Join me as I explore Ranger Creeks Texas Bourbon.

Exploring a Texas Smoked Single malt made grain to glass in Blanco, Texas. Smoked with Mesquite, oak, and applewood, it is Texas BBQ in a glass.

Garnishes have a significant impact on flavor. From bright to meaty, learn what garnish does what and try a fun experiment at home.

Learn to make the perfect martini by balancing four key elements: the base spirit, quantity of vermouth, dilution and temperature, and garnish.

My unique blend using three distinct whiskeys: Makers Mark, Powers Irish Single Pot Still 12 Year, and Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie.

A blending experiment with Balcones Lineage Single Malt, Shire Distilling Percheron Bourbon, and Still Austin Whiskey Co Artist Straight Rye Whiskey.

I got to share mine and the festival's story with Go Solo. First time I've heard of them as well. It is part of their entrepreneur stories. Despite the definition, I never associated myself with the word entrepreneur. For me, that was always the guys doing tech startups. I'm just a guy that likes to do s*** and do it my way. ;-)

The third episode pairing different whiskeys with Halloween candy. What does Longbranch taste like with grape Nerds or Dalmore 12 with Hershey’s?

Distilled in Tennessee | Doc Swinson's Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Sherry Cask | Bottled in Washington | $* | 90 proof | 12 years | 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley.

The light amber color does not say you are about to sip a 12-year bourbon.

The second episode pairing different whiskeys with Halloween candy. The whiskey is Ranger Creek .36 Straight Bourbon, Devils River Small Batch Texas Rye, and Glenfiddich 14 Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve. The Candies are the Gobstopper, Laffy Taffy, Sweet Tart, and Nerds.

Jack Daniel's Distillery | Eric Church Single Barrel Select | Lynchburg, TN | $129.99.00* | 94 proof | NAS (at least 4 years old) | 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley.

Is that the more I sip on this whiskey, the more I like it. The notes I picked up recording the video are different than they are writing this blog. I am starting to pick up on the complexities of the whiskey.

In the first episode, I explore the classic Hershey bar, Kit Kat, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, and the Almond joy. The whiskeys are Treaty Oak Ghosthill Bourbon, Balcones Texas Rye 100, and The Famous Grouse Ruby Cask Finish.

Willett Distillery | Straight Rye Whiskey | Bardstown, KY | $55.00* | 106.6 proof | 4 years | Mashbill is unknown

The mystique is unraveled with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Touches of oak fade in and out. Vanilla and dark chocolate come out in the taste before a short spice finish.

In this episode, Whiskey Jake and the boys take a deep dive into a bottle of Treaty Oak's Ghost Hill Bourbon then take it upon themselves to decide for all the world who, in fact, bears the crown of G. O. A. T. NFL quarterback.

In this episode, Whiskey Jake runs us through a true tasting of one of the Emerald Isle's finest drams. Then the boys crown the greatest pugilist of all time. LLLLLET'S GET READY TO RUMBLLLLLLLLLE!!!

Auchentoshan Distillery | American Oak | Scotland | $35.00* | 80 proof | No Age Statemen | 100% malted barley

Do not let the straw-like color fool you; this 80 proof stirs vanilla and dark fruits in the first whiffs.

Sourced for Oak & Eden | Bourbon & Vine | $54.99* | 90 proof | At least 3 years old | 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% barley | Cabernet French oak steeped spire

The red wine jumps out with subtle traces of vanilla, chocolate, and leather.

I founded the Texas Whiskey Festival three years ago, September 2017, and I still feel like the new guy. It has been an incredible journey filled with learning and humbling moments. 

I still remember the end of the first festival in 2018. Standing on the 2nd floor of the Bob Bullock History Museum watching Asleep at the Wheel perform and looking at a sold-out venue and going, holy crap, we did it. What a feeling!

Brown-Forman | Early Times Bottled In Bond | Kentucky | $20.99* | 100 proof | At least 4 years old | 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% barley

Approachable in taste and wallet. This is a bourbon that can be an everyday drinker that you're proud to share with your friends.