Two Guys On A Porch

Ep. 16: Tasting at the Standard:, Macallan’s World of Scotch and tokes of My Father

Episode 16 – Tasting at the Standard:, Macallan’s World of Scotch and tokes of My Father
In this episode of Two Guys on a Porch, Jason and Bradford sidestep into the world of Scotch whisky, tasting some of Macallan’s finest—Rare Cask, 18, 25, and 30-year expressions—while soaking in a setting as rich in history as the whisky itself. Recorded at The Standard Club in Nashville’s first residential ballroom, dating back to the 1870s, and in front of a fireplace mantel from a President’s wedding, this episode is all about legacy, craftsmanship, and the finer things in life.
The boys also share a bit on the changes in the beverage economy, pricing and consumption. 
As we savor these legendary single malts, we break down what makes Scotch unique: just three simple ingredients—water, malted barley, and yeast—crafted through pot distillation at a single distillery and aged for at least three years. We also dive into the importance of casks in the aging process, drawing parallels to bourbon’s own identity. Just as all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon, all barrels are casks, but not all casks are barrels. And when it comes to Scotch, few names carry the weight of Macallan.
Pairing perfectly with this tasting is the My Father cigar, generously provided by Eric Parkinson, regional rep for My Father Cigars, at The Mission Cigar and Social in Spring Hill.
Pour a dram, light up, and join us for a conversation that blends history, tradition, and great whisky. Cheers!
 
#ScotchWhisky #ScotchPodcast #WhiskyPodcast #WhiskyAndCigars

Episode 15 – “Trust the Government? Bottled in Bond at The Standard”

Episode 15 – “Trust the Government? Bottled in Bond at The Standard”
Jason and Bradford are back, kicking off Season 2 of Two Guys On A Porch.  This episode is shot in the library of The Standard in Nashville where the Battle of Nashville was planned with a lineup of Bottled in Bond whiskeys and a cigar worthy of the occasion.
The Standard at the Smith House is one of Nashville’s most historic private clubs, housed in a grand 1840s townhouse—the last remaining antebellum mansion in downtown Nashville. Originally a private residence, the building has served various roles over the years before becoming an exclusive club known for its fine dining, cigars, and whiskey selection
In this episode, they sip and cogitate through Henry McKenna 10 Year, Benchmark Bonded, Jack Daniel’s Bonded, and Old Fitzgerald 10 Year, exploring the history behind the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897—America’s first consumer protection law. This legislation ensured whiskey met strict quality standards, long before the FDA existed. But in today’s world, can we still trust the government when it comes to oversight and regulation? 
Which spirit is their favorite for flavor? and value?  It’s a pretty tight group on flavors but not price - $18 to $1000 per bottle!
Alongside the whiskey, the guys fire up the Diamond Crown Maximus, a full-bodied Dominican cigar crafted by J.C. Newman in partnership with Fuente. Unlike traditional Fuente cigars, which lean medium-bodied, this blend delivers a richer, bolder experience. They break down cigar construction—the filler, binder, and wrapper, noting that the wrapper alone contributes 30% to 70% of a cigar’s flavor. Just like bourbon, the balance of ingredients matters. A great cigar, like a great whiskey, is all about harmony.
With premium bond in their glasses and top-tier cigars in hand, the conversation turns from whiskey history to government trust, transparency, civil war battles and whether the laws meant to protect us still hold up today. Also find out which on of the buys is a Colonel and how that came about.
So, pour a dram, light up, and settle in—this is one you won’t want to miss. #BottledInBond #DiamondCrownMaximus #TrustButVerify #2GuysOnAPorch #TheStandard
Special thanks to Josh and Laura for another great experience at The Standard.

Episode 14: Poor Pappy’s, Leather and Oak, and Drinking Cigars

Be sure to rate and follow the podcast!
Doc Jason and the ever-sarcastic Bradford kick off this lively episode at the poker table with some spirited banter. Opening with the cheeky line “drinks good and drinks weller,” they dive into playful grammar antics that set the tone for an episode filled with humor, insight, and a touch of chaos. No cigars tonight—the duo is keeping it smoke-free indoors—but the absence of smoke doesn’t dampen the fun.
Friendship takes center stage as Jason and Bradford remind listeners why laughter and heart-filled sarcasm are vital ingredients to any good relationship. The spotlight tonight shines on the elusive and legendary “Poor Pappy”—a tongue-in-cheek nod to the $1,000+ price tag per bottle. The pours of the night include:
Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old: A smooth start with rich notes of leather and oak.
Pappy Van Winkle’s 12 Year Lot B: The standout pour of the evening, boasting a richer, smoother finish and complex layers of flavor.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Rye: A true homage to the original recipe, offering depth, spice, and a refined sip that speaks to bourbon history. Even Bradford, who typically doesn’t enjoy rye, admitted it was an unaffordable smooth delight.
The conversation meanders into nostalgic memories of poker wins, losses, and simpler times spent with family. Jason reflects on those cherished poker nights and dreams of a resurgence—a return to the camaraderie and connection those evenings once brought.
Amid the tasting, Doc and Bradford share stories about these coveted bottles and the undeniable way bourbon—like friendship—only gets better with time.
And who knows? Maybe there’s a future for a Two Guys on a Porch “Leather and Oak” cologne!

