Bourbon, Beards, and Belvederes

Halloween 2024

Join Adam, Paul, and Jerry in this special Halloween episode of Bourbon, Beards, and Belvederes. The trio dives straight into the spirit of the season with a selection of Halloween-themed cocktails, cigars, and fall beard products. Skip the palate warmers as Jerry kicks off with his take on the "Nightmare on Bourbon Street" cocktail, featuring a blend of bourbon, apple cider, and a hint of ginger.

Paul follows with a "Fig Bourbon Cider Smash," a sweet and citrusy drink with a splash of balsamic vinegar, while Adam experiments with a "Black Widow" cocktail, infusing blackberry flavors with tequila. Each host shares their cocktail-making trials and triumphs, offering listeners a taste of their creative process.

The episode also highlights the perfect cigar pairings for these fall cocktails. The hosts enjoy a bone shaker cigar, discussing its rich flavors and how it complements their drinks. In addition, they explore a range of beard products ideal for the season, from Bay Area Beard Co's "Smashed" to EDC Beard Co's "Drunken Apples."

Listeners are encouraged to support veterans and children during the holiday season and to explore the featured products and companies mentioned in the episode. Tune in for a festive and flavorful discussion that celebrates the essence of fall.

Episode Fifty Four Part 2

In this episode, the hosts delve into the intriguing world of cigars, spotlighting the Fiat Lux by Luciano. Acquired from jrcigars.com, this medium-bodied cigar features a rich Ecuadorian wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and filler, offering vibrant flavors of white pepper, leather, earth, and hints of cedar, caramel, and toast. The hosts discuss its craftsmanship, highlighting the even burn and excellent draw, making it an ideal choice for both newcomers and seasoned smokers.The conversation transitions to whiskey pairings, as the hosts explore how the cigar complements various whiskeys, ultimately finding a harmonious match with a sweeter bourbon. They also touch upon the minimalist design of the cigar's packaging, appreciating its simplicity and elegance.The episode wraps up with a review of beard products from Beard Organics, featuring all-natural ingredients and options suitable for sensitive skin. The hosts share their experiences with different scents, emphasizing the quality and effectiveness of the products. Tune in to discover more about these delightful offerings and enhance your cigar and beard care experience.

Episode Fifty Four Part 1

Welcome back to Bourbon Beards and Belvederes! This episode kicks off with a heartfelt congratulations to Jerry, who recently tied the knot. The trio, Adam, Paul, and Jerry, are back in action after a short break, ready to dive into a unique bourbon experience.
This week, the hosts shake things up with an intriguing whiskey shootout featuring products from Bourbon Baggers. They explore the impact of toasted oak bags on different bourbons, starting with Ancient Age from Buffalo Trace. Paul and Jerry discuss the nose and palate changes brought by the bags, highlighting notes of vanilla, charred wood, and a hint of mesquite.
As the tasting journey continues, the spotlight turns to Benchmark 8, another Buffalo Trace product. The hosts notice enhanced flavors like vanilla and toasted oak, transforming the bottom-shelf pour into something exceptional. The discussion also touches on the synergy between whiskey and cigars, noting how the right pairing can elevate both experiences.
Finally, Jerry introduces a special blend of Maker's Mark with both toasted and charred bags, unveiling a complex and delightful cherry note. The episode wraps up with reflections on the versatility and potential of Bourbon Baggers, leaving listeners eager to experiment with their own whiskey concoctions.

Episode Fifty Three Part 2

Ever wondered why some of your favorite high-proof whiskeys don't cost a fortune? Join us as we dive deep into the world of whiskey sourcing, uncovering the mysteries behind store picks and private labels from major retailers like Costco and Total Wine.In this episode, we break down how distilleries like Barton 1792 manage their barrel selections and why you might be getting a great deal on those 125-proof single barrels. We'll also discuss the transparency (or lack thereof) in the whiskey industry, and how it impacts your buying decisions.But that's not all! We share our experiences with a unique cigar from JC Newman and explore how it pairs with a special Ezra Brooks cask strength single barrel. Plus, we touch on the recent hurricane's impact on Florida, sending our best wishes to those affected.So pour yourself a glass, light up a fine cigar, and join us for an episode filled with insights, rants, and a touch of humor. Cheers!

Episode Fifty Three Part 1

Welcome to this week's episode of Bourbon Beards and Belvedere's! Join Adam, Paul, and Jerry as they dive into the world of American single malt and high-proof whiskeys. This week, the spotlight is on Westward Whiskey and Dettling Single Barrel, revealing their unique tasting notes and characteristics.
In addition to whiskey, the hosts discuss new and exciting beard care products, including Artius Man's therapeutic hand cream and the latest seasonal scents from Five Boroughs Grooming and Scully's Beard Products. Tune in to discover how these beard care innovations can enhance your grooming routine.
Finally, the episode wraps up with a detailed review of Ezra Brooks 99 proof port wine cask finish. Learn about its flavor profile, the impact of cigar pairing, and whether this bottle is worth adding to your collection. Don't miss out on these expert insights and tips for whiskey enthusiasts and beard care aficionados alike!

