries. They often have highly flexible, interactive, and immediate barrel-picking opportunities.</p></li><li><p><strong>3. Choose Your Sampling Method</strong></p></li></ul><p>Distilleries typically offer three distinct ways to execute the actual tasting:</p><p><strong>Selection Method How It Works Best ForOn-Site Distillery Visit</strong></p><p>You travel to the distillery to taste directly from 3 to 5 pulled barrels using a whiskey thief.The ultimate enthusiast experience.</p><p><strong>Remote Sample Kit</strong></p><p>The distillery ships 3 to 5 labeled 375ml or 100ml barrel samples straight to your retail partner or home.Groups wanting to save on travel costs.</p><p><strong>Distiller's Choice</strong>You give the master distiller your preferred flavor profile, and they select the best match on your behalf.Turnkey efficiency with zero logistics.</p><p><br></p>
May 16, 2026
183: For A Good Time With Chris Plunkett
<p>So i got the chance to sit down and chat with Chris, a friend, somm, and business owner. Lets just say epicness. Enjoy</p><p><a href="https://badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3" target="_blank">Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==</a></p><p><br><a href="Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskey" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskey</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Overview</strong></p><ul><li><p>History and Practical Knowledge of the primary whisky regions from around the world including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Japan (written test requiring 75% passing grade)</p></li><li><p>Public Speaking and Storytelling</p></li><li><p>Palate competency training and deductive tasting</p></li></ul><p><strong>The World of Whisky</strong><br>A discussion of whiskies made across the world. You will hear the history, learn the stories, and taste the end results. When you walk away, you will be able to hold a knowledgeable discussion with any whisky drinker anywhere in the world.<br><strong>The Art of Public Speaking</strong>We will teach you the fine art of getting and holding attention, storytelling, and creating a confident presentation of the deep, broad knowledge you hold in your head. Passing on the passion and romance of whisky is all about stories.<br><strong>Marketing of Upscale Products</strong><br>How do you sell upscale products or services, especially in our changing economy? The same way successful people always have: with language that has a sense of glamor, mystery, and magic; with messaging that doesn’t just tell people “what,” or “how,” but strongly communicates <strong>“why.” </strong>We will take you through this section focused on writing and communicating the glamor of whisky.<br><strong>Deductive Tasting</strong>We introduce you to the science and art of deductive tasting. You will use these fundamentals to begin building a catalog of whisky scents, tastes, and historical palate references.</p><p><strong>Course Title: World of Whisky Level OneCourse Duration: 2 days</strong><strong>Grading Policy:</strong>– Written Test on Whisky history, production, and styles: 70% passing grade required minimum on written test.– Class Participation: evaluated by instructors– Deductive Tasting Assignments: evaluated by instructors</p><p><strong>Course Description:</strong>This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of whisky, its history, production methods, and the art of communicating its nuances effectively. Students will explore the primary whisky regions from around the world, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, the United States, and Japan. The course will also cover public speaking and storytelling, marketing of upscale products, and deductive tasting as well as palate competency training.</p><p><strong>Course Objectives:</strong>– Develop a deep knowledge of the history and practical knowledge of whisky regions worldwide as well as methods of production in all major whisky regions<br>– Enhance public speaking and storytelling skills to effectively communicate whisky-related information.<br>– Develop palate competency and deductive tasting abilities.<br>– Understand the marketing strategies and techniques used to promote upscale whisky products.<br>– Build a catalog of whisky scents, tastes, and historical palate references.<br>– Understand the difference between knowledge and connection, between gurus and shepherds.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
191 total episodes available
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This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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