Off Topic Whiskey

I got the honor to sit down and chat with Richard, a up and coming whiskeytube channel. And lets just say it flowed like smooth jazz. We had a great conversation, hope you enjoy.www.youtube.com/@GameandGrains25instagram.com/game_and_grainsPatreon.com/offtopicwhiskeyWelcome to Game and Grains—where whiskey meets gaming! Join us for fun streams featuring whiskey tastings, bourbon reviews, and gaming adventures. Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual gamer, there's something for everyone. Grab your glass and controller, it's time to level up!The draw to combining whiskey and gaming lies in the creation of a highly controlled, immersive ritual designed for ultimate stress decompression, emotional escapism, and low-pressure socialization. For many individuals—particularly men—this combination merges a sensory-rich luxury drink with a rewarding digital environment. Together, they form a powerful "third space" outside of work and family life where a person can completely disconnect.However, this specific pairing activates unique psychological loops that can serve as either a healthy reward or a hidden coping mechanism for mental health struggles.Why the Pairing Works: The Psychological AppealThe intersection of whiskey and gaming is not accidental; the two activities complement each other to satisfy several emotional and cognitive needs:The Ritual of Slowing Down: Whiskey is a spirit meant to be sipped slowly, forcing a slower physical pace. Pairing it with a casual or narrative-driven game creates a dedicated ritual that signals to the brain that the productivity demands of the day are officially over.The "Dual-Escape" Loop: Gaming provides a high level of cognitive absorption, forcing the brain to focus on a virtual task and leaving no room for real-world worries. Whiskey physically slows down the central nervous system, creating a combined mental and physical barrier against chronic stress.Low-Stakes Socialization: Gaming with online friends while having a casual drink provides social connection without the emotional pressure of formal face-to-face conversations. It allows for "shoulder-to-shoulder" bonding, where players connect over a shared digital objective rather than direct vulnerability.The Comfort of Control: In a chaotic world, games offer clear rules, clear objectives, and immediate rewards (leveling up, winning matches). Whiskey enhances this comfort by creating a cozy, predictable sensory experience (the warmth, the flavor profile).The Hidden Risk: When Decompression Becomes DependencyWhile using gaming and a glass of whiskey to unwind is common, the combination can easily transform into an unhealthy coping mechanism if used to mask underlying anxiety, depression, or burnout:The Dopamine Overload: Both gaming (through quick reward loops) and alcohol (through chemical spikes) release dopamine in the brain. Over time, relying on both simultaneously can desensitize your brain's natural reward system, making everyday life feel flat or uninteresting without them.Avoidance Instead of Processing: If a hard day automatically triggers a gaming session and multiple pours of whiskey, it prevents the emotional processing required to actually resolve life stress. The underlying problems remain untouched, waiting as soon as the game turns off and the alcohol wears off.Disrupted Rest: While both activities might help you drift off to sleep out of sheer exhaustion, the combination of late-night blue light from screens and alcohol intake destroys REM and deep sleep architectures, leaving you more emotionally fragile and anxious the next morning.

