Chill Filtered

Welcome back to Chill Filtered, the podcast where we drink whiskey so you don't have to (but you probably should)!

In this episode, Cole and Bryan pop the cork on one of the most celebrated modern Wild Turkey releases: the brand-new Russell's Reserve 13-Year Barrel Proof (45th Anniversary Edition)! Before getting into the glass, the guys talk batched freezer Old Fashioned recipes, sinking ice cubes, and officially announce the 2026 Chill Filtered Meetup in Phoenix, AZ (November 13–15) featuring an exclusive Found North barrel pick with Chris Riesbeck.

Welcome back to Chill Filtered, the podcast where we drink whiskey so you don't have to (but you probably should)!

In this episode, Cole and Bryan crack open a special bottle sent over by 13th Colony Distilleries—their brand new Barrel Symphony: Composition No. 1! Before diving into the pour, the guys catch up on Bryan's recent raffle win (a 55-gallon barrel and distillery tour in Mesa), upcoming concerts, family Disney plans, and a chaotic trip to urgent care for "Nursemaid's Elbow."

📜 History Deep Dive: The Art & Chemistry of Bourye Blends
For the history segment, Cole breaks down the origins of "Bourye" (Bourbon x Rye) blending. From High West pioneering the category in 2009 to the chemical clash between sweet corn oils and sharp rye staves, we explore how 13th Colony harmonized an 87% batch of 6-year straight bourbon with a 13% accent of 7-year straight rye at a cask-strength 116.2 proof.

📰 Whiskey World News
In this week's news, the guys react to the sudden Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closure of all Salad and Go locations—the drive-thru salad chain beloved for healthy fast food—and discuss what the future holds as Dutch Bros backers acquire the assets.

❓ What Whiskey Would You Choose?
This Week's Scenario: What is the cheapest 750ml bottle of whiskey you've ever bought, and was it actually any good?

Bryan: Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond (~$18–$20) — Was it good? Absolutely not.

Cole: Old Forester 86 Proof (~$18) — Was it good? Honestly, yes!

📊 Episode Ratings & Final Verdict
13th Colony Barrel Symphony: Composition No. 1

Cole's Score: B- / 8.5 out of 10 (Soft maple sweetness, great balance of grain spice when poured neat)

Bryan's Score: Highly recommended with a splash of water (Super smooth, drinks way below its 116.2 proof with creamy vanilla and subtle fruit notes)

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This week on Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan dive into one of the most anticipated monster releases of the year: the Jack Daniel's Special Release (2026) Boiler Hill #1 Rye Whiskey. Clocking in at a towering 146.1 proof, this high-octane Tennessee rye officially charges straight into true hazmat territory.

Before uncorking this heavyweight pour, the boys catch up on recent adventures and unexpected surprises. They share stories of recent special whiskey finds, Bryan breaks down his random bout of pneumonia, and they talk about battling wild dust storms out in Phoenix.

On Whiskey World News, Bryan covers a packed slate of industry headlines, breaking down the announcements for two brand-new rare whiskey releases and the massive industry news surrounding the lifting of tariffs on Scotch whiskey.

And for “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, Bryan poses a stranded-in-paradise dilemma:

Say you're headed to a remote Pacific Island for a 3-week trip—what bottle are you stopping by a standard, everyday liquor store to grab for the journey?

A face-melting hazmat rye, wild travel stories, and big industry updates—crack open a bottle and join us! 🥃🌴💨

This week on Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan pull out a massive, highly anticipated release: the Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives: Gold Foil Edition. As a modern 16-year-old, 120-proof tribute to the legendary 1980s "Cheesy Gold Foil," this initial entry in the Archives series is ready to bring serious presence to the table.

Before pouring and reviewing this brand-new release, the boys start off with some casual banter, discussing Baxus’s wild slot-machine-style whiskey vending machine concept, chatting through plans for an upcoming listener meetup, and taking a deep dive into the heritage of vintage Wild Turkey—explaining what those original "Cheesy Gold Foil" bottles represented and why that profile inspired this modern homage.

On Whiskey World News, Bryan reads about some exciting updates out of Islay as Kilchoman Distillery announces a batch of incredible new releases, proving why farm-to-glass Scotch continues to capture the whiskey world's attention.

And for “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys pose an agonizing dilemma for George T. Stagg fans:

Would you rather have an infinite lifetime supply of GTS, but it's watered down to 80 proof—or an infinite supply, but it's only been aged for 2 years?

