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. 🥃✨

Tasting Notes: In this episode, Jason sits down with Raul (@thesmokentexpodcastshow) — a West Texas creator, cigar lover, whiskey sipper, and the heart behind The Smoken Tex Podcast Show.

They dive into Raul’s journey from oil-field road life to building community online, the faith and family values that keep him grounded, and the stories that shaped who he is today. From childhood moments to the fear of the mic, from finding purpose on the road to becoming a connector in the cigar and whiskey worlds — this is a conversation full of humor, heart, and honesty.

Pour something good, settle in, and enjoy a story-driven episode about passion, community, and the people who bring us together.

🔥 Highlights

Community & Connection: Raul shares how support from others shaped his journey and why he believes everyone’s story deserves a spotlight.

Faith, Family & Home: He talks about life on the road, the sacrifices of being away, and the foundation his family gives him.

West Texas Roots: Childhood stories, humor, and the moments that built his personality and resilience.

Creator Growth: From camera nerves to posting freely, learning tech, and building confidence through lives and community support.

Raul as the Connector: How he naturally brings people together and keeps conversations positive, grounded, and real.

Standout Life Moments: A supportive gift from his parents, lessons from mistakes, and his commitment to creating without limits.

📣 Where to Find Raul

Instagram: @thesmokentexpodcastshow
YouTube: The Smoken Tex Podcast Show
Show him some love — subscribe, follow, support, and keep the #CommunityNotCompetition energy alive.

📍 Connect with The Dram Amateur Podcast

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

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

Tasting Notes: This week, Jason sits down with Sammy Halpern, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer of Desolas Mezcal, for an energizing conversation about tradition, innovation, and the future of Salmiana agave. From his early days in the industry to helping build Blue Run Spirits, Sammy shares how passion, relationships, and curiosity shaped his journey — and why the world is ready for a brighter, agave-forward mezcal from San Luis Potosí.

🔥 Highlights

🏁 Sammy’s Path Into Spirits

• The internship that changed everything
• Why relationship-building became his superpower
• Lessons from Moët Hennessy and the rise of Blue Run Spirits

☀️ The Story Behind Desolas

• How founder Gigi Mirvis spent 15+ years working with the Olivia family
• Why low-smoke, citrus-forward Salmiana agave is the star of the show
• The meaning of Desolas (“of the sun”) and its role in the brand’s identity
• A timeless, Mexican-crafted design meant to last

🛢️ Aged Salmiana — A First in the Category

• The new Reposado and upcoming 31-month single barrels
• How whiskey blending techniques inform their aged mezcal
• Honoring agave without overpowering it

🌎 Culture, Community & What’s Next

• Why consumers crave education, transparency, and authenticity
• How Desolas is welcoming agave-curious drinkers into the category
• Availability, distribution growth, and online ordering

🔗 Connect With Desolas Mezcal

Instagram: @desolasmezcal
Website: desolasmezcal.com
Order Online: Available to ship to 39 states

🔗 Connect With The Dram Amateur Podcast

Instagram: @dram_amateur
YouTube: The Dram Amateur Podcast
Facebook: The Dram Amateur Podcast
Behind-the-scenes, updates, pours & more every week

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