Season Finale | Round of 8, Final Four, & Championship | Hugh Hamer Bourbon Review | Top 5 Whiskeys Countdown
The epic conclusion is here! In Part 3 of our annual Film & Whiskey Bracket Challenge, Bob and Brad wrap up the tournament by diving into the Elite Eight, Final Four, and ultimately crowning this season’s champion film.
As the movies battle it out, expect passionate debates, surprising upsets, and maybe a few wounded egos. Will a dark horse make it to the end? Or will a classic film claim the crown?
Meanwhile, the guys pop the cork on Hugh Hamer Bourbon finished in rum casks, putting this unique pour to the test as the last whiskey of the season.
And to close things out, Bob and Brad unveil their Top 5 Whiskeys of the Season, reflecting on the best pours that graced their glasses in recent months. Which bottle takes the top spot?
Download the Bracket & Play Along:
filmwhiskey.com/p/season-9-bracket/
Share Your Winner:
We want to know who YOU would crown as champion!
Tag @FilmWhiskey and use #FilmAndWhiskeyBracket
We'll share your picks and shout out our favorites on air.
It's part 2 of the bracket challenge, where Bob and Brad are taking this season's 32 movies and throwing them into a no-holds-barred tournament. Today, we take on the round of 16 to determine our final 8 movies, and we try a wonderful Cask Strength bourbon from Old Hamer.
Download the Bracket & Play Along:
filmwhiskey.com/p/season-9-bracket/
Share Your Winner:
We want to know who YOU would crown as champion!
Tag @FilmWhiskey and use #FilmAndWhiskeyBracket
We'll share your picks and shout out our favorites on air.
The bracket is back—and this time, it’s personal.
We’ve taken 32 of the most acclaimed, beloved, and debated films from the last 15 years and thrown them into a no-holds-barred tournament. Over the course of three episodes, Bob and Brad will argue, agonize, and occasionally flip the Coin of Destiny to crown one champion in the Film & Whiskey Season 9 Bracket Challenge.
In Part 1, we dive into the round of 32, and some of these decisions get brutal. Early favorites fall. Friendships are tested. The whiskey pours freely.
Download the Bracket & Play Along:
filmwhiskey.com/p/season-9-bracket/
Share Your Winner:
We want to know who YOU would crown as champion!
Tag @FilmWhiskey and use #FilmAndWhiskeyBracket
We'll share your picks and shout out our favorites on air.
In this high-octane season finale, Bob and Brad return to 2014’s John Wick, a film that redefined modern action movies and catapulted Keanu Reeves back into superstardom. They break down Chad Stahelski's slick, violent, and surprisingly economical revenge thriller and ask the question: does John Wick deserve to be considered a modern classic, or is it all style and no substance?
Alongside the mayhem, Bob and Brad sip on Heaven's Door Revival Tennessee bourbon, an expression from Bob Dylan's award-winning whiskey label. With its smooth Tennessee profile and appropriately themed name, does this bourbon live up to the hype—or does it get lost in the shuffle like one of Wick’s countless on-screen foes?
(0:00) Intro
(07:41) Brad Explains
(11:05) Performances, Themes
(31:41) Heaven's Door Revival Tennessee bourbon review
(40:30) Two Facts and a Falsehood
(45:39) Final Analysis
(55:38) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
Save on your bottle of Blackwood (use code FILMWHISKEY)
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Bob and Brad dive into one of the most acclaimed international releases of 2023: Godzilla Minus One. They’re joined by special guest Michael Kelingus, Brad’s longtime friend and a lover of Japanese cinema, especially kaiju films. Together, they break down how Godzilla Minus One reimagines the iconic monster, explore its emotional core, and debate whether it sets a new high bar for the franchise.
In the second half, Bob and Brad crack open a bottle of Hardin's Creek Jacob's Well bourbon, a premium small-batch release known for its rich complexity. How does this Kentucky bourbon hold up under the Film & Whiskey taste test? Tune in to find out if the pairing of kaiju chaos and fine bourbon creates movie magic.
Timestamps
(0:00) Intro
(11:07) Brad Explains
(14:46) Performances, Themes
(33:33) Hardin's Creek Jacob's Well bourbon review
(42:39) Two Facts and a Falsehood
(48:56) Final Analysis
(1:05:09) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
Save on your bottle of Blackwood (use code FILMWHISKEY)
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Bob and Brad dive into DreamWorks’ animated masterpiece How to Train Your Dragon, a film that has captured audiences young and old since its release in 2010. They explore why this coming-of-age tale of Hiccup and his dragon Toothless continues to resonate emotionally and visually.
Alongside their film discussion, Bob and Brad pour a dram of Glengoyne 15 Year Single Malt Scotch, a beautifully crafted Highland whisky known for its unpeated, sherry-cask richness. Will this pairing of dragon fire and Scotch sophistication prove as legendary as Hiccup and Toothless?
