<p>John Hughes hosts a virtual blind tasting with friends Patrick, Don, Bill, and David Levine—testing three eight-year bourbons at 100-101 proof. What starts as a friendly competition to identify three mystery whiskeys becomes a lesson in how blind tastings force us to challenge our assumptions. Don nails the Wilderness Trail 8-year pick, while the group debates Buffalo Trace characteristics and discovers surprising preferences when brand bias is removed.</p><p><strong>Key Topics with Timestamps:</strong></p><p>03:04 - The tasting begins: Three mystery bourbons, all eight years, all ~100 proof</p><p>05:35 - Sample #1: Initial guesses range from Buffalo Trace to Barton</p><p>11:20 - Sample #2: Debate over whether it's MGP or something more controversial</p><p>18:45 - Sample #3 : The group tries to pin down the distinctive profile</p><p>26:15 - Rankings and favorites: Group consensus emerges on quality hierarchy</p><p>35:15 - Why blind tastings are both humbling and valuable for experienced drinkers</p><p>Subscribe to Embellish Pod on your preferred podcast platform. Find video versions on YouTube. Connect on Instagram or TikTok @embellishpod. Visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.embellishpod.com">www.embellishpod.com</a> for links, episode details, and more. Now also available on Substack for written content and podcast hosting. Want to participate in a future blind tasting? Email <a target="_blank" href="http://www.embellishpod.com">[email protected]</a>.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.embellishpod.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.embellishpod.com</a>
