Two Guys On A Porch

Episode 23 – Who Is Right Anyway? And When Legends Leave Us

Episode 23 – Who Is Right Anyway? And When Legends Leave Us
In this episode of Two Guys on a Porch, Jason and Bradford debate who’s “right” as they sample partially blind pours of Jim Beam Black Extra Aged, Old Dominick Bottled in Bond, and Benchmark Bonded—three household name bourbons ranging from $18 to $35.
They don’t know which pour is which as they sip and guess—then make their final calls at the end. Are they becoming accessible bourbon experts… or just lucky guessers? Stay tuned to the end to find out.
They also explore a different kind of life moment—the one that comes when public figures pass away. From George Foreman and Gene Hackman to George H.W. Bush, these deaths stir something personal. It’s not the deep grief of losing a loved one—it’s the quiet, nostalgic ache of realizing we’re losing pieces of our own past. Song memories surface and spark Jason’s reflections on med school, residency, and exam challenges. So… who did start the fire?
Speaking of fire: paired with bold Don Pepin cigars from My Father, this conversation smokes slow and steady—filled with insight, storytelling, and a toast to the ghosts of glory. Special thanks to My Father for the fellowship sticks!
The guys also unpack how actors, musicians, presidents, and athletes become the soundtrack of our lives. Each death doesn’t just mark the end of their story—it replays a chapter of ours. From political legacies to the songs and screen legends that shaped our youth, they wrestle with how memory fades and meaning lingers.
#OldDominick #JimBeamBlack #BenchmarkBonded #LegacyAndLoss #WhiskeyTalk #CigarLife #BourbonCulture #NostalgiaSips #PorchConversations #GeneHackman #GeorgeForeman #GeorgeHWBush #TwoGuysOnAPorch #BourbonAndCigars #DonPepin #MyFatherCigars

Episode 22: Celebrities: Traveling to Church with Smooth Tennessee Whiskey to Heaven’s Door

Jason,  Bradford and Kimber are back—this time posted up in the barn with the rain pattering on the tin roof and a trio of star-studded bottles on the table. It’s all about celebrity whiskeys: why are famous folks diving into the bourbon game? Is it just another tequila-fueled cash grab, or is there real passion and quality in the barrel? And with whiskey consumption dipping, is there longevity in these high-profile pours?  The ‘legend in their own minds’ enjoy all the tasting, fellowship and the sounds of a passing train during the afternoon.
Jypsi – Eric Church’s 103 proof, rye-forward release born from a collab with Jack Daniels and master distiller Jeff Arnett.
Traveller – Traveller – Chris Stapleton’s smooth and soulful 90 proof wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace. Yes, it’s spelled with two L’s—a nod to Stapleton’s 2015 debut album Traveller, inspired by a road trip and personal reflection after his father’s death.
Heaven’s Door: Ascension – Bob Dylan’s poetic pour, a blended bourbon with history and heart, and a future home on Daniel Boone’s land.
The guys dive into mash bills, branding, and the big question: is the juice worth the celebrity squeeze? Also: shoutout to Jeff Arnett—we want you on the porch, brother!
The fellowship sticks:  Thank you to Hedge Burt for the afternoons’s spicy and chocolate Cigar:  Rocky Patel 60’s - A Mexican Meduro.  The boys “rest their ashes” on a gift of custom Two Guys On A Porch cigar stands from friend Tom Perkins. Thanks Tom.
#CelebrityWhiskey #JypsiWhiskey #TravellerBourbon #HeavensDoorWhiskey#EricChurch #ChrisStapleton #BobDylan#WhiskeyTalk #BourbonBrothers #RainyDayVibes #WhiskeyPodcast #CigarAndBourbon#TennesseeWhiskey #KentuckyBourbon #PorchTalk

Episode 21: Guidance: The Flavor of Friendship (Part Two)

