1 00:00:05,372 --> 00:00:07,872 -[gas whooshes] -[Lee] You still got your bangs. 2 00:00:07,872 --> 00:00:10,071 [narrator] This time on Master Distiller... 3 00:00:10,071 --> 00:00:13,572 I don't think I've ever had any homemade moonshine before. 4 00:00:13,572 --> 00:00:15,105 You just have to make more friends. 5 00:00:15,105 --> 00:00:17,805 [narrator] What happens when distillers blend their spirits... 6 00:00:17,872 --> 00:00:19,005 Oh, yeah. 7 00:00:19,071 --> 00:00:20,672 [narrator] ...and seal it in the can... 8 00:00:20,672 --> 00:00:21,872 [Mac] Make the backwoods proud. 9 00:00:21,872 --> 00:00:24,372 [narrator] ...they earn a stake in a billion dollar 10 00:00:24,372 --> 00:00:26,271 ready to drink cocktail market. 11 00:00:26,271 --> 00:00:29,171 RTD, ready to drink cocktails. 12 00:00:29,171 --> 00:00:30,005 The tricky cocktail, it's not for everybody. 13 00:00:30,005 --> 00:00:31,472 The tricky cocktail, it's not for everybody. 14 00:00:31,472 --> 00:00:32,405 Absolutely nervous. 15 00:00:32,472 --> 00:00:33,372 [narrator] Now... 16 00:00:33,372 --> 00:00:34,805 Kelly, it's coming for you. 17 00:00:34,872 --> 00:00:36,005 [all laughing] 18 00:00:36,071 --> 00:00:38,105 [narrator] ...legal and outlaw shiners... 19 00:00:38,105 --> 00:00:40,505 [Lee] I couldn't read a bead to save somebody else's life. 20 00:00:40,572 --> 00:00:42,405 So you count? 21 00:00:42,405 --> 00:00:46,171 [narrator] ...compete to craft the best high proof canned cocktail from scratch. 22 00:00:46,805 --> 00:00:47,939 [scatting] 23 00:00:47,939 --> 00:00:49,171 [Kelly] Hopefully, it doesn't taste like soap. 24 00:00:49,171 --> 00:00:50,271 [narrator] ...for the title... 25 00:00:50,271 --> 00:00:51,171 Smoking. 26 00:00:51,171 --> 00:00:53,171 [narrator] ...of Master Distiller. 27 00:00:53,171 --> 00:00:54,972 I'm glad she don't live in east Tennessee. 28 00:00:54,972 --> 00:00:55,905 We'd be out of business. 29 00:01:03,672 --> 00:01:04,705 [twangy country music playing] 30 00:01:08,705 --> 00:01:10,105 [Digger] Welcome to Master Distiller. 31 00:01:10,171 --> 00:01:12,772 RTD, ready to drink cocktails. 32 00:01:12,772 --> 00:01:15,572 You're here to build us your signature RTD. 33 00:01:17,572 --> 00:01:20,772 What you got at stake is your bragging rights, of course, 34 00:01:20,772 --> 00:01:23,705 but beyond that you'll win a limited run 35 00:01:23,772 --> 00:01:25,772 of your RTD in a major distillery. 36 00:01:26,672 --> 00:01:28,071 That's a pretty big deal. 37 00:01:28,071 --> 00:01:30,005 The ready to drink cocktail market hit almost a billion dollars. 38 00:01:30,005 --> 00:01:31,572 The ready to drink cocktail market hit almost a billion dollars. 39 00:01:34,105 --> 00:01:36,505 And as consumers are drinking this stuff, 40 00:01:36,572 --> 00:01:38,372 they are demanding more flavors 41 00:01:38,372 --> 00:01:41,105 and more quality cocktails in a can. 42 00:01:41,171 --> 00:01:42,505 This trend has a long history. 43 00:01:44,171 --> 00:01:45,605 Tickle, tell us all about it. 44 00:01:47,472 --> 00:01:51,071 RTDs, or ready to drink cocktails, 45 00:01:51,071 --> 00:01:53,972 well, they've been around since 1892 46 00:01:53,972 --> 00:01:57,505 when a smart German immigrant named Andrew Heublein 47 00:01:57,572 --> 00:02:00,005 and his sons, Gilbert and Louis, started selling 48 00:02:00,005 --> 00:02:01,005 and his sons, Gilbert and Louis, started selling 49 00:02:01,071 --> 00:02:05,171 bottled to-go cocktails in their fancy Connecticut hotel. 50 00:02:05,171 --> 00:02:08,405 By the time Prohibition came in 1919, 51 00:02:08,472 --> 00:02:10,772 bottled to-go cocktails were being sold 52 00:02:10,772 --> 00:02:12,872 at liquor stores all over the country. 53 00:02:12,872 --> 00:02:16,605 But over time, ready to drink cocktails were overshadowed 54 00:02:16,672 --> 00:02:19,105 by cheaper, malt liquor drinks 55 00:02:19,105 --> 00:02:22,672 and faded in popularity by the 1990s. 56 00:02:22,672 --> 00:02:26,705 But these days, we're seeing a real renaissance of RTDs. 57 00:02:26,772 --> 00:02:30,005 Global RTD cocktail market was estimated at $782 million 58 00:02:30,005 --> 00:02:32,271 Global RTD cocktail market was estimated at $782 million 59 00:02:32,271 --> 00:02:36,405 and is expected to reach $853 million national. 60 00:02:38,672 --> 00:02:40,171 Alright, guys. 61 00:02:40,171 --> 00:02:43,372 Your challenge is you're going to make us a run of high proof liquor. 62 00:02:45,271 --> 00:02:48,105 Then you're going to pull some ingredients and flavor it. 63 00:02:48,171 --> 00:02:50,305 Now after you've successfully done that, 64 00:02:50,372 --> 00:02:53,171 you're going to turn it into a winning cocktail 65 00:02:53,171 --> 00:02:55,472 and then can it. 66 00:02:55,472 --> 00:02:58,305 You're going to need a high proof spirit you can blend with, 67 00:02:58,372 --> 00:03:00,005 but you got to balance the proof with flavor 68 00:03:00,005 --> 00:03:01,005 but you got to balance the proof with flavor 69 00:03:01,005 --> 00:03:02,872 so that your liquor punches through. 70 00:03:02,872 --> 00:03:06,305 Alright, guys. You got to build some mash before you can make liquor 71 00:03:06,372 --> 00:03:09,105 and you can't make RTDs without liquor. 72 00:03:09,105 --> 00:03:10,872 So we're gonna go make a little mash, 73 00:03:10,872 --> 00:03:12,171 but we ain't gonna make it here. 74 00:03:12,171 --> 00:03:13,372 Let's head out to the woods. 75 00:03:19,472 --> 00:03:20,772 Welcome to the weeds. 76 00:03:22,472 --> 00:03:25,505 Time to make your signature mash for your RTD cocktails. 77 00:03:25,572 --> 00:03:28,305 It don't matter what type of spirits you're making. 78 00:03:28,372 --> 00:03:29,872 This is where it begins. 79 00:03:29,872 --> 00:03:30,005 You're gonna have one hour to get your mash built and in that barrel. 80 00:03:30,005 --> 00:03:33,572 You're gonna have one hour to get your mash built and in that barrel. 81 00:03:33,572 --> 00:03:35,271 Your time starts now. 82 00:03:35,271 --> 00:03:36,672 [dramatic music playing] 83 00:03:37,305 --> 00:03:38,772 [liquid sloshing] 84 00:03:41,005 --> 00:03:41,972 [gas whooshes] 85 00:03:43,171 --> 00:03:44,205 Oh, yeah. 86 00:03:45,071 --> 00:03:48,205 I'm Lee Hedgmon. I am 49 years old. 87 00:03:49,505 --> 00:03:51,005 And I am a professional distiller 88 00:03:51,071 --> 00:03:53,005 for Freeland Spirits in Portland, Oregon. 89 00:03:53,005 --> 00:03:57,772 We do whiskey, gin, bourbon and canned cocktails. 90 00:03:57,772 --> 00:04:00,005 These are the two I produced here for Freeland Spirits. 91 00:04:00,005 --> 00:04:00,105 These are the two I produced here for Freeland Spirits. 92 00:04:00,171 --> 00:04:01,772 They are canned, they are carbonated. 93 00:04:02,305 --> 00:04:03,271 Delicious. 94 00:04:04,205 --> 00:04:08,505 I've been distilling legally since 2016. 95 00:04:09,772 --> 00:04:11,071 We'll do our mashes here. 96 00:04:11,805 --> 00:04:13,105 Transfer to our fermenters. 97 00:04:13,171 --> 00:04:15,872 Before that, I was a professional brewer. 98 00:04:15,872 --> 00:04:17,605 Smells like booze. 99 00:04:17,672 --> 00:04:20,705 And before that, I was a home brewer and a college professor. 100 00:04:20,772 --> 00:04:23,305 It looks like Lee here has a jar of honey. 101 00:04:23,872 --> 00:04:24,872 [Mark] I like honey. 102 00:04:25,472 --> 00:04:27,005 Is that more honey? 103 00:04:27,071 --> 00:04:29,472 -This is actually molasses. -Molasses. 104 00:04:29,472 --> 00:04:30,005 My mash build is very simple. 105 00:04:30,005 --> 00:04:31,572 My mash build is very simple. 106 00:04:33,005 --> 00:04:34,705 I didn't want to have to mess around with grain, 107 00:04:34,772 --> 00:04:37,205 so I'm doing a nice little rum base. 108 00:04:37,271 --> 00:04:40,472 I don't think she's using the grain at all. 109 00:04:40,472 --> 00:04:41,472 Is that wheat, Lee? 110 00:04:42,972 --> 00:04:44,605 -Cane sugar. -[Mark] Oh. 111 00:04:44,672 --> 00:04:46,572 [Tim] She's gonna have plenty of alcohol. 112 00:04:46,572 --> 00:04:48,238 [Digger] She's gonna have rum. 113 00:04:48,238 --> 00:04:51,372 [Lee] What I love most about distilling is there's some science there. 114 00:04:51,372 --> 00:04:52,905 There's some magic there 115 00:04:52,972 --> 00:04:54,171 and there's a little bit of luck. 116 00:04:54,171 --> 00:04:56,005 -Nobody brought no corn? -No. 117 00:04:56,505 --> 00:04:57,472 I love corn. 118 00:04:57,472 --> 00:04:58,972 Yeah. None in your mash though? 119 00:04:58,972 --> 00:05:00,005 I don't have it here though, no. 120 00:05:00,005 --> 00:05:00,872 I don't have it here though, no. 121 00:05:00,872 --> 00:05:03,105 -[Lee] What you got going on? -[Mac] Corn and malted barley. 122 00:05:03,171 --> 00:05:04,205 -Nice. -Yep. 123 00:05:04,271 --> 00:05:05,972 Gonna make some Tennessee corn whiskey. 124 00:05:05,972 --> 00:05:08,472 -[dog barking] -[Mac] Sally! Mally! 125 00:05:08,472 --> 00:05:09,872 Hi, pretty girls. 126 00:05:10,605 --> 00:05:12,405 My name is MacArthur Subtles. 127 00:05:12,472 --> 00:05:14,572 People call me Mac. I'm 46 years old. 128 00:05:14,572 --> 00:05:18,271 I am a third generation moonshiner from Campbell County, Tennessee. 129 00:05:18,271 --> 00:05:20,372 This is your worm. This is what comes out. 130 00:05:20,372 --> 00:05:21,705 You want that cold as possible. 131 00:05:22,472 --> 00:05:24,572 I helped my dad when I was ten. 132 00:05:24,572 --> 00:05:26,105 Got to get it fired up. 133 00:05:26,105 --> 00:05:28,572 We made moonshine, sold moonshine. 134 00:05:28,572 --> 00:05:29,839 I fell in love with it. 135 00:05:29,839 --> 00:05:30,005 I've now done it, you know, pretty much my whole life. 136 00:05:30,005 --> 00:05:32,171 I've now done it, you know, pretty much my whole life. 137 00:05:32,171 --> 00:05:34,271 You know, I think Mac was messing with some corn. 138 00:05:34,271 --> 00:05:37,271 -[Digger] Mmm-hmm. -[Mark] Can't go wrong with any corn base. 139 00:05:37,271 --> 00:05:38,772 If I make it to the last challenge, 140 00:05:38,772 --> 00:05:42,271 I'm gonna try to do a spinoff of a pina colada. 