The Speakeasy

True That Nov 22, 2024

Sergio Mendoza’s family has been farming agave in the highlands of Jalisco for five generations. Five. And now he’s partnered with Jim Ruane to bring the world Cierto tequila. The two sit down with Greg to talk about Highland vs. Valley tequila, what it’s like to work with your uncle, the controversy over additives that won’t go away, and how exactly Sergio learned to balance three glasses in his fingertips at once.
Plus, Thanksgiving is coming up. I know right? Greg has some words of wisdom for anyone who isn’t feeling it this year.
Follow Cierto on Instagram at @ciertotequila
Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond
Fill out HRN’s listener survey at heritageradionetwork.org/survey and be entered to win a $250 gift card at Goldbelly!
Check out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.
And back by popular demand, Shaker & Spoon is bringing you another thrilling journey through the world of bitters! They come in small dashes, yet open up enormous and wide-ranging flavor possibilities! Check it out using our exclusive link just for Speakeasy listeners at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shakerandspoon/the-better-with-bitters-experience-the-journey-continues?ref=e0dh75

And now, without further ado, Greg's Thanksgiving cocktail recipe: Apple Bottom Gene

1.5oz Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy

.25oz Peychaud's Aperitivo

.75oz Lemon Juice

.5oz Orange Juice

.75oz Cinnamon Syrup

*Shake or pre-batch for larger gatherings. Top with ice and sparkling water for a collins or hot water for a toddy. Either way, lemon wheel garnish.

Photo Courtesy of Sergio Mendoza.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

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Talking Türkiye Nov 15, 2024

Live from the Turkish Coast, Shavinraj Gopinath joins Damon and Greg to talk about his gig as Group Beverage Manager for Maxx Royal Resorts, which sounds pretty sweet all things considered. Between discussing their foraging program, the elite level of hospitality he’s playing at and how the place even smells nice, Sha has the guys pretty much sold on a guest shift. He also discusses what it’s like to take on a mentorship role in hospitality.

Plus, Damon and Greg were on the road this weekend, to judge a cocktail competition and sample some delicious apple brandy respectively.

Follow Sha on Instagram at @thefairy_godfather

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Fill out HRN’s listener survey at heritageradionetwork.org/survey and be entered to win a $250 gift card at Goldbelly!

Check out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.

And back by popular demand, Shaker & Spoon is bringing you another thrilling journey through the world of bitters! They come in small dashes, yet open up enormous and wide-ranging flavor possibilities! Check it out using our exclusive link just for Speakeasy listeners at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shakerandspoon/the-better-with-bitters-experience-the-journey-continues?ref=e0dh75

Photo Courtesy of Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

Gin Living Color Nov 08, 2024

Feeling “ginspired” by the French Riviera? Tom Nichol and Matthieu Perrin sure were when they created the Gardener Gin, a bright, refreshing spirit with botanicals inspired by the beauty of France’s southern coast. The two of them sit down with Greg and Damon to talk about the genesis of this idea, working with a movie star (tune in to find out which one) and what color this particular spirit tastes like.
Plus: we’re not gonna talk about it. We are NOT going to talk about it.
Follow The Gardener on Instagram at @thegardener_gin
Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond
Fill out HRN’s listener survey at heritageradionetwork.org/survey and be entered to win a $250 gift card at Goldbelly!
Check out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.
And back by popular demand, Shaker & Spoon is bringing you another thrilling journey through the world of bitters! They come in small dashes, yet open up enormous and wide-ranging flavor possibilities! Check it out using our exclusive link just for Speakeasy listeners at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shakerandspoon/the-better-with-bitters-experience-the-journey-continues?ref=e0dh75

Photo Courtesy of The Gardener Gin.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

Deep Dive Into the Hive Nov 01, 2024

Claire Marin started out the way all distillers do - by keeping bees. The founder of Pollinator Spirits sits down with the band to talk about her first forays upstate, the move from making honey to making rye whiskey, and what she looks for when making her own not-Campari Campari. She also discusses the role her company’s namesake - those busy bees - play in her work and in our world.
Plus, Greg was warned he couldn’t talk about politics, so everyone gets baseball instead. Greg breaks down a controversial piece of fan interference from the World Series for the less-sports inclined.
Follow Joseph Solis on Instagram at @pollinator.spirits
Follow Maison Solis on Instagram at @beerealclaire
Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond
Fill out HRN’s listener survey at heritageradionetwork.org/survey and be entered to win a $250 gift card at Goldbelly!
Check out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.
And back by popular demand, Shaker & Spoon is bringing you another thrilling journey through the world of bitters! They come in small dashes, yet open up enormous and wide-ranging flavor possibilities! Check it out using our exclusive link just for Speakeasy listeners at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shakerandspoon/the-better-with-bitters-experience-the-journey-continues?ref=e0dh75

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

Step Up for Asheville Oct 28, 2024

A few weeks ago the city of Asheville, North Carolina was hit by a devastating hurricane. Lives were lost and the damage topped $50 billion. Danny Boyer manages The Crow & Quill, just one of many bars impacted by Hurricane Helene, and he sits down with Greg to discuss the extent of the damage, how Asheville is pulling together as a community, and what you as a listener can do to help. Plus, the two of them wax poetic about Western NC’s favorite gas station/bar which apparently also moonlights as a music venue. It turns out there’s very little Asheville’s gas stations can’t do.

Looking to make a difference? Donate to one (or all!) of these amazing organizations below:

The Crow Crew Relief Fund

Eda Rhyne

Follow The Crow & Quill on Instagram at @thecrowandquill

Follow Pansy Collective on Instagram at @pansy.collective

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

The Sweet Scent of Success Oct 25, 2024

A collector’s set with a blanco, a reposado, and an añejo? Yeah, we’ve seen it before. A fragrance collector’s set with those three varieties? Now you’re talking! Joseph D. Solis of Maison Solis sits down with Greg and Damon to talk about growing up as a fragrance collector, moving from the beverage space to the fragrance space, and how he adapted the essences of three different tequilas into scents you can wear. The world of fragrances and the world of spirits are very similar processes, and yet adapting one to the other isn’t easy. Tune in to find out how it’s done and what sunset at golden hour in an agave field smells like!
Plus, Halloweekend Part 1 is upon us! Greg and Damon talk about their plans and costumes gone awry.
Follow Joseph Solis on Instagram at @jdsolis
Follow Maison Solis on Instagram at @maisonsolis
Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond
Fill out HRN’s listener survey at heritageradionetwork.org/survey and be entered to win a $250 gift card at Goldbelly!
Check out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.
And back by popular demand, we’re bringing you another thrilling journey through the world of bitters! They come in small dashes, yet open up enormous and wide-ranging flavor possibilities! Check it out using our exclusive link just for Speakeasy listeners at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shakerandspoon/the-better-with-bitters-experience-the-journey-continues?ref=e0dh75

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

This is Rumming Oct 18, 2024

When it turned out everything he knew about Navy Rum was wrong, Alexandre Gabriel sailed out to set the record straight… and start making his own. The brains behind Maison Ferrand Cognac and Planteray Rum, Alexandre set about relearning everything he ever knew about this unique style of rum which resulted in a book - Exploring 300 Years of Royal Navy Rum & its Techniques - and Mister Fogg, a new bottling that bears the name of a real British navy veteran. Alexandre sits down with the band to talk about the journey, the knowledge, and the rum that is definitely rumming.
Follow Planteray on Instagram at @planterayrum
Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond
Check out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.
Back by popular demand, we’re bringing you another thrilling journey through the world of bitters! They come in small dashes, yet open up enormous and wide-ranging flavor possibilities! Check it out using our exclusive link just for Speakeasy listeners at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shakerandspoon/the-better-with-bitters-experience-the-journey-continues?ref=e0dh75

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

Spooky Megan Oct 11, 2024

Get your ten-foot Home Depot skeleton out on the lawn because it’s Spooky season y’all! Megan Rickerson, the owner of Brooklyn’s Someday Bar joins the band live from Portland Cocktail Week to talk about her journey from host to bartender to bar owner and all the tears and joy that entails. Megan talks about forging bonds with local lawmakers, cultivating a devoted band of regulars and occasionally, turning her whole bar into a haunted house, like she did for this year’s Black Lagoon. It’s Serious and Spooky and all-together ooky! Plus, her and Damon are neighbors, so tune in to find out what that’s like.
Plus, a bar that bans tank tops for men only? Greg smells some queer-phobia and the gang weighs in.
Follow Someday Bar on Instagram at: @somedaybarnyc
Follow Megan on Instagram at @megoslegos
Follow Black Lagoon on Instagram at @blacklagoonpopup
Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond
Check out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.
Back by popular demand, we’re bringing you another thrilling journey through the world of bitters! They come in small dashes, yet open up enormous and wide-ranging flavor possibilities! Check it out using our exclusive link just for Speakeasy listeners at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shakerandspoon/the-better-with-bitters-experience-the-journey-continues?ref=e0dh75

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

A Tip Top Bonus Episode Oct 11, 2024

Sam Ross, Joaquin Simo and Miles McQuarrie of Tip Top cocktails swung by the studio and we just couldn't say no to having them on! Tune in as they discuss their latest ventures in the RTD space and how it feels to be a powerful voice in a movement that's now in its twenties. Plus, how bout those Mets?? Find out how Sam's first group of friends in NYC is doing and how the gang is feeling about them.

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

Not Full Yet Oct 04, 2024

Named for the first woman ever to head the bar program at London’s Savoy Hotel, the Ada Coleman project provides a resource to shed a spotlight on women in the bar industry. Co-founders Kristine Bocchino and Kaitlin Wilkes-Back sit down with the band to discuss their searchable database of women+ bar professionals, how they view the progress they’ve made and the road ahead, and how naughty the phrase “hanky panky” was in its time.
Plus, Greg’s back from Mexico. Tune in for a raucous discussion of which rocks more: agave plants or Metallica.
Follow The Ada Coleman Project on Instagram at: @theadacolemanproject
Follow Kaitlin on Instagram at @kaitlinwilkesback
Follow Kristine on Instagram at @calfresco
Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond
Plus, something wicked this way comes from our friends at Shaker & Spoon. Their Mezcalloween IV: The Ill-Fated Inn Box is now shipping, featuring cocktails from Sother and Greg. The fridges are stocked and the doors are locked, so let’s get you checked in to check out the latest and greatest in macabre mezcal mixology! Learn more at shakerandspoon.com/pg/mezcalloween-iv-the-ill-fated-inn

Photo Courtesy of Ryan Snedden @bitterlemonmedia

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

Bittermilk and Beyond Sep 27, 2024

Bittermilk founders Joe and MariElena talk to us about the hurdles involved in creating brand of shelf stable cocktail compounds, switching branding to “cocktail mixers” and expanding to multiple line extensions including Barcoop Bevy, Drinkmanship, and Tipplemans all while juggling a growing family in South Carolina.

Follow Bittermilk on Instagram @DrinkBittermilk

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Photo Courtesy of Cameron Wilder.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

Finish the Bottle! Sep 20, 2024

Baijiu is the world’s most popular spirit by volume, easily. And yet most Americans don’t know what it is. Derek Sandhaus is on a mission to change that by introducing Ming River Baijiu (pronounced bye-JYO) to us westerners. He sits down with the band to talk about his journey from publishing to distilling (typical) adapting this ancestral spirit for American audiences, what makes baijiu baijiu anyway, and how it’s traditionally consumed in its native China. Spoiler, you’re supposed to drink the entire thing at once.
Plus, it’s Negroni Week baby! The band unpacks the history of the drink and the week that bears its name, now in its 11th year and discusses exactly how far you can get from that original trifecta of gin, campari and sweet vermouth and still call your concoction “a negroni.”
Follow Derek on Instagram at: @dlsandhaus
Follow Ming River on Instagram at @mingriverbaijiu
Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Enter to win Sother's bike and other cool prizes here: http://shakerandspoon.com/aperitivogiveaway. Ends 9/24.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

From Chaos to Clarity Sep 13, 2024

Chris Hunter started his first company at twenty-five, which makes sense once you hear what it was. The multi-time entrepreneur and creative force behind Koia sits down with the band to talk about his journey through the beverage space, beginning as a nightclub bouncer and ending as a holistic, health conscious dad. Oh, and along the way he also sparked one of the biggest beverage controversies of the 21st century and single-handedly changed federal law when he started a company that begins with “Four” and ends with “Loko”.
Plus, the thing you all come to the Speakeasy for: deep dive economic analysis! Greg unpacks the increasingly popular “no tax on tips” notion and why certain thinkers love to hate it.
Follow Chris on Instagram at: @__christopherhunter__
Follow Koia on Instagram and TikTok at @drinkkoia
Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Enter to win Sother's bike and other cool prizes here: http://shakerandspoon.com/aperitivogiveaway. Ends 9/24.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

Irish Wristwatch Sep 06, 2024

Ireland is in the house! It’s a Hibernian takeover of the Speakeasy as Daragh Flanagan of Bord Bia, Tim Herlihy of Lost Irish and Andy Ferreira of Cask In Cork sit down with the band to talk about the future of Irish bars and Irish spirits in the US. From the early days of Irish Whiskey to the exciting untapped potential of Poitin (pronounced “puh-CHEEN”) the guys talk about the fun stuff coming over from the Emerald Isle and - crucially - how to educate Americans about it. That’s where Daragh and Bord Bia come in, as the Irish government works to tell their North American friends about all the cool stuff they’re up to. Plus! What Damon, Sother and Greg did on their summer vacations.

Follow Bord Bia on Instagram at @bordbia
Follow Tim on Instagram at @lostirishtim
Follow Andy on Instagram at @andy__ferreira_ and @caskcork
Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

There's Always Money in the Banana Stand Aug 16, 2024

Ben Jones of Rhum Clement and Rhum JM beams into the show to talk about the rhums of St. Lucia and Martinique - what makes them distinct, what makes them delicious and what the American public makes of them anyway. He also debuts their new Bana Canne, which takes all the deliciousness of bananas and fuses it with the rhuminess of rhum. Plus, Damon’s back! Hear what he’s been up to and more this week!

Follow Rhum JM on Instagram at @rhumjmusa

Follow Rhum Clement on Instagram at @rhumclementusa

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Have a Conniption Aug 09, 2024

From gin-soaked martini olive connoisseur to distillery owner, Melissa Katrincic and gin go way back. This week she sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about her journey to making gin, from getting the business off the ground (in a control state no less!) to reshaping the way Americans think about gin. The results are alternatively citrusy, savory and purple. Plus, Greg’s alive! Barely. Hear how New Orleans almost took him down and now he’s back now and ready for more!

Follow Conniption Gin on Instagram at @conniptiongin

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Photo Courtesy of Daniel Turbert.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Katz Outta the Bag Aug 02, 2024

Allen Katz of New York Distilling Co. sits down with his old buddy Damon to discuss the state of modern distilling, what he’s up to at his shop in Brooklyn, and the new Jaywalk Rye they recently introduced to wild acclaim.

Follow New York Distilling Co. on Instagram at @nydistilling

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Big In Japan Jul 19, 2024

Paul Nakayama sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about Nikaido Shochu. Paul's journey into the world of shochu began with a 12-hour boat ride to a remote Japanese island on his honeymoon. Now he and his wife are the first to import Nikaido Shochu to the US. Tune in to hear about the magic of Koji, the place it occupies in modern Japan, and how it works in cocktails and highballs. Spoiler alert, but one answer might actually be “with Cherry Coke.” Plus, the state of the world kinda sucks right now but don’t worry. Greg has a plan to fix it.

Follow Paul on Instagram at @paulnakayama

Follow Nikaido on Instagram at @nikaido.shochu

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Obviously You're Not a Golfer Jul 12, 2024

Golf. It’s a sport enjoyed by millions of people and it can also be almost as divisive as modern politics. Can it only be enjoyed by the landed gentry and the country club set? Turner Lewis doesn’t think so and he’s out to prove the haters wrong with Fore Craft Cocktails, a line of RTDs designed for the golf course but, as tested by our boundary-pushing hosts, also thoroughly drinkable off of one. The brand founder sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about getting a cocktail line up and running in less than a year (and during a pandemic no less) why he had to drive a rental truck overnight from Wisconsin to Virginia, and what he thinks about ruining a good walk. Plus, Greg has a golf course encounter of his own to share. Tune in to hear about it!

Follow Fore on Instagram at @forecraftcocktails

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Cristal Clear Jul 05, 2024

Cristalino. What is it? Why is it? And perhaps most importantly, what does it taste like? Jaime Salas, Head of Agave Advocacy at Proximo Spirits sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about this latest innovation in the world of agave spirits, why it follows in a proud tradition of tequila innovation, and how he deals with the haters who need to be sold on his liquid. Plus, whiskey in Williamsburg, but probably not the one you’re thinking of. Greg is on an educational journey into the past, and he’s back to tell about it!

Follow Jaime on Instagram at @jthetequilaguy

Follow Dobel Tequila at @dobeltequila

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Bringing Up Baby Jane Jun 28, 2024

Hot dogs, white dog, and so much more comes up when Michele Clark and Sienna Jevremov sit down with Greg & Damon for a special Fourth of July episode of The Speakeasy! The two luminaries from Widow Jane talk about their new proprietary strain of “Baby Jane” corn and the ten year process of going from seeds in a field to bourbon in a glass. Plus, the historic neighborhood of Redhook, Brooklyn and all its fascinating characters continues to impress… and perhaps even give a certain whiskey its iconic flavor.

Follow Widow Jane on Instagram at @widowjane

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Forage Ahead Jun 21, 2024

Two of Suncliffe gins founders Ryan Lawrence and Tom Giddings join us to discuss how infusing vodka with items foraged in the Arizona desert during the pandemic led them to being gin producers. They also illuminate how opening a gin company during the pandemic was full of advantages that may not have otherwise existed. Timing is everything

Follow Suncliffe on Instagram at @suncliffegin

And don’t forget, After Dark Confession with Father Greg is coming up again in Brooklyn on 6/27! Mark your calendars now!

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Sapphe Space Jun 14, 2024

When Austa Somvichian-Clausen didn’t see a space for her and her former partner, she decided to make one. The creator of Grotto, a sapphic pop-up in New York’s Chinatown sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about building a space for queer women, what she does when the odd straight guy stumbles into it, and the state of lesbian bars and journalism in the age of apps. Plus, another successful BCB is in the books! Greg & Sother trade stories as they recuperate.

Follow Austa on Instagram at @austaclausen

Follow Grotto on Instagram and TikTok at @grotto.nyc

And don’t forget, After Dark Confession with Father Greg is coming up again in Brooklyn on 6/27! Mark your calendars now!

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Night of Trouble Jun 07, 2024

It’s June and Pride is popping up and popping off! Joining the band live from Mexico City Michael Aredes jumps in to talk about his journey in the service industry as a queer Chicano, his work to create welcoming spaces - including his new queer Latino popup, Noche Traviesa - and what it’s like to work at New York’s Superbueno now that it’s a year old and crushing the awards circuit, even scoring as high as no.2 on World’s Fifty Best. Plus, personalized Campari bottles? It turns out they’re a thing and now everybody’s gonna want one. Tune in to find out more!

Follow Michael on Instagram at @miichael.tr4vieso

Follow Noche Traviesa on Instagram at @n0che.tr4viesa.jaja

Upcoming Dates: Noche Traviesa at JoJo's Beloved in Atlanta: 6/17, 8pm After Dark Confession with Father Greg at Someday in Brooklyn: 6/27, 7pm Noche Traviesa at Superbueno in NYC: 6/30, 7pm

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Down n' Dirty May 31, 2024

ET (aka Eric Tecosky even though no one calls him that) wants to talk olive brine! The founder of Dirty Sue talks about his early days as a bartender (and even earlier days as a screenwriter), the lightbulb moment of offering olive brine in a bottle, and how he shifted from bartender to a dirt, salty, entrepreneur! Plus, Greg and Sother saw each other in three dimensions! What a time to be alive. And, congratulations to Krysia Rodak, winner of our Blueberry Mojito recipe contest! Get in touch to claim your prize!

Follow Eric on Instagram at @superhype1

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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From Cognac With Love May 24, 2024

Fourth generation cognac distiller Guillame Thomas is here to shake up the industry in the tastiest way possible! The founder and CEO of Martingale Cognac sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about doing something different in the world of French brandy and making some very tasty juice in the process. Plus, a beloved New York City icon finally embraces the future and we may not be ready for it.

Then, on Bottled in Bond, what is it like to work with your family… and be the steward of a legacy that goes back over a century. Become a regular to find out!

Follow Guillame on Instagram at @martingalecognac

Do you have a killer Blueberry mojito recipe? Send us your specs for a chance to win a signed copy of “The Cocktail Parlor - How Women Brought the Cocktail Home” and have your recipe featured at Tales of the Cocktail! Contest has been extended through 5/27 so send us your entries on instagram at @speakeasypodcast and @100ProofGreg before it’s too late!

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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What's Not to Like? May 17, 2024

Cocktails so likable you won’t be able to look away! That’s what Kaitlyn Stewart makes on her instagram channel, “Likeable Cocktails” and we’re here for us. This week she sits down with Greg and Sother to talk being the first Canadian winner of World Class, building a social media presence in lockdown and navigating the attention economy. Plus, Lego! Need we say more?
Then, on Bottled in Bond, how do you deal with trolls and haters online and still keep your sanity? Kaitlyn shares a few of her favorite tips including, surprisingly, popping in to occasionally stir the pot.
Follow Kaitlyn at @likeablecocktails on Instagram and Tiktok.
Do you have a killer Blueberry mojito recipe? Send us your specs for a chance to win a signed copy of “The Cocktail Parlor - How Women Brought the Cocktail Home” and have your recipe featured at Tales of the Cocktail! Contest ends on 5/20 so send us your entries on instagram at @speakeasypodcast and @100ProofGreg!
Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to see Greg embarrass a room full of strangers while dressed as a priest - and let’s be real, who hasn’t - your chance is coming up! After Dark Confessions with Father Greg is debuting Tuesday, May 21st at 7pm at Someday Bar in Downtown Brooklyn. Come out and cleanse your soul!
Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Photo Courtesy of Jayme Lang.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Simplecast

.

Good Publicity May 10, 2024

So you’ve put together a great bar, a great team, an awesome drinks menu… how do you let people know about it? Rachel Harrison of Rachel Harrison PR (fittingly enough) joins Sother and Greg to talk about the drinks PR game, what it’s like to do her job in the age of cocktail awards and online gossip, how to negotiate with prickly clients, and why public relations and bartending really aren’t all that different. Plus, a travel publicity pro with a fear of flying? How it works, and the one time it actually worked out okay.

Then, on Bottled in Bond, what do you do when the thing your business is most famous for is Led Zeppelin and Guns ‘n Roses trashing it? Become a regular to hear how Rachel spun the PR strategy for one of LA’s most infamous hotels.

Follow Rachel at @fwaychel

Follow her PR firm at @wearerhc

Do you have a killer Blueberry mojito recipe? Send us your specs for a chance to win a signed copy of “The Cocktail Parlor - How Women Brought the Cocktail Home” and have your recipe featured at Tales of the Cocktail! Contest ends on 5/20 so send us your entries on instagram at @speakeasypodcast and @100ProofGreg!

Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to see Greg embarrass a room full of strangers while dressed as a priest - and let’s be real, who hasn’t - your chance is coming up! After Dark Confessions with Father Greg is debuting Tuesday, May 21st at 7pm at Someday Bar in Downtown Brooklyn. Come out and cleanse your soul!

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Photo Courtesy of Brendan Burke.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Spring Break! Apr 26, 2024

The band is off for the next two weeks on spring break but to hear some bonus content in the meantime head on over to patreon.com/bottledinbond to become a regular!

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Look At You! Apr 19, 2024

Max Reis of Mirate wants us to look at what he’s doing and we’re all too happy to oblige, especially when it’s so sustainable and oh-so-tasty. The director at the Mexico-centric LA bar talks about the experience of introducing gringo guests to new flavors and ingredients, his decision to use “nogave” syrup, popping down to Tijuana for a little “research”, and where you can find pulque on the streets of Los Angeles.

Follow Max at @beerghost

Follow Mirate at @mirate.losangeles

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Here at HRN we’re celebrating our 15th year and deepening our commitment to giving voice to the next generation of food systems storytellers. And we need your help. Our internship and fellowship programs help activate new possibilities for underrepresented and underestimated young people—through experiential journalism, audio engineering, and production training. When you donate to help support these programs, you can be entered to win a dinner for 2 at an amazing restaurant in 1 of 8 cities, and tickets to a concert at a great venue in one of those cities. Thank you for supporting our work to educate the next generation of food systems storytellers!

Photo Courtesy of Sierra Prescott.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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No Laws When You're Drinking... Whiskey! Apr 12, 2024

Damon sits down with Al Laws from Laws Whiskey House in Colorado to talk about micro-distilling, the Colorado whiskey scene, and what it’s like to transition from the world of finance to the world of booze.

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Photo Courtesy of Laws Whiskey House.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Hospitality Comes In Many Flavors Mar 29, 2024

If two thirds of all cocktails are made at home, how come we only ever read about people who make cocktails in bars? That’s the question that Dr. Nicola Nice tackles when she returns to the Speakeasy to talk about her new book “The Cocktail Parlor: How Women Brought the Cocktail Home.” Together, she and the band talk about the often invisible and overlooked efforts of female pioneers that shaped the cocktail - and more importantly hospitality - into what it is today and discuss what we can do about the systemic forces that have kept their labor hidden for so long. Plus, Is Lancaster, PA the new hot destination for drinks? Tune in to find out!

Follow Nicola on Instagram at @nicola.nice

Follow her blog at www.thehostessdiaries.com

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Here at HRN we’re celebrating our 15th year and deepening our commitment to giving voice to the next generation of food systems storytellers. And we need your help. Our internship and fellowship programs help activate new possibilities for underrepresented and underestimated young people—through experiential journalism, audio engineering, and production training. When you donate to help support these programs, you can be entered to win a dinner for 2 at an amazing restaurant in 1 of 8 cities, and tickets to a concert at a great venue in one of those cities. Thank you for supporting our work to educate the next generation of food systems storytellers!

Photo Courtesy of CheersBabe photo.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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What the People Want Mar 22, 2024

A non-alc portfolio you say?? Yuna Asriyan sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about the consumers driving this trend - for once! - and what they want. That includes why they’re choosing to drink and not to drink, what they’re after in the world of mocktails and zero proof beverages, and why they’re making those choices in the first place. And of course, what it’s like to manage a brand portfolio with no booze whatsoever. Plus, why are working class folks so sour on the economy? Greg has a few theories. And on Bottled in Bond, Yuna and Greg get a chance to talk about some other recreationals making their way into the public discourse. Become a regular to tune in!

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Follow Yuna on Instagram at @sipswithyunz

Additionally, here at HRN we’re celebrating our 15th year and deepening our commitment to giving voice to the next generation of food systems storytellers. And we need your help. Our internship and fellowship programs help activate new possibilities for underrepresented and underestimated young people—through experiential journalism, audio engineering, and production training. When you donate to help support these programs, you can be entered to win a dinner for 2 at an amazing restaurant in 1 of 8 cities, and tickets to a concert at a great venue in one of those cities. Thank you for supporting our work to educate the next generation of food systems storytellers!

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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99 (Year-Old) Bottles of Booze on the Wall Mar 15, 2024

The bottles may be dusty but the conversation sure isn’t! Aaron Goldfarb, author of the new book "Dusty Booze: In Search of Vintage Spirits”, sits down with the band to talk about the wild paths you wind up on when you write a book about spirits that can be over a hundred years old, and the people who collect them. Learn why some things don’t taste like they used to and why some things never change, and what drives people to seek these relics out in the first place. Plus, Icelandic prohibition! Possibly the world’s weirdest? Tune in to hear some semi-informed, wildly unverified history.

Additionally, here at HRN we’re celebrating our 15th year and deepening our commitment to giving voice to the next generation of food systems storytellers. And we need your help. Our internship and fellowship programs help activate new possibilities for underrepresented and underestimated young people—through experiential journalism, audio engineering, and production training. When you donate to help support these programs, you can be entered to win a dinner for 2 at an amazing restaurant in 1 of 8 cities, and tickets to a concert at a great venue in one of those cities. Thank you for supporting our work to educate the next generation of food systems storytellers!

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

Photo Courtesy of Cory Smith.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Come As You Are Mar 08, 2024

Tiffanie Barriere, the drinking coach herself sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about her long and storied career behind - and in front of - many different bars. From the iconic “One Flew South” in Atlanta’s airport to helping empower folks who want to change the world, Tiffanie has been in lots of different situations and she’s been unapologetically herself in every single one. Tune in for a conversation that gets surprisingly deep about self-worth, the challenge of elevating black voices in a very white space, and the challenge of assigning a value to your work.

Plus (on a lighter note), White Claw has finally made an innovation that modern science had said was impossible. You heard it here first, the future is now.

Additionally, here at HRN we’re celebrating our 15th year and deepening our commitment to giving voice to the next generation of food systems storytellers. And we need your help. Our internship and fellowship programs help activate new possibilities for underrepresented and underestimated young people—through experiential journalism, audio engineering, and production training. When you donate to help support these programs, you can be entered to win a dinner for 2 at an amazing restaurant in 1 of 8 cities, and tickets to a concert at a great venue in one of those cities. Thank you for supporting our work to educate the next generation of food systems storytellers!

Photo Courtesy of Lynsey Weatherspoon.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Spinning Plates of Caviar Mar 01, 2024

The one and only Ms. Franky Marshall sits down with the band to talk about a singular career in the drinks industry. Cognac, events, behind the bar, in front of the bar, she’s done it all and tells all on an episode that’s very fun and very (sorry about this) frank. Plus, are there too many or too few agave? Journalists can’t seem to agree, even though whatever the answer, it’s bad. And, Sother’s check from Anheuser-Busch finally arrives. Tune in to hear how justice sounds in real time.

Photo Courtesy of Rose Callahan.

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Homecoming Feb 25, 2024

Aaaaand we’re back! You are listening to The Speakeasy on Heritage Radio Network where Greg, Sother, and Damon have all gathered for the first time in almost four years! It’s a great big love fest as the three of them catch up, talk about what they’re drinking these days and discuss what, if anything, will be the next mezcal. Plus, what, exactly, is that table doing? Tune in to find out.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Under the Influencers Feb 18, 2024

Elliott Clark, you’ve made it to eighty thousand followers! What are you gonna do now? That’s the question on everyone’s mind as Elliott, aka Apartment Bartender sits down with the band to talk building a personal brand, surviving the attention economy, and becoming a dad. He also talks about the process of writing and putting together his new book “Let’s Do Drinks” which is out in April and available for preorder now.

Plus, is Jimmy Fallon trolling us? The band talks about a new sketch with Fallon, Keegan Michael Key, and a special guest appearance by Boy George that seems an awful lot like it’s making fun of us, or at least who we used to be ten years ago.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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The Right Blend Feb 12, 2024

Blending. Distilling. What does it mean to “make” whiskey? Eboni Major joins Greg and Sother live from Birmingham, Alabama, to break down a day in the life of a whiskey blender (spoiler alert, there are a lot more spreadsheets than you might think), discuss her often winding path through the world of food and beverage, and open up about what it’s like as a Black woman in the bar community to hold a former employer accountable. Plus, real life vs. VR. Greg and Sother talk about what it was like finally being in the same room together and Greg shares the results of a head-to-head bartending challenge between a chatbot and a bunch of regular-ass humans.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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I Did Not Get ChatGPT to Name This Episode Feb 03, 2024

It’s a three-on-three pod-off as Rob, Greg, and Ariana from the “Drinking With Robots” podcast sit down with Greg, Sother, and Damon from… well, you know. The DWR team is getting ready to launch a second season of their show, which pits human bartenders against chatbots in a battle for cocktail supremacy, but first they come on the show to talk the rise (and pitfalls) of generative AI, what it’s like to compare people with robots, and the unexpected pairing of a bespoke bitters company and Microsoft. Plus… crab whiskey? …there’s nothing else to say just… crab whiskey? Tune in to find out.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

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Whyn? Jan 25, 2024

Live from the future (and Australia) Aaron Trotman sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about Non, his zero-proof… wine? Wine alternative? Liquid? Beyond the failure of the English language to discuss these drinks the convo covers what’s in them, where the inspiration for a non-alc comes from, and whether or not Dry January is a good thing. Plus, James Beard nods are out, and a couple entries from New York made the list - one you’re expecting and one that may surprise you.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Year of the Rabbit Jan 19, 2024

All the way from South Korea, Bran Hill joins the band to talk about Tokki Soju - what it is, how it’s made and most importantly, how it’s being sold these days to a customer base that’s just getting to know it here in the U.S., and it rediscovering it in its home country. Plus, it’s awards season! A certain restaurant themed show is racking up the trophies this year but what does that mean for those of us who’ve actually lived it, instead of just playing it on TV?

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Singani's 63 Jan 14, 2024

Happy New Year Everybody! The band rings in 2024 with very special guests Luis Granier and Steven Soderbergh of Singani 63. The conversation ranges from what the heck Singani is anyway, to getting it behind bars, to the centuries old tradition of growing these very special grapes high in the mountains of Bolivia to - of course, because it’s Damon - the bottle design. An extra special set of guests and a really unique spirit, what’s not to love? Plus, is New Years Eve getting tamer or is the band just getting older? Further study is needed.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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‘23 and Me Dec 19, 2023

In the return of their multi-platinum end-of-year wrapup show, Damon, Sother, and Greg look back on 2023, the year that… sort of was? From labor trends to increasingly odd spirits to the seemingly inexhaustible longevity of the Espresso Martini, there’s a lot to talk about and a lot to look forward to. Oh yeah, and we made a pretty cool cocktail box and won a pretty cool plate too.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Rox and Roll Dec 01, 2023

From microscopy to distilling and back again, Rox Tiburolobo has had quite the life. This week he sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about the wild, winding path that led him to Corning & Company Distillers (by way of Helsinki) and all the places he’s drawn inspiration from along the way, including the ancestral corn beers made by indigenous communities. A distiller of Chiricahua Apache Nde and Rarámuri descent, Rox talks about how that’s inspired him and how we can do better with indigenous representation in the drinks community. Plus, Greg’s back behind the bar! Come see him Wednesdays at Boulton & Watt, should you happen to be in the neighborhood, and find out what’s changed about bartending in the last four years.

Follow Rox on Instagram @el_tiburolobo and @corningandcompany and check out Ancestral Agave at ancestralagave.com

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Bringing in the Staves Nov 17, 2023

Today Damon sits down with Joe Giildenzopf and Brad Neathery, founders of Texas-based custom whiskey company Oak and Eden, to discuss a new way of thinking about influenced, infused, and inspired whiskey finishes. Damon even created a personal whiskey during their interview on Oak and Eden's website with their amazing Whiskey Customizer! Check them out at their outpost tasting rooms locations in Texas, or on their website to easily buy and customize a bottle of whiskey for yourself or for an incredible holiday gift!

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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This Life Nov 10, 2023

Danielle Goldtooth of the Diné nation and her husband Alan Moore sit down with the band to talk about land: what grows there, what can we do with it, and how can we undo some of our ingrained and damaging ideas? The conversation ranges from food sovereignty to foraging, with a detour to talk about some accidental cucumber/melon hybrids along the way. Plus, unions at Death and Co? In the wake of this week’s election the band gets thoughtful about the future of labor unions in craft cocktail bars.

Follow Danielle and Alan on instagram at @danielle.goldtooth and @dii_iina_food

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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(smooth) BRRRAAAAAAINNSS!! Nov 03, 2023

It’s Day 5 of Halloweekend and The Band is holding it together… barely. Fortunately the illuminating Éva Pelczer is in the studio to talk Del Maguey, the rise of mezcal, and dia de los muertos! In the years since this funky Mexican spirit went nuclear a lot has changed in the bar landscape and Éva's here to walk the crew through it. Gently, please. Plus, is the Chartreuse shortage fake news?? Sother’s back from visiting the source and has some reporting to do that may surprise you. And it’s the last call for the better with bitters kickstarter! If you want to be a part of this bitter experience speak now or forever hold your peace!

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Preach Baby! Oct 27, 2023

Jordan Hughes, aka the High Proof Preacher sits down with Greg to talk about how exactly a youth pastor winds up publishing a cocktail book in the first place. From photography to a well-traveled instagram to eventually unleashing the Parmesan espresso martini on the world, Jordan’s had quite a legacy in the community and there’s plenty more to come. Plus, are the kids alright? They’re certainly drinking less, but is that necessarily a good thing? If you’re interested in signing up for Jordan’s Cocktail Camera 101 class use this link and the promo code SPEAKEASYPOD for 50% off enrollment.

And if you’re a bartender applying for free tuition, click here.

Photo Courtesy of Jordan Hughes.

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Classical Jazz Oct 20, 2023

Han Suk Cho has an impressive set of titles. Founder of Zero Proof. Lead bartender of Kato's boozy and non-alcoholic offerings. Punch’s 2023 Best New Bartender of the year. And classical music composer. No big deal. This week she sits down with Greg and Sother to talk transitioning from back of house to the front, establishing her niche in the industry, and building a career that lasts. Plus, what’s Sother spicy about this week? Check out his new kickstarter to find out!

Photo Courtesy of Dylan Ho.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Enjoy Your Stay Oct 12, 2023

Imagine running 6,700 different properties on six continents. Okay, now pick yourself up off the floor and tune in to this week’s Speakeasy where the band sits down with Adam Crocini, the senior vice president and global head of food and beverage brands at Hilton. Yes, that Hilton. Hear about what it’s like to run a company of that magnitude, curate individual experiences and adapt to changing tastes on a global scale. Plus, Greg went down a mine earlier this week and came back with… whiskey? And Sother is bitter again! He’s launching a new bitter experience with Shaker & Spoon, check it out here.

Photo Courtesy of Hilton.

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Not a Ton of Fire, but Still Some Fire Oct 05, 2023

Nicolas O’Connor of Apotheke (say that one out loud) sits down with the band to talk about building a distinctive brand identity, being an OG cocktail bar down an odd little side alley in Chinatown, and the relative merits of lighting your bartop on fire. How do you take someplace iconic and make sure that spirit doesn’t get lost when you move to a new locale? Tune in to find out! Plus, Sother is bitter again! He’s launching a new bitter experience with Shaker & Spoon, check it out here.

Photo Courtesy of theiiagency.

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The Pop-up From the Black Lagoon! Sep 22, 2023

It’s Decorative Gourd Season, Motherfuckers! Kelsey Ramage and Erin Hayes, the creative forces behind the spooky season popup Black Lagoon pop by to chat inspiration, metal bars, franchising a takeover, and where you can find their hell-raising cocktails this autumn! Plus, rivers of wine in Portugal, DUIs on horseback, and Greg finds out in real time that Ron Jeremy is canceled. All that and more on this episode so stay tuned!

