whisky events Dewars Ink Tasting Menu

Artifice and Authenticity in Whisky Events

I attended more whisky events in the first month of the Trump presidency than I did in the final year of the Obama administration. Coincidence? Let’s just say that if “alternative facts” continue at the rate they have, I’ll need…Continue Reading ›


My Old Friend Adds Jim Beam Double Oak

The new Jim Beam Double Oak is the latest expression from the venerable American distillery. I was asked to review the whiskey, which I shall. But, before I do, I’m going to take you through a little backstory, as my interest…Continue Reading ›


Stranahan’s Whiskey Still Strong

Stranahan’s Whiskey Cask Thief 2016 Rob Dietrich of Stranahan’s Whiskey is probably the coolest guy in whiskey. Or so I surmised I first wrote about Stranahan’s distillery in 2012 and compared him to Clint Eastwood (the horse riding, saloon-strutting, get…Continue Reading ›


Laphroaig Lore Packs Punch, At a Price

In honor of this weekend’s Feis Islay Festival, which matches up nicely with today’s World Whisky Day, I give to you my thoughts on a new release from Laphroaig: the Laphroaig Lore. According to the distillery manager John Campbell, Lore…Continue Reading ›


Distilling Rob TV Interview

I recently gave an hour-long TV interview about my book, Distilling Rob: Manly Lies and Whisky Truths. We covered much ground in the interview, including details about the book, the themes and the implications. I suggest sitting down with a…Continue Reading ›


My Sacrifice is the Angel’s Envy

Sacrifices. There is a finality with a sacrifice. They tend to come with much thought and meaning attached to them. And the intent and outcome exists out of time until the sacrifice is actually made and the impact is seen.…Continue Reading ›


Bowmore Brings Me Back

My annual holiday trip home to the wintry wonderland of Wisconsin was a bit of another journey this year. No snow, constant gray skies and regular rain. It reminded me much more of my time in Scotland than my time…Continue Reading ›


Auchentoshan American Oak

Auchentoshan Distillery sits just outside of Glasgow. One passes by it as they exit the city and to head west and off for the islands of Scotland. It is not an easy distillery to miss, but its location does not…Continue Reading ›


Taking a Different Path to Bull Run

I’ve never been one to go the direct route. I’m an explorer at heart. A curiosity seeker. Even as a kid, swinging on a swingset – a fairly safe and controlled motion – I always tried my best to swing…Continue Reading ›