Decades Distilled // A History of Whisky

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Continuing our deep dive into the 1990s, Kurt and Sarah return to Japan, where the economy collapsed, nightlife slowed, and whiskey sales fell… hard.
Instead of cutting corners, Japanese distilleries doubled down on quality. They refined techniques, experimented with casks, and quietly defined what Japanese whiskey should taste like. From Yamazaki and Hibiki to Nikka’s survival story, this episode explores how a decade of low demand created some of the most respected whiskey in the world.
The ’90s were quiet—but the barrels were busy.

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As part of our deep dive into the ’90s, this week, Sarah and Kurt explores how Irish whiskey went from a one-flavor, one-company category to something far more interesting. We talk smooth blends, smoky curveballs, revived distilleries, and the unlikely balance between a global powerhouse (hello, Jameson) and a rebellious challenger that changed everything.
If the ’90s were about breaking rules and finding your identity, Irish whiskey was right on theme.

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Once the backbone of American whiskey, rye all but disappeared from bars and back shelves for decades. Then, quietly—and then suddenly—it came roaring back.
On this episode of Decades Distilled, Kurt and Sarah dive into the surprising rise of rye whiskey in America, tracing its journey from pre-Prohibition staple to near extinction, and back again as a favorite of bartenders, collectors, and modern whiskey drinkers.
They unpack what makes rye different from bourbon, why its bold, spicy profile resonates today, and how shifting tastes, craft distilling, and cocktail culture helped fuel its revival. Along the way, they share the key moments, brands, and cultural shifts that turned rye from an afterthought into a star.
Pour something with a little spice and join the conversation — this one’s all about rediscovering a classic.

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This week on Decades Distilled, Kurt and Sarah welcome Chris Perugini, a longtime bourbon writer and contributor to Forbes, for a spirited look back at the decade that changed bourbon forever — the 1990s.
Together, they revisit a time when bourbon was nearly written off, only to make a surprising comeback fueled by shifting tastes, smart brand moves, and a renewed love for American whiskey. From dusty bottles and early collectors to the first signs of today’s bourbon boom, this episode explores how the ’90s helped bourbon find its swagger again — and why it still matters every time you pour a glass.

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In the 1990s, Scotch whisky didn’t just change flavors—it changed hands.
For this week's episode, Kurt and Sarah dive into the business side of Scotch’s comeback, from the rise of Diageo to the releases that shaped modern whisky culture. We unpack how the Classic Malts taught a generation how to drink Scotch, how the Rare Malts turned forgotten distilleries into legends, and why closures like Rosebank still stir strong emotions today.
It’s a story of big money, bold bets, nerdy treasures, and tough choices—where progress and loss often came hand in hand.
Pour a dram and join us as we follow the money behind the magic of 1990s Scotch.