The Speakeasy

Latest Episodes:

Seasn’s Greetings! Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

When Ben Branson started Seasn Bitters he knew what he wanted to do: get intense, complex, very specific flavors into a bottle of bitters without using alcohol. He sits down with the gang to talk about how (and why!) he did it, including some very devious chemistry, a passion for strong flavors, and a side quest to taste over 73,000 different species of trees.

Plus Damon’s back! Tune in to hear where he’s been and how his 2025 kicked off.

Follow Seasn Bitters on instagram at @seasnyourdrinks

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.

🔥🔥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

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

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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.

Cuckoo for Coconuts Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Dani Zig is back for the first time since the pandemic to talk about what she’s been working on at Coconut Cartel! Since last we left our hero she’s been working on a blanco rum to compliment the aged rum she introduced a few years back, and where that one was very mellow this one highlights some delightful pot stilled funk! She sits down with Sother and Greg to talk about proofing down rum with coconut water, the hunt for the perfect funky rum and striking the right balance between trusting the data and going with your gut when it comes to launching a new product.

Plus, is Bitters & Soda the solution we’ve been waiting for when it comes to splitting the difference on dry January? Sother and Greg discuss.

Follow Coconut Cartel on instagram at @coconutcartel

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.

Bonus! What You Can Do To Help LA Jan 19, 2025

Show notes

We've all seen the news, now what can we do to help? Amanda Gunderson, CEO and founder of Another Round Another Rally and native Angeleno sits down with Greg to talk about her experience with the LA fire and crucially, what you as a concerned citizen can do to help.

Follow Another Round Another Rally on Instagram at @AnotherRoundAnotherRally

This is where people can donate, apply for aid, or learn how to throw a fundraiser for us

This is where people can donate to World Central Kitchen

This is where people can donate to No Us Without You
This is where people can sign up to volunteer to rebuild our parks and hiking trails

This is the PAsadena Humane Society where people can foster a pet

There is also a gentleman named Daniel Shemtob who is an LA restaurateur and the founder of Snibbs shoes. He is giving. away 600 pairs of work shoes to hospitality workers, They just need to fill this form

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

God of Thunder Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

Chris and Damola from Spearhead Spirits stop by to talk about their quest to bring African spirits out of obscurity and onto the back bar. With a vodka, a gin made with African botanicals and an agave spirit (much to Greg’s delight) the two are on a mission to introduce the world to a range of flavors they didn’t know they didn’t know about. Together they talk about starting a company right around the time the Suez Canal got jammed, getting agave to grow on a whole new continent, and their plans for the future.

Plus, Amor y Amargo is back in its old space and Greg’s old boss is back in the news! One’s good, one’s not so good. You can probably figure out which is which but tune in anyway.

Follow Bayab Gin on instagram at @bayabgin

Follow Sango Agave on instagram at @sangoafricanagave

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 Left My Heart in Des Moines, Iowa Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

New Year, Same Show, New Apologies! There’s a certain city we’ve been picking on a lot on this show and it’s time to set the record straight, and hear what Des Moines, the greatest city in the entire world, is all about. Joe Hayhoe, the mind behind the Iowan speakeasy Blind Pig sits down with Greg to talk about the latest drinking trends and coolest cocktail bars in the new undisputed center of the universe. Plus, the two crown a new worst city in America. Tune in to hear who we’ll be apologizing to in 2026!

Plus, the surgeon general’s call for cancer warnings on alcohol is a big deal for the drinks industry. Greg weighs in with his take on giving people all the info they need.

Follow Joe on instagram at @theblindpigbasementpub

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.

One For ‘24 Dec 21, 2024

Show notes

It’s time once again for the Speakeasy’s multi-platinum critically acclaimed year end wrap up show! Greg, Sother & Damon sit down with each other to talk about the year in review, the trends they saw emerge over the last twelve months, and where they see the industry going in uncertain times. Tune in, and Happy New Year one and all.

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.

Stay Angry My Friends Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

Queer Activist and Cultural Advisor Chris Cabrera joins Greg and Damon to unpack the fallout from the November election. They discuss what this means for queer people and undocumented immigrants in the service industry, and Chris points toward resources people can use to fight back. We’re getting into our feels on this one y’all.
Plus, are you a bro, but not a total dick? Here’s what you can do to help the people you care about.
Follow Chris on instagram at @chrscab
Here are some resources for those in need:
Checklist for Queer Married Couples
Legal Documentation
Create wills listing your spouse as your beneficiary.
Obtain a medical power of attorney and provide a copy to your insurance provider.
Set up a financial power of attorney.
Ensure you have copies of your child’s adoption papers (if applicable).
Organize and Store Documents
Compile all critical documents in a file.
Digitize the file and save it securely on your phone for easy access.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) Precautions
If you are on HRT (Estrogen or Testosterone) and travel frequently, request a letter from your endocrinologist or doctor approving the medication.
Keep the letter with your medication while traveling.
Mutual Aid and community networks (links to stay current with changing laws and bills)
https://anotherroundanotherrally.org/ (Grants, relief funds, mental health care)
https://safebars.org/
https://www.aclu.org/issues/lgbtq-rights (keep up with bills and laws being changed for LGBTQ+, Immigrants and people of color)
https://www.folxhealth.com/- (Gender affirming care, mental health care, therapy, primary care, sexual and reproductive health
https://lgbtlifecenter.org/wellness/support-groups/
https://www.globalgiving.org/learn/lgbtq-mutual-aid/
https://glaad.org/resourcelist/
Legal support services (some offer advice and others offer inexpensive or pro bono legal services)
http://lambdalegal.org/
https://www.nclrights.org/
https://www.lgbtbarny.org/
https://avp.org/ (Anti Violence Project)
https://nylag.org/lgbtq-law/
https://srlp.org/ - Sylvia Rivera Law Project
Mental Health Servcies (inexpensive and accessible programs and therapists)
Humantold.com
https://mhanational.org/lgbtq
https://www.ihitherapy.org/fees
https://thrivelifeline.org/
https://www.callblackline.com/ (For Black folx)
https://www.deqh.org/ (For South Asians)
https://www.themasgd.org/innara-helpline (For Muslims)
https://strongheartshelpline.org/ (For Native folx)
Immigration
https://citizenpath.com/trump-immigration-policy/
https://www.mmhpc.com/practical-tips-for-what-you-can-do-to-prepare-for-trump-2-0/
https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/
https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/immigration-legal-services.page
https://camba.org/
https://immigrantjustice.org/
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.

Buried Treasure Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

Outlawed until 1992, Bacanora is an ancestral Mexican agave spirit that’s making a play to join tequila and mezcal in the limelight. Rodrigo Bojorquez of Kilinga Bacanora sits down with the band to talk about his own journey of going legit, what makes this spirit from Sonora so special, and how he’s crafting his spirit for lighter, fruitier notes to compete on liquor stores’ already well-stocked agave shelves.
Plus, Thanksgiving is over and that means it’s hot cocktail season baby! The relative merits of the hot toddy are weighed, discussed and ultimately found to be in the eye of the beholder (if not necessarily the palette of the podcast hosts).
Follow Kilinga on Instagram at @kilingabacanora
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.

True That Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

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.

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.

Talking Türkiye Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

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

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.

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.