What happens when you take traditional bourbon-making… and drop it into the Texas heat?

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Robert Likarish of Ironroot Republic Distilling to break down the science—and the fun—behind Texas whiskey aging.

We get into how extreme temperature swings accelerate the aging process, why Texas whiskey often tastes older than it actually is, and how Ironroot is using techniques like “ensembling” and a deep focus on grain to create something completely unique.

But this isn’t just about heat and barrels…

We also talk about:

* The reality of running a distillery (it’s not all romantic barrel rooms)

* The balance between tradition and innovation in bourbon

* Experiments that worked… and the ones that definitely didn’t

* And whether the future of whiskey is headed toward a more terroir-driven approach….and whether or not anyone pronounces terroir correctly

If you’ve ever wondered whether bourbon has to follow the old rules—or if there’s a new way forward—this conversation is for you.

Because in Texas… whiskey doesn’t just age.

It evolves.

To learn more about Ironroot Republic visit:https://www.ironrootrepublic.com/

Follow us on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube @thewhiskeyrockspodcast

Pour it, don’t store it!

Whiskey rocks, sip hard.

On this episode, Joel and Chris dive into Journeyman Distillery, a Michigan craft whiskey operation with bootlegger roots, a factory-turned-distillery story, and a philosophy built on organic grains and craftsmanship. We taste their Pit Spitter Cherry Whiskey, Last Feather Rye, and cask strength expressions, each one telling a story that hits like a classic rock anthem. Plus, Bill and Johanna Welter share the moments that tested them, the lessons they learned, and why their whiskey isn’t just a drink…it’s an experience.

Listen for music-inspired tasting notes, behind-the-scenes stories, and the human side of crafting award-winning whiskey.

To learn more about Journeyman’s whiskey visit:https://www.journeyman.com/

Follow us on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram @thewhiskeyrockspodcast for more whiskey reviews, incredible dancing and dad jokes.

Whiskey rocks, sip hard!!

The future of whiskey is here.

For this special Women of Whiskey roundtable, Whiskey Rocks brings together Blair from Milam & Greene, Sydney Jones from Heaven Hill, Jaz’min Weaver from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Liz Pirnat from Napa Valley Wine Academy for a conversation that goes beyond the glass.

Whiskey has long been marketed one way but the reality is evolving. In this episode, we explore how women across the industry are helping reshape the category from grain to glass. From education and storytelling to production and experience, this group shares what they’ve seen change, where real progress is happening, and how they’re personally influencing a more welcoming and dynamic whiskey community.

We talk about breaking down intimidation around whiskey, the myths that need to go, and how to bring new drinkers into the fold all while keeping it true to the Whiskey Rocks spirit with a few pours and music pairings along the way.

It’s thoughtful, it’s fun, and it’s a reminder that whiskey has always been about more than what’s in the bottle it’s about the people who make it matter.

Whiskey Rocks, Sip Hard.

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In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Ryan Gill, Director of Marketing & Brand Development at Three Chord Bourbon, the music-inspired bourbon brand founded by legendary producer and guitarist Neil Giraldo.

How does a rock icon go from platinum records to whiskey barrels?

Was Three Chord born as a passion project… or a serious bourbon philosophy from day one?

And what does “harmony” really mean when you’re blending whiskey?

Joel, Chris and Ryan dive into:

• The real origin story behind Three Chord Bourbon

• Why music isn’t just marketing, it’s the foundation

• The challenge of building authenticity in a crowded bourbon market

• How artist collaborations actually work

• The tension between craft and commerce

Plus, we taste and break down Triple Wood and Riot, tying each pour to the albums and energy that match their flavor profiles — from layered southern rock harmony to full-throttle stage-diving heat.

If you love bourbon, music, branding, or the intersection of creativity and business — this one hits all the right notes.

Pour something neat. Turn something loud.

This is Whiskey Rocks.

Sip Hard.

