In this episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion project, host Gavin welcomes guest Zachary Miller, also known as the Whiskey Librarian. Zachary shares his journey into the world of whiskey, from growing up around the South Sound Whiskey Society to becoming the Whiskey Librarian and a railroad engineer. He discusses his love for whiskey and the importance of education and exposure in the industry. Zachary also talks about his Instagram page and the value of tasting notes and bottle photography. Don't miss this engaging conversation about the artistry and passion behind whiskey.

Jamie Ritchie, former Sotheby's executive and current member of BlockBar, joins Gavin on this episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project. They discuss the evolution of the spirits market, the rise of independent bottlers, and the importance of authenticity and provenance in the whiskey industry. Jamie shares his experiences in the world of whiskey, including his visit to Macallan and his involvement in the Middleton Very Rare auction. They also touch on the changing dynamics of whiskey consumption among millennials and Gen Z. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about the future of whiskey and the innovative approach of BlockBar.

In this engaging episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project, host Gavin welcomes Aaron Goldfarb, a seasoned journalist and author who has recently published a noteworthy book on vintage spirits. Listeners are taken on a journey through Aaron's personal and professional whiskey encounters, revealing how his experiences have shaped his understanding and appreciation for this timeless beverage. The conversation kicks off with Aaron recounting his earliest memories of whiskey and how his palate evolved while attending college in upstate New York during the bourbon renaissance. Drawing from his firsthand experiences in New York City's burgeoning cocktail scene of the early 2000s, Aaron offers an insightful glimpse into the industry's emerging trends of the time, including his tasting encounters with craft beer, bourbon, and beyond.

Whiskey has carved its own path through the ages, transforming from a spirit enjoyed by select few to a universal symbol of sophistication, tradition, and innovation. In a rich conversation with Zach Johnston, the Drinks Editor for UPROXX Life, we unearth the layers that define whiskey's past, present, and potential. Johnston's narrative unveils personal tales, industry evolution, and the beating heart of whiskey culture. Whiskey's modern rebirth isn't merely about the liquid itself; it's a story of rediscovery—a journey back to its roots in craftsmanship and regional heritage. As Johnston recalls, "...there's so much room and so much space to do stuff where your imagination is the only limit." Gone are the days when whiskey was a one-note song; today's tune is a complex symphony appealing to a broader audience.

Whiskey has long seduced the palates of enthusiasts around the globe, offering a depth of flavor and a richness of tradition that few other spirits can match. In an engaging dialogue with whiskey aficionado Devin Velardi, we delve deep into the heart of whiskey culture and its burgeoning avenues. The conversation touches on Vilardi's personal whiskey experiences, the development of the American Single Malt, and meaningful encounters in the industry. Whiskey's allure isn't beholden to any single factor, but rather a culmination of experiences that progress from youthful trials to mature appreciation. Devin Vilardi recounts an early encounter with whiskey that was less than inviting—a 1978 or 1980 bottle of Johnny Walker Red Label—but it was this initial bracing taste that paved the way for his nuanced understanding and passion for whiskey in later years.

Gavin offers some more sound advice on whisky investments and refers to a recent Forbes article The article states The current state of the secondary whisky market is characterized by uncertainty, presenting opportunities for discerning investors. To navigate this landscape in 2024, potential investors are advised to heed three key considerations. Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that whisky, like any investment, carries inherent risks with values subject to fluctuations. Prudent investors should only commit funds that they can afford to lose. Secondly, the practice of buying bottles for quick resale, known as flipping, has become increasingly precarious. The market is expected to experience a decline in both volume and value in 2024. Factors contributing to this decline include a surplus of sellers, a diminished pool of buyers due to reduced disposable income, and heightened awareness of tax implications associated with flipped bottles. Thirdly, the recommendation is to adopt a long-term investment approach. While some may experience quick financial gains, sustained success in the whisky investment realm often stems from strategic purchasing and a commitment to holding assets for an extended period.

In the latest enthralling episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion project, we delve into the spirited world of whiskey aficionados with our guest, Jonny Lieberman. A versatile individual whose love for bourbon is as profound as his expertise in cars, Jonny takes us on a journey through his personal whiskey discoveries and the transformative experiences that shaped his palate. From a revelatory tasting of a 16-year-old Hirsch at a brewers' conference to stumbling upon the legendary Black Maple Hill bourbon, Jonny shares foundational moments that propelled him into the ever-evolving universe of whiskey collecting. The conversation meanders through the halcyon days when rare whiskies like Pappy Van Winkle sat on shelves at attainable prices, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a past era of bourbon hunting.

The world of whiskey and luxury spirits doesn't just revolve around the enjoyment of complex flavors and rare finds—it's an intricate dance of passion, business savvy, and community building. In today's episode with Glen McCallum, co-owner of McCallum and Sons Whiskey Co., we delve into the intricacies of running a whiskey specialty store, the journey from passion to profession, and the importance of creating a community around a beloved spirit. Whiskey aficionados often dream about turning their passion into a vocation. Glen's journey from being an army officer to a whiskey boutique co-owner is a case study of channeling one's enthusiasm into entrepreneurship. One pivotal experience, a visit to a whiskey boutique in Dublin, painted a vivid picture of what a specialized retail store could offer: an array of selections, expert knowledge, and an impressive presentation that turns buying spirits into an experience.

On this episode, we're joined by David Pearce of Clandestine Whisky Magazine to explore the intricacies and joys of whiskey appreciation. The podcast transcripts have been distilled into an article rich with insights for both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. Whiskey appreciation has seen a dramatic surge over the past few decades, evolving from a drink predominantly savored by a niche audience to one with a global following and multifaceted market. As David recalls, the shift from enjoying whiskey solely as a casual drink to pursuing it as a collectible commodity was a gradual process, driven by the desire for both knowledge and exceptional experiences.