Timestamps
(0:00) Intro
(6:31) Brad Explains
(14:28) Performances, Themes
(32:20) Glengoyne 15 Year review
(41:11) Two Facts and a Falsehood
(45:45) Final Analysis
(48:20) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
Save on your bottle of Blackwood (use code FILMWHISKEY)
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Bob and Brad head to the front lines of World War I cinema as they dissect 1917 (2019), Sam Mendes’ immersive and technically daring war film. With its faux one-take presentation and gripping narrative, 1917 has become a modern benchmark for war storytelling. The guys examine whether it’s all style or if the film has the emotional weight to match. Then, they taste and review Hirsch The Departure Single Malt Whiskey, a bold release from a legendary whiskey name that’s setting out in a new direction.
Timestamps
(0:00) Intro
(7:03) Brad Explains
(9:43) Performances, Themes
(31:09) Hirsch The Departure Single Malt review
(41:49) Two Facts and a Falsehood
(47:16) Final Analysis
(59:51) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
Save on your bottle of Blackwood (use code FILMWHISKEY)
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Bob and Brad dive into the brooding, morally complex thriller Prisoners (2013), directed by Denis Villeneuve. With towering performances from Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, the film explores justice, vengeance, and the disturbing gray areas in between. Then, they uncork a bottle of Almost Old Bones Bourbon, a high-proof expression with deep flavor and plenty of mystery—just like the film. Does this small-batch whiskey hold its own on the Film & Whiskey flavor scale?
(0:00) Intro
(4:59) Brad Explains
(7:20) Performances, Themes
(30:45) Almost Old Bones Bourbon review
(40:10) Two Facts and a Falsehood
(47:21) Final Analysis
(57:29) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
Save on your bottle of Blackwood (use code FILMWHISKEY)
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Bob and Brad welcome filmmaker and YouTube essayist Patrick H. Willems to the show to revisit one of Pixar’s most beloved and thematically rich films: Ratatouille (2007). Together, they explore why Ratatouille may just be one of the best movies ever made about the creative process. Later in the episode, Bob and Brad sip and review Penelope Wheated Bourbon, a soft and flavorful take on one of the fastest-growing categories in American whiskey.
Timestamps
(0:00) Intro
(9:06) Brad Explains
(11:28) Performances, Themes
(43:49) Penelope Wheated Bourbon review
(52:09) Two Facts and a Falsehood
(58:28) Final Analysis
(1:18:38) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
Save on your bottle of Blackwood (use code FILMWHISKEY)
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Bob and Brad dive deep into Spike Jonze’s haunting, beautiful, and eerily prescient film Her (2013), a story that explores intimacy, technology, and what it means to truly connect. As part of Season 7's "Modern Classics" theme, they ask the question: Does Her deserve that label?
Then, the hosts pour a glass of Old Elk Infinity Blend Whiskey—a truly unique, solera-style whiskey that evolves with every annual release. Is it a gimmick, or does it represent the future of American whiskey blending?
(0:00) Intro
(6:56) Brad Explains
(8:47) Performances & Themes
(35:48) Old Elk Infinity Blend Whiskey review
(47:26) Two Facts and a Falsehood and Final Analysis
(1:00:54) Let’s Make it a Double and Final Scores
Save on your bottle of Blackwood (use code FILMWHISKEY)
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Bob and Brad are joined by returning guest Zach Johnston, master blender at Blackwood Distilling, for a conversation about Taika Waititi’s 2019 film Jojo Rabbit. This genre-bending satire explores the absurdity of hatred, nationalism, and innocence lost…all through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy and his imaginary friend: Adolf Hitler.
Then, the guys sip and savor one of the most premium releases to ever grace the podcast—Barrell Craft Spirits' Dovetail Gold Label. With an MSRP of $500 and proof that clocks in at 140.18, this high-octane bottle is finished in Rum, Port, and Dunn Vineyards Cabernet barrels and aged up to 25 years. Is it worth the splurge? You’ll want to hear their full review before deciding.
(0:00) Intro
(6:34) Brad Explains
(10:37) Themes and Performances
(42:51) Barrell Dovetail Gold Label review
(55:48) Two Facts and a Falsehood
(1:01:19) Final Analysis
(1:18:18) Let’s Make it a Double and Final Scores
Save on your bottle of Blackwood (use code FILMWHISKEY)
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Bob and Brad step up to the plate with Moneyball (2011), the critically acclaimed sports drama that redefined how baseball is analyzed. Starring Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, Moneyball explores how analytics and data revolutionized Major League Baseball. Is this just a great baseball movie, or does it transcend the sport entirely?
Then, our hosts dive into Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Cathedral French Oak Bourbon, a limited-edition release with a distinctive French Oak finish. Does this high-end bottle live up to the hype, or is it all just numbers and theory?
(0:00) Intro
(06:43) Brad Explains
(09:18) Performances, Themes
(29:12) Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Cathedral French Oak Bourbon Review
(43:21) Two Facts and a Falsehood & Final Analysis
(XX:XX) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
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In this special edition of Film & Whiskey, Bob sits down with Logan Welk, President of BR Distilling and Blue Note Bourbon, to catch up on what’s been happening with the brand since their last feature on the show in 2020. From new expressions to expanded distribution, Logan shares insider updates on Blue Note’s rise in the American whiskey scene.
