The Speakeasy

Latest Episodes:

Boomerang! with Sahil Bari of Australian Bitters Co. Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Live from Tales of the Cocktail 2025 Greg and Phil sit down with Sahil Bari of Australian Bitters Co. Together they discuss the creation of a bitters company, how their ingredients are different and what it's like to build a company around botanicals from a specific - and specifically weird - continent.

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For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycalliance

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

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Boomerang! with the Authors of The Rum Never Sets Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

In a second live poolcast from Tales of the Cocktail Greg and Phil return to talk to Alexandre Gabriel and Matt Pietrek about their new book "The Rum Never Sets - 300 Years of Royal Navy & London Dock Rum," and the rum spinoff it inspired. They discuss common misconceptions about navy strength rum, how the British navy came to be rum's biggest consumer, and what a former programmer is doing researching rum in the first place. Pour yourself a nice big glass of rum and jump in the pool for this one!

LINKS

Listener Survey

For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycalliance

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

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

Boomerang! with Procera Gin Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

In a special live poolcast from Tales of the Cocktail 2025 Greg Benson and Phil Duff of the Philip Duff show take a dip with Guy Brennan and Alan Murungi of Procera Gin. They chat poolside with martinis in hand about Procera's single tree gin, the history of African spirits, and of course the rest of the debauchery they're getting up to at Tales.

For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycalliance

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

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

To Sip or To Guzzle? Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

The high/low, upstairs/downstairs, elevated dive concept has been in the news and on peoples’ minds for a while now, but you know who’s really taking it to the next level? Steve Schneider, one of the co-founders of acclaimed NYC watering hole Sip & Guzzle. Steve sits down with the band to discuss how his partnership with Shingo Gokan crafted their bar’s dual identity, their long history as foils in the bar community, and how he’d like to see this kind of concept described.

Plus, is there such a thing as a cocktail that’s impossible to screw up? Greg thinks he may have found one, and it’s probably not the one you think (cough cough, pisco sour)

Follow Steve at @mightyschneidy

Follow Sip & Guzzle at @sipandguzzlenyc

LINKS

Listener Survey

For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycalliance

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.

🔥🔥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!

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

In the Weeds Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

THC drinks have come a long way - they don’t taste like someone put a joint out in a beer anymore! Darnell Smith, consultant and entrepreneur, saw these market trends coming together when he founded MXXN, a non-alcoholic thc-infused spirits brand. Darnell sits down with Greg and Damon to talk about the challenges of operating within the patchwork system of US regulation, MXXN’s distinct branding, and how they got the distinctive flavors and effects of weed to mesh with gin, tequila, whiskey and rum. Darnell also gets into equity in the modern marijuana business. Promises were made, but were they kept?

Plus, Damon and Greg both made it through the Fourth of July with all their fingers. Tune in to hear the antics they got up to in, among other places, Colonial Williamsburg.

Follow MXXN at @enjoymxxn

LINKS

Listener Survey

For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycalliance

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.

Boomerang! with Lalo of Lalo Tequila Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Live from BCB Brooklyn and Industry City Greg and Damon catch up with Lalo González of Lalo Tequila. They stop by Lalo’s booth to discuss the booming market for blanco tequila, where the future of agave spirits is headed, and how they hit on the very distinctive bottle and label design that’s become the cornerstone of the brand. It’s a Boomerang! episode live from our own back yard

Follow Lalo Tequila at @lalospirits

LINKS

Listener Survey

For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycalliance

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

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

In the First Place… Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

There’s so much more to Korean drinking culture than just soju and Haera Shin wants to tell everyone all about it. From the distinctive (and uniform!) green bottles, to the culture of “first place,” “second place” and “third place” to a fermented rice beverage that’s way older than sake, Haera’s enthusiasm is boundless and contagious. She sits down with the band to talk about her upcoming book on Korean drinks and cocktails, going from the bar to a marketing degree and back to the bar again, and a new concept in New Orleans she’s keeping relatively mysterious… for now.

Plus, are zoomers really drinking less than everyone else? Greg unpacks a new study which shows the kids may finally be catching up and catching on.

Follow Haera at @hairyshins

LINKS

Bran Hill’s episode on Tokki Soju

Vinepair’s article on zoomer drinking habits

Listener Survey

For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycalliance

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.

Sparkling Conversations Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

When Steve Jackson stopped drinking in 2023 he noticed something odd. As much as non-alc drinks have improved over the past twenty years no one was making a zero proof alternative in the premium wine space. He set out to fix that with Society de la Rassi, which offers a high-end drinking and aesthetic experience at 0.5% ABV. Steve sits down with Greg to talk about positioning his product in the market, the process by which the wine is created, and the ongoing discourse around mocktails and low and no alcohol drinks. Why ARE people drinking less anyway? They put their heads together to get to the bottom of it.

Plus, major news out of the northeast! Greg breaks down the impact of a shocking development and the effects it could have on society writ large

Follow Society de la Rassi at @societydelarassi

For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycalliance

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.

Drawing a Blanco Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

Marcelo Chasi has led a lot of lives: bartender, soldier, fight club enthusiast, salsa dancer (yes, really). And now he’s sitting down with Greg and Damon to talk about the launch of Herradura’s new blanco tequila. They discuss the thinking behind releasing a new clear tequila expression in 2025, what makes this particular flavor distinct, and cocktail trends in New York City and beyond.

Plus, Damon and Greg recap their BCB experiences since they last saw one another, and the aftermath. Turns out everyone survived… this time.

Follow Marcelo at @boozysoldier

Follow Herradura at @herradurateq

For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycalliance

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.

The Speakeasy Live! 600th Episode Spectacular Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

Wow, the last fourteen years just flew by didn’t they? Greg, Sother and Damon sit down together at Fort Hamilton Distillery in Brooklyn’s Industry City during BCB 2025 to talk about the state of the union when it comes to microdistilling, how NYC bartending has changed over the years and the history of Rye Whiskey in America. They’re joined by Alex Clark, the Co-Founder and CEO of Fort Hamilton who delves into his origin story as a bartender for Sasha Petraske at Milk & Honey and his past life as a DJ.

Plus, it turns out getting cocktails dropped off in front of you while you’re podcasting is pretty nice. Maybe we’ll do our next 600 episodes like that…

Follow Fort Hamilton at @fort.hamilton.distillery

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!