Black & Spirited Podcast

The Crew is back sharing the blessings that whiskey & bourbon barrels can do to your favorite wine varietals.  You know we dive deep--so great ready for a ride into all of the flavors and glory of barrel-aged wine. @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot  

The Black & Spirited Crew breaks down the top bottles of 2024.   From whiskey to wine to tequila and more, we're covering the globe with our favorite pours.  Be it single barrels, sleepers, or daily sippers, you're bound to find a drink to be looking out for in 2025! @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot

We experienced the bourbon boom of the 2010s, and it's likely why you're listening to this podcast now.  Maybe you've heard of bourbon consumption falling in the 1980s as consumers turned to other spirits and wine coolers.  Are we looking at a bourbon bubble today?  And is that bubble primed to burst?  The Black & Spirited Crew talks about it! @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot

It's time for the Black & Spirited crew to dive into our NYE turn ups and kickbacks and what we're drinking no matter what!  The champagne will be flowing, the whiskey will be pouring, and the cocktails will be mixing during this great end of year episode! @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot

The Black & Spirited crew shares our holiday traditions in this Christmas episode!  Who would have guessed there was such fun and interesting things to do with candy canes…! @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot

The Black & Spirited Crew recently travelled to the mecca of bourbon & other distilled spirits in America, and no, it's not in Kentucky or on the famed Bourbon Trail.  It's a distillery dating back to the 1800s near the banks of the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and they literally produce many of your favorite brands and didn't even know it! @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot

  Recap the Summerall's 20th Wedding Anniversary Weekend day-by-day AND let's talk Black & Spirited's 3rd Anniversary!  Let's reminisce on favorite episodes from every season!  Was your favorite the MUMU episode?  A Black & Spirited Wedding?  Black & UNspirited?  Let's get it in! @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot

Whether before or after dinner, or any time of the day, there's a place for the more spicy and flavored spirits that you may be missing out on.  The Black & Spirited Crew shares their approach to experimenting with liqueurs & fortified wines, when to drink them, and how to razzle dazzle your palate aside from your daily pour or cocktail. @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot  

You've fought the traffic, you've tangled with the boss, you've wrangled the kids--what do you sit down with after a day on the job?  The Black & Spirited Crew give you the deets on the best ways to wind down depending on your mood, your regular preference, and your energy level.  And somehow the conversation switches over to the 3-martini lunch and happy hours…  So tune in! @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot

From single barrel picks to "name that vineyard" to side-by-side sensory panels, the Black & Spirited Crew takes you down the rabbit hole on the benefits of tasting without labels and preconceptions!  Get ready to enter the NO BIAS zone, and we'll share our own surprises that we've learned throughout our blindfolded spirits journeys! @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot

The Black & Spirited Crew builds the perfect whiskey flight for a beginner, particularly someone who doesn't drink brown OR someone who just mixes drinks--Crown, or Jack [& Coke].  This episode is also great for the enthusiast who's looking to introduce friends or clients to rabbit hole that is fine whiskey!

The Black & Spirited Crew talks about how they got started drinking wine, then how we truly started to appreciate the fruit of the vine experience.  You'll learn more about our individual palates and you may just pick up some tips on how to select your next bottle or glass! @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot

The Black & Spirited crew explores the in's and out's of planning for a wedding or any other type of boozy reception.  We're not talking red Solo cups ya'll, and taking the conversation from under the shade tree to show off style and taste, while emphasizing comfort for your guests! @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot

The Crew is back again to dive deeper into the art of the barrel finish for whiskeys around the world.  We also lean specifically into whether finished bourbon is still "bourbon" and if you add staves or sacks of honey, is it still the same product.  Join in on the Spirited discussion, and share in some of our favorite finished pours. @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot

Prohibition almost killed the most sought-after whiskey in the world at the time, and it's taken a hundred years to get back solidly on top of the world stage.  The Black & Spirited Crew takes on the #2 malt whiskey in the world, and helps you step up your understanding of why it's so special.   Green beer is just fine for Paddy's Day, but you want to have a really good time?  Grab some Irish whiskey!

