The Neat Pour

Ep. 72 - The Big Comeback

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0500

We heard the people and we are back at it with new content. In this week's episode we are sipping on Debonair and reflect on being recent guests of the Black & Brown Podcast.

EP. 71 - Remus Gatsby Reserve

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, we discuss our trips to Chicago Distilling, Slippery Slope, and Wolf Point Distillery while sipping on Remus's Gatsby Reserve.

EP. 70 - Down for the Hang

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we catch up on our adventures to a Shochu tasting event and the Goose Island Bourbon County Stout lineup tasting party while sipping on Delilah's Knob Creek 29th Anniversary pick.

EP. 69 - Just a Little Taste

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we pop open a Chicagoland staple, 18th Street Distillery's special release of their 4-year bourbon. We also get into an 8-year Japanese Whiskey from Takamine.

EP. - 68 - Road Tripping

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we discuss our recent weekend road trip to Michigan. We visited Journeyman Distilling in Three Oaks and Green Door Distilling in Kalamazoo.

EP. 67 - Stagg Jr.

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode we get down and dirty with Stagg Jr's 16 and 17. Buffalo Trace announced they were dropping Jr from the brand's name beginning with batch 18.

EP. 66 - Smells Like Bean Spirit

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0500

We are kicking off our SummertimeChi Bourbon drinking with R6 Distillery's Smells Like Bean Spirit, a collaboration with a Chicagoland brewery Mikerphone.

EP. 65 - The Architect

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 18:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we circle back to Penelope and discuss their new release, the Architect series, a French oak finish bourbon. Nik drops some bourbon news, and Chalonda discusses a new fun project she is working on with a local Chicago brewery using her cocktails.

EP. 64 - Old Fitz 17

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 22:00:00 -0500

In this episode we run back Old Fitzgerald, but this time with Old Fitz 17. We compare it to the OG and the 13. No bourbon news this week, we just dive right in.

EP. 63 - Lake County Libation Trail

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 18:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode we are discussing our local adventures in the far Northern suburbs of Chicago. We hit the Lake County Libation Trail with a 2 stop romp at Glunz Family Winery and Oppidan Spirits all while sipping Uncle Nearest's 1884.

EP. 62 - Alexander James

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode we are excited to have our first on air guest. Jesse Steward Jr., Founder / CEO of Alexander James bourbon whiskey, a Chicago native shares his journey in starting the brand and what he looks forward to in the future.

EP. 61 - Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we circle back to one of our favorite distillery, Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition. A blend of 12 to 19 year old bourbons, that all contribute to a perfect balance of vibrant flavors. We also discuss local offerings, Chicago Distilling Company.

EP. 60 - Whistle Pig

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0600

It is always fun when our beer and bourbon paths cross. In this week's episode, we discuss Whistle Pig's Piggyback 100% Rye, along with our beloved Chicago's Revolution Brewing's VSOJ, a barrel-aged barley wine aged two and four years in Whistle Pig barrels.

EP. 59 - Heaven Hill's Heavy Hitters

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode we get into two of Heaven Hill's heavy hitters, Old Fitz 13 and Parker's Heritage 11 Heavy Char. We paired them side by side to compare the distinct notes of the two. Nik gives a little bit of bourbon news and the back story of the brand,

EP. 58 - Woodinville n Chill

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 18:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode we are getting into Woodinville. We were put on to this bottle after listening to Da Black and Brown Podcast. Not much in bourbon news this time around but as always Nik drops the back story to this bottle.

EP. 57 - Baker's Single Barrel

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode we are diving into Baker's single barrel. It has been revamped since its previous small batch version. Nik drops some bourbon news and Chalonda has a new cocktail of the week,

EP. 56. - Coy Hill

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -0600

In this week"s episode we dive into 4 offerings from Jack Daniel's, one of which is a highly sought after Coy Hill. Nik drops some history behind the brand as well as bourbon news., Chalonda brings back the cocktail of the week.

EP. 55 - Penelope

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode we are discussing Penelope both the barrel strength and the toasted barrel. We also discuss what we drank over the week and hit you with a little bourbon news.

EP. 54 - I.W. Harper

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode we sip on I.W. Harper 15 year bourbon. Nik breaks down the history as well as a little bourbon news.

EP. 53 - King of Kentucky

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0600

The Neat Pour is starting off the new year right with Brown Forman's mythical King of Kentucky. Only 2700 bottles released and we finally got our hands on one. Nik drops some bourbon history and we also discuss our end of the year Weller lineup.

EP. 52 - Happy Wild Turkey Day

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, we are digging into Wild Turkey's Rare Breed Rye. Nik gives us some Wild Turkey historical facts. We also, drink it along side the Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon that we discussed on episode 39.

