Whiskey, Tequila, And The American Dream - Shankar Distillers - Varchas Whiskey

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What happens when a Mysore-born tech founder falls in love with American whiskey—and decides to ship the culture back to the world? We head into Shankar Distillers in Troy, Michigan, where copper columns hum, the hybrid pot still shines, and Reserve 102 proves why a high-rye single barrel can win fans on both sides of the bar. Varchas shares how global travel exposed a gap on overseas shelves, why he partnered with MGP while building his own production, and how a Detroit-made identity can thrive from Metro Detroit to Bangalore.

We taste and compare the 102-proof single-barrel high-rye bourbon with a lineup of thoughtful finishes, including a standout Madeira cask that layers dark chocolate and cherry without burying the base whiskey. Along the way, we dig into the engineering: a continuous column for stripping, the pot still for precise cuts, and why finishing works best when the starting whiskey already sings. Distribution strategy, pricing that punches above its weight, and Michigan’s Great Lakes water all play a role in keeping quality consistent while scaling smart.

Then we pivot to tequila, done the right way. It’s 100% blue agave, additive-free, made and bottled in Mexico, and aged in their own used bourbon barrels to bring a shortbread-cookie sweetness bourbon lovers will recognize. We talk agave age, 900-degree ovens, blending column and pot distillate, and how fresh green pepper and cooked-agave notes can sit in harmony. The team also opens up about becoming the first American craft whiskey to enter India, why they built a diverse spirits portfolio, and how a regulated investment round turns fans into brand ambassadors.

If you love bourbon, are curious about cask finishes, or want to understand what “additive-free tequila” really means, this tour has you covered—plus plenty of insider tips on store picks, state availability, and what’s launching next. Pour a glass, press play, and tell us: would you reach for the high-rye single barrel, the Madeira finish, or the reposado aged in bourbon barrels? Subscribe, share with a spirits-loving friend, and leave a review to help more drinkers find the show.

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

August Gitschlag @rawgusto

Merch www.WearingFunny.com