This bonus episode of Old-Fashioned Football features hosts Jay and Miranda conducting a blind tasting tournament to crown a champion rye whiskey. They structure the "Whiskey Madness" bracket like March Madness, with seeds determined by price point. In the first matchup, Miranda tastes the number one seed, Jefferson's Ocean Aged Rye (Voyage 26, 96 proof, $100), against the eight seed, Ezra Brooks Rye (90 proof, $21). She describes the Jefferson's as having a quick, spicy "bam" that mellows, while finding the Ezra Brooks surprisingly palatable with a caramel scent. Miranda selects Ezra Brooks in a major upset, choosing the $21 bottle over the $100 one, which she attributes to the specific ocean voyage and superior drinkability. Next, Jay tastes the two seed, Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Cask Strength (116.4 proof), against the seven seed, Sazerac Rye (90 proof). He notes the left sample has complex spice and chocolate notes, while the right one tastes bland in comparison, leading him to correctly pick the higher-proof Redwood Empire. For the third pairing, Miranda samples Chicken Cock Rye (90 proof) against Knob Creek 7 Year Rye (100 proof). She detects chocolate undertones in one and a distinct leather note in the other, which strongly appeals to her. Miranda ultimately chooses the sample with the leather taste, which is revealed to be Chicken Cock Rye, defeating Knob Creek. Finally, Jay tastes Willett Rye (109.8 proof) against WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye (96.56 proof), finding the left sample has deeper, richer character with a charred, sweet quality. He picks the left sample, which is the Willett Rye, advancing it to the next round without an upset. The results set up a final four of Ezra Brooks, Chicken Cock Rye, Redwood Empire Emerald Giant, and Willett Rye, with the hosts speculating a potential Willett-versus-Willett championship. The tone is casual, humorous, and deeply conversational, with hosts reacting in real-time to their own surprising judgments. Listeners who enjoy whiskey, blind taste tests, and lighthearted competition will love this episode. Those seeking serious football analysis or structured beverage education might want to skip this bonus diversion.
