CHARLOTTE, N.C. — September 4, 2026 — American whiskey has always run on rules. Some are written into law, others are handed down as tradition and repeated in the same familiar stories told with friends, new and old.
Whiskey Rule-Breakers, written by storyteller and Whiskey Shenanigans podcast host Randy Warren, profiles 29 distillers, founders, innovators, and influencers who are challenging how American whiskey is made, understood, and enjoyed.
Among the 29 rule-breakers featured in the book are master distillers at storied, industry-leading houses, including Harlen Wheatley of Buffalo Trace, Freddie Noe IV of Jim Beam, and Dr. Blake Layfield of Maker’s Mark.
The book also includes the new influencer and investor class rewriting American whiskey’s playbook, including Whiskey Noobs’ Chris Chapanar and CaskX’s Jeremy Kasler. A full list of contributors is available on request.
What Other People Are Saying
“Randy Warren’s stories bottle up the grit, humor, and heart that define whiskey.”— Scott Neil, President, American Freedom Distillers; Co-Founder, Horse Soldier Bourbon.
“Randy knows great whiskey is made with equal parts craft, character, and a good story worth sharing.”— John Rempe, Master Distiller and Master Blender, Rebel Bourbon.
“Randy gets that sometimes breaking rules is about shattering glass ceilings.” — Marianne Eaves, Master Distiller, Forbidden Bourbon.
Where to Buy
The Whiskey Rule-Breakers first edition was published on August 26, 2026. The paperback ($29.95) is available now on Amazon. Hardcover and ebooks are coming soon.
About Randy Warren
Randy Warren is a whiskey storyteller, entrepreneur, and former asset-management executive. As the voice behind the Whiskey Shenanigans podcast, he shares the people, history, culture, and unexpected stories that make American whiskey worth talking about.
Media Contact
Scott Turner
Sondhelm Partners
703-752-1510
scott@sondhelmpartners.com