Key In The Lake

An East Meets West conversation, translated through our love of whiskey. Ken Matsuyama proprietor of famed Tokyo whiskey bar Ken's Bar and Kojin Tashiro of Mugen Spirit share their love of spreading bourbon across the world. Kojin explains how his unique background of immigrating from Japan to America's Bourbon Capital has created his opportunity to bridge bourbon in America and Japan. Ken stands on the other side of said bridge by visiting America, developing a great friendship with Kojin and bringing his bourbon experiences back to Japan. Guest: Ken Matsuyama and Kojin TashiroHost: Jake Hukee and John ChesneyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Kevin, the founder of The Beautiful and The Damned, shares his adventurous decision to start a whiskey brand in 2023. He patiently approached building an American whiskey brand with quality of construction with sourced whiskey from MGP and steadily expanding in various markets across the country. We also discuss the economics of whiskey and the confidence and the intelligence it takes to construct a brand in the current climate of the industry.Guest: KevinHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

After six years between appearances, Jared Savocchi is back. We visit his Logan Square tavern, The Native to converse on a myriad of subjects surrounding bar culture. We hit on running/operating a neighborhood establishment post covid, creating trust with employees, adapting to drinking trends and how relationships are everything in this industry.Guests: Jared Savocchi, Chris Blatner, Matt Brown & Eric RosentreterHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

To celebrate International Whisky Day, we go to a New York with a live studio audience at Martiny's for the launch of the collaboration between Starward X Lagavulin. Last March, I recorded a conversation with Starward founder David Vitale, Diego Master Blender Stuart Morrison and Whiskey Expert Noah Rothbaum. The three share the story of how this unprecedented collaboration developed over years of exploration to make a very special whisky.Guests: Noah Rothbaum, David Vitale & Stuart MorrisonListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Angela is the director of all things sales and representing her hometown distillery of KOVAL. She entered the industry three years ago, but she holds herself as an industry vet with great charm, personality and a real sense of hospitality. Her background in the theater built a foundation of approaching whiskey as an art, which has allowed her authentic passion for whiskey to shine.Guest: Angela SalinasHost: Jake Hukee & Hannah ThomasListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Monica Casillas-Rios runs the bar program at the Michelin Star restaurant Elske. In 2023, she was awarded her own Star by winning the Michelin Guide Chicago, Exceptional Cocktail Award Winner. At her six-seat bar she strives to foster a home-like atmosphere for her guests. She'll chit-chat about your personal life, guide you through the menu and find the best cocktail/other beverage to pair with your evening.Guest: Monica Casillas-RiosHost: Jake Hukee & Hannah ThomasListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Hannah and I are launching a series of episodes highlighting women in the whiskey industry. We kick off this series by Hannah briefly sharing her experience of working for local and international distilleries in various markets; and introducing our future guests' diverse backgrounds in spirits and whiskey.Guest: Hannah ThomasHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Last week, we hosted a charity bottle raffle to donate money to Another Round Another Rally for their aid to the LA bars/restaurants affected by the LA fires. Brands from around the world donated bottles to be raffled at our live event with 50 guests at Slightly Toasted in Chicago. We interviewed master distillers, brand reps, retailers and whiskey clubs who donated products to raise more than $3,000.Guests: Hannah Thomas, Steve Malloy, Zalman Goldbloom, Eric Rosentreter, Kimio Yonezawa and Brett BauerHosts: Jake Hukee, Chris Blatner and Matthew BrownListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Neil Macleod Mathieson is the whisky maker for Torabhaig Distillery and Mossurn Distillers & Blenders. He has 40 years of experience in the spirits industry. Neil began his career by writing to Champagne houses, in a gentlemanly way, to become a blender. A couple of houses accepted him onto their estates and from there whisky was the next step. Blending and distilling of spirits has been Neil's only job. On this episode, he breaks down the process of collecting barrels for blending Mossburn's projects, along with the purpose of bringing together the elements of space, culture and tradition to create Torabhaig.Guests: Neil Macleod MathiesonHost: Jake Hukee & Brett BauerListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

