Whiskey Reviews Episodes

In this episode of Film & Whiskey, Bob and Brad wrap up their Christopher Nolan miniseries by delving into the gripping WWII film, Dunkirk. Following the movie discussion, they embark on a whiskey tasting adventure featuring Chivas Regal Mizunara Cask, a unique blended scotch that undergoes finishing in rare Japanese oak casks. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 07:00 - Brad Explains "Dunkirk" 09:30 - Performances, Themes, and Cinematic Elements 33:00 - Chivas Regal Mizunara Cask Review 41:20...

Welcome to another episode of Film & Whiskey! This time, Bob and Brad dive into the world of Gold and Double Gold Medal Whiskeys from the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The duo puts their palates to the test, tasting and reviewing seven award-winning whiskeys. From the rich and robust Cedar Ridge QuintEssential to the uniquely profiled Tumblin' Dice Rye, they bring their whiskey enthusiast charm and keen senses to explore these top-rated whiskeys. Tune in to hear their deta...

In this exciting episode of Film & Whiskey, Bob and Brad, along with guest host Bilge Ebiri, delve into the world of Christopher Nolan's mesmerizing film, The Prestige. As part of their Christopher Nolan miniseries, they explore the intricacies of this magic-tinged sci-fi thriller that takes place in the Victorian era. Bob, who initially didn't enjoy the film upon its release, and Brad, who has fond memories of seeing it in theaters, seek fresh perspectives and insights from Bilge, the chief fil...

In this episode of Film & Whiskey, Bob and Brad dive into the mind-bending world of Christopher Nolan's 2000 film, Memento. As the first installment of their Christopher Nolan miniseries, they explore the intricate storytelling and memorable performances that have made this film a cult classic. Then, they venture into the realm of bourbon with a review of Rabbit Hole Cavehill, a four-grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Will the bourbon impress them as much as the mind-bending narrative of M...

In this episode of Film & Whiskey, Bob and Brad conclude their series of Charlie Chaplin-directed films with a deep dive into his 1936 classic Modern Times. They explore the social commentary and comedy present in the film, as well as Chaplin's directorial style and the enduring legacy of his iconic character, the Tramp. Then, they review the Widow Jane Lucky 13 Bourbon, a small-batch, limited edition release known for its unique flavor profile and artisanal distilling techniques. Timestamps: ...

In this episode of the Film & Whiskey podcast, Bob and Brad dive into the thought-provoking world of Charlie Chaplin with his iconic 1940 film The Great Dictator. This Chaplin masterpiece marks his first full use of sound and takes a bold stance against Hitler and the Nazis during a time when America was practicing isolationism. Our hosts compare and contrast this film with Chaplin's previous works, exploring the effectiveness of dialogue-driven comedy and its place within Chaplin's directorial ...

Bob and Brad continue their series of Charlie Chaplin-directed films with his 1925 classic The Gold Rush. One of the most financially successful films of the silent era, this movie is full of iconic Chaplin bits, including his famous "Dance of the Rolls." Our hosts compare and contrast it with last week's film, City Lights, and highlight how much more comedy-oriented this movie is. Then, they try Tamdhu 10, a Speyside single malt that smells and tastes more like a Highland scotch. Is it worth i...

Grab your surfboard and bourbon glass because in this episode of Film & Whiskey, Bob and Brad are joined by special guest Vince Mancini, a renowned critic and podcaster, to ride the waves of Kathryn Bigelow's adrenaline-fueled 1991 action classic, Point Break. Prepare for an exhilarating discussion as they explore the wild world of bank robberies, extreme sports, and the fine line between friendship and betrayal. And of course, what better way to complement the excitement of the film than with ...

In this episode, Bob and Brad continue their exploration of films directed by Kathryn Bigelow with the intense 2012 thriller Zero Dark Thirty. As they delve into the suspenseful narrative surrounding the hunt for Osama bin Laden, they complement the film with the distinct flavors of David Nicholson Reserve, a high-rye bourbon that adds depth to the experience. The hosts kick off the episode with an in-depth analysis of the performances and direction in "Zero Dark Thirty." They dissect the compe...

In this episode of Film & Whiskey, Bob and Brad kick off a mini-series of films directed by Kathryn Bigelow with her gripping 2009 war film The Hurt Locker. As they dive into the intense and realistic portrayal of the Iraq War, they pair the film with a much-loved, low-proof rye whiskey from Michter's. Throughout the episode, Bob and Brad explore the themes and direction of "The Hurt Locker," highlighting the tension and psychological depth of the story. They delve into Bigelow's masterful dire...

Bob and Brad wrap up their mini-series of films directed by Billy Wilder with the 1954 romantic comedy classic Sabrina. The hosts pair this classic film with Johnnie Walker Blender's Batch Wine Cask Blend, a blended scotch whisky that has been finished in wine casks. Throughout the episode, Bob and Brad discuss the themes and performances of "Sabrina," diving deep into the complexities of the characters and the romantic relationships portrayed on screen. They also share their thoughts on the Jo...

In this episode of Film & Whiskey, Bob and Brad continue their exploration of films directed by Billy Wilder with his 1953 POW classic Stalag 17. They paired the film with the fifth and final whiskey in their lineup of Benchmark bourbons, the Benchmark Full Proof. Bob and Brad discuss the film's themes and performances, as well as the notable Benchmark Full Proof bourbon. During their tasting, they talk about the flavors and aromas of the whiskey and compare it to the other Benchmark bourbons t...

