Podcast

The Third Pour

Arts, Food

The Goal: Pierce the veil of whiskey marketing.
The Method: Strict, double-blind evaluation.
The Question: Does the price tag match the pour?

In a whiskey culture dominated by manufactured status and label-chasing, The Third Pour acts as the ultimate consumer watchdog. Led by "The Doc," our panel strips away the fancy packaging, the artificial hype, and the secondary-market noise to evaluate spirits on merit alone.

By putting legendary allocated bottles head-to-head with budget-friendly powerhouses in a blind environment, we consistently prove that great whiskey doesn't require a master's degree in hunting bottles—just a dedication to the craft.

Hit subscribe, leave your brand bias at the door, and find out what happens when the labels come off.

Episodes
90
Releases
Twice a week
Typical length
24 min
On air since
2026
Latest episode
4 days ago

Episodes

90 episodes, newest first

  1. Episode #91 - Doc Frankenstein & Igor Izzy pair Halloween candy with Hatfield & Co Frankenwhiskey!

    Season 1, Episode 91

    Show notes

    Halloween has officially descended on the studio, and things are getting wild!

    Doc Frankenstein and Igor (Izzy) are suited up in full costume to kick off this spooktacular episode with a truly fitting pour: Hatfield & Co’s Frankenwhiskey (2024 Release).

    Watch as the duo reviews this monstrous whiskey, tests out various Halloween candy pairings to find the ultimate match, and completely derail the show in classic

    Frankenstein style.

    The visuals alone make this an episode you don't want to miss!

    Grab a pour, dump out your trick-or-treat bucket, and let’s see which candy reigns supreme!

    29 min
  2. Episode #90 - The Blind Box Pour That Got WORSE With Every Sip... 🤢

    Season 1, Episode 90

    Show notes

    It started with potential... then everything went sideways! 🥃

    At first splash, it seems decent enough—maybe even promising. But as the glass opens up and the pours keep flowing, things take a wild turn.

    The more we drink it, the less we like it! Doc manages to dial in on the exact proof with surgical precision, but when it comes to identifying the actual distillery and bottle? Both of us were left completely stumped.

    Packed with non-stop banter, real-time blind reactions, and plenty of laughs, this is one milestone episode you don't want to miss. in a Glencairn.

    Did we hit a hidden gem or a total pour-drainer? Hit play, grab a glass, and let’s find out together!!!

    19 min
  3. Episode #89 - A 9-Year Age Statement for $40?! Coppercraft 9 Year Review (ft. David Hamilton)

    Season 1, Episode 89

    Show notes

    What happens when a targeted Facebook ad leads to a 9-year-old straight bourbon for forty bucks? You pour it live and find out!

    David Hamilton sits in for this fresh crack Friday with The Doc to break down Michigan’s Coppercraft 9 Year Straight Bourbon. Between key tasting notes and proof discussions, the conversation takes a turn into classic barroom philosophy: Is the iconic Old Fashioned officially a cocktail?

    Pour a dram, let us know your thoughts on Coppercraft in the comments, and tell us where you stand on the Old Fashioned debate!

    29 min
  4. Episode #88 - The Bottle That Came Full Circle! Blind Box Sample 4 (ft. David Hamilton)

    Season 1, Episode 88

    Show notes

    Izzy and T are holding down the fort elsewhere this week, so The Doc is bringing in a special guest host: master bourbon hunter David Hamilton!

    The guys pop open Blind Box Sample #4 for a unfiltered double-blind evaluation. The nose kicks off with distinct Wild Turkey characteristics, but the palate takes an unexpected twist with some serious wine-finish notes.

    This one is a true full-circle moment—Doc wouldn't even have this bottle in the bunker if it weren't for David’s legendary hunting skills in the first place!

    Grab a pour, pull up a chair, and join the conversation.

    24 min
  5. Episode #87 - Duck Club Bourbon Flight: High Brass, 92 proof & New Wetlands Review!

    Season 1, Episode 87

    Show notes

    Duck Club Triple Flight: High Brass Parole Hearing, New Wetlands Release & Bourbon Hunting!

    On this edition of Fresh Crack Friday, Doc and Izzy are diving deep into the full Duck Club lineup, taking on three distinct expressions in one epic session!

    Here’s what’s on the menu for today’s flight:

    Duck Club High Brass: It’s time for a parole hearing—will this expression get paroled, or is it headed straight back to bourbon jail?

    Lower Proof Duck Club: The fellas break down how the lower proof offering stacks up.

    Duck Club Wetlands: A first look and live review of the brand-new Wetlands release!

    Plus, Doc gives a quick update on his shoulder recovery, and the guys talk shop on the state of bourbon hunting today.

