Episode 12 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and released on February 15, 2026, delivers the latest whisky, premium cigar, and pipe tobacco news, new releases, upcoming events, and an exclusive in-person interview with Jack Breslin, co-founder and CEO of Uncharted Whisky Company from Scotland—covering his background, the brand’s core lines, and more (with a note on audio levels and plans for a future Scotland redo). This week’s whisky highlights include Barrell Craft Spirits selling its Jeffersontown blending facility, WhistlePig’s CEO departure and CFO promotion, the US-India trade deal slashing tariffs to 18%, Mangrove Global’s Nick Gillett on the $22 billion spirits inventory crisis, Kentucky Bourbon’s record $10.6 billion economic impact, Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength for the Committee, The Whisky Exchange Zodiac Series debut, The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th, Karuizawa cask auction, Eau Claire Ploughman’s, GlenWyvis funding, Arbikie pre-orders, Kirin selling Four Roses, Lagavulin Sweet Peat, The Spirits Embassy Imperious Reserve, BTG distress report on Scottish distilleries, Redbreast Moscatel, Aberargie inaugural, The London Distillery Ten Times Around the Sun, Michter’s Celebration, Traveller Full Proof, Archie Rose Batch No.3, SWA 2025 export decline, Highland Park Year of the Horse packaging, AWA-America250 partnership, alcohol social effects research, Steve Forbes on liquor commerce, King of Kentucky Small Batch, and Lost Lantern Far-Flung Rye II. Cigar news covers the Habanos Festival postponement, Alec Bradley Fat Pack, Crowned Heads Juárez Mini-Dozer, Pangea inaugural, PCA-Honduras festival partnership, Trinidad Corcel, Don Carlos Sangre de Toro, Ferio Tego Metropolitan 30 Years, Romeo y Julieta in Switzerland, Plasencia barn fire, EGM Ninfa, Atabey Black Ritos, Freud Elvis, Avowed New Dawn Corona Gorda, AGANORSA Supreme Leaf Toro 109, Gran Habano Corojo #7 Corona Especial, Smoke Inn acquiring Protocol, Paul Stulac Blue Lightning Sky, El Mago Beach Blend, and Klaro Mission Zero. Upcoming events include tastings at The Algiers Club, Garrison Brothers BIB launch, Welcome to Whisky in London, Muletown Pipe Show, Galena Whiskey Weekend, Great Smoke festival, Whisky Riot Dallas/Houston, Beam Institute Conference, Whiskyschiff Lucerne, DailyCon, Maltstock Down Under, and Summerton Whisky Festival. Chris reviews Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage (93 points, his first Japanese whisky) and Bariay 1492 Red (medium-bodied favorite), with a reminder to subscribe, like, comment, review, and drink & smoke responsibly.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Episode 11 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and released on February 1, 2026, is your ultimate weekly roundup of the latest news, new releases, upcoming events, and exclusive interviews in the worlds of whisky, premium cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This entertaining and sometimes irreverent show delivers in-depth coverage of major industry developments—including the Kentucky Distillers’ Association naming Gigi DaDan as new board chair, Benriach’s rejected warehouse expansion due to transmission line conflicts, Glencadam’s refreshed packaging and new 17-year-old Calvados cask finish, ongoing Uncle Nearest legal battles, Diageo’s Clynelish visitor centre closure proposal, Powerscourt Distillery’s rescue by Altiva Management, Lark Distilling’s luxury Tasmanian single malt relaunch, a record-breaking $2.5 million Sotheby’s American whiskey auction, the EU-India free trade agreement slashing spirits tariffs, Bardstown Bourbon’s packaging refresh, Radico Khaitan’s new Scotch whisky division, Starward’s return to founder ownership, Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s Year of the Horse collaboration with Robert Wun, The Dalmore’s 17-year-old addition, a proposed Ardrishaig Distillery in Scotland, the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction for veterans, UK-China Scotch tariff cuts, Kentucky Bourbon Trail expansions, Dewar’s Lunar New Year GTR release, Winchester Bourbon’s SHOT Show debut, and Garrison Brothers’ first Bottled-in-Bond Texas bourbon—plus a deep dive into cigar launches like Pangea Cigars, Davidoff ownership transition, Cigar Insider’s 2025 retailer survey, Illusione Group of Five SE, Bentley Short Corona, Quality Importers’ Year of the Horse accessories, Visol Viper lighter, AGANORSA JFR Lunatic Maduro Hombre Libre, Crux Passport update and Marblehead line, Tradecraft The Vitruvian, Isabela The Mammoth 2026, Punch Egg Roll XL, S.T. Dupont Le Grand Cling lighters, and RoMa Craft CRAFT 2026, alongside pipe tobacco news on Cornell & Diehl Firebird Flake. The episode features an in-person interview with Troy Bolotnick, CEO and co-founder of Filmland Spirits, discussing his background, the brand’s movie-inspired whiskey lines, ingenious marketing, and more, plus Chris’s tasting notes on Shiner Texas Bourbon (young but minty and promising), Don Blas Chocolate San Andreas Maduro Robusto cigar (mint-chocolate delight), and plans for Firebird Flake pipe tobacco. Tune in for upcoming events previews, responsible drinking reminders, and a fun, educational vibe—subscribe, like, comment, and review to support the channel!

