2022 was a great year. As sad as I am to see it go, I am looking forward to whatever 2023 brings! Here are some of my favorite stories from the past year.

Mammoth Distilling Resurrects Rosen Rye – I traveled to an uninhabited island in Lake Michigan to see a crop of rye growing and I would totally do it again! I’m a big fan of the passion that the folks at Mammoth Distilling have put into resurrecting Rosen Rye in Michigan.

Hidden Barn: Jackie Zykan’s New Brand Revealed – I have always been a huge fan of Jackie Zykan, so I was truly honored to have the opportunity to break this story. It shot our web traffic up 3500%+, too, so clearly others are Jackie Zykan fans, too.

Interview: Drink Masters Season 1 Winner Lauren “LP” O’Brien – This is not the type of show I would typically watch, but as a spirits journalist I thought I should give it a go. I’m so glad that I did! All the contestants were amazing. I cannot fathom the stamina it took to do this show. LP is an amazing bartender and I’m thrilled I got a chance to speak with her!

Wyoming Whiskey Co-Founder Shares All As Brand Hits 10th Birthday – This is the extended cut of a shorter news story that I did over on American Whiskey Mag and I love that David DeFazio spilled the tea about all the struggles that got Wyoming Whiskey to where it is today.

CEO Brittany Penny of The IX Bourbon Is Smashing The Glass Ceiling – If you know me at all, you know what a huge fan I am of Brittany Penny. She started a Bourbon business when she had a newborn because she wasn’t sleeping and figured she’d better use her time to start a business. You just can’t imagine the drive this woman has as the first Black woman CEO of a Kentucky Bourbon brand!

The Saga Of Cream Of Kentucky Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey – I love taking every chance I can to interview Jim Rutledge. I’m thrilled that he is still distilling in Kentucky!

Castle & Key: A Bourbon Phoenix Rises – After years of excitement, Castle & Key finally released its first Bourbon. The story I did revolved around the blending process of getting that first batch. It was an exciting event!

Best Whiskey Pairings For Weller Cohiba And Buffalo Trace Cigars – I have strong opinions about pairing whiskeys and cigars, and it never involves dipping cigars in whiskey or any other such nonsense. I’m pleased that General Tobacco finally got around to creating a cigar that pairs well with actual Bourbons!

America’s Emerging Whiskey Styles Are Turning Heads Around The Globe – For many years between the 1950s and the 2000s, Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey were really the only American whiskey styles in major production, with a little bit of Rye whiskey in the mix. Now American Single Malt is taking hold and other newer styles of whiskey are emerging.

How Buzzard’s Roost Is Crafting A Delicious Slow-Sipping Bourbon – I am so proud of my friend Jason Brauner for all of his hard work and dedication in the Whiskey industry, and watching him launch a great whiskey brand has been an absolute joy.

There were plenty of other great stories, which you can find on American Whiskey Magazine, Whisky Magazine, and Alcohol Professor. Also, check out Relish & Whisky Magazine – I did a few stories there this year, too! Goodbye, 2022 and on to 2023’s adventures!

Photos Courtesy of Maggie Kimberl