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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A Grand Old Time Sep 15, 2023

Kailee and Jason Asher from Century Grand in Phoenix sit down with the band to talk about their recent “Best Cocktail Bar” win at Tales of the Cocktail, building a sustainable (and profitable) bar program and creating immersive experiences. Wanna drink craft cocktails on a train? Better book your flight to Arizona. Plus, Sother’s back from Milwaukee and shares his thoughts on the band’s collaboration on a Speakeasy cocktail box with Shaker and Spoon.

Photo Courtesy of Grace Stufkosky.

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Unboxing Sep 07, 2023

It’s a podcollaboration! Anna Gorovoy and Mike Milyavsky of Shaker & Spoon swing by the studio to talk about their latest cocktail box, which just so happens to have been designed by the guys behind the Speakeasy! Tune in as they talk gin, the art of making cocktail kits to ship, and how their business has grown over the years. Plus, what Greg and Damon got up to on their summer vacations.

Want to grab a Speakeasy cocktail kit of your very own? Check it out here: https://shakerandspoon.com/pg/the-speakeasy-box

Photo Courtesy of Shaker & Spoon.

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January Spirits Aug 31, 2023

Lucky Preksto and Jon Langley from the newly established January Spirits share with us the the path they’ve taken to bring a spirit brand that includes a gin, genepy, and an amaro to market.

Photo Courtesy of Chad Arnholt.

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Not the Last Word Aug 04, 2023

In a special on-location dispatch episode from New Orleans, Sother sits down with Karl duHoffmann and Regan Doughty of Preiss Imports to investigate possible alternatives to the now dwindling availability of Chartreuse. Together they sample several examples of Joaquín Simó’s neo classic Naked and Famous as well as the venerable Last Word cocktail. Though they all agree the differences are notable, it’s clear that there are some viable options for substitution as well as avenues for innovation.

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Not to Brag, But... Aug 03, 2023

Elayne Duff, Director of Advocacy for Samson & Surrey, founder of the Beverage BA Academy and all around bar all-star (and former rescuer) sits down with the band to talk brand ambassadorship, keeping busy, when to stay humble and when to brag just a little bit. Plus, one of her brands has a new collaboration with Alice In Chains, so you should check it out. Oh, and there’s a little bit of housekeeping news on the show from last week too. You might wanna tune in to check it out :)

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The Oslo-down Jul 28, 2023

Adrian Michalcek joins Greg and Damon live from Norway where he’s the head bartender at Pier 42 to talk storytelling, sustainability and what it means to welcome guests in with your hospitality. Plus, it’s Tales of the Cocktail week everyone! Remember to drink lots of water, get a reasonable amount of rest, and take everything in moderation, including moderation. Have fun out there kids!

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Tropical Standard Jul 20, 2023

Garret Richard and Ben Schaffer have released their book Tropical Standard and it’s a forward thinking look under the hood of everything we thought we knew about tropical cocktails. Together they apply modern techniques and tools to reinterpret classics as well as forge new paths to delicious drinks all in a manner that’s easily understood and digestible.

We’re also quite excited that Michelin is giving more credence to the cocktail world and our dear friend Austin Hennelly took home the Exceptional Cocktails 2023 award last night!

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B Good Jul 13, 2023

Jamie Hunt of Fast Penny Spirits and Kim Harmon of Maker’s Mark sit down with the band to talk B Corps - what they are, how you become one, and what a force for good they can be in the world. Far from a lecture from your CPA, this is a model for how distilleries of all sizes - and schools, offices, and businesses of all flavors - can do better. Plus, robot dates that stand you up? They’re available for hire and according to some, they’re already here. Tune in to learn more!

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Whey Cool Jul 06, 2023

We all know the nursery rhyme but what exactly is whey? And can you make booze out of it? Greg sits down with Emily Darchuk, founder of Wheyward Spirits to discuss this new category of spirits; where it came from, how it’s helping the planet, and what, exactly, fermented whey tastes like. Plus, happy belated Fourth of July everyone! Greg gives a quick update on the state of the union alongside a few things to be happy about this Independence Day.

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We All Need Space Jun 30, 2023

Where have all the lesbian bars gone? Greg sits down with Erica Rose, co-founder and co-director of the Lesbian Bar Project, to talk about the dwindling number of these spaces, and what they represent in the first place. The conversation ranges from New York to DC to Berlin to Mobile, Alabama, as they talk about the need for these spaces in the service industry and the queer community, as well as what some folks are doing to save them. Plus, New York’s beloved haze is back, and just in time for the Fourth of July. Stay tuned to find out how much of it wound up in Greg’s lungs this week!

Photo courtesy of Jackie Abbott.

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In Good Taste Jun 22, 2023

Ever wondered why certain smells make you think of different flavors? How certain colors and even music affect flavors? Or whether Dijon mustard would be good in a brownie? Mandy Naglich, author of How To Taste joins Greg and Sother to discuss the science of tasting on a chemical, biological, cultural, and competitive level. You’ll have a newfound appreciation for all the hard work your tongue does after this. Plus, it’s the first day of summer in NYC! Greg and Sother talk about upcoming warm weather travel, including an upcoming trip to New Orleans. Stay tuned!

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One Drink Hill Jun 16, 2023

John deBary, author of “Drink What You Want” and the upcoming “Saved by the Bellini” sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about, what else? The 90s. Bucket hats, low rise jeans, Melrose Place and how all those relate to fun tasty cocktails abound in this episode. Plus, they talk about two things that have proven surprisingly tricky when it comes to the world of cocktails - taking care of yourself and having fun. Alternatively goofy and serious, this is one chat that pairs well with nostalgia and an old boyband cassette.

Photo credit Aaron Robin (@someonesproblem)

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Be Proud Jun 08, 2023

It’s Pride Month and Greg and Damon are joined by Chris Cabrera, longtime industry advocate and LGBTQ+ activist. In a year where Pride feels different from previous ones, the guys discuss what it means to be an ally, what to make of this current moment where civil rights are backsliding, and how the bar community, as a longtime home for queer folks, can continue to offer comfort and space to regroup and fight back. And on Bottled in Bond, Greg and Chris talk about corporate responsibility and rainbow washing, and how big brands can do better and doing right. If you want to check out more of what Chris is doing and see how you can get involved, check out anotherroundanotherrally.org/

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Good To-Go Jun 01, 2023

Summer is here in NYC and that means boomerangs, nutcrackers at the beach, and sneaky lil flasks and pouches bearing gifts for friends, family, and maybe just yourself. So of course it’s perfect timing for the band to sit down with Spank & News, the duo behind Trap Kitchen (f/Maxwell Britten) to talk about their new book Trap Kitchen III: The Art of Street Cocktails. To-Go cocktails had a real renaissance a few summers ago (for some reason) and now we’ve a handsome book talking about where they came from, what they look like, and how you too can sip in style with a simple trip to the bodega. And your local liquor store.

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Health, Care May 24, 2023

In a jam-packed episode of The Speakeasy, Sother and Greg sit down with Deborah Brenner and Aaron Gregory Smith to talk about their new joint venture between Women of the Vine & Spirits and the USBG. Their mission? Provide support - not just healthcare but honest-to-god resources and support and actual human beings - for bartenders everywhere, whenever it’s needed. How they pulled it off was no easy feat but getting involved is; check out wotvsfoundation.org

Plus, Greg’s been tempting fate and getting chatbots to design cocktails for him. Is his palate still better than a robot, or is he putting himself out of a job? Find out at tiktok.com/@100_proofgreg

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Yes Please! May 18, 2023

Fresh off of scoring Number One on North America’s 50 Best bars, Faye Chen and GN Chan sit down with the band to talk about their still young and already award winning SoHo bar Double Chicken Please. A combination watering hole and design studio, GN and Faye talk about DCP’s approach to breaking cocktails and dishes down and then building them up again and building a community around a staff that brings six different languages to the table. Plus, Damon’s on the road again. Listen to where he’s been and what everyone else got up to on spring break by tuning in now.

Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Rosario.

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Fifty Best Wishes! Apr 27, 2023

The band’s all here! Damon’s back after someone finally made an honest man out of him! And just in time to sit down with Mark Sansom of World’s 50 Best Bars to talk the origins of the list, how it’s put together, the big big task of ranking the 50 best of anything in the first place, and what they’ve got cooking in the next few months (and weeks!) Highlights include the first time the ceremony has ever taken place in Asia, an imminent awards show in Mexico, and the challenge of getting hundreds of Nick & Nora glasses into a city that only has a couple dozen. How did they do it?? Tune in to find out!

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Mountain Due Diligence Apr 20, 2023

Aaron Polsky, founder of the original alcoholic RTD brand Livewire sits down with Greg and Sother to talk entrepreneurship, the weird things you find yourself doing sometimes when you make drinks for a living, and a certain turf war with a little company called Pepsi. Plus Damon is getting married and Greg became the oldest person on TikTok earlier this month. Tune in to find out what he’s up to.

Photo Courtesy of Rick Rodney.

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An Exchange of Ideas Apr 12, 2023

Rum! We Love Rum! I mean, uh, Dawn Davies of the Whisky Exchange sits down with the band to talk about all manner of things, rum being very much one of them. Guilty pleasures, flavor inflation, working for a department store, and the underrated holiday of Mitchmas all get their time on air so tune in. Plus, Sother’s back! Hear about what he’s been up to and if you guessed the correct number of bars he’s opened in our sweepstakes.

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"Don't Start a Mezcal Company" Apr 07, 2023

“Don’t start a mezcal company.” That’s the advice that led Dalton Kreiss, ultimately, to start a mezcal company. Since then Maguey Melate has grown into a monthly subscription box and mezcalero encyclopedia sharing knowledge of agave spirits from all over Mexico all over the world. Listen in as Dalton sits down with Greg and Damon to talk founding a business, living all over the world, and how not to be just another gringo trying to make a buck off agave. Plus, Damon confuses a work sample with a wedding present. Stay tuned.

Photo Courtesy of Maguey Melate.

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Old Family Recipes Mar 30, 2023

Bea Bradsell - drinks professional, author, lifelong hospitality enthusiast, and little sister to the espresso martini - sits down with Greg and Damon to talk about getting started behind the bar at an early age, projecting hospitality in all forms (including photo shoots), and what it’s like to find yourself the guardian of a bartending legacy. PLUS: I’m going out for just one drink. We’ve all said it and all of us have been lying. Why do we do this to ourselves and is there some secret appeal to the self deception? Tune in and find out!

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Chocktails Mar 23, 2023

The one and only Chockie Tom - Indigenous activist and bartender extraordinaire - sits down with Greg and Damon to talk about bartending in a post-colonial age. In other words, being respectful of where the ingredients you use come from, how they’re grown, the heritage behind them ,and the reality of what they mean now. Also, Doom metal. Plus, are risk-taking and an affinity for bitter flavors linked? Science certainly seems to think so. Tune in to find out how!

Photo Courtesy of Dmitri Wildfong-Nishman.

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Burger Royalty Mar 16, 2023

Live from Durham, NC, Greg and Sother sit down with Sean Umstead and Michelle Vanderwalker of Kingfisher, QueenBurger, and Queeny’s to talk about building a bar, a cocktail program, and a brand outside of a major market city, designing a hand-crafted tile bartop, and of course, the great burger pivot over the early 2020s. Plus, ChatGPT has now passed level three of the master somm exam - what does that mean for everyone who’s been leaning on that resume line? And, The Speakeasy welcomes its youngest ever guest - Michelle’s son, Claude, who’s only two decades and seven months away from the legal drinking age.
———————————————— #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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Dive Hard Mar 09, 2023

Greg and Sother catch up with Dan Watson and Tommy Shaffner of Never Say Dive in Cleveland to chat about building out that most beloved and elusive of concepts: the upscale dive. Plus, a whiskey fungus that’s enveloping an entire Tennessee town and the art and science of naming cocktails.

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A Show Which Will Live In Vinfamy Mar 02, 2023

Greg and Damon geek out about wine, storytelling, podcasts, and murder with Ashley Smith, host of the new podcast Vinfamous from Wine Enthusiast and Pod People. Her show covers fraud, arson, and even murder connected to the wine industry, and this show is here to talk about all of it! Check out their first episode and subscribe here!

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Make the Jump! Feb 22, 2023

Tennessee native Alex Jump joins us to discuss fearlessly leaving her position as bar manager at Death & Co Denver to start her own consultancy called Dim Lights Hospitality. She’s also passionate about better representation in our sector surrounding mental and physical health as well as striking the ever elusive Life/Work balance. She’s also slated to be the fist woman to make the Ride to Tales this summer, a motorcycle convoy from Denver to New Orleans.

Plus, Sother ate meat with his bare hands at Gage & Tollner on Mardi Gras. Tune in!

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Turn It Up to 500! Feb 16, 2023

Speakeasy number 500 comes rocking onto the airwaves with Chad Solomon of Slow & Low. Between him and the band we cover the history of rye whiskey, the labor movement, Jersey lightning, a liquor scandal in Oregon, and everything in between. Plus, a special thank you to HRN and our awesome listeners for sticking with us after twelve years. Here’s to 500 more!

The Speakeasy is nominated for a viewer’s choice TASTE AWARD. Cast your vote before February 17th.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Laird of the Rings Feb 02, 2023

Ninth generation brandy professional and company president/global ambassador/living legend Lisa Laird Dunn joins the band to talk about all things apple brandy. What goes into making it, how it’s waxed and waned in popularity, and what it’s like working with your father and your kids in the same company. Plus, RIP Dry January 2023. You will not be missed.

The Speakeasy is nominated for a viewer’s choice TASTE AWARD. Cast your vote before February 17th.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Under the Influenc(er) Jan 26, 2023

Ever wonder what it’s like to be an internet influencer in the spirits field? Tune in as YouTuber Leandro Dimonriva of The Educated Barfly joins Sother one-on-one to talk about his journey from behind the bar to in front of the camera.

Plus, it looks like Fireball is in a whole new kind of hot water, find out why on this episode!

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Martini Shot Jan 19, 2023

Documentary filmmaker David Mayne joins us to talk about his new streaming series Happy Hour History where he traces the origins of cocktails and connects them to historical events. His use of costumed recreation skits, historic imagery and footage, as well as Monty Python style animation makes for an informative and entertaining show that you should check out here.

Plus, Sother closed a business, Greg is in Ireland, and Damon got a dog!

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Catch '22 Dec 16, 2022

On another long-awaited installment of The Speakeasy’s multi-platinum year-end wrap-up show Greg, Damon, and Sother look back on what the hell just happened. We’re back to normal, kind of. Travel, conferences, meeting friends in bars. Hugs. We have them all back, it’s just… different. Plus, a rundown of the year’s top trends in drinks and what we can look forward to in 2023.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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The Mighty Ampersand Dec 08, 2022

USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by Diageo 2022 US Bartender of the Year (say that three times fast) Jessi Pollak sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about low and no-ABV drinks, building jargon-free menus, and how great the Twin Cities are (shhh, don’t tell anybody). Plus, a fifteen-month old fruitcake. Find out how this undead dessert went over - and how dense it was - by tuning in now!

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Back to Basik with Jay Z Dec 01, 2022

What does it feel like to operate the Best Neighborhood Bar in America according to Liquor.com? We sat down with our friend and Basik owner Jay Zimmerman to find out. Plus, we learn about the challenges of new parenthood and the true meaning of gift giving. And, of course, at this time of year we have to mention side hustles.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Photo Courtesy of Basik.

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Portlandia Nov 17, 2022

Live from the Pacific Northwest, Brett Adams and Jacob Grier join Greg and Sother to talk about Mentorship, Aquavit, and Secret Vodka. Oh, and their new book, Raising the Bar, all about how you too can become a home-bartending hero. Plus, Portland Cocktail Week is back, baby! Get Sother’s live report from the field of all the associated shenanigans.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Photo Courtesy of Jacob Grier.

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Balance Nov 10, 2022

On a surprisingly serious (and seriously good) episode of The Speakeasy, the band sits down with Chris Elford of Navy Strength and Here Today in Seattle to talk about what it means to really achieve balance - in your life and in your work. How do we make sure we’ve passed the best version of our world on to the people who come after us? Tune in to find out.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Master of Cocktails Making the Drinks Nov 03, 2022

The title works if you sing it to the tune of “Master of Puppets”... or, you could just tune in and listen to the band interview Lauren Paylor O’Brien, all-around badass and competitor on the first season of Netflix’s Drink Masters! She gives the inside scoop on shooting the show, how far bartending competitions have come in the last few years and dishes out a few tips to up your spritz game for another upcoming competition. Plus, restaurants have hiked their prices past what they need to cover for inflation - but they might not be the restaurants you’re thinking about. Tune in to find out more!

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Nick, Nora, & Zane Oct 19, 2022

Are you tired of glassware that doesn’t fit your ice cubes? Sick of coupes that dump cocktail all over your bartop? Don’t want your rocks glasses to break in weird ways for seemingly no reason? Do you wish there was a better way??? Well Zane Harris is here this week to talk about his new collaboration with Riedel to craft the perfect cocktail glasses, why they won’t break or spill and why the Nick & Nora might just be the most underrated glass of all. Plus, because we can’t not, Negroni Sbagliatos.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Sugar & Bitters Oct 14, 2022

Ektoras Binikos, co-founder of Sugar Monk, jumps into the studio with Damon and Greg to talk about the joint he runs up in Harlem and a new line of bitter experiments he’s been working on since the pandemic. Inspired by the flavorful food and drinks of his native Greece, there are a few concoctions he’s been cooking up - including one that comes wrapped in gauze… don’t believe us? Tune in! Plus, it’s pumpkin spice everything time and Damon and Greg have some lukewarm takes.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Classic, But Make it Modern Oct 06, 2022

Renowned cocktail writer Robert Simonson returns to claim his five-timer red velvet, beef jerky-stained jacket and chat about his new book “Modern Classic Cocktails.” What makes something a modern classic? Whose drinks made it into the book? And what does this have to do with hot dogs?? Tune in to find out.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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The Apiary Sep 30, 2022

It’s Bee’s Knees Week and the air is buzzing! Sam Nelis of Barr Hill joins Greg and Sother to talk about how they’re helping the pollinators and making some damn tasty gin in the process.
Wanna get involved? Post a picture of a drink this week on Instagram and tag @barrhillgin with the hashtag #beeskneesweek. The good folks up there in Vermont will plant 10 square feet of pollinator habitat for every photo there is!

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Black Mixcellence Sep 22, 2022

Tamika Hall, co-author of “Black Mixcellence - A Comprehensive Guide to Black Mixology” sits down with the band to talk about the long lost legacies of black mixologists old and new… and the complicated legacy of the word “mixology” in the first place. Plus, do you want ten dollars? Sother tells you how with a little help from the King of Beers.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Keep the Porchlight On For Me Sep 15, 2022

The band catches up with Samantha Reiner, the General Manager of Porchlight in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood. Is it a neo-dive? Is it New York with a southern accent? Or is it just fun? Tune in to find out, and to see just how dirt cheap their happy hour cocktails are. Plus, the industry lost a legend this week; Sother, Damon and Greg pay tribute to the legend that was Brother Cleve.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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A Joni of a Thousand Miles Sep 07, 2022

The Speakeasy is back! The band catches up with each other and with Claire Matern, founder and CEO of Joni, a new 0 ABV RTD. The quartet talks about the history of verjus, how to get just the right amount of bubbles into a can, and whether or not the kids are going as crazy as we did. Plus, whipped cream is illegal now! Or is it??? Tune in for some very scholarly, definitely not binding legal advice before your next key lime pie. Wanna be a part of Joni? Check out the kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1403466695/joni-verjus-based-sipping

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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A Balancing Act Aug 03, 2022

Josh Davis of Brown and Balanced shares his thoughts on creating welcoming spaces in the hospitality industry, growing up competitive, and creating opportunities for young, hungry black and brown folks in the hospitality industry. Plus, Josh and Sother both just got back from New Orleans and, of course, have war stories to share.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Murdering It Jul 21, 2022

Murder, Mayhem and Whiskey! What else do you need? Steph Shen, the Global Brand Ambassador for the Dublin Liberties Distillery sits down with the band to talk about Irish Whiskey’s lawless past, its bright future, and the absolute best spot in all of Europe to get murdered. Plus, Damon bought the farm. Literally. He bought a farm. Don’t worry, he’s fine.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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Sustaining Sustainability Jul 14, 2022

Jill Cockson, owner, proprietor and industry veteran joins Greg and Sother to talk about sustainability - what it really means, how to put it into practice and how a lot of us are using that word wrong. The conversation veers into ownership, accountability, respect and yes, healthcare. Plus, the band finally talks about espresso martinis and leaves just as bewildered as when they arrived.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

HRN is home to transformative exchanges about food. Our 35+ member-supported food podcasts empower eaters to cultivate a radically better world. This month, we’re asking you to join us. Become a monthly sustaining member at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

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Balance, Texture, Aroma, Temperature Jul 07, 2022

An overdue episode with noted bartender and newly minted author Toby Maloney. He's here to talk to us about the need for differentiation in the bar world and his new book The Bartender's Manifesto. He also reflects on how he's practically worked at more well-known bars and watering holes than most people visit in their lifetimes.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

HRN is home to transformative exchanges about food. Our 35+ member-supported food podcasts empower eaters to cultivate a radically better world. This month, we’re asking you to join us. Become a monthly sustaining member at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

No More Dr. Nice Guy Jun 30, 2022

Dr. Nicola Nice is back on the show to talk about what she’s been up to with her gin and her ongoing fight to give women the primacy they deserve in the pantheon of cocktail history. The ongoing battle to right the wrongs of people who wrote it wrong continues this summer at a seminar in New Orleans that Greg and Sother can’t wait for. Plus, tiny bars in the Pacific Northwest - turns out they’re just like tiny bars here.
Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Photo Courtesy of Erin Borzellino.

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Vodka is HOT right now Jun 29, 2022

Travis Tucker from Ketel One pops in to chat with Greg and Sother about botanical vodka, RTDs, innovating in a very traditional category and how there’s always new stuff to learn. Plus, Nashville hot chicken! Why putting a lot of it in your body at once is a good idea with no negative downstream effects whatsoever.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Jewel of the South Jun 23, 2022

Fire up a cigar and mix yourself a Creole Cocktail as Chris Hannah joins us from the crescent city to talk about spending 14 years behind the bar at Arnaud’s, the blender daiquiris at Manolito, the joys of sugar rimmed cocktails, and being top 4 in three different categories for Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail.

Plus, the Speakeasy also made it to the top 4 again for a Spirited Award, will we break our bridesmaid streak? The team is divided.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Happy Accidents Jun 16, 2022

Kate Gerwin sits down with the band to talk all about the happy accidents that brought her bar in Albuquerque its name - how she wound up with a distiller’s license, why she’s able to pay her staff a living wage and what all that astroturf is doing on the ceiling. Plus, it’s the west coast show! The band is scattered up and down the left coast this week, and for once, none of them are out there opening a bar - just drinking at them.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Fine Drinking Jun 09, 2022

The Speakeasy gets fancy this week when Austin Hennelly from LA’s Michelin Starred restaurant Kato joins the band to talk about all the things you need to think of when it comes to fine drinking including custom glass straws, custom glass straw holders, a timer for a sloe gin fizz and the rigor that goes into an NA program that doesn’t suck. Plus, Sother’s in a good mood! Find out why!

Finally, the fundraiser to help Hiller & Moon, a beloved Brooklyn cheesemonger after their devastating fire is still going strong. If you’ve got the means and are so inclined, you can donate here: https://gofund.me/9681a46c

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Fun Jun 02, 2022

Bartender, distiller, rum enthusiast, NYC native and man about town Jelani Jah Johnson joins the band to talk about his illustrious career, share some stories, and recount the chance encounters that turned out to be pivotal moments on his journey to the first (legal) distillery in Manhattan since prohibition. And why barbacking rocks and everyone who thinks they’re too good for it is wrong. Plus the weekly recap of the bars Sother’s opened and the weddings Greg’s attended, twenty-seventh edition.
Finally, the fundraiser to help Hiller & Moon, a beloved Brooklyn cheesemonger after their devastating fire is still going strong. If you’ve got the means and are so inclined, you can donate here: https://gofund.me/9681a46c

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Cole Newton's Big Fat Cocktails! May 26, 2022

Cole Newton, owner of Twelve Mile Limit and the Domino in New Orleans joins the band to talk about his new bar, his new book and his new job as the President of the USBG. A lot of great talk about the future of our industry in this one. Plus, Sother and Damon have been galavanting around the western US and Greg has… not.

As mentioned on the show, Greg’s friend and second generation cheesemonger Claire Matern just had her family cheese shop destroyed in a fire. You can donate to help the great folks behind Hiller & Moon here: https://gofund.me/9681a46c

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Reverend Saint Dr. Brother Cleveland (dough/nut) Dunkin Esquire Jr. from the Church of the SubGenius and Harrison Snow May 12, 2022

Harrison Snow and Brother Cleve sit down with the band to talk about their new venue, Lullaby; what it’s like to get a concept up and running during the pandemic; what they missed the most while everything was shut down and how to get things up and running again. Plus, Zoom cocktail classes - love em or hate em they’re here to stay. And a martini that tastes like a Piña Colada? Not as crazy as it sounds.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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It Wears A Lot of Hats Apr 14, 2022

Derby season is upon us, and this week Elizabeth McCall and Chris Morris join the band to chat about all things bourbon, horses and what they have in common (hint: it just might be limestone). Plus, the real reason everyone loves the Kentucky Derby: hats.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Apr 07, 2022

It takes a solid guest to make some solid wiggles and that’s exactly who the band sits down to talk with today. Jack Schramm, head bartender at Pernod Ricard, owner of Better Drinks at Home Inc. and founder of Solid Wiggles sits down to talk about jello cakes, weird bartending techniques and how to think about eating booze. Plus, the flavor we all never knew we wanted until we got it: Smokonut.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Lifting Spirits Mar 31, 2022

Alejandro Russo from Candela Mamajuana joins the band to talk about a Caribbean drink that may or may not have… interesting health benefits. Hear how he got started, what all goes into it, and what it’s like to go into business with your mom. Beware of falling coconuts.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Like a Good Neighbor Mar 24, 2022

Philip Duff (with one L) joins the band from Old Duff Genever to talk Dutch spirits, the next class of bartending conferences, Rip Van Winkle, porn star martinis, Teslas and honestly just about everything, including what you shouldn’t say on a podcast. Hilarity ensues. The Speakeasy is not brought to you by State Farm.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Photo Courtesy of Buda Photography.

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No Labels Mar 10, 2022

Chrissy Wittman from The Prisoner joins Damon and Greg from wine country to talk about winemaking, labelmaking and how to make tasting and tasting rooms more accessible to the people. Plus, we’re none of us 22 anymore, unfortunately.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Remixicles Mar 03, 2022

Jen Morales and Jason Stitt dial in from Cincinnati, Ohio to talk Mixicles, the world’s first frozen home mixology kit (that we know of anyway): how they made it, what they’re working on now, some R&D tricks of the trade and the wide array of things you can put these frozen little beauties into. Plus, we get to the bottom of the secret ingredient in Erin Rose’s famous New Orleans iced coffee.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Oxford Companions Feb 24, 2022

David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum recently released their weighty tome, The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, and we had the opportunity to dive into some deep rabbit holes with them. Plus, we discuss the dangers of wooden stills, the difficulty of managing dozens of spirits industry professionals' submissions for the book, and the unknown parts of American whiskey history.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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F.E.W. - Federation of Evanston Wrestling Feb 17, 2022

Whiskey enthusiast and wrestling producer (not necessarily in that order) Lolo McGrath joins the band to school everyone on the weird parallels between spirits and wrasslin’, working at a tasting room at the end of an alley and how not to be an asshole when you’re tasting. Plus, turning your job into a sleazy 1970s love motel and the bizarre story of how they met Greg back in the cretaceous period. Tune in!

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Double Album Crossover Spectacular! - Disc 1 Feb 10, 2022

On a special double album of The Speakeasy the band teams up with Lou and Chava from our sister podcast Agave Road Trip for a very special addition of “Stump The Bartender!” What’s in that repurposed juice bottle Lou mailed us? What’s it made with? And what will it do to everyone’s stomachs? Tune in to find out and stay tuned for Disc 2 coming soon from Agave Road Trip!

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Dry February Feb 03, 2022

As Dry January draws to a close - and Greg’s Dry February heats up - the band welcomes Derek Brown, author of “Mindful Mixology” and Director of Brand Education at Spiritless to talk low and no ABV drinks. The conversation covers mindfulness, mental health and tracking industry trends, and ends in some surprising places you might not see coming.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Off the Beaten Path Jan 27, 2022

New Year, Same Smartasses. Greg, Sother and Damon are back to talk about what’s changed and what hasn’t since we’ve rolled over into 2022, plus our guest Kraig Rovensky talks to us all about his non-alcoholic amaro! Now who do we know who might enjoy that…

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Photo Courtesy of @_adventureswithkate.

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The '21 Club Dec 16, 2021

On their internationally acclaimed annual wrap up show Damon, Sother and Greg talk about what the hell just happened and where we go from here. Vaccines, variants, parcades and passing conversations, what did we love, what did we hate and what stayed more or less the same in 2021. Plus, our in-house tastemakers officially declare lowbrow highballs THE drink trend of the year. You can read all about where this freakish train got rolling here.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Baby It's Cold Outside Dec 08, 2021

Andrew Meltzer joins the band from snowy, snowy Poland to talk all things winter - how to make a spicy, delicious cocktail, where cinnamon and nutmeg all came from in the first place and how to winterize your menu… and your patio.

For more info from Andrew and to check out his master class head on over the Diago Bar Academy!

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Assemble! Dec 02, 2021

On a Speakeasy first, Greg and Sother sit down with Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner of the state legislature to talk about where our to-go drinks went, how we can get them back, and what’s gonna happen with the rest of the 2020 leftovers - lookin’ at you outdoor dining. Plus, get involved! Assemblywoman Woerner confirms what we’ve been saying for a long time, that local restaurants need their locals to advocate for them. If you liked what you heard and you want to chime in, you can reach Carrie at woernerc@nyassembly.gov

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Another Christmas Miracle Nov 18, 2021

Founder of new Brooklyn spot Thief, John McNulty joins us to talk about the trials of opening a bar during a pandemic and how he's hoping we can steal back lost time with the aid of a 12 foot inflatable grinch. Plus, the New York Times reports that there are rats in New York City, who knew?

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Doomtown Nov 11, 2021

Indigenous visibility advocate and Doom Tiki co-founder Chockie Tom sits down with the band to talk about the troubled past of tropical drinks, what can be done about it and how we can move forward with the fun drinks that everybody loves. Plus, Arby’s has a new curly fries vodka. Hot takes ensue.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Can’t Wait For Sally Nov 04, 2021

Industry veterans and long time friends Matt Friedlander and Zak Snyder are finally realizing their dreams of Midori laced Miami Vice’s, Cubano sandwiches and late night sing-alongs in New York’s Lower East Side. Sally Can Wait will fling its doors open to welcome us all on November 17. Plus, where in the world is Greg Benson?

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Branding Brandy Oct 27, 2021

Jennifer Querbes of Brandy Sainte Louise dials in with Greg and Sother to talk about launching a brand to 19th century specs, women in distilling and starting a French brandy label as a blond lady from Texas. Plus, movies are back and Greg really doesn’t understand ‘Dune.’

You can see Jennifer’s operations and read all about what they’re up to at Brandy Ste. Louise here!

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Mountain Dews and Mountain Don'ts Oct 20, 2021

Tad Carducci of Gruppo Montenegro sits down with the band to talk amaro, Italian spritz culture and the endless quest to discover the secret recipes behind amari. Plus, Mountain Suze! The lowbrow highball craze that’s sweeping the nation and other weird flavor combinations that shouldn’t work but do.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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The Queen of Queen's Park Oct 14, 2021

Laura Newman joins the band live from Birmingham, Alabama! The US World Class presented by Diageo winning bartender talks building a brand in a smaller city, opening a new bar in a pandemic, and the importance of creating a good life for your staff so that they’ll support you for years to come. Laura has written extensively about the ideas she discusses on the episode and you can find them free at Diageo Bar Academy.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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A Little Turkey Oct 07, 2021

Greg, Sother and Damon finally find a spirit that shuts them up, courtesy of Roberto Rosa and Maestro Dobel’s new Pavito pechuga tequila. Listen in as they chat about meat in a still, creating something that no one’s ever tried before and creating experiences that are truly new. Plus the grand opening of Sother’s new bar, Cafe de L’Enfer, the inspiration for which you can see here.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Off-Centered Sep 30, 2021

Brewer, innovator and creative ADD enthusiast Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head sits down with the band to talk about the future of craft beer, pumpkin spiced everything and how a modified vibrating football set he bootstrapped into his brewery wound up in the Smithsonian.

Sam recently wrote a book about his 26 years at the helm of a very off-centered brewery which you can find here

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Cleopatra, and Other Famous Party Animals Sep 23, 2021

Author, screenwriter, historian and the best kind of nerd Mallory O’Meara sits down with Greg and Damon to talk about her new book “Girly Drinks,” which details the long, long history of female drinking and how we’ve all been talking about it wrong. You can check out Mallory’s podcast, her other works and preorder Girly Drinks here.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Easy Like Monday Morning Sep 17, 2021

Chris Boyd of Drink Monday joins the band to talk about the rise of nonalcoholic spirits, the market for healthy choices and how many distillers you have to call before one of them agrees to make a booze-free gin. Plus, some California’s recall election and how Damon can finally drink an Old Fashioned at 9am.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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It Means "Really Good" Sep 08, 2021

Tetsuro Miyazaki of Iichiko Shochu joins the band to talk about the history of this wonderful and unique spirit, how hard it is to get Americans to drink distilled spirits with a meal, and how he’s found a sneaky little workaround. Plus Greg is finally back from his road trip - highlights on Instagram at @100ProofGreg - and the wonders of mold!

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Still Teaching, Still Learning Sep 01, 2021

Grab some sunscreen and join us as founder of Bahamian craft cocktail bar Bon Vivants, Kyle Jones, joins us from the islands! We discuss the slow rise of cocktail culture on the island and talk about the challenges of training bartenders who’ve never made a cocktail, to becoming one of Tales of the Cocktail's nominees for best new international bar of 2020.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Bitters n' Eggs Aug 26, 2021

Lauren Mote, the Diageo Global Cocktailian and founder of Bittered Sling, joins the band all the way from Amsterdam to talk martinis, bitters, dating a chef, and the relative merits of Waffle House. Plus, everyone on The Speakeasy is very particular about how they like their eggs, and Damon can drink a surprising amount of water. Don't forget to check out Lauren in, “The Iconic Cocktail - The Martini”.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Shawnathon Aug 12, 2021

Shawn Soole takes some time off of being a podcaster and TikTok celebrity to talk mental health, fighting burnout and how you can make money making drinks in less than a minute.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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The World's Your Oyster Aug 04, 2021

Georgette Moger-Petraske sits down with the band and talks oysters. Did you know a single oyster can filter 40 gallons of water over its lifetime? Did you know oysters are still technically alive when you eat them? Did you know you can fill an entire hour of radio talking about oysters and cocktails? Because you totally can. Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Well, Here We Go Again Jul 28, 2021

On a special bonus episode of the Speakeasy Greg, Damon and Sother sit down to talk about some breaking news in the industry. As cases rise again and mask mandates loom a number of restaurateurs have taken it upon themselves to institute vaccine requirements. What that means for the industry - and the rest of us - on a special breaking news edition.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Rum If You Want To Jul 22, 2021

Marc Farrell, founder and CEO of Ten to One Rum sits down with the band to talk rum culture, what he has in common with Tony Stark and the future of commerce as we all move into the brave new world of hybrid online/irl drinking. Plus: College Bars! Can we go back again? Spoiler alert: no.

Image courtesy of Ten to One Rum

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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The Farm(house) Report Jul 08, 2021

Beer writer and homebrewer extraordinaire Mandy Naglich geeks out with Greg about farmhouse styles, subtlety and the future of brewing. Plus a quick checkin on the state of hard seltzer. Spoiler alert, it’s doing just fine. Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Bikes, Bees and Martinis Please! Jul 01, 2021

Gin fan and certified New Yorker Lacy Hawkins joins the band to gab about bees, bikes, the best way to beat the heat with a martini and the benefit of tiny boozy snacks. Oh, and gin I guess too.
Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

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Bikes n Brews Jun 23, 2021

Alex Showerman of Athletic Brewing joins the band to discuss their new N/A Blood Orange IPA, how brands can change the world and that classic summer love story, bikes and beers

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Moonshine and Rainbows Jun 17, 2021

Aubrey Slater and David Suk of Saint Luna spirits regale the band with tales of launching a brand, working in the world of spirits as members of the LGBTQ community and good ol’ fashioned Moonshinin’!

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Bitter Times call for Bitter People Jun 10, 2021

Amaro distiller and unwittingly vegan meat producer Louis Catizone sits down with Greg and Sother to talk innovation, adventuring into the RTD market and the surprising spots on our bodies that can sense bitter flavors.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Much Anu About Nothing Jun 03, 2021

Seattle’s Anu Apte sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about flipping concepts, non-stop education and designing a cocktail for a 200-year-old flag with squares cut out of it.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Make Lemonade! May 28, 2021

In a world where RTDs are everywhere, Bronya Shillo, founder and CEO of Fisher’s Island Lemonade, was one of the first to think ‘huh, this is pretty good. I should put this in a can.’ Now seven years since she sent her first cases to market, Bronya joins the band to talk pioneering in a now very crowded field and what it’s like to be a woman and do something different.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder May 21, 2021

Sign language interpreter, absinthe maven, ukulele hero, and all-around ray of sunshine, Jessica Graves, sits down with the band to talk makin’ absinthe in the lone star state, and branching out into the exciting world of floral amaro. #HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

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25 Years of Amaretto Sours May 13, 2021

Jeff Morgenthaler, 25 year veteran of the bartending world talks with Greg and Sother about how bars have changed, how people stay the same and what it’s like to love something and clean up its puke at the same time. Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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School's In For Summer Apr 29, 2021

Mark Barrett of Diageo Bar Academy sits down with Greg and Sother to talk education, how we can make the most of our now extremely online lives and what we can do to never stop learning.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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All in the Family Apr 22, 2021

Oaxaca returns! Carlos Moreno and Txomin Alcorta join Greg live from Mexico to talk mezcal (and rum, and gin, and whiskey, and vodka) as well as what it means to create, innovate and reinvent, whether it’s a business that’s been in your family for generations or an entire spirit. And of course there’s lots of geeking out over agave.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Appetite for Creation Apr 15, 2021

Aaron Polsky and Erin Hayes sit down with the band to talk Livewire drinks, a new line of canned cocktails with the heart of rock n’ roll. What can Led Zeppelin and Guns n’ Roses teach us about making great cocktails and building a more equitable industry? Tune in to find out.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Together through the rubble Apr 08, 2021

Sother sits down to talk with Mark Schettler of Bar Tonique in New Orleans. Mark is a longtime advocate of the hospitality, tourism, service and nightlife sectors spanning issues of abuse, mental health and, now governance over topics that directly impact how we do business in a post pandemic landscape.

