Part of the enjoyment of whisky is enjoying the finer things in life.  Whether that whiskey is expensive, or not, whether its paired with a nice cigar, or whether its paired with fine conversation and fine friends, the B-S.E.A. is all about the finer things. In this new series, we decided to focus less on the science and complexity behind the whisky and more about the good company enjoying it.  In these "Finer Things" episodes, we will discuss the whiskey, no doubt, but the focus of the conversation will be centered around something we love and want to share. So sit back, pour a dram ..read more

Well, its been another hiatus, and we hate those.  But here we are again, vowing to get back to a regular schedule.  While the Bottom Shelf Matters season wont be going forward as we planned, we will still get to a few of the bottom shelf episodes that we hoped.  Instead, we will focus on a variety of different whiskeys, sort of whatever happens to pop up in the speakeasy. Tonight, were drinking two budget friendly scotches, one blended, one single malt.  Lets see how they compare. “If you came here to learn, drink what you have learned.  If you came here to share, sha ..read more

One of the other bottles we drank during the first meeting of the B.S.E.A. heads of state was this Calumet 14.  Aged for 14 long years, this bourbon is well hyped...but does is live up?  Find out.  Spend your Friday evening with Brandt and Scott. “If you came here to learn, drink what you have learned.  If you came here to share, share what you drink. If you came here a stranger, may you exit as a friend; and if you came here for and adventure, drink up!” Facebook Group ..read more

2021 has been a bit of a hectic year for everyone, Brandt and I have been no exception to that.  Back in May, we met up at my house in NJ for the first time ever.  Here are some highlights from that weekend, including two episodes that we got to sit down and record. First up is a Glendronach 12 year old, Cask Strength Limited Release.  This was an amazing whisky that neither of us will ever forget. “If you came here to learn, drink what you have learned.  If you came here to share, share what you drink. If you came here a stranger, may you exit as a friend; and if you came ..read more

Welcome to the premier of Season 3.  This year we are looking to find some of the best whiskey bargains.  Brandt and Scott are in search of the best Bourbons (under $25) and the best Scotch/World Whisky (under $35).   This month, were drinking Early Times Kentucky Whisky and Old Forester 86 Proof Bourbon.  See which one punches above the bottom shelf and takes the lead for the best budget bourbon. “If you came here to learn, drink what you have learned.  If you came here to share, share what you drink. If you came here a stranger, may you exit as a friend; and if ..read more

In probably the biggest surprise of the 2020 Whiskey Advent Calendar, we were introduced to a little place in Virginia, that makes the best whiskey not from Kentucky or Scotland. Join us as we sit down and sample some of Filibuster's Single Estate Single Barrel.  Warning...we can't stop talking about this one. “If you came here to learn, drink what you have learned.  If you came here to share, share what you drink. If you came here a stranger, may you exit as a friend; and if you came here for and adventure, drink up!” Facebook Group ..read more

As we enter March, we gear up for St. Patrick's Day.  What a better way to toast to the Emerald Isle than to drink some of their finest whiskey. “If you came here to learn, drink what you have learned.  If you came here to share, share what you drink. If you came here a stranger, may you exit as a friend; and if you came here for and adventure, drink up!” Facebook Group ..read more

Well, What better way to end Season 2, filled with delays and shutdowns and viruses, than to finish with the same bourbon that we started with -- Old Forester. Tonight we drink a OF Single Barrel and Statesman.  One a single barrel pick tied to a city filled with vibrancy during Mardi Gras, the other, a bottle dedicated to that organization that keeps us safe without even knowing it.  Find out how these two pair on tonight's episode. “If you came here to learn, drink what you have learned.  If you came here to share, share what you drink. If you came here a stranger, may you exi ..read more

The Penultimate Epsiode of Season 2 has arrived, just in time, as we celebrate two very fine Japanese Whiskies in the Secret Speakeasy.  Join Brandt and Scott as we discuss the history and traditions of Japanese Whisky as well as the newest flavor profile thats sweeping the tiny island nation. “If you came here to learn, drink what you have learned.  If you came here to share, share what you drink. If you came here a stranger, may you exit as a friend; and if you came here for and adventure, drink up!” Facebook Group ..read more

On this short pour, we welcome back Derek Alverson to have a dram of the wee good stuff.  We're drinking some Irish Whiskey in the form of The Dead Rabbit.  Named after a bar in NYC and distilled in Ireland, the Dead Rabbit presents an interesting take on the traditional triple pot stilled Irish whiskey. So sit back, pour a dram and enjoy this short pour on the Whiskey Underground. “If you came here to learn, drink what you have learned.  If you came here to share, share what you drink. If you came here a stranger, may you exit as a friend; and if you came here for and adventure ..read more