Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Spirit Awards 2018 Episode

What new bourbon are we pumped about? Which hiking trail are we exploring? Why is the next supercar so cool? The Manual is dedicated to helping men live a more engaged life. Each week, our editors and guests get together for a round-table discussion about what’s new, exciting, and unique in the men’s lifestyle world. So pop open your favorite brew, step into your man cave, and start streaming.

For this week’s episode of Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast, the round-table — Food and Drink Editor Sam Slaughter, Managing Editor Nicole Raney, and host Greg Nibler — sit down to discuss The Manual’s newest series, the Spirit Awards.

First, the group reveals how, over the last few months, The Manual team dutifully tasted craft spirits from all over America. While they didn’t try things from all 1,000-plus producers, they certainly tried their hardest to taste as many as they could. From there, they narrowed the field to nine categories, eventually choosing winners in each.

After chatting about how they got to the winners and what it’s like to blind taste almost 30 spirits in a row (hint: it’s not easy), the crew talks about why an award series like this is important and the best ways to consume a winning bottle. If you’re not a straight spirit kind of person, don’t worry — each winner is presented with a classic cocktail that you can easily try at home.

If you haven’t perused the Spirit Awards yet, check it out! Each of the nine categories has its own page dedicated to telling the stories behind the type of liquor, the winner, the distillery behind the champ, and the runners-up. Some (unfortunately, not all) have nationwide distribution, so you should be able to find at least one winning bottle in your town.

And if you have a question for The Manual podcast folks, give us a shout at podcast@themanual.com — we’re always around! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and keep an eye out for our weekly podcast polls so you can join the discussion.

Further Reading

• The Manual Spirit Awards 2018
• The Best Flavored Vodka Made in America
• The Best American Bourbon
• The Best American Single Malt Whiskey