Tasting Notes: In this episode, Jason sits down with Daniel — the creator behind @mashorpass6 — whose honesty, creativity, and grounded approach have made him a standout voice in the whiskey community. From his clean aesthetic to his mash-or-pass philosophy, Daniel shares the story behind his brand, his whiskey journey, and why staying humble matters more than any free bottle ever could.

We dive into creativity, community, Columbus distilleries, the changing social-media landscape, and the magic that happens when whiskey is rooted in relationships rather than entitlement. This one is packed with authenticity, humor, storytelling, and real talk from start to finish.

💬 In This Episode

🌾 Daniel’s Origin Story

How Mash or Pass started post-COVID… including the hilarious tale of the original username being taken by someone reviewing mashed potatoes. Yes — mashed potatoes.

🎨 The Creative Process

Daniel opens up about his background in art, music, photography, ceramics, and design, and how that mix lets him create stunning reels in minutes — not hours. His philosophy?

💭 The Message Behind the Posts

Daniel talks about why he uses his platform to share thoughtful reminders about gratitude, humility, and staying grounded, including his recent reflections on entitlement in the whiskey community.

🏡 The Columbus, Ohio Whiskey Scene

A deep look at:

• High Bank Distillery
• Middle West Spirits
• Watershed
• River Roots

Daniel shares personal stories of thieving barrels, behind-the-scenes blending sessions, and what makes Columbus a growing hotspot for American whiskey.

👥 Community, Not Competition

Why the best part of whiskey has nothing to do with bottles — and everything to do with people, relationships, and shared pours.

📍 Where to Find Daniel

Instagram: @mashorpass6

📍 Where to Find The Dram Amateur Podcast

Instagram: @dram_amateur
Facebook & YouTube: The Dram Amateur Podcast

Life’s too short for bad pours. Make every dram count. 🥃✨