Check out his work at ShiftChange.NGO

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Tales, Cocktails and Community Apr 04, 2021

The one and only Caroline Rosen joins the band for the Speakeasy’s first semi-live recording in over a year! Cocktail conferences have changed forever and she has some pretty good ideas about keeping the best parts and building back better. Tune in to hear about the future of festivals as well as some dope ideas for events when we can all meet and drink and hug someday soon.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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For the Trees Mar 24, 2021

Cachaça pioneer and sustainability beacon Dragos Axinte joins the band to talk distilling, going carbon negative and how Novo Fogo is saving the planet one bottle at a time.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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The Luck of the Irish Mar 17, 2021

It’s a very special pandemic St. Patrick’s Day! Again! Jillian Vose of Dead Rabbit joins Greg and Sother to talk about the big day last year, what’s changed since then and what it’s like to run a bar and write a book in lockdown. For more of Greg’s thoughts on losing a second St. Paddy’s Day in a row you can check out his writing here: 100proofgreg.medium.com/losing-st-patricks-day-again-6be805f8e85

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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A Song of Ice and Drinking Mar 10, 2021

Live from Reykjavik Teitur Riddermann Schiöth joins the band to talk traditional Icelandic spirits, (mmm, aquavit!) building an iconic bar on the edge of the Arctic circle and what he’s working on next. Plus, The Speakeasy has been nominated for the Taste Awards! Check out all the finalists at http://www.thetasteawards.com/12th-annual-taste-awards-nominees-finalists-and-honorees/ Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Just Go For It Mar 03, 2021

The band sits down to talk about life, the shit it throws at you and the joys of living boldly with industry luminary Chris Patino. As well as founding Simple Serve, owning Raised by Wolves in San Diego, organizing Bartender’s Weekend and partnering to produce Termana Tequila with The Rock Chris is leading a charge against cancer with https://thistshirtfightscancer.com/

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Little Book, Big Ideas Feb 24, 2021

Eight generation Beam Distiller Freddie Noe joins the band to talk about growing into the family business and how his Little Book series lead to experimentation within that legacy.

The Speakeasy is nominated as a Taste Awards "Viewer's Choice" finalist. Help us win by voting today!

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Tricky Methods, Smooth Juice Feb 17, 2021

Bertha González Nieves, co-founder and CEO of Tequila Casa Dragones talks about crafting a unique and inspiring tequila by doing things the hard way. Plus a US/Mexico bartender exchange program, because who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Check out @casadragones on instagram to learn more.Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Presenting Back Bar: Bottomless Feb 16, 2021

Bottomless: The Bloody Mary, and the curiously counter-culture history of brunch.

This is a special presentation of Back Bar, hosted by our very own Greg Benson. Back Bar is a rollicking deep dive into the events, phenomenon, relationships and human foibles that shaped the world’s most iconic drinks. Each episode features industry luminaries like Derek Brown, Robert Simonson and, of course, Sother Teague.

Enjoy! And if you do, please subscribe to keep up with new episodes as they launch (Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS). New episodes will be released the 1st and 15th of every month.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

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Chocolate Covered Bourbon Feb 10, 2021

Elizabeth McCall, Assistant Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve joins the band to talk, what else, whiskey and chocolate AKA the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

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Entrepreneurial Spirits! Feb 03, 2021

Italicus founder Giuseppe Gallo talks about his journey from making lemoncello beside his mother as a child to speaking to his grandmother about Rosolio and reviving the lost category. Plus the design and making of his incredibly beautiful bottle!

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

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A Volley of Ideas Jan 27, 2021

Chris and Camila of Volley Tequila Soda join Greg and Sother to talk natural flavors, the natural world, and how sneakily often one doesn’t come from the other. Plus, our friend the Rhum Bishop needs your help! Support Eugene’s amazing mission on his sustainable farm by going to gofundme.com/f/bishop-botany-farm to donate.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

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You Put the Rum in the Coconut Jan 21, 2021

Entrepreneur, rum pioneer and former coconut smuggler Dani Zig joins Greg and Sother to talk about innovation in spirits, respecting your ingredients and how fortunate it is that the US government considers a certain plant nuts, not fruit.

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Breakfast Whisky Jan 13, 2021

David Vitale of Starward in Melbourne, Australia joins the band to talk eating, drinking and finding a sense of place in a world of whisky.

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Hindsight is 2020 Dec 17, 2020

Damon, Greg and Sother look back on the past ten years of bartending, and a year that felt like a decade.

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Reinvent Dec 09, 2020

Jordis Unga, the metaphorical and literal rock star of Katana Kitten talks service, music, the need to perform and reinventing yourself.
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The Bishop Wears a lot of Hats Dec 02, 2020

From chef to critic to bartender to farmer Eugene Nyaundi has seen a lot and he sits down with Greg and Sother to talk Rhum, botanicals and cultivating respect for the food we eat.

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Animals > People Nov 23, 2020

Natalie Bovis of The Liquid Muse sits down with Sother and Greg to talk about getting started in the bar blogosphere, her latest steps with her new brand Organic Mixology and of course, Taco Wars. Plus, the missing gluten-sniffing dog! A harrowing tale with a happy ending.

____________________________

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Upstate Update! Nov 18, 2020

Industry luminaries Lynnette Marrero and Jessica Gonzalez join Greg and Sother to talk about their latest adventures upstate with Wonderbar Beacon and Dutch’s Spirits and what it’s like to only kind of trade in the New York City hustle.

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Making Bitter Ends Meet Nov 16, 2020

Patrick Miller of Faccia Brutto sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about tasting, experimenting, and what it takes to move your bitters-making operation out of your kitchen.

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Sweet, then Salty Nov 11, 2020

The one and only Joaquin Simo descends through the maelstrom of the past week and the past year to discuss what bars, clubs and venues bring to their communities and what we can do to save them.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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How D'ya Like Them Apples? Nov 10, 2020

It’s Cider Season! Ryan Burk, Head Cider Maker at Angry Orchard joins Sother and Greg to talk history, fermentation and the not-so-humble apple.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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Good Job! Nov 05, 2020

Tristan Willey, spirits polymath and co-founder of Good Vodka talks creativity, sustainability, and the contours of his truly unique career.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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Where the City Meets the Beach Oct 28, 2020

Bridget Firtle of Owney’s Rum and Rockaway Seltzer joins Sother and Greg to talk about running a distillery, starting a health-focused brand, and staying sane while doing everything in between.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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A F.E.W. Good Ideas Oct 25, 2020

Whiskey, Cheezits and Rock n’ Roll! Paul Hletko of F.E.W. sits down with the band to talk guitars, distilling, and when it’s the right time to break the rules.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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We've All Gotta Chip In Oct 22, 2020

The band sits down with Allison Varone from Belvedere Vodka and talks about what it means to innovate, both inside and out of a mixing glass.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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Got Any Gregs? Oct 18, 2020

Greg Benson - the Dewar’s brand ambassador for India - joins Greg Benson - the podcast host - and Sother to talk distilling, highballs and what it is about Scotch whisky and coconuts that just... works.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Virtually Tangible Oct 14, 2020

Missing cocktail festivals this year? Us too. Good thing we’ve got Carlos Rodriguez here from Global Bar Week to talk about building a hands-on community in a virtual age.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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The Art of Hospitality Oct 09, 2020

Extra, Extra! The band sits down with Mark Sansom of World’s 50 Best to talk re-imagining awards in the age of COVID and for a breaking announcement on the winner of the first ever Michter's Art of Hospitality Award. Tune in exclusively on The Speakeasy to hear who took home the prize!

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How to Make 400 Old Fashioneds Oct 07, 2020

On the 400th episode of the Speakeasy Aaron Goldfarb and Janee Nyberg join the band to talk going viral, telling your side of the story and what a truly bizarre thing a legacy can be.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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All Roads Lead to Rhum Sep 30, 2020

Live from Haiti Rhum Barbancourt CEO Delphine Gardere joins the band to talk the history of rhum, making spirits as a woman and what the history of Barbancourt means for her home. We also talk about the unfortunate closing of Nitecap in New York City and how you can support them with your dollars here: https://nitecap-108534.square.site/

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Wouldn't It Be Nice Sep 24, 2020

If you didn’t know that a higher percentage of spirits are sold to women than men you’re not alone - they certainly aren’t marketed that way. Sociologist, spirits producer, and industry pioneer Dr. Nicola Nice talks with the band about branding, producing her own line of spirits and giving women back their rightful place in drinks history.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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There Oughta be a Law! Sep 17, 2020

Why is Kahlua stronger in Ohio? Why is beer warmer in Indiana? Why do drinks look like they’re being made behind a weird, blurry pane of glass in Utah? Tackling these questions and more is Jarrett Dieterle, author of “Give Me Liberty and Give Me a Drink” who talks with the band about weird booze laws and how some outdated legislation may finally be fading away.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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Left Coasting Sep 10, 2020

The Speakeasy’s back and the world’s still a mess! We’re all juggling reduced capacity, outdoor dining and to-go cocktails and today Matt Davidson of Botanist House in Portland chimes in to talk about what’s happened, what’s next and who on the podcast hates heat lamps.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Presenting Agave Road Trip #8 : Wrap Up Aug 23, 2020

This week we wrap up the Agave Road trip with Lou Bank and Chava Periban. They discuss some of their favourite aspects of agave and the community around it.

We'll be presenting an episode of their first season every Sunday this summer, but if you want to listen to them all right now, subscribe to the Agave Road Trip feed (Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS). Plus, find extra photos and related links at agaveroadtrip.com

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Presenting Agave Road Trip #7 : Aging Aug 16, 2020

This week we're presenting another episode of Agave Road Trip. On this episode, Lou Bank and Chava Periban talk about the aging process. How long after the distillation process, do you drink the agave? As a consumer, do you have a choice in the matter?

We'll be presenting an episode of their first season every Sunday this summer, but if you want to listen to them all right now, subscribe to the Agave Road Trip feed (Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS). Plus, find extra photos and related links at agaveroadtrip.com

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Get Canned! Aug 13, 2020

What’s better than old friends and cold drinks? When the drink is a well-balanced RTD Gin & Tonic and the old friends are Tom Macy and Julie Reiner, almost nothing! Laughs, bright sides and a lot of nerding out ensues.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

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Presenting Agave Road Trip #6 : Distillation Aug 09, 2020

This week we're presenting another episode of Agave Road Trip. On this episode, Lou Bank and Chava Periban talk about the distillation process. Though a simple process, it is an essential step in production.

We'll be presenting an episode of their first season every Sunday this summer, but if you want to listen to them all right now, subscribe to the Agave Road Trip feed (Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS). Plus, find extra photos and related links at agaveroadtrip.com

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Presenting Agave Road Trip #5: Fermentation Aug 02, 2020

This week we're presenting another episode of Agave Road Trip. On this episode, Lou Bank and Chava Periban talk about the fermentation process. The details of the process have a huge effect on the end result. They also talk to Armando Alvarado Alvarez regarding agave fermentation.

We'll be presenting an episode of their first season every Sunday this summer, but if you want to listen to them all right now, subscribe to the Agave Road Trip feed (Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS). Plus, find extra photos and related links at agaveroadtrip.com

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Zero to Hero Jul 31, 2020

Allen Hemberger, Sarah Hemberger and Micah Melton from the team behind The Aviary sit down to talk about Zero, their new cocktail book that’s 100% alcohol free.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Presenting Agave Road Trip #4: The Grind Jul 26, 2020

This week we're presenting another episode of Agave Road Trip. After you cook your agave, you’ve gotta mill it – make tiny, little pieces of those giant, cooked agaves. How do you do that?Lou Bank and Chava Periban explain it here and maestro mezcalero Eduardo Angeles joins. Then we talk about how to avoid explosive diarrhea while eating great street food in Mexico. And chocolate.

We'll be presenting an episode of their first season every Sunday this summer, but if you want to listen to them all right now, subscribe to the Agave Road Trip feed (Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS). Plus, find extra photos and related links at agaveroadtrip.com

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Storytellers Jul 23, 2020

Can a cocktail tell a story that makes the world a better place? AJ Johnson started Back to Black pop-up in DC to prove it can, and she breaks down her philosophy while talking about the changes our industry needs now.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

A Thirst for Change Jul 23, 2020

Maxwell Britten of THIRST is on a mission to educate our leaders... and make sure they keep their promises! He sits down with Sother and Greg to talk about fighting for bars in city halls and state capitals across the country.

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Presenting Agave Road Trip #3: Roasting the Agave. Jul 19, 2020

This week we're presenting another episode of Agave Road Trip. In episode 3, Lou Bank and Chava Periban talk about roasting agave. This is one of the hardest parts of the process and if you don't get it just right, you can lose a lot of it.

We'll be presenting an episode of their first season every Sunday this summer, but if you want to listen to them all right now, subscribe to the Agave Road Trip feed (Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS). Plus, find extra photos and related links at agaveroadtrip.com

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

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Drink Like an Athlete Jul 15, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ Fermenting without alcohol? A gym with a bar? A booze- free Gose? All that and more when John Walker of Athletic Brewing Co. pops into the virtual studio to talk N/A brewing and some surprising ways to stay healthy.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Presenting Agave Road Trip #2: What is Agave? Jul 12, 2020

This week we're presenting another episode of Agave Road Trip. In episode 2 our friends Lou Bank and Chava Periban give a nutshell explanation of how agave turns from sugar to alcohol and are joined on the occasion by maestro mezcalero Amando Alvarado Alvarez. They also talk about how growing agave helped a middle school in rural Oaxaca reduce violence in their community.

We'll be presenting an episode of their first season every Sunday this summer, but if you want to listen to them all right now, subscribe to the Agave Road Trip feed (Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS). Plus, find extra photos and related links at agaveroadtrip.com

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

So no one told you life was gonna be this way Jul 09, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ Proprietor, beverage director and to-go cocktail wizard Will Wyatt talks about getting creative and having fun when life throws obstacles your way. Like an outdated work order on a bar you just bought. Or a global pandemic.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Presenting Agave Road Trip #1: Jump In! Jul 05, 2020

This week we're presenting the first episode of Agave Road Trip. Agave Road Trip is a new series from HRN that provides gringo bartenders with firsthand knowledge about heritage agave spirits from Mexico, including mezcal, raicilla, bacanora, and destilado de agave. In episode 1 our friends Lou Bank and Chava Periban introduce themselves, the series, and some mind-blowing arroqueño and Santa Maria Sola de Vega.

We'll be presenting an episode of their first season every Sunday for the next 8 weeks, but if you want to listen to them all right now, subscribe to the Agave Road Trip feed (Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS). Plus, find extra photos and related links at agaveroadtrip.com

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Hats Off to Whiskey! Jul 01, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ The world’s first female master bourbon taster and co-founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Peggy Noe Stevens calls in live from Louisville to talk whiskey, parties, whiskey parties and breaking barriers in the Bluegrass State.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Coffee Break! Jun 28, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ All the way from Sydney Australia Tom Baker (and his morning coffee) chimes in to talk about Mr. Black Cold Brew Liqueur, the state of the coffee industry and why its probably a good thing you’re only twenty-five once.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

114 Years and Counting Jun 24, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ From the historic West Bank in Minneapolis Tony Zaccardi joins the band to talk about running the century old Palmers bar, and how much we all miss rock shows.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Wigle Room Jun 21, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ Wigle Whiskey Co-Founder Meredith Grelli chats about the history of rye, building a brand around learning and adapting a hands-on company to a time when we’ve all gotta keep our hands to ourselves. It’s edutaining!

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

Photo Courtesy of Wigle Whiskey.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

LP in DC Jun 18, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ Focus on Health co-founder and Silver Lyan bartender LP swings by the virtual studio to talk re-opening, mental health, Black Lives Matter and to do a little reminiscing about big nights out in the nation's capital.

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep The Speakeasy on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

No Corny Jokes Here! Jun 14, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ Biologist, polymath and Master Distiller of Abasolo Whiskey Iván Saldaña joins us live from his lab in Mexico City to talk about bottling the souls of plants and how corn is more than meets the ears.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Photo Courtesy of Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Whiskey Fans and Guinness Vans Jun 10, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ Global Brand Ambassador Stephanie Shen joins us live from Dublin, Ireland! She talks with the band about teaming up with Dead Rabbit, her deep love of Irish whiskey and how close the category came to extinction before roaring back!

Image courtesy of Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey.

HRN will be donating 10% of our membership drive proceeds from now until June 15 to the Philando Castile Relief Foundation. Visit heritageradionetwork.org/donate to make your gift.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Where We Go From Here Jun 04, 2020

It's been a tough week. Damon, Sother and Greg sit down with Kenneth McCoy of Rum House and Ward III to talk about where we are, where we're going, and what we can do to get there together. . As we start to put society back together better than it was before, know that if you are a POC in the service industry you have an open invitation to come on The Speakeasy and discuss your experience any time. We are especially open to stories from our Black community. Your stories and your experiences are important to us, our listeners and our industry. Reply, DM us or get in touch in whatever way you choose. There’s always a mic here waiting for you.

Image courtesy of The Rum House.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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...And Whiskey For All May 31, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ Rob Dietrich of Blackened Whiskey sits down to talk about rock shows, whiskey blending, sonic aging and what it’s like working for a little band called Metallica.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Photo Courtesy of Blackened Whiskey.

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Don't Worry, the Temperature Check is Free May 28, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️Over the weekend bars in South Carolina opened their doors and let people in for the first time since March. Craig Nelson of Charleston's own Proof on King joins the band to talk about how it went and what the future holds.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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The Five Year Plan - Twinning and Winning! May 27, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️The one and only Ivy Mix sits down to talk about, well, just about everything. Her new book, the five year anniversary of Leyenda, lobbying Congress and what success looks like in the time of Corona.

Image courtesy of Shannon Sturgis.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Oh, The Places Rum Goes! May 20, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ Edouard Beaslay, Global Brand Director for Diplomatico sits down with the band to talk about the challenges of running a business in Venezuela and what you can use rum for in quarantine (spoiler alert: everything) .

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Down the Rabbit Hole May 17, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ On a special bonus episode the band sits down with Kaveh Zamanian from Rabbit Hole Whiskey and Caroline Rosen from the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. We chat about dreaming big, what’s happening with Tales in the time of quarantine and of course what we’re all drinking right now. #2dreaminside

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk Greg Benson @100ProofGreg @SpeakeasyPodcast FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio #HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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Hazard Pay May 14, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ Our good friend Johnny Schuler calls in from Peru to talk about what’s happening with this year’s Pisco harvest (spoiler alert: it ain’t gonna be easy!) Plus, what it’s like to visit a Peruvian grocery store in the time of Corona.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Pantsdrinking! May 06, 2020

⭐️Three Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ The band sits down with the founders of Long Drink to talk about this classic Finnish beverage and its treasured history of slowing down and chilling out. Plus, are you sitting around drinking in your underwear wishing you could do it for a good cause? Find out how!

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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BONUS: With the USBG National Charity Foundation May 03, 2020

⭐️Two Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ On a special bonus episode of the Speakeasy the band sits down with Kim Haasarud of the USBG National Charity Foundation to clear the air about their emergency assistance program: who they are, when to apply and what to do if you’re waiting to hear back. Plus we get the inside scoop on what the kids today are playing; if not Nintendo then what?

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Photo Courtesy of Kim Haasarud/USBG.

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En Route to New Earth Apr 29, 2020

⭐️Two Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ The band gets together from their socially distant studios to talk with Matt Pfohl of One Small Miracle about the new normal, how the old normal kinda sucked, and what we should change now that we’ve got a chance to do better.

Image courtesy of One Small Miracle.

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Reanimated Apr 22, 2020

⭐️Two Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️

This week we’re getting the band back together through the magic of remote recording! Damon, Greg, and Sother share a virtual drink with the incredibly smart and talented @AishaTyler

Aisha launched her Ready to drink cocktail company @CourageAndStone right when the pandemic slammed the USA so she’s using the brand to raise money and awareness for the hospitality industry at large. She’s also hosting a weekly virtual happy hour with each session highlighting a different charitable outlet proving that she’s not just a cartoon hero.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Ready, Aim, Help Apr 16, 2020

⭐️Two Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ Damon, Sother and Greg are all back "together" again from their DIY home studios talking with Tobin Ellis of Barmagic about his nationwide hospitality relief dashboard and how everyone can do the most good right now.

Image courtesy of Tobin Ellis.

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#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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You Can't Spell "Hospitality" Without "Hospital" Apr 12, 2020

As the crisis nears its apex in NYC Greg and Sother sit down with the team from Ilegal Mezcal to hash out the uphill battle our industry faces and discuss what we as an industry can do to help those on the front lines.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spririts experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk Greg Benson @100ProofGreg @SpeakeasyPodcast FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk Speakeasy Radio @SpeakeasyRadio #HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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Going the Distance Mar 29, 2020

⭐️Two Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️ On a socially distanced episode Sother and Greg talk to Nitecap owner Natasha David to take stock of what's happened to our industry, what we need now and what might lie ahead.

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk Greg Benson @100ProofGreg @SpeakeasyPodcast FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio #HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio.

Photo Courtesy of Eric Medsker.

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This Sucks Mar 22, 2020

It's bad out there, and this week Greg sits down with John deBary of the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation to discuss what we can do about it.

Photo Courtesy of Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation.

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On the up & up Mar 11, 2020

⭐️Two Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️

This week we’re joined by the team behind Grenwich Village darling Up & Up @TheUpAndUpNYC . Owner, Matt Piacentini @scotchgin, FOH Manager Chaim Dauermann @chaimdauermann and, Head Bartender Ali Martin. We discuss crossing the five year anniversary mark, the philosophy of the bar and their unique method of training. Tune in!

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Making An Experience Mar 04, 2020

⭐️Two Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award nominated podcast⭐️

Sean Johnson @johnson_m_sean is an artist both behind the bar and outside if it. On this weeks episode he shares with us how he deals with the pressures of heading the bar at celebrated two Michelin starred restaurant Gabriel Kreuther @GabrielKreuther Conceptualizing cocktails and most importantly, curating experiences and creating memories.

Plus he brought us the GK Scaffa from the menu, Tune in!

Plus, check out Sean’s visually stunning art works: www.sean-m-johnson.com

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Birmingham or Bust Feb 26, 2020

⭐️2 Time @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Award Nominated Podcast⭐️

This week on the Speakeasy, Laura Newman @laurafallsdown and Mudd Townley @muddatqp join us from Birmingham Alabama where this power couple operates Classic cocktail bar Queen’s Park @QueensParkBham After opening to massive crowds during Miracle @MiraclePopUp the two have amassed a local following strong enough to drive toward opening Neon Moon @NeonMoonBham, a relaxed neighborhood bar, later this year.

They’re also making their mark by hosting seminars geared toward teaching bar and restaurant owners how easy and inexpensive it can be to offer benefits like Health insurance and gym memberships to employees.

Tune in!!

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#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Whiskey Methods Feb 19, 2020

This week Sother and Greg sit down with Bar Methods @BarMethods founder Chris Bidmead and Woodford Reserve Brand Ambassador, Michael Toscano @themichaeltoscano . We talk about the need for more standardized and accessible education for bartenders as well as balancing life in the spirits industry while being sober. Tune in!

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#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

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Ducks on the Water Feb 05, 2020

At last year's Tales of The Cocktail in New Orleans, Sother had the opportunity to sit down with Tyler Hudgens @tylerhudgens, a member of an elite team of industry professionals known as Liquid Productions @liq_pro. LP is responsible for the logistics, organization, prep, and execution of many of the industry's largest cocktail events. Humble and well-rounded by her career, she’s a BAR 5-Day Program graduate and international hospitality consultant. Tune in to hear how she makes it all look so graceful and easy.

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#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Mexican Chardonnay Jan 29, 2020

⭐️2 Time Award Nominated Podcast⭐️

Join us today as we sit down and talk With North America Tequila Cazadores Ambassador Alan Ruesga Pelayo @AlanRuesga and surprise guest Colin Asare-Apia @GetInvolvedBruv , trade director of culture and lifestyle for Barcardi. We chat about boxing, sustainability and building a longer and more diverse table.

Special shout outs to: @SimonFordsGin @BartenderAtLarge @HungryBartender and More! Plus Sother got to visit the new @BarGoto_Niban

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

Join us each week as we sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk Greg Benson @100ProofGreg @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

@Bacardi @BacardiUSA

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Mixed Up Jan 22, 2020

Jordan Silbert, founder of Q Mixers @QMixers takes the time to talk to us about his Spectacular line of products from origin to realization. He discusses the trials of being an industry outsider thrust into the game and the hurdles of understanding the complexities of distribution. Plus how creating a superior product got his product in the doors of hrs first clients and just how influential they were.

Plus, Greg has launched season 2 of his show @BarNonePodcast Tune in!

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Bailey Pryor Jan 16, 2020

100 years ago this week, The Eighteenth Amendment went into effect on January 17, 1920. On this episode, documentary filmmaker and founder of Real McCoy Rum, Bailey Pryor talks about the strange similarities of today’s society compared to what was going on then. Tune in!

Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Episode 359: Master Blender Dec 18, 2019

Alexandre Gabriel is the Master blender at both Maison Ferrand Cognac as well as Plantation Rums. Growing up on a farm gave him insight as to how taking care of the land can take care of you. He brings that ethos to every bottle he produces. It’s a fascinating talk, tune in!

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

The holiday season is all about food and community. There’s no better time to show your support for food radio by becoming a member! Lend your voice and help HRN continue to spreading the message of equitable, sustainable, and delicious food – together, we can change minds and build a better food system. Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate today to become a crucial part of the HRN community.

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Episode 358: A Real Live Wire Dec 11, 2019

Sother has the opportunity to sit with noted New York bartender turned LA nightlife guru, Aaron Polsky to discuss how the music industry can be a model for how to operate a ready to drink cocktail company. Tune in to hear about his concept called LiveWire!

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

The holiday season is all about food and community. There’s no better time to show your support for food radio by becoming a member! Lend your voice and help HRN continue to spreading the message of equitable, sustainable, and delicious food – together, we can change minds and build a better food system. Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate today to become a crucial part of the HRN community.

The Speakeasy is powerred by Simplecast.

Episode 357: Getting the band back together. Dec 04, 2019

Damon is back in the studio with Sother today and we’re joined by some old friends of the Speakeasy. Bridget Firtle of Owneys Rum @OwneysRum , Austin Hartman of Paradise Lounge @ParadiseLoungeNYC and, Mariah Kunkel of Banhez Mezcal @BanhezMezcalArtesanal . Damon and sother have a long overdue catch-up, they talk rum distilling in New York, Doom Tiki and, sustaining family farmed Mezcal.

We also toast the life of our dearly departed friend Rocky Yeh.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Episode 356: Sold by the drop Nov 20, 2019

Greg Robles co-founded @thebitterqueens , a small-production, San Francisco based bitters business raising the bar through the creation of unique, handcrafted bitters and cocktail accoutrements. What started as a spirited hobby amongst a duo of cocktail enthusiasts quickly evolved into a passionate business endeavor.

We sit and discuss entrepreneurship and the difficult to navigate roads to market in the spirits business as well as advocacy and representation for the LGBTQ community in our sphere.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Episode 355: Tiki Royalty Nov 06, 2019

She got her start in tiki with her husband who introduced her to Trader Vic’s Beverly Hills on their first Valentines Day together.

Marie helms the ship at Tonga Hut @tongahut in North Hollywood, LA’s oldest tiki bar! She’s is also head mixologist and executive bar manager at their second location in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

Prior to her work at Tonga Hut, she created and managed the cocktail program at the first new Don the Beachcomber to open in decades in Sunset Beach, CA.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.

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Episode 354: Whiskey River Oct 30, 2019

Native Kentuckian, Senior Whiskey Ambassador at Deutsch Brands and, Honorary Kentucky Colonel Joe Riggs (@Drinkswithjoe ) sits down to talk and taste whiskey with us!

We talk about the travel that the job entails, the constant growth of line extensions and, support for bartenders over “influencers”.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Episode 353: Covert Cocktails and Clandestine Conversations Oct 23, 2019

Today’s episode features Matt Levy of Covert Cocktail Club @covertcocktailclub in Brooklyn. A Native Brooklynite, Matt Levy is a self-taught bartender and cocktail personality at the Covert Cocktail Club, a “speakeasy” he runs in his house with his wife. It's Cocktails and Conversations in an intimate setting. We discuss the hazards of running an experience based operation, the intimate nature of such a small venue and, the history of Brooklyn through the eyes of a tour guide. Tune in!

Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Episode 352: Kicking the ball around Oct 16, 2019

This week we sit down former professional soccer player and current Director of Trade Advocacy for the London Essence Co. Justin Noel @jjnoelllc . Justin is also the owner of NYC’s Sweetwater Social and a 20 year veteran of bartending. We talk about the evolution of the bar industry in terms of culture, current drinking trends towards a lower abv/no abv as well as Wondering what happened to the fun in bartending?

Gregg is excited about the Washington Nationals going to the World Series and Sother wrote a holiday book called “Let’s Get Blitzen”! Tune in!

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

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Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.

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Episode 351: It’s all Greek to me Oct 09, 2019

Today’s guest is Effie Panagopoulos CEO and Founder, Kleos Mastiha Spirit @drinkkleos . A competitive natural bodybuilder and longtime spirits industry veteran, Effie has a drive to succeed and the dedication to accomplish her goals. She’s open and outspoken about breaking into the spirit production sector of the industry. In this episode we also touch on the controversy hanging over our business with the 50 Best Bars Industry Icon award.

Gregg also discloses that his podcast @BarNonePodcast has a new season releasing on December 1st. Tune in!

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Episode 350: Nickel and Dime Oct 02, 2019

Up next, Sother talks to longtime bartender, traveling brand ambassador and, owner of Nickel City @NickelCityATX Travis Tober @TheTober. The action is fast and the topics are numerous on this episode so be prepared to hear about flair bartending, guest shifts and, tactics involved to make a welcoming bar.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Episode 349: Whiskey and olive oil Sep 25, 2019

In another episode from New Orleans, Sother sits down to talk everything travel and whiskey with Nicola Riske. With her position as European Brand Ambassador for The Macallan and Edrington Malts Nicola combines her unquenchable thirst for knowledge with her desire to explore the world. She’s also an olive oil sommelier!

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

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Episode 348: She B Mo Sep 18, 2019

Join us for another episode recorded at this years @Tales_Of_The_Cocktail this one featuring Mo Herms @SheBMo proprietor of @TheMermaidLA a destination for tropical inspired drinks in downtown LA. She’s also the host of her own podcast @Music_And_Booze that draws lines connecting the world of bartending with the world of booze.

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio
Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.
Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 347: It’s Martini time! Sep 11, 2019

Journalist and raconteur Robert Simonson ( @RobertOSimonson ), joins Sother and Greg to talk about all things Martini. He’s been a spirits contributor to the local paper The New York Times ( @NyTimes ) for over a decade and has his finger on the pulse of drinks and drink culture. Hear what he has to say about the iconic drink and it’s curious history. He also reads a few excerpts from his book which is available for preorder wherever you buy books and will release next week.

————————————————

#HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
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Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
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Episode 346: Sean Mother F#%>ing Kenyon Sep 04, 2019

This week we’re airing another episode from the road featuring Denver’s legendary hospitalitarian and third generation bartender Sean Kenyon @SeanKenyon13. Sother caught up with Sean as he and the team from Liquid Productions @Liq_Pro were preparing for a huge party at the 2019 @Tales_of_the_Cocktail. They talk about Sean’s philosophy of bartending and hospitality as well as his popular Denver bars Williams and Graham, Occidental, and American Bonded.

@WilliamsAndGrahamDenver
@OccidentalDenver
@AmericanBonded

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
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Episode 345: Still got it! Aug 14, 2019

This installment of The Speakeasy Roadshow features Seattle’s Chris Elford @ChrisElford owner of James Beard @beardfoundation nominated beer bar No Anchor @noanchorbar , @Tales_of_the_Cocktail Spirited Award winning tiki inspired Navy Strength @navystrengthseattle and newly opened natural wine and oyster den @vinniesrawbar.
He’s also the creator of the modern classic cocktail Sharpie Mustache!

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 344: Midnight Club Aug 07, 2019

Join us for a very special episode of The Speakeasy on the road recorded at Cane and Table (@CaneAndTable) in New Orleans during Tales of the Cocktail (@Tales_of_the_Cocktail).

We were lucky enough to sit down with Alex Thomas, she’s one of the very few female master blenders in the Irish Whiskey market and oversees production of The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey.

We also sat down with several of the party goers and the chef to talk about what makes The Sexton Midnight Club special. It’s an effort to bring industry together over good food and excellent drinks after our shifts late at night.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 343: Sam Nelis Jul 31, 2019

Join us today as we chat with Sam Nelis- @sam_nelis the Beverage Director at Caledonia Spirits- @barrhillgin , where he curates all cocktails for the company, from the menu at the on site cocktail bar at the distillery to the website, to cocktails created for nationwide events. He’s also in charge of educating the company on cocktail culture and is responsible for supporting relationships with key cocktail bars.
Today we talk about the brand new distillery and integrated cocktail bar in Vermont’s capitol of Montpelier, the continued success of “Bees Knees Week” and, working with local farmers to create EAR- Experiments in Agricultural Rectification.
www.caledoniaspirits.com

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

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Episode 342: Southern Fried Hospitality Jul 24, 2019

This week Sother talks with Drew Schenck and Kevin Barrett owners of North Carolina’s Dram and Draught! @DramAndDraught Bartenders Ian @ian_murray and Jake @the_bitter_barman chime in as well. These gents are bringing a true sense of cocktail culture and genuine hospitality to the south with their lively and comfortable bars. Listen in as we talk about what it means to run multiple locations of the same concept and hear what’s on the horizon for these dynamic entrepreneurs.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Episode 341: It's all in the details Jul 17, 2019

After a long career in pub-bartending while pursuing degrees in Art History and Graphic Design, Amanda Elder joined the opening team of cocktail bar Pouring Ribbons in 2012, and subsequently also began bartending at the East Village agave haven, Mayahuel. As former Creative Director at Pouring Ribbons, Amanda was responsible for designing the bar’s initial thematic menus (Route 66, Silk Road, Moody Authors) as well as spearheading Pouring Ribbons 80’s Night, a monthly reimagining of classic drinks from the 1980’s that welcomed a series of guest bartenders. She went on to join the bar teams at both Leyenda in Carroll Gardens, and Donna in Williamsburg. Amanda is currently a member of the spirits team at Skurnik Wines & Spirits in Manhattan where she focuses on spirits and cocktail education, as well as design. Amanda also continues to freelance in hospitality design.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Episode 340: It’s a real job Jul 10, 2019

Manhattan native and long time New York City bartended Allegra Vera (@AllegraVera) joins us to discuss gender dynamics in the workplace, methods to maintain a healthy body and mind while tending as well as how social media can affect the very flow of business. All this and more as we sip on Aperol Spritzs.

Meanwhile, Gregg tries on the the red-green colorblindness correcting glasses and we talk a lot about pirates.
🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Episode 339: What the Clutterbuck?! Jul 03, 2019

Today’s episode features Donny Clutterbuck @DonnyClutterbuck runs the well known @cure_bar in Rochester New York. He’s also the creator of @pourcostapp He took time out to celebrate his birthday with us on the air and share some wit and wisdom about his career in the bar industry. He brought along a delightful bottle to share as well, Ange Vert from Alpine Distilling in Park City Utah.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 338: Thomas Waugh Jun 26, 2019

On this episode, Damon catches up with longtime friend of The Speakeasy Thomas Waugh. Thomas spent time behind the bar at Death and Company before becoming the bar director for Major Food Group and has recently moved in to a sales position.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.
🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Episode 337: Litigation Situation Jun 19, 2019

Justin Shapiro, founder of JustRight Consulting, and currently serving as Director of Operations for Ward Hospitality , and is co-owner of soon to be opened Palo Vivo (in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY). Justin was the operating partner at renowned agave centered bar Mayahuel. He joins us to talk about his past in the music industry, his difficulties dealing with ongoing court cases to protect Mayahuels name plus, his exciting new ventures in upstate New York and beyond. Sitting in with us is current vice president of DC Craft Bartenders Guild Zack Sanders (@libationsandlonging) He also works at Reliable Tavern and Jack Rose Dining Saloon.

Want to stay up to date on the latest Speaking Broadly episodes? To hear more conversations with Dana Cowin and her accomplished yet accessible guests, subscribe to Speaking Broadly (it’s free!) on iTunes or Stitcher. If you like what you hear, please take a moment to rate + review us on Apple’s podcast store and follow Dana on Instagram @speakingbroadly and @fwscout. Thanks for tuning in!"

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate

Speaking Broadly is powered by [Simplecast][4].

Episode 336: Holding up the Heavens Jun 12, 2019

Jesse Vida of Atlas! @jessejvida Previously part of the award-winning teams at Booker + Dax and Dead Rabbit @deadrabbitnyc , Jesse also led BlackTail @blacktailnyc to No. 31 on the World’s 50 Best Bars @50bestbars and “Best New Opening”, while also being awarded “Best New American Cocktail Bar” at The Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail @tales_of_the_cocktail . In 2017, he was named New York City’s Rising Star Bartender by Starchefs @starchefs and earned a place in Zagat’s @zagat 30 under 30 Industry Game Changers in New York City.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Episode 335: Ham it up! Jun 05, 2019

Todays episode features Laura Newman @LauraFallsDown from Birmingham Alabama! We talk about what it’s like opening a bar in a smaller market, winning big competitions and being a thought leader in our industry. We had a sporadic technical issue during recording but really wanted to bring you this interview, so please pardon the unusual format.

A Brooklyn native, Laura worked at NYC bars and restaurants such as Bacchanal, Dover, Cienfuegos, Mother of Pearl, and Sweet Polly before moving to Birmingham, Alabama. In June of 2018 she became the first woman to win Diageo World Class US (@Diageo @WorldClassUS ) and went on to place second globally. In January of 2019 she opened Queen’s Park @QueensParkBham , a classic cocktail bar, in Birmingham’s downtown Loft District, and she is currently working on a yet unnamed bar number two, set to open in early 2020. When Laura is not working as the bar manager of Queen’s Park, she gets to travel around the country speaking to people about booze. As for the future, Laura doesn’t look too far ahead - she’s looking forward to turning 30 this summer and spending some quality time with her two pugs.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.

Episode 334: Singing and screaming! May 29, 2019

Joining us in the studio today is former brand ambassador Erik Trickett @erik_trickett . Erick moved to New York from sunny LA a few years ago and landed a gig at Holiday Cocktail Lounge where he’s now the head bartender. We discuss his humble beginnings and what it’s like to operate one of the most raucous sing along bars in NYC!

