How many times have you driven down I-75 through South Georgia, not knowing there were quality distilleries to be explore just miles off each exit? Join me as I chat with the owner of one of these distilleries, Brian Higgins of 1861. We'll explore the distillery's history, the quirky customs associated with whiskey, the myth about limestone water in Kentucky, and the specialty grains he's using in his six-grain Bourbon.

Brian shares insights into the distillery's award-winning spirits and the unique experience offered to visitors, including the opportunity to create custom whiskeys. We'll also give some travel planning advice.

Find all of Georgia's whiskey distilleries here: whiskey-lore.com/georgia

In today's conversation, I'm joined by Joe Beatrice and Tripp Stimson from Barrell Craft Spirits. We're going to dig into the art of whiskey blending, the unique characteristics of their products, and the intricacies of whiskey tasting. We'll explore the artistic differences between blending and distilling, the importance of maturation, and the flavor profiles of Barrell's whiskeys, including Seagrass and Foundation Single Barrel.

Here are the main topics:

• Introduction to Barrel Craft Spirits
• The Art of Blending Whiskey
• Understanding Distillation and Maturation
• Tasting Seagrass Rye Whiskey
• Exploring Flavor Profiles and Tasting Notes
• Foundation Single Barrel and Its Characteristics
• Batch 37: Annual Release Insights
• The Role of Oak in Whiskey
• Marketing and Branding of Barrel Craft Spirits

For an extended version of this episode, join the Whiskey Lore Speakeasy (7 day free trial available) at Patreon.com/whiskeylore .

Stone Fences Tours (Versailles, KY) WF0062

Listeners of Whiskey Lore know I have a passion for do-it-yourself travel. Still, not everyone is like me and maybe for your first trip to Kentucky, you'd prefer to have someone take you to the state's amazing distilleries. Or maybe you want the advantage of not having to measure your fun against your ability to drive afterwards.

Leaving the experience in a tour company's hands has several advantages. Join me as I chat with my friend Jerry Daniels of Stone Fences Tours about what you can expect and what to anticipate when it comes to working with a tour company.

If you'd like access to the best and most up-to-date Kentucky distillery planning advice, even if you choose to go by tour company, grab a copy of Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon: Second Edition. Here is a shortcut link to the book on Amazon: whiskey-lore.com/kentuckybook