Man o man the bangers just keep coming. Today we talk to Allen Laws and he goes deep into his brand in Colorado. From Mash to bottling, we cover it all. All while sharing a dram and a laugh. I really hope you enjoy this episode because I sure did.

Lawswhiskeyhouse.com

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Our story

Laws Whiskey House is reimagining great American whiskey by creating unique and bold flavor experiences. Our grain-forward style whiskeys are made with the highest quality corn and heirloom wheat, barley, and rye grown by two Colorado family farms. We use time-tested production techniques that showcase each individual grain’s terroir resulting in singular and novel whiskeys.

We use grains that mass production forgot.

The soulful, rich flavors of our no-compromise whiskey begin with our use of only heirloom and heritage grains. Modern agricultural has no interest in these low-yield, finicky grains, yet we could not create the singular profile of each Laws Whiskey without them. We are dependent on the two family-owned farms – the Cody’s in the San Luis Valley and the Ohnmacht’s out on Colorado’s eastern plains – willing to cultivate these specialized grains for us.

Terroir is Our Master

Our whiskey chose Colorado. Don’t get us wrong, we think Colorado is a cool place to live, but that’s not why Laws is here. Our terroir-driven whiskey requires the rarified thin air, the hot days and cool nights of the Rocky Mountain region, and the rugged growing conditions of the San Luis Valley and eastern plains that stress our grains just enough to deepen their flavor.

There are No Shortcuts at Laws.

We always have and always will distil every drop we bottle. While our whiskey aged, we didn’t sell any whiskey for our first three years. Time is as critical of an ingredient as our heirloom grains. Every mash bill gets its own optimal distillation process, and we deploy time-intensive sour mash fermentation. We are the first Colorado distiller to bottle bonded whiskeys. For us, these steps are not extra, they’re mandatory to creating Laws Whiskey

Our Master Distiller is a Village.

At Laws, no person has the title ‘Master Distiller.’ We believe it takes the talents, smarts, quirks and obsessive passion of every Laws co-worker, aka The Village, to make our whiskey. In the Laws Village, you are part of something so much greater than self.

Whiskey Above All.

We’re spiritually obsessed about whiskey. We dream in whiskey. Laws Whiskey House isn’t our business, it’s our religion.

our whiskeys

Every whiskey we create is an heirloom grain, terroir-driven flavor experience for our fellow whiskey hunters.

Bourbon

Our bourbon’s rich flavor is impossible to replicate. Not only because of what we do, but because of what our farmers do.

Are you ready to get schooled. Drew dropped the hammer of knowledge on our unsuspecting Butts. What else can I say the man knows his stuff. I really hope you enjoy this episode.

Whiskey-lore.com

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"To find the truth, question everything."

Drew Hannush Bio

Best-selling Author, Whisky Historian, and World Whisky Ambassador

Celebrating over two decades as an entrepreneur, Drew Hannush has taken the business acumen developed during his 20 years as owner of the Hannush Web Design firm and brought his drive and passion into the world of whisky.

In 2019, he founded Travel Fuels Life, LLC with an initial mission of teaching people how to live a travel lifestyle. What he learned along the way is that travel needs purpose to be truly fulfilling. It was during these travels that he went on a themed trip to Kentucky so he could learn about Bourbon. After visiting 17 distilleries in Kentucky and two more in Tennessee in eight days, he fell in love with the history, stories, and traditions of whisky distilling. But he also noticed that not all distilleries were telling the same story. His natural curiosity led him to shift from travel to creating the Whiskey Lore podcast.

Drew’s journey has now taken him to over 300 distilleries worldwide, exploring the unique stories and traditions behind each one. In 2025, he embarked on his ambitious “Great 48 Tour,” visiting craft distilleries across the United States, one state at a time, connecting with the passionate people behind America’s vibrant distilling scene. These experiences, combined with his meticulous research, have culminated in Whiskey Lore: Volume One, a deep dive into 24 whiskey myths and legends that reveal the real stories behind the lore.

