I know the title sounds bad. But really it's focusing on the next step in life. Here is the livestream that I did , ( note all giveaways are done.) I had a blast doing a year in review, and whats in the future. Hope you enjoy and know that i'm trying to produce the best product I can. Anyway Be Blessed.

Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3

https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Death is the end of life, the irreversible cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism.[3] Death eventually and inevitably occurs in all organisms. The remains of a former organism normally begin to decompose shortly after death.[4] Some organisms, such as the immortal jellyfish, are biologically immortal; however, they can still die from means other than the effects of aging.[5] Death is generally applied to whole organisms; the equivalent for individual components of an organism—such as cells or tissues—is necrosis.[6] Something that is not considered an organism may be said "to die" in a figurative sense when it reaches an inactive state, such as when a star runs out of fuel.

As of the early 21st century, 56 million people die per year. As of 2022, an estimated total of almost 110 billion humans have died, or roughly 94% of all humans to have ever lived.[7] The cause of death is usually considered important, and an autopsy can be done to determine it. There are many causes, from accidents to diseases. The most common reason is aging;[8] the most common cause is cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is a disease that affects the heart or blood vessels.[9] A substudy of gerontology known as biogerontology seeks to eliminate death by natural aging in humans, often through the application of natural processes found in certain organisms.[10] However, as humans do not have the means to apply this to themselves, they have to use other ways to reach the maximum lifespan for a human, often through lifestyle changes, such as calorie reduction, dieting, and exercise.[11] The idea of lifespan extension is considered and studied as a way for people to live longer.

Determining when a person has definitively died has proven difficult. Initially, death was defined as occurring when breathing and the heartbeat ceased, a status still known as clinical death.[12] However, the development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) meant that such a state was no longer strictly irreversible.[13] For all organisms with a brain, death can instead be focused on this organ.[14][15] Brain death was then considered a more fitting option, but several definitions exist for this: some people believe that all brain functions must cease; others believe that even if the brainstem is still alive, the personality and identity are irretrievably lost, so therefore the person should be considered entirely dead.[16] Brain death is sometimes used as a legal definition of death.

There is something that keep calling me back. Back to Pennsylvania, is it the people. Is it the story, or the whiskey. Well its all of the above, and i'm in love with it all. Today is no exception. We chat with Matt and Peter at Iron City Distilling. And it was amazing, like talking to old friends. Hope you enjoy, and Be Blessed.

Ironcitydistilling.com

Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3

Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshaman

https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Maryland-Style Rye- Distiller's Reserve

$40.00

Creighton

150 Ferry Street Creighton, PA

Description

SHIPPING TO PA ADDRESSES ONLY

Iron City Distiller’s Reserve is a tribute to our distillers and their ability to turn even the humblest of ingredients into something magical. Made in small batches, these spirits offer a glimpse of the great things to come from our distillery.

Our Master Distiller distilled this straight Maryland-style rye at one of his former distilleries many years ago. Through careful attention to grains, yeast, and whole lot of patience, we offer you this beautifully matured whiskey. Enjoy neat, over ice, on in your favorite cocktail. Cheers!

(375 ml btl; 50% abv)

Agricultural Revival

Our partnership with the SeedSpark Program is more than crafting spirits; it's a pledge to agricultural revival.

This collaboration focuses on rejuvenating Pennsylvania's heritage grains. By using these grains, we enhance our spirits' depth and character, reawakening a historical era.

MATT STRICKLAND

Our Master Distiller began his career in alcohol many years ago when he began doing microbiology research for the Oregon Wine industry during graduate school at Oregon State University. Upon obtaining his Master’s degree he somehow stumbled his way into the wonderous world of whiskey distillation. And once he started working with stills, he never looked back. Since then, he has built numerous distilleries both as a distiller and as a consultant. He also began teaching the science and art of distillation through numerous organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and the UK. In an effort to further the field of whiskey education he has authored countless articles, webinars, and talks. He has also written two highly regarded books for the industry, Cask Management for Distillers (White Mule Press, 2020) and Batch Distillation: Science and Practice (White Mule Press, 2021). Matt lives in Pittsburgh with his wife and two precocious daughters. His hobbies include rock climbing and shopping for cars his wife will never let him buy. He also believes that irony is not a prerequisite for listening to Journey.

I told yall we were gonna finish the last couple of the podcasts with banger after banger. For this show, we sat down with the master blender of Westward whiskey the creative genius behind all of there releases. Miles has an extensive background that we get into. But also this is a conversation of two whiskey lovers, sharing some life story. And they were gracious enough to send over a bottle of there Lamington Porter Cask finished, which is a Australia only release. Super stoked for you to listen and watch. Check the links down below for more content.

