The drink this week is Jacob’s Pardon Small Batch American Whiskey Batch #2, coming in at 109.3 proof. Tony and Fingers find vanilla, brown sugar, oak, butterscotch, a little heat, and enough flavor to make it a serious contender for the year-end list.

Also on the show: Beyond Meat wants to become a protein drink company. Is that a smart pivot, or should they lean into brisket-flavored beverages and shock the world? Tony and Fingers talk summer foods, ribs, grilling, watermelon feta orzo salad, frozen grapes, and why kale should maybe just go directly into the trash.

Plus, bourbon layoffs continue as the industry faces a serious slowdown. Is it tariffs, changing drinking habits, GLP-1 drugs, oversupply, or all of the above? The guys break it down.

And in News of the Week: the 2027 Masters ticket lottery is open, the White House Correspondents Dinner has been rescheduled, and the FCC says you may want to turn off Bluetooth when you are not using it.

Light up, pour a drink, and enjoy another episode of Eat Drink Smoke.

Find everything at EatDrinkSmokeShow.com.

The cigar opens with leather, pepper, spice, and a debate over whether the finish is wood or bitter espresso. Because obviously, this is where civilization hangs in the balance.

Also on the Happy Hour: Tony talks about his early-morning Indy 500 tradition, Fingers considers upgrading his Masterbuilt Gravity Series grill, and the guys get into Memorial Day barbecue plans, brisket strategy, ribs, grill deals, Cracker Barrel’s summer giveaway, Allegiant Air filling part of the Spirit Airlines void, and whether ordering Cracker Barrel for delivery is a crime against the Republic.

Plus, Defiance Beef, smoked sirloin tip, reverse-seared steak, brisket logistics, and the eternal truth: there is no one “right” way to barbecue, despite what the brisket weirdos on the internet keep telling you.

Find everything at EatDrinkSmokeShow.com.

The cigar brings early pepper, leather, wood, and a mellowing medium profile that makes a strong case for the humidor. The bourbon turns out to be a hidden gem, with oak, vanilla, fruit, a rich mouthfeel, and a shockingly smooth finish for nearly 110 proof.

Also this week: Memorial Day grilling, Indy 500 cigar traditions, brisket plans, grill deals, Masterbuilt vs. Traeger talk, Allegiant filling Spirit Airlines routes, Cracker Barrel giveaways, old-school lunches, used car chaos, EV range anxiety, and whether anyone should ever order Cracker Barrel delivery.

Plus, Tony explains why the radio call of the Indianapolis 500 is unlike anything else.

Find everything at EatDrinkSmokeShow.com.