They say a fine drink is like a fine man or woman--it's meant to be appreciated--looked at, caressed, and finally tasted…  The Black & Spirited Crew gets a little nasty talking about how to bring the MOST out of your tasting experience--be it beer, wine, spirits or cocktails.  We get hot and heavy in this episode quickly, while educating you on the appropriate glassware for whatever you're toasting with this evening.  So let get it started!

If you put new bourbon into a used wine or rum cask, is it still bourbon?  If you finish a bad whiskey in a honey barrel, can you turn it good?  The Black & Spirited Crew answers these questions and more, and debates the purpose of secondary barreling in the spirits industry--all while sharing some of our favorites!  Join the conversation!

The Black & Spirited Crew takes you to the land of blue Weber agave--the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico!  Learn what got Cedric off bourbon for the last year, and why good tequila is getting more and more expensive these days.  You're in for a great journey on this one as we drink some of the hottest spirits from south of the border.  Prepare to be educated and avoid the hype!

The Black & Spirit Crew hit all the notes on arguably the world's most hated spirit--Islay Scotch!  If you want to know why whisky connoisseurs from all over love peaty, smoky malts, we'll be breaking it down for you in this episode.  Find out our favorite go-to products from Islay, as well as the ones we shy away from.  Most of all, you'll get all the details and lore begin these huge flavor bombs that may leave you rethinking your take on the whole category.  Come get this smoke!

There's nothing like a large ice ball to cool down the perfect glass of whiskey.  Or is it…?  There's always people who try to tell you how to drink your bourbon, or your rum, or any other drink that you've paid your good money for.  Well, the Black & Spirited Crew has our opinions, too.  Tune in to this deep dive into chemistry, thermodynamics, and most of all, FUN on this episode of the podcast!

It's the MOST wonderful time of the year!  The Black & Spirited Crew is here to share secrets to great holiday cocktails--whether you're hosting at home, or gifting to others--whether you're shooting for classic or bougie!  As always, we've got your back for Christmas and New Year's celebrations this season for building lovely cocktails for all comers.

Check your library card expiration date because on this episode, the Black & Spirited Crew dives into building a true spirits library at home for your drinking pleasure!  First, what IS a spirits library, and where do you to start?  Don't worry, we'll take care of you--whether you've already got a home bar, or maybe some collectable bottles already on the shelf--there's a difference.  Ready?  Let's go!!!

September is Bourbon Heritage Month, and the Black & Spirited Crew is taking the 30-day Bourbon Challenge.  We're sharing the rules and our ideas for how YOU can survive drinking a different bourbon every day in the month!  We'll help you map out your neat pours and/or cocktails to keep you in the game the smart way.  But the Challenge is not only about spirits--but also wellness--and we've got a workout challenge, too.  Let's get it in!  For our tasting this episode, we're breaking down Maker's 101.

How did we go from a Boilermaker--a shot in a glass of beer--to today's evolution of drinking craft beers with fine (and not so fine) whiskies?  All whiskey starts off as a beer, so this should be a natural pairing, right?  The Black & Spirited Crew talks through some excellent methods of choosing your brewed beverage with your distilled spirit.  And which one do you choose first?  Let's have some fun!

We're sipping Tennessee bourbon with innovator and entrepreneur Mike Frazier of Reverence Bourbon.  This Memphis native gives the Black & Spirited Crew the insiders' look into his journey from startup to selling out of a premier bourbon brand all over the country.  So join us as we dive into what is truly a blender's delight and hear a great story from the man himself along the way.  And check out www.ReverenceEnterprises.com

Have you ever thought about what it would take for you to get in on the production side of your favorite spirit?  The Black & Spirited Crew shares current trends around what's going on in the spirits industry, and how you can jumpstart your career in the distilling, marketing, and administrative game.  What does a site like ABVJobs.com bring to the table?  Tune in to find out!

We went GLAMPING ya'll!!!  The Black & Spirited Crew lets you in on our little vacation deep in East Texas woods.  A bit of rain didn't hold us back to start off the trip, and it definitely didn't keep the grills from firing up or the pours from flowing!  We'll dive into the variety of spirits that we "imported" to the campgrounds and the cocktails we mixed up along the way.  Nature's calling!

