Whisky & Smoke News Network

Join your host, Chris Kumnick, on a weekly journey through the world of whisky, cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This isn't just any lifestyle podcast – it's more of a news program that covers the fascinating history, expert insights, and engaging conversation designed to elevate your appreciation for these wonderful pastimes.Whether you're looking to impress your friends with your newfound whisky knowledge, deepen your understanding of the huge world of cigars, or want to watch and learn about the calmness of pipes and pipe tobacco, Whisky & Smoke News Network has something for you.

Whisky & Smoke News Network is a leisure podcast hosted by Chris Kumnick - Host, with 34 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Chris Kumnick - Host hosts Whisky & Smoke News Network, a leisure show with 34 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #32

  Ep. 32 - 9/20/26 - Robbie Hughes - Ian Macleod Distillers - "King of the Distilleries"

  Sep 22, 20261h 17m

  In Episode 32 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick brings you the latest whisky, whiskey, bourbon, Scotch, premium cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Robbie Hughes, Senior Distillery Manager at Ian Macleod Distillers, recorded at the beautiful Glengoyne Distillery in Scotland. This episode explores Robbie’s more than two decades at Glengoyne, his journey through the Scotch whisky industry, Ian Macleod Distillers’ family of distilleries, Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank, Laggan Bay Distillery on Islay, whisky-making operations in India, and the challenge of preserving each distillery’s unique character while shaping its future. This week’s whisky and spirits news includes Ardbeg Dark Reserve, Glendronach 200th Anniversary Edition 14 Year Old, Irish whiskey tariff developments, English Whisky geographical indication approval, Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition, Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown, Booker’s The Reserves 2026, Little Book The Infinite Edition III, Chichibu’s U.K. releases, Knob Creek 12-Year-Old Cask Strength, The Borders Distillery’s inaugural single malt, Justerini & Brooks, The Macallan TIME : SPACE, The Glenlivet Provence Edition, Port Ellen, Kavalan, Glenmore, Buchanan’s Coconut, Tenkyo KAZE 921, and Glasgow 1770 Ten Year Old Peated. In premium cigar news, Chris covers VILLIGER de Nicaragua Edición Limitada 2026, Bocock Brothers’ Mizzou Memorial Stadium cigar, Oliva Nub México, Caldwell Mooncake, MEERAPFEL Project Eighteen, Oliva Year of the Goat, Barreda Altagracia, La Galera and Tabacalera Palma’s 90th anniversary cigar, Charatan 160th Anniversary, Black Works Studio Culture Vulture, Principle Cigars Time to Burn Codex, Brun del Ré Privado, and Jamm Cigars. The episode also includes upcoming whisky, spirits, cigar, and tobacco events, followed by “What Is Chris Putting in His Mouth?” where the answer this week is absolutely nothing, thanks to North Texas heat, a packed schedule, and the promise of a proper porch session once the weather finally breaks. Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

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  Episode #30

  Ep. 30 - 8/16/26 - Paul Storrie - Lowland Cooperage - "Falkirk's Finest!!!"

  Aug 16, 20261h 20m

  In Episode 30 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick brings you the latest whisky, whiskey, bourbon, Scotch, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Paul Storrie of Lowland Cooperage in the Falkirk area of Scotland. This episode explores the cooper’s trade, cask repair, cask rejuvenation, whisky maturation, the importance of oak in Scotch whisky, and why the people behind the wood matter just as much as the spirit inside the barrel. This week’s whisky news includes Kings County Distillery’s 134-proof 9-year bourbon, House of Hazelwood Calm Waters, The Macallan Harmony Collection coconut releases, Stranahan’s 11-year Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt, James B. Beam Distilling Company’s Creator Campus, Unreined Whiskey’s new College Station destination, Chicken Cock Whiskey changing ownership, Duncan Taylor’s Mizunara-finished Auchentoshan, Never Say Die Bourbon’s Lexington visitor home, Jack Daniel’s High Angel’s Share Tennessee Whiskey, Wylye Distillery in England, Scotland’s Whisky Week, Glenfiddich’s Aston Martin Formula One collaboration, and the new Stetson Kentucky Straight Bourbon. In cigar news, Chris covers Ferio Tego Milestones honoring Miles Davis, Casa Carrillo La Historia Silk, Hooten Young Midnight Hammer 2026, Luciano The Maker, Diesel Uncaged by A.J. Fernandez, El Mago The Offender and The Defender, Premium Cigar Association tariff guidance, Room101’s 17th Anniversary cigar, Davidoff Boutique Selection, Creekside Cigar Company’s Queen of the West, and Tradecraft Gladius Box Press. The episode also includes upcoming whisky, bourbon, cigar, and pipe events, followed by “What Is Chris Putting in His Mouth?” featuring Tomintoul TŌR, a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky finished in Oloroso sherry butts. Whether you follow Scotch whisky, bourbon news, American whiskey, American single malt, independent bottlers, cooperages, premium cigars, cigar industry news, whisky festivals, cigar releases, pipe culture, or whisky and cigar pairings, Episode 30 of WNSNN delivers news, insight, interviews, and entertainment for serious enthusiasts. Social Media Links Whisky & Smoke News Network Instagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

