Testing the Room - Crowded Barrel Hydra

[@Whistling_Goat]

I like episodes like this where there is a clear connection between the point of the story and the whiskey. Feels more cohesive and natural. I know there's always a level of connection but some are a bit more of a stretch lol

[@gyangearon8729]

Yes same, it makes it feel like we are sitting down with Daniel and having a real convo about whiskey.

[@jlrphotographyvideo3213]

I really appreciate this new format. It feels like sitting down with a friend (acquaintance) over a whisky and enjoying each other’s company.

[@JonnoDuck]

This has been such a masterful shift in a KZbin channel. The old style was always so entertaining to watch but you’ve moved on to something so much more thoughtful and rich. Keep at it. We’re here for the journey.

[@benjaminholse3956]

Daniel, you and Rex really started me on my whiskey journey, I can’t thank you enough. That said the new format doesn’t land for me. I enjoyed the buddy dynamic and liked that the old format never took itself too seriously. I appreciated having two sets of tasting notes and your tried and true whiskey info. If you have recommendations for other whiskey channels I should check out I would love to hear them. But again, I’m a huge fan of yours and I wish you all the success in the world and I am so happy there are lots of folks that will continue to support this channel.

[@vandensoforth]

I really appreciate these videos. Whiskey for me is about connection. It's about connecting with the story of the distillery and the drink. It's about connecting with my tasting notes and the interesting flavors I can find in the glass whether it's walking through the Kanza prairie in springtime with strong honeysuckle on your lips or rich homemade fry bread with honey drizzled on top at my grandma's house. Most of all, it's about connecting with people and their stories. I love sitting down and pouring someone a drink to swap stories, getting to know people better with a glass in hand is a fantastic experience that makes whiskey special to me. So these videos feel like that experience, connecting with stories and the whiskey in a way that organically connects to what I love about whiskey. Cheers!

[@Doc_Holaday]

I look forward to these! Whatever you talk about, I love story time with Daniel.

[@pfalzgraf7527]

couldn't have said it better!

[@JeremyYoung-uj3ln]

I'm not going to lie I do truly miss seeing you and Rex together but at the same time this is kind of like the best separated parent situation that you could have because your episodes are absolutely wonderful and enlightening and his are still absolutely goofy and completely entertaining so keep on doing what you're doing it's wonderful I love the stories

[@dbltime]

Like many others who have commented, I really appreciate this new format. The story telling via whiskey and human connection, feels more authentic and true to who you are Daniel. So, keep on throwing out your stories and ideas. I look forward to exploring what sticks. Cheers.

[@gloamingforest]

I’m really enjoying the new format. It feels like a relaxing conversation with a friend. There are tons of whiskey review channels nowadays, so I like the different approach. For me, it is more engaging and provides something different compared to a majority of other whiskey channels.

[@micahdubas9454]

I cannot emphasize my point enough by saying this. I resoundingly connect and love this new format. So much of what y'all have been doing and are doing speaks to my character and I want so badly to be right there in TX with y'all living amazing. Thank you Daniel for following your calling.

[@markhatley-k6s]

Daniel, I vote stay the course. Although I always enjoyed the episodes with you and REX, I am also very much enjoying this format. Thank you for the commentary and your thoughts.

[@1nToTh3V0id]

Pun intended, your blend of story telling and whisky nerd content is the magnificent beast.

[@awssaad2]

For me the comparison between different whiskeys played a big part of why I watched this channel for the last 4 years, and the same thing goes for the difference in character between you and Rex .. so to see two experts/teachers from the school tasting the same whiskey will give a nice and a new approach.

[@Saberwolf71]

I'm really enjoying the stories and the philosophic musings you're putting out here. Thanks for sharing it.

[@mikeh720]

I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the episodes since "the split". Keep on with what you're doing. Sláinte! 🥃

[@iamgeek246]

Short response: Keep doing what you’re doing! While I miss Rex and what y’all did together on the channel, I understand the need for the separation from Crowded Barrel. That said, these videos you have put together are amazing in their own right! You have a gift for storytelling and who doesn’t enjoy a good story with a wonderful pour? I love the random stories - I feel each video is its own contained thing whereas a story arc might be hard for the new viewer to jump in and follow. Whatever you do with the channel, I’m on board and continue to look forward to more amazing content! Cheers!

