Stories

Whisky is a passion to explore. From the history of the spirit to the evolution of the industry, the story of whisky helps fuel that passion. Often, it’s easy to forget that whisky is also a global multibillion dollar industry. The stories of whisky — from news and new releases to in-depth inquires and what goes on behind the label — blend together to help us appreciate the spirit of whisky.

WhiskyCast is where it all begins. Now in our 18th year, each weekly podcast brings you the latest in whisky news, along with the latest events, tasting notes, comments from other listeners, and the weekly “In-Depth” segment features interviews with the people who help make whisky the “water of life”.

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Episode 567: December 19, 2015

This week, we’ll look at the business behind the whiskies we drink – and investors hope to profit from. More investors are looking seriously at the whisky business…they’re not just looking to invest in rare bottles, but something even rarer…the distilleries that make whisky. We’ll talk with Frank Lampen, one of the co-founders of Diageo’s in-house venture capital unit, Distill Ventures. This week, Distill made its second major whisky investment of the month by taking a minority stake in Australia’s Starward Whisky after doing the same thing with Denmark’s Stauning Whisky. We’ll also hear from Bardstown Bourbon Company CEO David Mandel, who’s not only looking for new brands to make whiskey at his distillery when it opens in 2016, but has figured out a way to help them finance the cost of distilling and maturing their whisky. In the news, Islay is mourning the loss of one of Bruichladdich’s legendary leaders, the head of William Grant & Sons is stepping down, and we’ll look at one of the few places where you can get a university degree in whisky distilling.


Links: Bardstown Bourbon Company | Distill Ventures | Bruichladdich | Yellowstone Bourbon | Powers | Writer’s Tears | William Grant & Sons | Whisky Advocate | Maker’s Mark | Heaven Hill | Whisky Magazine | Heriot-Watt University International Centre for Brewing & Distilling | Thoroughbred Spirits Partners