EP. 51 - Booker's vs Little Book

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode we are getting down with Booker's and Little Book. These 2 products are both bold in flavor but each offer a distinct tasting. As usual Nik gets into some bourbon news and Chalonda is tipsy. Tune in as we break down these bourbons and share our thoughts.

EP. 50 - Battle of the Wheats

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 17:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode we get into Barrel Proof Larceny and the Binny's store pick The Old Elk Cask Strength. We also pair the OE with the Weller Full Proof to see if the claims are true that it is the Weller Killer. Tune in to find out.

EP. 49 - Remus Repeal Reserve

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we are sipping on Remus Repeal Reserve. A solid MGP product that is rye heavy and full of flavor. As usual our resident Liquor Historian Nik drops some Whiskey News.

EP. 48 - Getting Down and Dirty with Buffalo Trace

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we are getting down with E.H Taylor Small Batch, E.H Taylor Barrel Proof and George T. Stagg Jr. Of course our resident liquor historian Nik drops a little bit of bourbon news and facts. Tune in as we give our assessments of these 3 heavy hitters.

EP. 47 - It's All About the Rye

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 18:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode we dig into 2 heavy hitters, Jack Daniels Single Barrel Rye and Four Gate's River Kelvin Rye. Both of these are hard hitting with bold flavor and has made it to our favorites list.

EP. - 46 Joseph Magnus

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0500

And we are back with a new episode, sipping on Joseph Magnus and the Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend. As usual our resident liquor historian Nik is going to drop some bourbon news and some history as we break down these two bottles.

EP. 45 - Sam Houston 15 Year

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 22:00:00 -0500

In this episode we break open Sam Houston's 15 year. This beautiful bottle gave Nik a new appreciation of bourbon proof and has made Chalonda's all time favorite list.

EP. 44 - Peerless

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 22:00:00 -0500

Still reflecting on our Louisville trip we are diving into the Peerless Single Barrel. They are a small operation producing big things and has become one of our favorite staples on the bar.

EP. 43 - Four Gate Batch 12

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0500

This week we dive into Four Gate's Batch 12 the Kelvin Collaboration. It is being hailed as one of the best barrel-finished whiskeys of the year. We picked up this highly sought-after bottle on our recent trip to Louisville and we were not disappointed. Chalonda also discusses her old dusty findings and Nik's assessment of Eagle Rare 17.

EP. 42 - Road Trip to Louisville

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0500

We are especially excited about this episode. We took a trip to Louisville, a few weeks ago. This time around we hit local spots, a couple of breweries and of course distilleries.

EP. 41 - It's Our Anniversary

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 20:00:00 -0500

Time flies when you are drinking good bourbon. The Neat Pour has been in full swing for a year. What better way to celebrate than to pop open a bottle of Old Forester's Birthday Bourbon to mark the occasion and reflect on the amazing bottles we have had during this time. We also want to thank all of our amazing listeners for your support and suggestions. We look forward to bringing you all more content.

EP. 40 - Bull Run & Mayor Pingree

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we dive into two Heavy Hitters, Bull Run & Mayor Pingree. Both are single-barrel store picks from Off-Premise a local shop in Chicago. They are big bold bourbons, with hints of sweetness and full of spice. We also discuss a bit of bourbon news and Nik's interesting cryptocurrency story that he had to use to purchase one of the bottles.

EP. 39 - Wild Turkey

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 14:00:00 -0500

We are back from our 2-week hiatus, in this episode we discuss two of our favorite bottles from Wild Turkey as well as, Starward, an Australian Whiskey that is hitting the market.

EP. 38 - FEW Spirits

Sun, 09 May 2021 22:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we are drinking local. F.E.W Spirits an Evanston, IL native and also only a mile away from The Neat Pour studio is dropping some award-winning spirits with their Immortal Rye.

EP. 37 - Kansas City: Go Big or Go Home

Mon, 03 May 2021 01:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we dive into some love from Kansas City. We discuss how J. Rieger's whiskey was revived in 2009 as well as sip on some Martin City Anniversary Stout.

EP. 36 - Sagamore Rye

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 01:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, our beer world meets our bourbon world. Nik came across Sagamore Rye after learning that one of our local Chicago breweries, Begyle uses their barrels for one of their award-winning barrel-aged stouts Imperial Pajamas. We decided to give it a spin and it did not disappoint. Tune in as we break out this Rye Whiskey from Baltimore, Maryland, and as usual, Nik drops some liquor history facts.

EP. 35 - Old Scout & Boondocks

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we discuss two highly recommended products. Old Scout's Smooth Ambler Rye and Boondocks. First time having both products and turned out to be pretty good buys for under 50.