141 00:05:42,271 --> 00:05:45,505 I come up with the fruity drink cocktail about a year ago. 142 00:05:45,572 --> 00:05:47,071 There's not a lot of ingredients in it. 143 00:05:47,071 --> 00:05:49,505 It's easy to make, you know, and it's very flavorful. 144 00:05:49,572 --> 00:05:51,405 -Oh, that smells good. -Make you hungry, don't it? 145 00:05:52,305 --> 00:05:53,405 [sighs] Yes. 146 00:05:53,405 --> 00:05:56,405 -Do you mostly work with corn? -It's my specialty. 147 00:05:56,472 --> 00:05:59,505 Have you ever drunk any homemade corn moonshine? 148 00:05:59,572 --> 00:06:00,005 -Yeah. -I don't think I've ever had any homemade moonshine before. 149 00:06:00,005 --> 00:06:02,872 -Yeah. -I don't think I've ever had any homemade moonshine before. 150 00:06:02,872 --> 00:06:05,005 I don't know how big it is in New Jersey. 151 00:06:05,071 --> 00:06:06,305 Maybe I just don't know about it. 152 00:06:06,372 --> 00:06:08,205 -You just have to make more friends. -[Mac] Yeah. 153 00:06:08,271 --> 00:06:10,605 -[Lee laughing] There you go. -That's not wrong. 154 00:06:13,372 --> 00:06:14,805 [strains] That's fine. 155 00:06:15,672 --> 00:06:17,472 My name is Kelly. I'm 28. 156 00:06:17,472 --> 00:06:18,905 I've been distilling for four years. 157 00:06:18,972 --> 00:06:20,405 20 minus 15. 158 00:06:20,472 --> 00:06:24,872 And I work as a lead distiller in Asbury Park in New Jersey. 159 00:06:24,872 --> 00:06:27,271 I bartended since I was 21, 160 00:06:27,271 --> 00:06:29,405 so I know what the trends are, 161 00:06:29,472 --> 00:06:30,005 what drinks people are ordering more often, 162 00:06:30,005 --> 00:06:31,472 what drinks people are ordering more often, 163 00:06:31,472 --> 00:06:33,105 which I think helps you as a distiller. 164 00:06:33,105 --> 00:06:37,772 So, my strength is in finding flavors that meld together well. 165 00:06:37,772 --> 00:06:39,472 I get a little honey on the nose. 166 00:06:39,472 --> 00:06:40,905 -It's definitely woody too. -[man] Yeah. 167 00:06:40,972 --> 00:06:43,672 I don't want to be braggy, but I think I have a great palate. 168 00:06:43,672 --> 00:06:45,305 What are you working with over there, Kelly? 169 00:06:45,372 --> 00:06:47,672 A red winter wheat, malted, 170 00:06:47,672 --> 00:06:48,972 and then malted barley. 171 00:06:48,972 --> 00:06:51,071 We get it from our farmer in New Jersey. 172 00:06:51,071 --> 00:06:52,772 [Mac] So it's all locally grown up there? 173 00:06:52,772 --> 00:06:56,205 Yeah. We grow a lot of things in New Jersey besides just highways, but... 174 00:06:56,271 --> 00:06:59,405 -[Lee laughs] -People don't really know that. 175 00:06:59,472 --> 00:07:00,005 My mash build for my, like, base spirit is 60 pounds of grains. 176 00:07:00,005 --> 00:07:05,205 My mash build for my, like, base spirit is 60 pounds of grains. 177 00:07:05,271 --> 00:07:09,505 It is as lot of grains, but I think I can get a nice clean flavor 178 00:07:09,572 --> 00:07:12,872 that's gonna turn into a gin for my RTD. 179 00:07:12,872 --> 00:07:15,472 Alright, guys. You're halfway there. You got 30 minutes. 180 00:07:15,472 --> 00:07:16,472 [tense music playing] 181 00:07:19,405 --> 00:07:20,605 [Lee] So... 182 00:07:20,672 --> 00:07:21,772 [Tim] So we got corn liquor, 183 00:07:21,772 --> 00:07:23,305 we got rum and we got wheat. 184 00:07:25,972 --> 00:07:27,271 Yours boiling? 185 00:07:27,271 --> 00:07:29,105 -Nope. I'm not going for a boil. -Oh. 186 00:07:29,105 --> 00:07:30,005 I wanted to win the title of Master Distiller 187 00:07:30,005 --> 00:07:31,205 I wanted to win the title of Master Distiller 188 00:07:31,271 --> 00:07:33,705 because I'm good at what I do. 189 00:07:33,772 --> 00:07:36,372 I've made RTDs before. 190 00:07:36,372 --> 00:07:37,872 That's what I'm known for doing 191 00:07:37,872 --> 00:07:39,372 and I'm ready to bring it. 192 00:07:39,372 --> 00:07:40,772 [Kelly] I think I'm just gonna dump it in. 193 00:07:40,772 --> 00:07:42,572 -That's a lot. -It's probably a lot, yeah. 194 00:07:42,572 --> 00:07:44,472 I think I have the skillset to win this. 195 00:07:44,472 --> 00:07:45,772 I make great spirits, 196 00:07:45,772 --> 00:07:47,605 I'm really into cocktails, 197 00:07:47,605 --> 00:07:53,005 and I think making a spirit made to be put into a cocktail is gonna be a strength for me. 198 00:07:53,071 --> 00:07:54,105 Five minutes, guys. 199 00:07:55,572 --> 00:07:56,772 Ooh, that looks nice. 200 00:07:57,905 --> 00:07:59,872 I do have an edge over my competitors. 201 00:07:59,872 --> 00:08:00,005 The judges, they're all back woods moonshiners 202 00:08:00,005 --> 00:08:02,605 The judges, they're all back woods moonshiners 203 00:08:02,672 --> 00:08:04,805 and they've been where I'm at right now. 204 00:08:06,105 --> 00:08:11,171 Ten... Nine... Eight... Seven... Six... 205 00:08:11,171 --> 00:08:16,005 Five... Four... Three... Two... One... 206 00:08:16,005 --> 00:08:18,605 You guys are done. Step away from your barrels. 207 00:08:19,772 --> 00:08:21,505 Alright, guys. Let's head on out. 208 00:08:21,572 --> 00:08:22,605 [dramatic music playing] 209 00:08:29,171 --> 00:08:30,005 [Digger] Alright, guys. 210 00:08:30,005 --> 00:08:30,405 [Digger] Alright, guys. 211 00:08:30,405 --> 00:08:33,071 You have four hours to make your initial run of your mash, 212 00:08:33,071 --> 00:08:35,405 get your spirit ready for your RTD. 213 00:08:36,805 --> 00:08:38,271 You got four hours. 214 00:08:38,271 --> 00:08:39,805 Get your mash in that pot 215 00:08:39,872 --> 00:08:41,271 and get that liquor cooked off. 216 00:08:41,872 --> 00:08:44,205 Your four hours starts now. 217 00:08:44,271 --> 00:08:45,505 Good luck, guys. Get with it. 218 00:08:45,572 --> 00:08:47,005 [rock country music playing] 219 00:08:50,772 --> 00:08:53,105 -[Lee] Damn, I can smell it. -[Mac] That means gas is coming out. 220 00:08:54,105 --> 00:08:56,472 -[gas whooshes] -[Mac] There you go. It's lit. 221 00:08:56,472 --> 00:08:57,905 -[Lee] You still got your bangs. -[giggles] 222 00:09:01,105 --> 00:09:03,605 Are you satisfied with the way your mash worked out? 223 00:09:03,672 --> 00:09:06,271 [Mac] I am, yeah. The taste of it, good and bitter. 224 00:09:06,271 --> 00:09:08,105 -Just corn liquor? -[Mac] Yep. 225 00:09:08,105 --> 00:09:10,472 Same way my pappy made it, dad made it. 226 00:09:10,472 --> 00:09:12,271 My spinoff of a pina colada, 227 00:09:12,271 --> 00:09:15,205 I don't think that anybody's ever tried. I've never heard of it myself. 228 00:09:15,271 --> 00:09:18,005 So I just got to make sure to run it low and slow 229 00:09:18,071 --> 00:09:19,271 and it'll come out good. 230 00:09:20,171 --> 00:09:21,905 [Digger] Well, that looks like rum mash. 231 00:09:21,972 --> 00:09:24,171 We've made a little bit of rum in our time. 232 00:09:26,972 --> 00:09:28,772 [Lee] I wanted to make rum. 233 00:09:28,772 --> 00:09:30,005 So my cocktail, it's called a honey bee, is a rum base. 234 00:09:30,005 --> 00:09:31,772 So my cocktail, it's called a honey bee, is a rum base. 235 00:09:33,772 --> 00:09:36,372 -Lee, how about your mash? Did it suite you? -[Lee] Yeah, it did. 236 00:09:36,372 --> 00:09:39,171 -I got alcohol. -That's the most important thing. 237 00:09:42,005 --> 00:09:43,505 [Tim] Kelly, what are you straining? 238 00:09:43,572 --> 00:09:45,071 [Kelly] Malted wheat and malted barley. 239 00:09:45,071 --> 00:09:47,905 I went with wheat because it's got a lot of sugar, 240 00:09:47,972 --> 00:09:51,705 and I went with malt because it's got great diastatic power. 241 00:09:53,572 --> 00:09:58,005 A nice clean flavor to serve as a base for the second distillation. 242 00:09:58,071 --> 00:10:00,005 [Mark] There appears to be a lot of grain in there. 243 00:10:00,005 --> 00:10:00,772 [Mark] There appears to be a lot of grain in there. 244 00:10:00,772 --> 00:10:03,205 My mash is a little thicker than I anticipated. 245 00:10:03,271 --> 00:10:06,271 It's a challenge to like, go to smaller equipment. 246 00:10:06,271 --> 00:10:08,772 I'm used to a little bit more automation 247 00:10:08,772 --> 00:10:12,672 [Mark] That bag is causing her a bit of issues. 248 00:10:12,672 --> 00:10:14,572 [Mark] That'll take a long time. 249 00:10:14,572 --> 00:10:16,772 It's the way that I've done it since I've been distilling. 250 00:10:16,772 --> 00:10:20,105 So I don't really know if there's something that I'm doing the wrong way. 251 00:10:20,171 --> 00:10:22,772 So it's definitely a challenge to separate it, 252 00:10:22,772 --> 00:10:24,071 but I can smell the fermentation 253 00:10:24,071 --> 00:10:25,572 and I saw it bubbling a little bit, 254 00:10:25,572 --> 00:10:28,372 so I know I can get some good alcohol off of it. 255 00:10:29,605 --> 00:10:30,005 Alright, ladies and gentleman, 256 00:10:30,005 --> 00:10:31,705 Alright, ladies and gentleman, 257 00:10:31,772 --> 00:10:33,672 you've burnt two hours. You got two left. 258 00:10:36,372 --> 00:10:38,171 I believe they're all in a good spot. 259 00:10:40,405 --> 00:10:41,872 [Mark] Mac, he's just at home. 260 00:10:43,305 --> 00:10:44,271 Here it comes, guys. 261 00:10:45,772 --> 00:10:47,005 [Lee exhales] 262 00:10:47,005 --> 00:10:49,605 [smacks lips] Mmm, sweet. 263 00:10:49,672 --> 00:10:51,205 -[Mark] Tim? -[Tim] Yes, sir? 264 00:10:51,271 --> 00:10:54,872 Is one base spirit any better than another to make RTDs? 265 00:10:54,872 --> 00:10:57,672 Well, take, for example, Lee over here. 266 00:10:59,772 --> 00:11:00,005 [Lee] Here it comes. 267 00:11:00,005 --> 00:11:00,872 [Lee] Here it comes. 