I’m excited to share highlights from a lively Q&A chat I had with Chris Chapanar, the creator behind “Whiskey Noobs”. His is one of the most approachable and fun whiskey podcasts out there. We talked about bourbon basics, whiskey and American culture, and road stories.
Chris has built his Instagram presence to over 165,000 followers primarily by making whiskey less intimidating for newcomers. He also brings plenty of “whiskey nerd” deep-dives for the seasoned drinkers.
The Personal Journey of Whiskey Noob
Randy: How did you first get into this whole bourbon thing?
Chris: My dad was always into whiskey, and the marketing around it drew me in; it looked like such a good time. When I got old enough, I tried it, and wasn’t much of a fan initially, but after pairing whiskey with cigars, I started liking it more and more. That’s where the slippery slope began, trying different bottles, sampling new flavors, and ultimately becoming hooked.
Randy: Where did the name Whiskey Noobs come from?
Chris: I always thought podcasts and hobby groups seemed intimidating, especially for beginners. I wanted a show for people who felt lost in the whiskey culture, something just for “noobs,” like the newbie term in gaming. The idea was to build confidence for newcomers and to talk through the basics without snobbery. It took off after I started advertising on short-form platforms, and here we are.
Randy: What did your family say when you started all this? Were they excited, or did they think you were nuts?
Chris: Definitely both! My family was supportive but a bit surprised when I used my real name online. Over time, their support really helped, especially when I needed listeners and feedback early on. My wife is glad I didn’t pick up an even more expensive hobby like luxury watches.
Randy: Did you go the Scotch or Bourbon route first?
Chris: Actually, my first bottle was Monkey Shoulder Scotch, if I recall. I wasn’t loyal to any category early on; I just wanted to try everything. The differences between bottles were crazy to me, and I needed to taste them all.
Randy: What’s your take on Scotch versus Bourbon?
Chris: My Scotch experience is more limited, but I love it, especially peated Scotches, though they’re an occasional indulgence, not my daily drink. I have to be in the mood for Scotch’s smokiness. Bourbon can be a daily driver for me. Longer aging in cold climates yields lighter, sometimes tropical notes in Scotch, while bourbon goes oaky and bold quicker. It’s just a totally different adventure in each bottle.
Randy: Why is your Instagram popular?Chris: It was just the perfect timing. COVID had folks at home, and everyone new to bourbon was chasing Blanton’s. I made a series of blind tastings, putting dozens of bottles up against Blanton’s, and sometimes an inexpensive bottle came out on top! People loved the authenticity and surprise results. To this day, my “Better Than Blanton’s” series remains a draw for fans.
The Whiskey Noob and American Culture
Randy: What whiskey did you serve at your wedding?
Chris: I’ve been married about four years. The venue’s bourbon was Jim Beam, and the bartenders made a sweet riff on an old-fashioned for everyone. We also brought a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Gold No. 27 (finished in maple barrels), which was the most expensive bottle I’d ever bought at that point. But somehow it got mixed into Jack & Cokes for the whole crowd. Now there’s a lesson about giving bartenders the guest list!
Randy: If you could only drink one whiskey, what would it be?
Chris: My first question is, who’s drinking? If your wife’s with you and she’s just getting into bourbon, pick something approachable. My go-to for sharing is Redwood Empire’s Pipe Dream, but for value, Evan Williams Bottled in Bond is a killer choice. It’s flavorful, approachable, and holds up in blind tastings against bottles triple the price.
Randy: If your personality were a bourbon, what would the tasting notes be?
Chris: I think I’d be one of those classic bourbons that starts sweet and approachable, but gives a pop of something spicy on the finish—maybe a little black pepper or surprise lingering on the palate. I always try to be kind and friendly, but I definitely put my opinions out there honestly.
Randy: Do you think COVID changed whiskey’s popularity?
Chris: Totally. COVID had everyone home, exploring new hobbies and drinks. Bourbon saw explosive growth in popularity as people started drinking more and sharing enthusiastically online. Now, with folks back in the office, shelf space is tighter and the market’s gone a bit too saturated. But it opened the world to a ton of new whiskey fans, and that’s why shows like mine exist.
Randy: What exactly does “Bottled in Bond” mean?Chris: Bottled in Bond is a piece of whiskey history. It’s the name of the first consumer protection law in the U.S., which started in 1897. It means the whiskey is 100 proof, aged at least four years, and stored under government supervision in a bonded warehouse. That “Bond” is actually the government’s signing off on its seal of approval, signifying the legitimacy of the whiskey as true bourbon. There are lots of rules, but those are the big ones.
The Whiskey Noob on the Road and on the Town
Randy: What music do you listen to on a cross-country road trip?
Chris: All of it! I start with alternative rock, some hip-hop or pop, then drift into country for a while. Eventually, classic rock takes over, especially late-night driving. My wife’s not a fan of classic rock, so that gets queued up when she’s napping in the passenger seat. There’s a parallel in whiskey: like my playlist, my shelf needs variety, not weighed down by just one brand.
Randy: I’ve interviewed distilleries all over—Texas, Florida, Denver, and more. Everyone claims their climate is the best for aging. What’s your experience?
Chris: Each distiller has their special process. Humidity, for example, can affect whiskey proof, since higher humidity keeps more water in the barrel. Climate isn’t as simple as “hot means faster aging”; flavor profiles shift, too. Fast aging in heat brings more oak and tannin; cold climates, on the other hand, mellow things out over time. Each environment creates a different whiskey.
Randy: What do you drink with a burger versus a nice dinner out?
Chris: For something casual, I often reach for Evan Williams Bottled in Bond or Cooper’s Craft Barrel Reserve—both under $30, full of flavor and oakiness. For a restaurant or wedding, I’ll pick Woodford Reserve Double Oak or a single malt Scotch. The oak notes just draw me in. And recently, I’ve adored Westward Whiskey’s “Milestone Release No. 2.” It’s got some cocoa notes and cinnamon for complexity.
Randy: What do you think about Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon taking their whiskey on ships? Is it a gimmick or an innovation?
Chris: It’s a bit of both. Sometimes the strategy works, sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve tasted amazing bottles from Jefferson’s Voyage series, but also some that fell flat. The concept is interesting. Moving whiskey exposes it to wood differently, like steeping tea. But I think some brands get too carried away claiming their aging method is revolutionary. Climate matters most, like aging faster in southern heat or going dormant in a cold Scottish warehouse. Each changes the end product.
Randy: If you could ask God one bourbon question, what would it be?
Chris: I’d have to ask if any bourbons of the past—those “Dustys” that people hunt for—were truly better than today’s releases, or have we only improved. Have we lost the magic, or keep getting better?
The Last Call
Randy: Before we wrap, do you think Whiskey Noobs works for advanced drinkers, too, or is it just for beginners?
Chris: Definitely both. I’ve tried to keep the content deep enough for “whiskey nerds.” I almost called it “Whiskey Nerds” at first!, but always approachable. The goal is to demystify whiskey, teach with clarity, and keep it zany and fun, so nobody feels intimidated, no matter their experience level.
See whiskeyshenanigans.com for our full podcast with Chris the Whiskey Noob.
For more conversations with fascinating people in the whiskey world, check us out on Instagram @whiskeyshaniganspodcast
Follow Chris Charpanar @whiskey_noobs on Instagram, and see the podcast he co-hosts at thewhiskeynoob.com