Chi Spirits Guys
133 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★★ - 17 ratingsChicago's preeminent podcast on all drinks distilled, brewed or cocktailed. At least that's our opinion! We're the Chi Spirits Guys - friends in the Windy City dedicated to trying the best (and worst) spirits on the market and attempting (often failing) to explain the flavors we taste. Each week we share our thoughts (and probably too much personal info) with our listeners in Chi-town and beyond. You can't sip it all, so let us do it for you! Check out our library of episodes to find your new favorite drink. Send us your ideas and questions @ChiSpiritsGuys (Insta) or [email protected]
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Episodes
Backwards Distilling
April 02, 2024 05:26 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MBProducer Jenny traveled to Casper, WY and found Backwards Distilling there. She tells the guys about her experience at their tasting room and shares some select bottles she brought back from her trip. The guys and a few special guests taste through these and break down these Wyoming made spirits.
Lyre's
March 26, 2024 03:45 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MBThe guys continue to expand the scope of the premiere spirits podcast by tackling a new category, non-alcoholic spirits. This week they check out N/A juggernaut, Lyre's. They taste through 3 of their premix drink varieties and discuss this ever growing category.
Green River Whiskey
March 14, 2024 05:33 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBThis week the guys are checking out the pride of Owensboro, Green River. Being the 10th oldest licensed distillery in Kentucky they have some history. The guys discuss the brand and taste through the unique whiskey expressions Green River has to offer.
Port Wine
March 01, 2024 17:37 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBThis week (for the first time) the guys are talking about Port wine. They welcome in a wine expert to help navigate some of the different types that are out there and taste though thee unique expressions.
Glenmorangie Scotch
February 02, 2024 02:58 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBThis week the guys are finally back to talking whisky with Glenmorangie Scotch. They break down a few of their best known expressions and introduce Intern Ali to the brand.
Pierre Ferrand Cognac
January 26, 2024 22:51 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBThis week the guys are changing gears and trying something a little different, cognac. They sample through 5 expressions from from legendary cognac producer, Pierre Ferrand. Intern Ali makes her triumphant return to the pod this week (as well as friend of the show, Scott).
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
January 17, 2024 06:10 - 54 minutes - 50 MBThe Guys are bringing in the new year with Barrel Proof Bourbon. They sample through 5 different Elijah Craig Barrel Proof vintages. These are all C releases (the third and final release of each year). They go on this journey through time to compare the differences of this Elijah Craig expression over the years.
2023 Chi Spirits Guys Awards
December 30, 2023 05:31 - 1 hour - 116 MBIt's the end of 2023 and that means it's time for the annual Chi Spirits Guys Awards! The guys have nominated a wide variety of spirits, distilleries and even guests from this year's episodes in a number of categories. The categories this year are Best Distillery Visit, Gin of the Year, Agave Spirit of the Year, Best Unconventional Spirit, Rum of the Year, Best Guest and Whiskey of the Year. Who will this year's the winners be?
Boozy Egg Nog
December 23, 2023 06:13 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBJust in time the holidays, the guys try a wide variety of boozy store bought egg nogs. There is a lot to break down when you're talking a half dozen egg nog brands with different base spirits.
Uniquely Finished Rye Whiskey
December 14, 2023 16:23 - 1 hour - 85.1 MBThis week the guys are getting into some rye whiskey. Specifically, they explore a variety of rye whiskey with different unique finishes. Stout, rum, wildly different wines, they're exploring some very unique fishes on rye whiskeys.
Bourbon County Brand Stout
November 29, 2023 08:30 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBA rare beer episode! The guys take a look at Goose Island's iconic annual release, Bourbon County Brand Stout. They sample through an original stout and a bunch of variants from years past to get ready for this year's release.
Remus Repeal Reserve
November 21, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBThe newest release from the George Remus lineup is here, Remus Repeal Reserve Series 7. The guys try it out against some of the previous releases and see how this newest expression stacks up. They taste through Series 4 - 7 to break down just how different each year's offerings are. They also sample the 2023 Gatsby for good measure.
