Whiskey Provisioner

Welcome back to Whiskey Provisioner! Hosts Richard and So-Han (West China Tea) are joined by guests Amanda Beckwith (Virginia Distillery) and Erin (Few Spirits) for a deep dive into the intersection of tea and whiskey.Erin brings an incredibly unique bottle: a Few Spirits bourbon collaboration with The Smashing Pumpkins. This whiskey wasn't proofed down with water; it was brought from cask strength to 93 proof using a rose-petal-scented red tea from co-founder Billy Corgan's own tea shop.To pair with it, So-Han selects a floral Sheng Puerh containing Yunnan rose and chrysanthemum. He explains why he chose to contrast the whiskey with a light, fresh tea rather than match it with a dark one. The pairing is a success, bringing out notes of cherry, vanilla, and a nostalgic "White Rabbit" milk candy flavor.From Tea Sommelier to Distiller: Erin shares her fascinating origin story, explaining how her formal study as a certified Tea Sommelier led her to see parallels in whiskey tasting. She details her journey into the industry through the American Craft Spirits Association's (ACSA) "Step Up" diversity program, which included training at Westward, Diageo, and more.The Whiskey: A detailed look at the Few Spirits x Smashing Pumpkins collaboration and the process of steeping 25-pound bags of tea to create the unique proofing liquid.Distillery Lore: Learn the cheeky origin of the "Few Spirits" name and its direct nod to Frances Elizabeth Willard (F.E.W.), a prominent leader of the Temperance Movement in their hometown of Evanston, Illinois.Future Experiments: Erin discusses Few's creative spirit, including their experiments with Koji-fermented whiskey.Whiskey: Few Spirits Smashing Pumpkins Collaboration BourbonTea: Seven Color Flower Sheng PuerhJoin the conversation for one of the nerdiest-ever episodes on flavor, craft, and the surprising parallels between the worlds of tea and whiskey.⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.comSo-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.comGuest - Erin Lee https://www.instagram.com/littlesipper https://www.fewspirits.com/Guest - Amanda Beckwith https://vadistillery.com/ http://instagram.com/vadistillery

Welcome back to Whiskey Provisioner! In this episode, hosts Richard and So-Han (West China Tea) are joined once again by guest CJ to venture beyond whiskey and into the world of French brandy.CJ shares a bottle of Len Cantata XO Armagnac, sparking a deep dive into the "other world spirits" that inspire many modern whiskey makers.If you've ever stood in a liquor store and wondered what the real difference is between Cognac and Armagnac, this is the episode for you.Cognac vs. Armagnac: CJ breaks down the fundamental differences, from their specific regions and grapes to their distinct distillation methods (double-pot stills for Cognac vs. single-column stills for Armagnac).Mobile Stills: Richard explains how Armagnac stills are often brought from farm to farm to distill wine from successful harvests.Decoding the Label: The group explains the aging designations: VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Special Old Pale), and XO (Extra Old).XO Sauce: So-Han shares the fascinating connection between luxury Cognac and the name of the famous Cantonese "XO sauce."French Techniques: The conversation explores old-world brandy-making techniques like Petites Eaux—the art of aging low-proof spirits to use for blending and proofing instead of water, adding incredible complexity and mouthfeel.The "Bourbon Box": The crew discusses why these complex, centuries-old techniques aren't used in bourbon (Hint: It would be illegal to call it "bourbon") and how brand recognition often shapes the market more than innovation.Brandy: Len Cantata XO Armagnac (Houston Bourbon Society Pick)Tea: Red TeaJoin the conversation as they sip this complex brandy, pair it with tea, and discuss how these old-world methods are influencing the future of American whiskey.Cheers!

Join the crew from West China Tea and special guest CJ from Still Austin Whiskey Co. for an episode filled with spirited conversation.In this episode, they're pouring out new releases and old favorites, including Still Austin's Bottled-in-Bond bourbon. They'll also touch on:The 8-year journey of Still Austin and the "grain-to-glass" movementThe unique challenges of aging whiskey in Texas's climateThe historical origins of "Bottled-in-Bond"How a tea lover's humidor can be used for aging teaThe surprising similarities between tea and whiskey productionAnd a whole lot more. Grab a cup and glass and enjoy!Still Austin Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon - A 7-year, 100-proof bourbon made from 70% white corn, 25% rye, and 5% malted barley.Sun-Dried Red Tea - A bold, warming red tea with notes of cacao and sweet potato.Shou Pu-erh Tea - A dark and earthy tea, also with a great affinity for whiskey.Still Austin Rye Whiskey - A new-release rye whiskey finished in white port barrels.Featured products: Still Austin Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon - A 7-year, 100-proof bourbon made from 70% white corn, 25% rye, and 5% malted barley. Sun-Dried Red Tea - A bold, warming red tea with notes of cacao and sweet potato. Shou Pu-erh Tea - A dark and earthy tea, also with a great affinity for whiskey. Still Austin Rye Whiskey - A new-release rye whiskey finished in white port barrels.

