I have been fortunate enough to have made great friends overtime via the Whiskey community on Instagram. Some of these great people have volunteered to be bloggers on here. I wanted to take some time to introduce you to them. I started this blog as a community blog, and the below great people will be adding articles from time to time. Please checkout their IG profiles and give them a follow. Cheers -Jas
Broderick Whitlock AKA Wsky.N.Jojo on Instagram.
About Broderick:
An enjoyer of delicious, fairly obtainable whiskeys and other great spirits; especially the ones that come from craft (smaller) distilleries. Fascinated by the nuances of how things come to be, the education aspect, and overall the family that has been created since I have become a part of the "fabric." Other things that I enjoy taking part in are, but not limited to: cooking, hiking, gaming, and visual arts. I got into spirits in a very odd way, so sit down and grab a dram for this one. A friend and I used to do crossfit and olympic weight lifting, in which our trainer/coach would have a beer while coaching. We both said, that's not fair and therefore began having a sip or two of beer in between sets of lifts. Following this, we decided to go in on a bottle of Old Barterhouse....probably the worst thing we had spent money on at that time. After this experience, the journey grew, listening to podcasts, being on them, and even creating them myself (with a team). Ever since, I have been a part of the community and continue to grow within it, producing more content and sharing a passion that is forever aging.
His Whiskey of the Year:
I will have to say my whiskey of the year is the Silverback Distillery's Alpha Series Bottled In Bond Sour Mash. Christine, Lauren and the rest of the team produce amazing products. I have always been in love with their sour mash whiskey since I started in the industry, and when they dropped a 100proof caramel corn bomb of a sour mash I couldn't deny it of its place!
Bryne Valenzuela AKA TheMossyMuse on Instagram.
About Bryne:
She is in love with Scotch, Irish culture, and of course, her husband. Her first true love is a traditional, Irish, beautiful, refreshing, 21 years old Kilbeggan Whiskey (Cooley Distillery). Bryne and her husband discovered this unique aged whiskey at a tasting in a Whiskey shop in Killarney (Shores of Lough Leane, County Kerry, Ireland). The notes of moss and maple and the wood spectrum's fragrance changed Bryne's vision about whiskey. They inspired her to keep exploring Ireland and the rest of the world through whiskey.
She defines herself as a whiskey enthusiast, blogger, traveler, and artist. She has discovered her passion for all things scotch and wants to share all her knowledge and experiences with the world. This exploration has brought to her attention all the stereotypes around whiskey. Now she is on a mission to open the doors of this fascinating world to anyone interested no matter their gender, age, or background and break those stereotypes.
Bryne values kindness, respect, giving back to the community, and tacos. She goes around exploring big -and not so big- whiskey brands looking for her next discovery.
Her Whiskey of the Year:
For me is definitely Clonakilty. It is easy to drink without any of the abrasiveness you typically find in an Irish whiskey and it goes great with the hot weather in Florida or in a hot toddy up north! I love all the cask finish they have released especially the collaborations with breweries in the U.S. and how that really brings the two industries together
Michael Epstein AKA Epstein1014 on Instagram.
About Michael:
Getting into spirits didn't happen until college. When people were getting into beer and vodka, my first college "purchase" of alcohol was Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask. From there my interest into Single Malt took off. Buying different brands, single casks, even peated scotch. My personal interests evolved into joining whisky clubs, networking with other enthusiasts and Instagrammers, sharing our love for whisky while enjoying a dram or two (ok MAYBE more than two). I then beginning to work at a liquor store as the whisk(e)y specialist as the E-Commerce Manager. Luckily, part of my job is suggesting/buying brands I want to see in the store (and that I happen to personally enjoy) and think our customers will enjoy exploring as well. I enjoy educating and sharing my passion with others, whether that's suggesting a customer a great bottle or sharing drams with fellow enthusiasts/whisky lovers. My Instagram page is focused on that as well. I review (not rate) whiskies that I enjoy and want to share with others.
His Whiskey of the Year:
That is EASY! It is Glendronach Kingsman 1989. A vatting of 6 Oloroso sherry casks all from the year 1989 (29 years old is indicated on the bottle) finished in PX sherry casks, made to pay homage to the oldest bottle at The Glendronach Distillery, a 29 year old whisky bottled in 1913. Three friends had each purchased a bottle before leaving for war, vowing to open them together on their return. Tragically, only one of them returned home. Having never opened his bottle, his family later gifted it to the distillery, where it remains unopened and displayed in remembrance of fallen friends. For me, this is a slight departure from the typical sherry cask spice and nuttiness. This whisky is viscous and syrupy. There is a great balance of fruit, savory and oaky flavors on the nose and palate. Such a complex whisky, it could last 4 pages describing. To me, it is my favorite not because of price or rarity, its about taste. Kingsman to me, checks all the boxes of complexity, flavors and enjoyment! If you happen to be one of the people out there who either have a bottle or can afford it, I URGE you to buy one and open it. You will NOT be disappointed, and if you are, I will gladly drink it for you.
Andrew Ridley AKA ScotchSociety305 on Instagram.
About Drew:
He is one of the founder partners who started Scotch Society 305, a Miami based Whiskey enthusiasts. Scotch & Whisky Society 305 is a Miami Fl Based whisky community founded by Drew Ridley, Reed Horth, Moncy Blanco-Herrera, and Bianca Espinosa @thescotchgirl.We use our passion for whisky to create educational, social, and charity events to build community and networking. Our events allow our members to learn about a variety of brands/processes and access to try new releases and rare whisky. We are also honored and fortunate to have featured special guest hosts such as Richard Patterson, Greg Glass, Dr. Rachel Barrie, Dr. Bill Lumsden, and Allison Parc, just to name a few.
His Whiskey of the Year:
Ardbeg Blaack - The pinot noir finish! Perfectly created a new dimension for the traditional peat monster from Islay with variety of flavors, may be my favorite Ardbeg.
Pritish Rajendran AKA The_Audacious_Gent on Instagram.
About Pritish:
My name is Pritish and I am a Navigating Officer onboard cargo ships, so half of the year I am travelling and steaming across oceans bound for different countries, where I have experienced the different cultures which further encouraged me to explore the fascinating world of spirits.
His Whiskey of the Year:
It would be the Maker's Mark Bourbon Whiskey. The reason for it being a favorite this year is because of its soft sweet palate that goes along with different cocktails and is enjoyed neat as well, and for a person who likes to experiment with taste, I found this just perfect for me.
Victor Nunes AKA Vic.Whiskey on Instagram.
About Victor:
Born in Africa, raised in Europe and having lived most of my life here, I call Australia home. I do not work in the alcohol industry and I am not involved with any brands whatsoever. I am just a Whiskey enthusiast.
All my opinions are from a consumer's perspective.
I got into spirits at a very young age, even though I was too young to drink. I remember very well, watching my father and uncles enjoy their Scotch and my inquisitiveness about all the different types of bottles! I did not have to wait long, as here in Australia the legal drinking age is 18 years old.
His Whiskey of the Year:
STARWARD's Single Barrel, Single Malt, Barrel Pick by 'The Oak Barrel'
Here is why...
Two first fill Apera 5 years old casks, two second fill Apera 8 years old casks and one Pedro Ximenez 9 years old cask. These five 50 litres casks were combined together into a 200 litre Apera Wine barrel, sourced from McWilliam's winery, where it was aged for a further 8 months.
On October 2020 barrel 109 was emptied into 250 bottles (700 ml) at 57.5% abv Cask Strength.
The Nose:
Gorgeous brown butter pecan pie, luscious ripe bananas and black plum pudding aromas. Red cherries and English toffee notes.
The Palate:
Beautiful poached pears, dried red fruits and chocolate toffee flavours. Fresh cherry plums and peppery oak tannin notes.
