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(17 reviews)
199 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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89
Podcast Authority
BetaExcellentBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
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Social91
YouTube86
Engagement77
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Recent Episodes
July 18, 2026
192: Blue Corn Gimmick or Game Changer
<p>So much went on in this episode, I had to say a little prayer at the end. We did a blind from DOC and lets just say it turned the episode into a real thing. Hope you enjoy.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskey" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskey</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="https://badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3" target="_blank">Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3</a></p><p>Blue corn has emerged as a major trend in craft distilling, celebrated for introducing complex, bold alternative flavor profiles to American whiskey.</p><p>Unlike mass-produced yellow dent corn (Yellow No. 2), which is maximized for crop yield and ethanol efficiency, heirloom blue corn varieties have been selected for generations entirely for human consumption and superior taste.</p><p>Flavor Profile</p><p>Blue corn shifts the sensory boundaries of traditional whiskey, typically exhibiting the following characteristics:</p><p>Earthy and Savory: It is notably less sweet and significantly more rustic, introducing deep, minerals-and-soil qualities to the spirit.</p><p>Nutty and Oily: Due to a rich concentration of natural oils in the grain, blue corn creates a highly viscous, velvet mouthfeel. It often tastes of roasted nuts, toasted sugar, popcorn, and cocoa.</p><p>Dark Fruits: Many distillers and reviewers note distinct dark fruit or "purple" traits, including heavy undertones of blackberry, plum, and blueberry compote.Challenges in DistillingWhile it creates an exceptional spirit, blue corn is notoriously difficult to work with for two main reasons:</p><p>Low Yield: The heirloom crop generates far less fermentable starch per acre than industrial corn, making it far more expensive to source.</p><p>The "Masa" Effect: During the mashing process, the heavy proteins and starches in blue corn create a thick, sticky paste (similar to tamale or tortilla dough). This frequently clogs distillation equipment and pipes.</p><p>Prominent Distilleries and Bottles</p><p>Several innovative distilleries have built high-profile releases around this grain:</p><p>Balcones Distillery: The Texas craft pioneer was among the first to popularize the grain with their iconic Balcones Baby Blue. It is crafted from 100% roasted blue flint corn, displaying a heavy, buttery profile.</p><p>Still Austin: Known for its highly coveted, seasonal winter Bottled-in-Bond Blue Corn Bourbon, which balances a high-rye mash bill with deep blueberry and brown sugar notes.</p><p>Bluegrass Distillers: Based in Kentucky, their Blue Corn Bottled-in-Bond features a 75% blue corn mash bill that yields an earthy, bakery-fresh croissant and spice flavor profile.</p><p>Smokeye Hill & Jeptha Creed: Both distilleries have captured industry attention with high-proof, single-barrel, or specialty heirloom blue corn expressions that lean heavily into savory old-school profiles.</p><p><br></p><p>Mashing and distilling blue corn requires significant deviation from standard yellow corn workflows due to the unique structural properties of the grain.</p><p><strong>The Mashing Process</strong></p><p>Traditional raw corn consists of tightly packed, small starch granules that require substantial heat energy to unravel. Blue corn, specifically heirloom varieties like Hopi or Mexican atole, possesses a dense protein matrix and higher natural oil content that drastically alters mashing dynamics.</p><p><strong>High-Temperature Gelatinization</strong></p><p>Before enzymes can convert corn starches into fermentable sugars, the grain must be <strong>gelatinized</strong>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>The Workflow</strong>: Milled blue corn is mixed with water and heated to roughly <strong>190°F to 200°F</strong> (88°C to 93°C). It must be held at this near-boiling temperature for 30 to 60 minutes to completely fracture the starch structures.</p></li><li><p><strong>The "Masa" Problem</strong>: As blue corn hits its gelatinization threshold, it binds water intensely. It transforms almost instantly into a thick, purple concrete-like paste. If left unchecked, this paste will burn onto the bottom of the mash cooker or seize up mechanical stirring paddles.</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
July 11, 2026
191: Z.Smith Whiskey & Mixology
<p>So I'm gonna tell you right away the audio sounded fine while recording. But Zack's audio has some issues, I tried to clean it up the best i could. This was a fantastic chat, I love all the stuff Zack is doing and I hope you do as well. Cheers</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==</a></p><p><br></p><p>If you want to purchase Zack's book here is the link</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://a.co/d/06ixRVCr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://a.co/d/06ixRVCr</a></p><p><br></p><p>Explore the world of spirits and cocktails through engaging stories and unique recipes. Elevate your mixology skills with easy-to-follow techniques and discover the rich history behind your favorite spirits, making every sip a memorable experience.</p><p><br></p><p>Tales of Spirits seeks to take you through the world of distilled beverages, including Whiskey, Gin, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Brandy, and Moonshine, one cocktail and story at a time. This book encapsulates years of research and professional exploration, revealing how alcohol reflects cultural shifts and the evolution of industries. Each spirit carries its own narrative, filled with passion, love, and the complexities of human emotion. </p><p><br></p><p>With over 160 cocktail recipes and numerous stories, any reader, regardless of skill level, can make high-quality cocktails while also gaining knowledge of the histories behind the drinks you're making. Each recipe is crafted with readily available components and basic bartending tools, making it easy for anyone to join in the fun of cocktail creation. </p><p><br></p><p>More than just a recipe book, the book features engaging anecdotes and historical insights about the spirits themselves. These stories are not only entertaining but also serve as conversation starters, enriching your experience as you share drinks with friends and family. </p><p><br></p><p>Whether you are a seasoned mixologist or just wanting to make a nice drink, Tales of Spirits invites you to embrace the art of cocktail making. Grab a glass, mix a drink, and immerse yourself in the world of spirits. Let this book inspire you to craft your own unique recipes and deepen your appreciation for the stories behind each sip.</p>
