The Origins of American Single Malt with Caitlin Bartlemay of McCarthy’s Whiskey (S4 E7)
In this episode of Barrel Room Chronicles, host Kerry Moynahan sits down with Caitlin Bartlemay, Master Distiller at Clear Creek Distillery, to dive into the pioneering spirit behind McCarthy’s Whiskey—widely recognized as the original American single malt. Broadcasting from the heart of Hood River, Oregon, Caitlin shares her journey from wheat farm kid to one of the most respected figures in American craft distilling.Listeners will hear about the visionary founder Steve McCarthy, who launched Clear Creek in 1985 with a mission to create European-style fruit brandies using Oregon-grown produce. A rainy hiking trip in Ireland later sparked his passion for peated single malt, and in 1994, McCarthy’s released the first drops of what would become the foundation of the American single malt movement.Caitlin breaks down the unique distillation process using imported Scottish peated malt and Oregon oak barrels, as well as the use of a single-pass hybrid still—setting McCarthy’s apart from traditional Scotch methods. From the flagship 3-year white label to the rich 6-year and Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish, Kerry and Caitlin taste their way through the core expressions, highlighting their earthy, forest-forward peat profile and complex flavor development.
Host KerryMoynahan takes Barrel Room Chronicles to the floor of WSWA Access Live in Denver for an exclusive Whiskey Whereabouts special. From global cask aging with Lost Irish to the bold innovation of Tennessee Legend, this episode features dynamic interviews with the people behind today’s most exciting spirits. Discover award-winning American single malts from Balcones and Virginia Distillery Co., a bourbon tribute to a 12-year-old innovator with Edmond’s Honor, and updatesfrom returning favorites like Natterjack. Plus, learn about the legacy of Tom Bullock Spirits and the mission behind Pronghorn Collective. Pour yourself a dram and join the journey.🎧 Listen now on BarrelRoomChronicles.com or whereveryou get your podcasts.#WhiskeyWhereabouts #BarrelRoomChronicles#WSWA2025
--------
43:30
--------
43:30
Whiskey Without Mansplaining: The Story Behind Women Who Whiskey (S4 E5)
In this spirited episode of Barrel Room Chronicles, host KerryMoynahan sits down with two trailblazing women who are reshaping the whiskey world—Women Who Whiskey founder Julia Ritz Toffoli and Kim Ohanneson, head of the Los Angeles chapter.In This Episode:· The origin story of Women Who Whiskey· Julia’s first taste of whiskey—and how it changed everything· How Kim launched the LA chapter and grew it to 2,000+ members· The club’s motto: “Whiskey without mansplaining”· Whiskey + Poetry Salons, brand partnerships, and bottle releases· How to join or start a chapter in your city· Why whiskey is for everyone—novices, nerds, and everyone in between· Celebrating Chizuru Fukano with a special Fukano bottle collaboration· https://potomacwines.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=women%20who%20whiskey
--------
40:19
--------
40:19
From Craft Writing to Column Stills: A Journey Through the Beam Institute (S4 E4)
In this episode of Barrel Room Chronicles, host Kerry Moynahan heads to the University of Kentucky for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most innovative programs shaping the future of American whiskey. Her journey begins with a conversation with Dr. Janice Fernheimer, Professor and founding facultymember of the University’s Distillation, Wine & Brewing Studies program. They discuss her unique path from Jewish Studies into bourbon scholarship, the origins of the “Craft Writing” course, and her groundbreaking work on the Womenin Bourbon Oral History Project and the graphic novel America’s Chosen Spirit.Later, Kerry tours the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits with Associate Director Ilka Balk. Together, they explore the Institute’s world-class research distillery and brand-new rickhouse, learning how students are gaining hands-on experience in production, fermentation, and aging. The episode highlights the intersection of education, heritage grains, sustainable practices, and real-world bourbon training — all happening on a dry campus. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast, a fan of fermentation science, or simply curiousabout how the next generation of distillers is being educated, this episode offers an inspiring and informative deep dive into the academic side of spirits.To see the full show notes for this episode visit BarrelRoomChronicles.com BRC is a production of 1st Reel Entertainment.
In this special Whiskey Whereabouts episode, Kerry Moynahan reconnects with Colby and Ashley Frey of Fray Ranch Distillery in Fallon, Nevada. Together, they dive deep into Fray Ranch’s latest release—100% unmalted barley whiskey—as Kerry tastes it live for the first time. The trio explores the significance of grain-forward distilling, the innovation behind smoked whiskeys using homemade peat bricks, and the resilience of Fray Ranch during market downturns.They also talk about the upcoming “First Harvest” release created in collaboration with blending legend Nancy Fraley, as well as the distillery’s involvement in the Estate Whiskey Alliance spearheaded by the University of Kentucky. From sustainability in crop rotation to pioneering transparency in whiskey terroir, this episode offers an intimate look at how Fray Ranch continues to grow—and distill—with intention.
Welcome to the Barrel Room Chronicles, hosted by Kerry Moynahan. Kerry is a Certified Bourbon Steward, former bartender, co-host of the Spirits of Whisk(e)y podcast, media producer and all-around whiskey aficionado. Kerry has combined her love for whiskey into media projects which celebrate this great spirit. And for the last 20 years she has been helping others tell their stories though television, film and other media. But now it’s time for her to take her love for whiskey and her experience in the entertainment industry to uncover the fascinating stories of the water of life.
Ireland