Ep. 13: Cogitating the Election, 142.4 and 128.9 Proof, and Padron

Just in time for the inauguration, Jason and Bradford light up another engaging Porch session, weaving together the complex threads of politics, bourbon, and cigars. With the spotlight on two bourbon titans—Jack Daniel’s Coy Hill (142.4 proof) and The Purple Top Willett (128.9 proof)—and paired with the opulent 50th Anniversary Padrón cigars, this episode is a masterclass in indulgence, insight, and irreverent humor.
The political discussion unfolds with their characteristic candor, tackling "Trump beats Kamala handily" with a balance of peaceful debate and light-hearted jabs. They delve into campaign strengths, weaknesses, and messaging strategies, sprinkling in colorful metaphors like the old adage, "You can’t put lipstick on a pig," to highlight the dynamics of modern elections.
The bourbon rivalry takes center stage in a true Kentucky vs. Tennessee face-off. Coy Hill, with its explosive proof and complex depth, narrowly edges out Willett, whose nuanced and refined profile shines but falls just short of victory. Both bottles, however, earn high praise, affirming their place on the top shelf. 
As the smoke from their Padrón cigars curls into the crisp Porch air, the duo marvels at the $50 sticks' impeccable craftsmanship and luxurious pairing, reinforcing why these cigars remain their all-time favorites. Jason and Bradford reminisce about past elections, simpler times, and the enduring bond of friendship forged over fine bourbon and cigars.
Whether you’re drawn to the bourbon showdown, intrigued by their political musings, or simply here for the camaraderie, this episode is a tribute to spirited conversation, exceptional pours, and the timeless philosophy of life enjoyed from the Porch.
#padron #Inauguration #CoyHill #Willet #Codgers

Ep. 12: Weller and Purpose LIVE at The Mission Cigar & Social

Jason and Bradford take the podcast on the road for a live recording at The Mission Cigar and Social in Spring Hill. Trading the porch for a room filled with friends, cigars, and bourbon, the duo dives into four offerings of Weller while exploring themes of purpose and mission in life.
The smoke was thick as they puffed on Fuente y Padrón Legends, riffing on new bourbon descriptors like mid-palate, terroir, mowed/mown, and mid-gut. These terms added depth to their analysis of the bourbons, mirroring their reflections on life's complexities.
The Importance of Mission and Purpose
From all-city football and basketball to careers in business operations and neurosurgery, Jason and Bradford examine life's journey.
Who are we? What is our purpose?
Can we live it confidently—sometimes right, sometimes wrong, but always with conviction?
Pride in one’s work and striving to be the best emerged as key takeaways.
 
The Weller Journey
Weller 12 Year: Balanced and character-driven, its cherry-forward profile and body from the wood evoke the harmony we seek in life.
Antique 107 Special Reserve: A favorite for Bradford, it combines richness and complexity with an approachable depth.
Full Proof 114: Straight from the barrel, unfiltered, and bold—like life when it’s unclouded. A great nose, spicy finish, and satisfying heat make this one stand out.
Create Your Perfect Bourbon (CYPB): A blend showcasing the same mash bill, hinting at a journey toward perfection. Though it loses a bit of character, it feels destined for greatness, much like life’s path to Pappy.
 
Celebrating Community
The event was more than a podcast—it was a reunion. Many attendees were the same friends who joined Jason and Bradford on the porch long before microphones and cameras. Celebrating two decades of friendship, cigars, and bourbon, the afternoon highlighted the importance of community—central to both Two Guys on a Porch and The Mission Cigar and Social.
So grab a drink and a smoke, and join us for another unforgettable episode of Two Guys on a Porch!
Our thanks to Monte Collins and the entire team at The Mission Cigar and Social for a fun time and also many people’s first Pappy experience. We plan for it to not be our first and last.
 
#Weller #Mission #Purpose #WellerCYPB

Ep. 11: Pappy New Year!