Westwardwhiskey.com

Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshaman

Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3

https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

————

A LEGACY THAT SPANS TWO DECADES

In over twenty years of whiskey-making, we’ve learned what it takes to create something unforgettable. Inspired by the beauty of the American Northwest, its pioneering spirit, and its rich culinary culture, Westward Whiskey is crafted to build peak flavor from the ground up. Our award-winning American whiskeys reflect a commitment to boldness, balance, and creativity.

WE ARE THE PINNACLE OF AMERICAN WHISKEY

——

We honor our home in every bottle. From the Columbia River Gorge to the slopes of Mount Hood, the American Northwest is woven into every step of our process.

This region offers one of the most fertile barley-growing climates in the world—an ideal place to craft world-class whiskey.

——

The Northwest has long attracted hardworking visionaries—people driven to build something better.

Our team of creators includes former brewers, winemakers, and Michelin-trained chefs with more than 50 years of collective distilling experience. Their passion and expertise push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making.

——

There are no shortcuts in our deliberate process—and therein lies the beauty.

We blend the best of brewing, distilling, and aging traditions to create a whiskey like no other.

Brewed Like a Craft Ale

We start by brewing a full-flavored American Ale entirely from scratch. Using locally malted barley, ale yeast, and a slow, low-temperature fermentation, we build a bold and complex foundation for our whiskey.

DISTILLED LIKE A SINGLE MALT

That fresh ale is double-distilled in custom low-reflux pot stills designed to retain character and texture. This hands-on method transforms our flavorful brew into a robust and expressive spirit.

AGED LIKE A BOURBON

We age our whiskey in new American oak barrels—heavily toasted and lightly charred—to unlock layers of vanilla, spice, and fruit. Each barrel is carefully selected to enhance the richness and depth of our whiskey.

To showcase the full spectrum of earthy, fruity, and spicy flavors, we mingle our barrels in small batches to achieve Westward’s signature profile: layered, balanced, and unapologetically bold.

DISTINCT. RICH. BRAZEN. FULL OF FLAVOR.

Our Most Ambitious, Limited and Exclusive Whiskey

Available for Distillery Tasting Room pickup only

From our home in the American Northwest, our distillers have pushed boundaries as few dare, reimagining and elevating American whiskey for nearly two decades. We recognize that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts, so we challenged ourselves to explore what the ultimate expression of Westward whiskey could be.

Westward Whiskey Milestone® represents our makers' knowledge and our full body of work, brought together into a single whiskey through a twenty-one barrel Solera system that includes some of our most precious whiskies. By far the most ambitious and exclusive whiskey we will ever craft, this forthcoming annual release is a masterpiece in American whiskey and a milestone for Westward. It reflects both the legacy of our past and the promise of our future.

Bottled at 43% ABV / 86 proof

What happens when you mix 6 Texas summers with a Texas bourbon. You get Garrison Cowboy 2025. Today we deep dive into what Cowboy Bourbon is all about. From the Proof to the presentation. Hope you enjoy.

COWBOY BOURBON®

Every now and then, Garrison Brothers releases one of the most highly-coveted bourbon whiskies in America; Cowboy Bourbon. From Dan and Donnis’ favorite barrels, the liquid is set aside for a couple of years and bottled at cask-strength, uncut and unfiltered.

UNCUT, UNFILTERED

TEXAS STRAIGHT

BOURBON

WHISKEY

73.2%

ALC/VOL

146.4

PROOF

Get Your Hands On a Bottle & Treasure It

Every now and then, Garrison Brothers releases one of the most highly-coveted bourbon whiskies in America: Cowboy Bourbon®. This incredible bourbon has been recognized with numerous Platinum and Gold awards at several prestigious spirits competitions, such as the 2023 ASCOT Awards, the 2024 SIP Awards, and the 2024 TAG Global Spirits Awards, to name a few. Unlike our Small Batch, Cowboy Bourbon comes from Dan and Donnis’ favorite barrels. These barrels are set aside for a couple of years for further maturation and the liquid is bottled at cask-strength, uncut and unfiltered. It’s the ultimate ambrosia.

It takes a special barrel to create a bourbon nectar sweet enough to be enjoyed at such a high proof. The potency normally overpowers the flavor. This ain’t the case with Cowboy Bourbon—it’s so sweet, the flavor overpowers its proof. And you can thank the Texas heat for that.

Out here, it’s 100 degrees six months of the year, and even hotter inside our steel barns. It might seem crazy to buy high quality barrels and torture them this way, but that’s how we extract all the flavor from the American oak. As it matures, the bourbon cycles through the wood’s pores and crevices, yielding a distinct color and bold flavors—everything rich and good about bourbon without the heat.

But as delicious as it all sounds, make sure you proceed with caution; barrel-proof bourbon is not for everyone. It should always be savored in moderation. For something strong enough to run a car engine, the finish is incredibly smooth. It’s peppery, with a restrained current of warmth. While surprising, maybe it ought not be, as that restraint makes it ideal for summertime drinking. This stuff was heat-forged in Texas, after all.

