Episode 540: June 20, 2015

It’s Father’s Day weekend, and we have two stories to share on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. Euan Henderson didn’t want to work in the whisky business when he left school, but when your father is veteran distillery manager Iain Henderson, it’s hard not to wind up in the family business. Euan’s now a team leader at Aberlour, Glenallachie, and Tormore distilleries…and he’ll share his story – and his dream to ultimately follow in his father’s footsteps – with us. We’ll also talk with Phil Brandon, who’s beaming like a proud papa this weekend as his Rock Town Distillery in Little Rock, Arkansas celebrates its fifth anniversary. Like any toddler, Rock Town’s had some growing pains, too…and Phil discusses them all with us. In the news, Nikka makes the tough decision to replace its entire single malt range with no-age-statement versions because of inventory shortages, a billionaire gets into the whisky business with a new Baltimore distillery, and Heaven Hill is bringing back a revered name in rye whiskies.

Links: Chivas Brothers | Rock Town Distillery | Nikka Whisky | Suntory | Baltimore Business Journal | Pikesville Rye | Maker’s Mark | Kentucky Artisan Distillery | Laws Whiskey House | Balcones Distilling | Diageo | Scotch Malt Whisky Society | Old Forester