Episode Fifty Two

Join Adam, Paul, and Jerry as they continue the Urban Heritage Month series, showcasing a selection of pours from Buffalo Trace Distillery. In this episode, they delve into the history of Buffalo Trace, share their tasting notes, and discuss the distillery's impact on the bourbon industry.
Jerry kicks things off with the Benchmark Single Barrel, while Adam savors a pre-batched cocktail, the Handy and Schiller's Barreled Old Fashioned. Paul opts for the E.H. Taylor Small Batch, reflecting on its significance and scarcity. The trio also explores the fascinating history of Buffalo Trace, its various labels, and their personal experiences with these coveted bottles.
In addition to bourbon, the hosts touch upon the latest in beard product news and some intriguing distillery innovations. They also emphasize the importance of supporting veterans and children. Don't miss this rich and informative episode filled with bourbon lore and tasting adventures!

Episode Fifty One

Welcome to another episode of "Bourbon, Beards, and Velvet Ears" with Adam and Jerry. This week, we continue our series on Bourbon Heritage Month by delving into the rich history and legacy of Wild Turkey. Join us as we explore the storied past of this iconic brand and its significant role in the bourbon industry.

Our hosts indulge in various Wild Turkey pours, including some vintage bottles and exclusive releases. Jerry starts with a rare 2013 Wild Turkey 81, while Paul and Adam savor the classic Wild Turkey 101. The conversation flows from the unique history of Wild Turkey to personal anecdotes and tasting notes, highlighting why this brand is beloved by many.

We also discuss the impact of Wild Turkey's master distillers, Jimmy and Eddie Russell, and the intricate details behind their masterful creations. From the evolution of their branding and iconic bottle designs to the challenges they faced, such as the devastating fire in 2000, this episode covers it all.

Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or new to the world of whiskey, this episode offers valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for Wild Turkey's contributions to Bourbon Heritage Month. Tune in and raise a glass to one of bourbon's most enduring and beloved brands.

Episode Fifty

This week on Bourbon Beards and Velvet Ears, Adam, Paul, and Jerry continue their series for Bourbon Heritage Month by highlighting the esteemed Heaven Hill Distillery. Tune in as they explore the rich history and diverse product lineup of Evan Williams, from the standard Black Label to the exclusive Single Barrel and the celebrated 1783 Small Batch.The trio shares their personal experiences with these bourbons, offering tasting notes and discussing the best value buys. They delve into the legacy of Evan Williams, a Welsh immigrant who began distilling in 1783, and the impact of the Heaven Hill Distillery fire in 1996.Don't miss their conversation on the significance of Bottled in Bond whiskeys, the camaraderie within the bourbon industry, and the highly anticipated Parker's Heritage Collection. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or new to the world of whiskey, this episode is packed with insights and recommendations to enhance your bourbon journey.Join the conversation and celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month with us. Cheers!

Episode Forty Nine

Join Adam, Paul, and Jerry as they kick off National Bourbon Heritage Month with a special episode dedicated to Jim Beam. They explore a variety of pours and pair them with select cigars. Learn about the history and legacy of Jim Beam, from its origins in 1795 to its modern-day innovations.
Paul starts with the Knob Creek Bourbon and Rye blend, while Jerry opts for the classic Knob Creek 90 or 100 proof. Adam dives into some Old Tub, a nod to Jim Beam's original distillery name. The trio also shares their cigar choices, including a Cohiba from Cuba, a Perdomo Maduro, and an Aging Room Quattro.
As they move on to their second pours, Paul samples the Little Book Chapter 4 from 2020, Jerry enjoys Jim Beam Distiller's Cut, and Adam revisits the Jim Beam Black with a seven-year age statement. They discuss the nuances of each pour and how they pair with their cigars.
The episode also delves into the history of Jim Beam, touching on key milestones and the contributions of the Beam family. From the introduction of Red Stag in 2009 to the acquisition by Suntory in 2014, they cover it all. The hosts also reminisce about Jim Beam's iconic decanters and the impact of master distillers like Jerry Dalton and Freddie Noe.
Finally, they each share a special pour for the "This Pours On Me" segment, highlighting some rare and unique bottles from their collections. Don't miss this in-depth celebration of America's spirit and the legacy of Jim Beam.

Episode Forty Eight

Welcome to another exciting episode of Bourbon, Beards, and Belvederes! Today, Adam, Paul, and Jerry are ready to indulge in some delightful whiskey and cigar pairings. They start by warming up their palates with some ice-cold Wild Turkey 101, Levin Williams Bottled and Bond, and Ancient Age 90 proof. The trio discusses recent whiskey news, including the opening of Jackson Purchase Distillery and Jack Daniel's 2024 Heroes Selection Single Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey Special Release.Next, they dive into a fascinating comparison of two unique whiskeys: Westward Whiskey's American Single Malt finished in Pinot Noir casks and Bull Run Distilling's 14-Year-Old Light Whiskey, also finished in Pinot Noir casks. They explore the distinct flavors and aromas of each whiskey, complemented by their chosen cigars: Crown Heads Blood Medicine, West Tampa Black, and Gurkha Ghost.The episode also highlights the National Pinot Noir Day and the intriguing world of wine-finished whiskeys. The trio shares their thoughts on a new beard oil brand, Darn Good Beard, and its promising potential. They wrap up with a segment called "This Pours on Me," where they enjoy more exquisite whiskeys and continue their lively conversation.Don't miss this episode packed with whiskey wisdom, cigar insights, and a touch of beard care expertise. Cheers!