Well we are headed back to Cali and this time were on the farm. From sweet potatoes to almonds Corbin Cash does it all. We talk to David, and lets just say epic. I sip on a hazmat single barrel Merced Rye and let the man tell the history and science behind running a farm that just happens to have a distillery. Enjoy.Corbincash.comBadmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskeyFAMILY COMES FIRST.OUR SPIRITS ARE A CLOSE SECOND.For over 100 years, we’ve been lucky to have farmland in California’s beautiful San Joaquin Valley, where rich soil and endless sunshine create the perfect conditions for raising the best sweet potatoes. When David John Souza took the reigns of the family business, he set out to discover new ways people could enjoy this delicious food. A love of good times, plus a dose of entrepreneurship, led him to create an ultra-premium spirits company called Corbin Cash, named after his son Corbin Cash Souza.Merced Rye WhiskeyCorbin Cash Merced Rye Whiskey is made from an ultra-rare, 100-percent California native Merced Rye mashbill. The whiskey ages in our custom-charred American white oak barrels for up to 6 years. With its bold, robust bite, this rye whiskey is full of character.“California Gold Rush”2 oz. Corbin Cash Merced Rye Whiskey.75 oz. Honey simple syrup.75 oz. Fresh, strained lemon juice2 dashes of orange bittersCombine whiskey, honey simple syrup, lemon juice and orange bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled and strain over ice into a chilled double old-fashioned glass.5 GENERATIONS SINCE 1917Since 1917, the Souza family has grown sweet potatoes and Merced rye on our California farm. For generations, new ideas and risk-taking have been cornerstones for us as American farmers, and for us, starting a distillery was the next step in our legacy.SWEET POTATO SPIRITS & RYE WHISKEYOur crop rotation is specially designed to be ideal for both farming and distilling all our sweet potato spirits and rye whiskey. Sweet potatoes thrive in our sandy soil and Central California’s arid climate and Merced rye is planted as a drought-tolerant cover crop throughout the fall and winter.

Holy Moly we are back at it again. This time I am honored to have Sammy Head Blender at Found North. Lets just say the show was so good we had to do it again. We chat about it all but mainly there new release Peregrine Batch 3. Coming in with a 20 year age statement. and finished in cognac armagnac and new oak. 119.8 proof. Lets just say its bonkers. Enjoy.Http://www.foundnorthwhisky.comBadmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskeyFound North WhiskyAt Found North, we make blended Canadian whisky for whisky enthusiasts. We work with Canadian distilleries to source well-aged, well-made distillates, which we further mature and blend in the U.S. We are extremely meticulous in our wood selection and aging process, our blending process and all of the important details that impact the quality of the whisky. Every Found North release is cask strength with no additives or chill filtration.Each year, we release 1-2 Batches and 1-2 High Altitude Collection whiskies. We also release 1-2 whiskies exclusively for our mailing list. At present, all of our releases sell out immediately, so we use a lottery system. Like our whisky-making process, we try to be as thoughtful as possible about how we get our whisky to our supporters. If you participate consistently, you will get bottles of Found North.We love what we do. We’re thankful to all of you for appreciating the way we make whisky so that we can keep exploring the boundaries of what Canadian whisky can be.

There are a few places that I just keep going back to. Today we are chatting with Alastair over at Boulder Spirits. We chatted about everything from the early years to why malt has such complexity. Such a good conversation, hope you enjoy.Boulderspirits.comPatreon.com/offtopicwhiskeyBadmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==THE MISSIONBarley, yeast, water, oak, and the pursuit of happiness. These make up the foundation of what we here at Boulder Spirits stand on. We’re a small Colorado whiskey company with big dreams, bigger goals, and the biggest pot still in the state. We’re here to make our best versions of American Single Malt Whiskeys, Bourbons, and Gins that our team can. We hope you can find us in your future, whether by visiting the distillery for a tour and tasting, or seeing our products at your favorite spirits retailers and finer whiskey serving establishments.THE MOVEMENTUnbeknownst to Alastair during his pursuit of whiskey, an entire movement was abrew. Since the day we filled our first freshly charred, virgin American Oak barrel with malt whiskey to the day that we filled our first bottle, the American Single Malt Whiskey category was born. Around the country, as well as the world, the taste for American Whiskey has grown. The thirst for Bourbon stays strong, but this country is great at many things, and innovation is absolutely one of our greatest. This innovative mindset shared by distillers in every corner of this country has created an entirely new set of flavors to explore; these flavors all begin with one common source: 100% malted barley. Currently, there are over 130 distilleries that have ventured into the American Single Malt Whiskey realm, each with as different of an approach to creating whiskey from each other as the next. Single malt whisky is made in many, many countries around the world, but only the United States utilizes the virgin American Oak as a standard. We believe that is the truest defining characteristic of American whiskey.We take traditions from Al’s homeland, along with American ingenuity to find a balance that creates award winning whiskeys: distillers malted barley, a Scottish pot still, #3 char American White Oak barrels, aged in an arid, high elevation climate, and cut with the celebrated Eldorado Springs water. This is our American Single Malt.American Single Malt WhiskeyA forthright representation of a traditional pot distilled malt whiskeycombined with American aging techniques. Using 100% imported malted barley andlong fermentation and distillation times, our whiskey is rich with flavor before beingaged in freshly charred American Oak barrels for a minimum of 3 years.Profile:Clean, bright, round whiskey with citrus notes and a wonderful balance of oak and barley. Whiskey for the daytime, or anytime.100% Malted barley, 100% virgin American white oak, 100% American Single Malt92 Proof / 46% Alc. By Vol.Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled in BondThe Bottled In Bond Act of 1897 was written to ensure the consumer was informed thecontents of that bottle were of quality standards and made in compliance with industrystandards. In modern times, this ensures the consumer knows three major things: It’s at least 4years of age and all the whiskey is harvested from the same season, it is bottled at exactly 100proof, and perhaps most importantly, the labeling states where it’s made and who bottled thewhiskey inside.Profile:Oatmeal cookie, candied ginger, and allspice. Aged 4 years and bottled at 100 proof.We’re proud to have a whiskey that joins the hallmark tradition of quality American whiskey designation: Bottled In Bond100 Proof / 50% Alc. By Vol.