Fantasy Spirits Matchup #1
November 08, 2023 04:47 - 28 minutes - 26.7 MBIt's time for the 3rd season of our Fantasy Spirits Matchup! Parker vs Jon, who will win this best of 3 showdown? Special guest judge Andy joins the show to decide who will win matchup #1.
Spirit of the Rock (International Series)
October 26, 2023 05:13 - 1 hour - 83.7 MBThe guys travel far and wide for good content and this week's episode is proof of that. During a recent visit to Gibraltar they stopped by local distillery Spirit of the Rock. They managed to bring a few bottles back across the pond and sample them with a few special guests while recounting their experience at the distillery and in Gibraltar as a whole.
La Luna Mezcal
October 09, 2023 19:42 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBThe guys are talking agave again, this time they're exploring La Luna. Mezcal Jon is in peak mezcal mode for this one. They are joined by noted mezcal enthusiast and friend of the show Daniel. Together they sample through a variety of La Luna expressions and discuss some 90's wrestling among other fun tangents.
Sipsmith Gin
September 27, 2023 10:30 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBThis week the guys talk about Sipsmith gin. Joined by some special guests (including Jon's mom) they discuss the brand's background and sample through 3 very different expressions of this London Dry Gin brand. They breakdown each and give some very honest feedback on which one has the most to offer.
Fantasy Spirits Draft Season 3
September 21, 2023 10:30 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBIt's that time of year again! The Fantasy Spirits Competition is back for its third season. Jon and Parker will square off in the blind tasting competition you've all grown to love. But first they need to draft their teams. Who will set themselves up for success and glory and who will lead themselves to failure and despair? Find out on this season's draft.
Cocktail Series: Negroni
September 16, 2023 01:36 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBThe guys are talking about classic cocktails again, this week it's the Negroni. Joined by some special guests, they discuss the history of the drink and try the classic version compared to some of the most popular variations.
WhistlePig Whiskey
September 08, 2023 16:26 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBThis week the guys are joined by 2 special, first time guests to talk about WhistlePig Rye. They sample through a few of the very different rye expressions from this Vermont based distillery and breakdown where each comes from and which ones standout.
Blanton's Bourbon
September 01, 2023 06:39 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBThe guys discuss one of the most sought after bourbons in all of the land, Blanton's. They sample through 3 different expressions (including Gold and Straight From The Barrel) and break down each, deciding whether or not it's really worth all of the hype.
Grander Rum
August 24, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 58.5 MBThe guys explore the Panama rum brand Grander. Listeners may remember some of their bottles from prizes Parker won from Jon after his victory in the fantasy spirits completion. The guys sample through a few of their unique, single barrel expressions and compare them to another notable rum from Panama.
Prolijo Revisited
August 19, 2023 04:03 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBThe guys are joined by the cofounder of Prolijo Mezcal to deep dive the brand, their process, their history and of course the guys sample through some of the new Prolijo expressions. The guys then give their in-depth takes on each expression and let the people know which ones to look out for.
Summer Rosé
August 11, 2023 05:12 - 1 hour - 73.2 MBIn their first ever wine episode, the guys try a variety of rosés to figure out what they should be enjoying before summer is over. Wine expert Damien joins the show to help guide them through this journey and explain what exactly rosé is all about.
Yellow Rose Distilling
August 04, 2023 15:45 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBThis week the guys are talking Texas whiskey with Yellow Rose Distilling. Producer Jenny talks about her recent visit there and shares some of the whiskey she brought back for everyone to review. Then, the guys answer your mailbag questions.
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
July 27, 2023 04:54 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBThe guys are keeping it local this week with Maplewood Distillery. Well known for their beer, Maplewood also has a robust distilling program. Producer Jenny interviews a member of their distilling team and the guys check out some of the various expressions they make over at this Chicago distillery (and brewery).
Key West First Legal Rum Distillery
July 17, 2023 10:30 - 55 minutes - 51 MBThis week is a Chi Spirits Guy Jon special. Jon recently visited First Legal Distillery in Key West. He's brought back a variety of samples for the group to try, as well as some first hand experience of being in Key West for a visit.
Cocktail Series: Martini
July 06, 2023 10:30 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBThis week the guys are joined by mixology enthusiast and friend of the show Drogo to talk about the Martini. They talk about the cocktail's history and then make a few different versions (some classic, some not so classic) to compare and see how versatile this cocktail can be.