In this episode of Film & Whiskey, Bob and Brad begin a mini-series of films directed by Billy Wilder with his 1950 classic "Sunset Blvd." They pair it up with the fourth in their lineup of five Benchmark bourbons, this time the Benchmark Bonded. They explore the themes of the film, analyzing the performances of the lead actors, and discussing the iconic scenes that have made the film a classic. Bob and Brad also provide their detailed review of Benchmark Bonded bourbon, discussing the flavor p...

In this episode of Film & Whiskey, Bob and Brad score Clint Eastwood as a director using their five-category metric. They then move on to reviewing four single malts from Virginia Distillery Company's Courage and Conviction line. Finally, they sit down with TikTok star Brett Boles of "The M Tea" to discuss their favorite film music and the songs of Encanto. Timestamps: (0:00) Scoring Clint Eastwood as a Director (17:25) Virginia Distillery Company Courage and Conviction American Single Malt R...

Bob and Brad are joined by special guest Noah Gittell, a film critic and journalist, to discuss Clint Eastwood's 2008 drama "Gran Torino." The movie follows an aging Korean War veteran named Walt Kowalski, played by Eastwood himself, who becomes involved with a Hmong family in his neighborhood after witnessing a gang initiation ritual. Meanwhile, they sip on Benchmark Single Barrel, a new $25 whiskey from Buffalo Trace. They review the bourbon and share their tasting notes, as well as some interesting information about its production and aging process.

On this episode of Film & Whiskey, Bob and Brad continue their exploration of Clint Eastwood-directed films with a deep dive into the multi-layered crime drama, "Mystic River." Paired with the new $18 Benchmark Small Batch whiskey from Buffalo Trace, the hosts analyze the film's complex themes and powerful performances.

Bob and Brad are back with Season 7 of Film & Whiskey and they are starting things off with a bang. This episode's film selection is the 1992 Western classic "Unforgiven," directed by the legendary Clint Eastwood. To complement the movie, the duo is also sampling Benchmark Top Floor, a new $15 whiskey from Buffalo Trace. They dive deep into the film's themes and analysis, and discuss Clint Eastwood's direction and the performances of the cast. In addition, they review the Benchmark Top Floor whiskey and play their signature game of Two Facts and a Falsehood.

Bob and Brad wrap up Season 6 with Michael Mann's 1992 historical epic The Last of the Mohicans, a film that neither Bob nor Brad had seen before. Luckily, they're joined by film critic Daniel Joyaux to break it down. Daniel counts this among his favorite movies, largely because of just how rewatchable it is. Together, the trio discuss Daniel Day-Lewis having the movie stolen out from under him by the phenomenal Wes Studi, the career of Madeleine Stowe, and how this movie fits into the catalo...

Bob and Brad continue their miniseries of Michael Mann films with his 1995 crime epic Heat, a movie that Bob had surprisingly never seen until about a year ago. This is Brad's first time watching the much-hyped pairing of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, and the guys have plenty of thoughts on the two lead performances. Mixed in is a review of Val Kilmer, as well as a serial-killer subplot that's entirely unnecessary to the film. Meanwhile, they return to one of their favorite scotch whisky brands...

Bob and Brad kick off their miniseries of Michael Mann films with the 2004 thriller Collateral, a first-time watch for Brad. Featuring a rare villainous turn from Tom Cruise, the guys praise the casting and performances of he and Jamie Foxx, even while not loving some of the dialogue or the too-obvious metaphors. Meanwhile, they try one of Bob's all-time favorite bourbons, Johnny Drum Private Stock. Made by Willett, this features all the funk and rose petal notes that Bob has come to love from ...

Bob and Brad wrap up their miniseries of Coen Brothers comedies with their 1998 film The Big Lebowski, a first-time watch for Brad and just the second time for Bob. Unlike Raising Arizona, Bob was not a fan of this cult classic the first time he saw it, so our hosts have invited author Cathleen Falsani to help break down why this movie is so beloved. Cathleen's book The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers was is an incredible read, and she breaks down the deeper themes of Lebo...

Bob and Brad continue their miniseries of Coen Brothers comedies with their 1987 film Raising Arizona, and boy, is this episode a doozy. Bob loves this movie. Like, LOVES it. Brad hates this movie. Like, HATES it. Despite their very different opinions, they find some points in common, like their praise for the delightful Holly Hunter and the Coens' witty dialogue. Meanwhile, they sample their first-ever offering from Lagavulin, the famous 16-year expression. Known for its incredibly peaty ar...

Bob and Brad kick off their miniseries of Coen Brothers comedies with their 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou? A loose adaptation of The Odyssey, this film stars George Clooney in full Cary Grant mode, taking pratfalls and allowing himself to be the butt of the joke. Our hosts break the amazing Roger Deakins camerawork, as well as the vibrant cast of supporting characters. Meanwhile, they revisit the Maker's Mark brand for the first time since season 1 with Maker's Mark Cask Strength. At a $4...

Bob and Brad finish up their miniseries of James Cameron films with his 1991 extravaganza Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Today, they're joined by writer and filmmaker Ian Nathan. Ian is former editor of Empire magazine and author of nearly 20 books, including the new James Cameron: A Retrospective. Our trio of hosts break down every angle of this quite-literally-explosive film, lauding the performances of Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as Cameron's work as a writer, adding depth ...