This week on Whiskey Rocks, we’re heading straight into the Rockies with Minturn Whiskey Company—where the elevation is high, the air is thin, and the whiskey doesn’t need any gimmicks to stand out.

We talk about what it actually means to make whiskey at altitude, how Minturn balances mountain-town roots with serious distilling chops, and why their approach feels refreshingly honest in a category crowded with hype. From the challenges of proofing and aging in Colorado’s climate to the stories behind the brand, this is a conversation about craft, patience, and letting the whiskey do the talking.

No shortcuts. No fluff. Just good whiskey turned up to 11… thousand feet.

For more info on Minturn Whiskey Company visit:https://www.minturnwhisky.com/

Follow @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to keep the pours flowing and the music blaring.

Whiskey Rocks, Sip Hard!

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel sits down with Chris Crowe from Burnt Church Distillery for a deep dive into what truly sets this Lowcountry standout apart. Chris shares the origin behind the unforgettable name, the intentional philosophy guiding every decision, and how Burnt Church blends Southern heritage with modern whiskey-making.

From grain selection to barrel strategy to the experimental spirits that have locals talking, we explore how Burnt Church has built a distinct identity in a crowded craft landscape. Chris walks through the distillery’s mindset, mission, and the storytelling woven into every bottle.

Joel and Chris also taste through several Burnt Church releases, breaking down the profiles, surprises, and creative choices that make this one of the most unique distilleries in the region.

If you’re curious about Burnt Church, passionate craftsmanship, or what it takes for a whiskey brand to carve out its own lane, this conversation is your perfect pour.

For more info on Burnt Church visithttps://burntchurchdistillery.com/

Make sure to follow us on INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE and TIKTOK @thewhiskeyrockspodcast

Whiskey rocks, sip hard!

Who we are, what we’re about and what to expect when you click “Play Episode”

In this Whiskey Rocks Whiskey Nerd Takeover, Joel and Chris welcome back Blair Ault from Milam & Greene for a deep dive into a special release, The Answer. What starts as a behind-the-scenes breakdown of blending philosophy, flavor decisions, and how this bottle came to life quickly turns into a full-on whiskey masterclass when Master Distiller Marlene Holmes drops in unexpectedly.

But that’s only half the story. Somewhere along the way, the conversation takes a hard left turn into the wonderfully strange. We’re talking Star Trek debates, music tangents, movie villains, and a few moments that have absolutely nothing to do with whiskey—but somehow make perfect sense in the moment. It’s the kind of detour that only happens when the drinks are poured, the mics are on, and everyone’s having too much fun to steer the ship straight.

This episode delivers real insight for anyone who loves whiskey, studies whiskey, or just wants to hang out with two of the sharpest minds in the industry. It’s nerdy, it’s unpredictable, and it might be the most enjoyable chaos we’ve had on the show. Buckle up.

To follow us, find us on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram @thewhiskeyrockspodcast

Whiskey rocks, sip hard!

What does it really mean for a whiskey to be “local”? Is it about where the grains come from, the climate where the barrels age, the people who make it, or something deeper about place and identity?

In this episode, we sit down with Will and Ric at St. Augustine Distillery in the nation’s oldest city to talk about what makes their whiskey unmistakably Floridian. We get into how heat and humidity shape the barrel, why sourcing from nearby farms matters, and how a distillery can reflect the character of a community rather than just operate inside it.

This is a conversation about craft, patience, environment, and pride. And it might change the way you think about where whiskey flavor really comes from.

If you enjoy stories about people building something with intention, this one is for you.

Learn more about St. Augustine at https://www.staugustinedistillery.com/

Follow us for more whiskey and fun over on Instagram, TikTok and even YouTube @thewhiskeyrockspodcast

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Owen King, the distiller behind Iron Clad Distillery out of Newport News, Virginia, a brand that’s as bold and unapologetic as its name.

Owen takes us deep into Iron Clad’s roots, from the Civil War history that inspired its name to the modern craft grit that defines its bourbon. We talk family hustle, local pride, and what it means to build whiskey with real backbone.

This one’s got everything….stories of turning an old shipyard town into whiskey country, the beauty of doing things your own damn way, and a few laughs that’ll make you want to pour another glass.

So crank the volume, grab a pour, and join us for a conversation that proves: when whiskey gets loud, Iron Clad’s leading the band.

Follow us @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on all social channels for more

What happens when bourbon meets a prison cell? You get one of the most fascinating stories in whiskey.

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel, Chris and guest host Brad Hughes from @bradsbourbonreviews dive into the incredible journey of Thomas Thacker, co-founder of Southern Grace Distillery…the North Carolina whiskey that ages its barrels inside a former prison.

From converting cell blocks into barrelhouses to unlocking unexpected flavor profiles, Thomas shares how Southern Grace turned confinement into creativity. We talk heritage, innovation, and the beautiful madness that comes with making whiskey in a place built for second chances.

Follow Southern Grace Distillery on Instagram @southerngracedistilleries to see where the magic happens.

Follow Brad Hughes at @bradsbourbonreviews on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram for honest whiskey takes and behind-the-scenes pours.

And don’t forget to follow us at @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on TikTok and Instagram…because whiskey’s better when the music’s loud and the company’s good.

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Trey Boggs, co-founder of Palmetto Distillery, the trailblazing South Carolina brand behind the state’s first legal moonshine. Trey takes us inside the Palmetto story — from family roots and Southern tradition to building a distillery that celebrates Carolina pride with every pour.

We dive into Palmetto’s journey from moonshine to whiskey, the challenges of carving out a space in the craft spirits world, and why music is such a big part of their DNA. Trey also shares the inside scoop on Palmetto’s collaboration with Darius Rucker, blending whiskey, country, and rock into something that hits all the right notes.

Whether you’re a whiskey lover, a music fan, or just someone who enjoys a good Southern story, this episode is a must-listen.

For more info on Palmetto Distillery, please visit them at https://www.palmettodistillery.com/

To follow us on IG and TikTok, find us at @thewhiskeyrockspodcast on both platforms.