[@Scotchnow]

You are a lot smarter than you look, Daniel 😊. Seriously, you are brilliant how you connect with others about your passions. I learn something new every time. Love being along for the ride

[@tonyplank]

I will echo the sentiment that I enjoyed the contrasts between you and Rex. That said, I love the new format. The itinerant intellectual wandering really works for me. Daniel, you are obviously a multi-talented person, but you have a knack for storytelling. Lean in to that...I'm seriously enjoying it. Sprinkling a whiskey tasting in gives just enough structure to make things cohesive. I'm looking forward to where you go with this, wherever that may be.

[@DennisJPolson]

The core tenant survives but in a new format. I enjoy the previous and now the new. The new journey is wonderful and I love the randomness of topics paired with a solid review of whisk(e)y. Thank you, Daniel! Cheers to you and all who are here.🥃

[@robviousobviously5757]

Irene IS the quintessential grande dame MB... cheers

[@markorrico2779]

Daniel, I have always been here to listen to you share your knowledge and stories. This new format is preferable to me. Keep it going!

[@JosephSirkinov]

This is landing for me Daniel, as I'm hoping to start my own distillery someday, and these discussions about crafting, the rotating bodies, and the like are really helping me understand how to grow a business and how to reach people better. I would like to do a KZbin focused idea with the distillery, not the same as you guys, but inspired by. These episodes are very important wisdom to someone like myself, and they are meaning the world. So thank you.

[@schill58]

The structure is spot on. I love these, it’s like hanging out with friends enjoying stories, good lord my friends have heard a bunch of them. I miss the interactions with you and Rex, but this is fabulous. Hoping for those live streams on both channels, it’s great to be able to pop in if available. Keep up the great work Daniel!

[@dannythompson3256]

New format is very good and interesting to hear the different story. It also helps that you are one hellva storyteller that has great camera presence and ability to capture the audience.

[@brettAnichols]

I'm nodding my head to all of the different beats so far on this channel and I'm curious about the mystery of things to come!

[@gregoryjacob624]

I like these videos better, they seem more authentic. It’s nice and chill.

[@ct9737]

I’m very excited to see Irene on the channel,I’ve had the please of meeting her at my visit to her store !

[@JT-fl6kr]

This new format resonates with me and from what I can tell, with others as well. Keep it up and thank you, I know its a lot of work.

[@johnhoman8862]

The Lord truly does give and take. I've been waiting for reviews of crowded barrel whiskies for a long time. It's hard when the best review channel isn't able to review an amazing whiskey due to legal reasons. Here's to hoping for an Eleanor review in the future. Cheers.

[@WhiskeyCrusaders]

I love the new formant. I find it super engaging and really dig all the lessons. I also agree reading the room and being able to pivot to that is super important. Cheers

[@kendavis4744]

Love it Daniel, keep up the amazing work. Love the story telling. Cheers , I'm really glad you're here. 🥃

[@thomvinson]

I must confess that I miss the older format, the fun synergy between you and Rex was exceptional, unequaled by any other whiskey tubers. But, having said that, I understand the need to change and I am enjoying the new format, it feels a bit more highbrow but is still very interesting and entertaining. Keep feeling the edges Daniel, maintain your production values, and always remain unpredictably varied. I do hope to see guests now and then, and I look forward to many more wonderful tales. Thank you!

[@1nToTh3V0id]

I love these deep dives into whisky. Especially learning about blending processes. Your vid years ago about infinity bottles and all the cheapo blend vids were some of my favorites. More blending please 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@stephenbailey9969]

Explaining thought processes is very instructive, without being overly pedagogical. Thank you.

[@Lawnshrooms]

I enjoy these and love watching with a pour for myself. Your storytelling is an art.

[@erickmorin2660]

I will say, Daniel, that, even if I liked the old format, I do prefer this one... The tone of your voice mixed with the general vibe you bring to those video is inspiring and really enjoyable. I hope you had a great time with your loved one for X-mas. Glad to be there ... (and will be there for a foreseeable future)

[@freerunningnj9853]

Love what your doing and always learn alot. Maybe do like a little mini series and take us on a guided whiskey tour per say through different regions.

[@rossfudd256]

The surprise keeps me coming back. I've enjoyed what you've been doin'.