Episode 10 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and airing January 25, 2026, delivers your weekly roundup of the latest in whisky, cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. This entertaining episode features in-depth news coverage, including major whisky industry developments like GHF's acquisition of Fielden English whisky, Stoli Group USA's shift to Chapter 7 liquidation, the court-ordered sale of Luca Mariano Distillery, the global spirits oversupply crisis, the Uncle Nearest asset acquisition bid, bourbon industry slowdown and "ghost distilleries," plus exciting new releases from Lochlea (7-year-old single malt), Kavalan (Lunar New Year Golden Steed & Peonies gift set), Badachro Distillery's upcoming production start, Old Forester documentary, House of Hazelwood Warehouse Reserve, and Duncan Taylor Octave expansions. Cigar highlights include ADVentura's French market entry, Black Works Studio Hawaii Hornet, Tabletop Cutter's Palió Quad, United Cigars Bandolero and Independence Firecrackers, Selected Tobacco's new Madrid facility, Monaco's Ramon Allones Casino regional edition, Cohiba Behike 15th anniversary BHK 58, Ara’o Terrón Maduro, Serino Elenor Rose RPM 45, JM Tobacco's 25th Aniversario, and Prometheus God of Fire KKP expansions. Pipe and tobacco news spotlights Cornell & Diehl's 2026 Summit Series plugs and Peterson's St. Patrick’s Day 2026 pipes. Upcoming events cover tastings, festivals, and master classes worldwide. The episode features an exclusive in-person interview with Amanda Micallef of Micallef Cigars (Weatherford, TX / Estelí, Nicaragua), discussing her background, the brand's major lines, marketing initiatives, and industry insights. Chris shares his "What’s in My Mouth" segment: Pullman Distilling Bourbon Barrel-Finished American Single Malt Whisky (a standout Scotch-like dram with red fruit, vanilla, caramel, and oily finish) paired with the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Toro cigar (rugged Maduro wrapper, cocoa, espresso, spice, and creamy balance). Tune in for irreverent fun, education, and industry passion—subscribe, like, comment, and review on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more for whisky news, cigar reviews, pipe tobacco updates, and engaging interviews! Drink and smoke responsibly.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Episode 9 of the Whisky & Smoke News Network, hosted by Chris Kumnick and airing January 14, 2026, delivers a comprehensive and entertaining roundup of the latest whisky news, cigar news, pipe tobacco updates, new releases, auctions, and upcoming spirits events from around the world. This week’s show features an in-depth, in-person interview with Brian Smith, Master Distiller and partner at Hard Truth Distilling Company in Nashville, Indiana, covering his career, the distillery’s resort-style campus, sweet mash vs. sour mash, and the current state of the spirits industry. News highlights include major stories from Scotch whisky, American whiskey, Irish whiskey, premium cigars, and packaging innovation, alongside limited-edition releases from brands like Buffalo Trace, The Glenlivet, Knob Creek, Fuente Fuente OpusX, CAO, and more. The episode also includes Chris’s signature tasting segment, pairing RD1 Spirits Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a RoMa Craft Neanderthal Robusto cigar and a Mad Hatters Tobaccos Virginia pipe blend, making this a must-watch (or listen) for whisky lovers, cigar aficionados, and pipe smokers looking for expert insight, industry interviews, and weekly spirits and tobacco news.