Episode 588: May 7, 2016

Jonathan Drew wants to take his success in the cigar business and expand into the spirits industry, and he plans to do it with the same unique style and drive that turned Drew Estate into a cult favorite among cigar lovers – including fans of the Pappy Van Winkle-branded cigars. His John Drew Brands range is heading to market with a Canadian Rye whisky, a rum, and his Brixton Mash Destroyer – a blend of Bourbon and rum. We’ll meet Jonathan Drew on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth, along with tasting notes for his rye whisky. In the news, Jim Rutledge and his partners have pulled the plug on the crowdfunding campaign for their new distillery after just five days, and he’ll explain the reasons why. Another historic Kentucky distillery is being earmarked for restoration, while one of Ireland’s historic whiskey brands is about to be sold and a distillery strike in Canada has come to an end.

Links: John Drew Brands | Pappy & Co. | J.W. Rutledge Distillery | James E. Pepper | Paddy Irish Whiskey | Crown Royal | Canadian Club | Hillrock Estate | 1792 Bourbon | Cooper Spirits | Glenfiddich | Spirit of Speyside Festival | Jim Beam | Shelter Point Distillery | Cooper River Distillers