In this episode of the Whiskey High IQ series, Brian Bailie explores three entry-level bourbons: Evan Williams Black Label, Maker’s Mark, and Wild Turkey 101. He discusses the definition and key characteristics of bourbon, including mash bills and proof levels, while highlighting the distinct differences between these whiskeys. Evan Williams offers a budget-friendly, sweet, but simple experience; Maker's Mark delivers a smooth, approachable taste with a high wheat content; and Wild Turkey 101 stands out with a spicy, higher-proof profile, showing that higher proof doesn’t always mean harsher drinking. Brian encourages listeners to engage in the tasting journey and experiment with flavor notes, emphasizing that every bourbon offers a unique experience.

In this tasting of Evan Williams Black Label, Brian Bailie evaluates its light copper color, youthful character, and mash bill of mostly corn, rye, and malted barley. He notes its thin legs and 86 proof, describing the nose as having some ethanol with sweet caramel, vanilla, and oak. Despite a slightly rough nose, the taste is smoother than expected, with a sugary sweetness, mild oak, and hints of rye spice. The short finish is quick and sweet, making it more suited for cocktails than sipping neat. Brian gives the whiskey an overall score of 2.75 out of 5, calling it a solid value for its price but not extraordinary.

In Episode 3 of Whiskey High IQ's "Why I Suck at Short Putts?" training mode, the focus is on improving putting performance by assessing and training three key components: Read, Speed, and Start Line. Brian Bailie emphasizes that reading the green is the most crucial for short putts, recommending using your feet to gauge slope severity. Speed control, or distance control, is developed through structured practice, adjusting stroke length and timing to roll putts consistently past the hole without over-hitting. Lastly, start line accuracy is addressed by ensuring the putter face remains within a degree of the target line. By mastering these skills, golfers can significantly improve their short putting percentages, building a reliable foundation for long-term performance improvement.

In this week's GolfCask podcast, Brian Bailie dives into the transition from summer to fall, discussing how golfers can use the off-season to focus on skill-building and simple stat-keeping to prepare for the next season. He emphasizes the importance of journaling progress and honing specific golf skills, while also introducing three fall-themed Old Fashioned whiskey cocktails—Pumpkin Pie, Bread Pudding, and Burnt Cinnamon—designed for whiskey beginners using creative simple syrups. He also teases the upcoming "Irons and Oak" event in December, blending whiskey tastings with golf at Birdwood Golf Course, and offers a glimpse into some exciting personal and professional changes on the horizon.

In celebration of my late September birthday, I’m kicking off a journey to taste and rank 104 whiskeys by next September. I’ll be diving into two tastings a week, featuring a mix of samples, gifts, speakeasy collections, and blind tastings. This is going to be a lot of fun, and I’d love for you to join me along the way—let’s explore and enjoy these whiskeys together!

In Episode 2 of Whiskey High IQ, the host explains what defines a bourbon, covering key requirements like being made in the U.S., using at least 51% corn in the mash, and aging in new charred oak barrels for at least two years. The episode also introduces three bourbons for the next week's tasting: Evan Williams Black Label, Maker's Mark (a wheated bourbon), and Wild Turkey 101 (a high-rye bourbon), each offering distinct flavors and proof levels. The host guides viewers on how to properly taste whiskey, including using the right glass, swirling to release aromas, assessing the legs, nosing, and tasting with a primer and second sip. They highlight the importance of smell in taste and emphasize personal preference in tasting whiskey, encouraging viewers to follow along in future tastings. The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming tasting session.

This putting hack focuses on improving green reading by introducing the concept of a "gutter" to quantify putt reads. The gutter represents the area where a ball should end up if the read is correct. A correct read will leave the ball within this defined zone, while misses below or outside indicate read, speed, or start line issues. The hack emphasizes that while most players and coaches focus on start lines, a good read is crucial for consistent performance. By tracking misses and understanding whether the issue is the read, speed, or start line, players can make informed adjustments to improve their putting over time.

Welcome to GolfCask Nation! I'm Brian Bailie, bringing you another episode of The Blend, our question and answer series where we tackle all things golf and whiskey. Today, we’re fielding questions from all levels—newbies, casual, dangerous, and enthusiasts—across both worlds. And since we’re inside, why not do a blind whiskey tasting to kick things off?

I’ve got last year’s #20 poured up, and I have no idea what it is. But that’s the fun of a blind tasting, right? We’ll nose, check the legs, and take a sip while we dive into these questions.

To start, let's get into a question from a newbie golfer: "What should you expect from your first round of golf?" Well, expect carnage. Golf is a hard game, and your first time out, the ball will go everywhere—sometimes nowhere at all. But don’t worry, the beauty of the game is you’re always learning and improving. Enjoy the company of your group, no matter their skill levels, and focus on having fun. Forget about the score; instead, appreciate the one or two great shots you’ll hit. Golf will frustrate you, but it will also pull you back in for more.

Now, let’s nose this whiskey and answer the next set of questions. Cheers!