Chill Filtered

Episode 409: Buffalo Trace Single Oak Rye Bourbon #80 (2026)

This week on Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan finally get their hands on a bottle they feel like they’ve been waiting years to taste: the Buffalo Trace Single Oak Rye Bourbon #80. This is the much-anticipated follow-up to the legendary SOP #80, and the boys are beyond grateful to Sazerac for the opportunity to put it to the test.

Before the main event, they take a moment to look back and compare this new release to some of their favorite "OG" Single Oak Projects—including, of course, the original #80 that started it all.

On Whiskey World News, Bryan dives into the details of the ultra-aged Eagle Rare 30 Year and what a release of that magnitude means for the brand.

And for “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys talk shop about the tools of the trade:

What is your absolute favorite whiskey glassware to use at home?

A massive follow-up, a trip down memory lane, and a look at the high-end side of the industry—pour a glass (in your favorite vessel) and join us for this one.

Episode 408: Sagamore Rye 8yr Amontillado Cask Finish

This week on Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan explore a special release from Sagamore Spirit: their 8-year Rye finished in Amontillado casks. It’s a sophisticated pour with a lot of character, and the boys spend some time breaking down why that specific sherry finish interacts the way it does with their rye.

Before they crack the bottle, they warm up the conversation by chatting through some names in the industry—like Heaven Hill or Good Times—and getting into a fun discussion about those elusive whiskeys that hit those rich, dark cherry notes that are always a treat to find.

On Whiskey World News, the guys have a lot to talk about regarding the legal landscape. Bryan brings everyone up to speed on the recent federal appeals court ruling that struck down the long-standing ban on home distilling. They break down the nuance of the decision and why it is not quite the "green light" for your garage distillery just yet.

And for “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys pose a question that highlights the dilemma of every collector:

Would you prefer higher availability allocated whiskeys with higher price tags, or lower availability allocated bottles with lower prices?

A great rye, some industry news, and a debate on accessibility—grab a glass and hang with us! 🥃

Episode 407: Thirteenth Colony 2026 Cask Strength Bourbon

Episode 406: Elijah Craig 15yr Single Barrel

This week on Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan get their hands on a long-awaited release from Heaven Hill: an Elijah Craig 15-Year Single Barrel. After years of fans asking for more age-stated options, the boys finally see if this 15-year pour lives up to the hype.

Before cracking the seal, the conversation takes a turn into the struggles of caffeine withdrawal, the hidden grip of sugar, and why Heaven Hill made a brilliant move by officially adding a 15-year expression back into the mix.

On Whiskey World News, Bryan shares the news that has the whole community buzzing: Buffalo Trace has officially released the follow-up to the Single Oak Project. Given their deep dive into the original project, the boys are absolutely stoked to see what’s next.

And for “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys lean into the spirit of innovation:

What is one of your favorite "experiments" in the whiskey world?

Big age statements, big news, and a little bit of healthy living (or trying to) — grab a pour and join us. 🥃

Episode 405: George T Stagg (2016) at 144.1 Proof

On this episode of Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan take it back to 2016 to crack open what many consider one of the most legendary releases of all time: George T. Stagg (144.1 proof). Yeah… this one’s been a long time coming.

Before diving into the pour, the boys get into AI-generated videos and music, some April Fools’ jokes that actually landed (and some that didn’t), and a great conversation on how your whiskey palate can evolve over the years — sometimes leaving old favorites in the dust.

On Whiskey World News, Bryan reads about Penelope’s big financial win following their buyout from MGP, and what that could mean for the brand going forward.

And on “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys get a little introspective:
What’s a whiskey you used to love but feel like you’ve “outgrown”?

An iconic hazmat pour, some thoughtful whiskey nostalgia, and just enough chaos to keep it fun — this one’s got a little bit of everything. 🥃

Episode 404: Springbank 10yr Fino Sherry

On this episode of Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan crack into a Campbeltown gem: Springbank 10 Year Fino Sherry — a unique twist on a classic distillery profile.

Before getting into the pour, the boys chat about Kansas travels, the dangerously deep world of espresso machines, and Cole’s recent funeral trip, bringing a mix of light and real-life moments before the whiskey starts flowing.

On Whiskey World News, Cole shares his latest deep dive into the ongoing Uncle Nearest drama, breaking down what he’s been reading and why it’s been such a hot topic.

And on “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys keep it relatable:
What’s the last whiskey you packed in a carry-on bag?

A little Campbeltown character, some real talk, and the kind of question that might expose your travel priorities — it’s a good one. 🥃

Episode 403: Found North Peregrine (2026)

Episode 402: Bruichladdich x4+18

On this episode of Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan pour something pretty wild from Islay: Bruichladdich 4X + 18, a quadruple-distilled Scotch that definitely stands out from the crowd.

Before getting into the pour, the boys talk about some recent blind tasting sessions, the excitement of Cole landing a Van Winkle purchase, and his latest attempt at trying to eat a little healthier (we’ll see how that goes).

On Whiskey World News, Bryan reads about Sazerac stepping further into Tennessee whiskey with a new distilling venture.

And on “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys keep it classic:
What’s your favorite Scotch distillery?

A funky Scotch experiment, a lucky bourbon score, and plenty of whiskey talk along the way — pour something good and hang with us. 🥃

Episode 401: Still Austin Tanager (2025)

On this episode of Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan pour a rare-ish Texas bourbon that’s been getting some buzz: Still Austin Tanager. Before getting into the review, the boys chat about the ever-thrilling world of taxes, some fun blind tastings they’ve been doing, and the story behind Still Austin Whiskey Co. — including what makes the distillery stand out in the growing Texas whiskey scene.

On Whiskey World News, Bryan reads about Heaven Hill Distillery releasing a 13-year bourbon to honor their Deatsville campus, a bottle that’s already catching the attention of bourbon fans.

And on “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys ask a question that might get a little heated:
What’s the worse offense — chill filtration or artificial coloring?

Texas bourbon, whiskey nerd debates, and a little tax-season therapy — it’s another fun one. 🥃

Episode 400: Interview with Bourbon Legend Freddie Johnson

Four. Hundred. Episodes.

Somehow, some way… we made it.

For this massive milestone, Cole and Bryan are beyond honored to welcome Freddie Johnson of Buffalo Trace to celebrate Episode 400. Having Freddie join us for this one feels right — a true ambassador of bourbon, history, and hospitality sitting down to talk life and whiskey on a landmark episode.

Of course, we couldn’t do 400 without pouring something special. The boys crack into some absolute heavy hitters — think Pappy and George T. Stagg — but what starts as a celebration of big bottles quickly becomes something deeper.

This episode turns into an honest, thoughtful conversation about life, legacy, whiskey, and the relationships that really matter. It’s reflective. It’s meaningful. It’s the kind of episode that reminds us why we started this podcast in the first place.

No Whiskey World News.
No “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”

Just good people, great whiskey, and a moment to appreciate 400 episodes of Chill Filtered. 🥃

We couldn’t have done it without you.