Chip Tate: Back in the Saddle Again

Maverick whiskey maker Chip Tate is back after a sabbatical following his acrimonious departure from Balcones Distilling. Now the master distiller for innovation with Foley Family Wines & Spirits, Tate has quietly been working on his first new whiskies in nearly 11 years under the company’s Ampersand Spirits label. Dubbed Malus, Vinea, and Opimus, each one is a unique blend that challenges whiskey lovers with new flavors, and they fit perfectly with Tate’s unique approach to making whiskey. Chip Tate joins us on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is planning to make good on his threat to pull the best-selling Canadian Whisky off store shelves if Diageo closes its Crown Royal plant in his province. We’ll also have the latest on the Uncle Nearest receivership and a new report showing a decline in Irish whiskey exports in 2025. 

Episode 1144: January 11, 2026

Links: Ampersand Spirits | Crown Royal | Global News | Uncle Nearest | Bord Bia | Irish Whiskey Association | Constellation Brands | Sotheby’s | Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration | New Riff Distilling | The Whisky Exchange | Fuji Whisky | Nikka Whisky | Trackside Bourbon

Photo courtesy Ampersand Spirits.