Tasting Notes

NOSE Burnt wood, gun smoke, and toasted marshmallows.

PALATE Surprising and complicated oozing with black pepper and cooking spice, balanced by plum and apricot.

FINISH Flood of warmth layered with dried fruits and toasted marshmallows.

COLOR Dark Cacao Chocolate.

Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon

”118 barrels meant to be enjoyed together."

— Donnis todd, master distiller—

Our Story

OUR FOUNDER

Dan Garrison

There’s a reason why Dan Garrison opened Texas’ first legal bourbon distillery. Well, several.

Grain To Glass

We’re proud to create our world-class bourbons on our ranch in Hye, Texas. From the milling of the grains to the wax seal on the finished bottles, every step is done by us, for you.

Today we talk about alot. I will admit i was a little under the weather.

So there is that. We did a walkthrough of some of the offerings of the new Lost Lantern release Scotch Lovers Collection

Lets just say it was AMAZING. KYSULost Lantern's newest major release is the "Scotch Lovers' Collection" for Fall 2025, which focuses entirely on American single malts designed to appeal to fans of traditional Scotch whisky profiles. The collection was released on November 12, 2025. In addition to the main collection, the November 2025 Discovery Club release is a unique pot-still whiskey from Painted Stave Distilling in Delaware. The Scotch Lovers' Collection (Fall 2025)This collection features seven different expressions (two blends and five single casks) and is a celebration of American single malts following their official category recognition in late 2024. Blends:American Vatted Malt RemixAmerican Vatted Malt Reissue Single Casks:Warfield Idaho Single MaltTriple Eight Trio A set of three whiskies from Triple Eight Distillery:Triple Eight Peated Massachusetts Single MaltTriple Eight Massachusetts Single Malt 10 Years OldTriple Eight Sauternes Cask Aged Massachusetts Single Malt 11 Years OldMcCarthy's Peated Oregon Single Malt 10 Years Old

Well I can quit for the year now. (Just wait we aint done yet). Today we have Ana with Westland. We chatted about it all Beginnings and 5 malts. The road there and back again. Can't wait for yall to watch/listen. Enjoy!!

Thewhiskeyshaman.com

Westlanddistillery.com

Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshaman

Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3

https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

it begins with an idea

In whiskey itself, as a discipline, we do not see a fully explored, mature world, as most in our industry do. We see the opposite. For us, whiskey is not a feature of this world that is ours to protect, it is an extension of ourselves that is ours to advance when the opportunity presents itself. And the opportunities are vast, maybe incalculable. Each bottle of whiskey we fill at Westland represents one step forward in sharing the story of our place. Ten years have passed, and we have circled the topic of terroir again and again, each time sensing an opportunity to approach it from a new perspective. But always, we’re heading west.

Westland Whiskey started in 2011 with a great vision to create American Single Malt whiskey that reflects the true colors of the Pacific Northwest region. Over ten years later, we continue to fill casks with single malt whiskey that we distill in Seattle's SoDo neighborhood and age mindfully in Washington State's Skagit Valley region.
We are proud to be seen as one of America's premiere distillers with sustainable practices and award-winning spirits. We love hearing from you; contact us if you have any questions about Westland.

Whiskey

$59.99

Westland's signature American Single Malt Whiskey is a culmination of over 10 years pioneering a new category of whiskey that has put America on the global single malt map. This latest expression represents the possibilities to be explored in single malt and captures the essence of our house style in one flagship bottle.

Garryana 10th Edition - Aged 10 Years

A Decade of Pursuit

Our exploration of Garryana began with purpose and curiosity in November of 2011. It was with that first cask that we saw the massive potential of our native oak, not just for its incredible flavor profile, but for its ability to distinguish, in a palpable way, the unique character of our Pacific Northwest terroir.

Since 2011, we’ve been waiting for the opportunity to showcase the qualities of our native oak in a new way, and to honor Garryana with the reverence and patience it deserves. Westland is releasing, for the first time, an age-stated whiskey, Garryana, Aged 10 years. The result of years of dedicated effort and the beginning of a new chapter for Westland, as we continue to explore the unique qualities of our Pacific Northwest home.

We hope you enjoy the journey as much as we have.

Product Specs:

Maturation Time: 10 years

ABV: 50% ABV // 100 Proof

Grain Bill: Westland Signature Five Malt + Washington Pale Malts

Primary Casks: First & Second Fill Garry Oak

Secondary Casks: Pedro Ximenez Hogshead, Rum, and Ex-Bourbon

Nose: Mulled Wine, Clove, Walnut Fudge Brownie, and Lemon Danish Pastry

Palate: S’mores, Dehydrated Strawberry, Toasted Cumin, Blood Orange