Ever wondered whether the CEO's of whisky companies get any special perks? In this week's episode, we'll get the answer from Tom Flocco, CEO of Beam Global Spirits & Wine. On a more serious note, we'll find out how the two-year-long process of integrating Laphroaig and other former Allied Domecq brands into Beam's portfolio is going, along with his view of the global whisky market. In other news, the 2008 edition of the Malt Whisky Yearbook is out, and we'll get a preview from editor Ingvar Ronde...along with word on new rare -- and expensive malts from the Classic Malts series.

For the first time, we'll talk about something other than whiskies on WhiskyCast! There's a new trend toward single-estate Cognacs and Armagnacs from France that compare very favorably with many single malts...and can often be a fraction of the price! Veteran spirits writer F. Paul Pacult led a tasting of rare Cognacs and Armagnacs this past week in New York, and he'll help guide us on a journey through the French countryside. In the news, a $30,000 Balvenie hits the market, new whiskies from Compass Box, and Mallya does motorsports as well as whisky...

The Beams are the First Family of Bourbon, and the torch has officially been passed at Jim Beam. Each bottle has pictures of the six generations of Beam family members who have led the distillery. This week, a new label was unveiled with the latest patriarch of the Beams, Fred Noe...who joins his late father, Booker Noe, and the rest of the family. We'll hear from Fred and more as Kentucky celebrates Bourbon Festival week in Bardstown.

George Washington...founding father of the United States, and a man who knew how to capitalize on an opportunity. When he heard that merchants near his Mount Vernon estate couldn't meet the demand for whiskey, he built one of the fledgling nation's biggest distilleries. The restored distillery is now producing rye whiskey from George's original recipe, and you'll hear the details in this episode. In the news, we'll hear from Springbank's Frank McHardy about his distillery's whisky schools this fall...and much, much more...

The world of whisky lost its greatest ambassador this week. Through his books, Michael Jackson gave us a vocabulary, and set words to our passion for the water of life. Michael passed away at his home Thursday morning (August 30) after a long fight with Parkinson's Disease and other health problems. In March, I had the chance to talk with Michael, and you'll hear part of that interview on this episode, along with memories of Michael from Martine Nouet. Raise a glass if you will...to a man who now sips from the angel's share.