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In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we head to Tennessee to hang out with Brandon O’Daniels, Head Distiller at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, and uncover one of the most incredible comeback stories in American whiskey.

Founded in 1860, Nelson’s Green Brier was once one of the largest whiskey distilleries in the world before disappearing before Prohibition....only to be resurrected over a century later by the founder’s descendants. Brandon walks us through the history, the revival, the craft, and the passion behind bringing this legendary Tennessee whiskey back to life.

We dive into:

• The wild origin story of Nelson’s Green Brier

• What makes Tennessee whiskey unique

• The art and science of distilling

• Their standout Tennessee Whiskey

• The beautifully complex Cognac Cask Finish

• Plus a fast, ridiculous lightning round

Whether you’re a whiskey nerd, a music lover, or just here for a great story...this episode has something for you.

Learn more about Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery:
Nelson's Green Brier Distillery | Nelson's Green Brier DistilleryFollow Whiskey Rocks for more episodes, clips, and behind-the-scenes content:
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If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a fellow whiskey lover and help us spread the word. Every listen, follow, and share means the world to us.

Whiskey rocks. Sip hard.

What do Kentucky bourbon, a legendary racehorse, a risky 33–1 wager, and the birth of The Beatles have in common?

Apparently… everything.

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Brian Luftman, co-founder of Never Say Die Bourbon, to unpack one of the most unbelievable origin stories in whiskey. From a Kentucky-born horse shocking the world at the 1954 Epsom Derby, to a Liverpool bet that helped launch the Casbah Coffee Club and the early career of The Beatles, this is a story that sounds completely made up — except it’s 100% true.

We dive into how Never Say Die became one of the most unique bourbon brands on the market, including their bold decision to age Kentucky bourbon across the Atlantic in England, creating a truly one-of-a-kind flavor profile shaped by ocean voyages, climate shifts, and a rebellious mindset.

Plus, we taste through their Small Batch Bourbon and award-winning Rye, pairing each pour with music, storytelling, and plenty of laughs along the way. For more info on the brand, visit https://neversaydiebourbon.com/

If you love great whiskey, legendary music, underdog stories, and behind-the-scenes brand building, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Follow along @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for more whiskey, music, and mayhem.

Whiskey rocks, sip hard!

In this special Mezcal Rocks episode, we step outside the whiskey world and challenge some long-held assumptions as we dive into mezcal with Desolas Mezcal. Joined by Sammy Halpern, former Blue Run Spirits executive and co-founder of Desolas, we break down what whiskey drinkers often get wrong about mezcal, why smoke doesn’t have to dominate the conversation, and how Desolas is approaching the category with intention, balance, and respect for tradition.

If you’ve ever been mezcal-curious but unsure where to start, this episode is your entry point. It’s an honest, educational conversation designed to meet whiskey lovers where they are, while opening the door to something new.

Learn more about Desolas Mezcal at www.desolasmezcal.com, and make sure to listen through the episode to hear an exclusive code for 15% off any order.

Follow along with us at @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and don’t forget to subscribe to Whiskey Rocks anywhere you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.

What does it really mean to make whiskey with conviction?

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Jim Hough of Liberty Pole Spirits, a distillery that isn’t interested in shortcuts, trends, or chasing hype. Instead, they’re laser-focused on doing things the hard way — local grain, grain-to-glass production, and a deep respect for Pennsylvania rye’s rebellious roots.

Jim walks us through why Liberty Pole believes where your grain comes from matters just as much as what’s in the barrel, how patience and stubbornness can actually be competitive advantages, and why some whiskeys are meant to challenge you rather than please everyone.

This is a conversation about independence, identity, and why Liberty Pole might just be the most important whiskey you’re not drinking… yet.

Pour a glass and press play.

To learn more about Liberty Pole Spirits, visit www.libertypolespirits.com

To keep the conversation going and join our community of whiskey and music weirdos, follow us on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube @thewhiskeyrockspodcast

Whiskey rocks, sip hard!