EP. 34 - Barrell Seagrass

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we sip on Barrell Craft Spirit's newest release Barrell Seagrass that is a blend of American and Canadian rye whiskeys and finished in Martinique Rhum, Malmsey Madeira, and Apricot Brandy casks.

EP. 33 - Can't Take the Heat

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0500

There is a lot of heat in this episode. Hitting the Beam Suntory lineup, Knob Creek's 12 Year and Baker's 7 year came with the heat. After coming across an article about Baker's being most overlooked, we had to give it a try and was not disappointed. We also discuss a trip to F.E.W Spirits in Evanston.

EP. 32 - Guidance Whiskey & Ragtime Rye

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we are checking out Guidance Whiskey, which was suggested by The Swig Podcast not too long ago, and Ragtime Rye, which Nik picked up solely because it had Brooklyn Brewery Brew Master's pic, which it turned out to be shockingly good. Tune in as we dive into these two amazing whiskeys and as our resident Liquor Historian drop some drop facts about both of these brands.

EP. 31 - Heaven Hill Heavyweights

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we get into a couple of Heaven Hill's heavyweights, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof & Parker Heritage 10 Year Heavy Char. We discuss the differences of the flavor profile due to the char as well as our Liquor Historian Nik drops some historical facts about the brand.

EP. 30 - Du Nord & Saint Cloud

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we highlight two black-owned distilleries in the industry. In a 61.7 billion dollar industry, less than 1% percent of it is black-owned. DuNord from Minneapolis, Mn, and Saint Cloud both bring something unique to the game. Du Nord with a sweet start and spicy finish and Saint Cloud all in spice, make both of these products great sippers.

EP. 29 - Luck of the Irish

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0600

This week Nik is diving into the Irish Whiskeys Green Spot and Red Breast. Tune in as our dedicated "Liquor Historian" breaks down the difference between the three types of Irish Whiskeys as Chalonda is on a short detox.

EP. 28 - Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Lineup

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:00:00 -0600

In this week’s episode, we researched more about the Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey lineup, which holds roughly 12 products in their portfolio. Many are familiar with the beloved Willett Straight Rye Whiskey or Old Bardstown. Our curiosity leads us to find that quite of few other readily available bourbon whiskeys fall under this brand and decided to give them a try. Noah’s Mill and Johnny Drum made an appearance one this week’s show as well as the Willett Family 4 Year Rye.

EP. 27 - Maker's Mark

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, we get into Maker's Mark Cask Strength and the Black Bourbon Society Select, which is one of the main reasons why our show exists today.

EP. 26 - A Midwinter Nights Dram

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode we perform the greatest act of all, which is drinking. A Midwinter Nights Dram Scene 8 Act 3, coming in with a spicy 95% Rye proving to be the perfect warmth on a polar Chicago night.

EP. 25 - The Staggs

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0600

This week's episode is a real treat. We get into both the George T. Stagg and the Stagg Jr., both bourbons are bold, complex and bring that Kentucky Hug. We also bring a little bit of bourbon news, we discuss the merger of MGP and Luxco brands.

EP. 24 - Who Wants The Smoke?

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -0600

It's all about the smoke in this episode. This week we dive into Smoke Wagon from Nevada H&C Distilling Company. Founded in 2012 and available in 11 states, this bourbon has been hitting the scene pretty hard. Although it is readily available it is one that is often sought after.

EP. 23 - The Best Under 40

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 07:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, we tap into a few of our favorite cost-effective and readily available whiskeys. Of course, there is always a thrill in the chase of hunting down the harder to find and expensive bottles but sometimes it is just ok to keep it simple. We get into Old Grand-Dad 114, Sazerac Rye, and Evan Williams Bottled in Bond and why these are our go-to bottles.

EP. 22 - Calumet Farm 14 Year

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -0600

This week's episode is pretty quick. We discuss Calumet Farm, a single rack black 14-year bourbon. Barreled in March of 2006, it comes from just 19 barrels and is owned by Western Spirits Beverage Company. We also compared it alongside Sam Houston, which is also another 14-year product owned by Western Spirits.

EP. 21 - NEW YEAR ...NEW BOURBON

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0600

Happy New Year! This week we are kicking off the new year with Barrell Bourbon's 2021 New Year. This one shocked us both because it was so dangerously smooth. A blend of 5, 9, 10, and 11-year old straight Bourbon Whiskeys, distilled in 7 different states and 113.9 proof cask strength aged in white oak barrels.

