To know why I pick the barrels I do, you have to know what I drink when I’m off the clock. My palate isn't tied to one region; it’s tied to quality and craft.

The Foundation: The Standards I Respect

I’ll always have time for the classics done right. I’m a big fan of the Brown-Forman profile—there’s a consistency and richness there that’s hard to beat. And like almost every bourbon drinker out there, I find it hard to turn down a pour from Buffalo Trace. These are the benchmarks for a reason.

The Global Influence: Elegance & Balance

When I want something more refined, I head toward Irish and Japanese whiskies. The work coming out of Midleton (specifically the Redbreast and Spot ranges) is the gold standard for fruit-forward complexity. Same goes for Yamazaki—the balance and precision in those bottles are what I’m looking for when I talk about "discernible notes."

The New Frontier: American Single Malts

This is where whiskey is getting really exciting. I’m a huge advocate for American Single Malts. It’s a category that’s breaking the rules in the best way possible.

The "Under the Radar" Gems

If you want to know what I’m excited about right now, stop looking at the top shelf of the big-box stores and start looking at the craft innovators. If I were to champion the brands that are doing the real work, I’d tell you to check these out:

• The Innovators: Starlight, Cedar Ridge, and Spirit Lab Distilling.

• The Malt Masters: Westland, Westward, and Virginia Distilling Company.

• The Bold & The Brave: Balcones, Clyde May’s, and the folks over at Crowded Barrel.

These are the producers who believe in "liquid over label" as much as I do. They aren’t hiding behind a dusty heritage story—they’re putting everything they have into the bottle. That’s the same energy I bring to every barrel pick we do.

When it comes to my palate, I’m chasing depth and those distinct, discernible notes that make a pour interesting. I want layers that hit every part of the tongue—rich, dark fruits or bright tropical flavors, supported by just enough oak to give it structure without that dry, bitter tannic bite. Texture is a big deal for me, too; I’m looking for a medium-to-thick mouthfeel that you can actually chew on. Whether a bottle is complex and challenging or just a solid, easy-drinker, I want the taste to stay honest to the nose and leave a sweet, rich finish that sticks with you.