Best Ben Mcfarland Tom Sandham Podcasts (2024)

1
"I asked for ice, but this is ridiculous." 51:26

1+ y ago51:26

51:26

Hotel, Motel, Is That Your Foreskin? This week's pod recalls Tom's unfortunate and minor (very minor) costume malfunction on stage at the Alnwick Playhouse before raising a Rob Roy in memory of the Waldorf Astoria and exploring the ale-loving entrepreneur who invented Cat's Eyes. Get your Worthington White Shield here: £3.59 from Beers of Europe Ro…

1
Public Enemas & Jiggers With Altitude 58:08

1+ y ago58:08

58:08

This week, we hark back to the halcyon days when strangers blew smoke up the bottoms of wet people and, in the whining words of Liam Gallagher, things get supersonic with a gin and tonic as we celebrate the birth of Concorde. Oaxaca Old Fashioned (created by Phil Ward in New York) 40ml Fortaleza Reposado Tequila 12.5ml Lost Explorer Mezcal 1 barspo…

1
Bananas & Pigs 50:00

1+ y ago50:00

50:00

After a week off, the hardest working beefcakes in the drinks business slide back into the Pod saddle, digging their heels into some hard-nosed aural journalism and whipping up some searing investigative insight - namely the return of bananas to the UK in 1945 and. of course, National Pig Day (only America). Like beer? Like bananas? Well you'll fli…

1
It's Not Gonna Shuck Itself Is It? 43:54

1+ y ago43:54

43:54

If drink-soaked discussion of aphrodisiacal accompaniments to oysters, 'titanic plums', guinea pigs with dodgy fivers, hangover cures and some seriously decent discounted drinks are your thing then listen to this Valentine's Special featuring a boffin. VALENTINE DRINKS The Properly Dangerous Liason Ingredients 45ml Brockmans Gin 75ml Taittinger Cha…

1
Ryan Reynolds & The Vagina Museum 51:04

1+ y ago51:04

51:04

We tell the WWII story behind Whisky Galore before linking a classic gin cocktail to a tale of someone knocking a vase over. You should listen. The Ola Dubh range is available from The Whiskey Exchange Sainsbury has its Villa Maria on at £8.75, down from a tenner, Jameson is £19 down from £22.50, Gin deal of the week, Asda and Waitrose are going at…

1
Got 99 Problems But a Bee's Not One 51:41

1+ y ago51:41

51:41

Hail Henry VIII's death with Tynt Meadow - the only Trappist Beer in Britain. Read Mark Dredge's great article about the monastery in Good Beer Hunting here: Watch the documentary "Outside City" - all about the realities of the modern-day Monky business here. AA Milne & The Bee's Knees Cocktail Get Hiver Blonde Beer from Waitrose here Bee's Knees C…

1
Nine Inch Burns & Belgian Crack 45:00

1+ y ago45:00

45:00

This week, following our inaugural appearance on "This Morning", our pod adopts an alternative approach to Burns Night and solves a mystery for those looking to drink something in honour of Hercule Poirot. Burns Night is coming. Let's face it, if it wasn’t in January, no-one would take any notice. But after 25 moribund days of ‘meh’, celebrating th…

1
Prince Harry & Dumbo 56:38

1+ y ago56:38

56:38

Amid all this talk of Harry and Meghan, we explore Edward VII, aka "Dirty Bertie" - the original Playboy Prince with some cracking King's Ginger liqueur. Then, having once again proven that #winewritingiswelleasy, we make ourselves a Bicicletta for birthday boy and Pirate peddler Marco Pantani. If you'd like to see Edward VII's 's3x chair' (and why…

1
"She's No Bananarama..." 56:51

1+ y ago56:51

56:51

Get yourself some Veuve Clicquot here The Monkey Gland, created by Harry MacElhone Ingredients 60ml London Dry Gin 45ml orange juice 1 teaspoon absinthe 1 teaspoon grenadine 1 teaspoon sugar syrup (optional) Shake all ingredient with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with orange peel or a lychee. Serve with monkey nuts. ________…

1
Dynamite 'n' Dysentery 39:52

1+ y ago39:52

39:52

Bonjour tout le monde, In this week's podcast, discover how Alfred Nobel inspired peace after accidentally reading his own obituary, marvel at probly the best Danish design in the world and strap yourself in for some fascinating yeast chat. Ahead of France v England, we commemorate the Battle of Agincourt, and Ben's tortured football analogy, with …