This was such a fun conversation. Jason is a fount of knowledge. I cant thank him enough for hanging out with me. Make sure you check out there website to pick up a killer bottle. And also check out there podcast.Singlecasknation.comhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-nation-under-whisky/id1206524034Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==BOTTLED BY WHISKY GEEKS FOR WHISKY GEEKS THE WORLD OVERAbout Single cask nationFounded in 2011 by good friends and affirmed whisky geeks Jason Johnston-Yellin and Joshua Hatton, Single Cask Nation™ began as a social fellowship committed to making rare, fine single cask whiskies available to fellow whisky geeks. Today, Single Cask Nation stands as America’s leading Independent Bottler (we even won an award!). More than a mere club, The Nation represents a unique global community of whisky geeks that counts more than 10,000 members.Single Cask Nation bottlings are available across the country with Online bottlings available exclusively on this website and distinct bottlings available on the shelves of thecountry’s top whisky shops and whisky bars.ABOUT OUR PODOne Nation Under Whisky is your go-to Industry-Insider podcast. Single Cask Nation has always been about transparency and whisky-geekery and Joshua, Jason, and Jess bring that to you in spades in this here padcost (longtime listeners know what a "padcost" is).While, yes, this is an über-geeky industry-insider whisky podcast it's presented to you in a very digestible manner, a la Car Talk so, fear not. You'll have so much fun listening you won't even know you're learning!

There is something that keep calling me back. Back to Pennsylvania, is it the people. Is it the story, or the whiskey. Well its all of the above, and i'm in love with it all. Today is no exception. We chat with Matt and Peter at Iron City Distilling. And it was amazing, like talking to old friends. Hope you enjoy, and Be Blessed.Ironcitydistilling.comBadmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshamanhttps://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Maryland-Style Rye- Distiller's Reserve$40.00Creighton150 Ferry Street Creighton, PADescriptionSHIPPING TO PA ADDRESSES ONLYIron City Distiller’s Reserve is a tribute to our distillers and their ability to turn even the humblest of ingredients into something magical. Made in small batches, these spirits offer a glimpse of the great things to come from our distillery.Our Master Distiller distilled this straight Maryland-style rye at one of his former distilleries many years ago. Through careful attention to grains, yeast, and whole lot of patience, we offer you this beautifully matured whiskey. Enjoy neat, over ice, on in your favorite cocktail. Cheers!(375 ml btl; 50% abv)Agricultural RevivalOur partnership with the SeedSpark Program is more than crafting spirits; it's a pledge to agricultural revival.This collaboration focuses on rejuvenating Pennsylvania's heritage grains. By using these grains, we enhance our spirits' depth and character, reawakening a historical era.MATT STRICKLANDOur Master Distiller began his career in alcohol many years ago when he began doing microbiology research for the Oregon Wine industry during graduate school at Oregon State University. Upon obtaining his Master’s degree he somehow stumbled his way into the wonderous world of whiskey distillation. And once he started working with stills, he never looked back. Since then, he has built numerous distilleries both as a distiller and as a consultant. He also began teaching the science and art of distillation through numerous organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and the UK. In an effort to further the field of whiskey education he has authored countless articles, webinars, and talks. He has also written two highly regarded books for the industry, Cask Management for Distillers (White Mule Press, 2020) and Batch Distillation: Science and Practice (White Mule Press, 2021). Matt lives in Pittsburgh with his wife and two precocious daughters. His hobbies include rock climbing and shopping for cars his wife will never let him buy. He also believes that irony is not a prerequisite for listening to Journey.