Drew’s passion for whisky history and storytelling doesn’t stop there. He is also creating the ultimate distillery travel guide at whiskey-lore.com/travel, providing a comprehensive resource for planning immersive distillery visits. His earlier books, Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon and Experiencing Irish Whiskey, have set a standard for whisky travel guides, and he continues to raise the bar with every new project.

The success of his books and podcast has driven Drew’s mission to uncover more stories, write more books, and bring whisky scholarship to a higher level. Along the way, he is spreading the word through guided whisky tastings, speaking engagements, and interviews around the globe, inspiring whisky enthusiasts and travelers alike to explore the rich history and culture of this beloved spirit.

About Whiskey Lore

Whiskey Lore®: Rewriting Whiskey History and Inspiring Distillery Adventures

At Whiskey Lore, our mission is to uncover the truth behind whiskey's most enduring myths and legends, reshaping how the world understands and appreciates this storied spirit. It began with the groundbreaking Whiskey Lore podcast, where deep historical research and engaging storytelling brought to light the hidden truths of whiskey's past. This dedication to rewriting whiskey history has culminated in books like The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey, a deep dive into a centuries-old tradition, and Whiskey Lore: Volume One, which challenges common narratives with meticulously researched stories behind 24 whiskey myths and legends.

Let's Get into this one. This IS the Start of the Book Club. This goes over chapters 1-10. Hope you enjoy.

Listen to the Whiskey lore podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/3LMl9xSeLwWX8h9Sfe4CYd?si=18eba0ba36c14673

Whiskey-lore.com

Buy the book here: https://a.co/d/enc4sVb

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Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshaman

About Whiskey Lore

Whiskey Lore®: Rewriting Whiskey History and Inspiring Distillery Adventures

At Whiskey Lore, our mission is to uncover the truth behind whiskey's most enduring myths and legends, reshaping how the world understands and appreciates this storied spirit. It began with the groundbreaking Whiskey Lore podcast, where deep historical research and engaging storytelling brought to light the hidden truths of whiskey's past. This dedication to rewriting whiskey history has culminated in books like The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey, a deep dive into a centuries-old tradition, and Whiskey Lore: Volume One, which challenges common narratives with meticulously researched stories behind 24 whiskey myths and legends.

"To find the truth, question everything."

Immerse Yourself in 250 Years of Distilleries, Taverns, Teetotallers, and 'Shiners!

Think Jack and George are the complete story of Tennessee whiskey? Think again. For far too long, the real history and legacy of Tennessee whiskey has been hidden from whiskey fans. It's a history that not only predates Kentucky Bourbon but also the Whiskey Rebellion. From its early days, it is filled with amazing stories, legends, and villains.
The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey will take you back to the very origins of the spirit and the state.
InPart One: History,you'll meet pioneer distillers like David Crockett, Andrew Jackson, and Frederick Stump. It's a unique opportunity to put yourself in their shoes, learn of their struggles, understand the tools and grains they worked with, and get to know the world that surrounded them. This is no pollyannish stroll through the glories of whiskey. Life on the frontier was a struggle and you'll feel it along with the heroes and villains of early Tennessee. You'll also learn about their markets and the taverns they sold to.
InPart Two: Lost Distillers, watch as a whiskey industry develops in Tennessee. It's a story that has never been completely told. Tennessee was an early leader in the production of whiskey and its distillers were fiercely loyal to tradition. You'll meet pre-Civil War distillers like Wiley Woodard, William Tolley, and Alfred Eaton. You'll learn the origins of brands and why they were important. You'll get to know the origins of the temperance movement and the difference between a wildcatter and a blind tiger. You'll watch the government try to destroy Tennessee whiskey, feel the sting of bullets during the Putnum County War, and learn the difference between 19th and 20th century moonshiners. You'll also be introduced to great names in Tennessee whiskey that faded away, like Draughon, Gouge, Kelly, Betterton, Fanning, and Woodard, while digging deeper into the histories of Jack Daniel, George Dickel, and Charles Nelson. You'll also learn the origin of the whiskey bottle, whether the Lincoln County Process is really what set Tennessee whiskey apart in the 19th century, and you'll see how Tennessee's great whiskey industry died away in a hail of gunfire.
InPart Three: Revival,find out why Jack Daniel wasn't the most important person in the company's history. Learn of the immense struggles distillers went through to bring the industry back. Experience Tennessee's own version of Pappygate, take a ride down Thunder Road, croon with some of the greatest singers and songs in Tennessee, and watch the trailblazers fight tooth and nail to put Tennessee whiskey back on the map.
WARNING: This is real history. Be prepared to have your knowledge American whiskey challenged in this first ever, immersive history into the legends, lore, and real world of Tennessee whiskey.