    It’s a packed 38-minute episode, but with three pours on the table, every minute is worth it. Grab a glass and join the conversation!

    Remember to drink responsibly and pour what you love!

    38 min
  6. Episode #86 - Total Confusion & Vampires?!? Blind Box Sample #52

    Season 1, Episode 86

    Show notes

    In this episode of The Third Pour, The Doc and Izzy sit down for a Blind Box challenge that completely throws them for a loop.

    Sample -#52 hands the fellas a massive curveball—leading to an entire episode of sheer confusion, wild guesses, and plenty of laughs. They manage to call out that it's a rye, but that’s about as close as they get to cracking the code!

    Beyond the mysterious pour, the guys dive into a hilarious debate on Vampires vs. Werewolves, give an update on how The Doc’s shoulder is healing up, and drop an exclusive preview of what’s coming in next week’s episode.

    Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a pour!

    20 min
  7. Episode #85 - Fresh Crack Friday: Redwood Empire Hyperion - Frankenstein Whiskey or Masterpiece?

    Season 1, Episode 85

    Show notes

    On this week’s Fresh Crack Friday, the fellas are cracking into one of the most anticipated releases of the year—The Hyperion by Redwood Empire!

    This highly allocated, limited-time offering breaks all the rules. Blending four distinct whiskey styles (bourbon, rye, wheat whiskey, and American single malt) across more than 10 different mash bills and 79 barrels, this is a true "Frankenstein" or "meatloaf" pour.

    From the nose all the way through the finish, Hyperion delivers a completely unique profile—but does high ambition equal a great pour?

    Tune in as Doc and Izzy break down the nose, palate, and finish to reveal where this monster bottle lands on the official Third Pour rating scale!

    Plus, stick around to the end for a great catch-up with the guys and a sneak peek at what's getting cracked next Friday.

    Drink along with us / Episode Details:

    Bottle: Redwood Empire "The Hyperion" Inaugural Batch 001

    Proof: 110 Proof (55% ABV)

    Blend Breakdown: 32% Bourbon, 30% Rye, 25% Wheat Whiskey, 13% American Single Malt

    Ages: 7–14 Year Blend

    23 min
  8. Episode #84 - Nail Polish & 7-Up: The 15-Year Blind Box Mystery - Sample #59

    Season 1, Episode 84

    Show notes

    Welcome back to the pour!

    The fellas are finally back in the studio together after the Doc’s shoulder surgery! To celebrate (or punish) his return, Izzy and the Doc dive back into the mystery stash and pull Sample #59 straight out of the Blind Box.

    No frills, no fancy setups—just pure, unfiltered blind reactions.

    What starts with a bright, citrusy nose reminiscent of a cold 7-Up takes a wild turn on the palate. We're talking high tannins, serious mouth-drying grip, an unexpected hit of salt, and a distinct note of... nail polish remover?

    When the reveal hits, it turns out to be a 15-year aged product, proving once again that age statements don't always tell the whole story.

    In this episode:

    The Doc’s post-surgery studio comeback

    The breakdown of Sample #59: From lemon-lime soda to acetone

    Why 15 years in the barrel doesn't always guarantee a winner

    Our final verdict on whether this bottle deserves a spot on your shelf

    Drop a comment below: Have you ever poured a long-aged bottle that completely caught you off guard?

    15 min
  9. Episode #83 - Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Review: Blown Away... Or Blown Out? -Fresh Crack Friday

    Season 1, Episode 83

    Show notes

    It’s Fresh Crack Friday on The Third Pour, and The Doc and Izzy are diving into a fresh bottle of Dragon’s Milk Small Batch Bourbon—courtesy of show correspondent Dakota Phillips!

    The fellas crack the seal live on camera and share their immediate, unfiltered reactions. Safe to say, both host and co-host were completely blown away by this pour... but is that a high-proof compliment or a word of warning? You’ll have to tune in to find out where this bottle lands!

    In this episode:

    Fresh Crack Tasting: First impressions and live review of Dragon’s Milk Small Batch Bourbon.

    Rating System Shakeup: The guys discuss whether it's time to add a brand-new seventh tier to The Third Pour rating system.

    Mailbag Callout: No viewer emails this week, which means Izzy is feeling lonely. Help a host out and send your bourbon questions, hot takes, or bottle recommendations for next week!

    Drop your thoughts on Dragon’s Milk in the comments, hit that Subscribe button, and pour yourself something good!

    22 min
  10. Episode #82 - Scent, Science & Sample #32 - The Blind Box Returns

    Season 1, Episode 82

    Show notes

    The Blind Box is back in the studio, and this week, it might actually have a heart!

    The Doc and Izzy crack open Sample #32 for a double-blind breakdown that takes an unexpected turn from the very first pour.

