John Chesney and Matt Brown join me for a recap of 300 episodes. We look back on the landscape of whiskey when I first began the podcast seven years ago and to where whiskey and consumer are heading now.Hosts: Jake Hukee, Matt Brown and John ChesneyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

After 298 episodes, we drop whiskey and talk tequila with Suerte… kind of. Our good buddies are here to hang to talk about the successes and failures in hospitality; the plethora of great stock of whiskey sitting in American distilleries and now hitting the shelves; and a bit on the online culture in the whiskey space.Guest: Eric Rosentreter & Chris BlatterHost: Jake Hukee and John ChesneyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Eric Mersch and Sam Bergren of Still Austin are back. Eric hasn’t been on in couple years and the last time Sam appeared on the show he was representing Mississippi River Distilling Co. Now, the duo kills it in the Illinois market for this great, emerging Texas Distillery. They share the ethos and how the distillery has adapted in the past decade to become very recognizable American distillery.Guest: Eric Mersch & Sam BergrenHost: Jake Hukee and John ChesneyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Wilson Returns! The man who started the podcast with me seven years ago. Wilson Torres is back to tell us about everything Whistle Pig. Wilson shares the purpose behind this exceptional Rye Whiskey brand and how they’ve grown into one the major players in American Whiskey. Hey, young world…Guest: Wilson TorresHost: Jake Hukee and John ChesneyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Stephen and I catch up. We’ve both moved on from our Australian spirits companies. After more than six year, Stephen resigned from being the National Brand Ambassador of Mr. Black. He’s now venturing out on his own, creating his a production for the industry, As Is Productions. Listen to what his creative mind and skillset can do for spirits companies, restaurants, bars and coffeeshops. Guest: Stephen KurpinskyHost: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Live from Slightly Toasted for The Battle of The Bastards: the battle for well whiskey supremacy. Forty-five whiskey enthusiasts joined for a bracket challenge of blind tasting eight different work horses that fill our shot glasses, our house cocktails and are always available. Head-to-head the eight whiskeys went until one bastard was left standing. Listen to find out which whiskey it was.Host: Jake Hukee, Matt Brown and John ChesneyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Live from Slightly Toasted, John Chesney and I sit down to discuss our lord and savior AI. We analyze how it’s an adaptable and functional tool for both distilleries and bars to better understand their customers. We also chat how distilleries could adapt to the craft brewery model to survive as hundreds of distilleries close and consolidate across the US.Hosts: Jake Hukee & John ChesneyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Chris joins the show to discuss the current status of whiskey social media. We chat on how the algorithm has morphed from promoting fun, critical discussions of whiskey to a division through “hot takes” has enveloped social media platforms in the whiskey space. We also discuss the lawsuit against Bardstown Bourbon Company. We look at the nuanced angles from journalistic coverage, to social responsibility, and why opinions of the company don’t have to be decided at this very juncture. I think we all agree, let’s just treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Our first podcast of 2026. We recap the industry shakeups from large brand houses downsizing, giant distributors taking a hit, and how brands and consumers are sifting their ways through the rye of it all. We also find logic and purpose for whiskey brands to succeed this year. Hosts: Jake Hukee, Matt Brown & John ChesneyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Kojin Tashiro, founder of Mugen Spirit, shares his Japanese heritage and American identity in the form of whiskey. Kojin was burnin in Japan but moved to America as a child. He blends both worlds together by sourcing Bourbon and using Japanese history, folklore, and art to tell a story of both countries inside and outside of the bottle.Guest: Kojin TashiroHost: Jake Hukee and John ChesneyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake