I always wonder the story of some of the bourbons I see coming through on the whiskeywash.com are.
It's too much to comment on each one but I don't pay enough attention to tease out a general trend or sets of trends. I do know that you have that ability to look at a bigger picture.
Same. I just found out you had a blog. I’ve read every post on ADI since 2017. I’ve seen your name and read your articles, posts and blogs quite a bit. It’s been very helpful as i create my business plan to open my own distillery.
You’re a legend in the space, Chuck. I have been reading your writing since ~’12. I think your campaign for sourced-whiskey transparency is one of the most consequential contributions in a generation. -millenial whiskeymaker
Chuck, I check your blog almost every day and am always very pleased when you've added something. Unlike a great many other whiskey commenters if you have posted I know it's because you have something to say, not just shoveling out some sludge - often thinly disguised marketing release rewrites - to keep the number of posts up.
I can hardly complain if you choose to do other things than post for an extended period since I'm not a paying customer here (except that I bought 3 of your books). But I'm always interested when you do, and I usually learn something. One plus in my view is that you often post on low-end, high-quality brands in the $20-$25 range, while so many other writers concentrate on the newest $100 bottle of port-finished bourbon or some other abomination that will never matter to me. Just one grateful reader's opinion.
Chuck, I really miss your posts. I love your unique perspective on the industry. There are plenty of blogs reviewing the latest limited releases none of us will ever see. Your blog, however, gives commentary on both the history of this unique industry and the real going ons of today.
Chuck, I absolutely miss your posts! They are insightful, usually timely, sometimes humorous, sometimes thoughtful and thought-provoking, often historically interesting and esoteric; and always in your own distinctive and unique style... some might say;'idiosyncratic'. Ha!
Well... put it this way. I own and have read your books. I've subscribed to the Bourbon Country Reader for some years now. And, I get RSS notifications every time you post on the blog. So, yes, I like your posts! You're the reliable unfiltered unbiased voice in the middle of the bourbon hype machine. Keep it up - as long as you want to.
I've been checking back on and off since your last post in late September. Yours is the only blog I pay attention to anymore, and these last couple of months have been particularly quiet. Like some others, I presumed you had other things on your agenda and would return when ready.
It sounds now like you're looking for a reason to keep blogging. So far, we're all looking forward to your next post. Thanks for keeping your presence relatively steady in this space.
Let me add to the pleas of others for more of your posts! You owe us nothing, but we always enjoy your insightful and often quite amusing commentary on the world of bourbon and other whiskies. (The Bourbon Country Reader is also much appreciated!) And to think you are so much valued in the bourbon universe that you were recently invited to spend $1000 on a glass and limestone ornament for your fireplace mantle. Congratulations! Your well-deserved "award" will look great next to the Elf on the Shelf.
This response is very gratifying. Thank you. It is just what I needed. My health is fine, no worries there, it's just that lately I feel I am shouting into the void. I'll also reveal that I'm working on a new book. Watch this space!
Chuck, you are my Bourbon educator of choice. I've checked your blog every evening for ten years, since I found it while starting to branch out from Scotch. What you write on Bourbon is exactly what I wanted to learn and didn't find elsewhere. What is fact, what is fiction; what matters, what is insignificant; what makes something better or worse, what makes a good value, what differences are worth exploring, how it came to be that way. You are why today I can look at 20 yards of Bourbon shelving, know a lot of their stories, and feel confidence in avoiding buyer's remorse. You have more experience than I ever will and you share it, so that my experience gets broadened vicariously. Thank you. I would miss it if it ended.
Good news: I think this might have been the kick in the pants I needed to send a check your way for a subscription. Does this mail go directly to you? I’d like to include something small in the package.
Yes. Been a Reader subscriber for a long time and always enjoy your posts here, typically checking for new content at least weekly. Probably like a lot of other folks, I read but don't often comment, so know you're not shouting into the void. Your unvarnished perspectives are refreshing and I agree with another commenter that your critiques of transparency have been really consequential. Whatever you decide to do, even if posting only twice per year, I'm sure we will all support.
Chuck, I just did a deep dive on your SB forum comments from two decades ago on a piece I’m writing. Your contributions, blog, books and other writing are indispensable and inimitable. Please know there is a new generation of whiskey enthusiasts who still uses, enjoys and is inspired by your work. Don’t ever stop. Cheers.
Hi there, some time – years now - ago in another internet space we had a discussion about critical voices about whisk(e)y dying out on the internet. It was after a - first or already second - wave of whisk(e)y information sites blogs and forums closing shop or stopping traffic. At the time I wrote a lot about the premiumisation strategy being a cul de sac and a means to kill the enthusiasm for whisk(e)y and that the whisk(e)y industry was largely ignoring the “soft skills” of enthusiasts going with and keeping up the whisky boom. In the meantime a third wave of closed or stopped whisk(e)y blogs or review sites has silently washed through the internet and so much more sites have stopped or lie just dormant and the sky-high prices have reduced the whisk(e)y market in a way that many enthusiasts have just quit buying. The industry gripes and complains of course. But of course nobody wanted to hear that or talk about it nor acknowledge that it could be possible. Looking at the general state of whisky I can therefore well understand that one could be fed up with the subject and that there is an end to the time of whisky appreciation as https://scotchnoob.com/ put it. But if you take out all the salt of the soup the broth tastes pretty insipid, doesn’t it? It might seem as a very lonely fight at the moment but somebody has to fight it. As long as you’ve got the power and the will to be the critical voice, please go on Chuck. Wish more persons woud listen to you, though.
45 comments:
Yeah, I miss your posts.
I always wonder the story of some of the bourbons I see coming through on the whiskeywash.com are.
It's too much to comment on each one but I don't pay enough attention to tease out a general trend or sets of trends. I do know that you have that ability to look at a bigger picture.
I just found this!
Same. I just found out you had a blog. I’ve read every post on ADI since 2017. I’ve seen your name and read your articles, posts and blogs quite a bit. It’s been very helpful as i create my business plan to open my own distillery.
Been hitting refresh every so often, hoping that you're well and have been working on the next article.
You’re a legend in the space, Chuck. I have been reading your writing since ~’12.
I think your campaign for sourced-whiskey transparency is one of the most consequential contributions in a generation.
-millenial whiskeymaker
Yes, we miss it!
Always appreciate seeing your posts come through my inbox!
Chuck, I check your blog almost every day and am always very pleased when you've added something. Unlike a great many other whiskey commenters if you have posted I know it's because you have something to say, not just shoveling out some sludge - often thinly disguised marketing release rewrites - to keep the number of posts up.
I can hardly complain if you choose to do other things than post for an extended period since I'm not a paying customer here (except that I bought 3 of your books). But I'm always interested when you do, and I usually learn something. One plus in my view is that you often post on low-end, high-quality brands in the $20-$25 range, while so many other writers concentrate on the newest $100 bottle of port-finished bourbon or some other abomination that will never matter to me. Just one grateful reader's opinion.
I miss your posts. I’ve always found your insights interesting.
Chuck, I really miss your posts. I love your unique perspective on the industry. There are plenty of blogs reviewing the latest limited releases none of us will ever see. Your blog, however, gives commentary on both the history of this unique industry and the real going ons of today.
Hope you post more!
yes, please. I miss your posts.
Chuck, I absolutely miss your posts! They are insightful, usually timely, sometimes humorous, sometimes thoughtful and thought-provoking, often historically interesting and esoteric; and always in your own distinctive and unique style... some might say;'idiosyncratic'. Ha!
I was wondering if something had happened to you and am relieved to find you here and hopefully well!
I enjoy your posts and the newsletter, but understand if you feel the need to step away.
Well... put it this way. I own and have read your books. I've subscribed to the Bourbon Country Reader for some years now. And, I get RSS notifications every time you post on the blog. So, yes, I like your posts! You're the reliable unfiltered unbiased voice in the middle of the bourbon hype machine. Keep it up - as long as you want to.
I enjoy your articles.
I love your stuff
I've been thinking about checking if for about a month now, to make sure everything is OK with you. Definitely miss your posts. I hope you continue.
I've been checking back on and off since your last post in late September. Yours is the only blog I pay attention to anymore, and these last couple of months have been particularly quiet. Like some others, I presumed you had other things on your agenda and would return when ready.
It sounds now like you're looking for a reason to keep blogging. So far, we're all looking forward to your next post. Thanks for keeping your presence relatively steady in this space.
Yes I certainly miss them
Let me add to the pleas of others for more of your posts! You owe us nothing, but we always enjoy your insightful and often quite amusing commentary on the world of bourbon and other whiskies. (The Bourbon Country Reader is also much appreciated!) And to think you are so much valued in the bourbon universe that you were recently invited to spend $1000 on a glass and limestone ornament for your fireplace mantle. Congratulations! Your well-deserved "award" will look great next to the Elf on the Shelf.
