It’s a rare day on Eat Drink Smoke Happy Hour when the guys say, “Let’s try a bourbon,” and then immediately pivot to… American single malt.

Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy crack open Clermont Steep from the Beam folks — an American single malt whiskey, aged five years, 94 proof, and weird enough (in a good way) to throw both of them off their normal tasting lanes.

The nose hits sweet, rich, and ethanol-forward… but the palate lands ridiculously smooth, warm, and surprisingly layered. They chase notes like honey, toffee, pear, and that unmistakable “malt” character that makes it feel like it’s playing in a totally different sandbox than bourbon.

Then they do what any responsible show would do:
They add a cube, add a little water, and argue about what just happened to the flavor like it’s a playoff call.

Also in this episode:

• The eternal question: Do you have to talk to your Uber driver?

• Tony and Fingers compare their rider ratings like it’s a credit score

• News of the week, including UPS job cuts, AI creeping into everything, and why that’s both fascinating and horrifying

• Pepsi’s snack-price moves and what they might say about the economy

• The correct hierarchy of junk food (and why Cheetos are underrated)

• And the continued push to turn Costco into an accidental sponsor

If you want something different for the cabinet — or a bottle that makes a killer “try this” gift — Clermont Steep might be your move.

Find everything at eatdrinksmokeshow.com.