In this episode we delve deep into the inspiring world of bespoke whiskey cases with the founder of Daryl Proof, Nick Tarbuck—alias Daryl. As the mind behind some of the most durable and stylish whiskey travel cases in the industry, Daryl shares his relatively recent yet deeply rooted passion for whiskey and how it became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial endeavor. The conversation takes us on a journey through Daryl's dive into whiskey appreciation and the genesis of Daryl Proof, LLC. The guest's enthusiastic recollection of his first distillery experience paints a vivid picture of how intrinsic the love for whiskey is to his personal and professional life. This episode is an intimate account of transformation, exploration, and the confluence of good spirits with great design.

River Wood, a bartender from South Africa, shares his personal whiskey journey and how he fell in love with the spirit. He talks about his early experiences with whiskey, his time working on cruise ships, and his passion for mixology. River also discusses his current role at Gleneagles, where he has the opportunity to work with an incredible selection of whiskeys and meet passionate guests. He emphasizes the importance of being consistent and mindful in life and appreciating the privilege of waking up each day.

Raj Sabharwal, founding partner of Glass Revolution Imports, joins Gavin to discuss his journey in the whiskey industry. Raj shares his early experiences with whiskey, including growing up in Canada and drinking Canadian whiskey and Scotch. He also talks about his first taste of Glenfiddich and how it sparked his interest in single malts. Raj then delves into the challenges and successes of launching Amrut single malts in the US market and the growth of the Indian whiskey industry. He also discusses the expansion of Glass Revolution Imports' portfolio to include other world single malts, such as Blackadder and Bimber. Raj reflects on the evolution of the whiskey landscape and the increasing popularity of world single malts. He emphasizes the importance of education and the role of Glass Revolution Imports in introducing and promoting unique and high-quality whiskeys to the US market.

Nick Harborne, the founder of Whiskey Wiseman and Wild Cocktails, joins Gavin on today's show. Nick shares the story behind the creation of Whiskey Wiseman, a whiskey club that started as a boys' night out and grew into a global community. He talks about his journey of discovering and falling in love with whiskey, particularly Islay whiskies and Japanese whiskies. Nick also discusses the challenges of navigating the changing landscape of social media and influencer culture. He expresses his excitement about the comeback of Whiskey Wiseman and his plans to continue sharing his passion for whiskey with others.

In this episode, Gavin interviews David Thomas Tao, a whiskey reviewer, writer, and producer. David shares his first encounter with whiskey, growing up in Bardstown, Kentucky, and visiting distilleries as a child. He talks about his journey back into the world of whiskey as an adult and how he became involved in cocktail culture. David also discusses his transition into whiskey writing and the opportunities that have come his way. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the connections made through whiskey.

While Rory was working his way through his undergraduate degree in Applied Psychology BSc. He developed a keen interest in the marketing aspects of the drinks industry, specifically single malt whisky. This interest grew from working within a prestigious whisky bar in the heart of Scotland's capital for several years. This allowed Rory to gain unparalleled exposure to some of the most renowned figures and innovators in the whisky industry. Coupled with this exposure and natural interest, he soon developed a passion that led him to undertake his Master's in Marketing. Since then Rory has focused much of his efforts on becoming engrossed in the marketing strategies of luxurious consumables, with a personal enthusiasm for the international whisky industry.

Dennis Steckel is a passionate whiskey enthusiast and the founder of the AMRUT Fever Facebook group. He has a deep love for AMRUT whiskey and has developed a close relationship with the brand. Dennis has been involved in the whiskey industry for many years and has even had the opportunity to collaborate with Blackadder, a renowned whiskey bottler.

Michael Vacheresse, owner of Travel Bar in Brooklyn, shares his passion for whiskey in this episode of the Rolex Whiskey Passion Project. He discusses his first experiences with whiskey, the evolution of the whiskey scene in fine dining establishments, and the growth of Travel Bar as a whiskey destination. Vacheresse highlights the importance of customer service and the role of independent bottlers in expanding the whiskey experience. He also shares a memorable moment of creating a custom blend at Barrel Craft Spirits. Follow Travel Bar Brooklyn on Instagram for more whiskey adventures.

Neil Strachan is a whiskey enthusiast and former brand ambassador for Brown-Forman. He has a deep passion for whiskey and has had the opportunity to taste and experience some of the finest whiskeys in the world. Neil has worked in the hospitality industry and has traveled extensively, building relationships and sharing his love for whiskey with others.

Today, we have a special treat for you as we dive into the world of Tartan House, a whiskey lover's paradise located in Louisville, Kentucky. We had the pleasure of speaking with Jeff Knott, the owner and operator of Tartan House, and this man knows his whiskey. From his early days sipping Scotch with his roommate to his time at Willett Distillery, Jeff's journey in the world of whiskey has been nothing short of remarkable. Jeff's love affair with whiskey began in his early years when he started drinking Scotch with his roommate. He fondly remembers their go-to bottle, Glenfiddich, and how it helped shape his taste for whiskey. But it wasn't until later, when he entered the bar scene, that his passion for whiskey truly took off.

Whiskey has always been an integral part of Scottish culture. From the humble beginnings of blends like Famous Grouse and Bells to the rise of single malts, whiskey has evolved into a symbol of pride and craftsmanship. Daryl Haldane, a whiskey industry veteran, shares his journey from a young boy fascinated by the smell of whiskey to becoming a key figure in the world of private whiskey collections. Today, our guest, Daryl Haldane has been working in the whiskey industry for over 17 years. We dive into his experiences growing up in Scotland, the evolution of whiskey consumption, and the significance of brands like BeauMore. Join us as we explore the rich history and future of Scotch whiskey.