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Three Chord “Riot” Review + Whiskey News + Celebrity Whiskey Deep Dive

In today’s episode, we’re kicking off Thanksgiving week with a full breakdown of Three Chord’s new “Riot” Double Bonded Rye — a blend of two bottled-in-bond ryes from Bardstown and MGP. This bottle ties in perfectly with our main topic: the evolution of celebrity whiskey and why the category is more legitimate than ever.

I also cover a few quick whiskey stories from this week, including Elijah Craig releasing a bourbon-inspired cologne, Cedar Ridge dropping a new Double Barrel Rye, and Molson Coors taking a major write-down on Blue Run Spirits — and what that actually means for luxury whiskey brands.

Then we dive into a full conversation about what it really takes to build a celebrity-backed whiskey brand today, how the category has changed, and why authenticity and real craft matter more now than ever.

Also in this episode:
• Three Chord “Riot” review
• Elijah Craig’s new “Char No. 3” fragrance
• Cedar Ridge’s latest Double Barrel Rye release
• Why Molson Coors lost $75M on Blue Run Spirits
• The truth about celebrity whiskey in 2025

🥃 Visit our website and grab a bottle of McTavish Spirits:
https://mctavishspirits.com/

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🐦 https://x.com/connor_whiskey
🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@connor_whiskey

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🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lvgxb1FR0xL4lHXXK9UUE?si=76466dc42e114327
📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtvQstELjCLjDGTd9RKOVkw

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Angel’s Envy Peated Rye Review + Legacy Series Comparison | Whiskey News + Holiday Kickoff

After a long break behind the mic, we’re back — and kicking off the holiday season with a deep dive into one of the most interesting bottles I’ve had on my shelf: the Angel’s Envy distillery-only rye finished in peated Scotch casks.

In today’s episode, I break down this unique release with full nose, palate, and finish notes, and compare it side-by-side with our own McTavish Spirits Legacy Series 1. Two similar approaches to peat influence — but two totally different drinking experiences.

We also talk about the shift from spooky season into the holidays and why this time of year always feels like “whiskey season.”

Also in this episode:
• The biggest whiskey headlines from the past 10 days
• Blade & Bow drops a 30-year bourbon
• Sazerac adds a full-proof rye to their permanent lineup
• Best in class whiskey winners from Top Shelf 2025
& more behind-the-scenes whiskey talk

🎙️ Visit our website and grab a bottle of McTavish Spirits:
https://mctavishspirits.com/

🥃 Order Legacy Series 1 on Seelbach's: https://seelbachs.com/products/mctavish-spirits-legacy-series-1-for-hope-and-honor?srsltid=AfmBOoo1XCSCEBR8cgIhSaXQDVrmlJfZLPGMLx4-ndUo5itgwQEObtDS

Connect with McTavish Spirits:
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mctavishspirits/
📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mctavishspirits
🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@mctavishspirits

Follow me:
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/connor_whiskey/
🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@connor_whiskey

Subscribe to the podcast:
🍎 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-gives-a-dram/id1537247128
🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lvgxb1FR0xL4lHXXK9UUE?si=5bd7851c4c824206
📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@connor_whiskey

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Understanding the Three Tier System + RNDC Leaves California | Industry Breakdown

The three tier system is the backbone of how alcohol is legally sold in the United States—and whether you love it or hate it, every brand has to play by its rules. In today’s episode, I break down the state of distribution following RNDC’s major announcement to exit the California market.

This decision could have massive ripple effects across the industry, and I share my thoughts on what it means for the future of alcohol distribution in America.