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 333: Teaching is Learning May 22, 2019

Steve Olson!!!! @Akawinegeek

Today’s guest has been helping to shape the beverage industry for over 40 years. Getting his start in restaurants, he’s gone on to be a writer, consultant, educator, and lecturer, and is particularly known for his pioneering work with Sherry, Spanish and Greek wine, Sake, Gin, and Agave spirits. He’s opened nearly 50 restaurants and bars to date, including Gramercy Tavern in New York City, and was honored as “Best Bar Mentor” at the Tales of the Cocktail @tales_of_the_cocktail Spirited Awards in 2012. In addition to continuing to serve as founding partner in Beverage Alcohol Resource, an independent organization whose mission is to educate, guide, and propagate the healthy, enlightened, and responsible use of beverage alcohol products. His newest role is Global Mezcal Advocate / aka maguey geek / co-operating partner in Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal @delmagueymezcal .

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 332: Behind the Beat, In Front of the Bar May 15, 2019

t’s not often that we have bar patrons as guests on the show but today’s episode features just that. Valerie Franco @SeeValDrum is a regular patron at some of the best bars in the country. Her job as a touring drummer (currently with Hayley Kiyoko @HayleyKiyoko) takes her to every corner of the country. I caught up with her while she was visiting NYC to sit in as guest drummer on Late Night with Seth Meyers @LateNightSeth

Her interest in cocktails was sparked a few years ago with a visit to Amor y Amargo @AmoryAmargo and now she seeks out the best bars she can find while touring.
Valerie also has her own podcast called Behind The Beat @GetBehindTheBeat where she and her co-host John talk about the difficult road to success behind a drum kit as well as discussing what it’s like to navigate life as an outspoken member of the LGBTQ community.

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 331: The GOAT May 08, 2019

"On today’s show, longtime friend and colleague Philip Duff (@PhilipSDuff) stops by to talk about his career as an educator in our industry and real Dutch Genever. He created and manned the position of education director for Tales of the Cocktail (@Tales_of_the_Cocktail) , travels the world lecturing on all things bar and brand related, runs Liquid Solutions, his own consulting company and created and brought to market an authentic Dutch Genever (@OldDuffGenever). Truly a man of many parts.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 330: Let’s Be Clear May 01, 2019

On this episode we're joined by Trevor Schneider (@CocktailNinja) to talk about his longstanding role as the Reyka Vodka (@Reyka_Vodka) national brand ambassador. A former actor, his high energy and quick wit have played a major role in his continuing success. Tune in to hear his thoughtful insights about working in such a dynamic role. #HRN10Years #DrinkingOnTheRadio

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 329: The Real McCoy Apr 24, 2019

On today’s show, we’re sitting down with the fascinating Bailey Pryor of The Real McCoy rum from Barbados!

Bailey has worked as a writer, producer and director in the film and television industry for over 25 years. He has produced seven feature films and over 150 television programs. In his career, Bailey has received 16 Emmy Award nominations, winning 7 Emmy awards for his recent work on PBS.

Bailey is also the Founder and CEO of The Real McCoy Rum, @TheRealMcCoyRum , which is based on a film he produced of the same name. (view it at TheRealMcCoyRum.com). The Real McCoy rum has won over 100 major spirits industry awards worldwide and is currently being distributed in all 50 states in the US, as well as 26 countries in Europe and Asia.

We talk about

What real rum is - transparency and disclosure of additives
Caribbean Aging - how there’s no such thing as a 30 year old rum
New Classifications and designations - instead of “Light & Dark,” we say “Aged & Un-aged”

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 328: You and me in paradise Apr 17, 2019

On today’s show we talk with
Chicago native Austin Hartman. He’s a 9 year veteran of the bar scene in NYC. Where he’s posted up behind bars like Hotel Delmano, and Montana’s Trail House. Now he’s the proprietor of Paradise Lounge in Queens, a rum focused casual neighborhood bar. He’s also the co-founder of the educational collective called Cane Club Co preaching the gospel of rum to anyone willing to listen.
Also joining us is Jonathan Kobritz
( @kobrakommander ) of the Narrows.
We’ve also got two fans of the show sitting in, John Lutz @catdogfoodcloudbaby from Philadelphia and Ryan Murphy @Rymurph from Grand Rapids Michigan.

Pop ins from Kate Perry @wheninrhum and Blake Walker @WalkerBlake

And, joining me as de facto cohost Greg Benson (@100proofgreg )

Heck of a show!!

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Damon Boelte [@DamonBoelte] Sother Teague [@CreativeDrunk] Speakeasy Podcast [@SpeakeasyPodcast]

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Sother Teague [@CreativeDrunk] SpeakeasyRadio [@SpeakeasyRadio]

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Episode 327: Father daughter whisky experts. Apr 10, 2019

A packed studio this week!
Father daughter Robin and Rose Robinson sit in to talk to us about what it’s like to have a family member in the same industry and their perspectives from a millennial and boomer standpoint. Plus we get to drink some delicious whiskies and a new sour cherry gin from Luxardo. Playing the part of co-host, Greg Benson joins us again from NYC’s The Rochard. Plus fans of the show Andy and Amy all the way from Eau Claire Wisconsin sit in on the session.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte [@DamonBoelte][5]
Sother Teague [@CreativeDrunk][6]
Speakeasy Podcast [@SpeakeasyPodcast][7]

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague [@CreativeDrunk][8]
SpeakeasyRadio [@SpeakeasyRadio][9]

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Episode 326: Batch Cocktails w/ Maggie Hoffman & Kimi Winkler Apr 03, 2019

Join us as we chat about easier entertaining with Maggie Hoffman (@MaggieJHoffman). Formerly the managing editor at Serious Eats where she created spinoff Serious Eats: Drinks. Maggie is a San Francisco-based food and drink writer. She also wrote One Bottle Cocktails and is currently touring to promote her new book Batch Cocktails for Ten Speed Press (@TenSpeedPress).

Dear friend of the show, Kimi Winkler (@Kimi.Winkler) stops by to chat with us about Novo Fogo Cachaça (@NovoFogo) and share with us a rare (only 96 bottles produced!!) barrel aged expression.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 325: De-Louche-ious Texas Mar 27, 2019

Jessica Leigh Graves (@VioletCrownSpirits ), Austin, Texas native, freelance American Sign Language interpreter, award-winning songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and booty shaker turned distillery owner making the first absinthe in the Lone Star State joins us to talk about bitter sweet liquors. Find her products at http://www.violetcrownspirits.com/
Or on https://libdib.com/

Plus surprise guest Greg Benson (@100ProofGreg ) from @BarNonePodcast hangs out too!

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague [@CreativeDrunk][4]
SpeakeasyRadio [@SpeakeasyRadio][5]

The Speakeasy is powered by [Simplecast][6].

Episode 324: Always on the R(h)um Mar 20, 2019

On today’s episode of @SpeakeasyPodcast were joined by author, spirits educator and, consultant Shannon Mustipher (@ShannonMustipher). We talk about how her early interest in art shaped her desire to work behind the bar. She also shares her thoughts regarding the fundamentals of the craft, finding and cultivating your own voice and of course, r(h)um! Her first book ‘Tiki: Tropical Cocktails’ debuted on March 19 and is available wherever you buy your books. Her book touring schedule can be found at www.ShannonMustipher.com

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk
SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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Episode 323: Kiss me, I'm Irish Mar 13, 2019

Sean Muldoon (@SeanJMuld) and Jack McGarry (@JackMcGarry) and Rebekkah Dooley (@RebekkahDooley ) of Dead Rabbit (DeadRabbitNYC) and Black Tail (BlackTailNYC) sit down with us this week to discuss what it means to them to operate an authentically Irish bar in lower Manhattan. We'll also learn how serious they are about Irish breakfast and of course their world famous Irish Coffee featuring Bushmills original Irish whiskey. And they'll both talk about how much they love to run to stay in shape. Tune in!

#######10HRNYears #DrinkingOnTheRadio

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Episode 322: Fun and Games Mar 06, 2019

This week we're hosting Allison Marlar and Sean McKenzie from Archives (@thearchivesbar) in Burlington Vermont. Archives is a craft cocktail and beer bar as well as a full service arcade featuring new and vintage pinball and video games. We discuss the issues with balancing craft bartending with arcade games, the scene in Burlington and, fitting into an ever changing industry.

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Episode 321: Brendan Casey of Parlour Wine and Spirits Feb 28, 2019

Brendan Casey of Parlour Wine and Spirits (@ParlourWines) in Greenpoint sits down to talk about the fundamental differences between selling and mixing individual drinks and selling bottles at the retail level. He also introduces us to Little Wolf Whiskey (@LittleWolfWhiskey) and discusses the challenges of fatherhood in the spirits business.

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Episode 320: Hiatus Tequila Feb 20, 2019

On this weeks episode Sother welcomes Kristopher DeSoto and David Osher, the founder and cofounder of Hiatus Tequila (@hiatustequila ). They chat about luxury helicopter sales, the music industry and, of life filled with travel to exotic lands. But after all that travel, Kris ended up not far from his Texas home in Jalisco where he reignited an old interest in tequila that compelled him to take a hiatus from from his corporate job and enter the field of agave spirits. Find them here.

Riding shotgun in the studio is our friend Jake Zimmerman @Pineapple_Jake92 from Lolito bar (@Lolitostillwater) in Minneapolis

Episode 319: Hospitality First with Mark Maynard Feb 13, 2019

Mark Maynard - a 26 year veteran of the Union Square Hospitality Group, Mark started the trail as host of Union Square Cafe. From there he rose to General Manager and then launched a string of the popular bbq joint Blue Smoke. Extensive visits to America’s south east inspired Porchlight bar.
Now he’s the Director of Operations for all of USHG. Mark has also written a book The Next Frontier of Restaurant Management and is s regular lecturer at Cornell, NYU and, The Institute of Culinary Education.

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Episode 318: Franky Marshall Feb 06, 2019

Our dear friend and favorite Francophile miss Franky Marshall (@Drinking.Violet) schools us all on Cognac, pineau de charentes and all things France. She also talks about the issues we all face being in the Hospitality field. She’s a force to be reckoned with and made mostly of determination and magic.

Plus, friend to the show, Matt Friedlander took the co-host chair and he brought along the adorable @Sally.Puppy !! À votre santé!

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Episode 317: Angel Vasquez & The Cocktail Portal Jan 30, 2019

Tune In to hear how Angel achieves her dreams of traveling by using her camera to capture bartenders all over the world making cocktails. Her popular Instagram account has garnered over 200,000 followers. Follow her at @TheCocktailPortal and @BartendersPortal

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Episode 316: Let the games beGIN Jan 23, 2019

Simon Ford (@Simon_Tge86Co) is often credited with the creation of the spirits Brand Ambassador position as we know it. This week we talk to him about all things gin, his extensive world travels and, how to gracefully grow irrelevant.

Special guest Ed Rudisell of the popular Shift Drink Podcast (@ShiftDrinkPodcast) in Indianapolis sits in to sip gin and tequila with us.

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Episode 315: Amanda Whitt Jan 16, 2019

Amanda Whitt is a Brand Ambassador, Bartender, Barista, and all around liquid enthusiast. She talks to Damon and Sother about repping coffee all around the country. Plus, Damon shares his own spectacular barista experience.

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Episode 314: Claire Sprouse Dec 19, 2018

Claire Sprouse has bartended across the United States' at some of the most well-known cocktail institutions, starting in Houston and most recently at ABV in San Francisco. In 2014, she co-founded Tin Roof Drink Community, a consulting and education company committed to exploring sustainability in hospitality spaces. For their teachings at the 2017 Tales of the Cocktail, Tin Roof was awarded the “Golden Spirit Award”. Claire will continue to explore green bar initiatives at her upcoming bar, Hunky Dory, opening soon in Brooklyn.

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Episode 313: Jeff Bell and AK Hada Dec 12, 2018

This week, Damon and Sother report remotely from Blue Quarter in the East Village. Their guests are Jeff Bell and AK Hada of the legendary PDT. Hear all about hot dogs, clandestine entrances last min flights to Hong Kong and American brandy. But, Please Don’t Tell!

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Episode 312: It's a Miracle! Dec 05, 2018

Join us on the Speakeasy for a very festive holiday edition featuring the team from Miracle in Brooklyn. New father Jason Littrell, human Swiss Army knife Chris Bidmead and,ring-leader Dave O’Brien have overdecorated and stocked their bar to be a Christmas holiday wonderland. We also take potshots at our dear friend Giuseppe Gonzales with pumpkin spice coquito and we talk about Bartender Boxing. Ho ho ho!

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Episode 311: Jack Ferris Nov 28, 2018

Jack Ferris is the US national brand ambassador & educator for Bushmills Irish Whiskey. He grew up in as small town called Coleraine in Co. Derry, which is located just 7 miles from where The Old Bushmills Distillery is located. From a young age, he has been passionate about Irish Whiskey. Jack started his whiskey career as bartender at the Bushmills Inn just down the street from the distillery. He then his found his way to a job with Bushmills as a Brand Home Associate where he ran the bar, distillery tours and served as an ambassador and representative for the brand. His work has brought him across the globe, making him an expert in all things Irish Whiskey. Jack has been working with the Bushmills brand for almost 8 years and has covered various roles, both in front and behind the scenes. Most recently, Jack worked on the launch of The Steamship Collection, which was a new and rewarding experience for him. For Jack, the most enjoyable part of his job is communicating with a variety of people of different expertise and taking them on the Bushmills journey. As a US Bushmills Brand Ambassador, Jack champions building awareness and advocacy for Bushmills Irish Whiskey.

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Episode 310: Eamon Rockey Nov 21, 2018

This week on the Speakeasy, Damon and Sother host Eamon Rockey from the remote studio inside Blue Quarter. Eamon made his mark as a NYC bartender known for making clarified milk punch. Now he's got a bottled version on the market. He’s also helped develop a new generation of bar bag with the workwear brand Tilit as well as being in a leadership role in the newly created beverage program at the Institute of Culinary Education.

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Episode 309: Hospitality beyond identity Nov 14, 2018

Today on The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother talk to an activist, a trans woman and a female general manager to discuss hospitality in the new culture of gender fluidity, activism and the #metoo movement. Jackie Summers, Jesse Wohlers and Tyler Beebe.

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Episode 308: Enrique De Colsa Oct 31, 2018

Today on the Speakeasy, Damon and Sother talk to to Master Distiller Enrique De Colsa from tequila Don Julio.

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[1]https://www.diageobaracademy.com/en_zz/training/meet_our_experts/industry-leaders/enrique_de_colsa/
[2]https://www.donjulio.com/
[3]http://imbibemagazine.com/interview-with-enrique-de-colsa/

Episode 307: La Penultima Oct 24, 2018

Today on the Speakeasy, Damon and Sother talk to Penelope Roussetzki, Stephen Hoppe, Chris Hoppe about beer, working in the food industry and more

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[1]https://www.facebook.com/barpenultima/

Episode 306: Johnny Schuler & Pisco Oct 17, 2018

Damon and Sother get the opportunity to talk with Johnny Schuler, Master Distiller for Caravedo Pisco and all around Pisco advocate.

He has dedicated much of his life to setting the standards for excellence in the Pisco industry. And, as Pisco’s ambassador, his travels have taken him throughout Peru, and around the globe, to educate spirits industry professionals and the public alike about the culture, heritage, and craftsmanship that makes Pisco so unique.

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Episode 305: Healthcare & Hospitality with Paul Finn and special guest William Pineapple Oct 10, 2018

Today on The Speakeasy, we talk to Paul Finn and special guest William Pineapple. Paul started his career in music and movies, producing his first feature film at age 21 for Kevin Smith’s View Askew Productions. While working on the soundtrack for that film, “A Better Place”, he decided to re-focus on a career in the music industry both as an artist, touring with critically acclaimed bands The Kingsbury Manx and Spider Bags as well as working behind the scenes at the legendary Drag City and Merge record labels.
During this time, bills were paid by waiting tables. He began working at Acme, a fine dining restaurant in North Carolina, working his way up from busboy to GM. He later pursued craft bartending at the James Beard winning Lantern restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC. He now lives in Austin where he helped open Garage cocktail bar, winners of the 2015 Official Drink of Austin. Garage has garnered a reputation for providing an excellent cocktail program and has received national recognition in publications such as Conde Nast, Imbibe, Maxim and Architectural Digest. It was also at Garage that he found a kindred spirit with a shared passion for hospitality and industry wellness in owner William Ball, who made the revolutionary decision to provide full medical benefits for the staff. Paul has continued to champion healthcare and wellness for an industry that desperately needs it. William Pineapple, a talented mixologist with 16 years of hospitality experience in 5 countries, joins Paul to guide us through the healthcare of his fellow bartenders.

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Episode 304: Service at Scale with Kevin Beary Oct 03, 2018

On Today's Speakeasy Damon talks with Kevin Beary, Beverage Director at Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago. Kevin Beary his first taste of bartending while shaking and pouring colorless liquid as a minor. His first official gig was aboard a Delaware River cruise in Philadelphia, where 500 thirsty passengers would board the ship most nights and drink tickets would start flying. Beary worked in restaurants while attending La Salle University and rose to beverage director of Hyatt at the Bellevue, whose Library Lounge is the home of the Clover Club cocktail.

In 2012, he transferred to Chicago’s Park Hyatt to oversee the property’s beverage program and open its cocktail bar, NoMi Lounge, until he took over the juggernaut tiki program that is Three Dots and a Dash. Beary revamped every aspect of prep, installing industrial cold press juice machines and centrifuges to ensure consistency and quality in every one of the 2,000-plus cocktails his team serves on Saturday nights. Beary is a great lover of rum, so much so that he led his 16 bartenders through an 11-week rum course, and he’s working on a master’s degree in brewing and distilling. Together they discuss batching drinks, tiki cocktails, seasonality, and more.

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Episode 303: Rocky Yeh & Danny Ronen Sep 26, 2018

Rocky Yeh is the Gardien des Chais (keeper of the cellar) at Maison Ferrand and Danny Ronen is the proprietor of Academia in Austin and partner at Unlimited Liabilities. Tune in as Sother chats with these two about travel, New York Brandy Week, subscription cocktail boxes and getting educated at a bar.

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Episode 302: Sep 19, 2018

Aaron Goldfarb is a writer who lives in Brooklyn. He’s written the novels “How to Fail: The Self-Hurt Guide” and “The Guide for a Single Man/Woman.” He writes about beer, whiskey, and drinks culture for places like Esquire, PUNCH, and VinePair. His latest book is “Hacking Whiskey.”

Episode 301: MiniBar's Jeremy Allen Sep 13, 2018

This week, Damon sits down with Jeremy Allen, the GM of MiniBar in Hollywood, CA. Allen has done time under James Beard Award winning chefs in both LA and Mpls, and is a CMS Certified Somm with a Wine Spectator Award, but you wouldn't guess it by his sailor speak. More importantly, Jeremy has spent tons of time drinking in the best and worst bars and restaurants, backstages and backyards across the world. Tune in to hear them talk cold beer, warm gin, live jazz, and more!

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Episode 300: Nightcaps with Kara Newman Sep 05, 2018

The Speakeasy turns 300! Joining Damon and Sother to celebrate is Kara Newman, author of the forthcoming book NIGHTCAP: More Than 40 Cocktails to Close Out Any Evening. Tune in to hear them talk nightcaps, and drink a few (or several) themselves!

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Episode 299: The History of Drinking with Diana Pittet and Scott Rosenbaum Aug 29, 2018

This autumn, Asbury Park resident Diana Pittet, who grew up in Atlantic Highlands, is teaching a pioneering, one-of-a-kind graduate seminar at New York University on “The History, Culture, and Politics of Drinking,” from the Neolithic period to the present day. That’s a time span of over 9,000 years of humans intentionally (as opposed to accidentally) making and consuming alcohol--all the while, having mixed feelings about it.

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Cleveland Rocks! Aug 28, 2018

Your hosts travel to the southern shore of Lake Erie to investigate the hospitality scene in Cleveland. Guided by native Stefan Was of the Porco Lounge and Tiki Room, Damon and Sother zig zag across the City talking to some of Believeland's most beloved bartenders and restaurateurs. From Ohio City Provisions to the venerable Velvet Tango Room, Cleveland is making its mark on the nightlife landscape.

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Jabin Troth - Founder - Licensed To Distill Aug 27, 2018

Sother went down to this year's Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, armed with a recorder and a dream...a dream to cover the entire festival in-depth. However, due to his jam-packed schedule, only this interview got recorded: a sit-down with Jabin Troth, founder of the world's largest craft cocktail Instagram account, Licensed to Distill. Tune in and give him a follow!

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Episode 298: Salute the Cucumber Aug 15, 2018

On Today's show Damon and Sother talk with Charlotte Voisey, Director of Advocacy at William Grant & Sons USA. They discuss the rise of gin in America, respect for cucumbers, and travel tips. Plus, we get some surprise guests at the end of the episode!

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Episode 297: Rob Morton of Voltaire Aug 08, 2018

Rob Morton spent 17 years in the music business running marketing departments for record labels and Virgin Megastores, and 6 as a production manager for live action music videos and commercials, before going into bar ownership in 2010. He worked for Idle Hands from 2010-2015, Fools Gold from 2014-present, Voltaire as of 2018, and Paul’s Of Oak Island coming in 2019.

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Episode 296: Cocktails 201 Aug 01, 2018

This week Damon and Sother chat with Freddie Sarkis, Chief Cocktail Officer at Liquor Lab in NYC. They chat about his journey from coffee to cocktails, teaching the basics of bartending, and how to progress beyond Cocktails 101. But first, Damon and Sother give a quick review of their trip to Cleveland.

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Episode 295: Gatekeepers Jul 25, 2018

On this episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother share their experiences of Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. Then they welcome two NYC gatekeepers - Josh Polina, a doorman at Death & Company and Santi Dady, who handles reservations at Please Don't Tell. They talk about managing customers expectations, what customers shouldn't do in their quest for access, and their philosophies of hospitality.

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Episode 294: Threesome Tollbooth Jul 18, 2018

Today on The Speakeasy we're talking with Jesse Sheidlower, a lexicographer and bar manager of a very small, high-end cocktail bar in Brooklyn called Threesome Tollbooth. Before bartending he authored The F-Word, a detailed history of the word "fuck". We also can't forget that he's been named one of the 100 smartest people in New York by New York Magazine. We talk about immersive experiences, swear words, and much, much more.

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Episode 293: Hospitality with Matt Kourie of NY Cocktail Expo Jul 11, 2018

Today on The Speakeasy we talk with Matt Kourie. He's a cocktail enthusiast, turned home bartender, turned guest bartender, who had turned his one bedroom Queens apartment into a speakeasy, home bar room. Kourie has been organizing successful events in hospitality since 2013. The New York native has brought together over 20k individuals since that time, through his NY Best Wings Festival championships to BBQ events, partnered events with Time Out New York Magazine, the New York Cocktail Expo and more. Kourie is passionate about the focus of hospitality first, as well as bringing people together to grow and learn as a community.

If you're going to New York Cocktail Expo on August 19th, use promo code SPEAKEASY for 20% off.

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Episode 292: Life Behind Bars with Noah Rothbaum & David Wondrich Jul 04, 2018

Noah Rothbaum is the editor of The Daily Beast’s Half Full section. He also hosts the podcast Life Behind Bars with legendary cocktail historian David Wondrich.

In addition, Rothbaum is the author of the book The Art of American Whiskey: A Visual History of the Nation’s Most Storied Spirit, through 100 Iconic Labels and the associate editor of the forthcoming Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails. Rothbaum’s first book, The Business of Spirits: How Savvy Marketers, Innovative Distillers, and Entrepreneurs Changed How We Drink, was published in 2007.

According to Chicago magazine’s chief dining critic, Jeff Ruby, “Rothbaum knows drinking like Newton knew gravity, but he’s not all high and mighty about it, creating laws and whatnot.” And The Wall Street Journal’s Speakeasy blog called him “one of the smartest tipplers (and writers on spirits) we know.”

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Episode 291: Julie Reiner and Susan Fedroff Jun 27, 2018

Damon and Sother are joined by Julie Reiner and Susan Fedroff of Clover Club, Leyanda, Flatiron Lounge, Pegu Club...basically some of the most iconic bars in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

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Episode 290: Authentic Cajun with Lauren Myerscough Jun 20, 2018

This week, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by Lauren Myerscough, co-founder of Cocktail & Sons. The company has a line of all-natural hand-crafted syrups, cordials, and tea concentrates for a variety of bars and restaurants in New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and more!

Also joining them is Valerie Franco, satellite regular at Amor y Amargo and drummer extraordinaire, who appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers last night (and will be again in the near future)!

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Episode 289: Put a F*ckin' Onion In It Jun 13, 2018

This week, Damon and Sother are joined in the studio by Kat Hamidi of Capitoline Vermouth, Washington DC's first commercially available vermouth. After Negroni Week and Bar Convent Brooklyn, what better way to come down than with Americanos??

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Episode 288: Boats, Bikes, and Bars with Thomas Spaeth Jun 11, 2018

Thomas Spaeth is a bartender at Dear Irving in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan. In the summer, you can also find him serving drinks at Grand Banks, a seasonal oyster bar on the deck of a historic fishing boat docked at Pier 25 on the Hudson River. He's always on the go. When he's not bartending, Thomas can be found salvaging bicycles by night and rebuilding them into urban speed machines.

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Episode 287: Angus Winchester Jun 06, 2018

Damon and Sother are joined in the studio by Angus Winchester, the Global Director of Education for the Bar Convent Berlin and Bar Convent Brooklyn and is curating over 100 training slots at these two significant trade events helping to educate and inspire Hospitality staff from around the world.

Winchester’s contacts and knowledge have been built up over nearly 30 years of engagement with the best bars and bartenders in the world. As founder member of one of the first global bar consultancies, and now with Alconomics Asia in Hong Kong, Angus has provided on- premise consultancy, profit enhancement advice and training to trend setting outlets from Washington D.C. to Hong Kong, including the multi-award- winning Salvatore at Fifty (RIP, alas) and Trailer Happiness in London, Mandarin Oriental Hotels in Hong Kong, Hainan and Bangkok, the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach, the luxury Nimb Hotel in Copenhagen and Intercontinental Hotels globally.

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Episode 286: William Elliott May 30, 2018

From a young age, William Elliott had a fascination with taste and memory, and sharing the experience. Though he grew up in a “dry” household, his obsession with liquor and food sprang from elicit sips of pastis from his parent’s cupboard and busted attempts at bouillabaisse. During a stint playing music around California and the desert Southwest, Elliott realized a new obsession, and transitioned full-time into the realm of beer, wine, and spirits. He has been an integral part of the critically-acclaimed Maison Premiere since its opening in 2011, serving as its Head Bartender for the three years it was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Awards. After MP won the JBFA for Best Bar Program in 2016, Elliott, now as Bar Director, conceptualized the bar at Sauvage as an strong-headed sibling to Maison Premiere; in an age of multi-national brands and marketing campaigns, the liquor selections and cocktails speak to nativity and so honor the producers and regions from which they hail. Within months, the bar at Sauvage was lauded with glowing reviews, including NY Time’s Pete Wells enjoying many treasured bottles on the back-bar and the “exemplary” cocktails.

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Episode 285: Drinking Distilled May 23, 2018

This week, Damon and Sother are joined by Jeffrey Morgenthaler, the bar manager at Clyde Common in Portland, Oregon. His newest book is Drinking Distilled: A User's Manual, an opinionated, illustrated guide for cocktail beginners, covering the basics of spirits plus making and drinking cocktails.

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Episode 284: The Cure for Hiccups Is a Moving Target May 16, 2018

This week, Damon and Sother are joined by the husband and wife team of Jackson Stamper and Tonia Guffey-Stamper, of Employees Only and Highland Park Distillery, respectively. Tune in for hiccup cures, beef tartare, and some pretty outstanding Scotch.

Episode 283: Cocktail Photography with Eric Medsker May 09, 2018

Eric Medsker is a New York City based photographer and content creator working on a variety of commercial, publishing, and personal projects centered around food and beverage. Some notable projects include Wylie Dufresne's WD~50 cookbook, Brian Bartel’s The Bloody Mary Cocktail Book for Ten Speed Press, and the social media for Death & Co.

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Episode 282: Drinking Like a Lady with Mellie Wiersma May 02, 2018

In her own words, Melissa “Mellie” Wiersma is just a girl who giggles a lot, makes lots of drinks, has a lot of love for Boston, and has started falling in love with New York. She's worked in every type of joint, from buttoned-up cocktail bars to roofs and dives, and has enjoyed every moment of it!

She is also a contributor to the forthcoming book Drinking Like Ladies, which is dedicated to the proposition that a woman’s place is behind the bar. . . or in front of it. . . or really any place she pleases.

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Episode 281: Lauren Corriveau and Natasha David of Nitecap Apr 25, 2018

Originally from the Finger Lakes, NY, Lauren Corriveau moved to NYC at the age of 17. After graduating college with a degree in Merchandising and Business Management, Lauren went on to work in the fashion industry for almost 10 years. Although she worked in bars and restaurants while in college, hospitality didn't factor into her career path until 2013, when she was hired as a member of the opening team for Battery Harris in Brooklyn. The process of opening a new space resonated with her experience in retail and design and sparked Lauren's passion for hospitality and menu development. Shortly thereafter, she started working at Donna, where she was fully introduced to the cocktail industry. Upon receiving a job offer from Natasha David in 2015, Lauren left fashion for a full time career in hospitality, becoming Head Bartender of Nitecap just one year later. During her time with the company, Lauren has been an integral part of running the business and shaping the brand alongside David. Lauren’s cocktails have been featured in multiple publications including Punch, Eater, Grub Street, Supercall, NY Post, and Sous Vide Magazine.

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Episode 280: Sweet, Sweet Vermouth with Giancarlo Mancino Apr 18, 2018

Giancarlo Mancino is a gifted bartender and entrepreneur hailing from Pignola, Italy. Famous for his amazing hospitality, he has literally traveled the globe progressing the world of cocktails with his own Giancarlo BAR Ltd., a Hong Kong based bar and beverage consultancy firm. Giancarlo is also the creator of the Mancino line of artisanal Vermouths and the Aperitvo Rinomato. He recently launched his own glassware "the Wormwood Collection" in collaboration with Italesse.

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Episode 279: Whiskey Tasting with Nate Dumas Apr 11, 2018

This week, Damon is joined in the studio by Nate Dumas, a Prime Meats alum, premium account specialist for the Campari portfolio of brands, and Wild Turkey connoisseur.

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Episode 278: Atomic Hospitality with Steva Casey Apr 04, 2018

Steva Casey is a bartender at The Atomic Lounge in Birmingham, AL. She also works on numerous projects including International Cocktail Karaoke and Tiki By The Sea. Her cocktail recipes and ideas about building drinks have been published in Cosmopolitan, Men’s Journal, and on CNN . When asked to explain her job, she quickly responds that it's mainly about being a good host. She owns more bottles of Scotch than dresses.

Also sitting in this week is Greg Benson, co-host of the podcast Bar None, which focuses on one drink per episode as a lens through which to examine a particular era of history.

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Episode 277: Eryn Reece of Banzarbar Mar 28, 2018

This week, we're joined in studio by Eryn Reece, who has tended bar all over New York City, and is now heading up a new bar program at Banzarbar, a new concept above Freemans Restaurant in the Lower East Side.

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Episode 276: Kate Perry and the Last Rum Crusade Mar 20, 2018

Kate Perry grew up in Maine, and earned degrees in Anthropology/Archaeology & Geography/Geology from the University of Denver. She moved to Seattle after college, drank a lot of sherry, opened a rum bar, and drank a lot of rum. She was invited to Haiti with the Velier spirits company, where she fell in love with Haiti and fell in love with Velier. After returning to the states, she moved to NYC to work for Velier, the Indiana Jones of rum -- so she's using her degrees and still drinking a lot of rum.

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Episode 275: Rob Dietrich, Head Distiller of Stranahan's Whiskey Mar 07, 2018

This week, Damon is without Sother...which is fine. He's joined in the studio by Rob Dietrich, Head Distiller of Stranahan's Whiskey, which, at tender age of fourteen, was the first company to be granted a distilling permit in Colorado.

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Episode 274: Hospitality Design with Charlie Marshall Feb 28, 2018

This week, Sother is joined by Charlie Marshall, the Design Director and a principal of Parc Office. With a background in industrial design, retail and hospitality design, and interactive experiences, Marshall works to find innovative ways of integrating digital interactivity in physical spaces. Prior to Parc Office, Marshall ran the Lab at Rockwell Group, designing experiences and innovation labs for Coca Cola and Google, and designing bars and restaurants for Le Meridian, W Hotels, Darden Group, Royal Caribbean and the Cosmopolitan hotel.

Marshall's hospitality experience comes from growing up in the trade, his family being owners of a vineyard in the UK (?!) and partners in award winning British brewery Bath Ales. Starting working in kitchens and bars and the brewery from the age of 12, Marshall is an "enthusiast" who is also the emergency last resort line cook or barman for a variety of restaurant kitchens and bars throughout New York.

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Episode 273: One-Bottle Cocktails with Maggie Hoffman Feb 21, 2018

This week, Damon and Sother are joined by Maggie Hoffman, author of the new book The One-Bottle Cocktail: More than 80 Recipes with Fresh Ingredients and a Single Spirit, which will be published by Ten Speed Press in March 2018. Hoffman writes about cocktails, spirits, food, beer, and wine. She founded the drinks section of Serious Eats in 2011, and served as the managing editor for the James Beard award-winning site.

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Episode 272: Cane Club Co Feb 14, 2018

On this Valentine's Day edition of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined by Dani DeLuna, Shannon Mustipher, and Austin Hartman of the Cane Club Collective, a group that organizes experiences around cane spirits that foster community and appreciation for rum and the people working in the industry.

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Episode 271: The Four Corners of Cointreau Feb 07, 2018

This week, Damon and Sother sit down with Alfred Cointreau, the sixth generation scion of – you guessed it – the Cointreau family, which has been making the French orange-flavored liqueur brand of the same name for over 150 years.

Also joining them are Kayla Mata and Emily Arseneau of Collectif 1806.

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Episode 270: Shaker & Spoon Jan 31, 2018

Sother is back from Miami, where he was named Mixologist of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. He and Damon are joined today by Mike Milyavsky and Anna Gorovoy, founders of Shaker & Spoon, which is sort of like the Blue Apron of cocktail ingredients.

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Episode 269: Willy Shine of Mast-Jägermeister U.S. Jan 24, 2018

Willy Shine is a proud and dedicated Spirits & Hospitality Professional. Willy has an affinity towards building spirits brands using unconventional marketing, relationships, networking and immersing himself into its history & culture while paying forward the education bestowed upon him. Willy is the Brand Meister for Mast-Jägermeister U.S. – National Brand Ambassador, Head of Brand Education, Trade Advocacy and Mixology.

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Episode 268: John Tebeau Jan 18, 2018

On the first episode of 2018, Damon is joined in studio by John Tebeau, a Brooklyn writer, artist, and bartender. He began a series of bar illustrations in 2013 out of an appreciation of architecture and community gathering places, later reporting on and writing about what made those bars special. Tebeau also works as a bartender at one of New York’s great neighborhood bars, Fort Defiance in Red Hook, Brooklyn. His new book, Bars, Taverns and Dives New Yorkers Love, is due out in March.

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Episode 267: Allen Katz, New York Distilling Company Dec 20, 2017

For the season finale, Damon and Sother welcome back Allen Katz from the New York Distilling Company, who last appeared on The Speakeasy six years ago.

Allen is one of the nation’s leading experts on distilled spirits and cocktails. He is the Director of the Spirits Education & Mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits of New York and is at the forefront of industry training in New York and around the country. And today, he brought some rye with him.

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Episode 266: Italicus Dec 13, 2017

Damon and Sother welcome Italian spirits expert Giuseppe Gallo, creator of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto. Made at a family-owned distillery in Moncalieri, Torino, Italicus is a blend of bergamot peel, Cedro lemons, chamomile, lavender, gentian, yellow roses, and Melissa balm. Tune in as they sample this expression of the "original aperitivo."

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Episode 265: Whip 'Em Out Wednesday with Bianca Miraglia Dec 06, 2017

On today's show, Damon and Sother are joined by Bianca Miraglia of Uncouth Vermouth, who may or may not be wearing a shirt – the magic of radio! Tune in to hear them talk about how vermouth is in fact wine, why you shouldn't fear blue (or pink) drinks, and more!

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Episode 264: Micah Melton, Beverage Director of The Alinea Group Nov 29, 2017

Micah Melton was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa and began his studies in computer science before finding his calling in the culinary arts. While attending Culinary Arts school he began working in bars to pay the bills and fell in love with the beverage side of the industry.

Micah was part of the opening team that envisioned and created the opening menu at the Aviary. He studied and trained in the kitchen at Alinea restaurant for the opening of the new bar concept. His role at the time of opening was the 'ice chef' -- probably the only one in the world -- charged with creating over 30 types of ice for the bar program. The program now boosts an impressive 39 varieties of ice.

Micah currently serves as Beverage Director of the Alinea Group and is in charge of the cocktail, non-alcoholic, beer, and spirits menus at The Aviary & the Office Chicago, The Aviary & the Office NYC, Next Restaurant, Roister and Alinea.

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Episode 263: Bernie Lubbers Nov 15, 2017

Author, musician, world-traveller, and professor of whiskey—Bernie Lubbers travelled the road for 20 years performing comedy before getting into the bourbon business. Originally hired by Jim Beam to promote their Knob Creek brand, Bernie took it upon himself to delve into the rich history and heritage of American Whiskey and the whiskey men and women who forged that legacy, and along that way earned the title of The Whiskey Professor and was awarded Whiskey Ambassador of the Year by Whiskey Magazine’s Icons of Whiskey Awards. Mixing his talents for music and comedy with his passion for America’s “native spirit”, Bernie today holds the position as The American Whiskey Ambassador for the largest single-site whiskey distiller in the world—Heaven Hill—where, among many things, he has championed bottled in bond spirits, helping to preserve, promote, and revitalize the category. His book, Bourbon Whiskey: Our Native Spirit is available wherever boozy books are sold.

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Episode 262: Bay Area Cocktails with Shanna Farrell Nov 09, 2017

Reunited and it feels so good! Damon and Sother are back together again, and this week on The Speakeasy they're joined by Shanna Farrell, an interviewer at UC Berkeley's Oral History Center, where she does many things but specializes in contemporary cocktail culture. She is the author of the new book is Bay Area Cocktails, and the co-host of The Prix Fixe, a new podcast about the intersection of food and drink.

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Episode 261: Liquid Consulting with Claire Bertin-Lang Nov 01, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is back! He and Sother are joined in the studio by Claire Bertin-Lang, the founder and president of CBL Liquid Consulting.

Claire has over a decade's worth of experience in the hospitality industry, with a focus on spirits and food & wine events. A native New Yorker, she began tending bar at one of the city's classic dives at the age of 19. After college, she worked both on the brand side and for agencies executing major projects, beverage programs, and trade and consumer events.

Claire started her own company, CBL Liquid Consulting, in 2011. In addition to working with The Cooper Spirits Co. and House Spirits Distillery on consumer and trade events, she serves as the Beverage Director for Eat Drink SF and runs all Mixology for the StarChefs.com International Chef’s Congress.

