Episode 99 — 99 Problems, The Bourbon Ain’t One
Dan and Steph celebrate nearly a year of Bourbon, Brass & Beyond and look back on the show’s first 99 episodes while tasting Jack Daniel’s 10, 12, and 14 Year releases. Along the way, they revisit favorite bottles, memorable guests, recording-room changes, and how their whiskey preferences have evolved.
In this episode
* Dan and Steph mark episode 99 and reflect on the show’s growth.
* They compare Jack Daniel’s 10, 12, and 14 Year releases, discussing proof, flavor, heat, and value.
* They describe the 10 Year as easy-drinking but less complex, the 12 Year as sweeter and more layered, and the 14 Year as hotter but more complex.
* They look back at early episodes, from Van Winkle Lot B to whiskey flights and vintage bottles.
* They share stories about memorable guests and visits, including conversations with Wally at Log Still and Preston Van Winkle.
* They talk about evolving palates, including Steph’s changing attitude toward rye whiskey.
* They reflect on the podcast’s technical challenges and the changes to their recording space.
* They preview a big group celebration for episode 100.
Chapters
00:00 — Episode 99 kickoff and the show’s milestone
00:58 — Looking back at the first episodes
01:23 — Jack Daniel’s 10, 12, and 14 Year tasting
03:41 — The podcast’s early recording setup
04:28 — Top-floor aging and the whiskey’s dark color
05:37 — Echo problems and other recording challenges
06:52 — First impressions of the 10 Year
08:12 — Drinkability versus flavor in the 10 Year
09:11 — Early bourbon flights and mash bill comparisons
11:43 — The first remote guest episode
12:35 — Visiting Log Still and recording with Wally
14:46 — Ass Pocket Whiskey and favorite pours
16:56 — Moving on to the 12 Year
18:15 — Spice, caramel, and marshmallow notes in the 12 Year
20:53 — College drinking memories and discovering bourbon
22:05 — Elijah Craig, Old Forester, and memorable releases
24:14 — Stories about Bill Samuels Jr. and Maker’s Mark
25:36 — Family milestones and driver’s permits
28:39 — Elijah Craig 15 versus 18 and recording with Nick
30:30 — Vintage Yellowstone and Old Taylor
32:06 — Opening the 14 Year and discussing batch variation
34:04 — Heat, molasses, and the 14 Year’s finish
36:01 — Why the 14 Year feels the most complex
37:28 — Comparing value and availability across the lineup
40:01 — Limited releases and “tater” culture
42:29 — Buffalo Trace, Tom’s Foolery, and a barrel pick
46:23 — The podcast room renovation
53:41 — Buzzard’s Roost, Preston Van Winkle, and a lost recording
55:54 — Wild Turkey, vintage bottles, and recent episodes
58:13 — Hamish joins the conversation
59:20 — Plans for the episode 100 celebration
61:23 — Closing thoughts and where to find the show
Listener notes
New listeners can start from episode one to hear how the show began. The hosts also point listeners back to episode 98 for the John Wayne bottle discussion and tease a group tasting for episode 100.
Bourbon, Brass & Beyond - https://www.bourbonpod.com or https://www.bourbonbrassandbeyond.com
Link Tree - https://www.Linktr.ee//BourbonBrassBeyond