Also in this episode:

• Willett Distillery partners with Binder Stash
• 5 must-try bourbons from the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Fallout from RNDC’s California exit

& And more behind-the-scenes whiskey talk

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🛒 Buy McTavish Spirits:
🌐 Website – https://mctavishspirits.com/
🥃 Legacy Series 1 on Seelbach’s – https://seelbachs.com/products/mctavish-spirits-legacy-series-1-for-hope-and-honor?_pos=1&_sid=4cfccd927&_ss=r

🎙️ Connect with McTavish Spirits:
📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mctavishspirits/
📘 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mctavishspirits
🎵 TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@mctavishspirits

👤 Follow me:
📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/connor_whiskey/
🎵 TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@connor_whiskey

📲 Subscribe to the podcast:
🍎 Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-gives-a-dram/id1537247128
🎧 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lvgxb1FR0xL4lHXXK9UUE?si=d32b5a8aeb5d4684&nd=1&dlsi=0fa5f95dc6ea441e
📺 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtvQstELjCLjDGTd9RKOVkw

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As a small craft NDP in the whiskey industry, you need to be creative as to what makes you stand out as a brand. One of the best ways I think to do that is transparency. Today, I talk about why I think brand transparency matters while building a whiskey brand. Other topics discussed include:
- Announcing Rhode Island distribution for McTavish Spirits!
- Making moody TikToks
- Saga Spirits Signs Distro Deal w/ Southern Glazers
- Belle Meade is Back in Nelson Family Hands
- New whiskey releases
& more!

Buy McTavish Spirits here https://mctavishspirits.com/
Buy Legacy Series 1 on Seelbachs here https://seelbachs.com/products/mctavish-spirits-legacy-series-1-for-hope-and-honor?_pos=1&_sid=4cfccd927&_ss=r

Follow McTavish Spirits on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mctavishspirits/
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Follow McTavish Spirits on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@mctavishspirits

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/connor_whiskey/
Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@connor_whiskey

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-gives-a-dram/id1537247128
Subscribe on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lvgxb1FR0xL4lHXXK9UUE?si=a2d2cc2e91394a5b
Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@connor_whiskey

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It's one of the most popular types of bourbons in the world, but not many people know exactly what it is. Today, we discuss what exactly a "wheated bourbon" is while sampling the new Penelope Wheated Bourbon. Also discussed:

• Outdoor Boys retirement
• Annabelle causing destruction in New Orleans?
• Middle West Spirits acquires Old Elk
• Lofted Spirits names Dan Callaway Master Blender
  & more!

Check out Making McTavish Episode 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_snAOkHM5I

Buy McTavish Spirits here https://mctavishspirits.com/

Follow McTavish Spirits on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mctavishspirits/

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Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/connor_whiskey/
Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@connor_whiskey
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-gives-a-dram/id1537247128
Subscribe on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lvgxb1FR0xL4lHXXK9UUE?si=6497d3d8fc094acf

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After taking a bit of a break, I thought now was a better time than ever to bring back the podcast. I discuss what I've been doing the last year, including starting McTavish Spirits w/ Graham McTavish and traveling the country selling whiskey. I also discuss our inaugural release, The Warchief Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey, and talk about the process of creating a whiskey from scratch and why we chose what ended up being The Warchief.

Buy McTavish Spirits here https://mctavishspirits.com/
Follow McTavish Spirits on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mctavishspirits/
Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/connor_whiskey/

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🥃

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-gives-a-dram/id1537247128
Subscribe on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lvgxb1FR0xL4lHXXK9UUE?si=6497d3d8fc094acf

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This week I'm joined by my brother Kale and we get back down to the roots of what Who Gives A Dram is all about - good ole' fashion whiskey, movies & MMA.

We discuss the 80th Anniversary of D Day, our favorite war movies, the rumors surrounding McGregor v Chandler, pricing around whiskey and how much is too much, our most anticipated movies & tv shows for the second half of 2024, and much more, all while reviewing a High West Single Barrel I've had for years.

Buy McTavish Spirits here www.mctavishspirits.com

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Today's topics include: UFC 302, Peaky Blinders movie, Godzilla Minus One, Mike Flanagan directing Exorcist remake, and the future of whiskey.

Buy McTavish Spirits here www.mctavishspirits.com