On Site at Star Union Distillery
June 29, 2023 18:00 - 2 hours - 111 MBThis week the guys are on location at Star Union Distillery in Peru, IL. They are joined by Bob and Dan from Star Union to discuss their history, process and sample a wide variety of their spirits. We're talking Brandy, Whiskey, Rum, Agave and a whole lot more!
Tampa Bay Rum Company
June 21, 2023 10:30 - 56 minutes - 52 MBThe guys recently paid a visit to Tampa and stopped by the Tampa Bay Rum Company. They are joined this week by their head distiller Brad, who deep dives how the distillery got started and talks through the details on some of the select expressions on the episode. Fan favorite, Kitty, also joins the show to give her unique perspective on some of their sprits.
Florida CANE Distillery
June 14, 2023 10:30 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MBThe guys took a recent trip down to Tampa Bay, FL to visit a few distilleries and Florida CANE was their first stop. They recount their visit and sample through the variety of spirits (vodka, rum, bourbon and rye) they brought back with their friends from Whiskey Written. There is one bottle of bourbon that made the trip from Tampa that has a very special meaning to Parker and Ali that gets tried for the first time.
Unique Finished Bourbons
June 08, 2023 20:05 - 1 hour - 62.7 MBThis week the guys are joined by their friends from Whiskey Written to talk about finished bourbon. They taste through 7 bourbons each finished in wildly different barrels. There is rum finish, stout finish, brandy finish just to name a few. The goal being to find out how different finish types impact the bourbon base spirit and what this could mean for the future of the category.
Benriach Scotch Whisky
June 01, 2023 10:30 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBThe guys are talking scotch this week with Benriach. They taste through Benriach's 4 expression tasting set and break down this relatively new collection from the brand. Friends of the show Vic and Brandon join the panel to give their unique perspectives to a spirit they don't usually frequent.
Spot Whiskeys
May 26, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 76.2 MBThis week the guys explore an Irish favorite, Spot Whiskey. They are joined by a few special guests to sample this brand's color coded collection of Green Spot, Yellow Spot, Gold Spot, Blue Spot and Red Spot. Wine expert Damien returns to lend some insight into the wide array of finishing barrels that are used to to produce all of these unique expressions.
100th Episode: Pappy Van Winkle
May 18, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 93.9 MBIt's our 100th episode and what better way to celebrate than by sampling the entire Van Winkle lineup. The guys are joined by so many guests that they had to split them up into teams. They break down each expression in the lineup from Old Rip to Pappy 23, even they Pappy Rye makes an appearance. Each guest also shares their personal histories with the Van Winkle brand as well as their favorite memories from the podcast over its 2 year and 100 episode history.
Copper Bottom Distillery Revisited
May 10, 2023 10:30 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBThe guys paid a fresh visit to Parker's hometown distillery to see what new things they've been up to. Parker and Producer Jenny talk about their visit there and share a variety of expressions from Copper Bottom that they brought back for a few guests to try. Parker and Intern Ali also share their experiences with moonshine growing up in Florida.
Best Value Tequilas
May 03, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBJust in time for Cinco de Mayo, the guys are discussing affordable tequilas. Joined by special guests Jake and Maddy, they try 6 different blanco tequilas all under $30. They compare them and decide which of these bottles are worth your time as we head into Tequila season.
Lost Spirits Distillery
April 26, 2023 10:30 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBProducer Jenny recently took a trip to Las Vegas and visited a local distillery while she was there. She recounts her tour of the distillery and what makes the Lost Spirits Distillery experience so unique. The guys sample 3 of the distillery's expressions and discuss. There is also some largely unrelated conversation about aliens, then Jenny and Ali make some bold hockey predictions that by the time you're listening to this probably didn't work out.
Koval Distillery
April 20, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 99.3 MBThis week the guys explore a local favorite, Koval. They are joined by a brand ambassador from the Chicago staple and taste through many of the expansive catalog of expressions that Koval has to offer. Whiskeys, gins and a range of liqueurs are all examined and reviewed,
Intro to Irish Whiskey
April 12, 2023 10:30 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBThis week the guys are joined by 2 certified Irish Whiskey tasters to examine a variety of entry level Irish expressions as well has discuss the history of the spirit. Which brand will be the favorite? Listen to the episode and find out.
