This episode features Steve Kassabian and Rich Kassabian of Phila Mead Co.Steve has been a home brewing hobbies for about 10 years.. He and his brother Rich always wanted to do something together. Rich brings his business education and experience to the partnership. Looking at the landscape they determined that mead was best to focus on. They saw t…

Dawn and I are back with our first date night chronicle of 2024. In this episode we review two amazing liqueurs from Durham Distillery. Be sure to support our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewscuits⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use the code fa2024 at checkout for 15% off your entire order. Highlights From our Discussion: The Bard Distillery Beach Bee Meade…

This episode features Dave Broderick of Dave's Concoctions. Dave's Concoctions are drink mixes that you can have as either a cocktail or a mocktail. In just two pours you can have an equally balanced cocktail with not a lot of effort. Dave was an IT Consultant for almost 30 years when he found himself out of a job. It was creating a bourbon bloody …

This episode features Rich Berman and M.J. Berman of Pour Richard's Coffee Co. & Distillery. Pour Richard's Coffee Co. got started on 12/13/2013 after Rich had been roasting coffee beans at home for a few years. Friends and family began to inquire when they could buy the delicious smelling coffee beans. They succumbed to their dreams and opened up …

This episode features Jedd Haas of Atelier Vie. We met Jedd last year at Tails of the Cocktail. We were introduced to the many spirits that Atelier Vie was producing. Most notably was the Toulouse Rouge and Vert Absinthe. Jedd has been producing spirits in New Orleans since 2012. Getting the distillery up and running came with some challenges. Our …

This episode features Lee Katrincic of Durham Distillery. The distillery became a passion project born out of being gin fans. Lee and his wife Melissa would travel and visit gin distilleries. Out of nowhere one anniversary, Melissa suggested that they open their own distillery. With their scientific backgrounds they felt comfortable to move forward…

This episode features Chris Bower of Eda Rhyne Distilling Company. Chris had been looking into doing a distillery for a number of years. He had been working on some home made projects. One day a mutual friend Rett Murphy came to Chris and shared that he's been looking to create a distillery. Rett has been a farmer for 15 plus years and wanted to st…

This episode features Scott Perlick of Perlick Distillery. The Perlick family and their ancestors have been farming the land in Northern Wisconsin since the 1920's. It is a small county with about 17,000 people and two stop lights. They farm over 2,000 acres growing a wide variety of plants and grains. Scott and the family discussed what they would…

This episode features Chris Littlewood of Bourbon Of The Week. Chris started his YouTube Channel right before the start of Covid. It was a project to educate himself and other about whiskey. Chris's introduction to all things whiskey came by the way of his someday to be father-in-law. Over time he began to enjoy the pours that he was offered. Then …

In this episode we are joined by Andrew Yingst, Cory Ruggiero and Rachel Rougeaux-Testerman of The Inn at Grace Winery. The bed and breakfast got it all started in the late 1980's. Grace Le Vines left the property to Christopher Le Vines who established all of the cottages, the winery and vineyard. He changed the name to honor his sister. The grape…

This episode features Drew Mayville of Buffalo Trace and Sazerac. When Drew was originally looking for work he applied to a brewery and a distillery. The distillery turned out to be Seagram's. In hind sight this was his best move. He began in the distillery lab. After many years of working in different areas he was promoted to the Master Blender. W…

This episode features David and Mellanie Pritchett of Wineabago. David and Mellanie picked up their camper one year ago. They travel around visiting wineries, places of interest and hockey arenas. The journey began in Missouri and Illinois and now they have ventured into other states. They have bonded over their love and passion for wine and it bec…

This episode features Andrew Auwerda and Drew Perry of BOTLD. The idea for BOTLD came during covid. Andrew was running Philadelphia Distilling. The PLCB was closed for 12 weeks during the lockdown. That was their number one purchaser of Bluecoat American Dry Gin. They quickly pivoted to direct to consumer sales. This practice became a huge success.…

This episode features Justin Koury of BevFluence. Bevfluence is a group of writers and bloggers that got together in 2016. They had a vision of a better way to connect with brands and the industry as a whole. They seek to elevate experience and travel throughout the globe tasting all that the world has to offer. The focus and mission is three-fold:…

This episode feature Christian Ryan of Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery. This ten year journey began as a hobby for the founders of Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery. They are lovers of bourbon and whiskey. The idea of opening a winery didn't appeal to them as much as starting a distillery. The timing fell in line with New York's changing its fa…

This episode features Ted Dumbauld of Sono 1420 America's Maritime Distillery. Ted's path to distilling originated from the cannabis industry. He had the idea to build a brand at the intersection of cannabis and alcohol. The innovation that he's brought to the spirits world is a hemp based product. Ted took hemp seed and added it to the mash bill. …

This episode featured Glenn Smith of Brewery Tours. We got to tour Lancaster with Glenn and visit three breweries. What you get to experience is a wonderful education of beer and a guided tasting of three breweries that offer an array of different expressions. Brewery Tours is also a history lesson into the highlighted city and beer itself. Glenn g…

