Whiskey Enthusiast Zak Kemble

Zak Kemble and Gavin Linde, both whiskey enthusiasts, recently discussed their shared passion. Zak recounted his initial negative experience with whiskey and his subsequent journey exploring different varieties. Both agreed on Glenfarclas 15 as a favorite, appreciating its balance of accessibility and flavor, while Gavin also highlighted Glenfiddich for its consistent quality and affordability. Their conversation touched on the unpredictable nature of aging whiskey and the risks involved, drawing parallels with the evolving video game and car industries. Zak, who delved into whiskey around 2015 after retiring from semi-professional athletics, entered the scene just before its surge in popularity. They acknowledged the challenges faced by the whiskey industry, particularly the impact of Covid-19, which led to initial growth followed by a downturn. Zak emphasized the issue of rising prices potentially alienating consumers, stressing the need for a balanced value proposition across different consumer segments. Gavin suggested the shift towards tequilas and rums could be a response to these challenges. The rising prices in the whiskey market, despite no apparent cost increases, were also discussed. They explored the practice of 'whiskey fixing,' where whiskeys are further aged to modify flavor profiles and create limited editions. Gavin shared his experience collecting rare, expensive bottles as potential investments. The investment potential of Scotch whiskey was a key topic, with its rapid growth surpassing other investments like real estate and premium wines. They also touched on limited production and the practice of 'flipping' whiskey for resale rather than consumption. The increasing prices of whiskey, particularly the McAllen edition, were analyzed. Gavin recounted buying the McAllen edition for $89-$95 and witnessing its value soar to $3,000 before dropping to $1,200. Zak highlighted the disparity between the rate of price increases and consumer affordability, particularly when collecting overshadows consumption. The challenges of serving high-end whiskey in bars were also explored, focusing on oxidation and the difficulty of maintaining optimal storage conditions. They emphasized the importance of proper handling to preserve quality and the challenges faced by bartenders in ensuring this. Zak and Gavin shared career highlights, with Zak recounting his visit to the Blair Athol distillery in Scotland, emphasizing its historical significance. They also discussed their whiskey tasting experiences, including a 52-year-old Macallan from 1969 for Zak and a 71-year-old Glenlivet for Gavin, both exceeding expectations despite preconceptions about older whiskeys. The conversation concluded with reflections on the subjective nature of whiskey preferences, the importance of quality control, and the joy of sharing high-quality whiskey with others. They criticized brands prioritizing reputation over quality and emphasized the value of shared experiences over material possessions.