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  Episode #29

  Ep. 29 - 8/5/26 - Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers - "It all takes time, there are no shortcuts."

  Aug 6, 20261h 26m

  In Episode 29 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, bourbon, Scotch, Irish whiskey, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Alistair Walker of the Alistair Walker Whisky Company and the Infrequent Flyers independent bottling brand. Recorded during Chris’ March trip to Scotland, this conversation explores Alistair Walker’s path into the whisky business, his approach to cask finishing, careful wood management, independent bottling, the current state of the Scotch whisky industry, and what lies ahead for Infrequent Flyers. This episode also covers major whisky and spirits headlines including Brown-Forman rejecting Sazerac’s acquisition offer, Old Forester Triple Char, RNDC bankruptcy, Glenfarclas 190, Cutty Sark’s new campaign, Beyoncé taking sole ownership of SirDavis American Whisky, The Balvenie Fifty Collection Third Edition, Still Austin Quarter, Jameson becoming the NFL’s official spirits sponsor, MGP’s whiskey slowdown, Tsingtao partnering with Great Northern Distillery, Stranahan’s Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt, Dancing Goat Stillman’s Sonder, Old Elk 10-Year Collection, Bib & Tucker Bottled-in-Bond, New Riff Headliner 2026, Old Pogue Master’s Select, Larrikin Rye, Ten Day Bourbon Prohibition Blend, and Old Overholt 11-Year Cask Strength Rye. In cigar news, Chris highlights Micallef Orange, Maria Mancini packaging updates, Hooten Young American 250 Reserve, RoMa Craft CRAFT Maquette Foreign & Domestic, Joya de Nicaragua Pata Negra, Perez-Carrillo Encore Edición Única II, J.C. Newman Yagua Robusto, Apostate The Lost Pages, Scandinavian Tobacco Group price increases, and Lampert Limitada releases. The episode also features upcoming whisky, cigar, and pipe events, followed by “What Is Chris Putting in His Mouth?” with Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey, making this a must-watch for fans of Scotch whisky, independent bottlers, bourbon news, Irish whiskey, American single malt, premium cigars, cigar news, pipe tobacco, and whisky industry analysis. Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!! Companies & Websites Mentioned in This Episode: Whisky & Smoke News Network — https://www.youtube.com/@whiskynsmokenn Alistair Walker Whisky Company / Infrequent Flyers — https://alistairwalkerwhisky.com

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  Episode #28

  Ep. 28 - 7/29/26 - Steve Saka - Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust - "Not Throwing Darts!!!"

  Jul 30, 20261h 2m

  In Episode 28 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick brings you the latest whisky, bourbon, Scotch, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Torch the Vitola” interview with Steve Saka, founder of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust and one of the premium cigar industry’s most respected and outspoken cigar makers. This episode covers major whisky and bourbon headlines including Independent Stave Company closing Alabama Cooperage, the UK Parliament’s Scotch whisky inquiry, Moonshine University closing at the end of 2026, Apogee 21’s acquisition moves involving Luca Mariano Distillery and Rod & Hammer’s, Glenglassaugh 15-Year-Old, new Canadian alcohol tariffs, Spirit Capital’s acquisition of the former Killarney Brewing & Distilling site, Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finished Whiskey, and the restoration of tariff-free treatment for Scotch whisky in the United States. In premium cigar news, Chris highlights Cohiba Talismán returning as regular production, Española Cigars Double Toro, new Viaje Skull and Bones and Reserva releases, Perez-Carrillo Ascend, Buffalo Trace Special Selection cigars, Lost&Found Give a F*ck 2026, Cavalier Genève Project 10th Anniversary, Somm Cigars Premier Cru Petra II, Espinosa Operation Arrow, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Red Meat Lovers Spicy Beef Stick, new Tatuaje extensions, Casa 1910’s partnership with Smoker Friendly, and Artista Buffalo TEN Broadleaf. The episode also features upcoming whisky, cigar, and pipe events, followed by Chris’ “What is Chris Putting in His Mouth?” pairing review of Weller Antique 107 bourbon with the Weller by Cohiba 2025 cigar. Whether you follow bourbon news, Scotch whisky, American whiskey, premium cigars, cigar reviews, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, Steve Saka, Buffalo Trace, Weller bourbon, Cohiba cigars, whisky and cigar pairings, or the latest releases across the whisky and smoke industries, this episode delivers news, insight, commentary, and entertainment for serious enthusiasts.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