1
Adrian Chiles Interview - The Good Drinker 1:01:56

1+ y ago1:01:56

1:01:56

In this week’s podcast, we chat to radio and TV presenter Adrian Chiles about his new book "The Good Drinker - How I Learned to Love Drinking Less" which is very much in tune with the Thinking Drinkers' mantra "Drink Less Drink Better" . Amusing, insightful and compelling yet never preachy, Adrian's book explores both the benefits and difficulties …

1
Chill Winston - you're just Two Tents. 46:34

1+ y ago46:34

46:34

Manhattan 60ml (2 fl oz) Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon 25ml (¾ fl oz) sweet vermouth | 3 dashes of Angostura bitters Ice | Cherry, to garnish • Pour the bourbon, vermouth and bitters into a mixing glass. Add ice, stir gently for 10–15 seconds, then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry. Get yourself a can of Carlsberg Special…

1
Cock Rock & Swashbuckling Psychos 44:58

1+ y ago44:58

44:58

This week's podcast features phallic-shaped outcrops and death-defying, rum guzzling, swashbuckling salty seamen. Marvel as we expertly tip-toe around some sensitive issues of the past whilst simultaneously decanting drinks knowledge into you generous ears. As promised, here's the picture of Cock Rock (now known as Rooster Rock) and here's where yo…

1
Pils, Gin and a Badly Drawn Baby 43:28

1+ y ago43:28

43:28

Get some Pilsner Urquell here Drink some neat Gin whilst gawping at Gin Lane & Beer Street here Subscribe to the Thinking Drinkers Spirits Subscription Club here and check out dates and tickets for the shows below here: Wycombe Farnham Worcester Bristol Wolverhampton London Leicester Square Harpenden Northallerton Alnwick Pendle Oldham Brighton Bed…

1
Dutch Ovens & Spirit Trumpets 36:44

1+ y ago36:44

36:44

This week, the Thinking Drinkers hail Harry Houdini's almost fatal attempt to escape from an urn full of fermenting Tetley's Beer, light a firework under several myths surrounding Guy Fawkes and big-up the famous Northampton massif with Three Hills brewery. And as promised, here's our super duper mulled cider recipe. How do you like them apples? Mu…

1
Knockouts & Knockers 37:05

1+ y ago37:05

37:05

Date: October 30th Event: 1974 Rumble In The Jungle - George Foreman v Muhammed Ali Drink: The Uppercut 50ml Triple Sec 25ml Cachaça 15ml Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) 15ml Pink Grapefruit Juice (freshly squeezed) Dash of Angostura Aromatic Bitters Method: Shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass Or, given Ali was born in L…

1
Sucking The Monkey 44:10

1+ y ago44:10

44:10

This week, we shall ostly be drinking rum and red wine mixed with coca-cola. Here's why. Event: Death of Lord Admiral Nelson Agggghhh landlubbers. On October 21st, 1805, Lord Nelson was shot by a Frenchman during the Battle of Trafalgar during a battle which the Brits won 22-0 (in terms of ships). Drink: Nelson's Blood To commemorate the one-eyed, …

1
Knievel, Kung Fu, Kitsch Cocktails & Kentucky Bourbon 35:37

1+ y ago35:37

35:37

Evel Knievel & Wild Turkey Enjoy a Wild Turkey 101 whilst watching Evel Knievel (mostly) fail to land death-defying jumps. Wembley 1975: And the report from The Guardian here CNN Obituary footage here Matthew McConaughey's Eulogy at Knievel's funeral here And here's the..... Kung Fu and the Grasshopper How to make: SHAKE all ingredients with ice an…

1
Bruce, Bulls & Bond 38:24

1+ y ago38:24

38:24

The first episode of our new podcast series recommends drinks to enjoy from October 7th to October 13th. Listen to Lenny Bruce At Carnegie Hall Here's Ursula Andres and her shells in Dr.No C*cks**king Cowboy 15ml Butterscotch Schnapps 30ml Baileys Irish Cream Layer the two ingredients in a shot glass by pouring Baileys off the back of a bar spoon s…

1
Thinking Drinkers Guide to Rum: Part III - Rum & Chocolate 1:17:21

3+ y ago1:17:21

1:17:21

he full range of Diplomatico rums can be bought from The Whisky Exchange here: Luxury chocolate supporting a great cause can be found at Harry Specters here Waitrose chocs can be purchased here: And you can the lovely wine packs from Bibwine here And you can watch the pod hereBy Ben McFarland, Tom Sandham