Reviewing a brand-new tribute to a classic, debating impossible whiskey tradeoffs, and catching up on news—crack open a bottle and join us! 🥃✨

This week on Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan get their hands on a very rare and highly anticipated release: the Bulleit 20-Year Rye. As a massive age statement for the brand, the boys are eager to see how two decades in the wood treats Bulleit's signature high-rye profile.

Before sampling the whiskey, they catch up on life and casual debates, talking through the chaos of kids' birthday parties, sharing their specific pencil preferences, and discussing the major historical impact of what Bulleit did to popularize rye whiskey for the modern market.

On Whiskey World News, Bryan reads about an intriguing new distillery experience: Camp Buffalo Trace. They break down the details of the brand's newly announced adult summer camp sweepstakes, which features hands-on bourbon workshops and rare overnight glamping on the historic distillery grounds.

And for “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys cross the Atlantic for a hypothetical dream scenario:

If you were given the chance to do a custom barrel pick in Scotland, which distillery would you choose?

An ultra-aged rye, some unique distillery tourism news, and a Scotch daydream—pour a glass and join us for this one! 🥃🏕️✏️

This week on Chill Filtered, the boys are changing things up for a special one-off episode! Cole and Bryan are joined in the studio by their good friend Randall from the Off Topic Whiskey podcast for an episode packed with pure banter, laughs, and plenty of open bottles.

Instead of the usual routine, this one is all about hanging out and sharing some great whiskey. They kick things off by tasting a blind pour for each other, picking out specific drams for the group to try, and even throwing down in a little friendly whiskey trivia! It's a massive, free-flowing conversation covering a ton of different topics.

This kind of format is a rare treat for the show, but hanging out with Randall was an absolute blast.

Grab a pour of whatever you've been meaning to open, settle in, and join the session! 🥃🎙️✨

This week on Chill Filtered, the boys are celebrating Cole’s birthday the best way possible—by cracking open one of his top 10 pours of all time: the 2021 release of William Larue Weller (125.3 Proof).

Before diving into this legendary wheated bourbon, they catch up on life, talking about surviving kids' birthday parties, recent camping trips, and Cole opens his birthday gifts from Bryan. From there, Cole takes the lead to share some fascinating history behind William Larue Weller the man and his massive impact on the bourbon world.

On Whiskey World News, the guys discuss a major crossover in the beverage industry: Coors officially releasing an American blended malt whiskey under their historic namesake. They break down how the brewing giant is leaning into its 150-year malting heritage to stake a claim on the whiskey shelf.

And for “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys look for some fresh recommendations:

What is a brand that you’ve only recently heard about that has completely impressed you?

A holy grail birthday pour, a lesson in bourbon history, and a look at big industry moves—pour something special and celebrate with us! 🥃🎂🎈

This week on Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan are thrilled to welcome a very special guest to the show: Allisa Henley, Master Distiller of AJ Bond Distillery! Together, they dive into a glass of the newly released AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey—Sazerac’s highly anticipated first entry into the Tennessee whiskey category.

The conversation is a blast, covering a wide range of topics. The boys throw plenty of questions Allisa's way, hitting everything from deep, technical distilling science to fun, lighthearted Tennessee trivia. They also spend some time breaking down the famous Lincoln County Process and exploring what makes this unique pot and column still blend stand out on the shelf.

We are skipping our usual Whiskey World News and “What Whiskey Would You Choose?” segments this week to give our full attention to Allisa, and it is absolutely worth the watch or listen.

Grab a pour of your favorite Tennessee spirit and join us for an incredible interview! 🥃✨

This week on Chill Filtered, Cole and Bryan pour a rye whiskey that celebrates America: Rittenhouse 10-Year 250th Anniversary Edition. It's a special, allocated Bottled-in-Bond release celebrating the country's upcoming milestone while throwing back to the brand's historic roots.

 

Before jumping into the glass, the boys catch up on life, talking about swimming and navigating life with kids. They also dive into a bit of whiskey history, exploring the fascinating shift of how classic ryes evolved from being physically distilled in Pennsylvania to honoring Pennsylvania heritage while being produced down in Kentucky.

 

On Whiskey World News, Bryan reads an article about an incredibly ambitious project from independent bottler Lost Lantern: their "United States of Bourbon" release, which features a single blend composed of straight bourbon whiskies sourced from all 50 states.

 

And for “What Whiskey Would You Choose?”, the boys talk barrel finishes:What is your absolute favorite finishing cask type for whiskey?

 

A patriotic decade-aged rye, some cross-country blending news, and a deep dive into finishes—pour a dram and join us! 🥃🇺🇸