This episode features Laura Fields with The Seed Spark Project. Laura is back to discuss her journey to Scotland and update us on Rosen Rye. Laura blind tastes 2 expressions as we catch up on our favorite subject... whiskey history. Be sure to support our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠Brewscuits⁠⁠⁠ and use the code fa2024 at checkout for 15% off your entire order. Hi…

This episode features Judy Elahi of Fresh Pressed Beverage. Like many stories that we hear, Fresh Pressed Beverage began during covid. Judy looked to help restaurants with cocktail development and bar organization, as well as, what she does on a daily basis. She focuses much of her attention on private and corporate events, restaurant and bar consu…

This episode features Tommy Alfinito of Wildfether Distilling. Tommy is a former gym owner who had a dream to open a brewery. His experiences got him into Japanese Whiskey. He got deeper and deeper into whiskey which led him to the idea of opening a distillery. His hometown of Haddonfield was seeking to have someone open a distillery. Tommy is very…

This episode features Camylle Coley of Siwani Spirits. Siwani is the brainchild that was produced over an evolution of ideas. It all emanated from Gullah and GeeChee culture. During covid Camylle began to study the culture and her connection to the people and her ancestry. She also discovered whiskey, in particular, rice whiskey. She pondered "What…

This episode features Shawn House of Hempzels. Shawn's company began in 1997. The journey began with a high protein, sourdough crunchy pretzel that utilized the flour derived from hemp. It was expanded to a soft pretzel that has a nutty flavor and a pillowy texture. The line has evolved to peanut butter, mustard and a hot jelly. All featuring the t…

This episode features Don Shump of Philadelphia Bee Company. Don began bee keeping in 2007. He had taken up bee keeping as a hobby and he fell in love with it. He started volunteering in a community garden. Then he bought a couple of hives which multiplied exponentially. The next obvious step was to start his own bee keeping business. His hives res…

This episode features Chris Tunstall of A Bar Above. Chris began tending bar in 2003. At the time he was going to school for molecular biology. This education has transferred into his love oft cocktails. Once behind the bar everything clicked for him. In those early years he got deep into mixology. His knowledge began to grow exponentially regardin…

Dawn and I wrap up 2023 and look ahead to 2024. We review Patron's Sherry Cask Aged Anejo. Be sure to support our sponsor Brewscuits and us the code fa2024 at checkout for 15% off your entire order. Highlights From our Discussion: Cidercon Lux Bar Koval Distillery Judson & Moore Bar Convent Brooklyn Barrow's Intense Ginger Standard Wormwood Distill…

This episode features Adhel Martinez of Gin de Las Californias. Iván Saldaña desired to make a product that told the story of the terroir of the region, as well as, the people and the culture of California. It's the region that encompasses Mexico and the United States. This gin pays homage to the region's botanicals, plants and resources that grow …

This episode features Dylan Beyer of Shank's Whip. Shank's Whip originated 2 years ago. This black Irish whiskey or black Irish liqueur blend highlights the best part of beer and spirits from Ireland. It is black like stout, smooth like cream and it is Irish like whiskey. This boasts all of the things that people desire in Irish Spirits and Irish b…

This episode feature Wally Caraballo of Casa W Distillery. Wally's entrepreneurial roots go back to his father's bar in Puerto Rico where he was making and selling his own sangria. Upon arriving to the United States he set his sights on creating and sharing the traditional Pitorro that he grew up on back home. He began the journey as a moonshiner o…

This episode features Armando Rodriguez and Yesenia Westerband of La Frikitona. Owning and running restaurants and kiosks on the beaches of Puerto Rico is in the blood of Yesenia and Armando. Coming to the United States they wanted to create the same family concept that they knew back home. They began to weigh the pros and cons of a brick and morta…

This Episode features ⁠Sonja Hunt⁠ of ⁠ABV Jobs.⁠ ABV Jobs is a fusion of Sonja's passions. She has twenty plus years in Human Resources and she loves the spirits industry. This is perfect for those candidates seeking to start in the industry or looking to take that next step. From the novice to the professional. It connects employees to employers.…

In this episode we share a date night chronicle where we catch up and share some news about our fermented adventures. We review Eight Oaks Farm Distiller's Veterans Cut. This is a bottled-in-bond bourbon that is simply delicious. Listen as we provide our tasting notes and highlight who's coming up on the podcast. Highlights From our Discussion: Eig…

This episode features Absinthia Vermut of Absinthia's Bottled Spirits.Absinthia wanted to create two traditional absinthes, the Verte and the Blanche. Her desire was to develop the respect of the absinthe community and then go off and have some fun. We welcome back Absinthia to discuss her latest expression the Bleue. This butterfly pea flower absi…

This episode features Jonathan Williams of Alcohol Infused Cigars. Johathan's father was a banker when he was laid off 11 years ago. He decided that he no longer wanted to work for anyone else. Infusing cigars began as a hobby which has blossomed into his profession. It took a lot of trial and error for selecting the wrapper and perfecting the diff…

This episode features Patrick Miller of Faccia Brutto. Patrick has been a cook for most of his life. He moved up through the ranks and eventually opened his own restaurant. It was his stint in the kitchens where he was introduced to amaro. Over time his love for amaro and Italian spirits grew. in 2016 he set his sights on creating his own vision of…

