We welcome whiskey expert Cliff Smith, a respected instructor and mentor in the whiskey community, for a special tasting at West China Tea. Today we're exploring the pairing of Malac Phoenix, a luxurious "cashmere of red teas," with Highland Park 12, discussing how this approachable peated scotch serves as a perfect gateway into smoky whiskies. Cliff shares engaging stories from his experiences teaching whiskey appreciation, including how he helped change one colleague's perception of peated scotch. Meanwhile, So-Han guides us through the complexities of this premium red tea, made from special fragrant cultivars typically reserved for Phoenix Oolongs. Together, we discover how the tea's fruity notes and tannins interact with Highland Park's gentle smoke and honey characteristics. The conversation weaves through whiskey education, regional influences, and the fascinating parallels between tea and whiskey appreciation. We also discuss Cliff's work with Whiskey Mentors and their charitable initiatives, offering insights into the northeastern U.S. whiskey scene. @HighlandParkWhisky ⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/ Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com Cliff Smith - guest https://www.instagram.com/whiskymentors/ https://whiskymarketing.org/ ⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyProvisioner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskey_provisioner Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvis

We welcome back our first repeat guest, Stephen Caronna from Compass Box Whiskymaker, for a special tasting at West China Tea. Today we're exploring the perfect pairing of a rare aged Phoenix Mountain green tea with two exciting new releases from Compass Box's revamped core lineup: Nectarosity and Crimson Cask.

Our conversation weaves between whisky and tea expertise, with Stephen sharing fascinating insights into Compass Box's innovative barrel-making process and their commitment to natural coloring. So-Han introduces us to an unusual aged green tea that surprises everyone with its unique characteristics. Together, we discover delightful flavor connections between the drinks, particularly noting how well the aged tea complements Crimson Cask's wine-influenced profile.

Fresh from the Bastards Ball festival, we share entertaining festival stories and dive into broader discussions about spirits packaging, marketing, and the art of blending. Whether you're a whisky enthusiast, tea lover, or both, this episode offers an engaging exploration of craft beverages and the stories behind them. @TeaHouseGhost

⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺

Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com

So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/

Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy  https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com

Stephen Caronna - guest

Compass Box Scotch Whiskymaker https://www.compassboxwhisky.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/stephen.caronna/

⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺

Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner

Ever wondered how sotol is made? Dive into the world of Desert Door Distilling with Brent Looby as he shares insights into their unique distillation techniques, innovative aging process, and the aromatic profiles of their distinctive spirits. Plus, learn about the challenges of building a craft spirits brand and the importance of environmental stewardship. ⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺

Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com

So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/

Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com

Guest - Brent Looby from Desert Door Distilling https://www.desertdoor.com/ https://www.instagram.com/desertdoor/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCZE2NSMUKwG0GQl0G7ZMp5Q

⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺

Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyProvisioner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskey_provisioner

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvis

Whiskey Provisioner Meets Texas Whiskey Geek at West China Tea Join us for a unique tasting experience as we blend the worlds of whiskey and tea! In this episode, we're at the West China Tea in Austin, TX, where tea expert So-Han guides us through a special "Witch's Butter" Pu-erh tea. Our guest, Caleb Rhoades from Texas Whiskey Geek, brings a rare High West Distillery Midwinter Night's Dram Encore finished in white port barrels. Discover the fascinating stories and production methods behind these unique beverages, and hear our thoughts on the unexpected flavor pairings. So-Han shares his deep knowledge of tea culture, while Richard and Caleb discuss the intricacies of whiskey appreciation. Key points from the video: Tea: "Witch's Butter" Pu-erh, a unique micro-batch fermented tea with earthy and mushroomy notes.

Whiskey: High West Distillery Midwinter Night's Dram Encore, a rare release finished in white port barrels.

Pairing: Explore the unexpected harmony between the earthy tea and the fruity notes of the rye whiskey.

Discussion: Hear about the history and culture of tea and whiskey, and learn how to appreciate these beverages in a new way. Visit West China Tea: 4706 North I 35, Austin, TX (limited time only!) Follow Texas Whiskey Geek: Stay up-to-date on Texas whiskey releases and events Like and subscribe: Support Whiskey Provisioner and never miss an episode! ⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/ Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com Guest - Caleb Rhoades - Texas Whiskey Geek https://www.instagram.com/tx_whiskeygeek/ https://www.texaswhiskeygeek.com/ ⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyProvisioner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskey_provisioner Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvis

Ever heard of Sotol? It's a unique Mexican spirit distilled from a desert plant, and it's got a fascinating story. Join Richard and So-Han as they chat with Brent Looby of Desert Door Distilling, who's passionate about sharing this hidden gem with the world. He'll explain how sotol is made, what makes it different from tequila and mezcal, and why it pairs so well with...Chinese tea? That's right, Brent also dives into his travels in China, exploring the unexpected connections between these two ancient beverages. Plus, they'll discuss the challenges and rewards of running a craft distillery and the importance of community in the beverage world.

⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/ Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com Guest - Brent Looby from Desert Door Distilling https://www.desertdoor.com/ https://www.instagram.com/desertdoor/ https://www.youtube.com/ @desertdoor ⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyProvisioner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskey_provisioner Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvis

Tea & Whiskey: A Match Made in Flavor Heaven

Join Richard and So-Han at West China Tea as they welcome back Chris from 10th Mountain Whiskey for another exciting round of tea and whiskey pairings!

In this episode:

So-Han introduces a special Shu Pu'erh tea, a fermented variety known for its earthy and complex flavors.

Chris shares 10th Mountain Whiskey's Single Malt, both the standard release and a unique single barrel selection.

Discover the surprising harmony between the rich, mushroomy notes of Shu Pu'erh and the sweet, fruity character of the single malt.

Delve into the art of barrel aging and its impact on both tea and whiskey.

Hear heartwarming stories about whiskey's ability to create lasting memories and connect people.

Learn about 10th Mountain Whiskey's dedication to supporting veterans and their philanthropic initiatives.

So-Han shares his perspective on the importance of pursuing passions and living life to the fullest.

Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with laughter, insightful pairings, and a celebration of the human spirit.⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/ Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com Guest - guest ⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyProvisioner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskey_provisioner Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvis

Tea & Whiskey Pairings: 10th Mountain Rye & Sheng Pu'er from a Whiskey Barrel In this episode of Tea & Whiskey, Richard & So-Han are joined by Chris from 10th Mountain Whiskey for another exciting round of pairings! Highlights: So-Han brews a unique Sheng Pu'er tea that's been aged in a whiskey barrel, offering a fascinating blend of flavors.

Chris showcases 10th Mountain's award-winning rye whiskey, both the standard release and a special single barrel 10th anniversary edition.

Discover the unexpected harmony between the earthy, vegetal notes of Sheng Pu'er and the bright, spicy character of rye whiskey.

Learn about 10th Mountain Whiskey's commitment to supporting veterans and their philanthropic initiatives.

So-Han shares his enthusiasm for the rye and Sheng Pu'er combination, calling it a perfect match for his palate.

Don't miss this flavorful journey as we explore the evolving taste of tea aged in a whiskey barrel and the unique characteristics of 10th Mountain's rye whiskeys.

⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/ Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com Guest - Chris Rice 10th Mountain Whiskey instagram.com/10thmtnwhiskey instagram.com/cats_cocktails_conversations ⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyProvisioner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskey_provisioner Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvis

Join us at West China Tea for a unique tasting experience as we explore the connection between whiskey and tea! We're joined by Christopher Rice from 10th Mountain Whiskey, who shares the captivating history of the 10th Mountain Division and how their legacy inspires their craft.

Discover:

The heartwarming story behind 10th Mountain Whiskey and its connection to the brave soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division.

The unique challenges and rewards of distilling whiskey at high altitudes in Colorado.

The art of tea brewing and how it mirrors the craft of whiskey making.

The importance of sharing experiences and creating memories over a good drink.

Highlights:

So-Han brews a special red tea called Gamma Ray, a purple tea variety, and expertly guides us through its preparation.

Chris introduces us to 10th Mountain's 75% blue corn bourbon, a whiskey with unique flavor notes and a heartwarming backstory.

We delve into the world of flavor, discussing the nuances of blue corn, rye, and the influence of different grains on whiskey and tea.

So-Han and Chris share personal stories and memories evoked by specific whiskey and tea experiences.

Richard emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in enjoying whiskey and tea.

Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with history, flavor, and the shared passion for craft beverages!

⸺ credits ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Richard Amiro - host http://richardamiro.com So-Han Fan - guest https://www.youtube.com/@TeaHouseGhost - https://westchinatea.com/ Cory Cranfill - a really helpful guy https://youtube.com/@shedlogic - https://www.righttoolmedia.com Guest - Chris Rice 10th Mountain Whiskey instagram.com/10thmtnwhiskey instagram.com/cats_cocktails_conversations ⸺ socials ⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺ Website: https://whiskeyprovisioner.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeyprovisioner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyProvisioner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskey_provisioner Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiskeyProvis