Cask & Cloak Whiskey Classes & Experiences (2026)

16/06/2026

Meeting a True Tennessee Whiskey Legend

One of the greatest parts of the whiskey journey isn’t collecting bottles—it’s collecting stories and meeting the people who helped shape American whiskey.

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Phil Prichard, founder of Prichard’s Distillery, and for a whiskey enthusiast, this was a genuine bucket-list moment. Getting to talk whiskey, hear firsthand stories from decades in the industry, and grab a photo with one of Tennessee’s pioneering distillers is an experience I’ll never forget. He made me wait while he put on his iconic hat.

For those who may not know, Prichard’s holds a unique place in Tennessee whiskey history. While Tennessee whiskey is traditionally defined by the Lincoln County Process—filtering new make spirit through sugar maple charcoal before aging—Prichard’s was granted a special exemption and remains the only Tennessee distillery permitted to produce Tennessee whiskey without using that process. It’s a fascinating piece of whiskey history and a testament to the legacy Phil built.

Phil helped pave the way for Tennessee’s modern craft distilling movement long before it became popular. His commitment to traditional methods and willingness to challenge convention earned him a respected place among American whiskey makers.

And if you’ve never tried Sweet Lucy, you’re missing out. This legendary whiskey liqueur has developed a cult following for good reason. Smooth, sweet, and packed with character, it’s one of those bottles that surprises almost everyone who tastes it.

If you can’t find a bottle near you, stop by a Cask & Cloak event sometime. I’ll gladly pour you a sample and share the story behind it.

Moments like these remind me that whiskey is about more than what’s in the glass. It’s about history, craftsmanship, and the people who dedicate their lives to preserving both.

Cheers to Phil Prichard, a true Tennessee whiskey legend. 🥃

🥃

14/06/2026

🎸🥃 NEW CASK & CLOAK EXPERIENCE ANNOUNCEMENT 🥃🎸

Some classes start with a whiskey.

This one started with a handshake.

Last year I the opportunity to meet members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and have my bottle of Hell House Whiskey signed. As a lifelong fan of Southern rock, it was one of those moments that reminds you why music matters. The stories, the memories, and the connection. That experience sparked an idea.

What if we explored the incredible intersection of music and whiskey?

Introducing the newest Cask & Cloak experience:

🔥 WHISKEY & AMPLIFIERS: THE MUSICIAN’S WHISKEY JOURNEY 🔥

This isn’t just a whiskey class.

It’s a journey through the stories behind some of the most iconic musicians who took their passion beyond the stage and into the world of whiskey.

Together we’ll explore:

🎸 Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Hell House Whiskey and the legendary cabin where Southern rock history was born

⚡ Metallica’s Blackened Whiskey and the innovative process that literally uses music during production

🎤 Bob Dylan’s Heaven’s Door Whiskey and the artistry behind one of the most respected celebrity whiskey brands

🥃 Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey and the connection between music, craftsmanship, and authenticity

🎶 The history of whiskey in music—from backroad honky-tonks and Southern rock stages to sold-out arenas around the world

Along the way, we’ll taste exceptional whiskey, hear incredible stories, and discover how music and whiskey share something important:

Both are at their best when they bring people together.

Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast, a concert ju**ie, a Southern rock fan, or simply someone who appreciates a great story, this class was designed for you.

Because sometimes the story in the glass starts long before the whiskey ever reaches the bottle.

Stay tuned for dates, locations, and the full tasting lineup.

🥃🎸 Cheers,
Cask & Cloak
Whiskey, History & Community

10/06/2026

The Biggest Bourbon Myth I Hear Every Week

One of the most common things I hear during whiskey tastings is:

"The older the bourbon, the better the bourbon."

The truth? Not always.

Unlike wine, bourbon doesn't continue aging once it leaves the barrel. In fact, too much time in a barrel can sometimes overpower a whiskey with excessive oak, tannin, and bitterness.

I've had incredible 5-year bourbons and I've had 15-year bourbons that tasted like chewing on a barrel stave.

The goal isn't age.

The goal is balance.

A great bourbon is the perfect intersection of grain, barrel, climate, proof, and time.

That's why some of my favorite pours are not necessarily the oldest bottles on the shelf.

Next time you're shopping for bourbon, don't chase the age statement.

Chase the flavor.

What's the youngest bourbon you've had that completely surprised you?

Drop it in the comments.

06/06/2026

If you ever get the opportunity to travel the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, make sure you grab a passport and collect a poker chip from every distillery you visit.