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Episode 260: Meehan's Manual Oct 25, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Sother is taking the reins again, and is joined in studio by acclaimed barman Jim Meehan, whose new book Meehan's Bartender Manual is a magnum opus of mixology. Meehan is best known for his pioneering work at PDT in New York's East Village. Though he now lives in Portland, Oregon, Meehan recently opened a new bar called Prairie School in Chicago’s Fulton Market.

Also sitting in is Cory Bonfiglio of Beer Street.

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Episode 259: Smooth Amblin' Oct 18, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Sother is flying solo in the host chair. He's joined in studio by John Little, CEO and master distiller of Smooth Ambler Spirits, and Antonia Fattizzi, founder and president of Cork and Tin, a strategic partner for emerging beverage alcohol brands.

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Episode 258: The Bourbon Bartenders Oct 11, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in the studio by Alla Lapushchik and Jane Danger, co-authors of the new book The Bourbon Bartender: 50 Cocktails to Celebrate the American Spirit. They have also co-written the book Cuban Cocktails: 100 Classic and Modern Drinks, in addition to being top shelf New York bartenders.

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Episode 257: Leslie Feinberg and Brian Grummert Oct 04, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by bartender and baker Leslie Feinberg of Prohibition Bakery and bartender Brian Grummert of Subject Bar. Prohibition Bakery makes delicious alcoholic cupcakes based on classic cocktails, which are available at their store in the Lower East Side and at Subject Bar, a neighbor and partner of the bakery, which also offers cocktails in their traditional liquid form.

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Episode 256: Andrew Meltzer, 2016 U.S. Bartender of the Year Sep 27, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined by Andrew Meltzer, who was named 2016 U.S. Bartender of the Year by the United States Bartender's Guild (USBG), following two days of heated competition at the global finals in Miami.

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Episode 255: Luxardo Sep 21, 2017

Damon and Sother are joined in studio by Matteo Luxardo and mixologist and brand ambassador G. Franklin of Luxardo, a family-owned company founded in Zara, a port city on the Dalmatian coast of what is now Croatia. Girolamo Luxardo, a Genovese businessman, and his wife, Maria Canevari, moved to Zara in 1817. It was Maria who began perfecting "rosolio maraschino," a liqueur produced in Dalmatian convents since medieval times from special maraschino cherries. Canevari's liqueur was of such high quality that it gained the attention of connoisseurs, and her husband founded the Luxardo Distillery in 1821 to produce her original Maraschino. Not long afterwards, the Emperor of Austria awarded the Luxardo liqueur the highest honor "Privilegiata Fabbrica Maraschino Excelsior." The distillery remained under the family's control and prospered by exporting the liqueur to aficionados around the world. The Maraschino liqueur became an essential cocktail ingredient internationally, and is found in classics such as the Last Word, Martinez and Hemingway cocktails of the late 19th and early 20th century. The distillery also expanded to create other fruit-based and herbal liqueurs such as Bitter, Limoncello and Amaro Abano.

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Episode 254: Distillery Cats with Brad Thomas Parsons Sep 20, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in the studio by James Beard Award-winning author Brad Thomas Parsons. His latest book, Distillery Cats, features thirty profiles adorable distillery and brewery cats, plus fifteen cocktail recipes. It's the purr-fect read for any spirit and/or cat lover.

Episode 253: Sam Gauthier of Boilermaker Sep 13, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined by Sam Gauthier of Boilermaker. Sam is a former audio engineer turned bartender. He talks about his career, bar life in NYC, Boilermaker, and Ti' Punch!

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Episode 252: New York Cocktails with Amanda Schuster Sep 06, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined by Amanda Schuster, a hooch writer/consultant and editor in chief of the online magazine Alcohol Professor. She is also the author of the new book New York Cocktails.

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Episode 251: The Art, Science, and Business of Distilling with Michter's Aug 30, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Sother is back from BevCon in Charleston, and he and Damon are joined in the studio by Joseph Magliocco, Dan McKee, and John Holzinger of Michter's Distillery. Tune in to hear them discuss the history of the brand and the enduring power of American whiskies and distilleries.

Episode 250: Lacy Hawkins Aug 23, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined in the studio by Lacy Hawkins, an escaped bartender, brand ambassador for Monkey 47 Gin, four-time Speed Rack USA winner, and bike rider. Tune in to hear them talk diversity in New York City, going from behind to bar to brand ambassador, and why you should give sloe gin another chance.

Episode 249: Three Lives of the Cat Pack Aug 09, 2017

On the season finale of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by "a third of the Cat Pack" – Karen Fu, head bartender at Donna, Natasha Torres, head bartender at Narcbar, and Jane Danger, head bartender at Mother of Pearl and Cienfuegos. Hear about how they ended up behind a bar in the first place, the careers they left behind to pursue the business, and what exactly the Cat Pack is all about.

Episode 248: Misty Kalkofen and Éva Pelczer of Del Maguey Aug 02, 2017

On an all new episode of The Speakeasy, hosts Damon Boelte and Sother Teague are joined in the studio by Misty Kalkofen and Éva Pelczer of Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal.

Tune in to hear them talk Tales of the Cocktail, single village mezcal, and Misty's guest bartender appearance at Coup, with all proceeds going to The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights. Stigibeu!

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Episode 247: Tales of the Cocktail 2017 Jul 26, 2017

On a special episode of The Speakeasy, host Sother Teague is reporting from the field at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, the world's premier cocktail festival!

Episode 246: Harry Rosenblum of The Brooklyn Kitchen and Feast Yr Ears Jul 19, 2017

On this week's The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother have a special guest: Harry Rosenblum of Heritage Radio Network's Feast Yr Ears! Harry is the co-founder of The Brooklyn Kitchen, which he started in 2006 with his wife Taylor Erkkinen. Interested and creative home cooks, Harry and Taylor recognized an opportunity to create a community space in their Williamsburg neighborhood. In 2009, following the insane success of the Pig Butchering classes, they founded the Meat Hook with partners, and moved to the 100 Frost Street location.

Episode 245: Slow & Low Jul 12, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is AWOL, but Sother hosts a packed house, including Jaime Felber of Drexler's, Chris Bidmead of Bar Methods, Justin Singh of Fools Gold, and, last but not least, Sam Ziar of Fernet Branca.

Tune in to hear them talk about the Slow & Low rolling whiskey lounge, taking care of your body during and around your shifts behind the bar, the Bartender's Athletic Club, and more!

Episode 244: Russell Dillon and Eric Job Jul 05, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Sother is joined in studio by Russell Dillon of Basik and Altos Tequila ambassador Eric Job. Russell is the main man behind the bar at Basik, a Williamsburg bar that marks the return of the drinking establishment as a "public house" and has "back to the basics" as its main inspiration. Eric shares a bit of his experience as a traveling brand ambassador in Mexico and beyond.

Episode 243: Rachel and Kyle Ford of FML Jun 28, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by Rachel and Kyle Ford founders of Ford Media Lab, a team of creative strategists and content experts focused on delivering the creative and production services needed to uncover and share the stories worth telling. After attending OTIS College of Art and Design for Fashion, Rachel earned a degree in Business, merging her creative talents with a keen understanding of brand marketing and strategy. With a degree in Economics and Philosophy, Kyle began his professional life in finance. Creative energies eventually prompted him to quit his job and pursue his keen interest in craft cocktails and photography.

Episode 242: Tonia Guffey of Dram Jun 21, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by bartenders Tonia Guffey, who began her boozy career in her hometown of Orlando, Florida in 2002. She transferred her talents to New York City in 2005, where she became bar manager at Counter Organic Wine and Martini Bar. She soon passed the B.A.R. program in 2008. She can be found at Williamsburg’s Dram, where she showcases her classic cocktail prowess. Also in studio we have Charlie Parker, a mescal cocktail specialist and bar manager at Acenar Bar and Restaurant in San Antonio, Texas.

Episode 241: Darren Grenia of Yours Sincerely Jun 14, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Sother is joined in studio by Darren Grenia of Yours Sincerely. Darren talks about how he uses science and meticulous mixing to craft sustainable and delicious cocktails. He also shares a bit of his journey to become a bartender and bar owner in the competitive NYC cocktail scene.

Episode 240: Empire of Booze by Henry Jeffreys Jun 07, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined by journalist Henry Jeffreys, author of Empire of Booze, a book about the history of the British Empire told through drink.

Episode 239: Katie Stipe May 31, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined by Katie Stipe. Originally a dancer from the Southwest, Katie changed cities and professions to become a bartender in NYC. She talks about her beginning as a server and how she made her way to behind the bar.

Episode 238: Adrienne Stillman May 24, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by marketing specialist Adrienne Stillman. Adrienne has worked with a wide range of brands across wine, cocktails, finance and technology. She's a Certified Sommelier and the author of Where Bartenders Drink, a comprehensive book that gathers 700+ bar recommendations of 300 expert bartenders in 60 different countries.

Episode 237: Julie Renee Williams and Austin Hennelly May 17, 2017

Damon and Sother are joined in studio by bartenders Julie Renee Williams and Austin Hennelly, who recently came back from 5 months in Costa Rica mixing drinks at Hotel Belmar. Julie and Austin talk about sustainability, growing their own ingredients and creating new recipes with them.

Episode 236: Matt Friedlander of Sweetwater Social May 10, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon is joined in studio by master mixologist Matt Friedlander of Sweetwater Social. Matt talks about his career as a musician and the transition into the cocktail world. Matt also brought his guitar, so tune in and listen to him jam with Damon!

Episode 235: Derby, Drinks & Music May 03, 2017

Hold your horses, this week's episode of The Speakeasy is about... horses! And drinks. Damon and Sother are joined in studio by master mixologist Dale Degroff and his guitar, and bestselling author Peter Fornatale from the Daily Racing Form.

Episode 234: Pete Nevenglosky of Avuá Cachaça Apr 26, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by Pete Nevenglosky, cachaça specialist and founder of Avuá Cachaça. Pete talks about the different types of aged, single-source Avuá Cachaça and his adventures in rural Brazil to find the best distillers for his brand.

Episode 233: Heather Ash of Tromba Tequila Apr 19, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in the studio by Heather Ash, brand ambassador for Tromba tequila. Tune in to hear them discuss paying your dues in the spirits industry, plus a live on-air sampling of three different expressions of Tromba!

Episode 232: Nick Korn of OFFSITE and Thirst Boston Apr 12, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by Nick Korn of OFFSITE and Thirst Boston. OFFSITE is a cocktail catering and event production company specialized in brand strategy and education, and Thirst Boston is New England's premier cocktail festival, focusing on education regarding spirits, cocktails, and locally made beverages.

Episode 231: Michael McCuish and Donal Brophy Apr 05, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon is joined in studio by PR specialist Michael McCuish of VisitScotland and restauranteur Donal Brophy, owner of Highlands in NYC. Michael and Donal share a bit of their knowledge about whiskey and talk about Scottish and Irish whiskey making cultures.

Episode 230: Jason Littrell of Critical Mass and Yaguara Cachaça Mar 29, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Sother is joined in studio by mixologist Jason Littrell, founder of Critical Mass Events and brand ambassador for Yaguara Cachaça. Jason is a specialist in event production, hospitality development, and brand strategy in the spirits and hospitality industry.

Episode 229: Phillip Morgan Mar 22, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, entrepreneur Phil Morgan joins Damon and Sother in the studio to talk about his many ventures. Phil is the co-owner of Robert Bar and Building on Bond in Brooklyn, co-founder of the Lizard Lounge and The Bottle Shop in Paris, co-founder of the design firm Hecho, and more!

Episode 228: Joe Riggs of Redemption Whiskey Mar 15, 2017

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by Whiskey Ambassador Joe Riggs of Redemption Whiskey.

Having grown up the grandson of Springfield, KY Bootlegger and son of a former bartender; Joe Riggs was raised hearing stories of his Grandfather being “the only bootlegger to drive around Nelson County Courthouse on two wheels without breaking a bottle.”

As well as watching his mother memorize recipes, Joe was always drawn to work in spirits and hospitality industry. Currently a 16-year veteran of restaurants Joe Riggs has won multiple cocktail contests, bartended and hosted events at such cocktail gatherings as the Manhattan Cocktail Classic, Tales of the Cocktail and The Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

Episode 227: Exotica Nights Mar 08, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by bartenders Garret Richard, Jim Kearns, and Ray Sakover to talk about tiki classics, spicy cocktails, good-looking drinks, and Slowly Shirley's Exotica Nights, which will happen every second Tuesday of the month starting March 14th.

Episode 226: Jessica Lambert of The Kimpton Gray Hotel Mar 01, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined in studio by cocktail expert Jessica Lambert of The Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago to chat about some of Jessica's signature cocktails such as the Coconut Negroni and her special recipes with Pisco and Fernet-Branca.

Episode 225: Jan Warren of Brooklyn Gin Feb 22, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined in studio by bartender and cook Jan Warren of Brooklyn Gin. Jan and Damon chat about drinking habits, opportunities in the cocktail industry, and personal and professional growth in bartending life.

Episode 224: Hal Wolin and Mal Spence of Black Bottle Scotch Feb 15, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Sother is joined in studio by Hal Wolin and Mal Spence of Black Bottle Scotch. Tune in and join Sother and his guests as they talk about Black Bottle Blended Scotch and other varieties of blended and single malt whiskey.

Episode 223: Brand Ambassadors Kimi Winkler and Jen Marshall Feb 08, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, hosts Damon and Sother are joined in studio by Kimi Winkler and Jen Marshall, brand ambassadors of Novo Fogo Cachaça and Reyka Vodka, respectively. Kimi and Jen share a bit about the work they do with different liquor brands and their unique perspective on how to be successful brand ambassadors.

Episode 222: Brian Miller and the Pirate Crew Feb 01, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by a crew of pirates (Joaquin Simo, Ryan Liloia, Garret Richard, Jelani Johnson, Sean Saunders) led by captain/bartender Brian Miller. Brian is perhaps NYC's most well-known pirate and tiki cocktail specialist and he can be found wearing a sarong at Pouring Ribbons on Mondays with his crew for Tiki Mondays with Miller. If you feel like walking the plank and trying delicious cocktails don't miss Miller and his crew on February 13th from 6 pm-2 am at Pouring Ribbons.

Episode 221: Naama and Assaf Tamir of Lighthouse Jan 25, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, hosts Damon and Sother are joined in studio by Naama and Assaf Tamir of Lighthouse in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Naama and Assaf are siblings who are passionate about creating menus that are both delicious and healthy. Not only do they care about their food, Naama and Assaf talk about the importance of treating restaurant employees well so that everyone is happy from cook to customer.

Episode 220: Daniel Bedoya of The Third Man Jan 18, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, hosts Damon Boelte and Sother Teague are joined in the studio by Daniel Bedoya, cocktail specialist and manager of The Third Man bar in the East Village. Bedoya shares his experience managing a bar and creating cocktails in NYC.

Episode 219: Michael Reynolds of Black Crescent Jan 11, 2017

This week on The Speakeasy, Sother is joined in the studio by cocktail specialist Michael Reynolds of Black Crescent. Reynolds worked under Sam Anderson, who opened and curated the cocktail menus at Black Market and Lovers of Today. He later moved to the north end of Tompkins Square Park to pour at East Village stalwarts The Beagle and Booker & Dax, during which time he would also curate the cocktail programs at some well known watering holes in lower Manhattan, before heading uptown to the Mckittrick Hotel to manage the bar at Gallow Green.

Episode 218: Down on Beer Street with Cory Bonfiglio Jan 04, 2017

On the first episode of The Speakeasy of 2017, Damon and Sother are joined by Cory Bonfiglio, general manager of Beer Street, which was selected as one of America’s 100 Best Beer Bars by DRAFT Magazine for 2014 and 2015. Tune in to hear them discuss balancing expertise with great hospitality, the finer points of glassware, beer trading, and more!

Episode 217: Laura Maniec of Corkbuzz Dec 28, 2016

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined by Master Sommelier Laura Maniec of Corkbuzz Wine Studio, which she opened in New York City's Union Square neighborhood with her business partner Frank Vafier in 2011. Corkbuzz locations are part wine bar, part wine school, all wrapped up in a cool, casual studio designed to feel like a living room. Maniec created the wine program to bring casual and professional wine drinkers together in one space with approachable yet comprehensive classes.

And since New Year's Eve is right around the corner, Laura has brought some bubbles into the studio to celebrate!

Episode 216: Sarah Morrissey of Pig Bleecker Dec 21, 2016

This week on The Speakeasy, hosts Damon Boelte and Sother Teague are joined by Sarah Morrissey, formerly of Dear Irving, and now head bartender at Pig Bleecker, a Greenwich Village satellite from the team that owns Pig Beach in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Pig Bleecker will be opening in early January, but in the meantime Sarah brought Damon and Sother a sample of her Little Piña Pisco Punch to try on the air!

Episode 215: Anne Robinson of Westlight Dec 14, 2016

On the season finale of The Speakeasy, hosts Damon Boelte and Sother Teague are joined in the studio by Anne Robinson. Formerly of PDT, Booker and Dax and Evening Bar, Anne is now the head bartender at Westlight, the rooftop bar atop the brand-new William Vale hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Her bar program presents a dynamic menu of original and classic cocktails alongside rare spirits, craft beer and wine.

Episode 214: Tom Richter and Tomr's Tonic Dec 07, 2016

This week on The Speakeasy, Sother Teague rejoins Damon Boelte for a sit-down with Tom Richter, bartender at Dear Irving, Attaboy, and the creator/formulist/chief bottle washer of Tomr's Tonic. Tomr’s Tonic is a 100% organic elixir/concentrate that combines the unique flavors real cinchona bark (quinine), citrus, herbs and cane sugar. Tune in for a live on-air gin & tonic tasting!

Episode 213: World Class Bartender Tyson Buhler of Death & Co Nov 30, 2016

This week on The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte is joined in the studio by Tyson Buhler, head bartender for Death & Co, one of the most important, influential, and oft-imitated bars to emerge from the contemporary craft cocktail movement.

Tyson began his career in the kitchen, from dishwasher, to the line, to running a small kitchen. After culinary school, he began bartending and immediately fell in love with it. In June 2015, the United States Bartenders’ Guild and Diageo World Class named him World Class Bartender of the Year. The prestigious competition brings together the country's best bartenders to show off their shaking, stirring and serving skills with the ultimate goal of representing the U.S. at the global competition.

Episode 212: Cold Winter Days, Hot Boozy Brands! Nov 23, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in the study by brand ambassadors from the worlds of vodka and whiskey. Matt Eisenman and Jeremy Hawn represent WhistlePig Rye and Absolut Elyx, respectively. But it's not all shop talk. On this Thanksgiving eve (when bartenders bring in a record number of patrons), the crew also talk about what venues make for a perfect winter day in New York City.

Episode 211: Everyman Espresso's Sam Penix Nov 16, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, we're joined in the studio by Everyman Espresso's Sam Penix! He tells us about the values and service behind bringing top quality caffeine to everyone from morning commuters to the chiller crowds that roll in later in the day.

Episode 210: Lush Life With Lindsey Johnson Nov 09, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, we're joined by Lindsey Johnson of Lush Life Productions. But before that, Damon and Sother discuss where they were on Election Day 2016, and agree that they'll be hanging "let's talk about anything else" signs outside their establishments this evening...

Episode 209: Champagne Week Ahoy! Nov 02, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, we're joined in the studio by Blaine Ashley, the one-woman machine behind Champagne Week! We talk about what the event means to her and fans of bubbly – with a side of puns – plus her very own bottle, Bulle de Rêve.

Episode 208: Tim Master of Chartreuse Oct 26, 2016

This week on The Speakeasy, we're joined by Tim Master, who knows a thing or two (or two thousand!) about Chartreuse. And we do more than just talk about it, cracking open a bottle from the 70s!

Episode 207: Le JIT? Legit! Oct 19, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, it's video on the radio. Tess Mix of Le JIT Productions joins us in the studio to tell us what it takes to make excellent videography happen.

Episode 206: Jack McGarry, Of The 'World's Best Bar': Dead Rabbit Oct 12, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, hosts Damon Boelte and Sother Teague are joined in the studio by Jack McGarry, co-owner of Dead Rabbit, which just last week was named World's Best Bar! That's according to 400 experts over at trade publication Drinks International. McGarry tells all about how he started bartending at age 15, what it takes to succeed (hint: friendly bartenders), and why he's not resting on his laurels.

Episode 205: Equal Parts Cocktails With Kara Newman Oct 05, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, spirits writer Kara Newman joins us to tell us about her new book! Shake. Stir. Sip.: More than 50 Effortless Cocktails Made in Equal Parts is all about no-fuss cocktails with even portions.

The Cucumber Gimlet, for instance, combines one part each vodka, lime juice, and lemonade. Drop a few cucumber slices in and garnish with a basil leaf. If you strike upon a drink you especially like, it's pretty easy to scale it up for your next party.

Writing about the book for the Times, last week's Speakeasy guest Robert Simonson explains that "Equal-parts cocktails have long been part of the cocktail canon. Older examples include the corpse reviver No. 2 (gin, Curaçao, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice) and the Negroni (gin, sweet vermouth, Campari), arguably the king of this drink subset. Modern classics include the paper plane (bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, lemon juice) and the trident (aquavit, Cynar, dry sherry)."

The book's proving popular already; it's already been renewed for a second print run.

Episode 204: Author Robert Simonson On What Makes 'A Proper Drink' Sep 28, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, we round out book month with a visit from Robert Simonson, the author (most recently) of 'A Proper Drink'. Simonson tells us all about cocktails, bar spoons, and the Internet.

Episode 203: From The Man Behind 'Bitters' Comes Another Book: 'Amaro' Sep 21, 2016

Five years after his first appearance on The Speakeasy, book author Brad Thomas Parsons is back in the studio (with photographer Ed Anderson) to talk about his new book: Amaro.

Research on the liqueur took him to Italy, where amaro was born but now belongs to the older generation.

After the break, Parsons pours a few amaros and tells us all about their backstory (and flavor profiles).

Episode 202: Martin And Rebecca Cate On "The Cult of Tiki" Sep 14, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, we're joined in the studio by serial tiki bar entrepreneurs Martin and Rebecca Cate. They tell us all about their collection of West Coast watering holes (plus one in Chicago) as well as their new book, Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki.

Episode 201: Drinks (But No Texting) While You Watch At The Alamo Drafthouse Sep 07, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, we're joined in the studio by Vanessa Brown and Vincent Favella.

Vincent is one of host Sother Teague's oldest friends in the city of New York, while Vanessa Brown has the sweet job title of "director of fun" over at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (and okay, Vincent works there too).

The theater chain invites viewers to order food and drink from stealthy waiters while they watch anything from the latest comedy to indie classics. That doesn't mean they tolerate any texting, but even if you get kicked out, there's always the bar.

Episode 200: The Speakeasy's 200th Episode Is Here! Aug 31, 2016

Today on the Speakeasy, it's episode number 200! Damon Boelte and Sother Teague talk Japan and the evolution of bar tools with Cocktail Kingdom's Greg Boehm. But before that, we also hear from a special guest calling in to wish Damon the very best.

Episode 199: Kayla Mata On The Smuggling Roots Of Ilegal Mezcal Aug 24, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, Ilegal Mezcal's Kayla Mata joins us in the studio to pour a few glasses of their Joven, with "hints of green apple, citrus and white pepper."

Mata tells us about her start in bartending, Ilegal Mezcal's namesake, and an ad campaign at the expense of a certin Donald J. Trump.

Episode 198: All In With The Well-Traveled Chris Lowder Aug 18, 2016

Today in the studio, Chris Lowder takes a break from the bar in Seoul, South Korea to tell us all about traveling widely and the constants of good bartending.

Episode 197: Kansas City Whiskey, The Story Of A Revival Aug 10, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, Ryan Maybee joins us in the studio to pour us some Kansas City Whiskey, a name that J. Rieger & Co. pitched to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and got the thumbs up. Rieger's whiskey blends corn, malt, and straight whiskeys with a bit of 15-year-old Oloroso Sherry from the Williams & Humbert bodega in Jerez, Spain.

Episode 196: All Aboard The Water Table Aug 03, 2016

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in the studio by Captain Kelli Farwell, owner of The Water Table, a New England tavern on the water. While cruising through New York Harbor on their intimate and historic WWII ship, guests enjoy focused New England fare with craft beer, cocktails, and wine along with spectacular views of the city.

Episode 195: Talking Shop And Sipping Rye With Danny Neff Jul 27, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, barman Danny Neff joins us in the studio to talk about the revived Holiday Cocktail Lounge, and his favorite meal last week at New Orleans' Tales of the Cocktail.

Episode 194: Tales Of The Cocktail's Philip Duff Joins Us... From The Future! Jul 20, 2016

This week on The Speakeasy, things get meta. Tales of the Cocktail's Philip Duff joins us in the studio to record an episode that will air WHILE HOSTS DAMON BOELTE AND SOTHER TEAGUE JOIN HIM IN NEW ORLEANS FOR DRINKS! Phew.

Listen in to learn all about how an Irishman ended up teaching an extraordinary set of cocktail seminars (on shaking, stirring, air, ice, carbon, etc.) down in Nola.

Episode 193: Chris Barrett of Ludivine Jul 13, 2016

On today's episode of The Speakeasy, longtime friend of the program Chris Barrett joins us in the studio from Oklahoma City, where he manages (what else?) the bar. On the menu? A few cocktails inspired by The Beatles. We're not talking one drink per member of the Fab Four. Instead, Barrett pours a drink named after each track off of Revolver, the band's seventh studio album.

Episode 192: Farm or forage, it's all fair game for vermouth-making Jul 06, 2016

Today on The Speakeasy, the newfound owner of a 16-acre farm in upstate New York joins us to talk about farming, foraging, and vermouth. Bianca Miraglia, the founder of Uncouth Vermouth, is growing all kinds of fruit, barks, and plants to be turned into the fortified wine.

Episode 191: Eben Freeman On Genuine Mixology... And 'Genuine Liquorette' Jun 29, 2016

Today, a friend of the hosts' jumps into the studio to talk about his career in mixology. Eben Freeman once stocked bottles of wine at Crossroads Wine & Spirits. Now he's a couple miles farther downtown in Manhattan, with Genuine Liquorette opening last fall. The Little Italy spot does things differently, with black and white tiles, Tecate boxes aplenty, and "The Cha-Chunker," a machine that punches holes in the tops of cans.

Episode 190: Raising A Glass To Heritage Radio Network Badass Jack Inslee Jun 22, 2016

It's a bittersweet day on The Speakeasy, as hosts Damon Boelte and Sother Teague bid adieu to longtime Heritage Radio Network producer Jack Inslee, who's moving to D.C. but staying firmly in the radio world. Just before the goodbye party kicking off in Roberta's own backyard, the glasses were already clinking in the studio as Jack told the story of his career and the network's early days.

Episode 189: Colin Spoelman and Dead Distillers Jun 15, 2016

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague are joined in the studio by Colin Spoelman, co-founder of Kings County Distillery, the oldest and largest whiskey distillery in New York City. He is also the co-author of the new book Dead Distillers: A History of the Upstarts and Outlaws Who Made American Spirits.

Episode 188: Sipping Rum With Shane Feirstein Jun 08, 2016

Shane Feirstein of Lovers Rock in Bed-Stuy joins us in the studio with quite a few rums, from a Santa Teresa 1796 to an aged offering from Barbados.

Episode 187: Sorel On My Mind Jun 01, 2016

Jack Summers (aka Jack from Brooklyn) joins us in the studio to talk about hustling to success in the New York food scene, in his case with a hibiscus liqueur known as sorel.

Episode 186: Growing Up Scotch May 25, 2016

Brendan McCarron, a distiller at The Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, talks about his life in the Scotch industry.

Episode 185: Milk (Cocktails): Does a Body Good May 18, 2016

This week on The Speakeasy, Eamon Rockey and Gareth Howells of Betony break down the beauty and intricacies of making milk cocktails, including Betony's famous clarified milk punch + more.

Episode 184: Germán González May 11, 2016

This week on The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte is joined in the studio by Germán González, one of the most celebrated working tequileros.

Master Distiller Germán González is the great grandson of General Manuel González, former President of México between 1880 - 1884. In the late 1970s Germán's father, Guillermo Gonzalez Diaz Lombardo, founder of La Gonzaleña, launched what would become the first ultra-premium tequila imported into the United States, Chinaco. Germán worked closely with his father and learned how to handcraft tequila using traditional techniques. After years serving as Chinaco's master distiller, Germán left the company to launch his own brand, like his father before him. T1 debuted at San Diego’s Spirits of Mexico Festival in 2009 to an outstanding reception from critics, aficionados, and industry experts. Germán soon expanded his T1 offerings to include four unique and highly-touted tequilas, which include two blancos, the Ultra Fino and Selecto, a reposado Excepcional, and an anejo Estelar. F. Paul Pacult’s Spirits Journal named T1 the #1 tequila of 2012.

Episode 183: TJ Lynch of Mother's Ruin May 04, 2016

TJ Lynch of Mother's Ruin joins Damon Boelte for a brand new episode of The Speakeasy. Mother's Ruin is "the perfect blend of your favorite local bar and cocktail temple." Tune in as TJ and Damon chat about everything from stoner food to slushies.

William Elliott Apr 27, 2016

Bartender William Elliot of Maison Premiere joins Damon Boelte for the Speakeasy today! Tune in for a casual conversation between cocktail comrades as the two trade tales and tips for all beverage enthusiasts!

Episode 181: A Day in the Life of a Mezcalier Apr 13, 2016

Listen to a brand new episode of The Speakeasy as Damon Boelte is joined by Courtenay Greenleaf, Mezcalier, beverage director of Rosa Mexicano, bartender at Masa y Agave bartender. Together they discuss all things agave, the intricacies of mezcal and her work as a beverage director and bartender!

Episode 180: Tasting Rome with Katie Parla Apr 06, 2016

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon is joined in the studio by Katie Parla, co-author of Tasting Rome: Fresh Flavors and Forgotten Recipes from an Ancient City. Tune in to hear them discuss her book release, Italian cocktails, how Italians drink compared to Americans, and maintaining sanity while being on the road and traveling.

Episode 179: Nicholas Bennett of Porchlight Mar 30, 2016

Nicholas Bennett, the Head Bartender for Porchlight in Manhattan joins Damon Boelte for a fun and conversational episode of The Speakeasy.

Episode 178: Lllama Inn Mar 23, 2016

Tune in to a brand new episode of The Speakeasy as Damon Boelte welcomes the brilliant women of Llama Inn for a conversation on Peruvian cocktails and more! He's joined by Lynette Marrero, Jessica Gonzalez & Rebecca Applebaum. Learn more about the culture of Peru, Pisco, and more on an information packed episode!

Episode 177: Spritz: Italy's Most Iconic Aperitivo Cocktail, with Recipes Mar 16, 2016

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte welcomes back Leslie Pariseau and Talia Baiocchi, the talented duo behind Spritz: Italy's Most Iconic Aperitivo Cocktail, with Recipes. From Milan to Los Angeles, Venice to New York, the spritz—Italy’s bitter and bubbly aperitivo cocktail—has become synonymous with a leisurely, convivial golden hour. But the spritz is more than just an early evening cocktail—it’s a style of drinking. In Spritz, Talia Baiocchi and Leslie Pariseau trace the drink’s origins to ancient Rome, uncover its unlikely history and culture, explore the evolution of aperitivo throughout Northern Italy, and document the spritz’s revival around the world. From regional classics to modern variations, Spritz includes dozens of recipes from some of America’s most lauded bartenders, a guide to building a spritz bar, and a collection of food recipes for classic Italian snacks to pair alongside.

Talia Baiocchi is the editor-in-chief of Punch and the author of James Beard Award–nominated Sherry. She has written for Bon Appétit, Saveur, and many more. She lives in Brooklyn.

Leslie Pariseau is the former deputy editor of Punch. She has written for the New York Times, GQ, Esquire, and Saveur. She lives in Brooklyn.

Episode 176: Kat Kinsman on French 75's and Anxiety Mar 09, 2016

Tune in to this week's episode of The Speakeasy as host Damon Boelte is joined by Kat Kinsman, editor at large and former editor in chief of Tasting Table and a frequent public speaker on the topics of food and mental health. She is a former writer and editor for CNN.com, where she was nominated for the James Beard Broadcast Award in the TV Segment category and won the 2011 EPPY Best Food Website for CNN's Eatocracy. After she published a personal essay on her struggles with anxiety for CNN Living, people came out of the woodwork to share their own experiences and it felt like the beginning of a conversation that needed to happen.

In her upcoming nonfiction book, "Hi, Anxiety," she'll be sharing her own stories and speaking with people from all different cultures, races, faiths, economic circumstances, regions and ages about their experiences with anxiety, and how they're fighting back.

Though the book is due out from Harper Collins imprint Dey Street Books on April 26, 2016.

Episode 175: Giuseppe Gonzalez — Suffolk Arms opening Feb 24, 2016

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon catches up with Giuseppe Gonzalez, whose bartending credits include Golden Cadillac, PKNY and Dutch Kills. Giuseppe now runs Suffolk Arms in New York's Lower East Side, which features an English pub exterior but a distinctly New York feel inside.

Episode 174: Sother Teague <3s Bitters Feb 22, 2016

This week on The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte sits down with mixologist and bartender for Amor y Amargo, Sother Teague. Amor y Amargo is part bar and part store; the tiny space showcases interesting cocktail accoutrements like strainers, books and, of course, assorted bitters, making it a prime place to stock up on ingredients for some cocktail-making at home. Together they discuss bitters, old Old Overholt, the definition of an "alcoholic," and why your cocktail doesn't need to be shaken or stirred.

authentic-caribbean-rum — **Episode 173: Authentic Caribbean Rum** Feb 10, 2016
We’re talking Caribbean rum on this week’s episode of *The Speakeasy* as Damon Boelte is joined by Jason Cousins from Authentic Caribbean Rum & Austin Hartman of Montana’s Trail House. The Authentic Caribbean Rum (ACR) Marque was developed as a symbol of authenticity, provenance and quality for rums within the WIRSPA family. As usage of the marque grows it will act as a visual symbol to help trade customers and consumers identify Authentic Caribbean Rum brands. Already it is being used to promote the development of Authentic Caribbean Rum as a distinct sector within the drinks industry.

“My favorite thing about this industry is you can never know it all.” [30:00]

4462147_larger — **Episode 172: Modern Classics of the Cocktail Renaissance** Feb 03, 2016
What are the modern classics in the cocktail world? Find out on this week’s episode of *The Speakeasy.* Damon Boelte is joined by friend of the show and previous guest Robert Simonson, who has just released a new cocktail app called Modern Classics of the Cocktail Renaissance. Modern Classics is the first independent, critical assessment of the original drinks of these recent decades, compiled by New York Times drinks writer, journalist and author Robert Simonson. This brutally honest collection identifies, justifies and presents the authoritative, verified and properly attributed recipes in four categories: the modern classics, the objectively popular drinks that might yet achieve that status, certain drinks identified as critical favorites worthy of more attention, plus a collection of foundational recipes from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s that helped set the stage for today’s cocktail renaissance.

“Part of the reason I hang out at Long Island bar is that Toby Cecchini and Phil Ward regularly bartend there and I can ask them directly for the drinks they invented.” [15:00] — Robert Simonson on The Speakeasy

Screen Shot 2016-01-27 at 3.17.13 PM — **Episode 171: David Wondrich** Jan 27, 2016
***The Speakeasy*** welcomes very special guest, David Wondrich this week who was born on the banks of the Monongahela and raised mostly in suburban New York City. After working as a house painter, a mattress stuffer, messenger, clerk and process server for a mob lawyer, bass player in more bands than he can count and a dozen other things, he settled down and earned a doctorate in Comparative Literature, specializing in Latin scientific poetry. That led to a job as an English professor, which he didn’t like. What he did like was writing about jazz and ragtime for the Village Voice and the New York Times and about cocktails for Esquire, a job he began in 1999 and is still happily performing today. Imbibe, his 2007 tribute to Professor Jerry Thomas, has become an essential text for bartenders and cocktail geeks alike. It is the first cocktail book to win a James Beard award. Punch, his 2010 follow-up, has helped refill the flowing bowl around the world. Tune in as David shares what he’s working on presently and more!

“We don’t know the origin of anything, really, only a few cocktails know their fathers so to speak!” [31:00]

–David Wondrich on The Speakeasy

11952013_10102215320087717_7134919601641949677_n — **Episode 170: The Daiquiri with Bridget Firtle** Jan 20, 2016
You think you know Daiquiri’s, but you have no idea. Tune in to a brand new episode of *The Speakeasy* as Damon Boelte is joined by Bridget Firtle, who established The Noble Experiment NYC to bring the timeless tradition of rum distilling back to New York City. The company aims to produce all natural, premium quality distilled spirits distinctive to New York City through the use of 100% domestic ingredients. Small batch, hand-crafted spirits were once a thing of the past – our dream is to reinvent this industry once again alongside the continued growth and rebirth of the cocktail.

Screen Shot 2016-01-13 at 4.14.50 PM — **Episode 169: Lucinda Sterling** Jan 13, 2016
Tune in as ***The Speakeasy*** celebrates its 5th anniversary with guest Lucinda Sterling! On the precipice of opening the new Red Hook based bar, Seaborne, she and Damon chat about the late Sasha Petraske, a pioneer of the current cocktail revival and his vision when initially dreaming up the bar’s concept. Simplicity is key! After the break, the duo discuss Lucinda’s journey through the beverage industry and more details on the opening of Seaborne.

mothersruin — **Episode 168: Toby Maloney** Jan 06, 2016
***The Speakeasy*** is back for 2016 with none other than veteran bar man Toby Maloney, Beverage Director at Mother’s Ruin and Lorenzo’s, a new Latin themed restaurant bar in Bushwick. Talking the evolution of the cocktail scene in the city plus details his latest projects, find out what Toby has been up to since his last sit down with Damon.

Support this show donate button — **Episode 167: Meaghan Dorman of Raines Law Room, Dear Irving, & The Bennett** Dec 02, 2015
https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/heritageradionetwork

This week on ***The Speakeasy*** , Damon Boelte is in studio with Meaghan Dorman, of the Raines Law Room, Dear Irving, and The Bennett. In charge of the menu, cocktail development, and staff training at both destinations, Meaghan highlights her early dedication to learning the classic drinks and acknowledges the importance of improvising behind the bar. What’s it like to be a part of so many iconic places in New York City? What is going on in the cocktail world these days? Tune if for a great chat!