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  Episode #27

  Ep. 27 - 7/15/26 - Nora Ganley-Roper & Adam Polonski - Lost Lantern - 50 States of Bourbon

  Jul 20, 20261h 45m

  In Episode 27 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, bourbon, cigar, pipe, and pipe tobacco news, plus an in-depth “Pop the Cork” interview with Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, founders of Lost Lantern, America’s first independent bottler. This episode covers major whisky and bourbon headlines including Kilchoman Rockside 11-Year-Old, Port of Leith Table Whisky cans, Diageo’s Crown Royal bottling plant sale, the new Isle of Harris Single Malt, Kentucky Bourbon Trail expansion, Barton 1792 Straight Rye and 1792 XV, Aberfeldy 24-Year-Old White Port Double Cask, the continuing Uncle Nearest legal saga, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash, and Yellowstone Limited Edition 2026. In premium cigar news, Chris highlights new and limited releases from Black Label Trading Co., Toscano, San Cristobal, Martello Cigar Co., Notorious Cigars, Puro Sabor Festival 2027, and La Aroma de Cuba. The episode also features upcoming whisky, cigar, and pipe events, followed by a detailed WNSNN pairing review of C.B. Jackson Kentucky Straight Bourbon with the C.B. Jackson Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Toro, making this a must-watch for fans of bourbon news, Scotch whisky, American whiskey, independent bottlers, premium cigars, cigar reviews, whiskey pairings, and the latest releases across the whisky and smoke industries. Summary In this episode, Chris Kumnick hosts a deep dive into whiskey, cigars, and industry insights, featuring Nora Ganley Roper and Adam Polonski of Lost Lantern. Discover the stories behind America's first independent bottler, new whiskey releases, and expert pairing tips. Keywords Whiskey, Cigars, Lost Lantern, Independent Bottler, Whiskey Releases, Cigar Pairing, Industry Insights Key topics Lost Lantern's founding story and philosophy Latest whiskey releases and distillery expansions Cigar and whiskey pairing techniques and recommendations Takeaways Lost Lantern is the first independent bottler in America, emphasizing craftsmanship and discovery. New whiskey releases include Kilhoman's Rockside 11-year-old and Isle of Harris Single Malt. Expert pairing tips highlight how cigars can elevate whiskey experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Whiskey and Cigar Industry Insights 01:03 Interview with Nora Gainley Roper and Adam Polansky of Lost Lantern 02:14 Latest Whiskey Releases: Kilhoman Rockside 11-Year-Old 03:02 Port of Leith's New 100ml Cans of Table Whiskey 04:45 Expansion of Isle of Harris Distillery 06:09 Kentucky Bourbon Trail's New Destinations 07:07 Barton 1792's Landmark Releases 08:47 Aberfeldy's Limited Edition White Port Double Cask 09:46 Uncle Nearest Legal and Financial Developments 11:25 Heaven Hill's New Bottle and Bond Release 12:50 Yellowstone's 2026 Limited Edition Bourbon 13:18 Cigar News: Black Label Trading and More 14:45 Canadian Exclusive Toscano Rosso Cafe 15:44 San Cristobal Golden Hour Launch 17:12 Martello's Limited Edition Cigar Ordolan 18:09 New Core Lines from Notorious Cigars 19:06 Upcoming Cigar Festivals and Events 20:34 La Aroma de Cuba Sampler Release 21:32 Upcoming Industry Events and Festivals 22:30 Interview with Nora and Adam of Lost Lantern 23:37 Closing Remarks and Follow-up Resources Kilhoman Distillery - https://kilhoman.com Port of Leith Distillery - https://portofleithdistillery.com Isle of Harris Distillery - https://harrisdistillery.com Barton 1792 - https://barton1792.com Aberfeldy Distillery - https://aberlfeldy.com Heaven Hill Distillery - https://heavenhilldistillery.com Yellowstone Bourbon - https://yellowstonebourbon.com Black Label Trading Company - https://blacklabeltrading.com San Cristobal Cigars - https://ashtoncigar.com Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

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