Buzzed in Baltimore

Ottobar owner Tecla Tesnau joins the podcast to talk about the legendary Baltimore rock club. From its days as a tiny, stinky bar on Davis Street to its current status as a renowned music venue that attracts national acts, Tesnau recounts the entire journey. She shares countless only-in-Baltimore moments—including the best thing John Waters ever said to her, her favorite band residency at Ottobar to date, how the city kept her spirits up during the darkest days of the pandemic, and what musician she would give her left arm to see perform on Howard Street.

Guilford Hall Brewery CEO Erik Bergman and brewmaster Martin Coad discuss the new Baltimore brewery, its historic building and neighborhood, the popularity of low ABV beers, the niche they've carved out for European session styles, and and the brewery's future distribution plans. Plus, we try some lagers, pilsners, and session ales—and hear about a new holiday Weihnachtsbock.

Sophomore Coffee owner Kris Fulton talks about his passion and career that has taken him to Los Angeles, New York, and back to Baltimore again. He discusses how the product went from Folgers to Starbucks to the culture that exists today, whether Baltimore is a coffee town, the way orders have evolved over the years, plus he shares his personal favorite drink, the status of the shop during the pandemic, and some of the most creative coffee drinks you can order at the bar.

Johnny Rad's and Snake Hill owners Rich Pugh and Randy Coffren chat about their 20-year friendship, how skateboarding and punk rock influenced their lives, the origins of their Southeast Baltimore bars, pivots and adjustments they made during COVID-19, and their favorite things to do in the city. Plus we drink core draft beers and cocktails and tease their upcoming bar in Station North.

Wine Collective general director Enrique Pallares joins the podcast to chat about the collaborative winery that he co-founded in Baltimore City. He discusses his international upbringing, the unique concept of working with grapes from farms all over the region, the complications with having a planned opening date of March 2020, the facility's innovative techniques and equipment, how Maryland wine has changed for the better, the wonderful spirit that is vermouth, and how he and his team are bringing a bit of the Iberian Peninsula to Union Collective.

Ashley Mac, bar manager of NiHao, joins the podcast to talk about her her career in bartending at places like R. House and True Chesapeake Oyster House, her four-plus years of continuous sobriety, the way she is helping to normalize mental health struggles in the industry, her innovative Asian-inspired cocktails, and the beauty that is baijiu liquor. To follow Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_amacquiri_/ To support NiHao: https://www.nihaobaltimore.com/ To get more info about Heard Baltimore: https://www.instagram.com/heardbalt/ To email Ashley for any of the above: ashleymac@mac.com

Award-winning photojournalist Joe Giordano talks about 25 years of shooting nightlife photography in Baltimore. His work is chronicled in a new book, We Used To Live at Night, which features scenes from Baltimore bars, clubs, dance parties, casinos, hip-hop battles, drag shows, and everything in between. Pre-order Joe’s book: https://www.theculturecrush.com/culture-crush-editions/9aacr2y9lqj4a2vmvjiben4ifjqs0x Follow Joe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jmgiordanophoto/

Scott Mullins of WTMD and the staff of Monument City Brewing joined the podcast to discuss their upcoming live show on November 7. In-person seating will be extremely limited and social distanced and they will be live streaming the show on Facebook and YouTube. Proceeds and a virtual tip jar will benefit WTMD, which needs our help more than ever in 2020. On the podcast, we discussed how everyone is adapting this year, the symbiotic relationship between beer and live music, the best Monument brews to drink for the show, and openers Kim Praay and Jake Dougherty even played a song. Seriously, this is one to listen to until the end to hear their beautiful musical stylings. Then go to Monument’s website to find out how you can buy beer, tune into the concert, and support awesome public radio.

Ty Jackson and Jeryl Cole talk about their wine and beer shop Off The Rox in Highlandtown. The husband-and-wife team discuss their foray into the industry, how their own love story played out, why they choose to work with small-batch producers, the way COVID-19 has impacted their business, and how they've seen Baltimore grow and change since they were young kids growing up in the city.

Ezra Allen and Aaron Joseph talk about their company Cane Collective, which produces fresh and seasonal mixers ideal for at-home bartending. The two discuss how they both got into the industry at a very young age, their complementary business partnership, how the pandemic actually spurred them into action, what it's like being a Black-owned business right now, and how they were inspired to create fresh and bright flavors like Guava Tiki Punch and Tropical Green Orchard.

Tenth Ward Distilling founder & owner Monica Pearce discusses opening her dream distillery in the heart of Frederick, what goes on in the cocktail lab, why they decided to make the first absinthe in Maryland, and how they have pivoted to not only offer curbside takeout and delivery—but are also now producing and donating surface cleanser to local frontline workers. Plus, she takes us through Tenth Ward's spirits lineup, which includes a delicious smoked corn whiskey that drinks like a tequila and an herbal springtime liqueur. Support Tenth Ward: https://tenth-ward-to-go.square.site/ Support Maryland distilleries: https://marylandspirits.org/covid-19-retail-updates/ Support Maryland breweries: https://marylandbeer.org/retail-covid-19/ Support Maryland wineries: https://marylandwine.com/covid-19-retail-options/

Dutch Courage owners Brendan Dorr and Eric Fooy discuss opening their dream gin bar just a few short months ago, what the rollercoaster of emotions has been like since, how they've turned a cocktail bar into a carryout bottle shop, and how to best support your local service industry members during the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, they reveal some of their more interesting quarantine hobbies, mix up a Jefferson Sour, and show off their to-go gin Old Fashioned. For a list of ways you can help support the service industry(and a ton of resources if you are a bartender), visit the list Brendan and the Baltimore Bartenders Guild put together: http://bit.ly/bmorebartenders

Nepenthe Brewing co-owner Jill Antos discusses her early love of beer, one year of owning her Hampden brewery, stereotypes in the industry, some exciting canning news, and everyone's favorite brew shop dog, Benny.

Guinness head brewer Hollie Stephenson, Checkerspot Brewing co-owner and brewer Judy Neff, and Suspended Brewing co-owner Yasmin Karimian discuss stigmas and stereotypes that women in the craft beer industry face. Listen in to hear how women are breaking the mold, battling “internal sexism,” and working smarter in the brewhouse.

DuClaw Brewing founder Dave Benfield and head brewer Brandon Stanko discuss the brewery's exciting evolution over the past few years. Craft beer fans have noticed that DuClaw has shifted—from having a one-trick pony reputation to that of a real brewing powerhouse, constantly churning out delicious sours, double IPAs, and unorthodox flavors. Listen in as they discuss how brewers and branding made that shift possible, what exciting releases are ahead, the future of the Rosedale taproom, and how an upcoming event will have brewers racing around in high heels for a good cause.

Baltimore Spirits Company co-owners Max Lents and Eli Breitburg-Smith make a return visit to the podcast to discuss their new space inside Union Collective, rebranded name, and fourth iteration of their Epoch Rye Whiskey. We discuss the secret meeting that convinced them to be a part of Union Collective, their innovative geothermal water system, the fourth iteration of award-winning Epoch Rye, their first spirits collaboration with Union Craft Brewing, and the future growth of the brand around the country.

Head brewer Hollie Stephenson joins the podcast to talk about opening the only Guinness brewery in the U.S., how she's trying to expand people's preferences beyond the stout, her impressive craft beer resume, and why she has fallen absolutely in love with Baltimore.

Gina Netisingha of Wit & Wisdom at Four Seasons Baltimore chatted about her background living around the world, what hospitality means to her, which cocktail trends she loves and hates, and how she is helping to change the service industry to be more open-minded.

Comptroller Peter Franchot joins the podcast to talk about the economic impact of craft beer in Maryland, why our state is uniquely bad for the future growth of the industry, the possibility of Maryland selling beer and wine in grocery stores, and how part of his job is being the "Chief Alcohol Regulator."

Chelsea Gregoire, bar manager at Hotel Revival's new rooftop bar Topside, talks about the Baltimore bar scene, the relationship between religion and hospitality, how the industry as a whole can be more inclusive, and takes us through her cocktail menu of Shandies, rum Old Fashioneds, and more.

Talked with Colin and Zack of Diamondback Brewing Company about contract brewing, how their brand has evolved, the unique practice of self-distribution, finding their home in Locust Point, and the importance of working with local producers. Plus, we tried spring seasonals and previewed the annual Greener Fest event at the taproom.

Sagamore Spirit president Brian Treacy and brand director Rachel Fontana talk about the Port Covington distillery turning one years old, rye whiskey history in Maryland, women in the whiskey industry, and what big plans they have for their anniversary party.

Interviewed Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins of Old Line Spirits. We chatted about the unusual origins of their distillery, changing perceptions about American single malt whiskey, how they’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of their Highlandtown taproom, and tried their brand new cask-finished Caribbean rum.

Recorded at Charm City Meadwork's brand new taproom near Mt. Vernon, where owners James Boicourt and Andrew Geffken talked about mead misconceptions, why it’s important to save the bees, local collaborations, and their upcoming apple-cinnamon release.

