What if your favorite whiskey… wasn’t actually your favorite? In this “Voices of the Industry” episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Bobby DeMars, founder of Blind Barrels, the underground whiskey subscription that’s flipping the script on how we taste, discover, and love American whiskey.

Bobby shares the story behind launching Blind Barrels, why blind tasting reveals more than any label ever could, and how they’re giving underdog distilleries the spotlight they deserve. Whether you’re a whiskey collector, a casual sipper, or just chasing that next hidden gem, this conversation will change how you think about what’s in your glass.

We talk about:

•Why blind tastings strip away bias and elevate flavor

•How Blind Barrels is building a community of curious drinkers

•What most people get wrong when “rating” whiskey

•Bobby’s biggest surprises (and failures) from blind tasting

•The indie rock spirit of craft distilling

💥 Spoiler alert: Your “top shelf” may not be your best sip.

Want to test your palate? Explore the whiskey world without the hype at blindbarrels.com.

Follow us for behind-the-scenes pours, blind tasting reactions, and dad-worthy whiskey wisdom:

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During Prohibition, a legal loophole allowed doctors to prescribe whiskey for “medicinal use”—and patients could walk away with a 10-day supply. In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we’re joined by Dr. Rob and Dr. Dave, two of the co-founders of Ten Day Bourbon, a bold brand bringing that rebellious spirit back to the glass.

We explore:

•The wild true story behind prescription bourbon during Prohibition

•How two real-life doctors turned that history into a full-flavored modern whiskey

•The science, creativity, and grit behind Ten Day Bourbon’s unique approach

•How they’re breaking norms in an industry steeped in tradition

•And of course, a tasting session that blends medicine with mischief

Whether you’re a whiskey nerd, a history lover, or just into drinking with purpose, this episode is your prescription. Pour a glass and discover how Ten Day Bourbon is rewriting the rules—one dose at a time.

In this episode of Whiskey Rocks, we sit down with Adam Hines — designer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of High Bank Distillery — to go deep into the brand’s meteoric rise and their fearless approach to craft whiskey. From the early days of conceptual design to winning multiple gold medals, Adam shares the bold strategy behind High Bank’s standout line, Whiskey War.

We unpack how High Bank blends award-winning spirits with sharp branding, the mindset behind challenging industry norms, and why disrupting the whiskey world sometimes means throwing out the traditional playbook. Whether you’re a whiskey lover, a brand builder, or just love a good underdog story, this one’s for you.

Topics We Cover:

• The origin and evolution of Whiskey War

• Adam’s transition from creative director to distiller

• Building a brand-first distillery in a product-first industry

• The role of storytelling, design, and bold moves in craft whiskey

• High Bank’s secret to staying scrappy and standing out

• Why the Whiskey War name is more than just a label

Drinks we pour and Joel’s review of them:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL8fvoes0CR/?igsh=MTF4NGRycWdheng3Ng==

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLyHfZ-MSVV/?igsh=MTJha2xqZGFlaTJnbQ==

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKfqMvbMAWl/?igsh=N3c0enA4dWNuZzRw

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→ TikTok: @thewhiskeyrockspodcast