We sat down with Cyrus Kehyari, the driving force behind Hughes Brothers to explore what it really means to bring a legacy back to life. In this episode, Cyrus shares the remarkable story of reviving his family’s pre-Prohibition whiskey brand—a journey that spans centuries, state lines, and generations. From dusty archives to working stills, we talk about the soul of Pennsylvania whiskey, the weight of history, and the modern grit it takes to restore a name with meaning. This isn’t just a story about spirits—it’s about spirit. And the Hughes Brothers have it in barrel-strength.

On this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris head (virtually) to Hagerstown, Maryland to hang out with Cort Meinelschmidt, the man behind Meinelschmidt Distillery. Nestled in the heart of Western Maryland, Cort’s distillery is bringing bold character and local pride to every barrel—and we’re here for it.

We talk shop about what it takes to build a distillery from the ground up in a small town, the unique flavor profile of Maryland-style whiskey, and why keeping things local—grain, team, and community—is at the core of everything Meinelschmidt does. Cort shares the story behind the distillery’s roots, what sets his spirits apart, and the soundtrack that’s playing in the background of his whiskey journey.

Tune in for great pours, good vibes, and a conversation that proves small towns can produce some big-time whiskey.

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with one of the fearless founders of Old Line Spirits—Mark McLaughlin- a former Navy pilot who traded fighter jets for fermenters. Based in Baltimore, Old Line is making serious noise in the American Single Malt game with bold flavors, unapologetic storytelling, and a rebellious spirit rooted in brotherhood and adventure.

We dive into how a chance encounter with a defunct distillery launched their journey, the risks they took to honor tradition while breaking the rules, and why American Single Malt might just be the next big thing in whiskey. Along the way, we pair their flagship whiskey with some high-octane rock anthems and unpack what makes a great bottle—and a great story.

This one’s got jets, jams, and just the right amount of char. Buckle up.

To learn more about Old Line Spirits visit: http://www.oldlinespirits.com/