Screen Shot 2015-12-02 at 3.41.12 PM — **Episode 167: Meaghan Dorman of Raines Law Room, Dear Irving, & The Bennett** Dec 02, 2015
https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/heritageradionetwork

This week on ***The Speakeasy*** , Damon Boelte is in studio with Meaghan Dorman, of the Raines Law Room, Dear Irving, and The Bennett. In charge of the menu, cocktail development, and staff training at both destinations, Meaghan highlights her early dedication to learning the classic drinks and acknowledges the importance of improvising behind the bar. What’s it like to be a part of so many iconic places in New York City? What is going on in the cocktail world these days? Tune if for a great chat!

luke — **Episode 166: Bull in China** Nov 25, 2015
This week on ***The Speakeasy*** , Damon is on the line with bar industry vet Lucas Plant, a founder at Bull in China located in Portland, Oregon. Bull in China started as a passion for collecting vintage barware that quickly turned into product development of one of the most prized possessions—the mixing glass. Not aiming to reinvent the wheel, but to instead make better bar products by addressing the issues that we find in the field, Luke explains that Bull in China seeks to move the barware industry forward by rethinking it from the perspective of working bartenders, who let’s face it, know these products best. In need of a replacement jigger? Julep strainer? How about a muddler? Tune in for a great conversation!

thebrooklyninn — **Episode 165: The Brooklyn Inn** Nov 18, 2015
New York City is full of history, and no place knows it better than The Brooklyn Inn. Celebrating the establishment’s 130th birthday, this week on _ **The Speakeasy** _, Damon welcomes guests Tom Vaught and Joel Shifflet to chat about the bar’s interesting past, how it survived prohibition, as well as details surrounding Brooklyn’s brewing scene in the early 1900s.

paulclarke — **Episode 164: Paul Clarke of Imbibe Magazine** Nov 04, 2015
This week _ **The Speakeasy** _ is back with a brand new show featuring guest Paul Clarke. Paul Clarke is Imbibe’s Executive Editor and the author of The Cocktail Chronicles: Navigating the Cocktail Renaissance With Jigger, Shaker & Glass, released in July of 2015. He believes in the importance of a diverse liquid diet. While his heart belongs to spirits and cocktails—his inclinations often lean to bourbon and Boulevardiers—his days (and nights) are peppered with pour-overs and cold-brew, cab franc and cremant, and pilsners and gose. Because balance is so important. Tune in for an in-depth talk on all things beverage and what’s next in the world of cocktails!

caskers — **Episode 163: Steven Abt of Caskers** Oct 14, 2015
Ever been frustrated by the limited spirit selection at your corner store? This week on _ **The Speakeasy** _, host Damon Boelte helps listeners solve this problem along with guest Steven Abt, founder of Caskers. Caskers helps you discover craft spirits that aren’t available at your local liquor store. Working to bring you the finest artisanal spirits, which are sourced from fresh, local produce, and are a celebration of the passion and dedication of the master distillers who make them by hand, Steven explains how he and his business partner founded the business and what sets them a part from any other purveyor of spirits! Take pride in what you drink.

SanteraTequila — **Episode 162: Brennan Adams & Santera Tequila** Oct 07, 2015
Brennan Adams, brand ambassador for Santera Tequila, is in studio with Damon Boelte for this week’s episode of The Speakeasy. Kicking off a thorough discussion on tequila, Brennan explains that though we’re delving into fall, tequila is an ideal cold-weather beverage. Conversation touches upon the best bar set ups (visually and practically) to details about Santera’s various tequila recipes. From putting additional thought into their bottle design to placement behind the bar, tune in to hear how tequila can be more than a rushed shot combined with lime and salt.

“I love whisky, but what I really love about agave is the incredible versatility.” [28:00]

-Brennan Adams on The Speakeasy

Episode 161: Mother of Pearl Sep 23, 2015

Drink slingers Jane Danger and Austin Henelly of the Lower East Side tiki inspired bar and restaurant, Mother of Pearl, are in studio for The Speakeasy this week with host Damon Boelte. Talking the paths that led each to becoming cocktail experts plus their take on the tiki bar and the importance of making their customers happy, Jane and Austin wax poetic on hospitality and the intent behind their drinks. This program was brought to you by Michter’s.

“What we love about tiki we’re taking that and putting it through the bizarre algorithm that is my brain and Jane’s brain, and it comes out as something totally different on the other end. It’s more tiki through the looking glass.”

–Austin Henelly on The Speakeasy

“Tiki needs to be as fun to make as it is to drink.”

–Jane Danger on The Speakeasy

Episode 160: Chris Balla Aug 05, 2015

This week on The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte is in the studio with Chris Balla, beer selector for their common interest oyster bar – Grand Army Bar. Talking all things beer, Chris relates how he developed his palate, where his beverage career began, and thoughts on German beers. Beer cocktails are also on the rise which prompts an in-depth conversation on the various uses of beer in concocted drinks and beer/spirit mixers, plus the guys’ personal favorites lately. This program was brought to you by Heritage Foods USA.

“When you eat something or drink something there’s an emotional, historical trigger from your childhood.” [8:45]

“Why use club soda when you could use beer in there?” [22:15]

—Chris Balla on The Speakeasy

**Episode 159: Steven Soderbergh** Jul 01, 2015
Steven Andrew Soderbergh is best known as an acclaimed American film producer, director, screenwriter, cinematographer and editor. He’s behind a plethora of celebrated films including the Ocean’s Eleven and Oceans Twelve movies and most recently, Magic Mike XXL. What you might *not* know about him is that he’s also behind a brand new spirit, Singani 63. What is Singani 63? A muscat grape based spirit made in the Bolivian Andes. Sound interesting? Learn more as Damon Boelte interviews Steven on a brand new episode of *The Speakeasy*. This program was brought to you by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

“Learning a new thing is always fun. The last couple of years, as things have started to heat up, I’m hanging on by my fingernails. There’s a real pleasure when you’re able to bring a product like Singani 63 out and have people try it and like it. It’s fun to expose people to something new. This is what I call the beginning of Act 2.” [02:00]

“This is not brandy, it’s its own thing. You spend a lot of time explaining what it isn’t to people, rather than what it is. I stumbled upon something nobody had heard of or been exposed to here, yet has this long history. We got the best of both.” 06:00

“The general knowledge level of a bartender is much higher than it was 10 years ago. I look at a bar now completely differently than I did when I first started this process.” [10:00]

“I didn’t get into this to get bought out – I got into this so that people can *get* it. Hopefully at some point it becomes sustainable.” [16:00]

“I’m the Tony Montana of the spirit world. I’m definitely hitting my own supply.” [32:00]

*–Steven Soderbergh on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 158: Ivy Mix & Julie Reiner of Leyenda** May 27, 2015
Star bartenders and all-around awesome gals Ivy Mix & Julie Reiner are back on *The Speakeasy*, this time to talk about their brand new bar – Leyenda in Cobble Hill. With a focus on Central American spirits, Leyenda carries some of the high-quality tradition of Clover Club while shifting the attention to a particular part of the world. Hear how they opened the space and what plans are next for this powerful duo. This program was brought to you by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

“Let’s do something different and not pigeonhole ourself in this taco tequila sombrero world. Let’s go further south!” [03:50]

*–Ivy Mix on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 156: April Wachtel** Mar 18, 2015
Tune in for a canid conversation between cocktail professionals on this week’s episode of *The Speakeasy*. Damon is joined by April Wachtel, a phenomenal spirits + cocktail educator. She’s worked for Lani Kai, the Bacardi portfolio, and Solbeso. She is currently teaching recreational cocktail classes at Astor Center, Haven’s Kitchen and ICC and has recently launched her own consulting and education company, Swig and Swallow . This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

“If I see a beautiful cocktail across the room I just want to go consume it!” [02:00]

*–April Wachtel on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 155: Wild Turkey: Jimmy & Eddie Russell** Mar 11, 2015
This week on *The Speakeasy* Damon interviews Jimmy and Eddie Russel of Wild Turkey Bourbon. Jimmy and Eddie talk about their experiences within the company over the past decades and their first experiences with bourbon. The two give their opinions on flavored whiskey, current whiskey demographics, and how the industry has changed and how they view these changes. This program was sponsored by The International Culinary Center.

“I’ve worked here [Wild Turkey] since 1981 and i’ve loved every minute of it.” [5:00]

— *Eddie Russel on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 154: Kevin Denton** Mar 04, 2015
This week on *The Speakeasy*, Damon Boelte is joined by bartender, musician and all around great guy Kevin Denton. Denton crafts cocktails that utilize obscure ingredients and modern techniques. Denton worked his way up as a journeyman bartender at establishments steeped in classic and neo-classic form.Denton was born in Lawrence, Kansas in 1979. He earned his Bachelors and Masters of Regional Planning degrees from the Architecture, Art and Planning College of Cornell University in 2001, and 2003. Following a brief period as a land use planner in Philadelphia, Denton moved to New York in 2005 to become head bartender at Danny Meyer’s “Tabla.” He worked as a bar consultant in Siena, Italy, for a boutique, historic hotel. Upon returning stateside, he assisted in opening “Hotel Delmano” in Williamsburg (2008) and shortly thereafter was part of the opening staff at the Tequilaria “Mayahuel” in the East Village.His most recent work experience was as General Manager and Beverage Director for Gramercy Terrace at the Gramercy Park Hotel, where he established the city’s first rooftop bar and restaurant garden. Denton, and his cocktails, have been featured in The New York Times, Esquire, GQ, Details, and Men’s Health magazines. He has also been featured on the Martha Stewart Show, and as a guest Mixologist for the Cooking Channel’s Holiday programming (2012). This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

“WD50 allowed people, without much thought to the bottom line, to explore and be creative.” [03:00]

*–Kevin Denton on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 153: Sugarlands Distilling Company** Feb 25, 2015
We’re talking Moonshine today on *The Speakeasy* as host Damon Boelte is joined by Brent Thompson from Sugarlands Distilling Company. Sugarland produces craft quality moonshine and whiskey. The distillery in downtown Gatlinburg, Tenn. is a popular attraction where guests are invited to taste free samples of authentic Sugarlands Shine, take behind the-scenes tours of the production, and purchase a variety of moonshine flavors, mountain merchandise, and apparel.

The distillery also offers live music, Appalachian storytelling, and outdoor adventure tours in the Sugarlands, an area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park historically referred to as “moonshiners’ paradise.” The company is East Tennessee-owned, with a focus on bettering the local community through a variety of events and charitable giving.

Sugarlands Distilling Co. opened its downtown Gatlinburg distillery in March 2014 to perform the age-old craft of distilling fine Sugarlands Shine. Its authentic spirits, barn-house location, and first-class entertainment offer visitors the complete Tennessee moonshine experience. Sugarlands Distilling Co. is a proud, locally owned, community-minded, “give-back” brand. This program was brought to you by Visit Napa Valley.

“We like to say that white corn is for whiskey, yellow corn is for critters.” [08:00]

“A lot of spectators thought this was a flash in the pan and that moonshine would go away. What has happened is that it’s started to stick.” [23:00]

*–Brent Thompson on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 152: National Margarita Day!** Feb 18, 2015
This week on *The Speakeasy* Damon interviews Jamie Salas, the Milagro Tequila Brand Ambassador. Salas tells us about the evolution of the tequila industry and how the openness of the industry has changed over the past few decades. The two then discuss the expense of producing tequila and how it can be an extremely taxing process. This program was sponsored by the International Culinary Center

“Tequila is one of the most expensive spirits to produce.” [45:00]

“Its a labor of love [Producing tequila].” [50:00]

— *Jamie Salas on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 151: Jordana Rothman Returns** Feb 11, 2015
The one and only Jordana Rothman rejoins Damon Boelte on *The Speakeasy* for a candid thirty minute conversation on everything from leather aged cocktails to national spirit trends. Jordana, formerly of Time Out New York, has been freelancing, focusing on bigger picture journalism and just finished working on Alex Stupak’s upcoming book with Clarkson Potter. Damon and Jordana asses some of the things going on across the country in the world of cocktails and spirits and give listeners some real insight, tips and takeaways. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

“I’m doing less service style journalism and more bigger conversation stories now.” [08:00]

“I have some triggers around the hipster whiskeys that are made [at a facility] in Indiana but the consumer thinks they’re having something distilled and bottled locally. There’s a real lack of consumer education around that. Everybody thinks they’re having one thing but there’a a lot of labeling noise.” [12:00]

*–Jordana Rothman on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 150: Amor y Amargo** Feb 04, 2015
If you like your drinks bitter and stirred, Amor y Amargo is for you. Tune in to a brand new episode of *The Speakeasy* as Damon Boelte is joined by Sother Teague and Austin Hennelly of the aforementioned Amor y Amargo – a small bar in the East Village that bills itself as a “bitters tasting room and general store”. Tune in and find out what inspires them behind the bar, why the 240 square foot space was meant to be a clubhouse and what both guys are excited about in the industry today. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

“Every drink we’ve ever made at Amor y Amargo – as long as the bottle exists we can still make it today.” [03:00]

*–Sother Teague on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 149: The Steve Schneider Show** Jan 28, 2015
Steve Schneider is the star of the film Hey Bartender, Principal Bartender at Employees Only NYC, 2012 Cocktail World Cup World Champion, 6-time Speed Bartending Champion and an all-around American badass who now has his own podcast, *The Steve Schneider Show*. Tune in to a brand new episode of *The Speakeasy* as Steve catches Damon up on what’s been going on in his life and shares some of his thoughts about the beverage industry. He also serves up a mean Macho Man Randy Savage impression. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

“I try to give everybody my all at all times. It’s a good problem to have” [04:00]

*–Steve Schneider on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 148: Zach Gelnaw** Jan 21, 2015
Beloved bartender and inventive ice-man Zach Gelnaw-Rubin is this week’s guest on *THe Speakeasy*! He’s behind the bar at Dutch Kills and Attaboy and helps run Hundredweight, the first company of its kind, supplying New York City with the highest quality ice specifically for use in craft cocktails. Their cubes, spears, spheres and punch blocks are all cut from 300 pound blocks of crystal-clear, totally pure ice, and lend a new level of quality and aesthetic to cocktails. Tune in and find out why ice matters more than you might realize and how Zach got the idea off the ground. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

“Four, five years ago – you didn’t have to make a choice about ice because there was no choice.” [10:00]

“More and more bars are opening up that are regular environment bars that are also serving high level drinks.” [13:00]

*–Zach Gelnaw-Rubin on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 147: Copper & Kings Distillery** Jan 14, 2015
What is American brandy and why should you care? Find out on a brand new episode of *The Speakeasy* as Damon Boelte is joined by Joe Heron, the co-founder of Copper & Kings Distillery. Copper & Kings is an American brandy company based in Butchertown, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. They make a differentiated, uncommon, unadulterated, pure pot-distilled natural American brandy. Tune in and find out what all the fuss is about and what Copper & Kings is doing to serve the community and push American spirits forward. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

“Almost every farmer who settled America was at some stage a brandy distiller.” [05:00]

“Kentucky is at it’s best when it’s zagging instead of zigging. The city and state are much more open minded than people realize” [10:00]

“What makes craft beer so fabulous in the US is that the interpretation of style is individual and unique – and to me that’s very American.” [15:00]

“We’re much more interested in being a community asset than a tourist attraction.” [21:00]

*–Joe Heron on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 146: Whisk(e)y Distilled** Jan 07, 2015
To kick off the new year on *The Speakeasy*, Damon Boelte is joined by Heather Greene, Whiskey Sommelier at The Flatiron Room and author of *Whisk(e)y Distilled*. Heather Greene is one of America’s leading whiskey experts, media’s newest “go-to” woman on the topic of brown spirits, and the author of Whiskey Distilled, A Populist Guide to the Water of Life on Viking Studio, an imprint of Penguin Random House. She is also The Director of Whiskey Education and sommelier at The Flatiron Room in Manhattan where her classes sell-out regularly. Heather is also an accomplished musician. Her latest (third) record was released in 2012 under the name Argon 4o with her music partner Adam Williams. Their music is currently licensed to MTV Networks after being called by BBC radio as “Beautifully simplistic, yet thoroughly complex.” She has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. When she’s not sipping whiskey or playing keyboards, she can be found on her stoop drinking a simple gin and tonic. This program was brought to you by Michter’s.

“There a lot of synergies between music and something beautiful and mystical like whiskey.” [08:00]

“There’s an incredible amount of subjectivity in the human palate. The idea of a best whiskey is kind of lost when it comes to science.” [19:00]

*–Damon Boelte on The Speakeasy*

Episode 145: Misty Kalkofen of Del Maguey Dec 17, 2014

Misty Kalkofen of Del Maguey

**Episode 144: Adam Bernbach** Dec 04, 2014
Damon Boelte is talking shop with Adam Bernbach, bar manager at Washington, D.C., cocktail spot 2 Birds 1 Stone, on this weeks episode of *The Speakeasy*. Adam waxes poetic on the cocktail scene in Washington DC, the state of science driven drinks and his personal favorite – banana cocktails. The conversation is candid and the commentary is sharp on another episode of the best booze show on the net! This program was brought to you by White Oak Pastures.

**Episode 143: Bomberger’s Distillery** Nov 12, 2014
This week’s episode of *The Speakeasy* is all about whiskey. Damon Boelte is joined by Avianna Ponzi of Bomberger’s Distillery. Bomberger’s is the reincarnation of the original whiskey distilled under the same name, which dates back to 1753. Commemorating the historic Bomberger’s Distillery; this blend of American whiskey represents collaboration across generations and traditions to preserve the history and future legacy of Pennsylvania Craft Whiskey. Tune in and get the inside school on this incredible story. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

“I think people glamorize distilling. It’s somewhat of a manufacturing process. The end consumer product is glamorous but mining the stills as things drip out is not as glamorous as people think.” [12:00]

*–Avaianna Ponzi on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 142: Nicolas Palazzi / PM Spirits** Oct 29, 2014
Learn about cognac and other esoteric spirits on this week’s episode of *The Speakeasy* as Damon Boelte is joined by Nicolas Palazzi of PM Spirits, an uber small operation “importing and distributing geeky spirits in the US.” Tune in and find out how the often overlooked Cognac is a staple in French and European culture and hear what makes it different than any other category. They also discuss other specialty imported spirits and even taste some on air! This program was brought to you by Rolling Press.

“We don’t throw huge parties, we don’t have a tour bus. We go one person at a time and try to open their eyes as to what’s available out there and hopefully we sell stuff!” [28:00]

*–Nicolas Palazzi on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 141: Ron DiplomÃ¡tico Rum** Oct 15, 2014
Rum is really hot right now and Ron DiplomÃ¡tico rum is some of the best you can get. Tune in and get a primer on rum on a brand new episode of *The Speakeasy*, as Damon Boelte is joined by Manny Pena, brand rep for Ron DiplomÃ¡tico. Find out what goes into making great rum, how different distillation processes can drastically change the end product and why the potential for rum is still mostly untapped domestically. Whether you like Tiki drinks, daiquiris or just plain old rum n coke’s – tune in and learn something new about rum! This program was brought to you by White Oak Pastures.

“Brown [liquor] is hot. Inexpensive products for the masses that are also premium are doing well right now.” [18:00]

“Imagine if you were in Louisiana in 1950 – as creative as you want to be (making drinks) you wouldn’t have access to so many great ingredients.” [21:00]

*–Manny Pena on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 140: Abigail Gullo Returns!** Oct 08, 2014
The “Rye Girl” is back! Damon Boelte welcomes Abigail Gullo back to *The Speakeasy* this week for a discussion on whisky, cocktails and New Orleans. Abigail recently left NYC for NOLA and reflects on the differences between the two places while teaching listeners about some great cocktail and spirit history. This program was brought to you by Michter’s.

“Rye whiskey would have gone extinct in the 80’s and 90’s if people in New Orleans weren’t drinking their Sazeracs.” [06:00]

*–Abigail Gullo on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 139: Brooklyn Spirits: Craft Distilling and Cocktails from the World’s Hippest Borough** Oct 01, 2014
Hear from the authors of *Brooklyn Spirits: Craft Distilling and Cocktails from the World’s Hippest Borough* on a brand new episode of *The Speakeasy*. In the popular tradition of farm-to-table cookbooks, *Brooklyn Spirits: Craft Distilling and Cocktails from the World’s Hippest Borough*, is the first distillery-to-glass cocktail book. Organized into chapters focused on these distilleries, each chapter will take an in-depth look at the distillery’s story and the spirits they offer, and will present half-a-dozen cocktail recipes. Within these chapters, there will be sub-sections on several varying topics: a look at the bars and restaurants serving the Brooklyn-produced spirits; highlights on the work of local mixologists; and subsections on the history of distilling in Brooklyn. This program was brought to you by Michters.

“One of the reasons its easy to promote a book like this is we’re promoting really cool work other people are doing. I’m hoping we did a good job capturing it. [06:00]\

“This is a yearbook in a sense. It’s capturing what’s happening right now.” [14:00]

*–Peter Thomas Fonatale on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 138: Damon Boelte** Sep 24, 2014
The tables get turned this week on *The Speakeasy* as producer Jack Inslee interviews host Damon Boelte! Hear Damon’s incredible story – from a small farm in Lone Wolf Oklahoma to the big lights of New York City. Find out how he discovered cocktails at an early age and what made him want to pursue bartending as a serious career. This program was brought to you by Michter’s.

**Episode 137: Aaron Polsky Returns!** Sep 17, 2014
Aaron Polsky, formely of Amor Y Amargo, is one of the best bartenders in New York City and a good friend of *The Speakeasy*. He drops by this week to chat with Damon Boelte about his new gig bartending at FC Gotham in the Meat Packing District, his thoughts on seasonal produce and how it relates to cocktails and jail tattoos – amongst other things. Welcome the fall season with a great look into the wonderful world of bartending on *The Speakeasy*. This program was brought to you by Heritage Foods USA.

“You really want to capitalize on the end of summer thing. Really the end of August/early September has the best produce.” [18:00]

“Old Fashioned’s and Manhattan’s are incredible fall drinks.” [24:00]

*–Aaron Polsky on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 136: Han Shan** Aug 27, 2014
Han Shan is the new brand ambassador for Tuthilltown Spirits and Hudson Whiskey and he’s also the guest this week on *The Speakeasy* with Damon Boelte. Han had his first sip of whiskey at three months old (really) and now finds himself rooted deeply in the whisky industry. He and Damon discuss the state of American whiskey, the differences in styles of whiskey and current trends in the industry. From grain to glass – get the inside scoop on America’s spirit. This program was brought to you by Michters.

“It’s a very exciting time for American whiskey in a general and its a dream come true for me to be working in whiskey.” [04:00]

*–Han Shan on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 135: Brad Goocher & Ken Ho** Aug 20, 2014
Brad Goocher and Ken Ho are bartender’s bartenders. Tune in as they talk shop with Damon Boelte on a brand new episode of *The Speakeasy*. The three beverage professionals kick back and discuss various aspects of the industry – from service to style. Brad tells the fascinating story on how he got his unlikely start in bartending and Ken elaborates on how his palate changed depending on where he worked. Listen as Damon, Brad and Ken share their thoughts on what good service should be and why the role of the bartender is a unique one in the hospitality business. This program was brought to you by Edwards VA Ham.

“Many times people want to be engaged [at the bar] and that’s a beautiful thing we’re able to do.” [15:00]

“As far as drinks go – my goal is to make them as delicious as possible. At the end of the day I want the drink to taste as good as possible.” [16:00]

*–Brad Goocher on The Speakeasy*

“The great thing about bartending that’s different from serving is that you can sit down and have a conversation with your customer at a bar. You can’t do that at a table.” [18:00]

*–Ken Ho on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 134: Proof: The Science of Booze** Aug 13, 2014
Humans have been perfecting the science of alcohol production for ten thousand years, but modern scientists are only just beginning to distill the complex reactions behind the perfect buzz. In *Proof: The Science of Booze*, a spirited tour across continents and cultures, Adam Rogers puts our alcoholic history under the microscope, from our ancestors’ accidental discovery of fermented drinks to the cutting-edge laboratory research that proves whyâ€”or even ifâ€”people actually like the stuff. Tune in to this week’s episode of *The Speakeasy* as Damon chats with Adam about the book and the science of booze! This program was brought to you by Michters.

“I’m a science writer by training and I try to understand the world through that lens.” [04:00]

*–Adam Rogers on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 133: The Return of Donna** Jul 30, 2014
Almost a year ago, popular Williamsburg bar Donna was forced to close due to an electrical fire. Now – they are back and stronger than ever. Tune in to a fun episode of *The Speakeasy* as Damon Boelte is joined by the crew at Donna who have brought a kegged cocktail to the studio with them. Yes, you read that right, they are pouring draft cocktails on-air in the studio! Learn about the advantages of cocktails on tap and why carbonation almost always makes a drink better. Hear why architecture is such an important component in bar design and find out how they are making craft cocktails more accessible for everybody. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

“There’s a psychology to architecture. If you can tweak little tiny things it affects how people move in the space and how they enjoy themselves in it.” [08:00]

“We take our beverage program really seriously but we want it to be fun and accessible. We want people to come in and get a drink quickly and party. That’s what this draft cocktail program is all about.” [25:00]

*Leif Huckman on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 132: 12 Bottle Bar** Jul 24, 2014
Find out how to become the best home bartender you can possibly be on a brand new episode of *The Speakeasy* as Damon Boelte chats with David Solmonson and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, the husband-and-wife authors of
*The 12 Bottle Bar: A Dozen Bottles. Hundreds of Cocktails. A New Way to Drink,* and
publishers of the popular blog 12bottlebar.com. Mr. Solmonson has written for both film and television, while Ms. Solmonson, spirits and wine writer for L.A. Weekly, is also the author of Gin: A Global History and the forthcoming Liqueur: A Global History. 12 Bottle Bar was created with the simple goal of making classic cocktails accessible to the home bartender. Despite having a voluminous liquor cabinet, home bartenders David and Lesley Solmonson were continually frustrated by drink recipes that called for more and more esoteric ingredients. Their solution? Create a fixed list of main ingredients – the twelve bottles – and present hundreds of classic and original cocktails that could be made from them. Unlike other cocktail publications, which cater to the professional or seasoned amateur, 12 Bottle Bar is targeted specifically at the novice home bartender. The primary goals are to engage and excite the reader and generally raise the quality of drinking in the average American home. This program was brought to you by Michters.

“I saw a real divide in what was happening in the craft cocktail movement and the home bartendering scene.” [06:00]

—*David Solmonson*

“Taste is subjective that’s the whole point of cocktails – we always say drink what you like.” [15:00]

—*Lesley Jacobs Solmonson*

**Episode 131: Tim Miner** Jul 16, 2014
On a casual and insightful episode of *The Speakeasy*, Damon Boelte chats with bartender Tim Miner of Long Island Bar, a Brooklyn landmark, serving food and drinks for almost 55 years. Tune in for thoughts on everything from bourbon to bar design as Damon and Tim talk shop. Find out why you shouldn’t chug your craft cocktail and why sometimes the drink isn’t all that matters at a bar. This program was brought to you by Michters

“I hate when people slam a cocktail in a quicker amount of time than it took for me to make it!” [17:00]

“Going to Long Island Bar is like walking into a cozy little time machine.” [21:00]

*–Tim Miner on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 130: Greg Seider** Jul 02, 2014
Get some great insights and go deep into the world of craft cocktails on a brand new episode of *The Speakeasy*, as host Damon Boelte is joined by bartender/drink impressario and author, Greg Seider. His latest book, *Alchemy in a Glass: The Essential Guide to Handcrafted Cocktails* is full of original, ingredient-driven recipes for cocktails, mixers, garnishes, and bitters, this book by a cocktail expert for master chefs shows readers how to transform spirits and flavors into inspiring, mouthwatering drinks. In bars and restaurants across America, drinkers are being exposed to the artistry of the modern cocktail. Seider, who has created cocktail programs for top bars and restaurants in New York and Los Angeles, approaches cocktail creation as the art of understanding how flavors work together and develop over the course of a drink. Drawing on his experience developing cocktail programs for chefs such as Eric Ripert, Seider goes beyond recipes to show readers how flavors work, giving them blueprints for constructing a balanced drink. This program was brought to you by Michter’s.

“The danger with a lot of cocktails is too many bitter components in a rink that knocks out complexity or flavors.” [11:00]

*–Greg Seider on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 129: Jeffrey Morgenthaler** Jun 25, 2014
Tune in to a fun, friendly and informative episode of *The Speakeasy* as host Damon Boelte is joined by Jeffrey Morgenthaler, bar manager at Clyde Common and Pepe Le Moko in Portland, Oregon and author of *The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique*. Damon and Jeffrey talk shop and discuss the importance of technique over recipes, subjectivity in cocktail tasting and the state of drinks in 2014. Tune in and get some serious insight into the world of cocktails on another awesome episode of *The Speakeasy*. Today’s show was brought to you by Rolling Press.

“Recipes and flavors are so subjective, which is great! We don’t have to agree about the proper proportions for a whiskey sour because there are so many different palettes and preferences. One thing we can agree on is that we should strain the lemon juice before the whiskey sour so theres no pulp. The technique is more objective, which is fun for me.” [13:00]

*–Jeffrey Morgenthaler on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 128: Natasha David** Jun 18, 2014
This week on *The Speakeasy*, Damon brings on Natasha David who talks about how she got into the bar industry, from her humble beginnings as a cocktail waitress to restaurant manager to eventually a Co-Owner and Head Bartender of Nitecap in the Lower East Side. Natasha discusses her specific approach to making amazing drinks that happen to have low alcohol content. She goes on to explain that patrons should be able to taste many profiles in cocktails without quickly feeling the effects of the alcohol. Damon and Natasha talk about drinks throughout the city and how the popularity of well-crafted cocktails have changed in the past few years. This program was sponsored by Michter’s .

“What inspires me to keep doing what I’m doing is that customers are so much more savvy now and it’s inspiring that people are demanding a good product.” [10:02]

“I like the idea that I’m helping create memories for people.” [15:52]

— *Natasha David on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 127: Cocktail Kingdom** Jun 04, 2014
Any good tradesman needs good tools. Bartending is no different. Tune into a thematic episode of *The Speakeasy* as Damon Boelte chats with Ethan Kahn of Cocktail Kingdom. Cocktail Kingdom offers a full spectrum of professional and custom barware, artisan bitters and syrups fit for the most discerning bartender. With knowledge as a bartender’s most valuable tool, Cocktail Kingdom provides books of remarkable recipes and bar know-how spanning from pre-Prohibition era publishing to the world’s most modern concoctions. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on all the things that go into a delicious drinks that are not immediately obvious. This program was sponsored by Fairway Market

Photo by Alice Gao

“We’re not beholden to anybody so we can really sit there and experiment – stir water for an hour and figure out what it takes to get it to proper temperature” [13:00]

*–Ethan Kahn on The Speakeasy*

Episode 126: Greenhook Ginsmiths May 28, 2014

The summer is here and that means one thing. Well, maybe more than one thing, but it definitely means Gin & Tonics are back in style. This week’s episode of The Speakeasy is about.. you guessed it.. gin! Tune in as Damon Boelte is joined by Steven DeAngelo of Greenhook Ginsmiths, a small, artisan distillery located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Tune in and learn everything you want to know about gin – tasting notes, distillation techniques, pairings and more. This program was sponsored by Rolling Press.

“The reason I’m making gin is because that’s always what I’ve loved to drink.” [05:00]

“Gin and tonic is one of the few cocktails that pairs well with food because it’s dry.” [12:00]

–Steven DeAngelo on The Speakeasy

**Episode 125: The Bar at the NoMad Hotel** May 07, 2014
Fresh off their James Beard Award for best Bar Program, welcome some of the team from The NoMad Hotel on this week’s episode of *The Speakeasy*! Damon Boelte is chatting with bartenders Jessica Gonzalez and Karen Fu and together they talk shop, dish dirt and complain about vodka zombies. Tune in and get an inside look at some of the ladies behind the best bar program in the country. This show was brought to you by Rolling Press.

“A silencer is a generous helping of….wine….white…rose…something cold.. and you chug it fast. It’s kind of like the wine equivalent of shotgunning a beer.” [22:00]

*—Jessica Gonzalez on The Speakeasy*

“There’s very much still a romanticized angle to hotels in New York.” [28:00]

*—Karen Fu on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 124: The Dead Rabbit** Apr 30, 2014
This week’s guests on *The Speakeasy* are the guys behind The Dead Rabbit. The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog embodies the conviviality of Old New York and the Irish-American tradition. They are dedicated to advancing the art and practice of hospitality, as it was understood then and as it is understood now, for all residents of and visitors to this great metropolis. Tune in and learn the story behind the name and find out how Jack and decided to combine the pub and cocktail bar concept into an award winning establishment. This program was sponsored by Rolling Press.

“We both came with a very clear idea in our head – to create an amazing pub and an amazing cocktail bar.” [04:00]

**Episode 123: The Old Fashioned** Apr 23, 2014
The Old Fashioned is the ultimate cocktail. Not because it’s the biggest, baddest or most inventive but because it represents what a cocktail is. A cocktail in its most original form is comprised of some combination of spirit, syrup and bitters. The Old Fashioned has gone through many makeovers, missteps and revivals and today’s episode of *The Speakeasy* is dedicated to the prototypical cocktail. Hear from Robert Simonson, author of *The Old-Fashioned: The Story of the World’s First Classic Cocktail*. This program was sponsored by Rolling Press.

“I noticed Old Fashioned popping up on bar menus around 2009. Mixologists love this cocktail and the love to make it right. I was stunned to learn that it sold so well.” [18:00]

*–Robert Simonson on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 122: Amanda Womack** Apr 02, 2014
Whiskey is everywhere. Whereas once most people ordering booze at bars wanted vodka soda’s, now the whiskey revolution is in full effect. This week on *The Speakeasy*, Damon is chatting with friend Amanda Womack, who now is the spirit buyer at Cask in San Francisco. They have an in depth conversation about whiskey – proof, style, finish, bottling and more. Whether you’ve just tried your first bourbon or you’re a connoisseur – this episode’s got something for you. This program was sponsored by Of a Kind.

“If people like the whisky and it’s being consumed – who cares how people are drinking it.” [28:00]

*–Amanda Womack on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 121: Joaquin Simo** Mar 26, 2014
The 2012 American Bartender of the Year has seen it all. JoaquÃn SimÃ³ has poured drinks at some of the best bars in the country and now is the partner/bartender at Pouring Ribbons, a new bar in the East Village featuring cutting edge cocktails and a much-talked about matrix style menu. Hear host Damon Boelte talk shop with Joaquin on another awesome episode of *The Speakeasy*. This program was sponsored by Edwards VA Ham.

“I don’t need this wannabe startender as part of my staff – this isn’t an ego trip it’s about serving the guest. If you have an issue with carrying a tray, if you think that makes you “less-than”, than I don’t need you on my staff.” [22:00]

*–Joaquin Simo on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 120: Stephanie Ridgeway, Highland Park Distillery** Mar 19, 2014
Stephanie Ridgeway is the Brand Ambassador for Highland Park, a whiskey distillery located on the Orkney Islands off the northern coast of Scotland. She tells us about how unique this distillery is because of it’s unique location so far north on the globe, and the effects that has on whiskey production. Damon and Stephanie talk about all the many ways to drink whiskey, and Stephanie insists that there is no wrong way to do it. This program has been sponsored by The International Culinary Center. Today’s music provided by Cookies.

Image from Highland Park

“When you burn our peat, it’s so aromatic…it smells like incense.” [11:30]

“[Whiskey is] just like wine, there’s something for everybody!” [16:00]

“There is no wrong way to drink whiskey.” [17:15]

*–Stephanie Ridgeway on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 119: Franky Marshall** Mar 12, 2014
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon interviews Franky Marshall from The Dead Rabbit, an Old New York bar that celebrates the Irish-American tradition. Franky talks about the inequalities faced by female bartenders, and after the break they discuss why simple cocktails often sell much better than innovative cocktails which may be over the top. This program has been sponsored by The International Culinary Center. Today’s music provided by Cookies.

Image from The Hooch Life

“We have to prove ourselves so much more just to be considered kind of medium-high, whereas there are all these gents out there who are just ok…and it’s ok for them to be just ok. ” [9:30]

“In my experience, it’s usually the simpler drinks that do get ordered more.” [19:45]

*–Franky Marshall on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 118: Bar Management & Agave with Ryan Fitzgerald** Feb 19, 2014
Damon Boelte chats with Ryan Fitzgerald of Del Maguey Mezcal and the forthcoming ABV bar in San Francisco on this week’s installment of The Speakeasy! Damon and Ryan start off the show by talking about the processes involved with opening bars, and the trend in no-frills, no-gimmicks watering holes! Later, tune in for discussions regarding agave harvesting, and why large tequila companies need to consider the security of the agave supply in Mexico when churning out their product. What makes a great bar experience? Find out all of this and more on this week’s episode of The Speakeasy! This program has been brought to you by Fairway Market. Music by Pamela Royal.

“There’s no theme! It’s not from the ’20s, it’s not a tiki bar, it’s not a Mexican-themed bar- it’s just a great bar! No gimmicks.” [5:15]

“There are lots of large companies that have goals in Mexico, and those goals do not often include protecting the heritage of Mexico.” [10:00]

— *Ryan Fitzgerald on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 117: Scranton Twohey** Feb 12, 2014
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon talks to Scranton Twohey, owner of a bar called Whisler’s in Austin Texas. Scranton explain’s his commitment to serving the best drinks in the city in a casual environment, and tells us a little about the craft scene in Austin. This program has been sponsored by Whole Foods. Today’s music provided by Plexophonic.

Image from Whisler’s

**Episode 116: Jay Zimmerman** Jan 29, 2014
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon welcomes Jay Zimmerman, owner of Ba’Sik bar in Williamsburg, to the studio. Jay tells us all about his recent trip to Japan, Cambodia, Laos, and how he almost got kicked out of Singapore for good! After the break, Jay and Damon discuss a curious new law in California imposed on bartenders. Tune in to hear more! This program has been sponsored by S Wallace Edwards & Sons. Today’s music provided by Brothers NYC.

“Are people really putting on rubber gloves and working a full bartending shift?” [18:20]

“It’s hard to ignore it, vodka’s one of those things that’s perpetually around.” [28:45]

*Jay Zimmerman on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 115: Clay Gordon** Jan 22, 2014
Bartenders and cocktail nerds, pay attention! New World Spirits has introduced a new base spirit called Solbeso, made from the fermented fresh juice of the cacao fruit. Solbeso is certainly a landmark in the spirits industry; it is believed to be the first new category of spirit to be introduced in approximately two hundred years. But perhaps more important than its role behind the bar is Solbeso’s agricultural considerations. We spoke with Clay Gordon, Culinary Ambassador for New World Spirits and founder of TheChocolateLife.com, about the sustainable practices involved with the production of Solbeso. This program has been sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Music provided by Brothers NYC.

Image from Caskers

“The techniques that we use to collect the juice are different from country to country, and different from region to region.” [9:55]

“One thing that’s really interesting about Solbeso is that it opens up when you add water or ice.” [31:30]

*Clay Gordon on The Speakeasy*.

