WhiskyCast: The Cask-Strength Podcast

Japanese whiskies have won numerous awards in whisky competitions over the last decade, yet many whisky lovers have yet to try them. Until now, very few whiskies have been exported outside Japan, and even fewer to the U.S. Hakushu 12-year-old single malt has been available in Europe and other regions for a while, but it's just now becoming available in America. Suntory's Mike Miyamoto is a former manager at Hakushu and Yamazaki, and he'll explain the differences between the two whiskies, Michael Jackson's role in developing Hakushu's style, and answer some of your questions as well. In the news, Maker's Mark wins another round in court, the matriarch of the William Grant family has passed away, and the Larks celebrate an anniversary in Australia.

LISTEN (39:56, 18.1 MB)

LINKS: Suntory Maker's Mark Old Pogue Buffalo Trace Crown Royal Jura Drinks Business Brewdog BBC Glenfiddich McTear's Lark Distillery Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship Cooper River Distillers

EPISODE 368: MAY 6, 2012

It's festival week in Speyside, and the Spirit of Speyside Festival has become one of the region's largest events of the year. We'll talk with Festival chairman Jim Royan about this year's event, as well as growing up downwind from Glen Moray, life in Speyside, and the region's unique character. In the news, another Irish whiskey bottler is looking for a new distiller, new whiskies from The Dalmore, Highland Park, The Macallan, Buffalo Trace, and plans for a high-altitude whisky tasting...

LISTEN (30:55, 14.1 MB)

LINKS: Spirit of Speyside Festival John L Sullivan Bruichladdich The Dalmore Highland Park The Macallan Buffalo Trace William Grant & Sons "Walking With The Wounded Tasting" BenRiach

EPISODE 367: APRIL 29, 2012

Whisky can be one of the most versatile spirits for chefs as well as cocktail lovers. We'll talk about cooking with whisky for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on this week's episode with Stacy Laabs, one of the authors of "The Never Cook Sober Cookbook", and discuss how whiskies can complement and even enhance the flavors of your next meal. In the news, Heaven Hill announces plans for the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Louisville's downtown "Whiskey Row", and we'll have tasting notes for the first Clan Speyburn exclusive bottling.

LISTEN (32:15, 14.7 MB)

LINKS: Never Cook Sober Evan Williams Angel's Envy Bushmills Live Cooley The Macallan Highland Park Glengoyne Speyburn "The Angel's Share" Trailer

EPISODE 366: APRIL 21, 2012

Dave Pickerell left Maker's Mark as Master Distiller four years ago, and since then, he's been one of the leaders of the craft distilling movement. He's worked as a consultant for dozens of distilleries, and has just taken on the role of Master Distiller at the Hillrock Estate Distillery in New York. In this week's episode, Dave tells us why he's having more fun than ever, and just what new distillers need to have to make it in the whisky business.

LISTEN (35:50, 16.4 MB)

LINKS: Hillrock Estate Distillery Slane Castle The Irish Times Bowmore An Cnoc Speyburn Arran Springbank OId Rip Van Winkle Connsr.com