Sometimes international friendships don’t need formal agreements or official meetings. All it really takes is some good whiskey, a few guitars, and a lot of laughs.
That’s the spirit Rob and Mark brought to the latest episode of the Whiskey@Work podcast when they invited their longtime friends, Canadian rock band Arcana Kings, into the studio. The episode was full of sharp humor, shared memories, and some seriously strong whiskey.
Arcana Kings, known for their high-energy rock sound mixed with bagpipes, talked about recording at Vancouver’s famous Armoury Studios. This is the same place where major acts like Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and AC/DC once recorded, so stepping into that space felt electric for the band. They also looked back on their first trip to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, where they surprised everyone by pulling huge crowds and instantly making new fans.
Here’s something fans can look forward to. Arcana Kings will be back this August at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, playing at the Loud American Roadhouse. Expect new music, plenty of energy, and the kind of show that makes them one of the rally’s favorite acts.
Of course, no episode of Whiskey@Work would be complete without pouring a few drinks. The Canadians brought Lucky Bastard, a 92-proof single malt whisky from Saskatoon. Rob and Mark answered with Jack Daniel’s Coy Hill, a rare bourbon at 134.4 proof, known for being so strong you can’t even bring it onto a plane. What followed was a lot of laughter, some friendly trash talk, and genuine surprise at how smooth the Coy Hill turned out to be.
At the center of the conversation was something simple and real. As Mark put it, “We’re not politicians. We play music. We share stories. And today, we raise a glass together.” By the end, they sealed the moment with what they jokingly called the “Treaty of the Barrel,” promising that wherever there’s a bottle to share, friendship will always be on the table.
If you love whiskey, live music, or just hearing people connect in an authentic way, this episode is worth a listen. And if you’re heading to Sturgis this summer, make sure to catch Arcana Kings live. You won’t want to miss it.