268 00:11:02,605 --> 00:11:05,205 She's going with a honey and molasses rum base. 269 00:11:05,271 --> 00:11:07,705 [Lee] Oh, that tastes sweet. A lot of flavor. 270 00:11:07,772 --> 00:11:10,005 [Tim] Now, if she follows through with that all the way, 271 00:11:10,071 --> 00:11:13,572 then that could be a real rich, deep flavor from the base. 272 00:11:13,572 --> 00:11:15,372 Ooh, happy. 273 00:11:15,372 --> 00:11:18,472 Now, let's see. Even the corn liquor or the malted, 274 00:11:18,472 --> 00:11:20,105 they could be making a neutral base. 275 00:11:20,105 --> 00:11:22,505 -[exclaims] -[Lee] You got yours coming over. 276 00:11:22,572 --> 00:11:24,171 -[Kelly] Mmm-hmm. -[Lee] Nice. 277 00:11:24,171 --> 00:11:26,472 It'll absorb any kind of flavor. 278 00:11:26,472 --> 00:11:28,372 [Tim] Right. You want a neutral flavor 279 00:11:28,372 --> 00:11:30,005 if you're gonna add a real strong flavor. 280 00:11:30,005 --> 00:11:30,805 if you're gonna add a real strong flavor. 281 00:11:30,872 --> 00:11:32,805 You know what the next round brings, I don't know. 282 00:11:32,872 --> 00:11:33,772 I don't know where they're going. 283 00:11:35,905 --> 00:11:37,271 Smoking. Smell it. 284 00:11:38,505 --> 00:11:39,705 -Smell the corn? -Oh, yeah. 285 00:11:39,772 --> 00:11:42,171 Mac really, really knows what he's doing. 286 00:11:43,772 --> 00:11:45,305 But I'm a professional distiller 287 00:11:45,372 --> 00:11:47,605 that actually uses like, hydrometers 288 00:11:47,672 --> 00:11:49,572 and I have an alcolizer at work, 289 00:11:49,572 --> 00:11:52,005 I couldn't read a bead to save somebody else's life. 290 00:11:52,071 --> 00:11:53,605 It is so hard. 291 00:11:53,672 --> 00:11:56,305 -[Kelly] What's that proof? -Honestly, I can't tell. 292 00:11:56,372 --> 00:11:57,505 [Kelly giggles] Me neither. 293 00:11:58,772 --> 00:12:00,005 I don't know how to read the bead yet. 294 00:12:00,005 --> 00:12:01,305 I don't know how to read the bead yet. 295 00:12:01,372 --> 00:12:05,205 You know, that's where we find that legal distillers have the biggest problem. 296 00:12:05,271 --> 00:12:06,772 -[Tim] Proofing the alcohol. -[Mark] Yep. 297 00:12:08,772 --> 00:12:10,438 Eh. 298 00:12:13,572 --> 00:12:17,505 You know, that's where we find that legal distillers have the biggest problem. 299 00:12:17,572 --> 00:12:19,205 -Proofing the alcohol. -Yep. 300 00:12:20,572 --> 00:12:22,672 [Kelly] I don't know how to read the bead yet, 301 00:12:22,672 --> 00:12:25,672 but I know this is how real moonshiners do it. 302 00:12:25,672 --> 00:12:27,372 -So you count? -[Mac] Yeah. 303 00:12:27,372 --> 00:12:30,105 And the smaller those bubbles are, the less proof it is. 304 00:12:30,171 --> 00:12:33,005 The bigger they are and they pop real quick, the hotter that moonshine is. 305 00:12:34,105 --> 00:12:36,105 I learned to read the bead from my grandpa. 306 00:12:36,171 --> 00:12:37,772 He could shake it and he could tell you 307 00:12:37,772 --> 00:12:39,905 within two or three degrees of what it was. 308 00:12:39,972 --> 00:12:40,701 So the fact that I can read a bead, 309 00:12:40,701 --> 00:12:41,605 So the fact that I can read a bead, 310 00:12:41,672 --> 00:12:44,672 I think that that gives me a little bit of an advantage over them. 311 00:12:44,672 --> 00:12:46,405 Alright, guys. You got five minutes left. 312 00:12:46,472 --> 00:12:48,672 I hope you all got your pick of the litter pulled out. 313 00:12:48,672 --> 00:12:49,839 [tense music playing] 314 00:12:52,105 --> 00:12:54,071 -[exhales] I think I'm done. -[Digger] Bring it on up. 315 00:12:54,572 --> 00:12:56,472 I love this jar. 316 00:12:56,472 --> 00:12:58,372 It is clear, super sweet. 317 00:12:58,372 --> 00:13:00,905 Tastes like a rum base. I'm really happy. 318 00:13:00,972 --> 00:13:03,705 -You're sure about that? -As sure as I ever will be. 319 00:13:04,271 --> 00:13:05,105 [all] Good luck. 320 00:13:06,271 --> 00:13:07,805 Alright. 321 00:13:07,805 --> 00:13:10,701 The jar for the first run, I did not know if the proof was right, 322 00:13:10,701 --> 00:13:11,105 The jar for the first run, I did not know if the proof was right, 323 00:13:11,171 --> 00:13:13,171 but I knew it was as good as it was gonna taste 324 00:13:13,171 --> 00:13:15,572 and that was the most important thing for me. 325 00:13:15,572 --> 00:13:17,005 I love all grain liquor 326 00:13:17,005 --> 00:13:18,405 and I'm looking forward to tasting that. 327 00:13:19,972 --> 00:13:21,772 Mac, you're under two minutes, brother. 328 00:13:21,772 --> 00:13:24,805 I am very confident about my jar I'm turning in. 329 00:13:24,872 --> 00:13:27,105 It's good on the palette, good on the nose, 330 00:13:27,171 --> 00:13:28,271 and it's got that corn taste. 331 00:13:28,271 --> 00:13:30,205 Just super clear, turned out amazing. 332 00:13:31,305 --> 00:13:32,238 [Digger] Good deal. 333 00:13:32,271 --> 00:13:35,071 We're gonna taste all these fine liquors. 334 00:13:35,071 --> 00:13:36,905 We're gonna come back and give y'all a reading on 'em. 335 00:13:36,972 --> 00:13:38,605 -Alright, thank you guys. -[Digger] Good luck, my friend. 336 00:13:38,672 --> 00:13:39,772 Let's head out. 337 00:13:39,772 --> 00:13:40,701 That's a pretty jar. 338 00:13:40,701 --> 00:13:40,705 That's a pretty jar. 339 00:13:43,372 --> 00:13:45,105 [Mark] RTD based spirit. 340 00:13:45,105 --> 00:13:47,472 [Tim] They're building that taste profile right now. 341 00:13:48,305 --> 00:13:50,372 -Mac. -Good looking jar. 342 00:13:50,372 --> 00:13:52,705 This is what he does, corn liquor. 343 00:13:52,772 --> 00:13:56,005 I'm gonna say he's in the neighborhood of 95 to 100. 344 00:13:56,071 --> 00:13:58,105 -[Tim] Yeah, I get 95. -[lid rattling] 345 00:14:00,605 --> 00:14:02,672 Probably the longest run of my life I would say. 346 00:14:02,672 --> 00:14:04,305 -[laughs] -You know, but I enjoyed it I had fun. 347 00:14:08,472 --> 00:14:09,405 Looks good. 348 00:14:10,005 --> 00:14:10,701 Smells good too. 349 00:14:10,701 --> 00:14:11,372 Smells good too. 350 00:14:11,372 --> 00:14:12,905 Tastes really good too. 351 00:14:13,772 --> 00:14:15,305 It's got a different corn smell. 352 00:14:15,372 --> 00:14:16,805 That's that white corn. 353 00:14:17,672 --> 00:14:19,505 I'm putting him at 95. 354 00:14:19,572 --> 00:14:21,905 -Yeah, I think his proof is spot on. -[Tim] Yep. 355 00:14:21,972 --> 00:14:25,005 In the illegal world, if you sell somebody a jar of liquor and it's weak 356 00:14:25,005 --> 00:14:27,005 they're like, "Man that was awful." 357 00:14:27,005 --> 00:14:29,005 [Mark] Man, that ain't got a bit of fire in it, has it? 358 00:14:29,071 --> 00:14:30,305 Absolutely none. 359 00:14:30,372 --> 00:14:33,205 -Smooth front to back. -[Mark] It's awful sweet. 360 00:14:33,271 --> 00:14:34,872 I think he's right where he need to be 361 00:14:34,872 --> 00:14:38,171 to build that RTD beverage to put in that can. 362 00:14:38,171 --> 00:14:39,438 I look at it like this. 363 00:14:39,438 --> 00:14:40,701 If they think it's pretty good, them it's pretty good. 364 00:14:40,701 --> 00:14:41,405 If they think it's pretty good, them it's pretty good. 365 00:14:41,472 --> 00:14:43,271 I mean, it gets no better than them guys. 366 00:14:43,271 --> 00:14:45,672 -You nervous? -Oh, yes. Absolutely nervous. 367 00:14:45,672 --> 00:14:46,939 [Tim] Lee. 368 00:14:48,372 --> 00:14:51,005 You can just about see next Christmas through that jar. 369 00:14:51,872 --> 00:14:54,705 -[Tim] Oh wow. -[Digger] Mmm-hmm. 370 00:14:54,772 --> 00:14:56,372 I got a lot of flavor out of this. 371 00:14:56,372 --> 00:14:59,572 I don't know if my proof was where I would have liked it, 372 00:14:59,572 --> 00:15:02,672 but the flavor gives me someplace to go with it. 373 00:15:02,672 --> 00:15:04,472 I think she's somewhere around 120. 374 00:15:04,472 --> 00:15:06,372 It don't smell like 120. 375 00:15:06,372 --> 00:15:08,705 I think you're gonna be a little surprised then there, gentlemen. 376 00:15:09,872 --> 00:15:10,701 -Wow. -[Digger] Yep. 377 00:15:10,701 --> 00:15:11,171 -Wow. -[Digger] Yep. 378 00:15:11,171 --> 00:15:13,205 Yeah, 120 proof. Smooth. 379 00:15:13,271 --> 00:15:16,105 She is spot on with her honey and molasses. 380 00:15:16,171 --> 00:15:19,005 Plus it's got a rum finish in it in there. 381 00:15:19,071 --> 00:15:24,105 I mean, damn. 120 proof's liquor is not supposed to be that mild. 382 00:15:24,171 --> 00:15:25,772 I'm glad she don't live in east Tennessee. 383 00:15:27,171 --> 00:15:28,572 We'd be alchies, wouldn't we? 384 00:15:28,572 --> 00:15:29,772 We'd be out of business. 385 00:15:29,772 --> 00:15:31,472 -Well, that. -[chuckles] 386 00:15:31,472 --> 00:15:32,872 [Tim] This is Kelly with a heart. 387 00:15:35,672 --> 00:15:36,805 100 all day long. 388 00:15:36,805 --> 00:15:39,572 -I'd put a 100 dollar bill on that. -[Mark] Yep. 389 00:15:41,005 --> 00:15:43,972 -Mmm-hmm. -Smells like wheat to me. 390 00:15:43,972 --> 00:15:45,805 And a little bit barley. 391 00:15:45,872 --> 00:15:49,572 That right there is almost spectacular. 392 00:15:49,572 --> 00:15:53,205 That may be as good a liquor as I've ever had. 393 00:15:53,271 --> 00:15:55,772 I don't see how she could have a better base spirit. 394 00:15:55,772 --> 00:15:57,472 [Tim] They're all excellent proof. 395 00:15:57,472 --> 00:15:59,572 This is a pretty easy choice right now. 396 00:15:59,572 --> 00:16:02,005 I know where the number one jar is at. 397 00:16:02,005 --> 00:16:04,305 -[chuckles] Yeah, sitting right here. -Yep. 398 00:16:04,372 --> 00:16:05,772 [Mark] I'm riding with you guys. 399 00:16:05,772 --> 00:16:07,171 -Are we in agreement here? -[Tim] Yeah. 400 00:16:07,905 --> 00:16:09,005 [suspenseful music playing] 401 00:16:16,271 --> 00:16:17,305 [Digger] Come up. Get your jars. 402 00:16:21,105 --> 00:16:22,005 Alright, guys. 403 00:16:22,005 --> 00:16:23,372 I'm gonna say right off the bat. 404 00:16:23,372 --> 00:16:27,805 We have had an extraordinary situation. 