This week, Exploring Information Security is excited to bring you a unique live recording that steps outside the digital world and into the heart of Kentucky and Indiana distilleries. We’re partnering with the Innocent Lives Foundation (ILF) for a special episode, where we dive into the art and experience of barrel picking. Our adventure took us to two iconic locations—Four Roses and Starlight Distillery—where we set out to find exceptional barrels and create a meaningful connection between the worlds of whiskey and cyber awareness.

Why a Barrel-Picking Adventure?

While cybersecurity and barrel picking might seem worlds apart, this journey is about more than just tasting whiskey. It’s about discovering the unique stories, craftsmanship, and community that make each barrel something special. For this live recording, we’re blending our curiosity for great whiskey with our commitment to the Innocent Lives Foundation’s important mission: protecting children from online exploitation.

Our Trip to Four Roses and Starlight Distillery

Our barrel-picking journey began at Four Roses, known for its distinctive, rich flavor profiles, and continued to Starlight Distillery, where each barrel tells its own story. At each stop, we dove into the meticulous process of selecting barrels, learning how master distillers and their teams create diverse flavors and memorable experiences.

Each barrel pick wasn’t just about taste—it was a sensory experience that engaged sight, smell, and sound. We discovered how small variations in wood, weather, and aging environments can shape a barrel's character and flavor. Selecting a barrel that stood out from the rest required both intuition and collaboration—a bit like finding the right approach to solving cybersecurity challenges.

Behind the Scenes: The Art of Barrel Picking

So, how does one go about picking a barrel? It starts with identifying what makes each barrel unique. From the moment we began the tasting process, we immersed ourselves in a symphony of aromas, textures, and flavors that define each barrel’s character. Some barrels surprised us with unexpected hints of fruit or spice, while others stood out for their smooth, rich finish. These discoveries weren’t just thrilling—they were a reminder of the craftsmanship and care that goes into every bottle.

Memorable Moments and Incredible People

One of the highlights of this journey was meeting the people behind the barrels. We heard stories from master distillers, learned about family traditions that have been passed down for generations, and saw firsthand the dedication it takes to produce high-quality spirits. These connections deepened our appreciation for the process and made each tasting session more meaningful.

Connecting the Dots: How This Adventure Supports ILF’s Mission

While we tasted and shared stories, we kept the Innocent Lives Foundation’s mission at the heart of this journey. ILF is dedicated to protecting children from online predators by working behind the scenes to identify and support law enforcement in bringing these offenders to justice. Each barrel we picked represents a small way to support ILF’s efforts, as proceeds from the sales will go directly to support their work.

For us, this experience was about more than the whiskey—it was about using this adventure to make a difference.

If you’d like to grab your own bottle head over to Unicorn Auctions!

Join Us Live!

Ready to dive into the world of barrel picking with us? Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast, a cybersecurity pro, or a supporter of ILF’s mission, this episode promises to be packed with flavor, storytelling, and purpose.

🗓️ Tune in live around 6:30 PM ET on the ExploreSec YouTube channel: ExploreSec YouTube Channel. Join us for an unforgettable experience and discover the story behind each barrel we selected!