In this episode, Lawrence Graham gives us an update on January's Victoria Whisky Festival. Our news update reports Scottish politicians and the whisky industry have come to terms on formal designations for Scotch whiskies, and we'll have an update on the North American release of Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2006, along with kudos for WhiskyCast.

A special episode recorded on location at Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia, as Malt Advocate publisher John Hansell discusses the winners of this year's Malt Advocate Whisky Awards. In the news, the owner of Glenfiddich and The Balvenie expands to China, where whisky sales are booming. Pernod Ricard is considering cuts at its distilleries and bottling plants in Scotland, and a list of upcoming whisky events around the world

Dave "Robbo" Robertson of Jon, Mark, & Robbo's Easy Drinking Whisky Company explains the philosophy behind JMR's line of vatted malt whiskies. Also, an update on the Kurt Busch controversy and Hurricane Katrina's impact on Diageo.

Crown Royal dethrones NASCAR's defending champion, Aberlour celebrates Founder's Day, and Bruichladdich's Jim McEwan comes up with a solution for those who want their dram ice-cold.

An introduction to WhiskyCast, featuring interviews with Parker Beam of Heaven Hill Distilleries and Dr. Jim Swan of Penderyn Distillery. Also...the latest news on two rare Ardbeg releases, Jim Murray's latest edition of the Whisky Bible, and a list of tastings and whisky events.