After nearly a year away, Whiskey Friends is back.

In this special return episode, Ken Allsup sits down with Melissa Merrifield, Levi Fahlenkamp, and Wes Fahlenkamp, part of the new ownership team behind the Des Moines Whiskey Festival. The conversation explores how the group became involved with the event, their plans for the future, and how they hope to create a premier whiskey experience in Iowa.

The discussion covers Iowa distilleries, whiskey tourism, festival planning, collecting bottles, favorite pours, and the friendships that often form around a shared glass of whiskey.

Joining the conversation are Matt and Renee from She Hates My Whiskey, who share their experiences discovering new whiskeys and even put a bottle through its paces during a live tasting around the table.

Whether you're a longtime bourbon enthusiast, a scotch lover, or just whiskey curious, this episode offers an inside look at one of Iowa's biggest whiskey events and the people working to build its future.

Topics Include:

• The return of Whiskey Friends
• New ownership of Des Moines Whiskey Fest
• Women & Whiskey and Whiskey Reserve events
• Iowa distilleries and whiskey tourism
• Building a whiskey community
• Collecting and tasting whiskey
• Cedar Ridge, Revelton, Templeton Rye and more
• Live tasting with She Hates My Whiskey
• What's ahead for Iowa whiskey enthusiasts

Learn more about the Des Moines Whiskey Festival at DSMWhiskeyFest.com

Enjoy responsibly.

Keywords:

Whisky Friends, Des Moines Whiskey Festival, Iowa whiskey, bourbon, whiskey podcast, Cedar Ridge, Templeton Rye, Revelton Distilling, Iowa distilleries, whiskey tasting, bourbon community, whiskey tourism, She Hates My Whiskey,

“Ever wondered what happens when a whiskey lover drags his whiskey-hating partner into the world of bourbon? This week on The Whisky Friends, we’re joined by TikTok’s ‘She Hates My Whiskey’ duo — Matt and Renee — who bring their hilarious on-camera chemistry to our table. From sweet maple Canadian pours to high-proof burn, we sip our way through rare bottles, unexpected favorites, and whiskey fails.

Along the way, we talk TikTok fame, local finds, and why friendship — not just whiskey — keeps us coming back for another pour. Grab your glass, settle in, and enjoy the ride. Cheers!”

You can find Matt and Renee on TikTok by following the link HERE.

🎄 Day 25 of the Minnesota Whiskey Elite Advent Calendar brought the grand finale to a festive and flavorful journey with The Whisky Friends—Michael, Iggy, Doc, and Ken—closing out the season in style. 🥃

The nose on today’s pour was rich and inviting, with notes of maple syrup, butterscotch, and raisin, making it a fitting choice for Christmas morning. On the palate, the group noted sweet, sugary flavors with hints of rye and wine finish complexity. However, the finish was a bit fleeting, leaving them intrigued but not entirely convinced to splurge on a bottle.

The reveal? High West’s A Midwinter Night’s Dram, a rye whiskey finished in port barrels that has gained a cult following. While the crew appreciated its uniqueness, they agreed it might not be for everyone at its current price point of $130 to $150.

As the team toasted to the holidays, they reflected on the joy of whiskey, the camaraderie of their group, and the support of their listeners. A big thank you to Minnesota Whiskey Elite for curating such an incredible calendar and for letting everyone share in the experience!

To all the listeners who joined along, thank you for tuning in! If you’ve enjoyed the journey, subscribe to The Whiskey Friends Podcast on your favorite platform. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (@whiskeyfriends) for more tastings, reviews, and shenanigans.

Cheers to a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🥃 Here’s to more whiskey adventures in 2025! 🎅 Cheers!