Rye whiskey keeps coming up in the podcast and our "The Finish" tastings, and it's about time it got its own episode!  The Black & Spirited Crew gives you a little history of rye, how you can transition from bourbon and other spirits to rye, and some great rye cocktails for you to try.  We'll also share our great bottom shelf bottles you can start off with for your home bar, or if you're out and about on the town.  Tap in!

Are you "sober curious" or looking for some reason to go dry or low-proof with your spirits?  Then THIS is the episode for you.  The Black & Spirited Crew shares our "why's", talk about the  benefits & pitfalls of going the non-alcoholic route, and some reasonable alternatives to help you bridge the gap between the Spirited & UNspirited realms.  Buckle up, this is gonna be a good one, ya'll!

You might think the story of our guest starts with a 110-year old whiskey bottle found in the attic of his new Washington, D.C, Mount Pleasant neighborhood home that kicked off not only a rejuvenated whiskey brand, but also a tremendous book on the history of distilling in DC.  Troy Hughes talks about his research for "Whiskey Makers in Washington, D.C. - A Pre-Prohibition History" (available at all outlets), and the whiskey, vodka & AGAVE releases steadily pouring out under the Mount Pleasant Club brand.  www.reboot-bev.com

We've been talking about it for months, and now it's time for the Black & Spirited Crew to recap the 2023 New Orleans Bourbon Festival!  We truly drank and ate our way through the French Quarter, Frenchman Street, the Warehouse District and beyond.  Get information on the educational classes you missed during the day, and the grand tasting sessions that kept the party going at night!  We also highlight the Black-owned restaurants that kept us full and the cocktail bars that had us toasty!  Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Whether you're mixing it, or drinking it straight, rum is one of the most versatile spirits out there, and it's truly produced around the globe.  The Crew takes you on a journey from the overlooked bottom shelf bottles, through the overproof mid-levels, and all the way up to the best premium sipping rums.  If you're looking for economy in your pours, or elevation in your cocktails, this is the episode for you!

The Black & Spirited Crew sit down with attorney, author and Executive Bourbon Steward, Brandi Lowery aka The Old Fashioned Barrister to talk cocktails and entrepreneurship!  You know it's going to be a Spirited conversation as they talk about her brand's beginnings and the explosion she's had on social and news media.  You can find her book "The Barrister's Book of Old Fashioneds & Other Cocktails" at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and her website, so grab it--you'll be glad you did!

The Crew dives into their St. Patrick's Day shenanigans from years past, and share their favorite drams and pints with you for the holiday!  And Jeff & Monica talk about their time on the Emerald Isle and the love story that spawned from a Paddy's Day party.  Of course, you'll want to know what bottles get pulled for the tasting session, so you definitely won't want to miss the end of the show.  Slainté!

Going to a whiskey festival soon?  The Black & Spirited Crew shares their favorite events around the world that they like to attend to drink & be merry!  You'll get your guide from your first steps into the door of the tasting hall, through all the educational sessions and sampling booths, and get you home safe at the end.  And join in on the preview of the upcoming New Orleans Bourbon Festival!

There's levels to this thang!  You've got the home wet bar, and there's the spirits "collection" where you've spilled over onto a dedicated cabinet.  But then there's the whiskey or spirits library--way more than you can possibly drink in a lifetime.  The Crew talks about the joys AND pitfalls of building a spirits library whether you're entertaining a lot, or just sipping solo. Trust us, there's good ways to invest your money, and we're here to look out for you.  Let's get it!

The Black & Spirited Crew dives deep into the fruit of the vine (or tree, or orchard) as we talk about the ABC's of fruit distilled spirits.  Many of us had some type of experience with brandies of some sort at a young age, but times have changed.  Ready to step your game up as we take you around the world for some of the oldest and finest spirits in the game???

We all have our favorite "Best of" lists that like to compare our tastes against--whether it be books, movies, cars, or SPIRITS!  In this episode we dive into some of the "Best of" lists out there, and also recall our favorite pours over the last year.  And, yes, it's been a LONG 12 months.  So let's go!