Episode 21: Guidance: The Flavor of Fellowship  (Part Two)
Jason and Bradford return for part two of their conversation with special guest—distiller Jason Ridgel, the founder of Tennessee’s own Guidance Whiskey. This episode kicks off with an in-depth discussion on the distinctions between Tennessee Whiskey and Kentucky Bourbon, diving into the nuances of wheated bourbon and the craftsmanship behind small-batch distilling. Ridgel also shares his personal journey from college to becoming a distiller, revealing the passion and perseverance that shaped his path.
Guidance Whiskey is more than just a bottle on the shelf; it’s a story of ambition, resilience, and community. Founded by Ridgel, Guidance was created to honor culture and bring people together. With a carefully curated blend of corn, rye, malted barley, and water from Iowa Guidance Whiskey delivers a smooth, balanced taste that embodies its core philosophy—whiskey should be enjoyed in good company, sparking great conversation and lasting friendships.
Ridgel’s mission is clear: to introduce more people to bourbon and whiskey culture, placing infinite wisdom on the shelf with every bottle. As the discussion unfolds, Jason, Bradford, and Ridgel reflect on how whiskey serves as a bridge—connecting people through shared experiences, rich flavors, and meaningful stories. And as the glasses empty, the conversation only deepens, reaffirming that the best whiskey is the one enjoyed with great company.
To round out the episode, Ridgel introduces a friend’s whiskey, Reverence, giving the trio an opportunity to compare tasting notes and explore its unique characteristics alongside Guidance.
Get yourself a bottle of Guidance and invite some friends for “the flavor of friendship.”
Stay tuned for future episodes as Jason and Bradford continue their journey through the world of whiskey, cigars, and the undeniable joy of fellowship and friendship.
#GuidanceWhiskey #WhiskeyLovers #BourbonCulture #TennesseeWhiskey #WheatedBourbon #SmallBatchWhiskey #FellowshipAndFriendship #SipAndSmoke #WhiskeyTalk

Episode 20: Guidance: The Flavor of Friendship (Part One)

Jason and Bradford are back for another episode of Two Guys on a Porch, this time with a special guest—entrepreneur and whiskey aficionado Jason Ridgel, the founder of Tennessee’s own Guidance Whiskey. The conversation flows as smoothly as the pour in their glasses, centering around the essence of friendship and life story. 
In this episode, Jason, Bradford, and Ridgel explore Jason’s journey from Alabama and Tennessee leading toward the birth of Guidance Whiskey and its growing reputation.  
And what pairs better with whiskey than a great cigar? For this episode, the guys light up the Patriarch Cigars selection, which they affectionately name “Who’s Your Daddy.” With its bold, full-bodied flavor, this cigar holds its own against the complex notes of Guidance, making for the perfect pairing as the trio dives into stories of business, friendship, and the ever-evolving journey of life.
Stay tuned for Part Two, where the conversation deepens, the pours get heavier, and the insights become even richer. Cheers to the flavor of fellowship and friendship!
 
#GuidanceWhiskey #TwoGuysOnAPorch #WhiskeyLovers #BourbonCulture #CigarPairing #PatriarchCigars #TennesseeWhiskey #FellowshipAndFriendship #SipAndSmoke #WhiskeyTalk

Episode 19: Blind Bourbon Showdown & Navigating Friendship After Divorce

Episode 19: Blind Bourbon Showdown & Navigating Friendship After Divorce
Jason and Bradford are back for another blind bourbon tasting, putting their palates and memories to the ultimate test. With four mystery pours and six legendary contenders—Weller 107, Wild Turkey Voyage, Pappy 15, Jack Daniels Bonded, Weller CYPB, and Frank August—can they correctly identify each one? Who will emerge as the bourbon whisperer, and who’s just guessing?
Beyond the bourbon, the guys tackle a conversation that hits close to home: How do friendships change after divorce?Do we have to pick sides? Does the reason for the split shape our loyalty? And how does time influence the way we navigate these relationships? Jason and Bradford share real talk, personal insights, and plenty of laughs as they explore this tricky topic.
Paired with the Oliva Series V, this episode is all about friendship, flavor, and great conversation. Pour a glass, light up, and join us on the Porch! 🔥
#BourbonTasting #BlindTasting #Friendship #Divorce #OlivaSerieV #Weller107 #WildTurkeyVoyage #JackDanielsBonded #WellerCYPB #FrankAugust #Pappy15