There is something in a name. And Chicken Cock Whiskey takes the cake. But its not always about the name, its about the story. And thats just what we get into. Will is the brand rep. and he has a lot of knowledge in the brand and whiskey in general. It was a great conversation, and the story isn't bad either. Enjoy!!Chickencockwhiskey.comThewhiskeyshaman.com (while you still can)Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Born in the heart of Bourbon county - before bourbon whiskey was "Bourbon"In 1856, James A. Miller built a distillery and started making Chicken Cock Whiskey in Paris, Kentucky. After his death, Miller left the business to a trusted distillery clerk, George G. White, who made Chicken Cock into the legend it became.19th CenturyThe Birth of Chicken Cock Whiskey1830's-1840'sJames A. Miller’s distilling roots.1856Our original distillery is built.1860Hardships strike.1862First mention of the Chicken Cock Whiskey name.1889Trademark infringement suit against Miller’s Gamecock in Boston.1890Distillery fire does $30,000 in damages.20th CenturyThe Next Chapter1900'sChicken Cock Whiskey is sold.1920'sChicken Cock produced during Prohibition.1930'sChicken Cock made as a blended whiskey.1950'sChicken Cock fades away.21st CenturyThe Birth of the Brand2011Crowing at the new dawn.2017Collaborative Distilling Program & Bardstown Bourbon Company.2024A new home in Bardstown, KY.Kentucky Straight Bourbon WhiskeyDistilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky, Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a rich, elegant mahogany hue color, a nose with a nice balance of oak tones with sweet notes of dried fruit, caramel and vanilla.750ml | 45% ABV | 90 Proof PROOF: 90AGE: Minimum of 4 YearsMASHBILL: 70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted BarleyCHAR / TOAST: Level 3/Medium+$59.99Tasting NotesNoseNice balance of oak tones with sweet notes of dried fruit, caramel and vanilla.PalateSoft oak tannin upfront, which dissipates into delightful toasted oak lactones. At 90 proof there's a slight bourbon heat that let's you know this is a real deal, full-bodied bourbon. On the tongue, it evolves into a creamy almost buttery mouthfeel with sweet butterscotch notes.FinishVanilla wafer finish with salted caramel.Double Oak Kentucky WhiskeyYou can’t have great whiskey without great wood. That is why we aged our 8-year-old whiskey in American oak barrels twice. This process allows us to extract all of the great flavor within the oak to create a robust and interesting sipper.750ml | 46% ABV | 92 Proof PROOF: 92AGE: 8 YearsMASHBILL: 80.5% corn / 11% Rye / 8.5% Malted BarleyFINISHING BARREL: Used bourbon barrels then American White OakCHAR / TOAST: Level 4WAREHOUSE LOCATION: Top of Rickhouse$92.99Tasting NotesNoseDark chocolate covered berries, toasted coconut shavings, and caramel coffeePalateSapid flavors of vanilla bean, waffle cone, steeped berries, and warm baking spicesFinishRound and balanced with creamy undertones and hints of crème brulée and cinnamon flan