Tasting Notes: What happens when two friends sit down with four mystery pours, zero preparation, and a shared love for great spirits?

In this episode, Jason welcomes back fan-favorite guest John (@mr._given)—the king of Porch Pops and High-Proof Hikes—for another Blind Bonanza. This time, the focus shifts to Reposado tequila as the guys work through a lineup of mystery pours, attempting to identify distilleries, proofs, and flavor profiles completely blind.

Along the way, the conversation wanders into everything from social media creativity and tequila collecting to side-by-sides, college tuition, Braves baseball, NFL Draft reactions, and why certain spirits become lifelong favorites.

As always, the real fun isn't just what's in the glass—it's the stories that come with it.

Key Topics & Takeaways

🥃 Blind Bonanza: Reposado Edition

• Four mystery Reposado tequilas tasted blind
• Guessing proofs, distilleries, and production styles
• Why proof doesn't always tell the whole story
• The surprising differences between Highland and Lowland tequilas
• How barrel influence can dramatically change a tequila's profile

🌄 Highlands vs. Lowlands Tequila

• What terroir means in tequila production
• Why Highland tequilas often showcase brighter citrus and fruit notes
• How volcanic soils influence Lowland tequila character
• Learning to identify regional characteristics through blind tasting

And why some bottles become "repeat reaches" regardless of how many options sit on the shelf.

📸 Creativity, Community & Instagram

• How content creators develop their own style
• The inspiration behind Jason's "Repeat Reach" series
• Why authenticity matters more than chasing trends
• Building community through shared passions

🚜 Porch Pops, High-Proof Hikes & New Toys

John talks about:

• Purchasing a Kawasaki Mule
• The origins of "Musings from the Mule"
• Why followers keep asking for merch
• The surprising ways social media catchphrases take on a life of their own

⚾ Sports Talk & Dad Life

• Braves baseball optimism
• Georgia Bulldogs baseball
• NFL Draft reactions
• Raising kids, preparing for college, and balancing hobbies with real life

🇲🇽 Falling Down the Agave Rabbit Hole

The conversation explores:

• Why tequila continues to gain momentum among whiskey drinkers
• The appeal of additive-free tequila
• High-proof versus standard-proof expressions
• How tequila and mezcal reveal terroir in unique ways
• Why Mexico's culture, food, and hospitality continue to inspire

Connect with John

Follow John for Porch Pops, High-Proof Hikes, whiskey adventures, and plenty of good laughs:

Instagram: @mr._given

Connect with The Dram Amateur

📸 Instagram: @dram_amateur
🎥 YouTube: The Dram Amateur Podcast
📘 Facebook: The Dram Amateur Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow whiskey, tequila, or spirits enthusiast and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Because every pour comes with a story. 🥃