Welcome back, I hope your ready for a great episode. Today we have Brett with Distillery 64. And let's just say this was to old friends catching up, even though we had never met. Hope you enjoy.

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our story

Humble beginnings

Distillery 64 was started in a barn in Harrison Co. Indiana. We made our first batch in a 5 gallon plastic bucket and distilled it in a still made from an old kitchen sink. At the time, Indiana was considering allowing distilleries to function like their brewery and winery counterparts with rights sell directly to the public. We began constructing and licensing a distillery in that barn with plans for it to be a farm distillery open to the public for tastings.

change of plans

The barn space didn’t work out, but we kept our passion alive by continuing to build our distilling knowledge, engineering new equipment, and searching for a new location to house the distillery.

Now

Distillery 64 is now open to the public for tastings, cocktails and well mannered frivolity at our industrial location in New Albany. We look forward to seeing you there.

our beliefs

• Experience.

  Connect our visitors to the craft through education and hands on experiences.

• Generosity.

  Give back to the world around us. Support what is good in this world.

• Community.

  We are part of New Albany, Indiana but also part of broad spectrum of makers, artisans, and tinkerers. We will do our best to share what we have learned to pass it on to other curious minds.

our Spirits

Rum has natural sweetness and vanilla but infusing with toasted oak just makes it better. This spirit drinks like a whiskey. We like to use it in place of whiskey or bourbon in cocktails or on the rocks. It’s especially tasty in a classic Old Fashioned.

Product Class: Rum

Proof: 80 | Alc/Vol: 40%

Packed with citrus flavor! This gin boasts a generous serving of botanicals including fresh lemon and orange peel. Rose petals greet you subtly on the finish to wrap up this amazingly delicious and complex spirit. We recommend using this spirit in citrus forward cocktails, in a gin and tonic, or even on the rocks.

Product Class: Gin

Product Type: Distilled Gin

Proof: 90 | Alc/Vol: 45%

Ryes and Shine is a 20% rye and 80% sugar moonshine mash distilled then married to highly charred oak for a spirit that is equal parts spice, sweet, and smoke.

Product Class: Distilled Spirits Specialty

Proof: 80 | Alc/Vol: 40%

A traditional juniper forward gin. This spirit has just enough flavor to be noticed in any cocktail, but still not overpower. This is lighter compared to most gins with the pine tree flavors at the front but only just enough. This spirit is wonderful in a gin and tonic.

Product Class: Gin

Product Type: Distilled Gin

Proof: 80 | Alc/Vol: 40%

The Rum that started it all and served as the inspiration for all our later creations. A naturally sweet vanilla shines through with a smooth finish. Great on ice or in a cocktail.

Product Class: Rum

Proof: 80 | Alc/Vol: 40%

This vodka drinks smooth but with a satisfying flavor thanks to our charcoal filtering and mellowing process. Distilled through 12 plates our vodka is left to sit on charcoal for 3 days before bottling.

