A barrel pick you will not forget! Tonight Jason Kerns, from Cleveland Barrel Hunter announces his latest barrel pick(s). That's right, multiple. Because multiple were that good! We were invited along, and Bourbon, Brass & Beyond went to talk with the owners! So, get ready to dive deep into the wild world of bourbon, rye, and all things distillery with Tom and Lianne Herbruck from Tom's Foolery, seasoned pros with a story that spans moonshine roots, historic stills, and that oh-so-American craft spirit. Pour a glass, because this isn’t just talk—it's bourbon history served neat.
In this episode:
- The eerie charm of pot stills vs. column stills and why bourbon's old school is still cool
- The secret science of rye's earthiness, bubblegum notes, and spice level control
- How Ohio's colder climate turns aging into an art form
- The unique journey of old Michter’s stills, Scottish advice, and family bourbon legends
- Tips on barrel blending, aging, and the mystical virtues of stainless steel tanks
- Inside stories of sourcing barrels, making apple brandy, and Ohio whiskey's renaissance
Timestamps:
00:00 - Ohio bourbon roots, pot still vs. column still, and why old-school stills matter 00:56 - Distilling science: acidity, copper etching, and the secrets behind craft mash bills 01:46 - Rye on the scene: earthy, spicy, and bubblegum tasting notes 02:57 - How climate influences Ohio aging—slower, colder, richer 04:10 - The historic journey of Michter's stills, family legacy in bourbon, and Scottish advice 07:23 - Blending barrels: the magic of creating unique bourbons and the value of stainless steel 10:08 - How to select barrels for aging in Ohio’s climate, and the importance of craft malt 14:38 - What makes a bourbon or rye unique: flavor nuances, proof, and "Kentucky hug" 21:16 - The collaborative barrel pick experience and blending secrets 26:04 - Early Ohio whiskey boom, family stories, and the timeless craft of distilling 33:50 - Copper, cuts, and the art behind managing heads and tails in pot still distillation 40:20 - The journey from moonshine to modern craft, and Ohio's role in historic whiskey 45:20 - Future of Ohio bourbon: aging, barrels, climate, and local sourcing 55:56 - How to start your own tiny distillery, the importance of family tradition, and the artisanal spirit
Resources & Links:
Tom's Foolery Distillery - https://www.tomsfoolery.com
Bourbon, Brass & Beyond - https://www.bourbonbrassandbeyond.com
Cleveland Barrel Hunter - https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandBarrelHunter
Additional Tips & Stories:
- Why the depth of barrel charring makes or breaks bourbon
- The fascinating science behind fermentation and still cuts
- Ohio's secret barrel blending techniques that keep your whiskey fresh and flavorful
- Family tales from moonshine to modern distilling, plus why a good copper still is worth its weight in gold
Keywords:
#bourbon #whiskey #podcast #tomsfoolery #bourbontasting #michters #jimbeam #rye #caskstrength #singlebarrel #barrelpick #bourbonbrassandbeyond #clevelandbarrelhunter #woodfordreserve #mgp #potstill #moonshine #malt #applejack #brandy #graintoglass #whiskeytasting #bourbonlovers #america250 #redwhiteblue #independenceday
