As we at Tastethedram continue our whisky journey, we had the pleasure to meet some great individuals in this community. If not in person, then online, either way it’s a great experience. Today we are bringing you a fun interview with Brandon of the Instagram account “Thedailydram”.
What do you for a livin…. nah, let’s do something different. You’re in an elevator with your favorite celebrity, she turns to you and says, I have 20 seconds before I have to get off this floor, tell me something interesting about yourselves. Basically your 20 seconds elevator pitch.
BS: Oh man! I’d really want to know their favorite restaurant or place to travel. Apart from a good glass of whisky, I’m always looking for a delicious meal or a cool place to travel. Travel exposes us to new cultures, foods, and so many awesome experiences. This is what really sparked my journey down the whisky ‘rabbit hole’ so to speak. I spent about 3 weeks in Japan a couple years back, it was an awesome trip. Long story short, I ended up stumbling across the Yamazaki distillery by complete accident. One wrong train and a 30 minute trip along the Japanese foothills and I was there. It’s been all downhill since!
What inspired the Instagram “thedailydram”.
BS: I began documenting all the Scotches, Bourbons and whiskies I had been exploring with buddies. So one day, I started to follow a few of the OG accounts on Instagram, namely @singlemaltdaily, @singlemaltalliance, the crew with @Axisofwhisky and many more. All of the folks in the community are so stoked to talk about whisky and share their passion. Ultimately, this is what has kept me posting and sharing the journey. It’s been a fun adventure and have met so many awesome people. Cheers to you all!
Almost everyone unfortunately, began their whisky experience with a shot of Jameson or Johnny at some college party, during a summer rager. I hope this is not how you had your first brown dram. Tell us about your first experience, and was it love at first sip?
BS: I wasn’t much of a drinker in college because I ran Track & Field. Therefore my early days I was a bit of a lightweight. I remember my freshman year at UCLA, we beat USC 13-9 and knocked them out of the national championship football game. I decided it was a good reason to go out, celebrate with friends and enjoy the win. Fast forward 10+ years and I still can’t drink vodka to this day. Therefore whisky became the drink of choice and it all started with the gamut of entry level whiskies from Jack Daniel’s, to Jameson, Bulleit, you name it!
People know that NYC is a city that never sleeps, but what most people probably don’t know is that NYC has some great Whisky Spots where you can find some of the most rarest drams to drink. How big is the whisky scene in California ? Any true gems you’ve found or have experienced, you can share with our readers from the West Coast?
BS: Yeah man! I love the whisky scene in NYC. The Brandy Library and The Flatiron Room are my favorites…I miss these spots! As for the West Coast, the whisky scene is poppin! There are some amazing whisky bars in Los Angeles and San Diego from the classic gentleman lounge vibe, to the trendy cocktail bars, you name it. Seven Grand downtown LA is very much a gentleman’s vibe, The Daily Pint has a great selection and is a divey old-school pub. San Diego, we also have Seven Grand in North Park, the Whiskey House downtown has over 1,000 whiskies and many more!
As someone who has a respected Instagram following, it must be daunting sometimes, when trying to figure out what picture to post for that particular day, where and how to take it, the background, the angle, the type of whisky. How do you go about this format. Is it prepared the night, or week or month before, or is it just more spontaneous in the moment post ? Maybe a mix of both?
BS: It’s a mix of spontaneity and prepared posts, depending if I’m promoting something or just having fun with it. Most importantly, I always want this to be a fun venture. I try as much as possible to have some nature photos since there is nothing better than a glass of whisky outdoors. I’ve had a few shots re-posted and shared by the big brands, that’s always the best compliment. Ultimately, I just look for a good blend of composition, ambiance, and vibe. Here are some that I liked the most!
Okay, let’s get to the fun stuff. Top 10 list of Dram’s you’ve ever had that left a lasting impression upon our taste buds, number 1 obviously being the best one.
BS: That would be a heavily flip flopped list of 10 whiskies depending on which day of the week you catch me. What I can specify are some of my all-time favorites, in no specific order! I absolutely love the Suntory products, specifically Hibiki, Yamazaki, and Hakushu. I personally enjoy the Yamazaki 18, Hakushu 18, and Hibiki 21 the most however I havn’t had the Yama 50(Definitely a bucket list dram!) Also, Nikka Yoichi 15, Miyagikyo 12, Pure Malt 17. My first Scotch love was the Ealanta by Glenmorangie. First bourbon love was Old Forester Birthday Bourbon from 2015. Overall, the three most lasting impressions were the Ealanta, Yamazaki 18 and Glenfarclas 40.
You’re currently working on a Project of Dram and Oak. Can you give us some preview into what we should expect or can look forward to?
BS: Dram & Oak is my new website; it will have everything from personal reviews, raffles, whisky news and even art! I did a fun collab with a friend of mine who makes some amazing paintings here in San Diego. Be sure to check it out for anything fun and whisky centric! If you have anything you’d like to see, send me an email or reach out.
I would imagine you attend many whisky functions and events, is there one that is on top of the rest? Basically not a shit show, but a learning experience both for the mind and the taste buds?
BS: To me, this whisky journey is all about the experience. Drinking a great dram is such an experience for me, from the senses, to the presentation, pouring, nosing, etc. I absolutely love this more than anything! Learning from brand ambassadors, master distiller’s, are all great ways to learn about the process, history and all the dirty secrets from each distillery. I’d have to say my favorite event was the Whisky Live up in Los Angeles, but my favorite memories are having dinner with Dr. Bill Lumsden of Glenmorangie and breakfast with Paul John of John Distilleries. After all, I’m pretty sure it’s every whisky drinkers dream to share a dram with the owner, founder, or master distiller of their favorite spirits!
Put this thing to rest, when it comes to Great Whisky, being unbiased would you say its the East Coast or West Coast ?
BS: Can’t we all just get along and have a good glass of whisky? If we’re referring to Scotland, I’d have to say 50/50 since there are so many great options on any coast. America, I’d say neither! It would have to be middle America! Kentucky is going to have a hard time being over-thrown for best American whiskies. They sure know how to do it right! That being said, I don’t think coast’s are important when it comes to whisky. We just need to share a dram and enjoy in good company!
