The Speakeasy

Latest Episodes:

A Whiskey Investment Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

The fundamental nature of whiskey poses a problem for new distillers - namely that you can’t sell it for at least three years after you make it. Enter Rob Robillard and Ryan La Valle of ASM Capital Partners, an investment firm that finds investors in newly barreled American single malt whiskey so that distillers don’t have to lose money sitting on it while it ages. Since whiskey in a barrel pretty reliably appreciates everybody can win, the category grows and Rob & Ryan’s emails actually get opened by finance types who want to be involved in something cool! It’s a rare glimpse into a side of the industry that doesn’t get seen very often, and just might be the solid investment everyone’s looking for right now!

Plus, drinks science has achieved another breakthrough! Greg, Sother and Damon break down the Cool Can and whether the idea behind it is actually, y’know, good.

Keep up with Rob & Ryan at asm.capital

The Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy_Podcast

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, drink recipes from all our guests, and free kits every month from our friends at Shaker & Spoon. 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.

Get your hands on some Buddha’s Hand Bitters at kingfloyds.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.

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bitterwater Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

“You can’t deny climate change when you live in New Orleans” So says Christa Cotton, CEO of El Guapo bitters as she describes her company’s commitment to doing good while being, well, all her products are non-alcoholic, so slightly bad. She sits down with Greg & Sother to discuss her beginnings working for her family’s distillery, her new line of RTD bitters and soda, and possibly the most metal way to produce sandbags you’ve ever heard of.

Plus, dress codes? Greg has a run in with high level southern hospitality that has him re-examining his stance.

The Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy_Podcast

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

Get your hands on some Buddha’s Hand Bitters at kingfloyds.com

Follow El Guapo on instagram at @elguapobitters
Follow Christa on instagram at @hurricane_christa

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

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Double Doubling Down Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

In 2015 a happy accident at the Woodford Reserve rickhouse led to the first batch of their coveted Double Double Oaked bourbon. Ten years later, newly appointed Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall was tasked with recapturing the magic. She sits down with the band to talk about her journey to one of the most prestigious positions in American whiskey, what it was like creating and releasing Double Double Oaked 2025, and gives some advice to other women looking to get ahead in what is still a male-dominated industry.

And, the Kentucky Derby is right around the corner! Elizabeth talks about Woodford Reserve’s famous $5,000 mint julep and, of course, who’s making her hat for the 151st Derby at Churchill Downs.

Plus, the world’s premiere vodka scientist has a new brand on the market, and we’ve got the scoop on the latest breakthrough development.

The Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy_Podcast

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

Get your hands on some Buddha’s Hand Bitters at kingfloyds.com

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

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Classically Trained Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

Alba Huerta has seen a lot over the past eleven years in Houston. She sits down with the band to discuss the evolution of her bar Julep, from a foundation built on classic cocktails in the 2010s to more experimental drinks as she’s watched Houston become a world class city where people expect world class cocktails. Plus, she discusses their annual Derby Day celebration which has become a major event on Houston’s social calendar - complete of course, with fancy hats.

Plus, Happy National Corndog Day! March’s holiday calendar is bizarrely packed, and in the runup to St. Patrick’s Day Damon runs through some of his faves.

The Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy_Podcast

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

Want to join the fight against replacing Coney Island with a casino? Sign the petition and get involved at coneyisland.com/nocasino

Follow Alba Huerta on instagram at @AlbaHuertaOfficial

Follow Julep on instagram at @JulepHou

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

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

46 Years in a Barrel Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

In 1978, whiskey makers at Bushmills laid down two barrels. 46 years later, they’re ready to taste. Alex Thomas, the Master Blender at Bushmill’s Irish Whiskey sits down with the band to talk about shepherding the oldest single malt Irish Whiskey ever released through the last few years of its journey, the rebound of Irish Whiskey as a category, and what it’s like to work at the oldest licensed distillery in the world at four centuries and counting.