Tom Troland
This response is very gratifying. Thank you. It is just what I needed. My health is fine, no worries there, it's just that lately I feel I am shouting into the void. I'll also reveal that I'm working on a new book. Watch this space!
Yes, I would love to see more from you. Business info, historical info. it's all good.
I’ve been enjoying your unfiltered and uncut posts for many years. Have learned a lot from them and from Bourbon Country Reader.Thanks!
Jim Ruth
Chuck, you are my Bourbon educator of choice. I've checked your blog every evening for ten years, since I found it while starting to branch out from Scotch. What you write on Bourbon is exactly what I wanted to learn and didn't find elsewhere. What is fact, what is fiction; what matters, what is insignificant; what makes something better or worse, what makes a good value, what differences are worth exploring, how it came to be that way. You are why today I can look at 20 yards of Bourbon shelving, know a lot of their stories, and feel confidence in avoiding buyer's remorse. You have more experience than I ever will and you share it, so that my experience gets broadened vicariously. Thank you. I would miss it if it ended.
Your posts are greatly anticipated!
I’d really appreciate it if you kept posting here. Your insight and writing are unique in a domain dominated by marketing, and I find that worthwhile.
Good news: I think this might have been the kick in the pants I needed to send a check your way for a subscription. Does this mail go directly to you? I’d like to include something small in the package.
These days, that's a question better left unanswered. :)
Yes, Chuck, please keep posting. You're a refreshing antidote to the industry dupes clogging the internet.
I follow you using a reader program that notifies me when you post anything new. I enjoy most of your posts!
The whiskey world needs more ChuckCowdery.blogspot posts!!
Yes, please telling it like it is.
Yes. Been a Reader subscriber for a long time and always enjoy your posts here, typically checking for new content at least weekly. Probably like a lot of other folks, I read but don't often comment, so know you're not shouting into the void. Your unvarnished perspectives are refreshing and I agree with another commenter that your critiques of transparency have been really consequential. Whatever you decide to do, even if posting only twice per year, I'm sure we will all support.
please continue your posts!
Absolutely. Been reading for years, reading old stuff, checking in now and then -- all that.
(Had sub'd to the reader for a couple of years, but couldn't get the PayPal to behave...)
-- Orca7, San Francisco
More please.
Reading your articles for years. Enjoy your point of view Keep it coming
Unibrow54
Excellent! I’d love a new book.
Merry Christmas, Chuck!
Hope you and your family enjoy a terrific Holiday Season!
(Just found your Blog and look forward to stopping by often!)
Warm regards,
Lance A. Lewin
Georgia, USA
Chuck, I just did a deep dive on your SB forum comments from two decades ago on a piece I’m writing. Your contributions, blog, books and other writing are indispensable and inimitable. Please know there is a new generation of whiskey enthusiasts who still uses, enjoys and is inspired by your work. Don’t ever stop. Cheers.
Hi there,
some time – years now - ago in another internet space we had a discussion about critical voices about whisk(e)y dying out on the internet. It was after a - first or already second - wave of whisk(e)y information sites blogs and forums closing shop or stopping traffic. At the time I wrote a lot about the premiumisation strategy being a cul de sac and a means to kill the enthusiasm for whisk(e)y and that the whisk(e)y industry was largely ignoring the “soft skills” of enthusiasts going with and keeping up the whisky boom. In the meantime a third wave of closed or stopped whisk(e)y blogs or review sites has silently washed through the internet and so much more sites have stopped or lie just dormant and the sky-high prices have reduced the whisk(e)y market in a way that many enthusiasts have just quit buying. The industry gripes and complains of course.
But of course nobody wanted to hear that or talk about it nor acknowledge that it could be possible. Looking at the general state of whisky I can therefore well understand that one could be fed up with the subject and that there is an end to the time of whisky appreciation as https://scotchnoob.com/ put it.
But if you take out all the salt of the soup the broth tastes pretty insipid, doesn’t it? It might seem as a very lonely fight at the moment but somebody has to fight it. As long as you’ve got the power and the will to be the critical voice, please go on Chuck. Wish more persons woud listen to you, though.
Greetings
kallaskander
Yes you would be sorley missed!
I never post here, but I always look forward to your comments.
I miss it Chuck!! Keep it up!
Big fan and I come back often to refresh my memory on lots of topics you write about. Thanks for all you do and please keep it up!
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