A Gentleman's Guide to Tasting Whiskey

In this spirited solocast, Brian Lipstein steps away from menswear to explore another hallmark of refined living: Scotch whiskey.

Join him for a live tasting of four remarkable expressions—Dalwhinnie 15, Glenlivet 12, Glenlivet 18, and Lagavulin 16—as he walks through tasting techniques, whiskey history, and the nuances of regional character.

You’ll learn how to properly awaken your palate, the difference between single malt and blended scotch, and why age is only part of the story when it comes to complexity and flavor. Whether you're new to whiskey or a seasoned collector, Brian offers a warm, engaging guide to savoring the spirit like a true gentleman.

But more than a tasting, this episode is about experience—how whiskey builds memories, strengthens friendships, and becomes part of the stories we tell. From Gaelic etymology to smoky Islay pairings with cigars, this journey is both educational and deeply personal.

Slàinte to good company and good taste!

0:00 Intro

1:18 Brian's first encounter with whiskey

3:15 Why whiskey is a gentlemanly pursuit

4:39 Uisce beatha: Water of life

5:31 What makes Scotch whiskey Scotch

8:22 Distillation 101: Heads, hearts, and tails

10:16 From clear spirit to cask-aged complexity

12:30 The five senses of whiskey tasting 1

4:49 Freddie Johnson's "palate awakening" technique

20:50 Dalwhinnie 15

22:20 Glenlivet 12 vs. Glenlivet 18

32:28 Lagavulin 16

37:57 Whiskey and cigars: the smoky symphony

39:50 The social soul of whiskey

41:45 A wedding bottle, a memory for life

43:11 Slàinte and sign-off