What starts as a fun challenge quickly turns into a whiskey adventure across the state—meeting master distillers, touring rickhouses, learning the history behind each brand, and discovering some incredible pours along the way. Every distillery has its own unique chip, making each stop a memorable addition to the collection.

Once you’ve completed the trail, you’ll receive this fantastic Tennessee Whiskey Trail poker chip set, complete with a custom carrying case and commemorative chips. It’s a unique piece of whiskey memorabilia that looks right at home on any whiskey shelf, bar, or tasting room.

For me, these chips are more than collectibles—they’re reminders of the people I’ve met, the stories I’ve heard, and the distilleries that continue to make Tennessee one of the most exciting whiskey destinations in America.

Have you completed the Tennessee Whiskey Trail? Which distillery stop was your favorite?

06/06/2026

After a long week, I needed a cocktail, and the Old Fashioned did not disappoint.

This week’s stop took me to the incredible Distillery of Modern Art (DoMA) in Chamblee, Georgia. From the moment you walk through the doors, it becomes clear this isn’t just another distillery—it’s a place where craftsmanship, creativity, and community come together.

The towering copper stills are works of art on their own, producing a portfolio of spirits that includes bourbon, rye, vodka, gin, and their unique Amaro Peach. What makes DoMA truly different is that the distillery is integrated with a modern art gallery, creating an experience where fine spirits and fine art share the same stage. Local artists are showcased throughout the facility, making every visit feel like both a tasting and a gallery tour.

Standing in front of those beautiful Vendome copper stills, surrounded by aging barrels and contemporary artwork, I was reminded that great whiskey isn’t just made—it’s created. Every spirit tells a story, and every bottle reflects the passion of the people behind it. DoMA was founded with the vision of blending the worlds of craft distilling and modern art into one immersive experience, and they’ve absolutely succeeded.

The Old Fashioned in my hand was exactly what I needed: balanced, classic, and a perfect way to slow down after a busy week.

If you’re in the Atlanta area and enjoy whiskey, cocktails, art, or simply discovering unique places, put Distillery of Modern Art on your list.

Great spirits
Incredible artwork
Beautiful copper stills
A welcoming community of creators and whiskey lovers

Some places serve drinks. Others create experiences. DoMA does both.

05/06/2026

Blackened Whiskey: Where Heavy Metal Meets American Whiskey

Some bottles have a story. Others have a legend.

One of the most unique whiskeys in my collection is Blackened Whiskey, a collaboration between the members of Metallica and legendary master distiller Dave Pickerell. Pickerell wasn’t just another whiskey maker—he spent 14 years as Master Distiller at Maker’s Mark and later became known as the “Johnny Appleseed of Craft Distilling” for helping launch and advise more than 100 distilleries across America.

What makes Blackened truly different is its finishing process. The whiskey is a blend of straight bourbons and ryes that is finished in brandy casks, but the innovation doesn’t stop there. During maturation, the barrels are exposed to low-frequency sound waves through a process called BLACK NOISE™. Engineers developed the process to create vibrations that increase the interaction between the whiskey and the oak, helping extract additional flavor compounds from the barrel. And yes—the sound waves come from Metallica’s music.

Marketing gimmick or genuine innovation? That’s a debate whiskey enthusiasts still enjoy having. What isn’t debatable is that Blackened helped bring fresh attention and creativity to American whiskey. It represents a willingness to challenge tradition while still respecting the craftsmanship behind the spirit.

For me, that’s what makes whiskey so fascinating. Every bottle tells a story. Some are written in rickhouses and warehouses. Others are written with amplifiers turned to eleven.

Have you tried Blackened? Do you think the music makes a difference, or is it simply one of the most creative whiskey stories ever told?

30/05/2026

Checking off Nashville Barrel Company from my list and grab my last
Poker chip on the trail( more on that later) and it reminded me why some of the best whiskey experiences aren’t just about what’s in the glass—they’re about the people behind it.

Tucked away in Nashville, this is one of those places that feels more like hanging out with fellow whiskey enthusiasts than visiting a traditional distillery. Nashville Barrel Company has built a reputation for sourcing and bottling exceptional single barrels, barrel-strength releases, and unique finishes that consistently punch well above their weight.

The atmosphere was exactly what a whiskey lover hopes for—cozy, welcoming, and filled with great conversation. From sampling standout pours straight from the tasting bar to checking out some impressive barrel selections, every part of the visit felt authentic and focused on the whiskey.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was seeing the variety of barrels available, including some impressive sourced bourbons and ryes alongside their Tennessee whiskey offerings. It’s easy to see why they’ve developed such a loyal following among enthusiasts and barrel pick groups across the country.

