All episodes

Stalag 17 / Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon
5
May 2, 2023

Stalag 17 / Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon

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 ...
Sunset Boulevard / Benchmark Bonded Bourbon
4
April 25, 2023

Sunset Boulevard / Benchmark Bonded Bourbon

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 pr...
Scoring Clint Eastwood, Virginia Distillery Company, and TikTok Star Brett Boles
April 21, 2023

Scoring Clint Eastwood, Virginia Distillery Company, and TikTok Star Brett Boles

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 Revi...
Gran Torino / Benchmark Single Barrel ft. Noah Gittell
3
April 18, 2023

Gran Torino / Benchmark Single Barrel ft. Noah Gittell

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.
Guest: Noah Gittell
Mystic River / Benchmark Small Batch
2
April 11, 2023

Mystic River / Benchmark Small Batch

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.
Unforgiven / Benchmark Top Floor
1
April 4, 2023

Unforgiven / Benchmark Top Floor

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.
Season 7 Preview
March 28, 2023

Season 7 Preview

In this episode of the Film & Whiskey podcast, hosts Bob and Brad preview Season 7 by revealing the nine directors whose films they will be reviewing over the course of the season. They also review two bourbons from Green River Distillers and reveal the first film of the season: Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven.: