iPhone Version of the WhiskyCast App

In March of 2010, the WhiskyCast smartphone app was released for the iPhone (available for free via iTunes). It featured direct access to the weekly WhiskyCast podcast, tasting notes and ratings for over 400 whiskies (written by Mark Gillespie, the founder of WhiskyCast), a calendar of events that lists various whisky related happenings from all around the world, and direct links to the WhiskyCast Twitter feed, Facebook page, and website archives.

Since I don’t have an iPhone, I had to be patient and wait for the Android version to be developed. Thankfully, the Android operating system has been very successful, so the wait was much shorter than expected. Right around Thanksgiving of last year, the Android verison of the WhiskyCast app was released. Here’s what it looks like:

Streaming Access to the Weekly Podcast

Direct Access to Whisk(e)y Reviews

After using this app for about six months, I am happy to report that it performs as advertised. Although I still access the WhiskyCast podcast via iTunes, I have occasionally streamed the weekly episodes over a Wi-Fi or 3G network on those occasions when I am not carrying my iPod. I have also referred to Mr. Gillespie’s tasting notes on several occasions while making new whisky purchases. I have only two criticisms about this product:

1. Load times for podcast episodes and tasting notes can be quite long. Keep in mind that I am using this app on the first generation Motorola Droid which has gotten progressively slower over the past 18 months of ownership. That being said, I’m not sure if it’s the app, the phone, or Verizon’s network that is causing the problem. I’d be curious to see if it works faster on the iPhone or on AT&T’s network. I will say that once everything loads, it works flawlessly.
2. Mr. Gillespie has access to whiskies that the vast majority will never get to try, e.g the Glennfiddich 50 which he gives a rating of 98 was a very limited, 500 bottle release. Reading his tasting notes can be equal parts fun and frustration! Perhaps WhiskyCast app 2.0 will come with free samples. One can only hope!

If you happen to use this product, please tell us about your experiences. I’m curious to hear how it works on the iPhone and AT&T’s wireless network.