Product Class: Neutral Spirit

Product Type: Vodka

Proof: 80 | Alc/Vol: 40%

Coffee and Rye is the perfect combination of black coffee flavors, a slight touch of smoke, and black pepper rye notes. Finished with in-house charred oak, you will find sweet vanilla notes, classic oak, and dark barrel candy flavors in this spirit. Coffee and Rye is a unique spirit that is bold, smooth, and boasts tons of character. Enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.

Product Class: Distilled Spirits Specialty

Proof: 80 | Alc/Vol: 40%

Welcome back, On todays show we are expanding our pallets. Amanda Is brining the knowledge and respect to the grain. Such a fun and informative episode and chat.

Also the VDC Cabernet Cask won Gold at San Francisco Spirits Competition. And The release of Blue Ridge Toasted Barrel and LTO Brewer's Coalition Releases with fun beer casks.

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Amanda Beckwith Lead Blender

Amanda helped to develop and now leads the company's sensory and maturation program in addition to overseeing company education and training. She has trained with industry legends, including nosing expert Nancy Fraley, Harry Cockburn, and the late Dr. Jim Swan.

Virginia Distillery Co.

The late Dr. George G. Moore had a great passion for single malt whisky and his adopted home in Virginia. A native Irishman, George came to the U.S. in the 1970’s to seek new opportunities. In 2011, after many years of building successful businesses in both the U.S. and Ireland, George finally had the chance to combine his two passions when he started Virginia Distillery Company. Today, George’s wife, Angela Moore and their son, Gareth Moore, along with his wife, Maggie Moore, have taken the helm to continue building George’s dream.

“Have the courage of your convictions,” was a saying George often repeated to friends and family. His credo became our core principle and the name of our newest American Single Malt whisky line, Courage & Conviction.

From the impeccable quality of the ingredients we source, to the years spent perfecting our maturation process, we make whisky the right way – our way – never sacrificing the best for the easier, safer path.

At Virginia Distillery Company, we carry George’s legacy forward by reinventing American Single Malt whisky. Every barrel is a culmination of the world’s finest distilling, aged to perfection in the ideal climate of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. While inspired by time-honored traditions, we forge traditions of our own- making whisky more than what has been, while remaining true to ourselves and our home.

The result: a whisky that George would’ve been proud of.

Our Process

Step 01

The barley is harvested and malted in the Midwest and shipped to Virginia, where it is stored in two 36-ton malt bins on site at Virginia Distillery Company. The malt is transferred from the bins to the 1920’s Boby Mill to be milled.

Step 02

The Boby Mill, one of a handful in the U.S. splits the grain into three parts and produces the grist, which is combined with water at varying temperatures to start the production of whisky. Yeast is added, producing “wash”, which is similar to an unhopped beer of approximately 8 % alcohol by volume.

Step 03

The wash gets transferred to the first of two copper pot stills to begin distillation. Copper is used because of its ability to conduct heat and remove sulphur-based compounds. These compounds can lead to the whisky having an off-flavor so copper is critical in producing a quality spirit.

Step 04

The copper pot stills at Virginia Distillery Company come from Scotland and were handmade by a specialty fabricator. The shape and height of the still influence the flavors produced in the spirit. The longer the neck, the more refined the spirit.

Step 05

After distillation, the liquid moves through the spirit safe, which allows the distiller to make appropriate cuts between heads, hearts and tails. Ours was created in Scotland in the style of a traditional spirit safe.

Step 06

After making its way through the distillation process, the finished spirit is casked and stored in our cask houses for aging. Virginia’s hot summers and cool winters allow our spirit to age at a rate faster than our counterparts in Scotland. Our main cask houses hold up to 5,000 casks each.

I've been wanting to do a book club for a while. But we will put a whiskey spin on it. Let me know if your down to do it in the comments. And ill put a poll up I promise

Here is the link to purchase the book if you want.

https://a.co/d/1wL2njp