In this Tasting Talk episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave pour a glass of Doc Swinson’s Alter Ego and dive into what makes this whiskey stand out. From flavor notes to overall impressions, they break down the experience and share whether this unique expression lives up to the hype.

The conversation also turns to the listeners as they answer a question from Mike, who’s looking to explore more whiskeys from the western U.S. Dan and Dave highlight a handful of standout bottles and distilleries worth checking out, offering a great starting point for anyone wanting to expand their whiskey horizons.

Whether you’re here for the tasting notes or the recommendations, this episode is packed with insights, opinions, and plenty of good conversation.

In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave head to the islands—virtually—where they sit down with Tiffany Tubon and Nick Sadowski of Kō Hana Rum, crafting exceptional agricole-style rum in Kunia, Hawaii.

Kō Hana is redefining American rum by starting at the source—growing and harvesting their own sugarcane, then pressing it fresh to create a spirit that truly reflects the land. Tiffany and Nick share the story behind their farm-to-bottle approach, the challenges of cultivating heirloom cane varieties in Hawaii, and what sets their rum apart from traditional molasses-based styles.

Along the way, Dan and Dave taste through three of Kō Hana’s standout expressions:

• Kea – a vibrant, unaged rum that captures the pure essence of fresh cane juice

• Koa – aged in native koa wood barrels, bringing a uniquely Hawaiian character to the spirit

• Kokoleka – a rich, indulgent infusion of cacao and honey that blurs the line between rum and dessert

From terroir-driven production to innovative aging techniques, this episode dives deep into what makes Kō Hana Rum one of the most exciting craft distilleries in the country.

On this episode of Distilling the West, it’s time for another Tasting Talk. Dan and Dave dive into Boldt Mash Confusion from Alchemy Distillery out of Arcata, California, breaking down its flavors, character, and what makes it stand out. Alchemy took a kitchen sink approach to this whiskey, combining a little bit of many of their mash bills culminating into something special and quite delicious.

Along the way, the conversation drifts into the social side of drinking—what it means to go out, connect with people, and how the setting can shape the experience just as much as what’s in your glass.