Episode 18 – Indian Whiskey and Immigration: A Nation of Movers

Episode 18 – Indian Whiskey and Immigration: A Nation of Movers
Pack your bags and grab a glass—Jason and Bradford are taking on one of the most impactful topics in American history: immigration. Just as cigars and whiskey cross borders to reach us, people have been moving across the globe for centuries, shaping economies, cultures, and nations.
The Pairing: A legendary smoke and a bold lineup of whiskeys. This afternoon, we light up the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series—crafted by Cuban immigrant Jose Padron, who built an empire from nothing. To pair, we take a sip of exploration with Indian whiskey—Amrut, Paul John, and Indri. With India now the second-largest source of U.S. immigrants, it’s only fitting to explore its rising whiskey dominance, shaped by British colonialism and unique aging conditions that accelerate maturation.  Are these more bourbon or scotch-like whiskey? 
The Topic: Since 1965, 70 million immigrants have arrived in the U.S., shifting from European waves to today’s Mexican and Indian influx. A landmark law in 1965 changed the game, opening the door for Asian and Latin American migration. Now, with birth rates declining (1.6 vs. the needed 2.1), immigration isn’t just about politics—it’s about sustaining economies and global influence. Japan and China are already feeling the strain of population decline. Is this why U.S. policies have changed?
Light up, pour a glass, and join us for a deep dive into the past, present, and future of immigration on 2 Guys on a Porch.
#Padron1964 #Amrut #PaulJohn #Indri #Immigration #AmericanHistory #GlobalWhiskey #CubanCigars #WhiskeyandCigars #2GuysOnAPorch

Ep. 17: "Boxing the Legend Heavyweights: Pappy 23, Old Fitzgerald Birthday, & King of Kentucky"

Episode 17 – Boxing the Legend Heavyweights: Pappy 23, Old Fitzgerald Birthday, & King of Kentucky
Step into the ring for the most legendary bourbon showdown in 2 Guys on a Porch history! In this heavyweight battle, Jason and Bradford take on some of the most elusive and sought-after bourbons on the planet—Pappy Van Winkle 23-Year, Old Fitzgerald Birthday Edition, and the nearly mythical King of Kentucky. These aren’t just bottles; they’re the undisputed champions of the bourbon world, each carrying history, prestige, and an undeniable punch of flavor.
But no title fight is complete without an exclusive pairing, and this episode features the rarest and most expensive cigar of them all—the Fuente Padron Legend. At $200 a stick, this commemorative masterpiece brings together two of the greatest cigar families in history, making it the perfect companion to these bourbon heavyweights.
Like Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and Mike Tyson, Jason and Bradford go toe-to-toe, debating which of these legends stands above the rest. Will the smooth depth of Pappy 23 deliver the knockout? Can Old Fitzgerald Birthday Edition bob and weave its way to victory? Or will the powerful, punchy King of Kentucky claim the belt? With each sip and every draw, the intensity rises, leading to a championship round filled with bold takes, fiery debates, and maybe even a few low blows.
In the end, only one bourbon can stand atop the podium—but will there be a unanimous decision, or will the judges call it a split? Light up, pour a glass, and join us for the fight of the century on 2  Guys on a Porch!
 
#Pappy23 #Muhammad Ali. #LegendaryBourbon #Fuente #Padron #KingofKentucky #GeorgeForeman #MikeTyson #OldFitzgerald #BoxingHeavyweights

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!