We have been so excited to publish this episode with someone who is one of our favorite people in the whisky world AND one of our favorite people in the world, period. Lee Ann Rayner, the founder of the YouTube channel Scotch on the Bayou, has an incredible depth of whisky knowledge, an expert palate, boundless charisma, and a passion for making Scotch approachable and, above all, FUN.
Lee Ann’s whisky journey began with a solo trip to Scotland and a distillery tour that changed her life. We talk about how that experience led her to the whisky community and eventually to creating Scotch on the Bayou, where she shares reviews, educational videos, practical tips for exploring whisky, and why "a fine single malt can be enjoyed in the swamps of Louisiana just as well as in a fine dining establishment."
Our conversation covers everything from Lee Ann’s favorite whiskies and the Scotch styles that capture her attention, to the art of tasting, training your palate, and getting more out of what’s in your glass. We also get into independent bottlers, what makes the whisky community so special, blind tastings (including one where Lee Ann absolutely schooled us, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRZJdMGtfro), and planning a trip to Scotland.
As we say on the podcast, watching Lee Ann’s channel feels like being welcomed into a friend’s home to share a dram, and that same warmth comes through in our conversation. Even if you've never met Lee Ann, listening to this episode will feel like being invited to the table of a dear friend - one who happens to know an awful lot about whisky and makes sharing it an absolute pleasure.
You can find Lee Ann on YouTube at Scotch on the Bayou (https://www.youtube.com/c/scotchonthebayou), on Instagram at @scotchonthebayou and on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/ScotchontheBayou/posts).
As always, please email us with any comments, questions, or suggestions at thespiritedenthusiast@gmail.com, follow us on Instagram (@spiritedenthusiast), share with spirits novices and enthusiasts alike, and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Cheers!