**Episode 114: Woodford Reserve** Jan 15, 2014
Woodford Reserve is a super-premium Kentucky small batch bourbon crafted at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Ky. Woodford Reserve is the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and its distillery is the oldest bourbon distillery in America. As just the seventh Master Distiller in Brown-Forman Corporation’s 140-year history, Chris Morris is responsible for maintaining the award-winning taste of Woodford Reserve. He crafts the yearly Master Collection with different handcrafted distilling methods to a variety of grain recipes, fermentation styles and maturation processes to create a range of unique whiskeys. Woodford Reserve recently partnered with Bourbon Barrel Foods for a line of bourbon-infused products like barrel-aged cocktail bitters, smoked salts and sugars, and bourbon-soaked cherries. Woodford Reserve’s annual $1000 mint julep, sold at the Kentucky Derby, raises money for equine charities. This program has been sponsored by Tekserve.

“Craft isn’t about how big you are, how old you are, it’s about quality.” [4:15]

“The modern straw was invented for the mint julep.” [25:15]

—*Chris Morris on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 113: Catskill Provisions Honey Whiskey** Jan 09, 2014
The Catskill Provisions Honey Whiskey is the result of a collaboration between two small-batch New York producers. This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte talks with Claire Marin from Catskill Provisions about the origins of her company, and how she linked up with Finger Lakes Distilling in order to produce a tasty honey whiskey using local ingredients! Tune in to hear Claire talk about her experiences keeping bees, and why the process can be so emotional. How does Claire’s honey whiskey stack up against the larger brands? Find out what cocktails are enhanced by the collaboration whiskey only on this week’s edition of The Speakeasy! This program has been brought to you by Many Kitchens. Music by Pamela Royal.

“The collaboration thing doesn’t happen at a larger scale. It’s faceless.” [14:45]

— *Claire Marin on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 112: Rob Krueger & Extra Fancy** Nov 20, 2013
Extra Fancy has quickly become one of the most beloved bars in Brooklyn by bartenders and laymen alike. This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte invites Rob Krueger into the studio to talk about the inspiration for the bar. Why did Rob deviate from the speakeasy style to make an open but cozy space? Tune into this episode to hear Damon and Rob talk about the phenomenon of guest bartending, and why the new cocktail movement has allowed the trend to catch on. How have guest bartenders taught Damon and Rob different techniques and bar layout? Should the government tax tips to bartenders? Find out all of this and more on this week’s edition of The Speakeasy! This program has been brought to you by Regional Access. Music by Dead Stars.

“Guest bartending is like theatre- every night you’re producing what you put on.” [22:00]

“When you work with a professional who has another system, you get to see their method clearly.” [25:35]

— *Rob Krueger on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 110: Colin Spoelman** Nov 06, 2013
On today’s episode of The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte speaks with Colin Spoelman, distiller at Kings County Distillery, and author of the latest book, Kings County Distillery Guide to Urban Moonshining. Colin talks about starting his business, from distilling moonshine in his own apartment, to scaling and growing a business. Later, Colin talks about the history of distilling, with the first distillers in Staten Island, and immigrants who came from Ireland to make barrels of whiskey on Vinegar Hill. Find out more about the book, moonshine, and distilling today! This program has been sponsored by Brooklyn Slate. Thanks to The Raunch Hands for today’s music.

“I didn’t set out to start a craft distillery, I just wanted to make moonshine, and this led into this hobby.” [7:10]

— *Colin Spoelman on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 109: Leslie Pariseau and Talia Baiocchi of PUNCH Magazine** Oct 30, 2013
On today’s episode of The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte welcomes Leslie Pariseau (deputy editor) and Talia Baiocchi (editor-in-chief) of PUNCH magazine, a new online magazine that focuses on the people within wine, spirits, and cocktails. Recently launched (today!), together they speak on food journalism, and how they plan to capture their audience utilizing beautiful photos, loads of cocktail recipes, highlighting the backgrounds of bartenders, and an A-Z guide to drink. For more information about PUNCH, or to simply learn some great cocktail recipes, check out their website, www.punchdrink.com. This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com

“We’re going for the angle that this is about people, and just to see how drinks fit into different people in different ways.” [6:20]

“We all know what the classics are, but we also want to pay tribute to all the bartenders now, and what their drinks are.” [20:10]

— *Leslie Pariseau & Talia Baiocchi on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 108: Katie Parla** Oct 16, 2013
On this week’s episode of The Speakeasy, Katie Parla, Rome-based food and beverage educator and journalist, joins host Damon Boelte to talk about the cocktail scene abroad in Rome! Katie has an art history degree from Yale, a master’s degree in Italian Gastronomic Culture from the UniversitÃ degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, a sommelier certificate from the Federazione Italiana Sommelier Albergatori Ristoratori, and an archeological speleology certification from the city of Rome. She has also written and edited more than 20 books, and her food criticism and travel writing have appeared in The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Saveur, Travel + Leisure, The Guardian and The Sunday Times. Today’s episode focuses on the cocktail industry in Rome, and throughout the world today. Katie also updates us with her latest projects, such as her Italian pizza and craft beer event, which you can follow and learn more about at her website, Parla Food. This program has been sponsored by MOOD Magazine.

“The customer is the most important element. You could make the best drinks in the world, but if you mistreat the people who are drinking them, they probably won’t come back, and then you have to close, and you can’t do your awesome things anymore. ” [9:06]

— *Katie Parla on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 107: Jim Kearns** Oct 09, 2013
This week on The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte welcomes Jim Kearns, bar director at Play, a new cafe and cocktail restaurant opening next to the Museum of Sex in New York City. Jim got his bartending start at Balthazar, and quickly progressed to working with some of NYC’s finest including Sasha Petraske and Audrey Sanders at places such as Double Seven, Pegu Club, Death & Co., Freemans and the NoMad. On today’s episode, Jim talks about formulating a new cocktail menu for Play, and finding new ways to incorporate a bar into the Museum of Sex. This program has been sponsored by Fairway Market.

“We’re going from linear classic cocktails down to molecular, weird, and unique stuff. The menu is divided into three groups of eight cocktails. If you direct people to stuff on the menu, they digest it much better.” [13:17]

“I love the ability to tweak boundaries and work with peoples’ heads. This place, I hope, will do just that.” [30:45]

— *Jim Kearns on The Speakeasy*

Episode 106: Robin Robinson Sep 18, 2013

This week on The Speakeasy, Robin Robinson of Compass Box Whiskey joins host Damon Boelte in the studio to talk more about whiskey, it’s complexities, and Compass Box’s range of flavors. From light, delicate and elegant to big, smoky and peaty, Compass Box is a specialist Scotch whiskeymaker, offering a Signature Range of five whiskies that provides something for everyone. Find out how Compass Box creates a range of whiskies with richness, balance, and purity of flavor, while entertaining whiskey enthusiasts with their limited edition and Great King St. line of whiskies. Find out more about Compass Box, their line of whiskies (such as their popular Peat Monster), and how you can find one for a great addition to your bar today. This program has been sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

“A lot of people look at distilleries and then look at the distiller itself. But really, the art takes places in a blending room.” [8:40]

“The key secret is to find the balance of big smokey whiskeys, and making them drinkable.” [32:01]

— Philip Ward on In the Drink

**Episode 105: Anne** Sep 11, 2013
This week on The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte speaks with Anne-Louise Marquis, brand ambassador for Pernod Absinthe. Together the two speak about the history of absinthe, it’s myths, and it’s role in cocktail culture today. Learn about different ways of correctly trying absinthe, such as traditionally with sugar, or added with a touch of water. Also find out where the myth of hallucinating absinthe comes from, and how it got the name, the “Green Fairy.” Lastly, Anne-Louise tells us how she moved from circus school, to bartending, to becoming a brand ambassador for absinthe. This program has been sponsored by Heritage Foods USA.

“The point of Absinthe is that you have to add water to enjoy it.” [5:55]

“I work for a very small craft band, that the reason why we’re so successful, is because we prioritize bartenders.” [27:41]

— *Anne-Louise Marquis on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 104: Richard Paterson: The Dalmore** Sep 04, 2013
This week on The Speakeasy, Master Distiller, Richard Paterson, of The Dalmore joins host Damon Boelet in the studio to talk whiskey! Descended from a long line of whisky blenders, his pathway was all but pre-destined. Richard began his career at a whisky brokerage in Glasgow and following completion of his apprenticeship, joined The Dalmore where he has been Master Distiller since 1970. As a result of his years and years of training and passion with whiskey, Richard continues to create whiskey that carries the skill of the men, the water, the shape of the stills, the location of the distillery, the warehouses, and the wood all together. Also learn how the world of whiskey is changing today, as the younger generation is becomes more educated with the spirit. Learn everything you wanted to know about whiskey, but were too afraid to ask. Tune-in to hear from the master distiller himself! This program has been sponsored by Fairway Market.

“I go by the saying, Knowledge is power. When we produce a whiskey, I always stay to the consumer.” [9:28]

“Whiskey makes the world go round, but twice as fast!” [35:03]

— *Richard Paterson on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 103: Hillrock Estate Distillery** Aug 21, 2013
Damon Boelte is sampling a large array of whiskies from Hillrock Estate Distillery with Dave Pickerell and Danielle Eddy! Tune into this episode to hear about Dave’s storied history in the liquor industry, and his background in chemical engineering. How does Dave’s science background affect how he works in the distillery? Learn how Dave and Danielle began collaborating through Hillrock Estate Distillery, and how they have implemented solera-aging and floor-malting techniques in their single malts and whiskies. Tune in to learn more about the malting processes used in distilling, and don’t miss a second of this week’s episode of The Speakeasy! This program has been brought to you by BluePrint Cleanse. Thanks to Dead Stars for today’s music.

“It’s not that I am particularly smart, but I can just close my eyes and imagine molecules running around in the still and figure out what they’re doing.” [8:20]

— *Dave Pickerell on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 102: Chaim Dauermann** Jul 31, 2013
Chaim Dauermann is in the studio for today’s episode of The Speakeasy! Chaim is the beverage director at Desnuda in Williamsburg, as well as a bartender at Gin Palace NY, and a professional drinker (of course). This episode goes in depth into how Chaim dived into the world of alcohol, cocktails, and bartending. At the early age of 19, he quickly became interested in beer and bourbon, and with no guidance, went to bartending school at the age of 21. Although an odd experience, he moved to New York City, and went on to pursue a career in the industry. He also found work at Hudson Bar and Books, which is where he learned more about the social aspect of bartending, and appreciating a finely made cocktail. As Beverage Director at Desnuda, he continues to bring his inspiration to the South American Cevicheria, by utilizing fresh and dried peppers, chilis, and spices. Wondering how to put some heat into your drink? Tune-in to this week’s episode to hear from Chaim Dauermann, and find out more! This program has been sponsored by Blue Print Cleanse.

“It took a long time before I was making cocktails.” [9:30]

“We have two bars at Desnuda. Everything I do is with whatever equipment I have on my counter.” [28:10]

— *Chain Dauermann on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 101: Garret Richard** Jul 24, 2013
This week on The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte speaks with bartender Garret Richard of Monkey Bar about Tiki culture, frozen cocktails, and the upcoming Brooklyn Tiki Luau! Garret Richard is currently set to work at the Brooklyn Luau at RES, a new space opened by The Franks. He has also participated in the Remixology Bartender Challenge, in which he has won the contest with his drink titled, “Guerolito,” which takes inspiration from the flavors of Mexican street vendors. Also learn how Garret utilizes the frozen drink machine to create amazing cocktails with ingredients that normally do not pair well together, and what inspires Garret to continue experimenting. In the studio he also creates his signature House Mai Tai, which will be available at the RES Tiki Luau on July 27th. Tune-in find out more about Tiki cocktails, the Tiki Luau at RES, and of course the bartender himself. Congratulations once again to Damon’s 100th show (which aired two weeks ago). This program has been sponsored by Rolling Press. Thanks to Brothers NYC for today’s music.

“It’s nice to be forced to be creative in some way.” [12:00]

“One of my first bar experiences was going to the Tiki Tea – the texture you get from that drink is amazing.” [24:30]

— *Garret Richard on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 100: Frank Falcinelli & Frank Castronovo** Jul 10, 2013
This week on The Speakeasy we celebrate episode number 100 with special guests, The Franks! Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo of Frankies and Prime Meats are here with host Damon Boelte, to talk about their latest project – RES, an artist residency for chefs, where chefs from around the world can present their work,their very best work, to the audience of New York without being rushed or stressed. Located on the the historic Brooklyn waterfront, RES is about creating a place where a chef can present their work exactly how they want it to be, while exploring the city, meeting colleagues, and working on their repertoire. The Franks also talk cocktails, and how fresh ingredients make a huge difference when creating an eye-opening drink for your customers. Ever wondered who Damon’s bartending influence comes from? Learn more from the legendary Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli today! Congratulations to Damon on his 100th show. This program has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch. Thanks to Brothers NYC for today’s music.

“We want the guest to experience what’s on the mind of the chef.” [9:05]

— *Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 99: Dan Lyle** Jul 03, 2013
This week on The Speakeasy, we celebrate the eve of America’s birthday by talking about barbecue, bikes, and the history of America’s food industry with Dan Lyle, owner of The Shop in Brooklyn. Together with host Damon Boelte, Dan talks about the influence of the upcoming 4th of July, tracing back its roots to the laborers of the 1800s. As a result, America continues to pride itself on the importance of a communal table, the notion of community, and simply sharing a meal with family and friends. Lastly, Dan talks about The Shop, a dual barbecue bar and motorcycle shop due to open this Summer / Early Fall, and how he strives to teach the community about growing meat within the food industry today. Tune-in to learn more about the significance of tomorrow’s holiday, and how the future of agriculture depends on how we grow and raise our food. This program has been sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

“Food and drink tie up American history in an amazing fashion.” [16:45]

— *Dan Lyle on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 98: Abraham Hawkins** Jun 26, 2013
Abraham Hawkins is a bartender at Dutch Kills, in Long Island City. Today on the studio he talks with host Damon Boelte to talk about his experience, cocktails, and even motorcycles and Hawaiian shirts! Explaining how he received his training from trying his first egg white drink, to working at Little Branch, a speakeasy based in the West Village of Manhattan in New York City, Abraham talks about summer drinks, gives us some amazing daquiri recipies, and tells us his favorite drink to make (hint: it’s very simple!). Abraham also updates us on the closing of Dutch Kills, and explains to us that although the bar is closing, the future is bright for his co-workers and their team. Don’t know what a michelada is? Tune-in to learn about this great summer drink! This program has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch. Thanks to Brothers NYC for this episode’s music.

“When I first go to a bar, I first ask for a daiquiri, Old Fashioned, or Manhattan. It explains how the bar makes their drinks.” [23:05]

— *Abraham Hawkins on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 97: Justin Briggs** Jun 19, 2013
This week on The Speakeasy host Damon Boelte speaks with Justin Briggs, bartender, brand ambassador, consultant, and mixologist. Justin Briggs currently bartends at The Gin Palace and Barbes in New York City, is a Brand Ambassador at Imbue Vermouth, and often consults at James Restaurant in Brooklyn, NY. Recently, Briggs has been hard at work on various bitters, which he has had the pleasure of presenting at Cecil and Merl in his Cherry Bitters, which contains a delicate balance of bright, sour cherry notes, soft vanilla tones, and a pleasantly bitter finish. Briggs has also recently been an ambassador for Imbue Vermouth, makers of the Bittersweet Vermouth, a flagship aperitif designed to be poured simply onto rocks and sipped. Tune-in to learn more about these great products that can be stocked in your home bar today! This program has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

“Cocktails are almost like folk music, everybody has their own version.” [8:35]

— *Justin Briggs on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 96: Steve Schneider/Hey Bartender** Jun 05, 2013
This week’s episode of The Speakeasy pairs us once again with Steve Schneider, bartender at West Village watering hole, Employees Only. Today he joins us to talk about the documentary film “Hey Bartender,” in which he is the main subject, and displaying an ode to the cocktail culture that has swept New York City within the past decade. He also talks about his entry into the bartending world, and offers advice to bartenders who are looking to continue working in the industry today. Lastly, Steve gives us his latest updates, including his future career plans to own future bars around the world. This program has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch. Thanks to knifeshow for the music during today’s show.

“You have to be focused and if your mind is not in it, you can’t do it.”

“There’s always something to do – that’s how to always stay creative.”

— *Steve Schneider on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 95: Cripple Creek 2.0** May 29, 2013
It’s time for another Cripple Creek! After two smashing nights at Lit Lounge in December of 2012, Cripple Creek is kicking off their first North American tour at Webster Hall, bringing with them their cutting edge cocktails and rock and roll stage show. Aaron Polsky, Damon Boelte, Mayur Subbarao, and Michael O’Rourke have come together to create some of the world’s most hedonistic, expressive cocktails with, in their own words, “compelling flavors that everyone can relate to”. Tune in for a special preview for the event as Damon chats with Aaron and Mayur about drinks, performance and rock & roll. This program was sponsored by Chefs Steps. Today’s break music provided courtesy of Kntrlr.

“You don’t go to a bar just to sit and have a particular drink. In reality, the setting and the context really matter. The major thing we get to do here is create our own setting and context in a way that keeps people actually focused and is much more like performance.” [02:30]

*–Mayur Subbarao on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 94: Robert Simonson** May 22, 2013
When covering beverages, it quickly becomes clear that the wine world and the cocktail/spirits world are two completely different beasts to deal with Robert Simonson, our guest today on *The Speakeasy*, chose the latter – and he couldn’t be happier. Tune in as he and host Damon Boelte chat about the allure of the cocktail scene, the camaraderie of bartenders and mixologists working today and some of the emerging trends in the industry. Do trends deserve to die? What is the responsibility of a journalist? Find out on an informative and relaxed episode of *The Speakeasy*. This program was sponsored by Fairway Market. Music provided by Eula.

“Spirits and cocktail people are very different from wine people – and I decided I like the spirits and cocktail people more.” [05:00]

“I worry about burning out good trends before they deserve to die.” [21:00]

*–Robert Simonson on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 93: Charles Hardwick** May 15, 2013
As a native New Yorker, Charles Hardwick has seen how the city’s biggest juice joints have changed over the years. On this episode of *The Speakeasy*, Hardwick looks back with host Damon Boelte on his beginning years as a bartender. Learn what used to pass as a margarita and how the renaissance in the mixing world came to pass. What hasn’t changed is the role of the bartender. Hear what Hardwick has to say about how bartenders double as hosts and servers, and the “rules of engagement” that come with the gig. Hardwick later translated this knowledge into a career consulting for brands and used it to establish relationships with bars. Today’s program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch. The music was provided by Herbert Spliffington.

“I also noticed that guests treated the bartender which much more respect and there was a different dynamic there.” [6:47]

“At ACME, Lemon X in a big jug, that was a margarita.” [9:04]

“The drinks are an accessory to the experience.” [12:40]

“People are saying, ‘I dreamed of being a bartender’ and I’m floored by that.” [6:02]

“I’d rather someone be slightly surly, but in a witty way, but still being true to themselves, but caring about what they do like a french waiter.” [13:56]

*— Charles Hardwick on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 92: Great Gatsby Inspired Cocktails** May 08, 2013
Tara Wright is the head bartender at 21 Club, the historical speakeasy located on 52nd street in New York City. During our time speaking with Tara, she explained to us the special cocktails she created inspired by the upcoming movie, The Great Gatsby and why they are representative of that time period and that movie specifically. Tara also gave us the historical backstory to the historical establishment that was opened on December 31, 1929. She tells us the creative way in which they were able to conceal the cases and cases of alcohol, using a 5,000 pound brick door and a dip switch.

“It [gin] was popular with F. Scott Fitzgerald because he believed that you couldn’t smell it on his breath so it was an ideal drink”. [7:30]

*–Tara Wright on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 91: Julie Reiner & The Great GoogaMooga** Apr 17, 2013
Holy GoogaMooga! Julie Reiner, owner and operator of the Clover Club and Flatiron Lounge, chats with Damon Boelte on *The Speakeasy* about her role as VIP Cocktail Experience coordinator of the Great GoogaMooga Festival in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Music, food and cocktails collide at the Great GoogaMooga. Reiner is working on bringing together the city’s biggest mixologists and with quality food (foie gras donut, anyone?). The festival features bars at specific times so listen to who’s coming and when to catch them. With the festival only a month away, hear what goes into making a festival “cocktail experience” happen from pre-batching to planning how to serve the drinks. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

“When you get behind the bar, what’s your entry song? …you got to have your own theme song.” [5:36]

“We had a ton of people last year who were cocktail people and they knew they were going to get great cocktails from the bars that were involved. It wasn’t just ‘Give me what you have’ and throw it back.” [20:08]

“Im always looking for that sweet spot that the majority of the public is going to enjoy” [24:51]

*–Julie Reiner on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 90: Attaboy** Apr 10, 2013
Same spot, new look! This week on The Speakeasy, Sam Ross and Michael McIlroy drop by to talk with host Damon Boelte about their new bar, Attaboy. The two took over the former location of Lower East Side staple, Milk and Honey. Find out what it takes to open your own bar, and what they’ve changed to make the spot their own. What’s stayed the same since the bar opened a month ago? Classic cocktails. Hear Damon, Sam and Michael debate the value of a cocktail menu. Does a lack of menus make things more personal between a bartender and a customer, or more confusing? Without a menu, the duo talks about serving guests personalized drinks in “courses” – whether it’s with citrus or, even, an egg. This program was sponsored by White Oak Pastures

“Those couple months we were closed during the renovations, hours were changed significantly from being bartender for 14 odd-years getting up around midday, on an early miday and then getting home until 5 to just to change, getting and being there at 9 o’clock, making sure the contractors were on top of their game, making those phone calls, did you know business hours close at 5 p.m.?”

“Those few months we were closed I was just craving getting back behind the bar and we’re doing that in our own space.”

—*Sam Ross of Attaboy on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 89: Thomas Waugh / Major Food Group** Apr 03, 2013
Old school Italian New York is alive and well. This week on *The Speakeasy*, get to know Thomas Waugh, the bar director for Major Food Group – the people behind Torissi Italian Specialties, Parm and the newly opened Carbone. He shares the plans behind Carbone, a high quality and entertaining take on classic red and white checkered tablecloth NYC Italian restaurants. Hear about Thomas’s inclusive drink program at Carbone, that will promise diners free limoncello and grappa at the end of their meal. Damon and Thomas wax poetic about classic cocktails and their place at themed restaurants while giving listeners some great insight into the mentality of forward thinking bartenders. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch. Today’s break music provided courtesy of Dead Stars.

“Almost everybody that’s grown up in the United States can relate to the experience of the mid-century style American Italian restaurant. Red and white checkered tablecloths, breadsticks, etc. We wanted to do that idea – but actually do it really well.” [07:00]

“My job at Carbone is to finish the night. Every single customer gets free limoncello and infused grappa.” [13:00]

*–Thomas Waugh, bar director of Major Food Group on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 88: Tristan Willey of Booker & Dax** Mar 27, 2013
Booker & Dax is like a mad scientists lab… just with more booze. On today’s episode of *The Speakeasy*, hang out with Damon Boelte as he chats with bartender at Booker & Dax, Tristan Willey. Hear how he got into this scientific style of bartending and why the tools used at Booker & Dax are not at all for show. Hot drinks, savory cocktails and crazy infusions are all part of the formula at Booker & Dax – and if you weren’t craving a cocktail before this show, you will be by the end of it. Tune in and get the low down on the trendsetting and high quality ways of Booker & Dax. This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. Music provided courtesy of Knifeshow.

“The ideas of tools we use [at Booker & Dax] are basic – though the equipment is complicated can cause advanced issues. The way we view it as as simple as can be – we’re not pulling anything that’s exotic or foreign – it’s just a cleaner way to get to an end result.” [05:00]

“I would never make a daiquiri with clarified lime juice. There’s a time and place for clarifications.” [13:00]

*–Tristan Willey of Booker & Dax on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 87: Giuseppe Gonzalez (Explicit Content)** Mar 20, 2013
Giuseppe Gonzalez joins Damon Boelte for a raunchy, raw and real episode of *The Speakeasy*. Giuseppe was the head bartender at Julie Reiner’s well-known Flatiron Lounge and her more recent Brooklyn endeavor, Clover Club. Gonzalez also worked as lead barman at Sasha Petraske’s project in Long Island City, Dutch Kills, where he mixed classically-based cocktails in 19th century saloon-style digs. Since then, he’s opened Painkiller, one of the best tiki bars in the country, and plans on opening Golden Cadillac in the East Village soon. Tune in for some honest insights into what it takes to open a bar in New York City and listen in for a special studio bomb from Steve Schneider. This program was sponsored by Roberta’s

“My dream bar is a shitty bar. It’s a bar that was made by people without contractors, architects or designers.” [07:00]

“You should not be invested in what a guest drinks. You should not care. There should be a certain degree of creativity and ownership – but long story short – if somebody wants a vodka soda and bitters don’t try to sell them an Old Fashioned. What people drink is personal and what they need at the time.” [18:00]

*–Giuseppe Gonzalez on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 86: Nick Jarrett LIVE From New Orleans** Mar 13, 2013
Nick Jarrett is calling in to *The Speakeasy* all the way from sunny New Orleans! Damon checks in with Nick and talks shop about cocktails in NOLA, the Big Easy mentality, dive bars and beyond. Find out how they make a real Sazerac in New Orleans and why the drinking culture is so alive. Nick talks about some of his favorite rye whiskeys, house cocktails and day drinking routines. Find out why the drinks seem so sweet down south and what Nick has planned for St. Patrick’s Day! This program was sponsored by Fairway Market.

“Drinks feels a bit sweeter in New Orleans – I even find myself here with the hot weather preferring something sweeter with more body to it.” [07:30]

*–Nick Jarrett on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 85: Beer!** Mar 06, 2013
For the first time, Damon Boelte is talking BEER on *The Speakeasy*. Tune in as he’s joined by Tristan Colegrove for a conversation about session beers, beer cocktails and other interesting things happening in the world of brews. What’s the perfect ABV for a session beer? What does the future hold for beer cocktails? Get ahead of the curve and listen in for a very insightful conversation on the future of beer culture in America. This program was sponsored by The International Culinary Center.

**Episode 84: Nico de Soto** Feb 13, 2013
Nico de Soto has traveled the world in the name of cocktails. This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte invites Nico into the studio to talk about his positions as Bar Manager and General Manager at The Experimental Cocktail Club in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Find out how Nico’s South American trip has influenced his creative juices. Hear about the small menu at The Experimental Cocktail Club, and why Nico does not include classics on his list. Find out how flash infusions, carbonation, and rotovaps have changed the cocktail landscape. How important is presentation when serving a cocktail, and how does Nico use nontraditional glassware at the bar? Later, Nico and Damon talk about the overlapping worlds of bartending and cooking! This program has been sponsored by Catskill Provisions.

“I approach drinks like cuisine. I try to marry ingredients that wouldn’t be obvious.” [6:05] — *Nico de Soto on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 83: Bridget Firtle** Feb 06, 2013
What goes into opening a distillery? From troubleshooting boilers to priming pumps, Bridget Firtle has gotten a lot of training she never expected to while opening “The Noble Experiment”, a distillery in NYC. On this week’s episode of *The Speakeasy*, Damon Boelte chats with Bridget about opening a distillery, making rum and making moves in the craft spirits industry. If things like sourcing molasses and Island rum variations interest you, then you’ve found the right show to listen to. Today’s program was sponsored by Catskill Provisions

“Whiskey is known as the American spirit, but one of the first distilleries in the country was a rum distillery in Staten Island.” [20:00]

*–Bridget Firtle on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 82: Kings County Distillery** Jan 23, 2013
Who’s in the mood for whiskey? Tune into the Speakeasy and hear from “master blender” Nicole Austin from Kings County Distillery in Brooklyn. Find out how the small distillery has evolved over the past few years, and learn what exactly a master blender does. Learn about corn whiskey and what makes it different than other spirits and why when it comes to barels size does matter. Small barel distillation is a trickier task, but it makes for some absolutely delicious product. Learn all about small batch whisky on a boozy episode of The Speakeasy. This program was sponsored by Greenhouse Tavern.

“I have every intention of sticking with small barels. I’m not trying to out-Jim Bean Jim Bean.” [09:00]

“Designing a still is the wheelhouse of chemical engineering.” [18:00]

*–Nicole Austin of Kings County Distillery on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 81: The Third Man** Jan 16, 2013
Damon Boelte is back and so is The Speakeasy! On the first episode of 2013, Damon is hanging out with friend and fellow bartender J Rosser Lomax, of a brand new NYC bar called “The Third Man”. Tune in and hear them talk shop and defend the integrity of Platinum Buds. How do restrictions help bar programs? How can bartenders make bitter classic drinks accessible to all? Hear about all of the crazy concoctions J Rosser Lomax has come up with, including Champagne-backs and tons of other crazy ideas. As always, aspiring bartenders and drink enthusiasts will have plenty to walk away with from this one. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch

“Creativity and restrictions like each other much more than people think.” 07:00

“America created the cocktail because we were making really bootleg whiskey and had to do something with it.” 12:00

*–J Rosser Lomax of The Third Man on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 80: Cripple Creek Holiday Spectacular!** Dec 19, 2012
It’s The Speakeasy Cripple Creek Holiday Spectacular!!! By that, we mean Damon Boelte, Aaron Polsky and Mike O’Rourke are hanging out, drinking bourbon and talking shop. Cripple Creek is a pop up bar by Damon & Aaron’s – it’s their vision of the marriage between rock concert and cocktail bar. The menu looks like a set list, the drinks come in plastic cups and the music is loud. Make no mistake, we’re talking about the high-end forward thinking cocktails that these guys are known for. Re-imagine classy drinks on another raucous episode of The Speakeasy. This program was sponsored by Roberta’s Pizza.

“We’re rock n roll dudes – we wanted [Cripple Creek] to be more about the drinks and shared experiences with your frieds…getting drunk, having fun and getting sweaty.” [03:00]

“As long as you have plumbing and ice you can do whatever you want.” [11:00]

*–Aaron Polsky on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 79: Happy Repeal Day!** Dec 05, 2012
Today, Damon Boelte is celebrating the 79th anniversary of the repeal of the 18th Amendment, and his two year anniversary on Heritage Radio Network! Joining Damon in the studio is Garret Richard, also of Prime Meats in Brooklyn, New York. Tune in to hear Damon and Garret talk about some Prohibition history, and how it affected to social landscape of cities like New York and Chicago. Later, Damon and Garret talk about modern faux-Speakeasy style bars, and how they helped to revive certain cocktail styles. How did soda fountains affect the evolution of tiki drinks? Learn about World War II’s influence on American bar culture! This episode has been sponsored by Roberta’s.

“Any problem anyone had with American society, the Anti-Saloon League had an answer to, and it had to do with getting rid of alcohol.” [4:00]

“During Prohibition, you didn’t have access to alcohol if you wanted to do illegal mixology projects, so I think soda fountains took that in a really unique and nice direction.” [21:00]

— *Garret Richard on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 78: Seersucker Returns!** Nov 28, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by two friends from Seersucker Brooklyn, chef/owner Robert Newton and bartender Matt Hopkins. Tune in and hear three professionals talk shop and highlight some incredible wines coming from New York, Virginia and other overlooked regions in America. They taste a few wines on air and lament over the fact that some people still come into the coolest bars in the world and ask for Vodka & Cranberry juice! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the way modern restaurantuers and bartenders are thinking and what trends they see ahead. This program was sponsored by The International Culinary Center.

“There’s some really good wine from Virginia and I’m doing everything I can to get more of it here.” [10:37]

“Not every wine needs to be a Bourdeaux or a $200 Burgundy – just enjoy it and taste it!” [25:51]

*## –Robert Newton, Chef/Owner of Seersucker and Matt Hopkins, Bartender at Seersucker*

**Episode 77: New York Bartenders Ball** Nov 21, 2012
This week on a special episode of The Speakeasy, Damon checks in with bartenders Nino Cirabisi and Frank Cisneros who have helped organize the New York Bartenders Ball Benefit to help those affected by Super Storm Sandy. Find out how the bar community has rallied together to help in every way possible – from giving shifts to those without work to delivering ice to bars without power. Learn more about the New York Bartenders Ball, which goes down Monday, November 26th at the Bowery Hotel with Death & Co, Employees Only, PDT, Ward III, Dutch Kills, Dram, The Whiskey Brooklyn, Weather Up. Tickets are $100 and 100% of net proceeds go to Occupy:SandyNYCRelief & SSLF.org. Learn more and buy tickets here. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com.

“The love on this has been nation wide. Bartenders from other states are sponsoring tickets [to the New York Bartenders Ball] – they want to help New York too. These are people who may or may not know each other but have mutual respect.” [12:24]

*–Nino Cirabisi on The Speakeasy*

“We weren’t seeing Red Cross on the ground that much. That’s part of what we were affected by. We wanted to do something we we could make change.” [18:15]

*–Frank Cisneros on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 76: Jan Warren** Nov 14, 2012
This afternoon on The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte is joined by Jan Warren, the head bartender at Dutch Kills Bar and the co-host of the web series Animals Eating Animals. Jan talks about his experiences working as a bartender and server and the relationship between patrons and those working in the restaurant. Hear how Jan spends his days off exploring the city for the best food and drink by bicycle and the wild foods he’s come across in the search. Tune in as Jan talks about American food culture and really taking advantage of the culinary opportunities in New York City. Whether you’re interested in mixology or culinary tourism there’s something for everyone to take away. This program was sponsored by Heritage Meat Shop.

“Each bar station is a one man kitchen. That’s good I think, because it allows you to work independently.” [06:12]

“If you don’t have the confidence to be behind the bar – you shouldn’t be behind the bar.” [07:20]

“There’s no dearth of wonderment and beauty in the restaurant and bar industry in New York City. This is the best city on the planet.” [13:57]

“For an American who grew up in this [culinary] culture – nothing is stranger than eating balls.” [22:40]

*## –Jan Warren, Head Bartender at Dutch Kills on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 75: Brooklyn Gin** Oct 24, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by co-creator of Brooklyn Gin, Emil Jattne. They’re obviously talking gin – from distilling to bottling and everything in between. Learn why Brooklyn Gin makes no compromises in the process of gin-making and how their unique blend of botanicals make for a one of a kind spirit. Hear some of the benefits of being included in the Barclays Center’s beverage program and find out how the artisanal gin company plans on expanding. This program was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA

“We wanted to make the gin we wanted – we didn’t want to make any compromises whatsoever.” [06:05]

“There’s so much creativity around gin cocktails. There are bars that are super classic and restaurants with epicurean cocktail menus with inspiration from the kitchens.” [11:30]

*–Emil Jattne, co-creator of Brooklyn Gin on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 74: Fernet** Oct 17, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon gets to chat about his favorite spirit in the world – Fernet-Branca! He’s joined in studio by Jennifer Corrao, brand ambassador for Fratelli Branca, a distillery that produces Fernet-Branca, Branca Menta, Carpano Antica and more. Learn all about the bitter digestif that has picked up in popularity over the past few years – especially amongst bartenders and service industry professionals. What makes the recipe so special? What are bartenders doing with Fernet-Branca in cocktail recipes? Get the inside scoop on what some people call This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

“Not only does [Fernet-Branca] aid with digestion, it helps relax the body as a whole.” [7:15]

“Anytime you use ingredients from nature – herbs, roots, spice, etc – it will be better appreciated by the body.” [8:20]

*–Jennifer Corrao on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 73: Donna BKLYN** Sep 26, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte is joined by Leif Huckman and Jeremy Oertel of the new Williamsburg bar Donna. Leif explains the concept behind the bar’s feminine and welcoming design and why he thinks keeping price points low is important in building an approachable drinking establishment. The crew discusses cocktail construction, the delicate balance that goes into the classic recipes and the best ways to come up with something fresh and precise. If you’re interested in drinking or interesting in building your own cocktails – there’s plenty of information to takeaway from this edition of The Speakeasy. This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

“With Donna, we wanted to create an elegant space for dirty kids.”

“A neighborhood bar needs to be welcoming. There’s a real feminine quality to Donna which I felt was important because a lot of the bars you go to feel like dungeons.”

“All cocktails are inter-related in this really interesting historical way.”

*–Leif Huckman of Donna on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 72: Karin Stanley** Sep 19, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is hangin’ out with Karin Stanely, co-owner of Dutch Kills and bartender at Little Branch. Join in as they chat about making drinks, the importance of fresh juice and why meticulous bartending is second to none. Hear stories of rude customers, altercations and camaraderie amongst staff and fellow bartenders in the world of mixed drinks. There are a lot of high quality, top notch cocktail bars popping up around New York City, and Damon & Karen discuss what that means for the bartenders, the customers and the community. Later in the show, learn more about the decision to open Dutch Kills in Long Island City and how the community has responded to a bar of its caliber. This program was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA.

“Ideally you juice for a round. There’s been lots of scientific attempts at quantifying [what happens] when acid sits out for a while – you can tell the difference between fresh juice and juice that’s been out of it’s shell for a minute.”

“If you’re going to be meticulous about one thing at a bar – you should be meticulous about everything.”

“When people feel out of place [at a bar] – they get defensive.”

*–bartender Karin Stanley of Little Branch and Dutch Kills on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 71: Kevin Denton** Sep 12, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by friend and fellow bartender/musician Kevin Denton of WD-50 and The Crooners. Damon and Kevin talk shop and discuss everything from modern beverage programs, dirty martinis and Vietnamese-influenced cocktails. Hear what it’s like working at a technologically-minded operation such as WD-50 and juggling a life as a musician at the same time! This program was brought to you by Hearst Ranch.

“Beverage programs are now more than just the wines you offer. Every space needs a beverage director and a cocktail program and you have to meet certain expectations. It’s a lot harder than pouring stuff in a glass and saying ‘this is new.’ ”

“The way I approach bartending generally is if you know what you like and order what you like – then by god you should get what you like.”

“If I was to drink every mistake I’ve ever made – I’d be long dead.”

*–Kevin Denton of WD-50 & The Crooners on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 70: Alie & Georgia** Aug 29, 2012
Alie and Georgia are in the studio! They are the hosts for Cooking Channel’s Classy Ladies and contributors to Unique Sweets. Tune in as they hang out with Damon and talk about viral videos, female bartenders and lighthearted drinking. They make a delicious on-air cocktail with Aperol, orange juice and beer and somehow manage to get free tequila shots from a listener. Hear what it’s like submitting recipes for a TV show and why these girls have fun everywhere they go. This program was sponsored by White Oak Pastures.

“We’re not competing with the Dale DeGroff’s and the serious tight buttoned-vest and bow-tie dudes. We’re taking a culinary approach to it and breaking as many rules as possible. Drinking should be fun!”

*–Alie Ward on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 69: Aaron Polsky** Aug 22, 2012
On an informative and conversational episode of The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by friend and fellow bartender Aaron Polsky or Neta and Amor & Amargo. Damon and Aaron talk shop and discuss classic cocktail variations and the use of lower ABV spirits including Soju and Sherry. How can cocktails and food live in harmony? What does it mean to mess around with classic cocktail formats? Tune in for a great conversation on interesting drinks, customized bars and innovative bartending. This program was sponsored by Heritage Meat Shop.