1
Thinking Drinkers Guide to Rum: Part II 1:02:53

3+ y ago1:02:53

1:02:53

Not content with covering a whole load of rum history, this oar-inspiring episode features pirate puns and another duck joke, we discover some interesting dental facts about diminutive dictators, tackle Tiki Culture, make an Old Fashioned and, best of all, drink some delicious Diplomatico Rum. We love those guys and you should too. It's a great lis…

1
Thinking Drinkers' Guide to Rum 1:03:02

3+ y ago1:03:02

1:03:02

Rum is for winners. This is the first in our three-pod series on the spirit and we're dipping into it with the help of Diplomático rums. The first episode looks at rum's early history, how it's made and some classic cocktails. We also manage to squeeze in some painful puns and fascinating insights into what we eat for breakfast. Check out London Co…

1
"Le Pour De France": Suspects & Drugs & Anusol 1:20:53

4y ago1:20:53

1:20:53

As the Peloton headed for Paris, we were drinking the following: Dolin de Chambery Dry Vermouth - available from the Whisky Exchange Dolin Chamberyzette Strawberry Aperitif - available from Whisky Exchange La Blanche de Mont Blanc from the Mont Banc Brasserie - available from Beerwulf.com St.Germain Elderflower Liqueur - available from Whisky Excha…

1
"Le Pour De France": Tyred & Emotional 40:56

4y ago40:56

40:56

If you like the sound of what we've been tasting, check below. Cotes du Jura Chardonnay from Sainsbury's Beaujolais Villags Domaine Andre Cologne 2018 from the Whisky Exchange Verveine Velay 55 from Distillers Direct Discover more about Aveze Gentian Liqueur hereBy Ben McFarland, Tom Sandham

1
Pour de France: Ring Ring Ring (Piles and Piles) 1:00:44

4y ago1:00:44

1:00:44

This week, we have mostly been tasting the following: Hennessy XO from Whisky Exchange Hine VSOP Cognac from Whisky Exchange Domaine de Canton from Whisky Exchange Ciroc Vodka from Whisky Exchange Camus Il de Re Island Fine Cognac from Whisky Exchange Chateau des Beaulon Pine au des Charantes from Whisky Exchange Tom's article about Last Drop's Cog…

1
Pour de France: Prunes, Pinot and a Premature Finish 58:24

4y ago58:24

58:24

As the serious players come out to play, we talk sadistic Slovenians, rustic French brandy, bracing bubbles from Languedoc and, as ever, some feeble wordplay and superfluous scatological schoolboy smut. Buy Cremant de Limoux from Berry Bros here Buy Darrozes Armaganac from Whisky Exchange Buy Baron de Signonac from Whisky Exchange Improve your Fren…

1
"Le Pour de France": When in Rhone 1:06:20

4y ago1:06:20

1:06:20

In the second instalment of our “Pour de France” pods, the Pelaton pedals through the Ardeche and Le Massif Central as we talk chestnuts and cheating, North African sausage and nougat, there’s phallic fungi and, as ever, our award-winning wine expertise comes to the fore with three juicy reds. Sainsbury's Côtes Du Ventoux, Taste the Difference http…

1
"Le Pour De France": Squashed Flies on Your Helmet 1:16:37

4y ago1:16:37

1:16:37

Bonjour. To coincide with “Le Tour de France”, we 're recording several podcasts entitled, rather cleverly, “Le Pour de France”. #wordplay. Over the next few weeks, as the peloton pedal around France, we shall be selflessly sipping the best Gallic giggle-juice from each of the regional stages - wine, spirits, beer and leftfield liqueurs. There’ll b…

1
European Championship of Drink: The Final! France v England 31:20

4y ago31:20

31:20

It's France versus England. The Final everyone (in France and England) has been hoping for. Will it be an entente cordiale? Or will it be an entente pas cordiale? You'll have to listen and find out. France: Champagne Taittinger https://groceries.asda.com/product/champagne/taittinger-brut-reserve-champagne/1000040467918 England: Plymouth Gin https:/…

1
European Championship of Drink: Semi Finals! 25:34

4y ago25:34

25:34

England: Chapel Down NV Vintage Reserve Waitrose & Partners https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/products/chapel-down-nv-vintage-reserve--english--sparkling-wine/068005-34519-34520 France: Hennessy XO Cognac The Whisky Exchange https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/search?q=Hennessy+XO+Cognac Netherlands: Texels bier Skuumkoppe Beerwulf.com https://www.beerwu…

