The Bourbon Case Files

🥃 Don’t miss a pour — Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDXqiYR1znpjffLgoHyplOg

In this episode, Nick sits down with Missy Rogers and Yami Filippelli for a laid-back conversation that blends bourbon, careers, and real life. What starts with a glass of W.L. Weller 12 Year turns into stories about work, heritage, their favorite things, and finding comfort outside the grind. From the thrill of hunting rare bourbons to the quirks of personal style and career insights in the legal world, this episode is full of laughs, surprises, and a few lessons along the way. Duration: 00:45:50

🥃 Don’t miss a pour — Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDXqiYR1znpjffLgoHyplOg

What sets a seasonal whiskey like New Riff Winter apart? Aaron Paul returns to talk about what makes this seasonal bourbon stand out. Beyond bourbon, the duo dives into unforgettable family adventures, including epic trips to Italy, Christmas football at Lambeau Field, and skiing in Utah’s best resorts. They also share stories of food, travel, cars, and the little experiences that make life richer outside of work.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

Duration: 00:36:44

🥃 Don’t miss a pour — Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDXqiYR1znpjffLgoHyplOg

Join Nick and special guest Aaron Paul as they each bring a favorite bottle- Peerless Single Barrel and Dettling Bourbon- for a spirited side-by-side tasting and lively comparison. Along the way, they explore the stories and flavors behind these standout bourbons, sharing personal insights on collecting, savoring unique pours, and balancing passions with family and career.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🥃 Peerless Single Barrel: first pour, early impressions, and why we l...

Nick and Peter are back for round two, this time tasting and reviewing Widow Jane 10-Year Bourbon. They break down the distillery’s unique approach, their limestone mineral water process, and how blending barrels from across the country creates its signature flavor profile. Along the way, they get into bottle-hunting strategies, fantasy football, and the bourbons worth keeping on your shelf.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🥃 Widow Jane Intro: history and how the New York distillery sources barrels

🔥 Taste Test: first impressions, heat level...

Nick welcomes Chris Ochoa back for another pour- this time featuring Woodford Reserve Double Oaked- as the two swap tasting notes and stories from everyday life. Between rich flavors of chocolate and coffee, Chris opens up about juggling work, parenting, and the hobbies that keep him grounded, from golf to flying. He also shares the story behind effNETS, the nonprofit he founded to support pancreatic cancer research and bring hope to families fighting the disease.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🥃 Bourbon Tasting: exploring the flavor and chara...

In this episode, Nick sits down with Peter Ridge, Esq., a litigation attorney with the Norden Leacox team, to sample and review Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit. They dive into what makes this single barrel special, from the smooth taste to the story behind barrel selection, proof, and aging. Throughout the conversation, Nick and Peter swap stories about law, competitive sports, and the pursuit of excellence. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🥃 Kentucky Craftsmanship: What makes Kentucky Spirit distinct 

🚴 Triathlon: How Peter stays competitive and motiva...

This episode of The Bourbon Case Files features a meaningful pour of Larceny Barrel Proof as Nick is joined by Chris Ochoa, founder of effNETS. While savoring the sweet, bold notes of this Heaven Hill release, Chris shares how he got into bourbon tasting, but also how life took a turn when his wife was diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer. That journey inspired the launch of effNETS, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing research and supporting families impacted by this rare disease. 

You’ll hear the history behind Larceny, taste impressions of this barrel-proof favorite, and most importantly, lea...

In this episode, Nick is joined by Mike Vaughn, Esq., to taste and talk about Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, a seven-year-old Kentucky bourbon with a smooth, honey-like finish. As they pour a glass, Mike shares stories from his remarkable career, including decades of service in the Coast Guard, life as a trial lawyer, and the lessons he’s carried through both. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🥃 Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond: smooth, honeyed, and balanced

⚓ Coast Guard stories: deployments, JAG work, and unique duty stations

👨‍⚖️ Mike’s career as both a defe...

Not every great bourbon has to be rare or hard to find. In this episode of The Bourbon Case Files, Nick and guest Mike Vaughn, Esq., Senior Trial Attorney at Norden Leacox, explore what makes Four Roses Single Barrel a true “everyday drinker.” From smooth cinnamon notes to its unique OBSV recipe, Nick explains why this bottle balances accessibility, flavor, and value- a pour that belongs on almost any bar.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🥃 First impressions of Four Roses Single Barrel

⚖️ Mike’s love for trial work & wo...

This week, Louis Berk returns to taste and review Buffalo Trace with Nick. Known as one of America’s most iconic bourbons, Buffalo Trace has an impressive history and has even been designated a national historic landmark. Nick shares stories about the distillery’s production challenges, from shortages just a few years ago to today’s wider availability thanks to increased output.

At just under $30 a bottle, Buffalo Trace offers a smooth, approachable flavor profile- making it a perfect entry point for bourbon beginners or scotch drinkers exploring something new. 

Here’s some of what we d...