    From the second the cork pops, the nose transports The Doc straight down memory lane, while Izzy locks into some instantly recognizable, classic bourbon notes. Could this finally be the week the Blind Box treats the fellas right, or is there a curveball waiting on the finish?

    Grab your favorite glass, pour a double, and hit play to see if Sample #32 earns a permanent spot on the top shelf or gets sent back to the box!

    19 min
  11. Episode #81 - Wood Hat Bottled-in-Bond Fresh Crack! Plus viewer emails & hat chaos!

    Season 1, Episode 81

    Show notes

    It is Friday, the seals are breaking, and the boys have completely lost the plot.

    This week on Fresh Crack Friday, Izzy and The Doc pull the cork on the Wood Hat Bottled-in-Bond "Bourbon Rubenesque" for its very first taste, and let's just say this Missouri single barrel brings serious personality to the table.

    Between unpacking the mash bill and hunting for tasting notes, things predictably slide off the rails.

    A innocent viewer email spirals into an intense, debate about Texas and Arkansas Bourbon.

    The fellas also question hats throughout history because apparently, historical headwear needs a proper roasting.

    Expect plenty of laughs, zero filter, and a deep dive into what makes Wood Hat's bottled-in-bond lineup a wild ride from start to finish.

    Grab your favorite glass, hit that subscribe button, and join the chaos.

    33 min
  12. Episode #80 - Masterclass nose or total guess: The Doc calls his shot on blind box sample #18

    Season 1, Episode 80

    Show notes

    David Hamilton is back in the studio for another wild Blind Box Wednesday!

    This week, he reaches into the box and pulls Sample #18.

    Before taking a single sip, the Doc puts on an absolute masterclass using just the nose—calling his shot early and setting the stakes high.

    Does his nose live up to the legendary nickname, or did the sample pull a fast one on him?

    Expect heaps of laughs, great banter, and classic chaos whenever these three get together.

    Grab a glass, hit play, and see if the Doc nailed it!

    15 min
  13. Episode #79 - 152.2 PROOF HAZMAT! 11-Year Dry Fly Distilling & Gentsgiving NWA with David Hamilton

    Season 1, Episode 79

    Show notes

    Fresh Crack Friday is getting wild! The fellas are joined back in the studio by David Hamilton, and he brought a certified monster to the table: an 1.1-year-old specialty barrel release from Dry Fly Distilling clocking in at a massive 152.2 proof! Can the palate survive pure uncut hazmat juice?

    The bourbon is incredible, but the conversation is even better. We dive into David’s musical roots with his band Wild Turkey Fist Fight, check out his wife’s Horror podcast - Light & Shadow, and highlight a fantastic local cause—Gentsgiving NWA, supported by the Mars family.

    Grab a heavy pour (or two) and settle in for an extended episode packed with heat, laughs, and great company!

    45 min
  14. Episode - 78 - Fruity, Funky, and Salty?! Testing Blind Box Sample 17

    Season 1, Episode 78

    Show notes

    Welcome back to The Third Pour! In Episode 78, Izzy and The Doc welcome longtime friend David Hamilton to the show. The guys dive deep into David’s journey into the world of bourbon, sharing laughs and great conversation along the way.

    Then, it's time to crack open the vault for another blind pour. The crew pulls Blind Box Sample #17—and right out of the gate, the pale color and lackluster nose don't exactly inspire confidence. But the real surprise comes on the palate!

    With tasting notes ranging from fruity and funky to salty and downright forgetful, this sample takes everyone on a wild ride you won't want to miss.

    Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Drop a comment below with your wild guess for Sample #17.

    17 min
  15. Episode #77: Tale of Two Labels — Old Forester Arkansas Barrel Heads Store Picks!

    Season 1, Episode 77

    Show notes

    Episode #77: Arkansas Barrel Heads Takeover — Black Label vs. Blue Label Old Forester Picks!

    The fellas are back in the studio with double the trouble! In this episode, Izzy and The Doc sit down for a double Fresh Crack Friday featuring two separate Old Forester single barrel store picks, courtesy of their good friends from The Arkansas Barrel Heads.

    The guys go head-to-head sipping through both expressions to see how they stack up:

    The Black Label: A smooth, classic 100-proof single barrel entry.

    The Blue Label: A high-octane, barrel-proof monster coming in at a roaring 131 proof that drinks in the 110-15 range!

    It's a full pour of unfiltered banter, proof comparisons, and real-time reactions as the fellas debate which expression takes the crown, how the heat hits, and where both bottles end up on the official ratings board.

    Grab yourself a pour, join the conversation in the comments, and remember — don't drink the hype! 🥃

    In this episode:

    Fresh Crack Double Header: Opening two Arkansas Barrel Heads Old Forester picks.

