In this episode of The Blend, Brian Bailie dives into the whiskey-making process, driven by questions from a recent tasting he hosted for the UVA data science team. He provides a detailed explanation of how whiskey is made, from selecting grains like barley, corn, rye, and wheat, to mashing, fermenting, distilling, and finally aging the spirit in oak barrels. Along the way, Brian discusses the importance of each stage, from the flavors imparted by the grains and yeast to the influence of barrel maturation on the final product. He also shares a tasting of Old Elk weeded bourbon, reflecting on its rich, buttery sweetness. The episode ends with a toast to the craftsmanship, tradition, and patience involved in whiskey-making.