405 00:16:27,872 --> 00:16:30,271 All three of these jars were exceptional. 406 00:16:31,005 --> 00:16:32,572 Mac, I'm gonna start with you. 407 00:16:32,572 --> 00:16:35,105 That is fine of a jar of corn liquor 408 00:16:35,171 --> 00:16:37,305 that I've ever had the opportunity to taste. 409 00:16:37,372 --> 00:16:39,405 And I'm including mine 410 00:16:39,472 --> 00:16:40,701 and a lot of people that I worship 411 00:16:40,701 --> 00:16:41,472 and a lot of people that I worship 412 00:16:41,472 --> 00:16:43,672 in the liquor making business in that. 413 00:16:43,672 --> 00:16:46,505 Spot on proof. Corn liquor through and through. 414 00:16:46,572 --> 00:16:48,672 I can't find nothing wrong with that jar there. 415 00:16:49,572 --> 00:16:50,405 Great job. 416 00:16:50,472 --> 00:16:51,372 [Digger] Lee... 417 00:16:52,205 --> 00:16:53,772 Outstanding job. 418 00:16:53,772 --> 00:16:55,305 I tip my hat to you. 419 00:16:55,372 --> 00:17:00,372 That liquor right there, the rum from the molasses 420 00:17:00,372 --> 00:17:02,472 that honey, they're all right there. 421 00:17:02,472 --> 00:17:04,472 It was outstanding. 422 00:17:05,171 --> 00:17:06,271 You're maybe a 120, 423 00:17:08,071 --> 00:17:10,701 but tastes like 80. 424 00:17:10,701 --> 00:17:10,905 but tastes like 80. 425 00:17:10,972 --> 00:17:13,071 -You don't want 80 to taste like 120. -[chuckles] 426 00:17:13,071 --> 00:17:14,271 [Tim] Outstanding. 427 00:17:14,271 --> 00:17:16,105 Kelly... 428 00:17:16,171 --> 00:17:20,705 All grain liquor makes me just warm all over. I love it. 429 00:17:20,772 --> 00:17:25,271 That was some of the finest all grain liquor that I've ever tasted. 430 00:17:25,271 --> 00:17:29,171 60 pound of grain in a 30-pound barrel, zero sugar. 431 00:17:29,171 --> 00:17:31,672 It's an incredible grain liquor. 432 00:17:31,672 --> 00:17:35,672 Man, I can't remember ever having three jars this good. 433 00:17:35,672 --> 00:17:39,105 So with each one of you, it's your place to lose here 434 00:17:39,171 --> 00:17:40,701 because you've all done one. 435 00:17:40,701 --> 00:17:41,071 because you've all done one. 436 00:17:42,372 --> 00:17:44,572 [Digger] We just have to get everybody in order 437 00:17:44,572 --> 00:17:47,872 where you'll go to pick out your ingredients from the bar. 438 00:17:47,872 --> 00:17:49,105 Here's the way we go. 439 00:17:49,171 --> 00:17:50,672 Kelly, you're number one. 440 00:17:50,672 --> 00:17:52,205 Lee, you're number two. 441 00:17:52,271 --> 00:17:53,905 Mac, you're number three. 442 00:17:53,972 --> 00:17:56,705 You got your base. Let's get that flavor. 443 00:17:56,772 --> 00:17:59,071 [Digger] Time to go get your ingredients. 444 00:17:59,071 --> 00:18:02,872 You have one minute each to select your ingredients that you need from the bar. 445 00:18:02,872 --> 00:18:06,705 Kelly, you're one minute starts now. Good luck. 446 00:18:06,772 --> 00:18:08,772 [Kelly] Going up to the bar, I knew I needed 447 00:18:08,772 --> 00:18:10,472 to have juniper to make gin. 448 00:18:10,472 --> 00:18:10,701 I also wanted to add all of the flavors 449 00:18:10,701 --> 00:18:12,271 I also wanted to add all of the flavors 450 00:18:12,271 --> 00:18:14,372 that I wanted to eventually come out in the cocktail. 451 00:18:14,372 --> 00:18:17,572 So I just wanted coriander, orange, grapefruit, lemon peel, 452 00:18:17,572 --> 00:18:20,205 a little lavender, a little elderflower, and cherry. 453 00:18:20,271 --> 00:18:22,305 I'm aiming for something a little floral, 454 00:18:22,372 --> 00:18:24,805 a little citrusy and a little bit fruity. 455 00:18:25,772 --> 00:18:27,572 Kelly, you still got 30 seconds. 456 00:18:27,572 --> 00:18:29,071 -You good? -Yeah. 457 00:18:29,071 --> 00:18:30,305 Hopefully, it works out. 458 00:18:30,372 --> 00:18:32,605 Looked like your needle's pointing towards gin. 459 00:18:32,672 --> 00:18:34,171 -Yeah. -[Digger] Good deal. 460 00:18:34,171 --> 00:18:35,705 Next up, Lee. 461 00:18:36,472 --> 00:18:37,505 Go. 462 00:18:39,105 --> 00:18:40,701 My honey bee RTD is super simple. 463 00:18:40,701 --> 00:18:41,505 My honey bee RTD is super simple. 464 00:18:41,572 --> 00:18:44,705 It's just rum, lemon juice and a simple syrup. 465 00:18:44,772 --> 00:18:48,171 But with my rum, I'm gonna try to create layered flavors 466 00:18:48,171 --> 00:18:50,405 with some salt, dried lemon peel, 467 00:18:50,472 --> 00:18:53,205 some dried grapefruit, dried lime, 468 00:18:53,271 --> 00:18:55,505 and then get tropical flavors to come through. 469 00:18:58,505 --> 00:19:01,271 -25 seconds, Lee. Are you good? -Yeah. 470 00:19:01,271 --> 00:19:02,772 Alrighty. 471 00:19:02,772 --> 00:19:05,005 Mac, last but not least, brother. 472 00:19:05,005 --> 00:19:07,672 Your minute starts now. 473 00:19:09,171 --> 00:19:10,701 [Mac] I'm third, so whatever they leave me 474 00:19:10,701 --> 00:19:11,105 [Mac] I'm third, so whatever they leave me 475 00:19:11,105 --> 00:19:13,505 I'm gonna just try to bring mine in. 476 00:19:13,572 --> 00:19:16,772 I get some citrus oil, I get some Mexican vanilla, 477 00:19:16,772 --> 00:19:18,171 which I didn't know what that was. 478 00:19:18,171 --> 00:19:19,271 [Digger] 20 seconds, Mac. 479 00:19:19,271 --> 00:19:21,171 [Mac] I got an orange, a lime. 480 00:19:21,171 --> 00:19:23,305 I just picked what I thought I could use 481 00:19:23,372 --> 00:19:26,005 to make mine pina colada-y. 482 00:19:26,005 --> 00:19:27,872 -Like where you need to be? -I do. 483 00:19:27,872 --> 00:19:31,005 Alright. Time for your flavor run. 484 00:19:31,071 --> 00:19:33,672 Hopefully you got all your ingredients, 'cause you can't go back. 485 00:19:33,672 --> 00:19:35,005 You have four hours. 486 00:19:35,071 --> 00:19:37,572 Bring us your very best flavor liquor 487 00:19:37,572 --> 00:19:39,572 for your signature RTD. 488 00:19:40,972 --> 00:19:42,872 And I mean your very best because at the end of this one 489 00:19:42,872 --> 00:19:45,572 one of y'all will be going home. 490 00:19:45,572 --> 00:19:49,171 Your four hours starts now. Good luck, guys. 491 00:19:52,171 --> 00:19:56,772 It is really reassuring to hear my jar is the best grain liquor they've ever had. 492 00:19:56,772 --> 00:20:00,372 The point of the grain base was to get as much sugar as possible, 493 00:20:00,372 --> 00:20:01,705 but to still stay neutral. 494 00:20:01,705 --> 00:20:03,605 So for the gin, I just wanted to get the flavor 495 00:20:03,672 --> 00:20:05,138 from the botanicals. 496 00:20:05,138 --> 00:20:06,705 I wanted to make sure that I had a little bit of juniper 497 00:20:06,772 --> 00:20:08,005 coming through at the end. 498 00:20:08,071 --> 00:20:10,701 So I did twice as much juniper as I did the coriander, 499 00:20:10,701 --> 00:20:10,772 So I did twice as much juniper as I did the coriander, 500 00:20:10,772 --> 00:20:14,105 and then twice as much coriander as I did with any of the other botanicals 501 00:20:14,105 --> 00:20:16,005 to make sure that it was nice and balanced. 502 00:20:16,071 --> 00:20:18,472 Looks like a small herb garden over there. 503 00:20:18,472 --> 00:20:20,171 -[laughing] -[giggles] Yeah. 504 00:20:20,171 --> 00:20:23,205 Kelly knew exactly what she wanted when she came to the table. 505 00:20:23,271 --> 00:20:25,005 -She had that all malted grain base. -[Digger] Mmm-hmm. 506 00:20:26,405 --> 00:20:28,372 And she's going for gin! 507 00:20:28,372 --> 00:20:30,205 I don't know if that's gonna go together well. 508 00:20:30,271 --> 00:20:31,338 [sighing] 509 00:20:31,338 --> 00:20:34,572 Now Lee, she took a few extra seconds, I'd say. 510 00:20:34,572 --> 00:20:37,171 But I think she knew what she wanted too. 511 00:20:37,171 --> 00:20:40,701 In the second run, I really want an infused, bright lemon flavor in there. 512 00:20:40,701 --> 00:20:41,472 In the second run, I really want an infused, bright lemon flavor in there. 513 00:20:41,472 --> 00:20:44,505 So dry lemon, fresh lemon, dried grapefruit, 514 00:20:44,572 --> 00:20:45,872 and I'm actually gonna put that in the thumper 515 00:20:45,872 --> 00:20:49,071 to see if I can get some more tropical citrus flavors. 516 00:20:49,071 --> 00:20:50,805 Now I love Mac's corn liquor. 517 00:20:50,872 --> 00:20:52,905 It was off the chain. 518 00:20:54,605 --> 00:20:57,505 [Mac] On this second run, I'm gonna put some pineapple in my thumper. 519 00:20:57,572 --> 00:21:00,805 I wanna give my spirit that pineappley-citrus taste. 520 00:21:00,872 --> 00:21:02,472 [Kelly] Mac, you made a little net 521 00:21:02,472 --> 00:21:03,772 -out of your copper? -[Mac] Yup. 522 00:21:03,772 --> 00:21:05,105 I love it. 523 00:21:05,171 --> 00:21:07,872 [Mac] Here it comes. Yeah. 524 00:21:07,872 --> 00:21:10,372 [Kelly] Oh, look! He's getting distilling. Nice work, Mac. 525 00:21:12,105 --> 00:21:13,372 [Lee] Something's making me nervous. 526 00:21:14,872 --> 00:21:15,572 [snapping] 527 00:21:16,405 --> 00:21:18,271 [Lee] No. No, no, no, no, no. 528 00:21:19,705 --> 00:21:22,105 I'm in the second run, I'm almost coming over. 529 00:21:22,105 --> 00:21:24,505 I can see the temperature and it hits me. 530 00:21:25,005 --> 00:21:26,505 Damn it. 531 00:21:26,505 --> 00:21:31,205 I think that I have plastic on my steeping bag that's sitting in there. 532 00:21:31,271 --> 00:21:32,705 I don't want to do this, 533 00:21:32,772 --> 00:21:34,005 but I'm going to do this. 534 00:21:34,672 --> 00:21:35,872 I need to take that out. 535 00:21:35,872 --> 00:21:37,372 [Kelly] What's wrong? 