"They" say it's better to give than to receive.  As we continue the holiday season, the Black & Spirited Crew dives into how to give the perfect gift to friends and love ones.  What to know how to avoid the side eyed "What were you thinking??" from your people?  Or do you want to get ideas of bottles to send the Crew?  Tune in to this episode!

For those of you with "elevated" palates out there, a lot of times you can find yourself away from your home collection when out at a local dive or casual dining restaurant.  We've all been there, but don't worry!  The Black & Spirited Crew shares their tips & tricks to get by when you're sipping at a "regular" bar.  Also, we're tasting the newly dropped Gold Spot Irish Whiskey this episode, so stay tuned through the end!

The Black & Spirited Crew cut up a little bit talking about RTDs.  Who actually enjoys Ready-to-Drink beverages anyway?  Well, the market shows that lots of consumers are tipping just that way.  Tired of making your own simple syrups?  Need convenience when you're about to step out of the house?  The crew breaks down their opinions plus or minus on RTDs and gives you all you need to know if you don't want to mix your own cocktails at home.

A much requested episode!!!  Jeff breaks down how he plans out his trips to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  Great tidbits here on how many distilleries you can literally hit in one day in bourbon country, and how to responsibly survive to tell about it!

Whether you on the road by bus, or traveling by private jet, there some good tips to keep your trip or vacation Spirited!  The Crew shares their tips for transport, enjoying your drinks while you travel, or living off the land when you arrive at your destination.

September is Bourbon Heritage Month, and the Black & Spirited Crew is taking the 30-day Bourbon Challenge.  We're sharing the rules and our ideas for how YOU can survive drinking a different bourbon every day in the month!  We'll help you map out your neat pours and/or cocktails to keep you in the game the smart way.  But the Challenge is not only about spirits--but also wellness--and we've got a workout challenge, too.  Let's get it in!  For our tasting this episode, we're breaking down Maker's 101.

We're kicking off Season 3 recapping the Black & Spirited wedding of Jeff & Monica!  Learn about the eccentricities of the pre-game spirits selections, keeping drinkers and non-drinkers live during a reception, AND selecting the right mix of bottles for an open bar.  Most of all, you get to celebrate with the #UnderwoodsForGood. Hang around for a DEEP dive into Bourbon Excursions' latest Old Forester Single Barrel pick with owner Brak Braxton himself.  You know we don't pull punches!

When you talk Juneteenth, you've got to talk about supporting Black owned businesses--in spirits and beyond.  The Black & Spirited crew not only talks about how they celebrate the holiday with food, drink and service, but also gives a breakdown of the history & meaning of what's been called Black Independence Day.  Lots of Black brands are name dropped during this episode, so sharpen your pencils and get ready to dive in!

Is there anything better than getting a bottle for Father's Day?  Maybe there is…  Check out the Black & Spirited crew chopping it up over great and NOT-so-great gifts to give the dad or man in your life.  And shout out to all the moms, mentors, teachers and coaches out there pouring into our kids every day.  Who are you "pouring" into this holiday?  Remember, you can't pour a pair of socks.  Celebrate someone!

Are you nurtured by your local club?  Are you adding to the membership of your whiskey group?  This week the crew talks about building engagement & trust within a group of like-minded people WHILE keeping up diversity goals.  Stay tuned for the little love fest that the crew has toward the end of the convo, and of course, the tasting segment.

What are the must-haves when doing a barrel pick?  The crew breaks down their experiences picking spirits for single barrel distribution and getting their secrets for getting that honey barrel back to your club or retail shelf.  You'll also get a view of the differences in picking for a blended batch, and finally answer the ultimate question for tasting panels… "Do you spit??!!!"

The crew shares knowledge on what they believe are the spirits that are on the cusp of blowing up in the world landscape!  Is it rum?  Is it gin??  Is it spiked coffee??  Tune in this week to hear what's Hot and what's Not!  Be a part of the podcast by sending an audio clip of your questions to info@blackandspirited.net

Some of us rely on karma, and some of us like to hunt for our can't-miss bottles.  Some of us stand in line, while some wait for the call from a connect at our favorite package store.  Some don't have problem paying a extra on the secondary market, and some refuse to shell out more than retail.  Check out the Black & Spirited crew's take on going after those whiskies that you just can't pass up!