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Randy and Tiny explore the true meaning of craft distilleries and what distinguishes authentic craft operations from marketing gimmicks. They delve into personal experiences with Iron Fish Distillery in Michigan and St. Augustine Distillery in Florida, highlighting how these operations represent the soul of American craft whiskey.

• Craft distilleries aren't just about size but about commitment to authentic processes, community engagement, and offering immersive visitor experiences
• True craft distillers typically own and operate their stills, grow or locally source ingredients, and maintain independence from corporate ownership
• Iron Fish Distillery exemplifies farm-based craft production, growing their own rye that becomes part of their distinctive whiskeys
• The Mad Angler Manifesto showcases craft creativity with its unique seven-whiskey blend and balanced four-grain profile
• St. Augustine Distillery demonstrates how craft operations often preserve historic buildings and create community gathering spaces
• Small batch production allows craft distillers to take creative risks impossible for large producers
• Regional climate differences create unique aging environments that contribute to distinctly local whiskey profiles
• Many of today's craft distilleries could become tomorrow's heritage brands as they gain age and experience

Visit www.scotchiebourbonboys.com for merchandise including t-shirts and Glen Cairns. Check out Bourbon Capital Academy's educational experiences in Bardstown for the perfect introduction to bourbon country.

The true essence of craft distilling isn't found in marketing materials—it's written in golden fields of rye, preserved in century-old buildings, and most importantly, created by passionate individuals committed to authentic spirits production. This episode peels back the label to reveal what makes a genuine craft distillery and why these producers represent the soul of American whiskey innovation.

Randy "The Whiskey Doc" joins Tiny to explore the distinction between authentic craft distillers and those merely wearing the craft label. Through their personal experiences at Iron Fish Distillery in northern Michigan and St. Augustine Distillery in Florida, they showcase how true craft operations are transforming communities while creating distinctive spirits.

Iron Fish exemplifies farm-based distilling, where rye grown on-site becomes part of their whiskey, including their remarkable Mad Angler Manifesto—a seven-whiskey blend that defies convention with nearly equal parts corn, rye, barley, and wheat. Meanwhile, St. Augustine demonstrates how craft distilleries often preserve historical architecture, with their operation housed in a 1907 ice plant saved by twenty local families who banded together to create something meaningful.

Beyond the romance lies practical realities that shape craft whiskey. Regional climate differences impact aging conditions, smaller production allows for creative risk-taking impossible at larger scales, and community integration means these distilleries become far more than just production facilities—they're destinations that celebrate local heritage while creating new traditions.

Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast curious about the craft movement or someone who appreciates the stories behind your spirits, this conversation offers genuine insight into an industry where authenticity

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We explore the Evan Williams Master Blend, a special bourbon only available at the Evan Williams Experience distillery in Louisville, featuring their 23-year-old bourbon among other expressions.

• Exclusively available at the Evan Williams Experience in Louisville, not at the Heaven Hill distillery
• Masterful blend of five Evan Williams expressions including 23-year-old single barrel bourbon
• Priced reasonably for a bourbon containing such aged components
• The nose offers caramelized sugar, apple, banana, and subtle vanilla notes
• Remarkable flavor evolution that transforms from initial taste through the finish
• Long-lasting apple-like finish that lingers pleasantly without needing a chaser
• Received a rare perfect score for finish with a 16/18 overall rating
• Perfect for sharing with special friends and family
• Will be included in our upcoming Scotchy Bourbon Boys bus tour

Join us on our bus tour that includes a visit to the Evan Williams Experience where you can try this exceptional bourbon blend yourself.

What makes a bourbon worth the journey? In this special tasting episode, we dive deep into Evan Williams Master Blend – a distillery-only treasure that brings together five different expressions including their coveted 23-year-old single barrel.