536 00:21:37,372 --> 00:21:39,271 I had an awful feeling, 537 00:21:39,271 --> 00:21:40,701 and I'm gonna see if I can fix it. 538 00:21:40,701 --> 00:21:41,872 and I'm gonna see if I can fix it. 539 00:21:43,672 --> 00:21:44,605 I wouldn't open it. 540 00:21:44,672 --> 00:21:46,171 [Kelly] You're going to endanger us. 541 00:21:48,205 --> 00:21:49,105 [Lee] No. 542 00:21:49,105 --> 00:21:50,205 No, no, no, no, no. 543 00:21:51,505 --> 00:21:56,005 I think that I have plastic on my steeping back 544 00:21:56,071 --> 00:21:57,005 that's sitting in there. 545 00:21:57,005 --> 00:21:58,672 I don't want to do this, 546 00:21:58,672 --> 00:21:59,905 but I'm going to do this. 547 00:22:00,705 --> 00:22:01,905 I need to take that out. 548 00:22:01,972 --> 00:22:03,972 -[Kelly] Are you going to... endanger us? -Open it. 549 00:22:03,972 --> 00:22:05,772 I wouldn't open it if it's got pressure on it. 550 00:22:05,772 --> 00:22:08,505 [Lee] I turned it off. It'll stop. 551 00:22:08,572 --> 00:22:10,271 [Digger] When plastic scorches it, 552 00:22:10,271 --> 00:22:12,572 it gives a petroleum-like flavor. 553 00:22:12,572 --> 00:22:13,271 Um... 554 00:22:14,872 --> 00:22:15,905 Let her try. 555 00:22:15,972 --> 00:22:17,572 I'm gonna off-gas real quick. 556 00:22:17,572 --> 00:22:17,811 Alcohol and vapor hadn't come over yet into the thumper, 557 00:22:17,811 --> 00:22:21,105 Alcohol and vapor hadn't come over yet into the thumper, 558 00:22:21,105 --> 00:22:24,405 so I had a safe window to open it. 559 00:22:26,572 --> 00:22:28,271 I mean, I had to burp it, it still had some pressure. 560 00:22:28,271 --> 00:22:30,705 So I let some liquid out. That'll help with that. 561 00:22:33,372 --> 00:22:34,705 It was hot, real hot. 562 00:22:34,772 --> 00:22:37,105 I just needed to get that out and just get the run going 563 00:22:37,171 --> 00:22:38,972 back up as quickly as possible. 564 00:22:39,905 --> 00:22:41,672 [sighing] Okay. Done. 565 00:22:41,672 --> 00:22:44,005 Now, would I have done that? No, I'm not that bold. 566 00:22:46,372 --> 00:22:47,071 [Lee] Boom! 567 00:22:47,572 --> 00:22:47,811 Now I have heads. 568 00:22:47,811 --> 00:22:49,271 Now I have heads. 569 00:22:49,271 --> 00:22:51,772 Let's taste this and see if I've gotten weirdness. 570 00:22:55,105 --> 00:22:57,171 As far as I can tell, no harm, no foul. 571 00:22:57,171 --> 00:23:00,105 There was a lot of excitement going on right there with Lee. 572 00:23:00,171 --> 00:23:01,772 But she overcame. 573 00:23:01,772 --> 00:23:03,572 [Mark] She don't appear to be scalded. 574 00:23:03,572 --> 00:23:05,872 She's not scalded, when she gets back to Oregon, 575 00:23:05,872 --> 00:23:07,205 she gon' have a story to tell. 576 00:23:07,205 --> 00:23:09,271 -That's good. I'm a big fan of stories. -[Tim] Yeah, yeah. 577 00:23:10,105 --> 00:23:11,905 [Lee] Mmm. Mmm-mmm-mmm! 578 00:23:11,972 --> 00:23:13,672 That's right, baby. 579 00:23:13,672 --> 00:23:16,372 I'm really eager to see where this goes. 580 00:23:16,372 --> 00:23:17,811 We've got one backwoods distiller, 581 00:23:17,811 --> 00:23:18,171 We've got one backwoods distiller, 582 00:23:18,171 --> 00:23:20,071 two legal distillers. 583 00:23:20,071 --> 00:23:22,105 Mac operates like me and Mark do. 584 00:23:22,105 --> 00:23:24,005 You know, by taste and feel. 585 00:23:24,071 --> 00:23:25,872 Kelly, everything weighed out, 586 00:23:25,872 --> 00:23:28,171 precise, making good notes. 587 00:23:28,171 --> 00:23:29,772 I wish I could be more like that. 588 00:23:29,772 --> 00:23:32,105 One hour, ladies and gentleman. 589 00:23:32,105 --> 00:23:34,472 -[Mac] That smells like a big pasture field or something. -[Lee] Ooh. 590 00:23:34,472 --> 00:23:36,472 -It's lavender and elderflower in there. -Lavender, yup. 591 00:23:36,472 --> 00:23:38,772 -[Lee & Mac] Yeah. -[Kelly] Hopefully it doesn't taste like soap, 592 00:23:38,772 --> 00:23:41,205 'cause some people think that, like, lavender in any amount 593 00:23:41,271 --> 00:23:43,472 is really soapy. 594 00:23:43,472 --> 00:23:46,005 It's tough with gin, because, like, you'll get the juniper 595 00:23:46,005 --> 00:23:47,811 all in one section, and you'll get the citrus all in a different section. 596 00:23:47,811 --> 00:23:49,572 all in one section, and you'll get the citrus all in a different section. 597 00:23:49,572 --> 00:23:52,105 But I was definitely getting the flavors that I wanted, 598 00:23:52,171 --> 00:23:54,205 and try to figure out which jars are the best. 599 00:23:56,872 --> 00:23:58,472 [Mac] What you got there, Lee? Molasses? 600 00:23:58,472 --> 00:23:59,572 [Lee] No, buckwheat honey. 601 00:23:59,572 --> 00:24:01,171 Buckwheat honey. 602 00:24:01,171 --> 00:24:02,905 [Lee] I wanted to use something that you 603 00:24:02,972 --> 00:24:05,005 would not normally see on the shelf somewhere. 604 00:24:05,005 --> 00:24:08,005 So, I'm using buckwheat honey that had been barrel aged. 605 00:24:08,005 --> 00:24:10,505 I wanted just a little hint of sweet. 606 00:24:10,572 --> 00:24:13,905 I feel like it really gives a cocktail that could seem very simple 607 00:24:13,972 --> 00:24:16,372 a lot more depth with the use of the honey. 608 00:24:16,372 --> 00:24:17,811 That's mama's... That's what mama wanted. 609 00:24:17,811 --> 00:24:18,271 That's mama's... That's what mama wanted. 610 00:24:19,005 --> 00:24:20,605 30 minutes, guys. 611 00:24:20,672 --> 00:24:22,305 You better be buttoning them up. 612 00:24:22,372 --> 00:24:25,271 [Lee] Well the pressure's definitely on right now, then. 613 00:24:25,271 --> 00:24:27,572 [triumphantly] Ba-da-da-da! 614 00:24:27,572 --> 00:24:30,572 Mac, what do you have in there that's making it come out that color? 615 00:24:30,572 --> 00:24:32,305 -Vanilla. -[Kelly] Vanilla! 616 00:24:32,372 --> 00:24:33,271 Oh! 617 00:24:33,972 --> 00:24:35,171 [Mac] I'm very happy. 618 00:24:35,171 --> 00:24:37,372 But I'm gonna blend and try to make me 619 00:24:37,372 --> 00:24:39,605 a pineapple upside-down moonshine. 620 00:24:39,672 --> 00:24:42,071 I felt like my spirit come out tip-top notch. 621 00:24:42,071 --> 00:24:44,405 At this competition here, they're bringing it, 622 00:24:44,472 --> 00:24:46,505 and I'm just gonna... gotta bring mine in. 623 00:24:46,572 --> 00:24:47,811 Two minute warning here, guys. 624 00:24:47,811 --> 00:24:49,005 Two minute warning here, guys. 625 00:24:49,005 --> 00:24:50,171 Kelly, it's coming for you! 626 00:24:50,271 --> 00:24:52,271 [all laughing] 627 00:24:52,271 --> 00:24:53,105 [Mac] Here it is. 628 00:24:53,872 --> 00:24:55,372 There you go, guys. Best I could do. 629 00:24:55,372 --> 00:24:57,105 -That's a pretty jar. -That's a full jar! 630 00:24:57,171 --> 00:24:59,372 -You go on back, straighten up. -Good luck, Mac. 631 00:24:59,372 --> 00:25:00,305 [Mac] Thank you, sir. 632 00:25:00,372 --> 00:25:01,271 I think I got it. 633 00:25:01,271 --> 00:25:02,672 I'm really happy with the jar. 634 00:25:02,672 --> 00:25:05,472 I think it tasted exactly as I wanted it to, 635 00:25:05,472 --> 00:25:06,572 and that it was balanced. 636 00:25:08,605 --> 00:25:09,572 Kelly... 637 00:25:09,572 --> 00:25:11,171 Beautiful, clear jar of liquor, 638 00:25:11,171 --> 00:25:12,872 and works out at the tasting. 639 00:25:12,872 --> 00:25:15,171 -[Kelly] Thank you guys. -[all] Good luck. 640 00:25:15,171 --> 00:25:17,305 [Digger] Lee, you bring that jar of liquor up here. 641 00:25:17,372 --> 00:25:17,811 I am handing in a second jar and I am proud of what I made. 642 00:25:17,811 --> 00:25:20,805 I am handing in a second jar and I am proud of what I made. 643 00:25:20,872 --> 00:25:24,105 I think it really does showcase the flavor profile that I'm making. 644 00:25:24,171 --> 00:25:25,472 You just wanna bring it up. 645 00:25:25,472 --> 00:25:26,705 I've been watching your expression, 646 00:25:26,772 --> 00:25:29,005 and I believe you're pretty proud of that jar. 647 00:25:29,005 --> 00:25:30,672 -[all] Good luck. -Good luck to you. 648 00:25:30,672 --> 00:25:33,505 [Tim] Looks like a really diverse selection. 649 00:25:33,572 --> 00:25:34,672 [Digger] All right, guys. 650 00:25:34,672 --> 00:25:35,972 As soon as we reach a decision, 651 00:25:35,972 --> 00:25:37,605 we'll be back in to tell you all. 652 00:25:39,071 --> 00:25:40,472 -[Mark] Timmy... -[Tim] Yup? 653 00:25:40,472 --> 00:25:42,271 [Mark] This is your specialty here. 654 00:25:42,271 --> 00:25:44,405 [Tim] Yeah, I've got four RTDs on the market. 655 00:25:44,472 --> 00:25:46,305 We got Lee with a rum base. 656 00:25:47,805 --> 00:25:47,811 [Mark] You know, it's got a real nice honey looking color. 657 00:25:47,811 --> 00:25:51,071 [Mark] You know, it's got a real nice honey looking color. 658 00:25:51,071 --> 00:25:53,805 No way you can proof it by shaking it at this point. 659 00:25:53,872 --> 00:25:56,905 I am happy that I overcame my obstacles. 660 00:25:59,171 --> 00:26:02,271 Oh, it got a little bit of octane to it. 661 00:26:04,205 --> 00:26:06,271 -Yes, it does. -[Tim chuckling] 662 00:26:06,872 --> 00:26:08,672 It might be 100 in type. 663 00:26:10,805 --> 00:26:12,772 Now, it's got that fire on the back 664 00:26:12,772 --> 00:26:14,305 like a rum does. 665 00:26:14,372 --> 00:26:15,572 It's got some power. 666 00:26:15,572 --> 00:26:17,071 It's got a good flavor to it. 667 00:26:17,071 --> 00:26:17,811 I had actually two honey choices, 668 00:26:17,811 --> 00:26:19,205 I had actually two honey choices, 669 00:26:19,271 --> 00:26:23,171 and I went with the darker one, taking a chance. 670 00:26:23,171 --> 00:26:26,005 But I liked the taste of it, I liked the smell of it. 671 00:26:26,071 --> 00:26:28,572 We got Kelly with a all-grain base. 672 00:26:30,572 --> 00:26:32,572 Maybe 90. Maybe, maybe... 673 00:26:33,572 --> 00:26:35,772 I think she's right where she wants to be, 674 00:26:35,772 --> 00:26:37,472 whatever it is. 675 00:26:37,472 --> 00:26:39,171 I'll tell you, her bead reading skills 676 00:26:39,171 --> 00:26:40,672 -is pretty top-notch. -Yeah. 677 00:26:40,672 --> 00:26:42,772 She was acting like she didn't know what she was doing, 678 00:26:42,772 --> 00:26:43,705 but I think she does. 679 00:26:43,772 --> 00:26:45,572 I believe she is japing us a tiny bit. 680 00:26:45,572 --> 00:26:46,672 -I think so. -I think... 