543 - The Dangers of Binge Drinking to our Health with Dr. Ulysses Wu
Is your love of high-proof, perfectly aged bourbon actually good for you? Or are we all just telling ourselves that? Today, we're tackling the elephant in the whiskey room with the science: Dr. Ulysses Wu (Yuli), the Chief Epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare.
Yuli’s personal journey is wild—from corporate finance to infectious diseases—and now he focuses on the intersection of alcohol, health, and longevity. He joins us to share his personal bourbon journey and how he accidentally procured some seriously rare Stitzel-Weller when nobody was looking.
In this eye-opening episode, we dive into: The Calorie Problem for barrel-proof bourbon, Yuli’s concept of "firewalls" (the human ability to curb excess), why robust long-term health studies on alcohol are so difficult to conduct, and the profound psychological impact of bourbon, which Yuli calls a "time machine" for positive memories. This is a mandatory listen for anyone who loves brown water and wants to understand the science behind drinking healthily and responsibly.
Show Notes:
Introduction to Dr. Ulysses Wu (Yuli), Chief Epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare
Yuli’s surprising career shift from corporate finance to infectious diseases
The connection between alcohol, health, and longevity
Yuli's personal bourbon journey, including the accidental procurement of rare Stitzel-Weller
Scientific discussion on the true caloric content of barrel-proof bourbon
Analysis of "firewalls"—the psychological ability to prevent excess in consumption
Challenges of conducting robust, long-term health studies on alcohol consumption
The psychological power of bourbon as a "time machine" for positive memory creation
Advice for drinking bourbon responsibly and healthily
Alcohol and Health Research and Data from Dr. Wu
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1:19:43
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1:19:43
Whiskey Quickie: A Wheated Bourbon Aged on a River?
Join us as we crack open Ingram’s new Unchartered wheated bourbon, aged in their floating barrel warehouses drifting along the Mississippi River. Creamy texture, cola notes, classic caramel and vanilla, and a price point that makes the one-liter bottle the obvious move.DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.
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6:57
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6:57
TWiB: The Lodge at Trial and Error is open, Jim Gaffigan’s Releases A Bourbon Set on YouTube, Vintage Whiskey Counterfeiter Exposed
It's This Week in Bourbon for November 28th 2025. The Lodge at Trial and Error is open, Jim Gaffigan’s Releases A Bourbon Set on YouTube, and Vintage Whiskey Counterfeiter Exposed in Maryland.Show Notes:
Jim Gaffigan's new bourbon-themed stand-up special, "Live from Old Forester: The Bourbon Set," is now streaming on his YouTube channel
Elijah Craig is debuting a new fragrance, Char No. 3 Cologne, inspired by the warm, smoky scent of their charred oak barrels
A man in Maryland was exposed for producing and selling at least 50 bottles of counterfeit "vintage" whiskeys by refilling old bottles with modern spirits
Black Button Distilling, recently acquired by Blackstar, terminated its entire staff, including the founder, as the company moves to liquidate assets
Give 270's Whiskey Wednesdays raffle offers a chance to win a full Pappy Van Winkle vertical and an exclusive bourbon set signed by comedian Jim Gaffigan
Chattanooga Whiskey's signature recipe, Chattanooga Whiskey 91, is now available in a new, larger 1.5 liter bottle size in Tennessee and Georgia
Foley Family Wines & Spirits, featuring Master Distiller Chip Tate, announced Ampersand, a new collection of unexpected spirits blends including bourbon finished in Tokaji barrels
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542 - Jim Gaffigan Debuts A Bourbon Set
Did the world need a 45 minute standup set on Bourbon? Probably not but I'm sure glad it's happened. I am thrilled to welcome back the hilarious Jim Gaffigan for his second time on the show! Since his last time on the show when he launched Fathertime Bourbon, Jim has been traveling the country and getting hooked into the bourbon scene at every stop. His journey has gone from curious to borderline hoarder because he reveals that he keeps a spreadsheet of his bourbon purchases, which just proves he's definitely one of us. The real subject of this show is to share the details about his new special, A Bourbon Set. 45 minutes of uncontrollable laughter that only us bourbon nerds will understand because we've all experienced it before. Don't wait, go now to YouTube to watch it because it's already hit 1M streams. And make sure you stay to watch the credits, you may see some familiar faces.
Show Notes:
Jim Gaffigan's entry into bourbon during the pandemic
The importance of bourbon in fostering community and masculinity
Collaboration with Stu Pollard to create Father Time bourbon
Humorous takes on bourbon hunting
The fervor of bourbon collectors and “bourbon nerds”
Charitable contributions in the bourbon community
Promotion of Gaffigan’s special, *A Bourbon Set*
Information on purchasing Father Time bourbon and upcoming meet-and-greet events
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52:29
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52:29
Whiskey Quickie: Maker’s Mark 2025 Cellar Aged
Maker’s Mark dropped their 2025 Cellar Aged release, and we were not ready for what happened in the glass. We break down the blend, the proof, the price, and why this year’s edition hits differently. If you’ve been on the fence about the Cellar Aged series, this might be the one that changes your mind.DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.
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The Official Podcast of Bourbon! The best in news, reviews and interviews with people making the bourbon whiskey industry happen. Join hosts Kenny Coleman, Ryan Cecil, and Fred Minnick as they talk with prominent guests and provide insight on American whiskey 3 times a week. Catch all new episodes every Thursday with special Whiskey Quickie reviews on Tuesday and get caught up on bourbon news with This Week in Bourbon on Friday.