[@Sippin777]

I greatly appreciate this format. In part it takes me back to your earliest videos and why I got hooked on your content. I expected this to be on Patreon but it’s cool that you offer it here for free. There is so much low end content on KZbin but these videos possess the quality and character that give others a standard to shoot for. Keep up the great work.

[@stevekuhns793]

I really enjoy the new format as well! Not that I didn't enjoy the old, but the stories and learning opportunities really hit home for me. Keep up the good work, I'll follow in whatever direction it goes.

[@anthony1234dunne1]

Loving the new direction

[@vicariousbiker]

Daniel, love the philosophical vibe that you put forward in the “new format”. It gives a sense of sitting down and enjoying a drink and time to mellow out.

[@Erniethebear]

I was apprehensive about the new direction the show was going, but you are totally nailing it. Rock on, Brother!

[@500pizzas]

Great to see you Daniel and a Crowded Barrel bottle!✨🎉

[@TheDiverBob]

Man… I miss the antics! I have been a viewer for years just to get my laugh fix… so this direction is not hitting that funny button for me. But the honesty and respect of your new direction! I’ll keep watching just to support more of THAT these days! 👍

[@danieldean2096]

Conversation with a whiskey chaser a winning combination. Cheers

[@piperjon]

It’s all good and I look forward to every episode. Cheers.

[@damayor62]

Significant value as I and hopefully others here love your stories. Thank you for taking us along on them. I wish I could find a bottle of Crowded Barrel Magnificent Beasts Hydra. As a lover of live music, thank you and keep up the great work.

[@markmckenzie3522]

This new format for the channel is fantastic. I really enjoy your delivery and ability to tell a story and I always come away feeling moved and with something to think about. Overall, I think I like this better than the previous incarnation. Always look forward to what will come next... Thanks and looking forward to a happy 2024

[@christiankoch9123]

I continue to love this new format and I am hoping there is a consistent storyline told throughout the videos. Of course adding in the varied episode that is a complete surprise also is good to make sure things stay fresh. Keep it up.

[@stevehutchison9483]

It is Landing!!! keep it going Daniel!!!

[@stephane.foisy.186]

I love this hang out and hearing stories!

[@bradkirbey1560]

Truly enjoy this new format. I enjoy the way you are relating whiskey with life and the stories are great! Keep up the good work.

[@bigdaddy4691]

I will never blend my own whiskey outside my infinity bottle, but I enjoy your content, and I use it there. I blend in a glass before I put it in my bottle, and it helps.

[@kerryroot7497]

Great episode. I definitely enjoy the insight but also the human connection/community.

[@ManateeOnRye]

Getting the set in the vault was a real treat. Whiskey and Daniel songs with the somms.

[@kevinquill6638]

I have very much enjoyed the new format and have found something to like in each episode so far. I'll be interested to see where this goes

[@jeffedgar562]

I’ve had a few of the crowded barrel releases and have enjoyed every one

[@donaldday7850]

Thanks for the videos Daniel! Keep them coming.

[@eriksonofander]

This is perhaps my favorite of the new format. I, too, have had to learn to "read the room" as it were. I am a chef at a senior living facility. So, I have had to unlearn (to a certain degree) what I did in restaurants and figure out how to make food that the residents will enjoy. It has really helped me to become better at what I do.

[@NocturnalMantis]

I'm really digging this format! Story time x whiskey!

[@ALA-002]

Had no idea you all used Manatawny for the blend! Their 4 grain is the whiskey seared most prominently in my taste recall, but have always wanted to try their peated single malt more. Glad their unpeated single malt made the cut for the blend. Also thanks for the videos. I like the new format and the variety. I appreciate the inside stories of the whiskey world, as well as the personal touches. Love that the central theme is stories and believe in their unifying power as well.

[@jonwilkinson1188]

This is definitely landing with me. Daniel, you are an outstanding storyteller, and I love the fact that there's consistently been a great story tied to the whiskey tasting, with some exceptional pearls of wisdom sprinkled in

[@kylewipert11]

You talk about whiskey in such creative terms. I love the passion you bring on this subject. Wishing you a Happy New Year. May you see exponential growth

[@nickgerula]

Love the T/ F surprise of what you have to say.

