Journalist Aaron Goldfarb discusses vintage spirits hunting, bourbon myths, and the rise of Pappy Van Winkle. The podcast explores rare collections, vintage liqueurs, and odd soda finds, ending with a fun chat about sandwich preferences and future projects.
Vintage spirits like bourbon offer a taste of history through unique flavors and production methods.
Japan's appreciation for luxury American bourbons reshaped the industry by revitalizing interest in premium aged whiskies.
Deep dives
Vintage Bourbon and Dusty Hunting
Vintage spirits, particularly bourbon, hold a unique allure for collectors and enthusiasts. The podcast delves into the world of dusty hunting, where individuals seek out old and rare bottles of bourbon from past distilleries. These vintage bourbons offer a taste of history, representing a time when production methods and flavor profiles differed from contemporary offerings. Exploring brands like Stitzel Weller and National Distillers, collectors covet these bottles for their distinct characteristics and the opportunity to savor a bygone era of whiskey production.
Impact of Japan on Whiskey Consumption
The episode highlights Japan's influence on the American whiskey market, particularly during the 'glut era' from 1970 to 1999 when bourbon sales declined annually. Japan's appreciation for luxury American bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle revitalized interest in high-end whiskies, triggering a shift in American distillers' production strategies. Japanese consumers' demand for aged bourbons like Blanton's sparked a trend towards premium, aged whiskeys, reshaping the industry's trajectory.
Exploring Vintage Tequila and Other Spirits
The discussion touches on vintage spirits beyond bourbon, such as tequila and mezcal. Vintage tequila collectors unearth bottles from a time when the spirit was less popular in America, offering insights into traditional, artisanal production methods. Similarly, the fascination with mezcal arises from its distinct production processes and regional variations, presenting a complex and intriguing spirit to explore further.
Famous Finds and Rare Collections
The episode delves into remarkable discoveries of vintage alcohol collections, such as Cecil B. DeMille's hidden stash and the journey of dedicated collectors like Kevin Langdon Ackerman. These rare finds, from long-forgotten bottles to iconic distillery collections, offer a glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of spirits beyond their intended consumption, reflecting a blend of nostalgia and connoisseurship.
Aaron Goldfarb has been a journalist for over a decade, frequently writing on the subjects of cocktails and drinking culture for such publications as the New York Times, Esquire, Playboy, and PUNCH. His latest book, Dusty Booze: In Search of Vintage Spirits, digs into our ongoing obsession with old spirits and the people who chase them. We talk about the real bourbon grails and the fake ones, and if there is any remaining Stitzel-Weller juice to be drunk. It’s fun catching up with Aaron.
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