The Whiskey Lore® Podcast - Discovering South African Whisky on Our Very First Whisky Flight as We Visit Helden Distillery

Discovering South African Whisky on Our Very First Whisky Flight as We Visit Helden Distillery

05/17/24 • 31 min

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The Whiskey Lore® Podcast

Helden Distillery (Parys, South Africa) WF0001

Happy World Whisky Day 2024!

Today is the perfect day to release a brand new Whiskey Lore series called "Whiskey Lore's Whisky Flights."

As usual, I, Drew Hannush, am expanding the boundaries of what a whisky podcast can be.

For years I have traveled to distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, talking to founders, distillers, and tour guides. This led to two best selling travel books (Experiencing Irish Whiskey and Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon) where I revealed the secrets of planning the perfect distillery get away. But books take a long time to write and publish and I have so many experiences I want to share.

So now, through "Whiskey Lore's Whisky Flights" you can pack yourself away in my virtual suitcase, as we travel together and learn about great craft distilleries all over this planet. It's something that is made possible, thanks to the power of podcasting, my storytelling, and a bit of imagination.

Join me on my first stop today, in a non-traditional whisky distilling region, South Africa, as we meet Pieter Van Helden and find out why knowing science is an important element in making whisky, and we'll find out more about the town of Parys, where the distillery is located, and maybe inspire you to visit.

As a companion to this podcast, check out the brand new distillery guide that is rapidly being built at whiskey-lore.com/travelguide. Here, you can build wish lists of your favorite distilleries and build your own whisky trail. And if you own a craft distillery, reach out to me at whiskey-lore.com/contact to see how we can feature your distillery.

Enjoy our first flight! It's going to be a wild and fun journey of discovery.

Cheers and sláinte mhath Drew

Helden Distillery (Parys, South Africa) WF0001

Happy World Whisky Day 2024!

Today is the perfect day to release a brand new Whiskey Lore series called "Whiskey Lore's Whisky Flights."

As usual, I, Drew Hannush, am expanding the boundaries of what a whisky podcast can be.

Enjoy our first flight! It's going to be a wild and fun journey of discovery.

Cheers and sláinte mhath Drew

Previous Episode

Irish Whiskey Pt. 17: The Poitín Republic and a Visit to Baoilleach in Donegal

In a rugged corner of Northern Ireland, the hills of Inishowen whisper tales of rebellion and moonlit mischief. We'll meet Patrick, a humble tailor thrust into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with excise officers. Then learn about the defiant distillers of Inishowen use any means at their disposal to preserve their livelihood. Join me on a journey back to the 19th century, where secret stills and hidden valleys echo with the spirit of rebellion.

And after a day off on my own historic journey around Ireland, I set out for Baoilleach Distillery in Donegal. I'll meet with Michael O'Boyle, the proprietor and see first hand, his commitment to using local grains and peat, along with his unique approach to distilling.

Welcome back to the countinued journey through Ireland's storied whiskey past, present, and future.

Next Episode

Visiting Lebanon's Riachi Winery and Distillery to Learn What an 8th Generation Distiller Prizes

Riachi Winery & Distillery (Mount Lebanon, Lebanon) WF0002

Wow, two completely different countries here on the first day of Whisky Flights - neither known for whisky - but both with craft distilleries that are working to define the flavors of their countries.

As we began taking nominations for our Craft Distillery Bracketology on Whiskey Lore's Instagram, I put a call out for "world" craft distilleries. When Riachi was nominated by a Whiskey Lore fan, it piqued my curiosity about what a Lebanese whisky would taste like. Then Roy, the 8th generation winemaker and distiller sent me a DM and I instantly knew, I wanted him on the podcast.

It's time to stretch ourselves beyond the traditional distilling regions to kick this show off. Join me as I take you virtually into the mountains of Lebanon to discover Riachi's spirits.