Of course, I couldn’t leave empty-handed. A bottle made its way home with me and into the collection. Sometimes the best souvenirs aren’t the rarest bottles—they’re the ones that remind you of a great experience, great people, and a memorable stop along the whiskey trail.

If you’re planning a whiskey trip to Nashville, put Nashville Barrel Company on your list. The whiskey is excellent, but it’s the hospitality and passion for the craft that make it a destination worth visiting.

🥃 Have you visited Nashville Barrel Company? What was your favorite pour?

28/05/2026

This Week's Drink Recipe: The Velvet Orchard Smash

If you've walked through a farmers market lately, you've probably noticed one thing—peach season is here.

And while peaches make an incredible cobbler, pie, or ice cream topping, I would argue they truly shine when paired with bourbon.

Why? Because the natural sweetness of ripe peaches complements the caramel, vanilla, and oak notes found in bourbon. Add a little fresh mint and lemon, and you've got a cocktail that's refreshing enough for a hot summer evening while still letting the whiskey take center stage.

The Velvet Orchard Smash

🍑 ½ Fresh Ripe Peach, chopped
🌿 4 Fresh Mint Leaves
🍯 ½ oz Simple Syrup
🥃 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
🍋 ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice

Directions

1️⃣ Muddle the peach, mint, and simple syrup in the bottom of a shaker.

2️⃣ Add bourbon, lemon juice, and ice.

3️⃣ Shake vigorously for about 12 seconds.

4️⃣ Fine strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice.

5️⃣ Garnish with a fresh peach slice and mint sprig.

Bourbon Recommendation

No need to break out a unicorn bottle for this one. My recommendation is Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond.

At around $20-$25 a bottle, it delivers rich caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors while carrying enough proof (100) to stand up to the fresh fruit and citrus. It's widely available, affordable, and one of the best values in bourbon today.

Remember, some ingredients only come around for a few months each year. Peaches are at their peak right now, and they absolutely belong in your cocktail.

Cheers to making good pours and even better memories.

24/05/2026

Another great stop on the whiskey trail — a visit to MB Roland Distillery in western Kentucky.

Founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Paul and Merry Beth Tomaszewski, MB Roland has built a reputation for doing things the right way: grain-to-glass whiskey, handcrafted on-site using local Kentucky grains and traditional copper pot stills. Their commitment to authenticity and bold flavor has made them one of Kentucky’s standout craft distilleries.

One thing I really respect about MB Roland is that they don’t try to copy the big distilleries. They lean into being different — from their unfiltered approach to some seriously creative spirits and moonshines. You can feel the passion the second you walk through the doors.

Of course, I couldn’t leave empty-handed. I added a bottle of their Cinnamon Cayenne Moonshine to the collection — and let me tell you, this thing brings the heat. Sweet cinnamon up front followed by a cayenne kick that sneaks up on you in the best possible way. Definitely not your average flavored shine.

Distillery visits like this are what continue to fuel my passion for whiskey education. Every stop has a story, a process, and people behind the spirit worth learning from.

21/05/2026

“I’m incredibly honored to receive a recognition that can’t simply be bought, studied for, or earned through a certification exam.”

“Over the years, I’ve worked hard to earn whiskey credentials through education and study — Master Whiskey Taster, Executive Bourbon Steward, American Single Malt Certified, and many others.

But some honors can’t simply be earned in a classroom or passed with an exam. Some come from the respect of the people who already walk the path.

I’m truly humbled and honored to announce that I’ve been nominated and accepted into the Tennessee Squire Association.

A huge thank you to owner and Master Distiller of Sugarlands, Greg Eidam for the nomination and support. That means more to me than you know.

What makes this recognition special is the standard behind it. Tennessee Squires are selected based on character, generosity, responsibility, and contributions to the whiskey community. Membership requires nomination by an existing Tennessee Squire or a Jack Daniel’s employee — and traditionally, a Squire is only expected to nominate one person in their lifetime.

That reality makes this acceptance something I do not take lightly.

Whiskey has never just been about what’s in the glass for me. It’s about history, community, storytelling, education, and bringing people together. I’m grateful to continue that journey alongside some incredible people in this industry.

Here’s to good whiskey, great people, and continuing to learn every day.

Cask & Cloak Whiskey Classes & Experiences

16/06/2026

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