Frequently Asked Questions

The Liquor Connoisseur is a spirits education podcast and platform hosted by Crystal and Roger in Oklahoma City. Since 2020 we have produced 136+ episodes covering bourbon, tequila, cognac, rum, Scotch, mezcal, and craft spirits — firsthand reviews, brand deep-dives, and conversations with guests from across the industry.

Our approach is simple: open a bottle, work through its origin, tasting profile, and best serving methods, and give you something worth remembering whether you're brand new to spirits or deep into your collection.

Episodes are available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. New episodes release weekly.

A combination of listener submissions, our own curiosity, guest requests, and what's seasonally interesting or newly released. You can submit and vote on the next bottle through Pick the Next Pour — the winning pick gets credited on air.

Yes — we regularly invite brand representatives, distillers, and spirits educators. Submit your pitch through the Be a Guest page and we'll follow up if there's a fit.

We cover bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish whiskey, tequila, mezcal, cognac, rum, gin, vodka, and craft and regional spirits. We also occasionally cover amari, liqueurs, and ready-to-drink products when they're worth your attention.

Crystal and Roger taste every bottle together, with the label visible. We evaluate aroma, palate, texture, finish, and overall character using our four-step ritual: Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor. We form and record opinions separately before discussing — neither defers to the other.

We never assign numeric scores. Our reviews are descriptive, with both Crystal and Roger's perspectives published as written.

These labels indicate suitability for different experience levels — not quality rankings, hierarchy, or how much anyone should drink. Beginning means approachable for someone new to the category; Intermediate suits developing palates with some familiarity; Expert rewards deep category knowledge. A Beginning rating is never a criticism.

Yes. We accept complimentary samples for consideration and disclose the source on every review page. A free bottle has never guaranteed a good review — and it never will. Every review notes whether the bottle was purchased or provided at no cost.

No. We do not offer editorial approval, favorable coverage guarantees, or advance copy in exchange for samples, sponsorships, or access. Episode sponsorships and bottle sources are tracked separately — a brand sponsoring an episode is not the same as that brand's bottle receiving a complimentary review.

For the full policy, see our Editorial Standards.

Email [email protected] with the page URL, the specific claim, and your supporting evidence. We review every request. Substantive corrections are noted on the affected page with the date and nature of the change.

A guided spirits experience hosted live by Crystal and Roger. We walk your group through the history, culture, and science behind each pour — spanning multiple bottles, categories, and price points. Designed for corporate team events and private groups.

Tastings are based in Oklahoma City. We can accommodate your venue or connect you with a suitable location. Reach out through the Book a Tasting page and we'll discuss logistics.

Submit a request on the Book a Tasting page with your group size, preferred date, and any specific preferences. We'll follow up to confirm availability and details.

The Liquor Library is a personal collection tool. Add bottles to your digital shelf, write tasting notes, and track what you've explored. It connects to episodes and reviews so you can see exactly when and how a bottle was covered on the show.

Pour Wrapped is an annual recap of your Library activity: most poured, top category, highest rated, and longest streak — generated from your shelf data and designed to share. It runs annually, similar to year-end recap formats.

Perspection Spirits is a separate spirits brand co-owned by Crystal and Roger. Their first two releases are Apple Crisp Gin and Strawberry Coconut Vodka. It is a separate legal business from The Liquor Connoisseur.

No. Perspection products are not evaluated as independent TLC reviews. Any content featuring Perspection is clearly identified as affiliated. Our Editorial Standards explain the relationship in full.

Order online or find Perspection at retail locations in New York, Florida, and Oklahoma. Visit perspectionspirits.com for the full shop and store locator.

The Pourspective is The Liquor Connoisseur's newsletter — spirits education, cocktail recipes, brand spotlights, and honest reviews. It goes out to Connoisseurs who want to drink with more intention. Subscribe from the homepage or any page footer. You must be 21 or older.

Email [email protected] for general questions, corrections, tasting inquiries, and media requests. We read every message.