    Proof Battle: Comparing the 100-proof Black Label against the 131-proof Blue Label.

    The Verdict & Ratings: Which pick reign supreme, and where do they land on the top shelf?

    34 min
  16. Episode #76 - Floral, Funky, & Unfiltered: Izzy & The Doc Face Blind Box Sample #44

    Season 1, Episode 76

    Show notes

    Things get wild in the studio for this edition of the Blind Box Showdown!

    Izzy and The Doc pull Sample #44 for a completely blind pour, and from the very first glance, something feels... off.

    Is it the unexpected color? The intriguing nose? Or that wild, flowery, funky finish that leaves everyone guessing?

    Watch as the fellas try to navigate one of the most perplexing blind samples yet. Packed with high-energy banter, plenty of laughs, and unmatched whiskey speculation—can they even finish the glass?

    Grab a pour, drop your guesses in the comments, and don't drink the hype!

    22 min
  17. Episode #75: J. Rieger & Co. Monogram Preview Pouring with legends - with Ryan Maybee & Nathan Perry

    Season 1, Episode 75

    Show notes

    The Doc and Izzy take The Third Pour on the road to historic Kansas City for an exclusive, sit-down conversation at J. Rieger & Co.

    In this episode, we sit down with co-founder Ryan Maybee and Master Distiller Nathan Perry to explore the deep history of Kansas City spirits and what makes their operation so special.

    Plus, we get an exclusive first taste of the unreleased 2026 Monogram whiskey, break down what makes this bottle so extraordinary, and pull back the curtain on upcoming releases you won't want to miss. It was an absolute blast connecting with the team—grab a pour, settle in, and join us for a hell of a conversation.

    Don't drink the hype!!

    24 min
  18. Episode #74 - Blind Box #5 Reveal: Funky Flavors, Bad Guesses & Pure Hilarity

    Season 1, Episode 74

    Show notes

    The dreaded Blind Box is back on the bar, and sample #5 is testing everything Izzy and The Doc thought they knew!

    This week, the fellas pour, taste, and attempt to strip away all the hype to see what’s actually in the glass.

    The second it hits the palate, things take a wild turn—we’re talking high-voltage funk, unexpected sour notes, and a flavor profile that leaves both of them scratching their heads.

    Can they nail the distillery, pin down the proof, or even get within striking distance of naming the bottle? Or does the blind box claim another victim?

    Between the blind tasting chaos, the guys kick back, catch up, and vent about everything bothering them this week.

    Expect plenty of laughs, unfiltered banter, and a recipe for absolute hilarity as the episode completely goes off the rails.

    In this episode:

    The Blind Tasting: Breaking down the funky, sour notes of Sample #5.

    The Guesses: Proof calls, age estimates, and outright wild stabs in the dark.

    The Vent Session: The fellas unwind and speak their minds on what’s bugging them this week.

    The Reveal: Does Sample #5 earn a spot on the top shelf, or does it belong in the dump bucket?

    Grab a pour, drop your guess for Sample #5 in the comments, and don't drink the hype!

    22 min
  19. Episode #73 - FRESH CRACK FRIDAY: 154.4 PROOF 26-YEAR OBTAINIUM CANADIAN WHISKEY!

    Season 1, Episode 73

    Show notes

    The crew is back in the studio together, and this week for Fresh Crack Friday, we’re opening the oldest and hottest pour to ever cross the desk: Obtainium 26-Year Canadian Whisky, coming in at a wild 154.4 proof!

    Watch the real-time reactions as we crack the seal and see if the heat overpowers the high age statement, or if this monster actually delivers. Plus, we dive into the mailbag to tackle the debate that never dies: Wheater vs. Rye—which style takes the crown?

    Old & Hot: Tasting Obtainium 26-Year Canadian Whisky (154.4 Proof)

    Viewer Mailbag: Is a wheated bourbon or a high-rye whiskey superior?

    The Verdict: Unfiltered reactions and final ratings (the numbers might surprise you!)

    It’s a slightly longer episode today, but packed with incredible energy, honest whiskey talk, and plenty of laughs from start to finish. Grab a glass and join us!

    44 min
  20. Episode #72 - Blind Tasting 4 Mystery Whiskeys (Things Get Wild)

    Season 1, Episode 72

    Show notes

    This week, T, Izzy, and Doc take on four double-blind samples sent in by one of their bourbon brothers!

    Join the guys as they blindly sample each pour, break down the flavors, and attempt to guess what’s in the glass. As usual, it doesn’t take long for the conversation to go off the rails—expect great laughs, hot takes, and plenty of fun.

    Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more whiskey reviews, cigar chats, and good conversation!

    37 min

On these lists

The Third Pour is one of the shows picked out on this list

All Arts lists