July 4, 2026
190: Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon
<p>How do you celebrate 250 years of America. With a Bourbon with every state represented. Just wait there is so much more. I need you to just listen and get into it. AND I'M SORRY NEBRASKA I COULDN'T REMEMBER YOUR ABBREVIATION.</p><p><a href="Lostlanternwhiskey.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Lostlanternwhiskey.com</a></p><p><a href="Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskey" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskey</a></p><p>50 States. 50 Distilleries. One Bourbon.</p><p><br></p><p>This first-of-its-kind release is a blend of straight bourbon whiskies from all 50 states. For this special blend, we brought together some of the finest distilleries in the country, all of which we have personally visited. Blended in Vermont and bottled at cask strength, this whiskey proves that great bourbon comes from all across the United States.</p><p><br></p><p>Each state is represented by just one distillery, and all 50 distilleries are listed on the back label.</p><p><br></p><p>Rich wood spice and vanilla on the nose, with hints of nutmeg and clove. Rich depth with a lot of complexity. On the palate, oak, spice, and fruit intermingle into a deep and balanced whole, with notes of black raspberry, dark chocolate, and leather.</p><p><br></p><p>Batch: 1</p><p><br></p><p>Proof: 122.9 proof</p><p><br></p><p>Quantity Produced: 3,300 bottles</p><p><br></p><p>Format: 750ml</p><p><br></p><p>Age: 2 year age statement; components range from 2 to 10 years old</p><p><br></p><p>Details: Non-chill filtered; no color added</p><p><br></p><p>Distilled By:</p><p><br></p><p>Painted Stave Distilling - Delaware</p><p><br></p><p>Liberty Pole Spirits - Pennsylvania</p><p><br></p><p>Sourland Mountain Spirits - New Jersey</p><p><br></p><p>ASW Fiddler Distillery - Georgia</p><p><br></p><p>Litchfield Distillery - Connecticut</p><p><br></p><p>Triple Eight Distillery - Massachusetts</p><p><br></p><p>Baltimore Spirits Co. - Maryland</p><p><br></p><p>High Wire Distilling Co. - South Carolina</p><p><br></p><p>Cathedral Ledge Distillery - New Hampshire</p><p><br></p><p>Reservoir Distillery - Virginia</p><p><br></p><p>Kings County Distillery - New York</p><p><br></p><p>Broad Branch Distillery - North Carolina</p><p><br></p><p>South County Distillery - Rhode Island</p><p><br></p><p>Stonecutter Spirits - Vermont</p><p><br></p><p>New Riff Distilling - Kentucky</p><p><br></p><p>Leiper’s Fork Distillery - Tennessee</p><p><br></p><p>Tom’s Foolery Distillery - Ohio</p><p><br></p><p>Distillerie Acadian - Louisiana</p><p><br></p><p>Starlight Distillery - Indiana</p><p><br></p><p>Rich Grain Distilling - Mississippi</p><p><br></p><p>Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. - Illinois</p><p><br></p><p>Dread River Distilling Co. - Alabama</p><p><br></p><p>Hardshore Distilling Co. - Maine</p><p><br></p><p>J. Rieger & Co. - Missouri</p><p><br></p><p>Rock Town Distillery - Arkansas</p><p><br></p><p>New Holland Distilling Co. - Michigan</p><p><br></p><p>St. Augustine Distillery. - Florida</p><p><br></p><p>Balcones Distilling - Texas</p><p><br></p><p>Cedar Ridge Distillery - Iowa</p><p><br></p><p>Wollersheim Distillery - Wisconsin</p><p><br></p><p>Corbin Cash Distillery - California</p><p><br></p><p>Far North Spirits - Minnesota</p><p><br></p><p>Oregon Spirit Distillers - Oregon</p><p><br></p><p>Union Horse Distilling Co. - Kansas</p><p><br></p><p>Smooth Ambler Spirits - West Virginia</p><p><br></p><p>Frey Ranch Distillery - Nevada</p><p><br></p><p>Brickway Distillery - Nebraska</p><p><br></p><p>Boulder Spirits - Colorado</p><p><br></p><p>Proof Artisan Distillers - North Dakota</p><p><br></p><p>Blackfork Farms - South Dakota</p><p><br></p><p>Montgomery Distillery - Montana</p><p><br></p><p>Woodinville Whiskey Co. - Washington</p><p><br></p><p>Day’s Defile - Idaho</p><p><br></p><p>Backwards Distilling Co. - Wyoming</p><p><br></p><p>High West Distillery - Utah</p><p><br></p><p>Hochatown Distilling - Oklahoma</p><p><br></p><p>Safe House Distilling - New Mexico</p><p><br></p><p>SanTan Distilling - Arizona</p><p><br></p><p>Denali Spirits - Alaska</p><p><br></p><p>Ko‘olau Distillery - Hawai‘i</p><p><br></p><p>Who We Are</p><p><br></p><p>We’re whiskey nerds, and we’re building an independent bottler that talks to whiskey nerds. We love hunting down whiskies that people haven’t discovered yet and sharing the stories of the distilleries we’re most excited about. Ultimately, we just want to share what makes the world of American whiskey so exciting.</p><p><br></p><p>Our Mission</p><p><br></p><p>Shining a light on the independent spirit is our tagline. It’s also our mission. That means we spend the time to truly explore and understand the landscape of American whiskey. We find unique and exciting whiskies from every corner of the United States. And we tell the stories of these distilleries and why whiskey lovers should know about what they’re doing. Transparency is very important to us. We don’t distill whiskey. We never will. Sourcing whiskey is the whole point! And we want you to know exactly where it came from, and why we chose to work with that place, and why their whiskey is unique.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
199 total episodes available
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