Whiskey, Music, and Martial Arts with Whisky in the 6

In this exciting episode of Distilling Greatness, we welcomed a unique guest whose life blends whiskey, music, and martial arts. Rob, a Canadian whiskey reviewer and the face behind the popular YouTube channel Whisky in the 6, joined Jeff Arnett, Master Distiller at Company Distilling, for a fascinating conversation. Rob’s journey, filled with a love for whiskey, music, and Muay Thai boxing, is one of passion and dedication to mastering multiple crafts.

Whisky in the 6: A Passion for Whiskey and Beyond

Rob’s YouTube channel, Whisky in the 6, has garnered a loyal following due to his insightful and honest reviews covering everything from Scotch to Bourbon. However, his interests don’t stop at whiskey. Rob is also a musician in the band Saints and Mountains and has two decades of experience in Muay Thai boxing. He shares how these diverse passions keep him grounded, healthy, and inspired.

As a full-time elementary school teacher, Rob juggles his personal interests, family life, and career. The heart of his whiskey journey started at family cottages in Ontario, where he and his brothers shared a new bottle of whiskey each visit. “It’s about more than the drink itself—whiskey is meant to be shared,” Rob says. His goal with Whisky in the 6 is to help people enjoy whiskey without breaking the bank, providing honest reviews to save his audience from falling for the hype around overpriced bottles.

Balancing Passions: Whiskey, Music, and Martial Arts

Rob’s story is compelling because he balances his various passions. With a full-time teaching job, running a YouTube channel, practicing and teaching Muay Thai, and performing with his band, one might wonder how he finds time for everything. Rob credits his success to prioritizing health through martial arts, passion through music and whiskey, and balance through his family life. His dedication to Muay Thai is not only about physical fitness but also about mental discipline. “Balance is key,” Rob emphasizes. He ensures that even with a busy schedule, he makes time for the things that keep him centered and energized.

Whiskey Reviews with Honesty and Depth

Rob’s whiskey reviews are known for being thorough and honest. He believes in helping people find great whiskey at a reasonable price, noting that not all high-priced bottles live up to the hype. Rob shared one of his most memorable reviews—the Jack Daniel’s Heritage Barrel. “It was like nothing I had ever tasted before,” he recalls, praising its unique flavor profile and value.

He also discussed a trend in the whiskey industry: smaller distilleries are creating artisanal spirits, which is causing larger brands to take notice. Rob believes this shift will eventually lead to more competitive pricing, giving consumers better value for their money.

Lessons from Jeff Arnett: Master Distiller’s Journey

Throughout the conversation, Jeff Arnett shares his experiences as a Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s and now at Company Distilling. He speaks about his pride in crafting Jack Daniel’s Heritage Barrel and its pivotal role in changing the brand’s competition strategy. Jeff also touches on the importance of yeast in whiskey production, a detail that often goes unnoticed but significantly impacts the flavor profile.

The two share a mutual appreciation for the complexity of whiskey-making and the camaraderie in the industry. Jeff’s journey from Procter & Gamble to Jack Daniel’s and eventually launching Company Distilling is a testament to following one’s passions and taking risks to pursue personal fulfillment.

Whiskey and Family: The Ultimate Gathering

When asked about his ideal “gather-around-whiskey” moment, Rob painted a picture of a cozy Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends, topped off with a great bottle of whiskey. “There’s something about fall in Ontario, turkey on the table, and whiskey in a glass,” he said. For Rob, whiskey is not just a drink—it’s an experience to be shared with loved ones, creating lasting memories.

This episode of Distilling Greatness showcases the incredible balance of passion, discipline, and dedication. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast, a martial arts fan, or someone looking for inspiration on balancing multiple interests, Rob’s story reminds us that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.