681 00:26:46,672 --> 00:26:47,811 I was less focused on being at a specific proof 682 00:26:47,811 --> 00:26:49,372 I was less focused on being at a specific proof 683 00:26:49,372 --> 00:26:51,305 than getting up flavor profile, 684 00:26:51,372 --> 00:26:54,372 'cause gin... the flavors will open up at different proofs 685 00:26:54,372 --> 00:26:55,972 and I was just worrying about the flavor. 686 00:26:55,972 --> 00:26:58,271 I noticed the first thing she got when she went to the bar 687 00:26:58,271 --> 00:26:59,405 was the juniper. 688 00:26:59,472 --> 00:27:01,372 The nose definitely has it. 689 00:27:01,372 --> 00:27:03,605 That is a key ingredient to make a gin. 690 00:27:04,171 --> 00:27:04,905 Wow. 691 00:27:06,872 --> 00:27:07,572 Yup. 692 00:27:07,572 --> 00:27:08,472 That's a gin! 693 00:27:09,005 --> 00:27:10,672 And it's nice. 694 00:27:10,672 --> 00:27:12,872 If she's going for a gin, she hit the mark. 695 00:27:13,472 --> 00:27:15,305 Moving on... 696 00:27:15,372 --> 00:27:17,811 -Big Mac, big Mac. -[Tim] So we got Mac with a corn base. 697 00:27:17,811 --> 00:27:18,071 -Big Mac, big Mac. -[Tim] So we got Mac with a corn base. 698 00:27:18,071 --> 00:27:19,972 [Digger] I think it looks like a peach juice. 699 00:27:19,972 --> 00:27:21,505 [Mark] It's very transparent. 700 00:27:21,572 --> 00:27:23,271 -It has a unique color. -Different color. It does. 701 00:27:24,772 --> 00:27:27,872 [Digger] I believe that color's from a little bit of citrus flavoring. 702 00:27:28,772 --> 00:27:29,872 You know when you was a little kid, 703 00:27:29,872 --> 00:27:31,438 and you go to your grandma's house 704 00:27:31,472 --> 00:27:33,705 and she's making, like, a pineapple upside-down cake, you can smell that? 705 00:27:33,772 --> 00:27:35,205 -[Lee] Mmm. -[Mac] That's what I was shooting for. 706 00:27:35,271 --> 00:27:37,772 -Yeah. -[Mac] And that... I mean, it's pretty close! 707 00:27:37,772 --> 00:27:39,472 I don't usually like pineapple, 708 00:27:39,472 --> 00:27:40,972 and I really like that. 709 00:27:40,972 --> 00:27:42,605 Fruity. 710 00:27:42,672 --> 00:27:44,905 Wow, it is great on the nose, ain't it? 711 00:27:44,972 --> 00:27:46,105 It's wonderful on the nose. 712 00:27:46,171 --> 00:27:47,305 I get a lot of pineapple. 713 00:27:47,372 --> 00:27:47,811 I'm getting vanilla on the nose, 714 00:27:47,811 --> 00:27:49,305 I'm getting vanilla on the nose, 715 00:27:49,372 --> 00:27:51,105 and when I taste it, I'm getting it. 716 00:27:52,105 --> 00:27:53,472 And it's got alcohol in it. 717 00:27:53,905 --> 00:27:55,572 It's got vanilla. 718 00:27:55,572 --> 00:27:57,105 It's got alcohol on the back, 719 00:27:57,105 --> 00:27:58,772 it's got flavor up front. 720 00:27:58,772 --> 00:28:00,472 Boy, it just flies across your tongue. 721 00:28:00,472 --> 00:28:02,872 I could almost say that's a RTD right now. 722 00:28:02,872 --> 00:28:05,605 But one of these have to leave. 723 00:28:05,672 --> 00:28:07,572 I really like all three of them. 724 00:28:07,572 --> 00:28:09,105 They're all incredible. 725 00:28:09,105 --> 00:28:10,572 We're in a pickle. 726 00:28:10,572 --> 00:28:12,372 It's like waiting for Christmas. 727 00:28:12,372 --> 00:28:13,872 You wanna hear the news. 728 00:28:13,872 --> 00:28:16,872 We're at the end, and this is the part that's pretty much killin' me. 729 00:28:17,305 --> 00:28:17,811 Aw... 730 00:28:17,811 --> 00:28:18,105 Aw... 731 00:28:22,305 --> 00:28:23,772 [Digger] Come up and get your jars. 732 00:28:31,271 --> 00:28:34,805 Mac, you started out with some of the best liquor that we've tasted. 733 00:28:34,872 --> 00:28:37,872 I think you put a little vanilla and a little citrus in there. 734 00:28:37,872 --> 00:28:39,805 Vanilla's a fickle flavoring. 735 00:28:40,672 --> 00:28:42,105 You gotta be careful with it. 736 00:28:42,105 --> 00:28:43,205 It's like Mark always says, 737 00:28:43,271 --> 00:28:44,438 "When you think you got enough, 738 00:28:44,438 --> 00:28:46,972 you've probably two times more than you really need." 739 00:28:46,972 --> 00:28:48,071 But you did a fine job. 740 00:28:49,205 --> 00:28:51,405 It looks good. Good, clean jar. 741 00:28:51,472 --> 00:28:52,905 The proof's spot on. 742 00:28:52,972 --> 00:28:53,839 Great job. 743 00:28:53,839 --> 00:28:55,705 [Digger] Lee, you started with honey 744 00:28:55,772 --> 00:29:00,071 and molasses to make a rum, which was fabulous. 745 00:29:00,071 --> 00:29:02,171 You've got high proofing and you've got good taste. 746 00:29:02,171 --> 00:29:03,572 Sometimes you don't get that balance. 747 00:29:04,005 --> 00:29:04,939 You still got it. 748 00:29:04,939 --> 00:29:07,372 With your skills and what we've saw you do, 749 00:29:07,372 --> 00:29:11,372 and your education and the experience you have in distilling, 750 00:29:11,372 --> 00:29:13,672 you didn't land on that by accident. 751 00:29:13,672 --> 00:29:14,772 Good job there. 752 00:29:16,005 --> 00:29:18,301 [Digger] Kelly, you made probably the finest 753 00:29:18,301 --> 00:29:19,071 [Digger] Kelly, you made probably the finest 754 00:29:19,071 --> 00:29:21,372 all-grain liquor we've seen on this show. 755 00:29:21,372 --> 00:29:23,005 Then you moved on to gin, 756 00:29:23,005 --> 00:29:25,105 and you immediately went to juniper first. 757 00:29:25,171 --> 00:29:29,271 And juniper always worries me because it's like vanilla. 758 00:29:29,271 --> 00:29:32,372 You know, you gotta just be very careful with it. 759 00:29:32,372 --> 00:29:36,872 Well, it's outstanding because nothing overpowers the other. 760 00:29:36,872 --> 00:29:40,105 It's... It's a perfect blend and a perfect balance. 761 00:29:40,171 --> 00:29:41,572 You did an exceptional job. 762 00:29:42,505 --> 00:29:46,105 Coming from someone who has four RTDs 763 00:29:46,171 --> 00:29:47,705 on the national market right now, 764 00:29:47,772 --> 00:29:48,301 all three of you have something that's gonna fit in the RTD market. 765 00:29:48,301 --> 00:29:52,505 all three of you have something that's gonna fit in the RTD market. 766 00:29:52,572 --> 00:29:54,972 Y'all got a lot to be proud of. 767 00:29:55,672 --> 00:29:57,171 And... And we're proud of you. 768 00:29:58,071 --> 00:29:59,405 Digger? 769 00:29:59,405 --> 00:30:02,372 Well guys, I don't know whether you're looking over here or not 770 00:30:02,372 --> 00:30:04,572 and seeing a little bit of concern on my face. 771 00:30:04,572 --> 00:30:07,105 You know, we are given the task 772 00:30:07,772 --> 00:30:10,205 to whittle people down. 773 00:30:10,271 --> 00:30:14,171 But we all feel like we would be doing you all 774 00:30:14,171 --> 00:30:16,372 and ourselves an injustice... 775 00:30:19,171 --> 00:30:20,605 ...to cut one out right now. 776 00:30:22,305 --> 00:30:25,005 [Tim] There's no way we can separate y'all three right now. 777 00:30:25,071 --> 00:30:28,372 So congratulations. All three of y'all are coming back. 778 00:30:28,372 --> 00:30:31,071 I'm absolutely shocked. 779 00:30:31,071 --> 00:30:32,005 And happy! 780 00:30:32,071 --> 00:30:34,271 No one is going home. 781 00:30:34,271 --> 00:30:37,271 Due to the difficulty we had reaching a decision, 782 00:30:37,271 --> 00:30:39,405 we decided to bring in our guest judge. 783 00:30:39,472 --> 00:30:42,372 She's a cocktail specialist, Casey Fox. 784 00:30:42,372 --> 00:30:43,905 Thank you, Digger. 785 00:30:43,905 --> 00:30:47,505 My company Libacious is all about getting people to drink better at home. 786 00:30:47,572 --> 00:30:48,301 We do a lot of teaching, a lot of workshops. 787 00:30:48,301 --> 00:30:50,171 We do a lot of teaching, a lot of workshops. 788 00:30:50,171 --> 00:30:53,005 I've tasted a lot of great ready to drink cocktails, 789 00:30:53,005 --> 00:30:55,905 and I'm so excited to see what y'all are bringing to the table today. 790 00:30:55,972 --> 00:30:58,872 I guess the RTD market is booming. 791 00:30:58,872 --> 00:31:01,205 We are looking for the next new flavor. 792 00:31:01,271 --> 00:31:06,305 At the end of this run, somebody's gonna be named the next Master Distiller. 793 00:31:06,372 --> 00:31:07,805 It's anyone's game now. 794 00:31:07,872 --> 00:31:09,672 -So good luck. -You got one hour. 795 00:31:09,672 --> 00:31:12,605 Get your RTDs canned, sealed up, 796 00:31:12,672 --> 00:31:15,972 carbonated if you want to, and on this table. 797 00:31:15,972 --> 00:31:18,301 Your one hour starts now. 798 00:31:18,301 --> 00:31:18,572 Your one hour starts now. 799 00:31:18,572 --> 00:31:20,071 Good luck. Get with it, guys. 800 00:31:20,071 --> 00:31:21,605 [Mac] Good luck, Kelly. 801 00:31:21,672 --> 00:31:23,105 -Good luck, Mac. Good luck, Lee. -[Lee] All right, Kel. 802 00:31:23,872 --> 00:31:24,872 [grunting] 803 00:31:29,171 --> 00:31:30,572 [Kelly] I'm feeling a lot less confident 804 00:31:30,572 --> 00:31:32,672 going into this round than I did going into the first. 805 00:31:32,672 --> 00:31:34,972 [Digger] When you're making an RTD, 806 00:31:34,972 --> 00:31:37,505 it'll be really easy to make a mistake. 807 00:31:37,572 --> 00:31:38,372 [Casey] It's true. 808 00:31:38,372 --> 00:31:39,605 Whenever you're batching anything, 809 00:31:39,605 --> 00:31:41,672 -there's more room for error making a cocktail. -Yeah. 810 00:31:41,672 --> 00:31:42,672 [Casey] So, uh, so yeah. 811 00:31:42,672 --> 00:31:44,105 Maybe they'll make it easy on us, who knows? 812 00:31:44,105 --> 00:31:45,071 With all of us coming back, 813 00:31:45,071 --> 00:31:46,305 it's a lot of pressure. 