The Finish:
Warm, Super Long and Gratifying.
Moist fruit and nut cake, syrupy orange peels and ripe yellow nectarines. Rich brown sugar and spicy clove notes.
Overall:
The complexity that comes with every sip burns into your soul, its opulence grows as it breathes, evolving into the best Australian Single Malt I have tried to date.
Yes, this is a unique Single Barrel made up from 5 other small casks but that is the perfect example of what Starward does, Experimental Phenomenal Casks! I heard that Starward will be doing some Single Barrel Limited Releases in the United States in 2021...
Shay Pal AKA ChocCoffeeWine on Instagram.
About Shay:
I'm Shay and you might also know me as ChocCoffeeWine (on Instagram). I call Chicago home and I am a big fan of flavors of the world especially that represents the land, people and culture. I'm also a proponent of craft - from chocolate to coffee to wine and whisk(e)y. If there is a tale behind it, my curiosity peaks and the geek in me comes out.
When I am not spending my time talking to my enthusiast friends about our passion for liquor and converting them from candy eater to craft chocolate lovers by bribing them with bars , I am a building model for data driven industries.
How I got into spirits -
I started exploring the nuances of wine while in grad school but the “true head of over heels” love for whisk(e)y came with my husband’s trip to Scotland when we brought a Laphroaig, a Talisker , a Bunna 12 and a Jura Superstition. The different bold flavors smacked me in the face and the never ending journey began...
Her Whiskey of the Year:
Hands down the Ardbeg Corryvreckan. Over and over again. The peat and the salinity gives me the warm and fuzzies, since I'm a sailor man’s daughter. It's simple and it's powerful at the same time, for me and over the years, it is my ultimate!
Vince Valenzuela AKA @whiskeyvin on Instagram:
Vince has been drinking whisky and other fine spirits for nearly 30 of his 45 years. With a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Vince has a keen understanding of the science and process behind the creation of spirits balanced with a deep appreciation of the skill and artistry of the master distillers and blenders. Vince's favorite way to enjoy a fine whisky or brandy is with his wife Bryne (@themossymuse).
When not appreciating a good whisky or brandy, Vince demonstrates the value of technology in the Insurances industry. Besides appreciating fine spirits, Vince likes to take Bryne for motorcycle rides around their home in South Florida.
Louis Mills AKA @bourbon_stillz_millz79 on Instagram:
I’m Louis mills The Founder of the Bourbon Thieves and bourbon_stillz_millz79 on Instagram. I’ve started my bourbon journey in 2018 and haven’t stopped since. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m willing to go the distance. I enjoy being apart of the Bourbon/whiskey community. I like being able to try new whiskeys and giving my reviews as well.
For work, I’m a Senior Student Support Advisor for an Online University. I help educate student on their finances, and prepare them for college. I’ve been doing it close to 8 years and I love what I do. Being able to help people is what I’ve always been good at. I try to enjoy the finer things in life, and never take anything for granted.
Hobbies:
Woodworking, sanding and refinishing hardwood floors and golf.
Sports team:
Chicagoland Native so I like the Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks.
Devin Marty AKA @devin_marty on Instagram:
Devin is an author and entrepreneur. While studying business at the University of Rochester he authored his bestselling book on the organizational model of decentralization, and – through dialogue with industry experts – resolves how employees can thrive in a decentralized workplace. He now works for one of the most highly anticipated decentralized finance startups in the space.
Devin experienced his first whiskey in Tokyo, Japan in 2016. Since that fateful trip, he has been listening, tasting, and learning everything he can. His favorite whiskeys of 2021 included Writer’s Tears, Tullamore Dew 12 year, and Glenlivet French Oak 15 year.
Hope you enjoy reading about the featured Community Bloggers. If you would like to be a guest Blogger and write an article, please email me at tonightspoison@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram. Cheers -Jas
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