The Modern Bar Cart Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 179 - Fire and Spice (Breaking Bloody - Part 4.1) Feb 18, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to the latest installment of our Breaking Bloody series, where we systematically break down the Bloody Mary cocktail to investigate what each of its myriad ingredients bring to the table.

This time around, we're getting saucy, maybe a little zesty, and perhaps un poco picante. That's right, we're talking about spice, that flavor that puts some pep in your step and some fire in your belly. This episode goes out to all you pepper-heads out there who enjoy some sweat on your brow and some zing in your chow, you hard-charging capsaicin crusaders, Sriracha muchachas, and Cholula chieftains. To be Frank, it's gonna be a red-hot ride, so hold on to your scovilles, pour yourself a glass of milk, and for the love of God, keep your hands away from your eyes (and other sundry mucous membranes).

Our expert guests include:

Dr. Alissa Nolden (Flavor researcher, University of Massachusetts)
John Shope (Pepper Head and Brand Ambassador, Catoctin Creek Distilling Co.)
Sarah Kolk (Research Scientist, Silver Spring Foods)
Dr. Dan McCall (Gettysburg Odor and Flavor Lab)

Episode 178 - American Cider Feb 11, 2021

Show notes

In this fruity, fermented conversation with Crag Cavallo and Dan Pucci, authors of American Cider, some of the topics we discuss include:

How each of these gentlemen fell in love with apples and cider through their shared experiences in the New York hospitality scene and their happy proximity to the Hudson Valley - one of our nation's most prolific apple hubs
Why cider developed differently in America than it did in Europe, and how different geographic, cultural, and economic factors contributed to various dark ages and revivals in the apple world.
Of course, we talk about different exciting apple varietals with cool names like "Northern Spy" and "Black Twig," as well as the four different categories that all cider apples can be placed into.
We explain the different decisions that cider makers encounter on their way to delicious ferments, including yeast, terroir, and naming conventions.
We offer tips for sourcing excellent cider for your home bar and even how to start experimenting with making your own cider,
And much, much more.

Episode 177 - The Future of Hospitality Education Feb 04, 2021

Show notes

In this interview with Professor Brian Connors of Florida International University, some of the topics we discuss include:

His travels through the world of hospitality and education, including stints at Cornell, and Johnson & Wales, time spent in Ireland and at Michelin star restaurants in France, and even a little bit of chef work on private yachts.
How Brian thinks about generalists and specialists in the hospitality space and what you can do to apply your unique skill set to a bar or restaurant career.
What Florida International University and Bacardi are doing to explore the new face of hospitality during a pandemic and prepare the next generation of chefs, bartenders, and managers for the challenges they'll face moving forward.
Why Bar Project 2021 took a page out of the tech industry's playbook by incorporating a sort of hospitality hackathon into their program.
Where Brian and I think the industry is headed as we continue our march into 2021 and beyond.
How to survive a drunken trip to Oaxaca with Hunter S. Thompson,
And much, much more

Episode 176 - Smoke & Leaded Crystal Jan 28, 2021

Show notes

In this mailbag episode, Eric answers questions from listeners concerning many bar-related topics, including:

At-home, DIY bar cart builds
The history of crystal spirits decanters and the woes of sourcing them affordably
How to play around with smoked cocktails without a fancy smoking gun
And much, much more.

Episode 175 - Intro to Aquavit with Christian Krogstad Jan 21, 2021

Show notes

In this Aquavit-driven conversation with Christian Krogstad, creator of Krogstad Aquavit, some of the topics we discuss include:

What differentiates Aquavit from other botanical spirits like gin and genever
How Christian noticed an impending gap in Aquavit imports and used it as an opportunity to develop and launch his own brand.
The place that this Nordic spirit holds in Scandinavian cuisine and culture, including which foods to pair it with.
A few cocktails to play around with as you begin to build out your Aquavit collection at home,
What to drink with a college-age Stephen Hawking,
And much, much more

Episode 174 - Indicate THIS Jan 14, 2021

Show notes

In this Bar Cart Foundations Episode, we take a deep dive into Geographical Indications - you know - those things that verify where your booze comes from. Some of the guests who share their wisdom in this compilation format include:

Melanie Asher, founder of Macchu Pisco
Effie Panagopoulous, founder of KLEOS Mastiha
RB Wolfensberger, distiller of Grey Wolf Spirits
Matt Pietrek, Rum Wonk
Lou Bank & Chava Periban, Hosts of the Agave Road Trip Podcast
Lance Winters, Master Distiller at St. George Spirits

The material we cover here is meant to be a crash course of sorts. There are many levels of nuance that we do not cover. However, if you're looking to understand the large-scale forces that affect the legal production and distribution of the spirits you drink, this is a great place to start.

MBC LIVE - Themed Tasting 1 - Jamaican Rum Jan 07, 2021

Show notes

In this first themed bottle tasting of 2021, we focus on Jamaican style rum, with two mass market bottles and two very special limited releases.

The bottles we taste, in order, are:

Appleton Estate 8 Reserve
Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaica Rum
Forsyth's WP Single Jamaican Rum 2005 (Barrel Aged for 10 years)
Forsyth's WP 502 Single Jamaican White Rum from 2015

Episode 173 - Last Call 2020 Dec 31, 2020

Show notes

In this year-in-review episode, we put the final nail in the coffin of 2020 so that hopefully it doesn't rise from the dead to haunt us. Some of the topics we covered include:

A bitter featured cocktail ("Eeyore's Requiem")
Podcast downloads and milestones by the numbers
Top trends and new legislation in 2020
What to look forward to in 2021
A holiday message from Eric

2020 Cocktail Holiday Gift Guide Dec 10, 2020

Show notes

Eric is joined for this Modern Bar Cart LIVE episode by co-founder Ethan Hall to discuss the best gifts to give (or request) for home bartenders and mixology fans. Some of the gifts they discuss include:

Boozy advent calendars
Engraved and local spirits
Cocktail mixer gift sets and variety packs
New and holiday-themed cocktail mixers
Clear ice solutions
Cocktail smoking devices
Fun and fancy glassware
Small format spirit and cocktail aging barrels
And much, much more

This is a super fun and informative chat for anyone who's wracking their brain trying to find the perfect holiday gift for themselves or for a loved one who enjoys cocktails and home bartending.

MBC LIVE - Bottle Reviews #1 Nov 26, 2020

Show notes

In this inaugural bottle review episode of Modern Bar Cart LIVE, Eric, Ethan, and Russell review four bottles from two craft brands. In order, they are:

Humboldt Distillery Organic Vodka (40% ABV)
Humboldt's Finest Hemp Infused Spirit (40% ABV)
Ten to One White Rum (45% ABV)
Ten to One Dark Rum (40% ABV)

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @modernbarcart for full reviews and bottle shots.

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