814 00:31:46,372 --> 00:31:48,301 I gotta step up my game, so I just have to make sure 815 00:31:48,301 --> 00:31:48,805 I gotta step up my game, so I just have to make sure 816 00:31:48,872 --> 00:31:50,705 that I have the right flavor first, 817 00:31:50,772 --> 00:31:52,505 before you add the gin in. 818 00:31:52,572 --> 00:31:55,271 [Mark] I wanted to see what you got in that jar. 819 00:31:55,271 --> 00:31:57,171 Kelly, tell me a little bit about what you're doing. 820 00:31:57,171 --> 00:32:00,572 I'm trying to make something similar to an Aviation. 821 00:32:00,572 --> 00:32:01,405 [Casey] Okay. 822 00:32:01,472 --> 00:32:03,672 An Aviation has creme de violette, 823 00:32:03,672 --> 00:32:06,105 Maraschino liqueur, lemon, and gin. 824 00:32:06,171 --> 00:32:08,772 I tried to put some, like, floral flavors in the gin, 825 00:32:08,772 --> 00:32:11,271 and then we're just doing like a little violet tea 826 00:32:11,271 --> 00:32:13,105 for color and a little bit of the flavor. 827 00:32:13,105 --> 00:32:16,171 And then we added some cherry and, like, some citrus. 828 00:32:16,605 --> 00:32:17,705 Okay. 829 00:32:17,705 --> 00:32:18,301 The creme de violette can be really overpowering, 830 00:32:18,301 --> 00:32:19,572 The creme de violette can be really overpowering, 831 00:32:19,572 --> 00:32:21,572 so I'm gonna try and make an approachable version. 832 00:32:21,572 --> 00:32:23,672 [Mark] Everyone's precise, exact. 833 00:32:23,672 --> 00:32:27,872 [Digger] Everybody is weighing, measuring, double checking. 834 00:32:27,872 --> 00:32:29,772 At this point, it's any one of ours 835 00:32:29,772 --> 00:32:31,572 to make a mistake and lose it. 836 00:32:31,572 --> 00:32:34,205 So I really need to raise my game. 837 00:32:34,271 --> 00:32:36,472 -Lee, what have you chosen to do today? -[Lee] Hi. 838 00:32:36,472 --> 00:32:39,205 I'm actually making what they call a Honey Bee. 839 00:32:39,271 --> 00:32:40,772 It's a very simple cocktail. 840 00:32:40,772 --> 00:32:44,305 It's just rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup. 841 00:32:44,372 --> 00:32:46,872 I sweetened it with barrel-aged buckwheat honey. 842 00:32:46,872 --> 00:32:47,872 -Lovely. -[Lee] Thanks. 843 00:32:48,605 --> 00:32:50,472 I am choosing to carbonate my drink. 844 00:32:50,472 --> 00:32:53,171 It's going to give a cocktail that could seem very simple 845 00:32:53,171 --> 00:32:55,271 a lot more depth. 846 00:32:55,271 --> 00:32:57,905 [Tim] This is where, you know, it's gonna be that thin line. 847 00:32:57,972 --> 00:33:01,705 Because when they do the carbonation and put it in that can, 848 00:33:01,772 --> 00:33:04,305 it doesn't get too much pressure in it, or no pressure, 849 00:33:04,372 --> 00:33:05,572 then they mess up the flavor, 850 00:33:05,572 --> 00:33:07,005 'cause we tasted the base. 851 00:33:07,005 --> 00:33:08,472 -Right, this is a tough challenge. -[Tim] We open it, and it's... 852 00:33:08,472 --> 00:33:10,772 All right, guys. You're halfway through. 853 00:33:10,772 --> 00:33:12,472 You got 30 minutes left. 854 00:33:15,372 --> 00:33:17,372 [Casey] Mac, what have you chosen to do today? 855 00:33:17,372 --> 00:33:18,301 -[Mac] A spin-off of pina colada. -Okay. 856 00:33:18,301 --> 00:33:19,572 -[Mac] A spin-off of pina colada. -Okay. 857 00:33:19,572 --> 00:33:21,805 It's got roasted coconut, pineapple juice... 858 00:33:21,872 --> 00:33:23,305 I don't wanna use fruit in that, 859 00:33:23,372 --> 00:33:25,005 because it wants to separate. 860 00:33:25,071 --> 00:33:27,372 Through trial and error, I believe I make the backwoods proud. 861 00:33:27,372 --> 00:33:29,372 -Excellent. Look forward to tasting it. -[chuckling] 862 00:33:29,372 --> 00:33:30,772 It's a pretty tight competition. 863 00:33:30,772 --> 00:33:32,372 But now I'm ready to take it home. 864 00:33:32,372 --> 00:33:34,572 I think I've got a... a good RTD. 865 00:33:34,572 --> 00:33:37,672 Good flavor, super rich, so pretty confident. 866 00:33:38,805 --> 00:33:40,472 You got ten minutes, guys. 867 00:33:40,472 --> 00:33:42,305 You better be gettin' ready to can 'em up. 868 00:33:47,005 --> 00:33:48,301 [Lee] Oh, all right. 869 00:33:48,301 --> 00:33:48,505 [Lee] Oh, all right. 870 00:33:50,572 --> 00:33:52,105 [Mac] Mine turned out really flavorful. 871 00:33:52,105 --> 00:33:53,905 I'm thinking it'll work out in my favor. 872 00:33:53,972 --> 00:33:56,105 -[Mark] Good. -[Casey] One down! 873 00:33:56,171 --> 00:33:57,472 [Lee] My drink was spot on. 874 00:33:57,472 --> 00:33:59,205 I like that it has more of a natural flavor 875 00:33:59,271 --> 00:34:00,605 and aroma to it. 876 00:34:00,605 --> 00:34:01,872 -[Tim] Pull the handle. -[Digger] Drop your other lever. 877 00:34:01,872 --> 00:34:04,171 Now if you turn it upside down and it doesn't leak, 878 00:34:04,171 --> 00:34:05,005 you're good. 879 00:34:06,972 --> 00:34:08,972 -Okay. -Yay! 880 00:34:08,972 --> 00:34:12,005 I got my cocktail to a place that I was really happy with. 881 00:34:12,071 --> 00:34:15,105 It's sweet, sour, still kind of gets that floral note. 882 00:34:15,105 --> 00:34:17,872 It also has, like, kind of a pretty color to it. 883 00:34:17,872 --> 00:34:18,301 -[quietly] Yeah! -[Digger] Looks like everyone 884 00:34:18,301 --> 00:34:19,071 -[quietly] Yeah! -[Digger] Looks like everyone 885 00:34:19,071 --> 00:34:21,305 was successful in sealing the cans. 886 00:34:22,171 --> 00:34:23,572 Two minutes, guys. 887 00:34:23,572 --> 00:34:24,472 [Mac] Here you go. 888 00:34:25,505 --> 00:34:27,472 I'm representing the backwoods, boys. 889 00:34:27,472 --> 00:34:28,772 [Digger] Good day. 890 00:34:28,772 --> 00:34:29,772 [Tim & Digger] Good luck, my friend. 891 00:34:29,772 --> 00:34:31,171 [Mac] Thanks, man. 892 00:34:31,171 --> 00:34:33,105 All right, I think I'm ready. I think I'm good. 893 00:34:36,672 --> 00:34:37,505 [Digger] Good luck. 894 00:34:38,105 --> 00:34:39,872 Last but not least, Lee. 895 00:34:40,472 --> 00:34:41,405 There you go. 896 00:34:41,405 --> 00:34:43,605 We're gonna head out, taste, deliberate, 897 00:34:43,672 --> 00:34:46,005 and come back and give you all our decision. 898 00:34:46,705 --> 00:34:47,824 Good luck. 899 00:34:47,824 --> 00:34:47,972 Good luck. 900 00:34:48,905 --> 00:34:50,205 -[Mac] We're down to the end of this thing! -[Lee] Yeah. 901 00:34:50,271 --> 00:34:51,472 -It was a bit of fun, though. -Yeah. 902 00:34:51,472 --> 00:34:52,605 I know! 903 00:34:52,605 --> 00:34:53,805 -The experience has been a... -This has been great. 904 00:34:53,872 --> 00:34:56,672 The fact is is that we made it all the way here, 905 00:34:56,672 --> 00:34:58,105 -all the three of us, which... -Mmm-hmm. 906 00:34:58,105 --> 00:35:02,772 ...if any one of us had a doubt about how good we were 907 00:35:02,772 --> 00:35:06,005 at the things that we do and how passionate we are about what we do, 908 00:35:06,005 --> 00:35:09,705 this should leave you without a doubt in your mind that we were. 909 00:35:09,772 --> 00:35:12,472 I'm happy that I got placed with you guys, 910 00:35:12,472 --> 00:35:14,005 'cause I'm so glad I got to meet you, 911 00:35:14,071 --> 00:35:16,672 but also I kind of which you were worse at what you do. 912 00:35:16,672 --> 00:35:17,824 [all laughing] 913 00:35:17,824 --> 00:35:20,305 [all laughing] 914 00:35:22,872 --> 00:35:26,372 Well guys, we've been at the threshold of spectacular 915 00:35:26,372 --> 00:35:28,705 all the way across this contest. 916 00:35:28,772 --> 00:35:31,271 I expect nothing less at this point. 917 00:35:31,271 --> 00:35:34,305 We couldn't make a cut in the first elimination round. 918 00:35:34,372 --> 00:35:36,171 Well, I'm glad you're here. 919 00:35:36,171 --> 00:35:37,472 It presses on you. 920 00:35:37,472 --> 00:35:38,772 -[Casey exhales nervously and laughs] -Yeah. 921 00:35:40,005 --> 00:35:41,772 [Digger] RTD cocktails. 922 00:35:41,772 --> 00:35:42,772 [Tim] I'm ready to drink. 923 00:35:42,772 --> 00:35:44,972 So this is Kelly's riff on an Aviation, 924 00:35:44,972 --> 00:35:47,872 which is a gin-based pre-Prohibition era cocktail. 925 00:35:50,605 --> 00:35:50,723 I'm a little nervous. 926 00:35:50,723 --> 00:35:51,805 I'm a little nervous. 927 00:35:51,872 --> 00:35:53,772 People don't know what Aviations are. 928 00:35:53,772 --> 00:35:55,505 But it's pink and it's pretty! 929 00:35:55,572 --> 00:35:57,372 -It is pink and pretty! -Yeah. 930 00:35:57,372 --> 00:35:58,772 [Digger] Oh, it's a pretty color! 931 00:35:58,772 --> 00:36:00,772 Exactly what that should look like. 932 00:36:00,772 --> 00:36:02,872 Traditional Aviation uses creme de violette, 933 00:36:02,872 --> 00:36:04,805 -which is a violet-based liqueur. -[Digger] Okay. 934 00:36:04,872 --> 00:36:08,505 You'll find it somewhere in this purply, pinky color range. 935 00:36:08,572 --> 00:36:09,872 -Wow. -That's nice. 936 00:36:09,872 --> 00:36:11,405 Yup, I smell the violet. 937 00:36:11,472 --> 00:36:12,105 Yeah. 938 00:36:12,672 --> 00:36:14,372 [Digger] I like the ABV. 939 00:36:14,372 --> 00:36:16,171 I was a little worried when I was smelling it, 940 00:36:16,171 --> 00:36:17,672 because the gin was so forward 941 00:36:17,672 --> 00:36:19,772 that I was gonna be a little hot. 942 00:36:19,772 --> 00:36:20,723 But it's perfectly balanced. 943 00:36:20,723 --> 00:36:21,271 But it's perfectly balanced. 944 00:36:21,271 --> 00:36:23,372 But I think it's a tricky cocktail. 945 00:36:23,372 --> 00:36:26,472 It's not for everybody, and it's tricky to master as well. 946 00:36:27,271 --> 00:36:29,071 All right. Next. 947 00:36:29,071 --> 00:36:32,305 This is Lee's Honey Bee that she's made with her honey rum. 948 00:36:34,405 --> 00:36:36,905 I didn't hear a tremendous amount of fizz. 949 00:36:36,972 --> 00:36:38,872 No, it sounded about like the last one. 950 00:36:39,672 --> 00:36:41,572 I guess carbonation is something 951 00:36:41,572 --> 00:36:44,472 that takes more time than she actually had. 952 00:36:44,472 --> 00:36:46,572 It is the fastest I've ever done a carb. 953 00:36:46,572 --> 00:36:47,605 I was impressed. 