This episode feature Aidan Mehigan of Natterjack Irish Whiskey. Aidan was living in London and he realized that the didn't have a favorite Irish Whiskey. At the time he was working in finance and he had the desire to build something. In 2015 he registered the name Natterjack and received a cease and desist order from Jack Daniel's. The whole concep…

This episode features Ben Brown of Porchlight. Ben, like so many other hopefuls in the hospitality industry started in an entry level position. Immediately Ben showed promise and the company recognized his ability to make connections with people. In 2015 Porchlight opened and Ben arrived as a bar back and server. He quickly rose through the ranks w…

This episode features Amy Holmwood of Holistic Spirits Company. Amy was seeking a spirit that was "less unhealthy" for herself and her family. An entrepreneur from early childhood, she started to get to work on creating the perfect product that solved a problem. Being that her and her husband are into health and wellness, as well as natural solutio…

This episode features Daniel Hare of CR Citrus. In 2017 "Smokin Connie" got a Traeger grill. When visiting his father's home he came across a Meyer lemon tree in the backyard. The idea came to him to slice and smoke the lemons. Through a lot of trial and error he dialed in a perfect recipe. Initially they made great Christmas gifts. The demand from…

This episode features Pip Hanson of Keeper's Heart Whiskey. Keeper's Heart was created at an O'Shaughnessy, Irish American family reunion in Minneapolis five years ago. The O'Shaughnessy's came to America during the potato famine. The reunion brought the family together to reminisce and converse over whiskey. The idea to start a distillery sprang t…

This episode feature Eileen Wayner of Tales of the Cocktail. In 2001 Tales of the Cocktail began as a walking tour of the French Quarter in New Orleans. The desire was to have conversations, explore spirits and to learn. Twenty one years later TOTC is the leading drinks based cocktail/festival. This week long conference takes place at the Ritz Carl…

This episode features Stacy Jurich of Boochy Mama's Kombucha. Stacy first learned how to make kombucha while living in Hawaii. She was house sitting for someone and they asked her to take care of their kombucha while they were away. She was hooked on the magic al tonic and she began brewing at home. Stacy continued to hone her craft and pretty much…

This episode features Calum Leslie of Spearhead Whisky. Spearhead Whisky is a 100% single grain malted barley which is distilled in a coffey style still. Finished in ex-bourbon barrels and then the liquid spends time in infrared toasted virgin American oak barrels. This creates a spirit that is sweet, light and super approachable for a Scotch whisk…

This Episode features Alfonso Esquivias Gonzalez and Erik Silva of Cocktails & Spirits Podcast. We spoke with Alfonso and Erik to discuss a plethora of subjects. Alfonso is a bartender who is dedicated to his trade. In 2021 he began a journey to discover more about cocktails. He experimented with different recipes. That's where Erik comes in. He an…

This Episode features Tony Gonzales of Ghost Ice System. Ghost ice System is a way to make crystal clear ice cubes from tap water. This is perfect for bars, restaurants and home use. This is craft ice at its finest. This all came to Tony in 2013. He was set to do a cocktail competition and he wanted to add something that would help his cocktail sta…

This episode features ⁠Matt Pietrek The Cocktail Wonk⁠. It all started about 15 years ago with the love of tiki cocktails. The more that Matt learned the more excited he got. He took his writing experience and turned it into the Cocktail Wonk Blog. For Matt it's the flavor, the run and the exotic fruits that make the tiki cocktails appealing to him…

This episode features ⁠Ken Oka of ⁠iichiko Shochu. We met up with Ken Oka at Tales of The Cocktail to discuss what's been happening with iichiko since we spoke last. They have a new release. iichiko Special, which comes out this Autumn. It is aged in American white oak and sherry casks. They're even using a special yeast to produce the amazing flav…

This episode features Jackie Williams of Bar Convent Brooklyn. Bar Convent Brooklyn was back in Industry City for 2023. This years event was expanded to occupy more space. The booths and activations were bigger and even better. BCB is a party where business gets done. 4,500 industry professionals attended over 2 days. There were 198 brands represen…

This special episode features Jim, Ellen, Rob and Kevin Hough of Liberty Pole Spirits. On July 15th Liberty Pole Spirits entered a new chapter in the history of their whiskey distillery. Friends, family and new fans joined the celebration and filled their new campus to capacity. It was an amazing experience to be part of the festivities and tour th…

This episode features ⁠Luigi Ambrosi⁠ of ⁠Cardenxe. The journey bagan around a passion for music. Luigi went on an adventure to discover a near extent music genre in Mexico. He and his co-founder found themselves immersed in an area where Sotol grows and is distilled. They fell in love with the moment, the spirit of the music and the drink. Sotol i…

This episode features Josh Morton of Barrow's Intense Ginger. Josh started making the ginger liqueur in his kitchen for his friends ten years before it became a product that he sold. As he calls it, "A Happy Accident". His inspiration was lemon cello that he enjoyed during his visit to Italy. Josh was disappointed by what he drank when he returned …