A Happy “Pappy” New Year to you and yours!
Join Jason and Bradford as they trade the porch for the cozy warmth of Jason’s den, complete with bow ties and a festive New Year vibe. Be sure to catch the full experience on Apple Podcasts or YouTube, where the location and camaraderie bring this special episode to whole new level in 4k.
No Cigars today as Jason preferred to continue to live and sleep in the house. Go grab a friend, your favorite drink and smoke and join us!
The Bourbon Quest:
It’s elusive, it’s legendary, and it’s the holy grail for bourbon aficionados everywhere: Pappy Van Winkle. In this episode, Jason and Bradford dive into the mythos and reality of Pappy, sampling the revered 15, 20, and 23-year-old bottles. Spoiler alert: they might just agree it’s the best bourbon out there—but does the hype justify the hunt? Is it worth the price tag, the waiting lists, and the fervent chase?
The Bigger Conversation:
As the Pappy flows, so does the conversation—shifting to the deeper topics that Jason and Bradford excel at unpacking.
Jason: “Exactly. It’s like the Bible says, ‘Godliness with contentment is great gain.’ Maybe the secret is appreciating what we have while we have it.”
Bradford: “And savoring—like this Pappy. You don’t gulp it down. You sit, sip, and enjoy. Maybe that’s a metaphor for life.”
From bourbon to existential musings, Episode 11 is a perfect blend of tasting notes and thought-provoking insights. Join Jason and Bradford as they toast to the new year with a nod to the unattainable and a commitment to contentment.
Special note: Every animal you see in this episode was procured lawfully, carefully and in manner consistent with the culling of the species for preservation. Jason likes meat other than chicken and beef.
Rate, Share the podcast. We want to keep growing these. In fact if you are in the area we are taping a show with a live audience this Saturday, Jan 4 at 11am at The Mission Cigar and Social in Thompson Station, TN.
Comment on the podcast and we just might mail you some swag. #pappy #HappyNewYear #pappyvanwinkle

Ep. 10: Surprise! ABC, 123: Our First Blind Taste Test

Ep. 10: Surprise! ABC, 123: Our First Blind Taste Test
Be sure to Rate, Like, Comment and Subscribe.
Life is full of surprises and this episode might help you finish your Christmas Shopping List with a special bourbon gift for you or for yourself!
Easy as 1, 2, 3,  episode 10 is our first BLIND TASTE TEST. Will the expert of brain surgery or wit win? Will your bourbon favorite fool you?
Join Jason and Bradford on the porch as they test their memory and taste buds trying to pin point 3 of the bourbons they have have had so far during our first 9 episodes of TWO GUYS ON A PORCH.
Never tried a cigar? Macanudo is a good start and what we chose to today.
We will not give the expertise away but episode is a must watch to the end. See if they can pick out the three from this incredible list:
Jason’s “favorite” #Blanton’s
#FrankAugust
#SweetensCove
#SweetensCove22
#Forbidden
#WildTurkeyJimmyRussell’sLimited Edition70th Anniversary
#WildTurkeyMaster’sKeepVoyage
#WildTurkey101 #wildturkey80Proof
#Makers Mark
#Woodford Reserve
#Four Roses #Weller
#JackDaniels No. 7,
#JackDanielsBonded
#JackDanielsSingleBarrel
#JackDanielsSinatra
#GentlemenJack
#Rebel100
#Willet
This episode is filled with the humor and care of two incredible friends. Life is full of surprises. From balding to kids genders, to illness - life is moving at us and we must surrender and get on board to move forward. That takes friends. And in some cases cigars and bourbon from time to time on a porch.
And Dont Miss our special “Pappy New Year!” Episode 11 as releases on Dec 31! Just in time for the new year.
Shout out to Mac Powell from Third Day for originating the nick name Huffdaddy. Jason didn’t know that when he said it “off the cuff” on this episode. There was no switching of bourbons in these bottles for the taste test. These guys are just that “great” at this.
This has been our favorite episode to date, but Pappy New Year will have some often hard to find surprises, too.