“At Neta it’s important for us to create drinks that go with food. The great thing about Soju is that its a distillate that has 25% alcohol. You can make cocktails [with Soju] that are significantly lower in ABV and go better with food.”

“If you’re a bar – stand behind what you are and what you do!”

“Nobody knows the drinks better than the bar staff and nobody knows the food better than the chef. Why not work very closely together to make that ideal relationship between the two?”

*–bartender Aaron Polsky on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 68: Tiki Mondays!** Aug 08, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by the “Captains” of Tiki Mondays, Brian Miller and Ryan Liloia. Hear the genesis behind the highly successful weekly guest bartender night at Lani Kai where all tips go to charity. Tiki Mondays has become a family affair, and Brian and Ryan talk about how this community of bartenders teach each other new things (including the Corporal Captain Dance) constantly. Learn more about Tiki drinks and why bartending is much bigger than serving drinks on a feel-good episode of The Speakeasy. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

“Everything I do behind the bar, I’ve taken from watching [Brian] Miller and the guests do their thing.”

*–Ryan Liloia on The Speakeasy*

“Tiki is something that’s in everybody’s consciousness now and people are realizing how fun it is.”

“The first drink I ever created, I made thirty different ways and it was only three ingredients.”

*–Brian Miller on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 67: Lucas Bols** Aug 01, 2012
Damon is back from Tales of the Cocktail and he’s joined in studio by Antonia Fattizzi of Lucas Bols. Antonia and Damon chat about Bols Genever and how it’s slowly gaining popularity in the states. Genever is extremely popular in Amsterdam and drinks like a gin but is closer related to whiskey. Learn more about this interesting spirit and tune in as they make a Holland Razorblade on air! This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

“Genever actually outsells vodka by 4 to 1 in Amsterdam.”

“Galliano is no longer just anis in your face! There’s so much more going on in the bottle now.”

*–Antonia Fattizzi of Lucas Bols on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 66: Denizen Rum** Jul 11, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon chats with Marshall Altier and Nick Pelis of Denizen Rum. Learn what makes different rums unique and how each acts differently in cocktails and with mixers. White rum is *not* vodka, and the guys at Denizen are doing everything they can to educate the consumer in that regard. Find out why subsidies have favored quantity over quality and hear why Denizen takes no shortcuts in the quality control of their product. Tune in as the guys make cocktails on-air and whet your appetite for delicious summer rum cocktails. This program was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA.

“Part of the reason why we’ve lost flavor in the rum categories is because of tax subsidies the US government provided islands like Puerto Rico. The subsidies are tied directly to quantity, not quality.”

*–Nick Pelis of Denizen Rum on The Speakeasy*

“White rum shouldn’t be expensive, by virtue of what it is. It’s an inexpensive thing to make and doesn’t need to cost a lot.”

*–Marshall Altier of Denizen Rum on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 65: Steve Schneider Returns!** Jun 27, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is re-joined by friend of the show Steve Schneider of Employees Only and Macao Trading Company. Steve has been a busy man in the past year, traveling across the world for competitions, exhibitions and general craziness. Hear how he broke speed records at the “Rematch” bartending competition and why he challenges anybody in the world to compete with him! Steve passionately explains how bartenders are like family and describes the camaraderie that helped him get to where he is today. From his early days in the Military to breaking records and making the highest quality cocktails in the world, learn more about the man with the hammer, Steve Schenider. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

“I’ve always believed that if you want to be successful and great, you have to surround yourself with successful and great people.”

“I can make pine tar taste like strawberries if I try hard enough.”

“I challenge any bartender on this planet or any other planet to a Rematch style competition, because I don’t think anybody can beat me on my best day!!!”

*–bartender Steve Schneider on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 64: Cask Store** Jun 13, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon chats with Amanda Womack, manager at Caskin San Francisco. Cask sells artisanal beverages and is part of the Future Bars group. Find out how Cask sources their small batch liquors and learn about their American Whiskey Club. Get a sense of what cocktail and spirits culture is like on the West Coast, as Amanda shares some of her favorite beverages and cocktails right now. This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

“I can’t ever think of a time where I wanted just dry vermouth by itself, but I’d totally drink Vya Whipser Dry by itself.”

*–Amanda Womack of Cask on The Speakeasy*

Episode 63: Craft Distilling Jun 06, 2012

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon chats with Michael Kinstliek, CEO of Coppersea Distilling. Michael talks about the rise of craft distilling in New York and the country at large and discusses how distillers have followed the model that craft breweries created in the marketplace. Learn what challenges craft distillers are faced with and how specialty distribution is starting to develop across the nation. Find out what factors make or brake small brands and how packaging, price points and quality all contribute to success. Check out CopperseaDistilling.com for more information.This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

“In 2000 there were 25 craft distilleries and now we’re up to about 250 firms in the craft distillery market.”

“A lot of folks enter the market with a product first attitude over marketing and branding, and the market is fluid enough now that that’s not such a bad strategy!”

–Michael Kinstliek, CEO of Coppersea Distilling on The Speakeasy

**Episode 62: Van Brunt Stillhouse** May 30, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte chats with friend and distiller at Van Brunt Stillhouse, Daric Schlesselman. Tune in to hear what it’s like running a small batch distillery and why Grappa got him into this whole business. From sugar to aging, learn about the process of distilling and how different techniques can make different products. This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

“Finishing is a little bit of a challenge for a small distiller. It takes years to have enough mature product to get there. At this point I’m choosing the aging process that I think will do the best for me in the shortest period of time possible.”

*–distiller Daric Schlesselman on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 61: Rocky Yeh** May 16, 2012
Fresh off the Manhattan Cocktail Classic bender, Damon Boelte sits and chats with bartender Rocky Yeh from Vessel Lounge in Seattle. Hear some wild stories from the MCC and get an insiders perspective on bartending, spirits distribution and liquor availability. How is running a bar in Seattle different than New York? How could the entire state of Washington run out of Aperol? Learn more on another edition of the best bartending show in the world. This program was sponsored by White Oak Pastures.

“When people say ‘We make everything in house’ my response is ‘Really? Why?’ 9 times out of 10 if you’re making something like orgeat syrup on your own it’s not better or more consistent than available products out there.” *–bartender Rocky Yeh on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 60: Speed Rack** May 09, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits and chats with the ladies of Speed Rack. Speed Rack is a competition created for and by female bartenders to promote female bartenders. Hear from Ivy Mix, Lynette Marrero & Claire Bertin-Lang as they preview the upcoming competition on May 10th, 2012. Find out how intense the competition gets and what to expect from a room full of the most skilled women bartenders in the world! This program was sponsored by White Oak Pastures.

“This cocktail community spreads across the nation. We can all drop into any city and work with somebody.”

*–Lynette Marrero of Speed Rack on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 59: Clover Club** May 02, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte sits and chats with Tom Macy & Jesse Wohlers of The Clover Club. Find out what makes bartending such a grueling gig and how they both got to where they are now. Find out how to climb the ranks in a bar and make a career out of the most fun job in the world. Hear their thoughts on everything from social skills behind the bar to mocktails. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

“[When bartending] I want the customer to feel like I have nothing better in the world to do than talk to them.”

*–Tom Macy of The Clover Club on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 58: Makers Mark** Apr 25, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by Adam Harris, brand ambassador for Maker’s Mark. Hear about the history of the company and what makes their whiskey recipe so unique. Hear about the companies water renewal program and hear how they utilize the mash that has been used as methane to power their cookers. Learn something new about one of the most popular bourbons in the world on this week’s episode of The Speakeasy. This program was sponsored by White Oak Pastures.

“We don’t put ‘small batch’ on our label, we just stick to what we’ve always done – which is making small batch whiskey.”

*–Adam Harris of Maker’s Mark on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 57: Justin Noel** Apr 18, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon hangs out and chats with Justin Noel, bartender at 1534 and rep from Prestige Brands. Damon and Joel talk about everything from changing perceptions around gin & tequila to creating characters at hotel bars. Learn more about overlooked spirits behind the bar and find out how to get over your fear of certain spirits by trying the right stuff! This program was sponsored by White Oak Pastures

“There’s nothing worse than somebody forcing a brand or product down your throat.”

“It’s great seeing people push boarders [with spirits and brands], but it can get gimmicky.”

*–bartender Justin Noel on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 56: Drunk Diet with LÃ¼c Carl** Apr 11, 2012
Who says you can’t lose weight while getting wasted? Not LÃ¼c Carl. Tune in to this week’s episode of The Speakeasy as Damon Boelte chats with LÃ¼c, who’s latest book, aptly titled *The Drunk Diet: How I Lost 40 Pounds . . . Wasted: A Memoir*, helps people get healthy while maintaining a rock star life. Find out how he went from binge parties to running marathons and what it takes to maintain a balance of health and fun. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

“I consider the book more like watching Rocky I, when he was smoking and drinking and Mickey was telling him to give it up. It’s like the anti-diet book. I didn’t want to be told what to do and wanted to encourage people to diet while having fun.”

“There’s nothing more rock and roll than going out there busting your ass for four hours and running. That’s what rock and roll is all about – excess.”

*–LÃ¼c Carl on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 55: Betto & Kanon Vodka** Apr 04, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte catches up with Matt Carr and Tom O’Neil of Betto with Johnny Gaffney of Kanon Vodka. Tune in as they celebrate the arrival of spring with a lively discussion on amaros, grappas and delicious refreshing cocktails that can be made with either. Learn how having a bar in a restaurant is convenient when it comes to ingredients and why there’s nothing wrong with a bull shot here and there. Also find out more about Kanon Vodka and their single distilled process. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

“A little beef stock in a breakfast drink is always good.”

*–bartedner Matt Carr on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 54: Michael J. Neff** Mar 28, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits and chats with Michael J. Neff of Ward III & Rum House. Tune in to hear how he and his journeymen bartender colleagues turned their dreams into reality with Ward III and what it takes to run a successful bar in New York City. Find out why Michael prefers free pouring over jiggers, and how it changes the drink making process. Why is it so hard to get a good cocktail at a sports bar? Why do some “cocktail bars” frown upon people ordering vodka sodas? Hear more about what Damon and Michael think about the “golden age of bartending” and what developments are taking place across the country. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

“[With Ward III], we wanted to see what would happen if journeymen bartenders opened the bar they’ve always wanted.”

“We’re not trying to be all things to all people, but to me the word bar implies that you can get a cocktail.”

“Free pouring is a very interesting art…it’s a matter of training.”

*–Michael J. Neff on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 53: Toby Maloney of The Violet Hour** Mar 21, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte checks in with celebrated bartender Toby Maloney of The Violet Hour, a pre-Prohibition era-inspired speakeasy in Chicago recently nominated for the Outstanding Bar Program James Beard Award. Learn how Toby found his way to The Violet Hour and what has influenced his style as a bartender. Find out what it takes to run a successful bar and find out what “Malort” is and why it’s popular in Chicago. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

“The Violet Hour is definitely a group effort. No one person opens a bar.”

“MalÃ¶rt is kind of like drinking a tiger fire. It’s the most bitter thing I can possibly think of.”

*–bartender Toby Maloney on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 52: Hospitality & Rum with James Menite** Mar 07, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits and chats with James Menite of Don Q Rum. Learn how James went from a normal job to becoming one of New York City’s premiere bartenders. Learn more about why James thinks rum is the next “breakout spirit” and how hospitality is more important than people think when it comes to bartending. This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

“If you make it as a bartender/mixologist in New York City, the world is your oyster.”

“We’re in a lucky business. People are winning cash prizes for bartending and traveling across the world. There’s no other profession where you get that luxury.”

“When cocktails are so expensive, people don’t just want a drink they want an experience…[because of that], hospitality driven establishments are doing really well right now.”

*–bartender James Menite on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 51: Dutch’s Spirits** Feb 22, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte returns to the airwaves with the man behind The Dutch’s Spirits, Jonathan Forester. Tune in and learn more about their sugar wash moonshine, aged peach brandy and other old school spirits. Learn about the history of prohibition, small distilleries, the importance of forgotten spirits and the effectiveness of well made bitters. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

“Every peach brandy was different in the 1700’s and 1800’s. I wanted to make a product that was a blend of all of them.”

“You never get repeat customers by making lousy stuff.”

*–Jonathan Forester of The Dutch’s Spirits on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 50: The Tiki All Stars** Feb 08, 2012
What does Tiki mean to you? Damon Boelte is joined by “The Tiki All-Stars” on a deliciously rummy episode of The Speakeasy. Tune in as they talk about Tiki Mondays at Lani Kai, make drinks on-air, discuss Tiki culture and elaborate on some of the classic beachy cocktails invented by pioneers such as Dom the Beachcomber and Beachbum Berry. Get in that summer state of mind as the snow falls this winter – listen immediately! This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

“Tiki drinks come out of the times of depression and escapism.”

*–Jim Wrigley of Santa Teresa on The Speakeasy*

“What one rum can’t do, three rums can.”

*–Dom the Beachcomber*

**Episode 48: Seersucker** Jan 25, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits down and chats with friend Robert Newton of Seersucker in Carroll Gardens. Hear why he thinks it’s important to feature American foods and wines at his restaurant and how Southern cuisine plays such an integral role in his menu. From catfish to moonshine, Seersucker should be a destination spot for anybody in the area. Tune in and learn more about his cocktail list and the seasonal ingredients that are at the base of all of his dishes. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

“The best way for us to advance the wine industry is to drink our own juice. Not every single wine from New York is great, but neither is every wine from France. There’s enough good wine out there made in America that you can comprise a list that’s entertaining and tasteful.”

*–Robert Newton of Seersucker on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 47: Rye Whiskey with Nick Jarrett** Jan 18, 2012
What’s the difference between blended whiskey and spirit whiskey? What are the origins of rye whiskey? If you’re at all interested in the history of whiskey, this episode of The Speakeasy is for you. Tune in as Damon Boelte sits down and chats with friend of the show Nick Jarrett over some 1951 Old Overholt Rye Whiskey. Learn more about bonding regulations, excise taxes, the bottled-in-bond act and more history as it relates to rye whiskey. Bottoms up! This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

“You would make your own whiskey back in the day just like you would salt your own pork or chop your own trees down.”

“The bottled in bond act was actually an attempt to achieve purity in whiskey.”

*–Nick Jarrett on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 46: Jordana Rothman** Jan 11, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy Damon Boelte welcomes Time Out New York’s infamous food and drink editor, Jordana Rothman. Jordana shares her defining, imbibing “a-ha” moment and gives listeners some insight into likely trends for 2012. Tune in to hear how she came around on challenging spirits like cynar and why she thinks nobody should be excluded from the cocktail movement. Damon & Jordana also discuss what makes food at cocktail bars successful and why small plates and communal dishes are usually the way to go. This episode was sponsored by White Oak Pastures.

“I’m committed to finding access points for my readers that may be buying Time Out New York for, say, the music listings. I want to find ways for people to get excited about the things I’m excited about.”

“You can’t get people excited about the cocktail movement by making people feel like assholes.”

“I love when a cocktail bar isn’t just providing a sponge for the booze, but putting some attention into the food.”

*Jordana Rothman on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 45: The Dizzy Fizz** Jan 04, 2012
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits down and chats with Selena Ricks-Good, the woman behind the popular blog, The Dizzy Fizz. Tune in to hear how she’s trying to make high end cocktails more accessible through the blog and the events that she throws such as The French Spirits Soirée. Hear why Selena thinks some cocktails have too much sugar these days, what place novelty drinks have in cocktail culture and which trends she thinks will take off in 2012. This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market.

“With this website [The Dizzy Fizz], I wanted to take some of the seriousness out of cocktail culture.”

*–Selena Ricks-Good on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 44: New York Distilling Company** Dec 21, 2011
On the year-end episode of The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by Allen Katz and Nate Dumas, partners in the New York Distilling Company. Tune in to hear how the distillery went from fantasy to reality and what the guys have in store for 2012. Find out how they are re-imagining gin and trying to introduce some fresh idea into the world of spirits. Learn more about The Shanty, a bar inside of the distillery, and listen in as the guys taste some gin on-air. This episode was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA.

“People are now starting to accept the fact that bartenders take their job seriously”

*–Allen Katz on The Speakeasy*

“We’re not setting out to open another classic cocktail bar…I want people to feel completely comfortable coming in to order a beer and a shot”

*–Nate Dumas on The Speakeasy*

**Episode 43: The Bourgeois Pig** Dec 14, 2011
Trust your barender! Especially if his name is Frankie Cocktails. Tune in to a friendly episode of The Speakeasy as Damon speaks with Frank Cicneros, aka Frankie Cocktails, about his latest venture, The Bourgeois Pig. Learn about his sherry based cocktails and how carbonated cocktails are generally trending. Don’t be that guy at the bar who constantly asks for drink modifications, trust the expert behind the bar! This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market.

“People forget that proof and water content are very important elements of a cocktail” – Frankie Cocktails on The Speakeasy

“A great cocktail is the result of 50 failures” – Frankie Cocktails on The Speakeasy

**Episode 42: Ba’sik** Nov 30, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon chats with childhood friend and owner of Ba’sik Bar in Wiliamsburg, Jay Zimmerman. Hear what made him want to expand to Williamsburg and find out what challenges come along with opening a new bar in New York. This episode was sponsored by Roberta’s

**Episode 41: Jim Meehan** Nov 23, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon has a great conversation with friend and bartender Jim Meehan, author of “The PDT Cocktail Book: The Complete Bartender’s Guide from the Celebrated Speakeasy”. Jim discusses his experiences at PDT and elaborates on the bartender vs customer wars. Why do people always ask for vodka? Does vodka have a place in high-end cocktails? Tune in to hear about what it’s like working on cocktail books and how the classics helped inspire Jim to get to where he is today. This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market.

**Episode 40: Avery and Janet Glasser of Bittermens** Nov 16, 2011
This week on the Speakeasy, Damon welcomes an old duo to the studio: Avery and Janet Glasser, the founders of Bittermens. They talk about their revival and re-envisioning of new spirits and liqueurs such as Hiver Amer Cinnamon, AmÃ¨re Sauvage, Commonwealth Tonic Liquer, and more. From the formulation of the perfect gin and tonic to Avery’s trials and tribulations of trying to make an American Frenette, tune for an informed and expert conversation from the people who know bitters best. This episode is sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

**Episode 39: Mayur Subbarao** Nov 09, 2011
This week on the Speakeasy host Damon Boelte is joined by Rennaissance man Mayur Subbarao. Not only is Subbarao a cocktail afficianado, a bartender, and a spirit crafter at Bittermens, but he also works by day as an environmental lawyer helping with green energy and building. Tune in for a panoramic discussion on extreme bartending, starting DIY cocktail clubs, and one of Damon’s favorite subjects: bitters. Learn how Mayur has been recreating his own bitters such as Amer Picon and bringing back lost flavors to the cocktail world. This episode is sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

**Episode 38: Bitters w/ Brad Thomas Parsons** Nov 02, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon takes a break from the bar songs and speaks with Brad Thomas Parsons, the author of “Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas”. Tune in to learn more about one of the components of the original definition of “cocktail”; bitters. Find out how all the different variations are related and why it’s so hard to get your hand on artisanal bitters. Learn how you can make your own bitters at home and discover why novelty and practicality are not mutually exclusive when it comes to making cocktails. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

**Episode 37: Bartenders Playlist Part 2** Oct 26, 2011
Back by popular demand! Damon Boelte continues the Bartenders Playlist, a selection of great drinking songs for great drinking times. Press play, pour yourself a drink, sit back and relax. This episode was sponsored by Roberta’s.

**Episode 36: Bartenders Playlist** Oct 19, 2011
On a special episode of The Speakeasy, Damon takes a moment to highlight some of his and his bartender friends favorite drinking songs. Tune in for a very unique Bartenders Playlist and vibe out to some booze-related tunes! This episode was sponsored by Roberta’s

**Episode 35: Jim Ryan of Hendrick’s Gin** Oct 12, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by Jim Ryan, brand ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin. Learn more about the popular spirit brand and which cocktails best utilize its many different botanicals. Learn what an “unusual Negroni” is and find out how to best enjoy warm gin on a Wednesday afternoon. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

**Episode 34: Abigail Gullo** Oct 05, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by none other than the “Rye Girl” herself, Abigail Gullo. Abigail talks about her experience working with Chairman’s Reserve Rum and Bitter Truth and how she fell in love with both products. She also explains how she was introduced to the cocktail world and what. she enjoys most about spirits, bars and bartending. This episode was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA’s No Goat Left Behind Project.

**Episode 33: Island Creek Oysters** Sep 28, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon drinks some 50 year old cognac and eats oysters with Dana Hale of Island Creek Oyster Farm. Tune in to learn more about the popular and sensual raw seafood that has New York City buzzing. Find out how oyster mating affects taste and how farming is one of the most safe and sustainable ways of raising shellfish and seafood. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

**Episode 32: Pernod Ricard** Sep 21, 2011
Leslie Pariseau, New York Brand Ambassador for Pernod Ricard & Ria Soler, Bar Smarts Manager join Damon Boelte on this week’s episode of The Speakeasy. Learn about some common misconceptions surrounding absinthe and learn more about some of the other products Pernod Ricard has in its portfolio including Pastis. Also find out how the Bar Smarts program is helping educate people in the bar industry all across the country. This episode was sponsored by [

](http://www.HearstRanch.com)

**Episode 31: Jill DeGroff & Dale DeGroff** Sep 07, 2011
On a very special episode of The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by artist and author of “Lush Life, Portraits from Behind the Bar”, Jill DeGroff and her husband, “The King of Cocktails”, Dale DeGroff. Jill and Dave tell incredible stories of their travels and experiences in bars across the world and share their passion for the people on both sides of the bar. Learn how the two met, why they were drawn to drinks and what inspires Jill in her portraits of the people who frequent the bar scene. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

**Episode 30: Brian Floyd** Aug 31, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by bartender Brian Floyd of The Vanderbilt in Prospect Heights. Damon & Brian talk about making the transition for “anything goes” to high end bartending service. Brian also discusses The Barman’s Fund, which labels itself “A loose association of Dipshit Do-gooders”. The Barman’s Fund encourages those in the service industry to donate one shifts worth of tips a month to charity. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

2011-08-24_15-37-27_117 — **Episode 29: Cabell Tomlinson** Aug 24, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy Damon is joined by Cabell Tomlinson, bar director of Frankies Spuntino. Cabell discusses her philosophy behind the cocktail programs at the various Frankies locations, and how Italian apertif style drinks inspire her. Find out why vermouth is so misunderstood and how bitters can be more than just a small element of a complex cocktail. Damon & Cabell mix up a delicious American Royal on-air and share their distaste for puree based cocktails. This episode was sponsored by Roberta’s.

**Episode 28: Alie Shaper of Brooklyn Oenology** Aug 17, 2011
This week on the Speakeasy Damon has on an old friend, Alie Shaper of Brooklyn Oenology. They talk the growing of Greenpoint and Red Hook as well as finding artists for their unique wine labels(they turn into stickers!). Tune is for a refreshing Riesling tasting and more savory wine talk on The Speakeasy. This episode is sponsored by Fairway Market.

**Episode 27: Bushwick Country Club** Aug 10, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, the studio is packed with the crew from Bushwick Country Club. Tune in for an especially raucous episode of the best cocktail show on the internet as the guys share drinks, explain what a pickleback is, tell ghost stories and have a good time. This episode was sponsored by Roberta’s.

**Episode 26: Maharlika** Aug 03, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by the crew at Maharlika, a Filipino “pop up” restaurant that features traditional cuisine and an outstanding cocktail program. Tune in to learn more about Filipino culture and food traditions and hear about some interesting new projects on the horizon from the Maharlika crew including sari-sari stores and more! This episode was sponsored by Cain Five.

**Episode 25: Tales from Tales of the Cocktail** Jul 27, 2011
This week’s episode of The Speakeasy sees Damon Boelte sitting down with Steve Schneider of Employees Only, fresh off their award winning weekend at Tales of the Cocktail. Tune in to hear how the crew at Employees Only celebrated being crowned “Best Cocktail Bar in the World”. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market

**Episode 24: Bittermens Very Small Batch Bitters** Jul 13, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by Avery & Janet Glasser of Bittermens Very Small Batch Bitters Company. Tune in to learn more about the history and functionality of bitters in cocktails as Avery and Janet explain how bitters are inherently medicinal and can be used as more than just a bartender tool. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

**Episode 23: Combier** Jul 06, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits down with Romain Guille, brand rep for Combier USA. Tune in to learn the history of the worlds first triple sec and find out how to best utilize the delicious digestif in your cocktails. Learn how triple sec differs from curacao and how citrus migrated its way to our glasses. This episode was sponsored by The Small Holding Festival.

**Episode 22: Sam Ross & Michael McIlroy** Jun 29, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by Michael McIlroy and Sam Ross of the world renowned members only bar Milk & Honey. They discuss how they found their way to New York and navigated the “cocktail world” and share some tips to class up any bar program. This episode was sponsored by Camp Bacon.

**Episode 21: St. John Frizell** Jun 22, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte sits down with St. John Frizell, head of the Red Hook boÃ®te, Fort Defiance. Tune in to learn more about how his personal journey as a bartender and how New Orleans cocktail culture influences John. Also learn what a Sumo Collins is and why David Wondrich approves of it. This episode was sponsored by Just Food.

**Episode 20: 42Below** Jun 15, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by Paul Franich, brand rep for 42 Below Vodka. Learn more about the New Zealand-based vodka and how it all started as a DIY operation in a garage! Find out what The Cocktail World Cup is all about and discover why the kiwis know what they’re doing when it comes to drinks! This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

**Episode 19: Happy Birthday Damon!** Jun 08, 2011
Damon Celebrates his 30th birthday on a heady episode of The Speakeasy with friend, bar manager and reggae/dancehall DJ Shane Feirstein. Tune in as they talk about Jamaican rum, Jamaican music and the Jamaican lifestyle while sipping on rum and listening to some great tracks. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. For more information visit Surry Farms.

2011-06-01_14-59-36_803 — **Episode 18: Norwegian Invasion!** Jun 01, 2011
The studio is packed as Damon & Brian Miller invite from friends from Oslo, Norway to The Speakeasy to remiss on drunken nights, discuss the brilliance of Akvavit and remind listeners that it’s not about what you have but how you use it! This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

**Episode 17: Tanqueray** May 18, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by Angus Winchester, Global Brand Ambassador for Tanqueray Gin. Damon & Angus share their love for gin over a Negroni and discuss the differences between the Manhattan Cocktail Classic and Tales of the Cocktail events. Tune in to find out what makes a good Gin & Tonic, and why your grandmother might know best when it comes to gin! This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market – like no other market.

**Episode 16: Santa Teresa Rum** May 12, 2011
This week Damon Boelte invites the team from Santa Teresa Rum to speak about the current rum industry and their new Venezuelan rum products. The main goal of Santa Teresa is to keep the culture and tradition of true rum alive using special brewing techniques to ensure the highest pure quality rum. Watch out for Santa Teresa rum at your local bar! This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. For more information, visit Surry Farms.

**Episode 15: Ari Form Returns** May 04, 2011
Ari Form returns to The Speakeasy with a strange strange bottle of Irish Liqueur that tastes like Malibu. What does this mean? You’ll have to listen to find out. Tune in as Damon and Ari talk pick-me-up cocktails, Irish whiskey and more on the best spirits show around. This episode was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA.

**Episode 14: Steve Schneider & Vincent Vitek** Apr 27, 2011
Things get rowdy on this week’s episode of The Speakeasy as host Damon Boelte hangs out with Employees Only’s wild bartenders Steve Schneider and Vincent Vitek. Steve and Vincent touch on the brotherhood and camaraderie felt amongst bartenders and explain what it’s like working behind a bar with high quality drinks and exceptions that come along with them. Tune in for some ice smashing fun as the crew talks shop and makes a slammin mint julep on-air. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. For more information visit www.SurryFarms.com.

**Episode 13: Frank Cisneros** Apr 20, 2011
This week’s guest on The Speakeasy is Frank Cisneros, aka Frankie Cocktails. Frank and Damon discuss how music can influence cocktails and spirits, talk about the decline and rise of Vodka & imagine a post-cocktail bar world. Learn how Frank got started in drinks and find out more about the wonderful world of spirits. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market & Do Something Reel

**Episode 12: Maxwell Britten** Apr 13, 2011
Maxwell Britten is this week’s guest on The Speakeasy. Tune in to hear how he became the Beverage Director and Marketing Manager at Maison Premiere and why he thinks people still want to show themselves a good time even during a recession. Learn more about one of his favorite spirits, absinthe, as Maxwell dispels myths and helps listeners understand how to truly appreciate this drink. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery. For more information visit www.CainFive.com

**Episode 11: American Gin Company** Apr 06, 2011
On today’s episode of The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by Scott Krahn, 1/2 of the American Gin Company. Scott talks about the return of gin, and reminds us that it’s “essentially flavored vodka”. Learn more about gin production, tasting notes and applications and find out why the Averell Damson Gin Liqueur is such a unique product. Sponsored by Fairway Market – like no other market.

**Episode 10: Phil Ward** Mar 30, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by former head bartender of Death & Co. Phil Ward, currently of Mayahuel. Phil discusses his interest in agave based spirits and tequila cocktails as well as the past, present and future of agave production in Mexico. Tune in to learn more about the Tequila Interchange Project, a venture dedicated to promoting awareness about the culture of tequila for industry professionals in USA and Mexico. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. For more information visit www.SurryFarms.com

**Episode 9: Nic Cowles** Mar 23, 2011
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by Nic Cowles of Minibar. Nic talks about the community vibe of Minibar and how it serves as a warm and familiar place for those in the service industry to come relax at after a shift. Tune in to hear why Yelp reviews are hardly helpful and why you might not actually know what a real Manhattan tastes like. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery. For more information visit www.CainFive.com

Episode 8: USBG Mar 09, 2011

Tune into the latest episode of The Speakeasy hosted by Damon Boelte. This week he highlights the United States Bartenders Guild. Tune in and hear from Jason Littrell of The Randolph at Broome & preview guest Nick Jarrett about how the Bartenders Guild helps protect our bar talent and opens an endless amount of networking possibilities for bartenders all over the country. Learn more at www.USBG.org. This episode was sponsored by the Museum of Food & Drink.

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“My favorite thing about this industry is you can never know it all.” [30:00]

“Part of the reason I hang out at Long Island bar is that Toby Cecchini and Phil Ward regularly bartend there and I can ask them directly for the drinks they invented.” [15:00] — Robert Simonson on The Speakeasy

“We don’t know the origin of anything, really, only a few cocktails know their fathers so to speak!” [31:00]

–David Wondrich on The Speakeasy

“I love whisky, but what I really love about agave is the incredible versatility.” [28:00]

-Brennan Adams on The Speakeasy

“What we love about tiki we’re taking that and putting it through the bizarre algorithm that is my brain and Jane’s brain, and it comes out as something totally different on the other end. It’s more tiki through the looking glass.”

–Austin Henelly on The Speakeasy

“Tiki needs to be as fun to make as it is to drink.”

–Jane Danger on The Speakeasy

“When you eat something or drink something there’s an emotional, historical trigger from your childhood.” [8:45]

“Let’s do something different and not pigeonhole ourself in this taco tequila sombrero world. Let’s go further south!” [03:50]

“If I see a beautiful cocktail across the room I just want to go consume it!” [02:00]

“WD50 allowed people, without much thought to the bottom line, to explore and be creative.” [03:00]

“Tequila is one of the most expensive spirits to produce.” [45:00]

“I’m doing less service style journalism and more bigger conversation stories now.” [08:00]

“I try to give everybody my all at all times. It’s a good problem to have” [04:00]

“Almost every farmer who settled America was at some stage a brandy distiller.” [05:00]

“There a lot of synergies between music and something beautiful and mystical like whiskey.” [08:00]

“We don’t throw huge parties, we don’t have a tour bus. We go one person at a time and try to open their eyes as to what’s available out there and hopefully we sell stuff!” [28:00]

“Brown [liquor] is hot. Inexpensive products for the masses that are also premium are doing well right now.” [18:00]

“Rye whiskey would have gone extinct in the 80’s and 90’s if people in New Orleans weren’t drinking their Sazeracs.” [06:00]

“One of the reasons its easy to promote a book like this is we’re promoting really cool work other people are doing. I’m hoping we did a good job capturing it. [06:00]\

“You really want to capitalize on the end of summer thing. Really the end of August/early September has the best produce.” [18:00]

“Many times people want to be engaged [at the bar] and that’s a beautiful thing we’re able to do.” [15:00]

“I’m a science writer by training and I try to understand the world through that lens.” [04:00]

“There’s a psychology to architecture. If you can tweak little tiny things it affects how people move in the space and how they enjoy themselves in it.” [08:00]

“I hate when people slam a cocktail in a quicker amount of time than it took for me to make it!” [17:00]

“We’re not beholden to anybody so we can really sit there and experiment – stir water for an hour and figure out what it takes to get it to proper temperature” [13:00]

“A silencer is a generous helping of….wine….white…rose…something cold.. and you chug it fast. It’s kind of like the wine equivalent of shotgunning a beer.” [22:00]

“We both came with a very clear idea in our head – to create an amazing pub and an amazing cocktail bar.” [04:00]

“I noticed Old Fashioned popping up on bar menus around 2009. Mixologists love this cocktail and the love to make it right. I was stunned to learn that it sold so well.” [18:00]

“If people like the whisky and it’s being consumed – who cares how people are drinking it.” [28:00]

“I don’t need this wannabe startender as part of my staff – this isn’t an ego trip it’s about serving the guest. If you have an issue with carrying a tray, if you think that makes you “less-than”, than I don’t need you on my staff.” [22:00]

“When you burn our peat, it’s so aromatic…it smells like incense.” [11:30]

“The customer is the most important element. You could make the best drinks in the world, but if you mistreat the people who are drinking them, they probably won’t come back, and then you have to close, and you can’t do your awesome things anymore. ” [9:06]

“We’re going from linear classic cocktails down to molecular, weird, and unique stuff. The menu is divided into three groups of eight cocktails. If you direct people to stuff on the menu, they digest it much better.” [13:17]

“A lot of people look at distilleries and then look at the distiller itself. But really, the art takes places in a blending room.” [8:40]

“The point of Absinthe is that you have to add water to enjoy it.” [5:55]

“I go by the saying, Knowledge is power. When we produce a whiskey, I always stay to the consumer.” [9:28]

“It’s not that I am particularly smart, but I can just close my eyes and imagine molecules running around in the still and figure out what they’re doing.” [8:20]

“It took a long time before I was making cocktails.” [9:30]

“It’s nice to be forced to be creative in some way.” [12:00]

“We want the guest to experience what’s on the mind of the chef.” [9:05]

“Food and drink tie up American history in an amazing fashion.” [16:45]

“When I first go to a bar, I first ask for a daiquiri, Old Fashioned, or Manhattan. It explains how the bar makes their drinks.” [23:05]

“Cocktails are almost like folk music, everybody has their own version.” [8:35]

“You have to be focused and if your mind is not in it, you can’t do it.”

“You don’t go to a bar just to sit and have a particular drink. In reality, the setting and the context really matter. The major thing we get to do here is create our own setting and context in a way that keeps people actually focused and is much more like performance.” [02:30]

“Spirits and cocktail people are very different from wine people – and I decided I like the spirits and cocktail people more.” [05:00]

“It [gin] was popular with F. Scott Fitzgerald because he believed that you couldn’t smell it on his breath so it was an ideal drink”. [7:30]

“When you get behind the bar, what’s your entry song? …you got to have your own theme song.” [5:36]

“Almost everybody that’s grown up in the United States can relate to the experience of the mid-century style American Italian restaurant. Red and white checkered tablecloths, breadsticks, etc. We wanted to do that idea – but actually do it really well.” [07:00]

“The ideas of tools we use [at Booker & Dax] are basic – though the equipment is complicated can cause advanced issues. The way we view it as as simple as can be – we’re not pulling anything that’s exotic or foreign – it’s just a cleaner way to get to an end result.” [05:00]

“My dream bar is a shitty bar. It’s a bar that was made by people without contractors, architects or designers.” [07:00]

“Drinks feels a bit sweeter in New Orleans – I even find myself here with the hot weather preferring something sweeter with more body to it.” [07:30]

“I approach drinks like cuisine. I try to marry ingredients that wouldn’t be obvious.” [6:05] — Nico de Soto on The Speakeasy

“Whiskey is known as the American spirit, but one of the first distilleries in the country was a rum distillery in Staten Island.” [20:00]

“I have every intention of sticking with small barels. I’m not trying to out-Jim Bean Jim Bean.” [09:00]

“Creativity and restrictions like each other much more than people think.” 07:00

“We’re rock n roll dudes – we wanted [Cripple Creek] to be more about the drinks and shared experiences with your frieds…getting drunk, having fun and getting sweaty.” [03:00]

“Any problem anyone had with American society, the Anti-Saloon League had an answer to, and it had to do with getting rid of alcohol.” [4:00]

“There’s some really good wine from Virginia and I’m doing everything I can to get more of it here.” [10:37]

“The love on this has been nation wide. Bartenders from other states are sponsoring tickets [to the New York Bartenders Ball] – they want to help New York too. These are people who may or may not know each other but have mutual respect.” [12:24]

“We wanted to make the gin we wanted – we didn’t want to make any compromises whatsoever.” [06:05]

“With Donna, we wanted to create an elegant space for dirty kids.”

“Ideally you juice for a round. There’s been lots of scientific attempts at quantifying [what happens] when acid sits out for a while – you can tell the difference between fresh juice and juice that’s been out of it’s shell for a minute.”

“Beverage programs are now more than just the wines you offer. Every space needs a beverage director and a cocktail program and you have to meet certain expectations. It’s a lot harder than pouring stuff in a glass and saying ‘this is new.’ ”

“We’re not competing with the Dale DeGroff’s and the serious tight buttoned-vest and bow-tie dudes. We’re taking a culinary approach to it and breaking as many rules as possible. Drinking should be fun!”

“At Neta it’s important for us to create drinks that go with food. The great thing about Soju is that its a distillate that has 25% alcohol. You can make cocktails [with Soju] that are significantly lower in ABV and go better with food.”

“Everything I do behind the bar, I’ve taken from watching [Brian] Miller and the guests do their thing.”

“Genever actually outsells vodka by 4 to 1 in Amsterdam.”

“Part of the reason why we’ve lost flavor in the rum categories is because of tax subsidies the US government provided islands like Puerto Rico. The subsidies are tied directly to quantity, not quality.”

“I can’t ever think of a time where I wanted just dry vermouth by itself, but I’d totally drink Vya Whipser Dry by itself.”

“In 2000 there were 25 craft distilleries and now we’re up to about 250 firms in the craft distillery market.”

“Finishing is a little bit of a challenge for a small distiller. It takes years to have enough mature product to get there. At this point I’m choosing the aging process that I think will do the best for me in the shortest period of time possible.”