Door County Distillery
April 05, 2023 21:29 - 1 hour - 69.1 MBThe guys are joined by a new first time guest to discuss a Wisconsin favorite, Door County Distillery. They try 4 expressions (some whiskey, some brandy) and recount their visit to the distillery this past summer. They also answer a mailbag question about tequila.
Best Value Bourbons
March 29, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 69 MBIn this episode, the guys explore a variety of bourbons between $15-$30. They're looking at those second shelf bourbons that are inexpensive enough for mixology but good enough to be a sipper. They sample 9 different bourbons in this price range to find out what's the best value bourbon around. Whiskey Written joins the show to give his perspective on these bourbons and pick his favorites. Admittedly, this one gets off the rails a little (mostly thanks to Ali and Savannah).
Rhine Hall Distillery
March 23, 2023 05:37 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBThe guys are local this week with Chicago distillery Rhine Hall. They sample through a collection of their brandies and other expressions that they picked up during a recent visit to the distillery. Wine expert Damien rejoins the show to give his perspective on these (mostly) fruit based spirits.
Plantation Rum: Vintage Collection
March 15, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 64.1 MBThe guys are traveling around the world this week with a look at a selection of the Plantation Vintage Rum. They sample rums of this collection from 5 different countries and discuss the very unique attributes of each. Wine expert Damien joins the show to provide some insight on terroir and a new perspective on flavor break downs of each expression.
Four Roses Recipes - Part 2
March 08, 2023 11:30 - 53 minutes - 48.9 MBThe guys are joined again by unofficial Four Roses expert Cuba for the long awaited Part 2 of the Four Roses Recipes saga. In Part 2 they examine the 5 "low" rye recipes, the Es. They sample a barrel proof single barrel of each recipe and compare the differences while Kuba flexes his Four Roses knowledge.
Mardi Gras Special Part 3 - Seven Three Distilling
March 05, 2023 22:50 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBOur 3rd and final special episode celebrating New Orleans and Mardi Gras (and Producer Jenny's trip there). We are joined by Jake and Savannah from Whiskey Written (they're actually on all 3 Mardi Gras episodes) to sample through some very unique New Orlean's whiskey from Seven Three. We then discuss some of our favorite places to eat in the city.
Mardi Gras Special Part 2 - Happy Raptor Distilling
March 03, 2023 11:30 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MBContinuing on Producer Jenny's journey from her recent distillery tour, Part 2 takes us to New Orleans and Happy Raptor Distilling. Their guest experience manager Logan joins the show to help guide the guys through the various (very unique) rums they make, share some of the history of the distillery and tell some fun stories about the New Orleans area. If you're fond of bananas or King Cake you'll want to check out this episode.
Mardi Gras Special Part 1 - Sugarfield Spirits
March 01, 2023 04:19 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBProducer Jenny made a recent visit down to Louisiana and found some great distilleries while she was there. The first was Sugarfield Spirits in Gonzalez, LA. The guys taste through some expressions she brought back and are joined via phone by the cofounder of the distillery to give us the in-depth breakdown of the brand and their spirits.
Intro to Scotch
February 22, 2023 11:30 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBThis week the guys explore some of the basics of Scotch Whisky. They sample 5 expressions (from some well known distilleries) from 4 different regions of Scotland; comparing and contrasting the differences between regions. Which of these styles will our predominately bourbon drinking panel prefer?
Prolijo Mezcal
February 17, 2023 01:54 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBThis week the guys examine a favorite mezcal brand of Jon's, Prolijo. They explore a number of expressions and discuss how just how different various types of agave can be. Then they unsuccessfully try to get Kitty to try Pechuga.
NOCO Distillery
February 08, 2023 11:30 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBThe guys deep dive the second distillery from Parker & Producer Jenny's Colorado trip, NOCO. They sit down with Master Distiller Sebastien Gavillet for an interview at the distillery. He shares some insight on their history, their process and details how NOCO is making so many intriguing expressions. Then the guys are back in studio to sample a wide variety of bottles they brought back from Fort Collins.