Ep. 9: “Friends, We Will Smoke Cigars to the Glory of God”

Ep. 9: “Friends, I Will Smoke Cigars to the Glory of God”
Join Jason and Bradford on the porch as they welcome Spurgeon, a bold and refined cigar, into their bourbon-tasting and cigar-smoking adventures. Paired with the near-household names Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve, the evening unfolds with rich conversation about friendship, culture, and life’s challenges.
Maker’s Mark, with its iconic red wax seal, has been a symbol of smooth, wheated bourbon since 1953. Crafted by Bill Samuels Sr. to be mellow and approachable, it’s known for sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. Woodford Reserve, with a legacy dating back to 1812, offers a rich, complex profile of rye spice, toasted oak, and dried fruits, thanks to its meticulous triple-distillation process.
Savoring bourbon’s rye, spices and hints of cinnamon, Jason and Bradford reflect on the value of meaningful friendships as anchors of trust and joy in a busy world. They explore how relationships shape us and remind us of what matters most.
The discussion deepens as they address the pervasive issue of pornography, urging honesty, faith, and discipline in facing this widespread challenge. Thanks to https://spurgeoncigarclub.com  in us selecting the Spurgeon.  The perfect choice for cigar newcomers or even afficiandos.
With cigars in hand, the duo compares ashes, enjoys bourbon, and celebrates life’s simple pleasures. Pour a glass, light up, and join the conversation.
Like Charles Spurgeon one of the greatest preachers of all time,  Jason and Bradford share friendship and cigars ‘to the glory of God.”
#MakersMark
#WoodfordReserve
#spurgeoncigarclub
#PornographyAddiction
#SamsonSociety
#WeGotBalls
#SexaholicsAnonymous
 

Ep. 8: Frank August, Forbidden Hens & Teddy Bears: Postcards of Hunting for Conservation and Food

You can watch this episode on our YouTube Channel
Jason and Bradford take their bourbon-tasting and cigar-smoking adventures to new heights in the small batch bourbon world.  Featuring the buzzworthy Marianne Eaves’ Forbidden—crafted by the trailblazing first female master distiller since Prohibition—they add a touch of history to their lineup.
Smoke circles are courtesy of Bradford’s favorite, the prestigious Opus X, alongside pours of the increasingly coveted and likely soon to be hard to find Frank August bourbon, a rising star in the bourbon world.
The conversation shifts to the wild outdoors as the guys share hunting stories—pheasant, bear, mountain goat, moose, and more. They dive into discussions on conservation, preservation, and the importance of hunting for sustenance, underlining focus on ethical practices not trophy hunting.
Shout outs: Wildrose Kennels and UKLabs as Jason’s girlfriend Kimber rests on the porch after a recent hunting trip. Jason jokes with a request for hunting outfitter Ball and Buck make a left handed hunting shirt for Bradford.
From bourbon wisdom to hunting insights and plenty of porch-side banter, this episode is a perfect blend of experience, laughter, and friendship. Whether you’re a hunter, a whiskey lover, or just someone who enjoys a good story, grab a pour, light a cigar, and join the conversation!
 Be sure to check out https://twoguysonaporch.com - Comment or fill out our survey for a random drawing of Two Guys On A Porch swag.

Ep. 7: A Gaggle of Wild Turkeys – Smoking Partagas & Hunting with Chris Nischan

Two Guys on a Porch welcomes their first-ever guest, and it’s a wild one—literally. This episode is a gaggle of tasting, smoking, and laughing as Jason and Bradford pour not one, but four different Wild Turkeys while reminiscing about the great outdoors, the passion of hunting, and the surprising vulnerability that comes with good friends and good bourbon.
Joining the porch is Chris Nischan, Tennessee's premier fishing and hunting guide and Field & Stream’s 2004 Total Outdoorsman. Chris shares stories about hunting, being real, and embracing life’s adventures. Spoiler: While nobody on the porch is actually dumb, there’s plenty of hilarity as the conversation veers into “legal schmeagle” and “always by the rules” territory.
The cigar of choice? The Partagas de Bronce, a masterpiece featuring Nicaraguan tobacco and a corojo-seed wrapper. With roots dating back to 1845 in Cuba, this cigar brings a bold flavor to complement the bourbon lineup. And speaking of bourbon, the pours are a celebration of Wild Turkey’s legacy. From the iconic Jimmy Russell—who was bourbon before bourbon was cool—to Jason’s “vintage” Wild Turkey 80 proof straight from a fraternity brother’s stash in 1989.
The lineup includes:
• Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage, aged in rum casks 
• Wild Turkey 101
• Jimmy Russell’s Limited Edition 70th Anniversary 8-Year Small Batch
• Wild Turkey 80 Proof (a.k.a. a frat-tastic throwback)
This bourbon was actually name named after a memorable wild turkey hunting trip. This episode is equal parts insight, laughter, and bourbon-fueled camaraderie. Whether you're a hunter, a bourbon lover, or just enjoy a good laugh, grab a pour, light a cigar, and join the gaggle. Be sure to check out https://twoguysonaporch.com.
Special shout out to Leisha Nischan who we hear watches the podcast and loves it. Yes share it with your female friends, too.  Here is the link to the platforms: https://linktr.ee/twoguysonaporch