954 00:36:47,672 --> 00:36:49,305 -I was impressed. -[both chuckling] 955 00:36:49,372 --> 00:36:50,723 -Smells delicious. -[Casey] Yeah, it smells great. 956 00:36:50,723 --> 00:36:52,171 -Smells delicious. -[Casey] Yeah, it smells great. 957 00:36:52,171 --> 00:36:53,872 -Wow. -Wow. 958 00:36:53,872 --> 00:36:55,305 [Casey] And the honey is really coming through. 959 00:36:55,305 --> 00:36:58,805 That honey is very distinctive and if you're not prepared for it, 960 00:36:58,872 --> 00:37:00,505 it's gonna be a "Oh, okay." 961 00:37:00,572 --> 00:37:02,405 It's got some floral and earthiness. 962 00:37:02,472 --> 00:37:05,005 -Lots of lemon. -[Mark] It's supposed to be a sour. 963 00:37:05,071 --> 00:37:06,805 [Casey] It's a little forward on the citrus. 964 00:37:06,872 --> 00:37:08,672 She did add a little sea salt. 965 00:37:08,672 --> 00:37:09,672 -I noticed that. -[Casey] Yes. 966 00:37:09,672 --> 00:37:11,605 And salt's gonna make that lemon pop 967 00:37:11,672 --> 00:37:12,672 -even more. -[Casey] Exactly. 968 00:37:12,672 --> 00:37:14,372 But the components are beautiful in there. 969 00:37:14,372 --> 00:37:16,372 They are there, and this is a Honey Bee cocktail 970 00:37:16,372 --> 00:37:19,105 and she's really nailed the honey part of it, I think. 971 00:37:19,171 --> 00:37:20,723 Okay, moving on to Mac. 972 00:37:20,723 --> 00:37:21,772 Okay, moving on to Mac. 973 00:37:21,772 --> 00:37:23,805 [Casey] This is Mac's pina colada riff. 974 00:37:23,872 --> 00:37:26,472 You know, pina colada's normally a rum-based drink. 975 00:37:26,472 --> 00:37:28,872 -He made an outstanding corn liquor, I know that. -He did. 976 00:37:31,005 --> 00:37:31,905 [Digger] Okay. 977 00:37:31,972 --> 00:37:33,572 Would you guys make these at home? 978 00:37:33,572 --> 00:37:35,271 -It's interesting. -[Mac] I actually made some for my neighbors 979 00:37:35,271 --> 00:37:36,705 and they... they wanted some. 980 00:37:36,772 --> 00:37:38,472 They were like, "I'll take a quart of that." 981 00:37:40,372 --> 00:37:42,105 -[Tim] Looks like pineapple. -Looks like pineapple! 982 00:37:42,171 --> 00:37:44,472 -That actually looks a little thick! -[Casey] Yup. 983 00:37:44,472 --> 00:37:47,171 It smells exactly like a pina colada. 984 00:37:47,171 --> 00:37:48,205 [Mark] Yeah, I like it. 985 00:37:49,372 --> 00:37:50,723 I like it a lot. 986 00:37:50,723 --> 00:37:50,972 I like it a lot. 987 00:37:50,972 --> 00:37:52,872 I think he should've carbonated it. 988 00:37:52,872 --> 00:37:54,338 [Casey] I would agree with Tim. 989 00:37:54,372 --> 00:37:57,772 Yeah, if he had it carbonated, that would thin it out a little bit, 990 00:37:57,772 --> 00:38:00,205 and then enable him a little bit more alcohol. 991 00:38:00,271 --> 00:38:01,772 -[Casey] Mmm-hmm. -[Tim] ABV in there. 992 00:38:01,772 --> 00:38:03,772 -But it's an outstanding taste. -[Casey] Mmm-hmm. 993 00:38:03,772 --> 00:38:06,005 They've all done such a wonderful job. 994 00:38:08,205 --> 00:38:10,572 Guys, all three of these have a place on the market. 995 00:38:12,772 --> 00:38:14,038 But... 996 00:38:14,038 --> 00:38:16,772 I think there's one that has a place on the market today. 997 00:38:16,772 --> 00:38:17,772 [Tim] Definitely. 998 00:38:17,772 --> 00:38:19,171 [Mark] We're all riding in the same length. 999 00:38:19,171 --> 00:38:20,372 In the same truck. 1000 00:38:20,372 --> 00:38:20,723 Let's go give 'em the news. 1001 00:38:20,723 --> 00:38:22,372 Let's go give 'em the news. 1002 00:38:28,372 --> 00:38:30,271 I wanna congratulate all three of you 1003 00:38:30,271 --> 00:38:32,772 for making our job extremely tough. 1004 00:38:34,405 --> 00:38:36,405 I'm gonna hand it off to Casey. 1005 00:38:36,472 --> 00:38:38,872 I just wanna echo Digger's sentiment. 1006 00:38:38,872 --> 00:38:41,605 Y'all did a fantastic job. 1007 00:38:41,672 --> 00:38:45,505 Mac, I was really interested to see what you were gonna do with the pina colada. 1008 00:38:45,572 --> 00:38:46,572 When you're using pineapple, 1009 00:38:46,572 --> 00:38:48,105 it can be really thick. 1010 00:38:48,105 --> 00:38:50,723 One thing to explore, maybe, is adding a little carbonation 1011 00:38:50,723 --> 00:38:51,171 One thing to explore, maybe, is adding a little carbonation 1012 00:38:51,171 --> 00:38:53,105 to make it a little less thick. 1013 00:38:53,171 --> 00:38:55,705 But all in all, it was absolutely just delightful to drink. 1014 00:38:55,772 --> 00:38:56,639 Thank you, ma'am. 1015 00:38:56,639 --> 00:38:58,572 Mac, if you'd had did the carbonation, 1016 00:38:58,572 --> 00:39:00,705 and then also maybe a little bit more alcohol, 1017 00:39:00,772 --> 00:39:02,205 that would've helped out some. 1018 00:39:02,271 --> 00:39:04,805 But what you brought to the table was outstanding. 1019 00:39:05,905 --> 00:39:07,972 Lee, it was a fantastic drink. 1020 00:39:07,972 --> 00:39:11,372 Lee, you know, you brought us a classic sour. 1021 00:39:11,372 --> 00:39:14,872 I think it lends itself really well to the RTD category. 1022 00:39:14,872 --> 00:39:16,205 I think you made a really good choice 1023 00:39:16,271 --> 00:39:17,105 with the buckwheat. 1024 00:39:17,105 --> 00:39:19,005 It left just a beautiful aftertaste. 1025 00:39:19,071 --> 00:39:20,372 One thing to keep in mind, 1026 00:39:20,372 --> 00:39:20,723 you gotta watch your citrus when you're scaling up a drink. 1027 00:39:20,723 --> 00:39:22,872 you gotta watch your citrus when you're scaling up a drink. 1028 00:39:22,872 --> 00:39:24,772 You also had some issues with the carbonation. 1029 00:39:24,772 --> 00:39:28,071 But using honey as your sweetening agent 1030 00:39:28,071 --> 00:39:31,205 gave it that silky, kind of unctuous, beautiful mouthfeel. 1031 00:39:31,271 --> 00:39:33,171 It's just really a joy to drink. 1032 00:39:33,171 --> 00:39:34,271 Thank you. 1033 00:39:34,271 --> 00:39:37,705 The aftertaste on this drink was fantastic. 1034 00:39:37,772 --> 00:39:40,171 I loved the way it felt on the backend. 1035 00:39:40,171 --> 00:39:42,171 Didn't get a whole lot of the rum anymore, 1036 00:39:42,171 --> 00:39:44,472 but the alcohol was fine. 1037 00:39:44,472 --> 00:39:46,572 You absolutely know what you're doing. 1038 00:39:47,071 --> 00:39:48,405 Thank you. 1039 00:39:48,472 --> 00:39:50,723 Kelly, I was really, really skeptical 1040 00:39:50,723 --> 00:39:50,872 Kelly, I was really, really skeptical 1041 00:39:50,872 --> 00:39:52,472 with your choice of cocktail. 1042 00:39:53,672 --> 00:39:55,171 It's a tricky cocktail to do. 1043 00:39:55,171 --> 00:39:58,505 It uses a lot of complex flavors that you really have to balance well. 1044 00:39:58,572 --> 00:40:01,772 But we took a sip of it, and it tasted like an Aviation is supposed to taste. 1045 00:40:01,772 --> 00:40:03,772 And I was a little surprised by that. 1046 00:40:03,772 --> 00:40:05,105 Something to think about... 1047 00:40:05,171 --> 00:40:08,005 Is this recipe that you developed something 1048 00:40:08,005 --> 00:40:10,672 that is scalable, that you can keep consistent? 1049 00:40:10,672 --> 00:40:13,005 Because you're dealing with so many complex flavors. 1050 00:40:13,005 --> 00:40:14,405 But I think you did a good job. 1051 00:40:14,472 --> 00:40:16,271 I thoroughly enjoyed drinking your drink. 1052 00:40:16,271 --> 00:40:17,005 Thank you. 1053 00:40:17,772 --> 00:40:18,872 Bless your heart. 1054 00:40:19,872 --> 00:40:20,723 You made it tough on us. 1055 00:40:20,723 --> 00:40:21,572 You made it tough on us. 1056 00:40:22,305 --> 00:40:23,705 It's spot on. 1057 00:40:23,772 --> 00:40:25,472 Casey's precisely right. 1058 00:40:25,472 --> 00:40:28,205 I know when it's good, and I can separate the flavors, 1059 00:40:28,271 --> 00:40:30,205 and cherries are my favorite. 1060 00:40:30,271 --> 00:40:33,271 So that hit me right in the wheelhouse. 1061 00:40:33,271 --> 00:40:37,171 All three of you have RTDs that will sell. 1062 00:40:41,271 --> 00:40:47,105 And there's one that the RTD could go on the shelf today. 1063 00:40:47,105 --> 00:40:49,105 That's the determining factor. 1064 00:40:49,105 --> 00:40:50,723 Unfortunately, two people can't be named Master Distiller, 1065 00:40:50,723 --> 00:40:52,672 Unfortunately, two people can't be named Master Distiller, 1066 00:40:52,672 --> 00:40:54,372 but one will be. 1067 00:40:55,005 --> 00:40:56,071 And... 1068 00:40:57,872 --> 00:40:59,972 ...Kelly, you're the next Master Distiller. 1069 00:40:59,972 --> 00:41:01,005 Congratulations. 1070 00:41:01,772 --> 00:41:02,705 Thank you! 1071 00:41:02,772 --> 00:41:04,705 I am over the moon. 1072 00:41:04,772 --> 00:41:07,672 I feel the confidence that I could carry my weight in the industry. 1073 00:41:07,672 --> 00:41:10,572 I feel like I'm ready to take the distilling world by storm! 1074 00:41:10,572 --> 00:41:13,372 You did a wonderful job. We all four applaud you. 1075 00:41:13,372 --> 00:41:14,772 -[Mark] All of you. -Thank you. 1076 00:41:14,772 --> 00:41:16,772 I think I speak for the whole panel. 1077 00:41:16,772 --> 00:41:18,405 I consider it an honor and a privilege 1078 00:41:18,472 --> 00:41:20,138 to have been able to judge you all. 1079 00:41:20,138 --> 00:41:20,723 Now get on out of here and share those cold drinks with one another, will you? 1080 00:41:20,723 --> 00:41:23,672 Now get on out of here and share those cold drinks with one another, will you? 1081 00:41:24,372 --> 00:41:25,372 [Mark] You know what, guys? 1082 00:41:25,372 --> 00:41:27,372 If these are the type of contestants 1083 00:41:27,372 --> 00:41:29,205 we're gonna have from here on out, 1084 00:41:29,271 --> 00:41:30,372 we're all in trouble.