Plus, American booze is flying off Canadian shelves - literally. The LCBO ordered all stores to pull US alcohol off its shelves in a move that may already be resolved by the time this airs? Who knows. We sure don’t. And, Greg has plans to be close to hockey history in the making, thanks to his pals at Botanist 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

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

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

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mummy Amaro or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Dirty Fig Leaves Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Ektoras Binikos has had quite a life in the New York cocktail scene. From Sugar Monk up in Harlem (which was recently named a 50 Best Discovery) to Bitter Monk in Industry City, the boozy entrepreneur is now at the helm of Atheras Spirits. They’re making a bunch of new creations, ranging from a straightforward distillate flavored with fig leaves (which may or may not be pre-used by The Speakeasy’s hosts) to an amaro based on the preservatives used in mummification. Ektoras sits down with Damon & Greg to talk about running a microdistillery in Brooklyn, sourcing weird botanicals, and what the customer can expect from these very off-the-beaten-path liqueurs.

Plus, it’s daylight savings time! Be sure to set the clocks on your microwave and stove ahead this weekend. Everything else is probably good.

Follow Ektoras on Instagram at @ektorasb

Follow Atheras on Instagram at @atherasspirits

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

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

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Take the Money and Rum Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Shannon Mustipher, VP of Brands and Trade Development at Privateer Rum has a lot on her mind when it comes to the state of the industry and the state of sugarcane spirits. She sits down with Greg and Damon to talk rising prices behind the bar, how they’re affecting the guest experience, and what operators can and should do to stay welcoming in uncertain times. Then, they dive into rum, and discuss the state of the union when it comes to this “outlaw spirit”

Plus, Greg is back from LA! He shines his new sunshiney demeanor on the striking workers at New York’s Alamo theatres, and suggests some moves movie fans can use to stand in solidarity.

Follow Shannon on Instagram at @shannonmustipher

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

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

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from Chicago! Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

Sother goes on the road to the Windy City to talk to Jeremy Barrett of Lemon, Judy Velez from Diageo and Josh Davis of Brown & Balanced. Tune in for a special live on the road discussion of all things cocktail in the second city.

Follow Jeremy & Lemon at @swizzle_me_this

Follow Lemon at @lemon_chicago

Follow Judy at @laladydrinks

Follow Josh at @mrnixologist

Follow Brown & Balanced at @brownandbalanced

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

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

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I Can Be Your Hero Baby Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

Five years ago, Hero opened its doors in Nairobi Kenya as the first bar with a dedicated cocktail laboratory in east Africa. The idea was the be the sort of place superheroes (and supervillains) would chill in on their days off. What would they eat? What would they drink? How do they unwind?

Today, Hero has cracked into the World’s 50 Best Bars and is touring the globe, with pop-ups from Mexico City to Tokyo. Richie Barrow and Kelvin Thairu sit down with the band to talk about how their vision of fostering a Kenyan cocktail scene got started, how they source their ingredients, and the ingredients they bring with them when they’re on tour that highlight the amazing produce and flavors of east Africa.

Plus, congratulations (we suppose) to the super bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Greg, Sother and Damon wax poetic about some of their favorite bars in the city of brotherly love, and muse about the city’s peculiar habit of pole-greasing, to limited effect

Follow Hero on instagram at @hero_nairobi

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

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

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Pisco My Heart Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to launch a Pisco brand in a country that looooooves Pisco, vs. a country that’s still figuring out what to make of it. That’s what Alex Hildebrandt, founder of Suyo Pisco is here to talk about. He sits down with the gang to talk about growing up with Pisco all around him, the drink’s rich history in Peru, the care that goes into these grapes and the unique challenges of launching a brand in a spirit’s home country, vs. in the United States.

Plus, Damon is going to London soon, which means he’ll be able to check one more site off his ancient aliens bucket list.

Follow Suyo Pisco on instagram at @suyopisco

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

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

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

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.