1
European Championship of Drink: Quarter Finals - Holland v Denmark & Scotland v France 26:39

4y ago26:39

26:39

Denmark channel some Churchillian spirit with some Special Brew while the Dutch dubbel down on some monky business with a Trappist tipple. Meanwhile, it's Gamay on as the French bring out some Beaujolais to battle against a big Blue from Johnnie Walker. Denmark: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CARLSBERG-Special-Premium-Danish-Lager/dp/B004EAFDGS Holland: …

1
European Championship of Drink: Italy v Belgium & England v Sweden 29:33

4y ago29:33

29:33

England are back in action with one of the oldest drinks in the world, the Belgians turn up with a new wave classic, the Swedes rock some wicked whisky and Italy, taking precious time out from mucking abaht on mopeds, unleash a Negroni. It's drinks-driven football at its best.By Ben McFarland, Tom Sandham

1
European Championship of Drink: Sweden v Austria & France v Russia 23:38

4y ago23:38

23:38

In the final batch of last 16 matches, Les Bleus take on The Reds and the home of flatpack furniture play a nation renowned for.....pastries? Austria: Gruner Veltliner Sweden: Herno Gin France: Lillet Blanc Russia: Baltika PorterBy Ben McFarland, Tom Sandham

1
European Championship of Drink: England v Germany & Scotland v Ireland 27:23

4y ago27:23

27:23

You OK Hun? Yes, it's the clash everyone, and we mean EVERYONE, has been waiting for. And we've thrown in Scotland versus Ireland too...you're welcome. Germany: Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin 47%. 70cl, £39.75 England: Lost and Grounded Brewers Keller Pils 440ml, 4.8%, £2.50 Scotland: Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky 18 Year-old, £79.95, 70cl, 45.…

1
European Championship of Drink: Belgium v Czech Republic & Holland v Spain 21:40

4y ago21:40

21:40

Belgium: Liefmans Kriek Brut (6%, 330ml, £2.54) TheDrinkShop.com Czech Republic: Budweiser Budvar (5%, 500ml, £1.80) tesco.com Holland: Ketel One Botanicals (30%, £23.95, 70cl) Ketel One The Whisky Exchange Spain: La Cune Rioja-Crianza (£8.49, 14%, 70cl) Majestic WineBy Ben McFarland, Tom Sandham

1
European Championship of Drink: Italy v Iceland & Wales v Denmark 24:51

4y ago24:51

24:51

Italy take on Iceland and Wales meet the Danish in these two last 16 encounters, with the Thinking Drinkers replacing the football with some outstanding drink suggestions. All details on where to buy the drinks they taste below. Iceland: Einstock White Ale from Waitrose Italy: Chianti Poggio Galiga 2019, Grati from Majestic Wales: Penderyn Madeira …

1
European Championships of Drink: Group F 26:09

4y ago26:09

26:09

Expect Muskateers, sausage, spinning doner kebabs, the plight of Portuguese passing and more. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7yX_5vHu0I&t=853s Northern Ireland: Boatyard Gin, (46%, 70cl, £33.95, The Whisky Exchange) The Boatyard Distillery Fabulous, family-owned ‘farm-to-bottle’ gin whose organic ingredients include “Sweet Gale”, f…

1
European Championships of Drink: Group E 17:39

4y ago17:39

17:39

Donkeys plummeting from clock-towers, Logan Roy's favourite vodka, a Bison staring forlornly out of the window and a superb Aeneus all feature in the latest instalment of our "European Championship of Drink". Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGQoNL6pM7U&t=5s Poland: Zubrowka Vodka (40%, 70cl, £20 https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/b/33…

1
European Championships of Drink: Group D 21:16

4y ago21:16

21:16

We discuss the big jobs, plums around the gums, mullets and cow-rhoids. England: St.Austell Big Job IPA (7.2%, 500ml, £3.79 www.beerwulf.com) @staustellbrewery @beerwulfunitedkingdom See the Marris Otter video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0FjkJtqj0w Scotland: Eight Lands Gin, £31.95, The Whisky Exchange, https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/…

1
European Championships of Drink: Group C 14:00

4y ago14:00

14:00

You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/efWot9teT5U Netherlands: Kompaan Bier “Hand Langer Double IPA (8.2%, 33cl, £3.39, www.beerwulf.com) Hailing from the Hague, this Dutch Double IPA from the very cool Kompaan brewery was voted the greatest in its style at the 2019 World Beer Awards. Beerwulf.com Iceland: Reyka Vodka (40%, 70cl, £22 Tesco.com) T…