But the conversation doesn’t stop at bourbon. Logan also joins us for our recurring segment, My Favorite Movie, where we ask guests to choose a film that has stayed with them over the years. Logan’s pick? Ron Howard’s space-race thriller, Apollo 13 (1995)—a gripping, patriotic, and emotionally charged retelling of NASA’s most famous near-disaster. We discuss the film’s realism, performances by Tom Hanks and Ed Harris, and why it still resonates nearly three decades later.
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This week, Bob and Brad are joined by author and film critic Daniel Joyaux to discuss Ben Affleck’s 2012 Best Picture winner, Argo—a tense, politically charged thriller that blends espionage with Hollywood satire. As part of our season-long theme of “Modern Classics,” we’re asking: Does Argo deserve to be remembered as a defining film of its era?
Then, we turn to Rare Character The Exceptional Series 11-Year Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, an incredibly uncommon, cask-strength malt whiskey with a 65% malt and 35% corn mash bill. How does this unique Kentucky malt compare to traditional bourbons and single malts? Is it worthy of the "Exceptional" label?
(0:00) Intro
(08:53) Brad Explains
(12:25) Performances, Themes
(40:33) Rare Character The Exceptional Series 11-Year Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey Review
(52:26) Two Facts and a Falsehood & Final Analysis
(1:08:23) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
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Bob and Brad are joined by author and critic Noah Gittell to dive deep into Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood.
Then, our hosts shift gears to review one of the most anticipated bourbon releases of the year: Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon, a staple of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC).
(0:00) Intro
(04:21) Brad Explains
(06:23) Themes, Influences, and Whether the Movie Works
(40:23) Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old (2024) Review
(54:45) Two Facts and a Falsehood, Performances, and Final Analysis
(1:21:29) Let’s Make It a Double and Final Scores
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Bob and Brad tackle Spotlight (2015), the gripping Oscar-winning drama that tells the true story of the Boston Globe’s investigative team uncovering the Catholic Church abuse scandal. Directed by Tom McCarthy and featuring powerhouse performances from Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams, Spotlight remains one of the most impactful journalistic films of the 21st century.
Then, our hosts turn to the whiskey world with a review of Green River Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon. Does this single barrel selection live up to the hype, and how does it compare to other wheated bourbons on the market?
(0:00) Intro
(06:16) Brad Explains
(08:06) Performances, Themes
(34:20) Green River Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon Review
(42:56) Final Analysis
(59:35) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
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Bob is joined by Oscars expert Daniel Joyaux to break down the 2025 Academy Awards, both the telecast and the awarded films. How will newly-crowned Best Picture Anora be remembered? Which films didn’t get the love they deserved? Then, Bob and Brad catch up with Troy Bolotnick from Filmland Spirits and taste their new four-grain bourbon, Quadraforce.
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Join Bob and Brad on as they dive deep into Martin Scorsese's controversial masterpiece, "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013), starring Leonardo DiCaprio. They dissect the film's excessive themes, powerful performances, and moral ambiguity. Then, they switch gears to review the smooth and approachable Green River Wheated Bourbon, offering their expert tasting notes.
(0:00) Intro
(04:38) Brad Explains
(06:50) Performances, Themes
(36:23) Green River Wheated bourbon Review
(44:55) Two Facts and a Falsehood & Final Analysis
(1:00:30) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
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Bob and Brad take a deep dive into Pixar’s Inside Out (2015), the groundbreaking animated film that explores emotions, memory, and mental health through the story of 11-year-old Riley and her personified feelings. Directed by Pete Docter and featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, and Bill Hader, Inside Out remains one of the most emotionally resonant films of the 21st century.
Then, in the whiskey segment, our hosts sip on BenRiach 10-Year "The Original Ten", a Speyside single malt Scotch known for its balance of orchard fruit, honeyed malt, and a subtle whisper of smoke. How does this dram compare to other 10-year-old Scotches, and is it a must-have for whiskey lovers?
As always, we wrap up with Two Facts and a Falsehood, our Final Analysis, and the all-important Final Scores on both the film and the whiskey.
(0:00) Intro – Setting up Inside Out and BenRiach 10-Year.
(04:30) Brad Explains
(06:45) Performances, Themes
(28:50) BenRiach 10-Year Review
(38:00) Two Facts and a Falsehood & Final Analysis
(47:46) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
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Bob and Brad take on one of the most divisive films in recent memory—Joker (2019)—starring Joaquin Phoenix in his Oscar-winning role as the Clown Prince of Crime. While the film’s technical achievements, cinematography, and score are undeniable, our hosts remain conflicted about its themes and overall message. DoesJoker present a compelling character study, or does it glorify chaos without purpose?
Then, in the second half of the show, they turn their attention to theBenromach 10-Year Single Malt Scotch, a Speyside whiskey known for its unique balance of smoke, sherry cask influence, and oak-driven complexity. How does this traditional yet distinctive dram hold up in the world of single malt Scotch?
(0:00) Intro
(04:13) Brad Explains
(06:12) Performances, Themes
(22:16) Benromach 10-Year Review
(32:16) Two Facts and a Falsehood & Final Analysis
(48:15) Let's Make it a Double and Final Scores
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