Hanging with my favorite Baltimore beer brothers of Monument City Brewing! We talk about their latest fall beers, the journey from contract brewing to permanent home, what Highlandtown has meant to them, interesting tales from a family hike, and try their not-yet-released hazy IPA Nobo.

Dogfish Head Distilling GM James Montero and Head Distiller Graham Hamblett join me to talk about the relationship between the brewery and the distillery, how they think of out-of-the-box flavors, getting customer feedback straight from the bar, and how Barb from Stranger Things fits into all this.

I tagged along on a City Brew Tour, which took the group around to four different breweries in Baltimore including Heavy Seas, Monument City, Brew House No. 16, and Diamondback Brewing. In the episode, I chronicle the history of the tours, talk to tour guides Matt and Ryan, and even find myself in the midst of a bachelor party along the way.

Talked with Lost Ark Distilling owners Brad Blackwell and Andy Debenham about Maryland pride, local sourcing, how Columbia is getting cool, and tried some of their delicious rums and whiskey—including a summer blend of their spiced rum that everyone should be drinking pronto.

Recorded this episode about amaro live at the Baltimore Podcast Festival. Special guests Kristen Starks of Cosima and Amie Ward of R. Bar talked all about the Italian bitter liqueur, the Baltimore bar scene, gender and race politics in the industry, and how they are changing people's minds one cocktail at a time.

Visited Old Westminster Winery and talked to owners (and siblings) Drew Baker, Lisa Hinton, and Ashli Johnson about making some of the best wines in Maryland. We chat about the winery's origins, their ingredient-driven wines, events in their tasting room, and what it's like to work with family. Plus, we sip on their Cabernet Franc and Albariño Pétillant Naturel.

The owners of Key Brewing, Spike Owen and Mike McDonald, talk about how opening the brewery was their mid-life crisis, what they love so much about Dundalk, how it's smart to leave politics out of beer, and why their beers are just so damn easy to drink.

Two of my favorite drink writers—The Baltimore Sun's Wes Case and Charm City Cook's Amy Langrehr—join me to talk about blurring lines between work and play, how the Baltimore bar scene has evolved, our favorite bar and drink trends, whether to read the comments, and how—contrary to popular belief—we don't just drink all day.

Ever wonder who the geniuses are behind Alexander's Tavern, Papi's Tacos, Huck's American Craft, and now Wicked Sisters? For the latest episode of the podcast, I interview Charlie Gjerde, his wife Lori, and her sister Carrie Podles about the secrets to the success of their mini franchise. We talk about how the bar scene has changed over the past 10 years, whether to pay any attention to Yelp, what's next for their dream team, plus we make a seasonal gin cocktail to top it all off!

The owners of the Baltimore Whiskey Company—Max Lents, Ian Newton, and Eli Breitburg-Smith—discuss the one-year anniversary of their distillery. We talk about the origins of BWC, the state of the local craft spirits scene, the process of making and marketing booze, plans for their anniversary party, and try four delicious spirits along the way.

Talked to Baltimore Beer Week founder Joe Gold about what's in store for the upcoming festival, how the Maryland beer scene has evolved, and what exactly makes pumpkin beer such a hot button issue. Plus we do a vertical tasting of Heavy Seas Greater Pumpkin Ale!

The co-owners of South Baltimore corner bar Idle Hour discuss how they got into the bar business, their saga of closing and reopening their corner bar gem, how drinking in Baltimore has changed, and, of course, their love for the green liqueur that is Chartreuse.

We visit Union Craft Brewing in Woodberry to discuss Baltimore's growing craft beer scene, taprooms as community hubs, their latest releases and events, and which beer made some dude pass out in the parking lot.

With Lyon Distilling co-founder Jaime Windon and bartender Aaron Joseph, we talk about the history and merits of rum, the resurgence of tiki culture, the rise of Maryland distilleries, the upcoming Southside Stakes event, and we made two rum cocktails to top it all off.

Lane Harlan, Dre Barnhill, and Adam Marans from Clavel discuss the ins and outs of mezcal, getting tattoos in Mexico, and what they have on deck for Cinco de Mayo. Plus, we sample a mezcal flight and new spring cocktails.

Flying Dog Brewery is celebrating its 25th anniversary, so CEO Jim Caruso and director of PR Erin Weston discuss the brewery's humble roots, Ralph Steadman's bold art, how it's grown since moving to Maryland, and fun plans for Orioles opening day and a stellar summer concert series lineup. Plus we try brand new spring releases!

Bartenders Brendan Dorr, Doug Atwell, and Ryan Sparks discuss the Baltimore service indsutry, rye whiskey history, their favorite shot-and-beer pairings, the annual Ryes Up event, and make a Southside cocktail to top it all off.