[@stefjav7868]

Just an idea Daniel now that you mentioned music. Well it's your idea actually. On the advent calendar series back to 2019, you reviewed whiskeys by comparing them to music artists, and the way you explained your thought process and the stories and everything made it the most interesting whiskeys reviews I've seen. Maybe because I'm a music fan/nerd, but I'm sure im not the only one. Keep rockin'

[@nothingtolookat276]

Your episode about Churchill was the most fun. Do whiskey plus history.

[@tomk3478]

I liked how the Vault was. I'm digging how the fault is now, too. Different isn't necessarily better, but it's not worse, either. Storytime with Daniel, is definitely different and while I miss the chemistry between you and Rex and wish there was some way to make that happen still, but I'm not going anywhere either way.

[@grevari1772]

I love the new style. It's really cool to have random stories every week. I also think if you could (just a thought that came to me) do a 2-3 part story with a point in each part of the story and a whiskey to go with each part... that would be fun. More work to put it together, but doing that once every now and then would be cool and give us something to look forward to for the next week.

[@TheWhiskeyRambler]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing

[@henryprater703]

I appreciate the work and thought you have put into this. As a preacher, storytelling is part of what I do weekly, and you have to find your wheelhouse, while also making sure you stretch yourself to connect with those who may be outside of your comfort zone. Very excited about the new direction of the channel and glad to be along for the ride.

[@timshulepov]

I'll miss Daniel's blends, but at the same time I'm looking forward to seeing Irene's work. :D

[@franksimonds04]

Love the new format. You're a gifted storyteller, Daniel. Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@johanwedin4669]

Very nice and good story again daniel!

[@grahamokeefe9406]

I use the same approach for creating a spice profile for chilli using the same method as you do for blending. Bass, mids and treble.

[@dtcspyker6599]

Been loving everything you've been doing with the new direction of the channel. I always know that you will be talking about something thought provoking.

[@cnwilliams59]

I wish I could put my hands on some Hydra 😉 Keep up the mix of topics. Love the format

[@brianhayman4504]

It's landing, Daniel. Cheers!

[@kompressor740ify]

I like it all over the place, because you still tie it to whisky.

[@matthewseck5215]

I've always appreciated your knowledge albeit quirky.

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks for the video I hope everyone at the company, their families and friends all had a good holiday 🥃 Sláinte

[@isto1661]

Nicely said, nicely done!

[@mattlars89]

You are the genius Daniel, there was never any doubt :)

[@grahamokeefe9406]

I do miss the banter with you and Rex, but I like the new format. You seemed to say that you're going to have guests at some point. I think that'd be super cool.

[@JoshLawn]

Love the words, and sentiments. You're worth watching. I love how Brianna isn't making any appearances.

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

Brianna's okay, but she chews the scenery too much.

[@ronaldec7]

Excellent!!!

[@teddyballgame25]

Great video

[@the_whiskeyshaman]

Love this brother. It’s a cool ride for sure.

[@stevegideon5419]

Surprise is always good.

[@marcwhiskey]

I'm enjoying the new concept. I do miss the entry music though.

[@steh8217]

Keep doing what you're doing.. its working 😁

[@j.martin5504]

I’ve been enjoying not knowing what to expect you to talk about.

[@macdaddy9344]

Sticking around here.

[@ScotchAndScarves]

Love these videos 👏 keep it up!

[@CoachCoreyBrown]

Old or new, love the channel.

[@pfalzgraf7527]

Ok, a few episodes ago, I commented that I didn't quite know what you were doing but it seemed to be effective (on me). Perhaps this episode tells me what you were/are doing. Looking forward to what comes out - and I can tell you that for me, you haven't hit an actual edge yet (like: "ok, if he goes more in that direction, I may stop watching at some point ...") And yes, this may be an unhelpful reaction. But it is a reaction. Have a good rest of the year and a very good next one!

[@Bruce-g1p]

Nice, keep it up

[@xxacidmv]

Welcome all Whiskey Vaulters to Story Time with Daniel!

[@texas66]

My 2¢ I really like hearing background and philosophy occasionally, but this is the "Whiskey Vault". There should be guest tasters, a little more "fun" (but don't go overboard), and it should be in a vault not a study. Maybe you could build a tunnel or grotto vault with a tasting porch or deck just below the chapel. Someplace to store the whiskey catalog that would have a naturally stable temperature and humidity that could survive an extended power outage.

[@mickdog2]

We've enjoyed all 20ish videos. Just do the damn thing. 😃