EP. 20 - The Sweet Mash - Mash Up

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, Peerless and Wilderness Trail both are sweet mash bourbons bought to our attention by our local liquor specialist Stephanie. Nik drops us with some historical facts on these two tasty bourbons.

EP. 19 - Michter's 10 Year Bourbon

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, we were able to get our hands on a bottle of the Michter's 10 Year Bourbon and compare it to their US1 Bourbon. Tune in as we discuss a little of Mitcher's history and tasting notes.

EP. 18 - Old Forester 150th Anniversary

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, we are sipping on Old Forester's 150th Anniversary Batch 1 alongside their 1920. It's interesting to taste so many flavors that come from 1 mash bill.

EP. 17 - Brooklyn's Roses

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, we get into both the Four Roses Small Batch and Brooklyn Brewery's Black Ops, a Russian Imperial stout aged in the Four Roses Small Batch Barrels. Giving us the best of both worlds in this episode where beer and bourbon meet and form a very tasty partnership.

EP. 16 - A Visit to Pappyland

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, we get into the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year and the Lot B. As always Nik drops some hard and interesting facts he read in the Pappyland book while taking Julien Van Winkle's cocktail the Vanhattan for a spin.

EP. 15 - Michter's Toasted Barrel

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, Nik & Chalonda discuss Michter's Toasted Barrel.

EP. 14 - The 12 Year Take Over

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In the week's episode we get into Van Winkle's Lot B, Weller 12 as well as Goose Island's Anniversary BCS aged in Weller 12 barrels.

EP. 13 - Sam Houston

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we give Sam Houston a spin as well as pair it up with 1792’s Bottled in Bond and Full Proof. As always Nik is coming through with the history of the bourbon and little fun facts.

EP. 12 - All About the Michter's

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we get into heavy with Michter's. The Rye Whiskey, Bourbon, Sour Mash, and the 10 year. Each one has a different flavor profile, we discuss which one is our favorite as well as give a little bit of Michter's history.

EP. 11 - Colonel E.H. Taylor

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, Nik & Chalonda dive into the back story of Colonel E.H. Taylor and break down the bottles of the Single Barrel vs. the Small Batch.

EP. 10 - The Anniversary Sip with Old Fitzgerald 13

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 21:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, Nik and Chalonda decided to take a sip from 2 sentimental bottles. The Maker's Mark 46 Private Select Black Bourbon Society and the Old Fitzgerald 13 Bottle in Bond for our 3rd wedding anniversary sip.

EP. 09 - Weller & 1792 Full Proof

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, Nik & Chalonda break out the full proofs. 1792 and the highly sought after Weller Full Proof, after getting lucky and catching a Binny's store pick drop.

EP. 08 - 2019 Thomas H. Handy

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, Nik & Chalonda opened a bottle of 2019 Thomas H. Handy Rye Whiskey, which is 1 of 5 of Buffalo Trace's antique collection. We get into some of the rye whiskeys we've had and doubled back to the Kentucky Owl Rye Whiskey we've had on a previous show.

EP. 07 - Booker's vs. Knob Creek

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, Nik and Chalonda compare 2 of Beam Suntory’s bourbons, Booker's and the Knob Creek. We dive deep into these 2 bourbons to see if they are worth the hype.

Ep. 06 - Rye is This?

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, Nik & Chalonda go head to head with Kentucky Owl and Old Forester Rye Whiskeys as well as tackle a blind tasting. Listen to see which one came out on top, as we not only compare the flavor notes but also the prices.

EP. 05 - Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey Face-Off

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, Chalonda and Nik have a Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey Face-Off with Journeyman's Corset, Whips & Whiskey and Heaven Hill's Larceny as well as giving a little bit of bourbon news.

EP. 04 - A Taste of Japan

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, Nik and Chalonda dive into 4 Japanese Whiskeys. Hibiki, Ichiro, Nikka Pure Malt and Nikka Coffey Grain, discussing how each has an elegant, yet complex flavor.

EP. 03 - The Mash Up of Buffalo Trace's Mash Bill #2- Rock Hill Farms vs Blanton's

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode, Nik and Chalonda compare two of Buffalo Trace's Mash Bill #2 bourbons. Rock Hill Farms vs. Blanton's. Two of the most sought after bourbons in the market.

EP. 02 - Four Roses 130th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0500

This week Nik and Chalonda dive into bourbon news and topics while vibing and sipping on the Four Roses 130th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch. Stay tuned as Nik gives a detailed break down of Four Roses and also as they both give their individual reviews.

EP. 01 - Introducing The Neat Pour

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0500

On the very first episode, Nik & Chalonda will introduce themselves and give a quick rundown as to how they started on this Whiskey & Bourbon journey together while sipping on some Uncle Nearest Tennesse Whiskey