In this spirited episode of Barrel Room Chronicles, host KerryMoynahan sits down with two trailblazing women who are reshaping the whiskey world—Women Who Whiskey founder Julia Ritz Toffoli and Kim Ohanneson, head of the Los Angeles chapter.

In This Episode:

· The origin story of Women Who Whiskey

· Julia’s first taste of whiskey—and how it changed everything

· How Kim launched the LA chapter and grew it to 2,000+ members

· The club’s motto: “Whiskey without mansplaining”

· Whiskey + Poetry Salons, brand partnerships, and bottle releases

· How to join or start a chapter in your city

· Why whiskey is for everyone—novices, nerds, and everyone in between

· Celebrating Chizuru Fukano with a special Fukano bottle collaboration

· https://potomacwines.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=women%20who%20whiskey

In this episode of Barrel Room Chronicles, host Kerry Moynahan heads to the University of Kentucky for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most innovative programs shaping the future of American whiskey. Her journey begins with a conversation with Dr. Janice Fernheimer, Professor and founding facultymember of the University’s Distillation, Wine & Brewing Studies program. They discuss her unique path from Jewish Studies into bourbon scholarship, the origins of the “Craft Writing” course, and her groundbreaking work on the Womenin Bourbon Oral History Project and the graphic novel America’s Chosen Spirit.

Later, Kerry tours the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits with Associate Director Ilka Balk. Together, they explore the Institute’s world-class research distillery and brand-new rickhouse, learning how students are gaining hands-on experience in production, fermentation, and aging. The episode highlights the intersection of education, heritage grains, sustainable practices, and real-world bourbon training — all happening on a dry campus. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast, a fan of fermentation science, or simply curiousabout how the next generation of distillers is being educated, this episode offers an inspiring and informative deep dive into the academic side of spirits.

To see the full show notes for this episode visit BarrelRoomChronicles.com BRC is a production of 1st Reel Entertainment.

In this special Whiskey Whereabouts episode, Kerry Moynahan reconnects with Colby and Ashley Frey of Fray Ranch Distillery in Fallon, Nevada. Together, they dive deep into Fray Ranch’s latest release—100% unmalted barley whiskey—as Kerry tastes it live for the first time. The trio explores the significance of grain-forward distilling, the innovation behind smoked whiskeys using homemade peat bricks, and the resilience of Fray Ranch during market downturns.They also talk about the upcoming “First Harvest” release created in collaboration with blending legend Nancy Fraley, as well as the distillery’s involvement in the Estate Whiskey Alliance spearheaded by the University of Kentucky. From sustainability in crop rotation to pioneering transparency in whiskey terroir, this episode offers an intimate look at how Fray Ranch continues to grow—and distill—with intention.