About Whiskey Lore

Whiskey Lore® is an independent platform dedicated to fostering connections between distilleries and whiskey travelers through clarity, research, and real-world exploration.

Drew Hannush holding a whiskey thief in Bushmills warehouse

Founded by author and researcher Drew Hannush, Whiskey Lore began as a historical inquiry into the stories behind whiskey’s most enduring myths. Through careful research and documented analysis, the Whiskey Lore Stories podcast and subsequent books brought greater clarity to whiskey history, including The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey and Whiskey Lore: Volume One, which examines 24 widely held whiskey myths and legends.

While historical research remains a foundational part of the platform, Whiskey Lore’s central purpose today is connection, helping distilleries be understood and helping whiskey travelers discover the places where they will connect most strongly.

Connecting Distilleries and Whiskey Travelers

Whiskey Lore works to increase clarity and visibility across the whiskey landscape by interpreting distilleries through the lens of history, place, and identity rather than ratings or rankings. Through books, podcasts, and field research, the platform helps travelers make informed decisions while helping distilleries present their story in a way that resonates with well-matched enthusiasts.

Drew has visited more than 400 distilleries worldwide, studying how each expresses its heritage and craft. This real-world experience, combined with deep research, shapes the perspective shared through Whiskey Lore’s work.

Distillery Discovery and Travel

Whiskey Lore’s travel-focused work helps enthusiasts explore distilleries with greater understanding and intention.

  • Whiskey Lore’s Travel Guide to Experiencing American Whiskey: 2026 Edition connects readers with more than 1,000 distilleries across the United States.
  • Experiencing Irish Whiskey and Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon blend regional history with practical travel insight.
  • The Whiskey Lore travel guide at whiskeylore.org/travel provides tools and information for planning meaningful distillery visits worldwide.
    These resources help travelers discover distilleries while helping distilleries share their identity in language that attracts well-matched visitors.

Podcast and Industry Initiatives

The Whiskey Lore® Podcast introduces distilleries to a global audience while exploring the historical and cultural context that shapes each destination. The Whisky Flights series guides listeners through distillery regions, and Whiskey Lore: The Interviews preserves the voices and insights of distillers, historians, and industry figures.

Beyond publishing and podcasting, Whiskey Lore fosters visibility and collaboration across the whiskey community through:

  • The Fan Favorite Distillery Pagoda Awards, celebrating distilleries through enthusiast nominations and engagement
  • The Pay It Forward movement, encouraging distilleries to support one another and build shared momentum

A Platform Built on Clarity and Exploration

At its core, Whiskey Lore is about increasing understanding, illuminating whiskey’s past while helping distilleries and travelers discover one another through informed exploration.

Follow Whiskey Lore on Instagram, Patreon, LinkedIn, and X. Find books at whiskeylore.org/books. 

If you are a distillery interested in sharing your story, please visit the Contact page.

Drew’s Mantra
"To find the truth, question everything."

Learn more about Drew on his bio page.