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Dive into this bottle review of the Ironroot Republic Distillery - Limited Edition - Saints Alley - "The Herald" 10 Year - Cigar Blend, with host Chris Kumnick on Whisky & Smoke News Network - Whiskey Review 3 - from 1/11/26Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Dive into Episode 8 of Whisky & Smoke News Network, your ultimate weekly source for the latest whisky news, cigar releases, pipe tobacco updates, and industry insights as of January 7, 2026! Host Chris Kumnick returns after a brief hiatus to deliver exciting scotch whisky developments—like the sherry cask revival in Spain boosting producers for brands like Macallan, Diageo’s new Buchanan’s Green Seal blend, and Heaven Hill’s 90th anniversary—alongside bourbon highlights including Meat Church BBQ’s stake in Pursuit Spirits and World Whiskey Society’s Doc Holliday Huckleberry Edition. Cigar enthusiasts will love updates on revivals like J.C. Newman’s Sarzedas, Davidoff’s Winston Churchill Late Hour Belicoso, Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Leaf Toro, and limited releases from Alec Bradley and Arturo Fuente OpusX. Pipe fans get the big news on Cornell & Diehl taking over Seattle Pipe Club blends plus a rave review of their new Fires on the Levee tobacco. The episode features an in-depth interview with WhiskyCast podcast legend Mark Gillespie discussing 20+ years in whisky podcasting, memorable guests, and industry trends, plus Chris’s personal reviews of Glenfarclas 25 Year Scotch, Liga Privada T52 cigar, and more—perfect for whisky lovers, cigar aficionados, and pipe smokers seeking entertaining, irreverent luxury spirits and tobacco content!Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

In this week’s episode of Whisky & Smoke News Network (Episode 7 – December 3, 2025), host Chris Kumnick delivers the latest whisky, cigar, pipe, and pipe-tobacco news, covering major industry updates from Diageo, Uncle Nearest, Catoctin Creek, Paul John, J.C. Newman, HVC, Artista, and more, along with new releases, investment moves, global market trends, and upcoming tasting events. This episode features an in-depth interview with Michael Smith, owner of Ash & Barrel Cigar Bar in Sherman, TX, plus “What Is Chris Putting in His Mouth,” highlighting the Trinity River Whiskey Cartel advent drams, Mayflower Cigars’ Dawn Robusto, and McClelland Beacon Extra pipe tobacco. Packed with expert insights, breaking news, product launches, and whisky and cigar culture, this episode is perfect for enthusiasts seeking the latest updates in premium spirits, cigars, and pipes.Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!

Whisky & Smoke News Network Episode 6 (Nov 23, 2025): Latest Bourbon, Scotch, Irish Whiskey News + Cigar Releases, Pipe Tobacco & Industry ShakeupsJoin host Chris Kumnick for the ultimate weekly roundup of whisky news, premium cigar launches, pipe tobacco drops, and industry updates in Episode 6 of Whisky & Smoke News Network! This packed episode covers major stories like Lexington’s new Bourbonland Tasting Pass ($45–$75 for flights at six distilleries), shocking closures of Black Button and Rogue Ales & Spirits, Waterford Whisky’s potential rescue by Tennessee Distilling Group, California’s 2026 DTC spirits shipping pilot, Diageo pausing Roseisle maltings, Brown-Forman’s 42nd dividend hike, and standout releases including Bruichladdich X4+18 (world’s first quadruple-distilled 18YO), Ballantine’s $13K “The Moment” 40YO, Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Bourbon & Rye ($59.99), John Lee Hooker Legacy bourbons, and Eden Mill’s rescue by Ruby Capital. Cigar highlights feature J.C. Newman as the official cigar of America’s 250th anniversary, Rocky Patel 30th Anniversary, Black Label Deliverance Nocturne, Foundation Tabernacle Knight Commander (100% proceeds to Ethiopia), Crowned Heads Jericho Hill rebrand, Paul Garmirian 35th Anniversary, and Powstanie War Bear of Mass Destruction. Pipe fans get Low Country Carolina Christmas and Warped Saint Espresso aromatics—plus upcoming events like Teeling tastings, Buffalo Trace holiday lights, and Macallan masterclasses. Features an in-depth interview with Philip West of Texas’ Bearded Wheat Distillery, Chris’s tasting notes (Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Blue Corn Bourbon 92/100, J.C. Newman Bricktoberfest 6.5/10), and congratulations on WhiskyCast’s 20th anniversary. Subscribe now for weekly whisky reviews, cigar pairings, bourbon rankings, Scotch updates, cigar news, and pipe tobacco insights—cheers and smoke responsibly!Social Media LinksWhisky & Smoke News NetworkInstagram - / whiskynsmokenn Facebook - / whiskynsmoke Please subscribe, ring the bell, like, and comment below!!