TheProof LLC

08/20/2026

Back in April I posted about the generous donations had made to support a raffle held raising money for a charity race our fearless leader at Edinburgh Whisky Academy was in.

I was lucky enough to win a special bottle and like most whiskey nerds I wondered the best occasion to share it.

This past week we celebrated our latest round of Level 1 Whisky Sommeliers at Whiskey Marketing School. We have a very special tradition with our graduation that I won't share here, not because it's secret but because it's sacred to the staff, volunteers, and students we get to share it with and only experiencing it does it justice. But I will give you a hint...it does involve whisky.

So what a better time to share a beautiful and special bottle with people than a special event and add to the memories.

Thank you to and David Blackmore | Whisky Ambassador for this amazing gift and for your support of worthy charity work.

Sláinte

07/04/2026

Happy America Day.

Getting to celebrate the day with family, a good cigar, and a great pour.

Single Cask Nation 's collaboration with Aganorsa Leaf and David Garofalo aging this Nicaraguan Robusto in Peated Balcones Distilling barrels.

And one of my personal favorites a pour of the Ironroot Republic Distillery Promethean Texas Bourbon.

To freedom, to those that fought, to those we lost, and to those still fighting, whether away or the battles brought home.

Thank you.

06/24/2026

06/21/2026

Most days are for whiskey studies but today is ci**rs.

The topic is wrappers and their impact on flavor as I continue my preparation for teaching an upcoming class at Whiskey Marketing School. Ci**rs and Whiskey, part of the 2nd ever Sommer School continuing education program for Whiskey Sommelier graduates this July.

This class in conjunction with my studies for my next exam with Tobacconist University have been enlightening. It has been amazing how these studies have changed how I understand whiskey and vice versa.

I will give you all my first big insight. One major reason so many pairing suggestions and books are either boringly general or just wrong is that they fail to take one major thing into consideration.

TIME.

04/22/2026

Reading the newsletter from last month I saw that a raffle was being done to support Kristy's team in the MND Triple Crown.

I never much pay attention to prizes as I don't think I have won any so I was surprised to find a message a little later from her saying I had won something.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of and efforts of I came home from Texas to find this waiting for me. I thought it deserved a bit of pomp &/or circumstance for the unveiling.

The Glenmorangie 25 yr The Altus, a blend of designer bourbon casks with just a sprinkling of Madeira Cask finish, a nod to the original Madeira Woid Finish 30 years ago.

I will follow up when I get to crack this open with some company to share it as it deserves.

Though the raffle is over please check out https://justgiving.com/campaign/triplecrown26 and https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/ and continue the generosity this whisky community keeps finding a way to surpass.

Sláinte

04/18/2026

Getting to enjoy the Texas evening at the . I was lucky enough to be gifted this sample of the latest Stagg single barrel from . Despite the big proof the flavors are honey and spice, almost reminding me of a cask strength version of the classic Buffalo Trace bourbon profile.
Another gift is from Don Williams, the , a aged cigar, a new edition to their lineup. Deep flavors but lightened with a creamy undertone that changes the chocolate to Tootsie Roll and the leathers to a worn patina.
Very big thank yous to both Don and Brooke for the gifts.