Before bourbon hunting, whiskey influencers, and seemingly endless craft distillery openings, there were a handful of people willing to take a chance on an industry that barely existed.

Phil Prichard was one of them.

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Phil Prichard, founder of Prichard’s Distillery, to talk about building a craft whiskey brand long before craft whiskey was cool. From the early days of opening a distillery in Tennessee to navigating an industry that was still finding its footing, Phil shares stories, lessons, and the mindset that helped him turn a bold idea into one of the pioneering names in American craft spirits.

Along the way, the conversation explores Tennessee whiskey, pot still distillation, the evolution of the whiskey industry, and what it’s like watching today’s boom through the eyes of someone who helped lay the foundation for it. Phil also reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of doing things your own way, and why some of the best decisions in life look a little crazy at first.

Plus, Joel and Chris review Prichard’s Tennessee Whiskey (86 Proof), compare it to classic rock albums, and put Phil through the Whiskey Rocks Lightning Round covering music, whiskey myths, time machines, and the wild ride of building a distillery before anyone knew if the craft whiskey movement would survive.

Pour a dram, turn up the music, and join us for a conversation with one of the true pioneers of modern American craft whiskey.

Whiskey Rocks. Sip Hard.

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Most whiskey companies start with a still.

Root Shoot started with a farm.

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, Joel and Chris sit down with Heyward Gualandi and fifth-generation farmer Todd Olander to explore one of the most unique stories in American whiskey. Instead of building a distillery and sourcing grain, Root Shoot flipped the traditional model on its head…growing, harvesting, and malting their own grain before partnering with distilleries best suited to bring their vision to life.

Along the way, they discuss the importance of grain, the rise of American Single Malt, regenerative farming, terroir in whiskey, and why owning the supply chain may matter more than owning the still. They also share the story behind Root Shoot’s award-winning whiskeys (including some fun bourbons on the way), the patience required to take grain from field to bottle, and the larger mission of helping distillers across the country make better spirits.

Plus, Joel and Chris taste and review Root Shoot’s Bottled in Bond American Single Malt and Homestead High Proof Series, compare them to classic rock albums, and put their guests through the Whiskey Rocks Lightning Round.

Pour a dram, turn up the music, and discover why at Root Shoot, the story begins long before the barrel.

Whiskey Rocks. Sip Hard.

To learn more about Root Shoot visit https://www.rootshootspirits.com

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On this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Clinton Duggan, co-founder and master blender of Shortbarrel Bourbon, to talk about the wild ride from weekend barrel picks to building one of the most talked-about brands in modern whiskey.

We dive into the art of blending, the evolution of bourbon culture, the rise of Atlanta whiskey, and what really goes into creating bold, memorable pours that stand out in today’s crowded whiskey world. Along the way, we taste through Shortbarrel’s 101 Rye Small Batch, Four Grain Bourbon, and Toasted Small Batch Bourbon while talking music, flavor, bourbon hype, and the future of whiskey.

It’s a laid-back, story-filled conversation packed with big laughs, great pours, and plenty of whiskey nerdery.

Pour yourself something good and sip hard.

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