1
European Championships of Drink: Group B 8:41

4y ago8:41

8:41

Belgium: Duvel Belgian Golden Ale ((8.5%, 33cl, £2.00, tesco.com)) Denmark: Mikkeler Evergreen Session IPA (3.5%, 33cl, £2.50 from @MarksandSpencer @marksandspencerfoodpr ) Finland: Tom of Finland Vodka (40%, 75cl, £29.95 www.masterofmalt.com) Russia: Moscow Mule made using Russian Standard Vodka (38%, 75cl, £16.95) whiskyexchange and Fever Tree Gi…

1
European Championships of Drink: Group A 10:37

4y ago10:37

10:37

Italy: Giulio Cocchi Dopo Teatro Cocchi Vermouth can be found on The Whisky Exchange for £26.45 https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/25562/cocchi-dopo-teatro-vermouth-amaro Wales: Clwb Tropica is available Waitrose & Partners for £2.00 https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/products/tiny-rebel-clwb-tropica-wales/481490-692393-692394 Switzerland: 1936 Biere i…

1
European Championships of Drink: Opening Ceremony 3:42

4y ago3:42

3:42

The European Football Championship 2020 has been postponed till next year. But don't worry, we've decided to host the tournament ourselves - using drink instead of balls and tactics n'that. Over the next few weeks, we'll be pitching the best drinks from each participating country. There'll be loads of quality continental drinks to learn about, ther…

1
Vodka Voyage 37:15

4y ago37:15

37:15

The chaps embark on an alcohol-soaked odyssey around the world of vodka - visiting Mafia bosses, Josef Stalin, irresponsible home economic teachers, kayaking grannies and little people jumping out of pies. And some monkeys. It's very 'crispitty'. No Heroes Brewing https://noheroesbrewing.com/ Reyka, £29.75, The Whisky Exchange, https://www.thewhisk…

1
Czech'dis 36:14

4y ago36:14

36:14

The reason that Czechs drink more beer per person than any other country in the world is because the country's beers are some of the best in the world - especially if you like lager. Proper lager. In fact, it's a Pivo paradise with a whole host of historic breweries and a thriving craft beer scene. While the beers are easy to drink, some of the nam…

1
The Mark Watson episode 1:10:43

4y ago1:10:43

1:10:43

Lost & Grounded Kellar Pils (440ml), £2.50, Waitrose Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel, Waitrose, £14.99 Journey’s End Sir Lowry Cabernet Sauvignon, Waitrose, £14.99 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec, Waitrose £14.99 Tapatio Tequilas, all available at The Whisky Exchange For more about Mark head to https://www.markwatsonthecomedian.com/ Please leave a nice review,…

1
The Scotch Tapes 34:17

4y ago34:17

34:17

This week the chaps chat about single malt whisky, using the terrifically tasty Talisker range as their muse. Join them as they sip and reminisce over helicopter convoy adventures, blind-folded jeep driving, the movie Highlander and athletes who specialise in mind tricks. Talisker 10-year-old, 18-year-old, Storm and Skye are all available at The Wh…

1
Monky Business 33:26

4y ago33:26

33:26

You can buy Tynt Meadow for £3.75 from https://www.beerwulf.com or if they don’t have any then you can also get it at www.beersofeurope.co.uk. As all profits go to good deeds, the more beers you buy – the better the world becomes. Next week, the drinking duo set off for the Isle of Skye and the legendary Talisker Distillery. Get yourself the iconic…

1
Gin, Gin 50:04

4y ago50:04

50:04

To celebrate World Gin Day, the boys host a special on the spirit, covering gin’s epic history along with a collection of recommendations to try. Learn about the ori-gins (nice wordplay) of the phrase ‘Dutch courage’; the nasty stuff 17th century gin makers added to their spirit; juniper aphrodisiacs; and why plague doctors wore gimp masks. There's…

1
Du Vin Intervention with Marcel Lucont 44:41

4y ago44:41

44:41

Bonjour la classe! This week, the discerning drinking duo sip sparkling wines and Gallic giggle juice with the effervescent and legendary Marcel Lucont, a French comedian, poet, philosopher, raconteur, flaneur, inexhaustible lover and renowned wine expert. Amid erudite talk of women, Wetherspoons and where the British are going wrong, we host “The …

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