The magic of this bourbon lies in its remarkable evolution. Beginning with gentle aromas of caramelized sugar, apple, and subtle floral notes, each sip takes you on a journey reminiscent of slowly caramelizing bananas – transforming from fruit-forward sweetness to rich, complex caramel. Most surprising is the extraordinary finish that lingers with a pleasant apple-like sweetness long after the sip is gone. Unlike many bourbons where the finish is merely an aftermath, here it becomes an entirely new experience worth savoring.

What struck us most was how this 90-proof offering delivers complexity without overwhelming intensity. It's approachable yet sophisticated, making it perfect for sharing with special friends and family. Despite containing well-aged components, it remains reasonably priced (historically under $100), representing one of bourbon's best values if you're willing to make the pilgrimage to Louisville.

Our conversation also explores the science behind bourbon production – from how barrel char affects hangovers to the importance of oak's natural properties in whiskey aging. We even touch on the fascinating details of how specific growing conditions of oak trees influence the final flavor profile.

Ready to experience this special bourbon yourself? Join our upcoming Scotchy Bourbon Boys bus tour featuring the Evan Williams Experience or plan your own visit to Louisville. Have you tried any distillery-only releases that surprised you? Let us know in the comments!

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The Bourbon on the Banks festival in Frankfurt, Kentucky is expanding with more exclusive offerings while maintaining its charitable mission that raised $80,000 for local causes last year. Festival organizers Amzie Wenning, Diane Strong, and Rene True share what makes this year's event special with notable upgrades to distillery participation, barrel picks, and special events.

• Thursday kickoff includes bourbon boat tours with Heather Wibbels and a party at Whiskey Thief Distillery
• Friday features a bourbon pairing with Peggy Noe Stevens and a VIP event highlighting the Women of Bourbon
• This year's VIP event will include exclusive pours not available during the Saturday festival
• Auction items include a private barrel from LF Heritage and a design-your-own-mash-bill experience from Whiskey Thief
• Festival has expanded to include 10-11 unique barrel picks from distilleries like Angel's Envy, Bespoken, and Chicken Cock
• After party features American Idol winner Noah Thompson and is open to the public, not just festival attendees
• New accommodations include bourbon-themed hotels The Delegate and The Ashbrook within walking distance
• Twilight tickets ($55) are still available for Saturday from 4-6pm, offering access to all distilleries
• Festival grounds have recovered well from recent flooding and will have an expanded footprint

Twilight tickets are available at bourbononthebanks.org for those who want to experience the festival and after party.

From exclusive barrel picks to charity auctions that fuel community support, the Bourbon on the Banks festival has evolved into one of Kentucky's most distinctive bourbon experiences. This annual celebration brings together distillers, enthusiasts, and the community of Frankfurt for a weekend that extends far beyond typical whiskey tastings.

What sets this festival apart is its mission—last year alone, the event raised $80,000 for local charities. With this success, organizers have expanded their offerings while maintaining the intimate, community-driven feel that attendees love. The 2023 festival, taking place October 3-5, features an impressive array of experiences including a special Friday VIP event highlighting the Women of Bourbon with exclusive pours not available during the main festival.

Barrel pick enthusiasts will find extraordinary offerings this year, with 10-11 unique selections from distilleries like Angel's Envy, Whiskey Thief, and Bespoken Spirits (featuring a nine-and-a-half-year hazmat Barton finished in Riesling ice wine barrels). The charity auction promises rare bottles from Buffalo Trace alongside unique experiences like designing your own mash bill with Whiskey Thief Distillery—opportunities that can't be found elsewhere.

The festival experience extends throughout Frankfurt, with the Goodwood After Party featuring 2022 American Idol winner Noah Thompson, bourbon-themed hotels like The Delegate and The Ashbrook offering accommodations within walking distance, and local establishments like House of Commons becoming gathering spots for bourbon enthusiasts and distillers alike. Despite recent flooding challenges, the festival grounds have recovered well with an expanded footprint to accommodate more distilleries than ever before.

While general admission tickets have sold out, Twilight tickets remain available for $55, offering entry fro

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