Whiskey and gin meet fine aged tea in this episode of Whiskey Provisioner! Join hosts Richard and So-Han as they welcome back their very first guest, Davin Topel, for a lively discussion and tasting at the new West China Tea house.From Scotland's Highlands to Texas Hill Country Davin, fresh off a trip to Scotland, shares a rare gin from the Gordon Castle Walled Garden. He dives into the history of the castle, its sprawling botanical garden, and the unique Highland Games that have been a tradition for centuries. The conversation naturally meanders to the surprising similarities between the spirits and tea industries, including the importance of heritage, the role of terroir, and the art of single distillation.The Art of the Perfect Brew So-Han introduces a special cave-dried white tea called "Unfolding Path." He explains the intricate world of tea processing, detailing how white tea is dried rather than cooked, allowing it to slowly oxidize and develop complex, earthy notes. He also explains the concept of "tea masters" in China and the intensive process of tasting and sourcing tea.Juniper, Scotch, and History Richard, So-Han, and Davin explore the flavor profiles of the Scottish gin and an aged Jenever—the Dutch precursor to modern gin. Davin breaks down the botanicals in each spirit, while So-Han and Richard draw parallels between the malting of barley for whiskey and the processing of tea.They wrap up the episode with a tasting of a 5-year-old aged white tea, proving that a high-quality tea can stand toe-to-toe with a fine spirit.

Richard and So-Han welcome special guest Irene Tan to the West China Tea House and Whiskey Provisioner. Irene, a distinguished figure in the whiskey world from Connecticut, shares her journey from being a software engineer to becoming a Level 4 whiskey sommelier. We dive into her experiences in blending whiskey, her move from wine to whiskey, and her connections with notable distilleries like Whistle Pig and Kings County. Irene also offers insights into her whiskey collaborations, such as the cigar blend project with Andalusia. As the conversation flows, so does the tea, with discussions on the similarities and differences between blending tea and whiskey, and the traditional methods of tea preparation. This episode offers a blend of personal stories, professional insights, and cross-culture beverage appreciation. ⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.comSo-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.comGuest - Irene Tan https://whiskymentors.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/whiskymentors/

Richard and So-Han host Amanda Beckwith from Virginia Distillery on this episode of Whiskey Provisioner. They dive into the intriguing intersections of whiskey production and tea blending, sharing stories about their first experiences with various spirits and the innovation behind Fireball and Four Loko. So-Han introduces a unique purple tea from Ngunnaw Mountain, detailing its rare pigmentation and health benefits. Amanda discusses her ventures in whiskey reduction with Lapsang Souchong tea and the rich community of women in whiskey production. Their conversation also covers the importance of nuanced education in tea and whiskey, highlighting collaborative efforts within the industry. They end with a tasting of Starward Australian whiskey, exploring its unique flavor profile aged in red wine barrels and finished in Lagavulin casks. Perfect for whiskey aficionados and tea lovers alike!

Whiskey Provisioner: Catching Up Over Tennessee Whiskeys at Wizard Academy In this episode of Whiskey Provisioner, Richard welcomes guest Madison for a day at the Wizard Academy. They explore Tennessee whiskeys, including Davidson's Reserve and S.E. Callahan's Bourbon, sharing tasting notes and personal stories about the whiskey community. They discuss their experiences with the Whiskey sommelier levels, the close-knit nature of small-town bars, and the heartwarming connections formed through shared whiskey adventures. 00:00 Introduction and Setup 00:33 Welcome to Whiskey Provisioner 00:43 Whiskey Sommelier Levels and Friends 01:20 Catching Up with Madison 02:15 Madison's New Bar Adventures 07:00 Exploring Tennessee Whiskeys 09:22 Whiskey Marketing School Experience 22:28 Memories and Reflections 25:01 Conclusion and Cheers

Richard hosts another episode of Whiskey Provisioner featuring two Whiskey Sommelier Level 4 instructors at the Wizard Academy - Jason Sowder from Detroit, founder of the Proof LLC, and Theresa Smith, known as the Canadian Whiskey Smith from Alberta. In this episode, they explore and taste Pocono New Zealand Single Malt from their Winter Malt experimental series, featuring unique ingredients like Manuka honey smoked malt and chocolate malt. The trio discusses the emerging whiskey scene in New Zealand and Australia, diving deep into tasting notes that reveal layers of complexity - from light fruity notes to dark chocolate and subtle smoke. They share insights about international whiskey distribution, proofing standards across different markets, and how craft distilleries like Pocono are carving their own identity while respecting traditional whiskey-making techniques. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or just getting started, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of craft whiskey from down under, complete with expert tasting analysis and industry insights. ⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com Guest - Theresa Smith https://www.canadianwhiskysmith.com/ https://www.instagram.com/canadianwhiskysmith/Guest - Jason Sowder https://www.instagram.com/theproofllc/ https://theproofllc.com/ ⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyProvisioner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskey_provisioner Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvis

Richard and So-Han continue their conversation with Mike Groener of Creador Spirits and Bar Singular in part two of their exploration of mezcal and traditional tea. They dive deeper into the challenges facing small-scale producers, sustainability issues, and the importance of preserving traditional production methods in both industries. Mike shares his experiences operating a distillery in Austin and Bastrop, discussing how government regulations and infrastructure challenges affect small producers. The conversation explores the parallels between artisanal tea and mezcal production, from market pressures to resist commodification to the beauty of seasonal variations and small-batch creation. The episode concludes with a special tasting of a wedding mezcal from Oaxaca, leading to thoughtful discussions about authenticity, accessibility, and how the best products often evade commercial markets. Through their exploration of craft beverages, the hosts and guest reveal how these traditional products connect people to culture, land, and community. Featured beverages: Multiple artisanal mezcals including Lamata Agave Spirits and a special wedding bottle from Oaxaca. Fermented purple tea with golden mold from China. This engaging discussion showcases the beauty of small-batch production and the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship in both tea and spirits. ⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/ Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com Guest - Mike GroenerIG - @creadorspirits, @lamataspirihttps://www.barsingular.com ⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyProvisioner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskey_provisioner Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvis

We welcome Brian Killavey of Killco Mental Musings to West China Tea for a different kind of episode. Recently stepping back from whiskey due to health concerns, Brian shares his journey of transitioning his content focus while maintaining his passion for spirits through nosing and tasting. Together, we explore a unique whiskey barrel-aged Sheng Pu'er tea, discussing its complex flavors and the fascinating parallels between tea and whiskey appreciation. The conversation weaves through topics of mental health, family challenges, and finding new ways to engage with beloved interests. So-Han introduces alternatives for whiskey enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors, highlighting tea's health benefits and rich complexity. We also share holiday gift recommendations for both tea and whiskey lovers, making this episode perfect for anyone interested in craft beverages or looking for meaningful gift ideas this season. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast exploring alternatives, a tea lover, or someone interested in honest conversations about life's challenges, this episode offers warmth, wisdom, and wonderful beverage suggestions. ⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/ Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com Brian Killavey - guest https://www.instagram.com/killcomentalmusings/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCzWIRg2JEVGWWwRuHa3q4Ew ⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyProvisioner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskey_provisioner Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvis

We welcome back our first repeat guest, Stephen Caronna from Compass Box Whiskymaker, for a special tasting at West China Tea. Today we're exploring the perfect pairing of a rare aged Phoenix Mountain green tea with two exciting new releases from Compass Box's revamped core lineup: Nectarosity and Crimson Cask. Our conversation weaves between whisky and tea expertise, with Stephen sharing fascinating insights into Compass Box's innovative barrel-making process and their commitment to natural coloring. So-Han introduces us to an unusual aged green tea that surprises everyone with its unique characteristics. Together, we discover delightful flavor connections between the drinks, particularly noting how well the aged tea complements Crimson Cask's wine-influenced profile. Fresh from the Bastards Ball festival, we share entertaining festival stories and dive into broader discussions about spirits packaging, marketing, and the art of blending. Whether you're a whisky enthusiast, tea lover, or both, this episode offers an engaging exploration of craft beverages and the stories behind them. @TeaHouseGhost ⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/ Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com Stephen Caronna - guest Compass Box Scotch Whiskymaker https://www.compassboxwhisky.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/stephen.caronna/ ⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner

Whiskey Provisioner Meets Texas Whiskey Geek at West China Tea Join us for a unique tasting experience as we blend the worlds of whiskey and tea! In this episode, we're at the West China Tea in Austin, TX, where tea expert So-Han guides us through a special "Witch's Butter" Pu-erh tea. Our guest, Caleb Rhoades from Texas Whiskey Geek, brings a rare High West Distillery Midwinter Night's Dram Encore finished in white port barrels. Discover the fascinating stories and production methods behind these unique beverages, and hear our thoughts on the unexpected flavor pairings. So-Han shares his deep knowledge of tea culture, while Richard and Caleb discuss the intricacies of whiskey appreciation. Key points from the video: Tea: "Witch's Butter" Pu-erh, a unique micro-batch fermented tea with earthy and mushroomy notes. Whiskey: High West Distillery Midwinter Night's Dram Encore, a rare release finished in white port barrels. Pairing: Explore the unexpected harmony between the earthy tea and the fruity notes of the rye whiskey. Discussion: Hear about the history and culture of tea and whiskey, and learn how to appreciate these beverages in a new way. Visit West China Tea: 4706 North I 35, Austin, TX (limited time only!) Follow Texas Whiskey Geek: Stay up-to-date on Texas whiskey releases and events Like and subscribe: Support Whiskey Provisioner and never miss an episode! ⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/ Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com Guest - Caleb Rhoades - Texas Whiskey Geek https://www.instagram.com/tx_whiskeygeek/ https://www.texaswhiskeygeek.com/ ⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyProvisioner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskey_provisioner Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvis