In the powerful conclusion to this story about Joseph Greenhut's Whisky Trust, an infernal instrument of death is set to be deployed at one of the Distillers and Cattle Feeders Company's greatest rival distilleries and the conspirators are brought before the court. And we find out why the Whisky Trust wasn't really a whisky trust after all. And later, we discover what happened to this powerful combination. Enjoy an extended part 3 of Whiskey Lore.

Whiskey Lore

The Whisky Trust: Who Killed The Trust? (Part 3)

The quest for a solution to overproduction of whisky soon turns into a vehicle bent on total domination of America's alcohol industry. At the center of this quest is the president of the infamous Whisky Trust, Joseph Greenhut. His success is so great during the first year, that he soon becomes emboldened to ratchet up the pressure on his biggest rival. And his methods soon cross the line. And as Standard Oil and other trusts draw the attention of lawmakers, Greenhut makes a shift to keep the eyes of the law off of his business.

The Whisky Trust: Greenhut, Sherman, and the Chicago Holdout (Part 2)

Join me for an epic mini-series as we investigate one of the darkest chapters in the history of whisky - the age of the Whisky Trust. Built to help control and out of control industry, the Distillers and Cattle Feeder Trust started simply enough, with a goal of stopping the mass overproduction of alcohol. But soon greed took hold of its founders and soon, any device necessary was used to bring the industry under their thumb. Even going as far as Japan to find resources to help them dominate their competitors.

The Whisky Trust: Making of a Monster (Part 1)

Is it just clever marketing or is ocean aged whisky really something to behold? Well, aging at sea is actually nothing new. In fact, the history of sea aging goes back centuries. Hear the story of these nautical spirits through the ages and climb aboard a ship may very well have sparked the move to American independence. And catch my interview with Jay Cole of Kaiyo Japanese whisky this Wednesday on the all new Whiskey Lore: The Interviews podcast.

Madeira and Whisky at Sea

The Summer is almost over. Time for the new season of Whiskey Lore. Make sure you are subscribed. And check out the new podcast from Whiskey Lore called Whiskey Lore: The Interviews, where I turn the storytelling over to founders, distillers, historians, and authors. Find it and subscribe on the same podcast app you use to listen to Whiskey Lore.

Season 5 Trailer

What is a "dusty hunter?" Find out in this week's episode and join me as we talk about the largest collection of Pre-Prohibition whiskey sold at a Christie's auction. Whiskey that sat for a century in two vaults owned by a man who helped put Los Angeles on the map and also brought its citizens plenty of whiskey. And find out where I take 2 bottles of this Pre-Prohibition whiskey during my 6000 mile journey across the country. And find out how to see pictures of these old bottles and get tasting notes from those 2 century old bottles as a Whiskey Lore Society member.

Dusty Bottles "from the Wettest Spot in America" (Part 2)

One morning, I opened my email and read about one of the most fascinating finds any whiskey fan could hope for. A paralegal from Los Angeles who is also a fan of the show, had a client who recently passed away, and within their house was a store of whiskey filled with the most fascinating history imaginable. Not only from the dusty bottles themselves, but also the story of how they got there - a magical gift from the man who created what the Los Angeles Times called in 1919, "the wettest spot in America." It's a story so big, it will spread over 2 episodes. Cheers!

Dusty Bottles from "the Wettest Spot in America" (Part 1)

While on a journey out to California in search of details about an upcoming episode, I took time out to interview Seth Benhaim of Infused Spirits. Seth is taking a very unique approach to aging whiskey - by placing barrel staves in new make. We sampled his expressions using Mizunara oak, a Cask of Amontillado (something Edgar Allen Poe fans will appreciate), and scotch peat staves.  We also talked about the history of light whiskey, a historic distillery in Kentucky they source from, and the concept of an oak bill.

Interview: Seth Benhaim of Broken Barrel Whiskey

Join me as I chat with Kings County Distillery co-founder Colin Spoelman, the author of a curious and entertaining whiskey history book called Dead Distillers. Here is your chance to enjoy a chat between two big whiskey history fans - one an author and the other a podcaster. We'll talk about the origins of New York distilling, how Colin started his journey by moonshining in Brooklyn, we'll discuss the "who was the first to make bourbon" question, and discover a history of New York distilling that goes back to the Dutch West India Company.

Interview: Colin Spoelman (Distiller and Author of Dead Distillers)

When you start planning your trip to bourbon country, you will have a lot of unique choices of distillery experiences. One of the most unique is Neeley Family Distillery. Listen as I chat with an 11th generation distiller with roots back to Ireland and through Pennsylvania. Distillery Royce Neeley will tell us his family's journey to the new world, how it got to Kentucky, and some of the dangers the family faced. We'll also discuss some of the very unique processes they use in making their award winning whiskey and moonshine.

Interview: Royce Neeley of Neeley Family Distillery

Continuing my journey through the Mississippi Delta, I made a couple of stops including Rosedale, mentioned in Robert Johnson's Traveling Riverside Blues, and Dockery's Plantation. My final stop was to be the final resting spot of Robert Johnson, but a surprise awaited me - and it would lead to a voice with first hand experience at partying at the juke joints - Poe of WABG-AM in Greenwood, MS.

Juke Joints, Whiskey, and the Blues - Part 2 (Featuring Poe of WABG-AM)

Join me as I go on a hunt for juke joints in the Mississippi Delta. Along the way I'll taste a hamburger fried in 100 year old grease. I'll talk about the Father of the Blues and the Home of the Blues. I'll search for Robert Johnson's home in the Delta. I'll spend some time relating some of the great information I learned from Roger Stolle and his book Juke Joint Confidential and I'll have someone offer me a building Ike Turner worked in. It was a fun trip from Memphis to Clarksdale, MS and I'm excited to share it.

Juke Joints, Whiskey, and the Blues: Memphis to Clarksdale

What a fascinating human being. Robert Johnson didn't live a long life, but he lived a full one for his years. Amazingly, researchers have retraced a large portion of his life and books released in the last 2 years have shown a bright light on who Robert the man was, rather than the legend. In this episode, I will tell the story of that man. From the day he went searching for his father, to the uncovering of myths, and his families quest to bring him peace. Enjoy the finally to the story of Robert Leroy Johnson. "Waiting For a Train" by Jimmie Rodgers is in the public domain.

The Fight Inside: The Crossroads of Robert Johnson (Part 2)

A lot has been written about Robert Johnson, the legendary blues guitarist of the 1920's and 30's - much of it is based on half truths and legends. One of his most known legends is based in the story of the crossroads when he was said to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar genius. But Robert faced more than one crossroad in his life. We'll look at the fact and fiction of Robert Johnson and see if we can find the real man behind the legends.

Whiskey, Death, and the Devil: The Crossroads of Robert Johnson

 It's always great to chat with someone who love to share information about their town. Jimmy Rout (Shelby County Historian) had a chance to see the rebirth of Beale Street in Memphis and he is going to take us around the town that was and the town that now is. We'll hear about W.C. Handy, Boss Crump, and even Old Hickory makes an appearance in a tavern in Memphis...or did he? Enjoy these subjects: Working for Beale Street - the rebirth of the street The soul of black community was Beale Street WC Handy sees Beale Street for the first time  Pee Wee's Saloon at Cigar Counter - Mr Crump Ragtime from WC Handy Juke Joint and the origin of the term They are a sanctuary Belle Tavern - laying out the city of Memphis over drinks Rowdy River Town Prohibition and 600 saloons (+300 more) Mr Tate's shotgun shack - best Juke Joint in town Still around Hernando's Hideaway - Juke Joint and Dive Alex Tavern Earnestine and Hazels (near where MLK killed) What was Beale Street's feel in the 1920s? So busy Yellow Fever and Irish and Black Drinking in whiskey because it is safe EH Crump's ties to Whiskey Saloons as polling places Tennessee Ouster Law The King Maker A fifth of bourbon 

Interview: Jimmy Rout all about Memphis, Blues, and Juke Joints

Behind every label, there is a story. Join "Travel Fuels Life" host Drew Hannush as he uncovers the unique history, myths, icons, and processes that give each whisky it's depth and character. Binge on new seasons when they are released by subscribing to Whiskey Lore.

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