Topic: Bourbon

John C. Dvorak provides a "Tip of the Day" regarding Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon. He describes it as a high-quality "hamburger wine" available for around $10 to $12 that features a distinct oaky character. Dvorak explains the history of the Mondavi "Private Selection" label and recommends it for those who enjoy dark, well-made California wines at a budget price.

The European Union's threat to tax Kentucky bourbon was met with a counter-threat from Trump to tax European wine and champagne at 200%. This move successfully forced the EU to drop the bourbon tariff, though Senator Rand Paul remains critical of the administration's tactics.

The European Union prepares a calibrated response to U.S. tariffs, targeting 26 billion euros worth of American goods. The retaliation specifically focuses on products from politically sensitive Republican-led states, including bourbon, steel, aluminum, and motorcycles. These measures are scheduled to snap back at the end of March if negotiations fail.

Under the USMCA, the U.S. President has the unique right to renegotiate trade terms. Analysts suggest that while tariffs may cause immediate inflation and higher prices for goods like avocados and vehicles, the long-term economic pain will be greater for Canada and Mexico. Potential retaliatory targets from Canada include Kentucky bourbon, California orange juice, and Wisconsin dishwashers.

Fox News features warnings about "invisible suicide vests" and terrorist surges in 2025. Meanwhile, NPR expresses concern that Donald Trump's nomination of Kash Patel to lead the FBI will disrupt the agency's ability to prevent attacks, citing Patel's view of the FBI as part of the "deep state."

The New Year's Day vehicle attack in the New Orleans French Quarter is analyzed as a potential "six-week cycle" event used by the FBI to secure agency funding. Evidence including coolers containing explosives and an ISIS flag are noted as typical elements of such operations. Observations of the suspect's driving on Bourbon Street suggest he may not have been intentionally targeting pedestrians despite the resulting fatalities.

A deadly attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans involved a vehicle ramming pedestrians, resulting in 15 deaths. The suspect, Sham Sadeen Jabbar, was a U.S. Army veteran reportedly inspired by ISIS and the "Ultimate Mowing Machine" article in Al-Qaeda’s Inspire magazine. The FBI took immediate control of the investigation, citing the discovery of an ISIS flag in the suspect's rented Ford F-150.

Jeff Eberens, a former Louisville police officer, donated $333 after resigning due to poor leadership in the department. He moved his family to a 20-acre farm in Kentucky's bourbon country and became a part-owner of "Bear No's Pizza." Adam Curry provides a professional voiceover endorsement for the pizza location as requested.

Spotify is facing backlash from podcasters after placing Wild Turkey bourbon advertisements on various shows, including religious programs, without explicit creator consent. The hosts argue this highlights the lack of control creators have when using centralized hosting platforms.

References to "Dark Winter" and "Atlantic Storm" exercises are woven into a song about the "invisible killer" stalking its prey. The tone shifts to a celebratory rap marking 1300 episodes of No Agenda. The lyrics toast the "two goats" (Curry and Dvorak) with bourbon and mutton, while the artist expresses a desire to finally be knighted within the show's producer hierarchy.

A series of high-value donations from "Executive Producers" included a $1,000 contribution from a producer in Franklin, Texas, and a significant donation from a former Goldman Sachs employee who transitioned to running a distillery and a bread bank. Other producers used their notes to promote small businesses like 8-Bit Beard Co and HD Leadership, demonstrating the show's role in networking for independent entrepreneurs.

A formal knighting ceremony is held for several producers, including Dame Amy Eckman and Sir Eric Blazinski. The "Round Table" feast is described, featuring mutton, mead, Wagyu beef, and various requested spirits to honor the new knights and dames.

Duane Long, owner of Texas Dragon Barbecue, is knighted as "Sir Texas Dragon Knight of Flavor." He offers a discount code for No Agenda listeners and proposes a future barbecue meetup in Northeast Texas. The hosts discuss the merits of Texas-style brisket versus other meats.

President Donald Trump's proposed metal import tariffs have prompted the European Union and Japan to seek exemptions to avoid a global trade war. EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom indicated that the bloc might retaliate with 25% tariffs on American exports including Kentucky bourbon and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Belgian importers express concern that these measures could return trade relations to a 1950s-era protectionist state.

Anthony Jenking is dubbed Baronet Octane of Cambridge, while Elizabeth and Keith Johnson (Sir Big Johnson) are recognized as the "No Agenda Love Connection" from the Hudson Valley. Their donation includes a request to add "bourbon and Beccas" to the roundtable, referencing show-specific terminology for social archetypes.

David Wilson from Queensland, Australia, is knighted as Sir David John Wilson, Fencer of Minerva. This leads to a brief discussion about the sport of fencing (foil vs. saber). Brian Tobiason donates a palindrome amount ($180.81) and requests that Blanton's Bourbon be added to the roundtable.

The hosts sample Lead Slinger's Bourbon, a veteran-owned whiskey brand supporting the Second Amendment. This prompts a discussion on millennial marketing trends, where products like chocolate or seasoning must have an elaborate "backstory" or social cause to be successful. A custom tote bag from Mindy's Fabrications is also showcased.

John C. Dvorak shares a detailed recipe for Thanksgiving yams involving baking, scooping, and mixing with butter, heavy cream, bourbon, and maple syrup. He emphasizes the use of specialized heat-resistant gloves to handle the hot yams directly from the oven. The segment includes a brief discussion on turkey preparation and the trend of "shoving butter under the skin."

Following the Republican election sweep, President Obama suggested meeting with incoming Senate Leader Mitch McConnell for Kentucky bourbon to discuss potential compromises. The media highlighted the contrast between this gesture and Obama's previous jokes about McConnell at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Terry Gore (TG) is officially knighted as "Sir TG of My Left Tongue Foo" in a formal ceremony. The hosts recite the traditional list of "knightly" vices and virtues, including "hookers and blow" and "warm orange juice." The new knight is encouraged to claim his ring at the Noah Agenda Nation website.