John Chesney of Slightly Toasted and Matthew Brown of La Crosse Distilling are back. John shares how his bar's recent Pappy Van Winkle event revealed that the one percent of American whiskey drinkers are jaded by our overabundant amount of great American offerings. We also discuss how bars and retailers are surviving during the slow months of January and February; and how marketing departments of distilleries are in their “Bell-Bottom” phase.Guests: Matthew Brown, John Chesney and Eric RosentreterHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Matthew Brown is back with a new game called Hot, Not, Thought. The game turned into an expertise for us to discuss new brands and marques coming soon to the market. We gage our levels of anticipation and excitement for these new whiskeys, and discuss how they'll adjust into the current climate of this fading whiskey industry.Guest: Matt BrownHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

For the last six months I've worked for The Macallan. My previous employer was Starward Distillery from Melbourne, AU. I worked for the Aussie outfit for over five years, and on this episode I talk about the pros of working for one of the biggest single malt distilleries in the world versus a smaller single malt distillery.Host: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

John Chesney of Slightly Toasted helps preview this new year of whiskey. We run over the qualifications to be classified as a top whiskey bar; how we curate our home bars and handle our coveted bottles. We also discuss the new classification of American Single Malt; how brands overledergaed themselves by purchasing excess whiskey barrels and the impact of the healthy supply chain of American whiskey.Guest: John ChesneyHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Matt Brown and I wrap-up the year. Was 2024 the judgement year for the whiskey industry that we anticipated it to be? Who survived? Who consolidated? Who expanded, and why do we have over 3,000 distilleries in America? We also slightly rip Whisky Advocate's Best Bars List, especially, the Chicago section of the article. So, we build our own list.Guest: Matt BrownHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

American Single Malt Whiskey is a real, big-boy category defined by the TTB. For the first time in 52 years the U.S. Government is adding a new Type of whiskey, and beloved distiller, whiskey-maker and brother Nick Brady Maas of Dancing Goat Distillery is here to weigh the pros and cons.Guest: Nick Brady MaasHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Director of Beverage for Bourbon Belly Hospitality, Garrett Turnquist returns. Garrett talks about starting his great podcast Sipping Social and shares great insight to running a bar program. We chat about how their group's five bars are making money on whiskey, while sales in the off-premise are down. We also chat about brands losing their footing after the people that built the brand leave, how to sell what's on your back bar, and consumers are staying with familiar whiskeys other than exploring new ones.Guest: Garrett TurnquistHost: Jake Hukee & Eric RosentreterListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Bruce Perry, Global Head of Brand Advocacy of Mossburn Distillers is back. Bruce's decades of experience in the whisky industry is an expiring career, and he explains how his connections from across the world helped build Mossburn's 12 Year Old whisky finished in Foursquare Rum casks.Guests: Bruce Perry & Brett BauerHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Hannah Thomas joins the show to share her road of representing whiskey brands in Denver to New York and now in Chicago. Hannah was one of the first US employees for Stauning, and she's done an incredible job building this stylish Danish Whisky in the States. Listen to her and Stauning's story here.Guest: Hannah ThomasHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Steve Malloy of Malloy's Finest and Eric Rosentreter of Old Elk are back to discuss the financial side of whiskey and to drink some American spirits. While sipping on Virginia Distilling Co.'s collaboration with Goose Island and Old Grand Dad 16, we discuss how legacy brands are releasing more LTO's and earlier than usual; and is building a brand on LTO's a viable option. We also hit on the small batch blenders and their importance, retailers coming to realization that they're not the whiskey account that thought they were, and the current glut of whiskey that producers are in.Guests: Steve Malloy & Eric RosentreterHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

I sit down solo on this one to chat about my recent move to The Macallan, and my last act at Starward with a collaboration project with Pinhook Bourbon.Host: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Live from Slightly Toasted, John Chesney, Matthew Brown and Eric Rosentreter join the show. We dive into who are the whiskey illuminati and why they stole our idea of brands releasing city-wide single barrel picks. We also talk a little soccer, the game plan for small distilleries to build a whiskey brand, Slightly Toasted's upcoming events, and my new scotch gig.Guests: Matthew Brown, John Chesney and Eric RosentreterHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

We examine the positive outlook of the whiskey industry on this episode. Chris Blatner, Matthew Brown, John Chesney and Eric Rosentreter all bring their individual, professional perspectives of what's new and what's next in whiskey. Guests: Chris Blatner, Matthew Brown, John Chesney and Eric Rosentreter Host: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake

Matthew Brown returns. He no longer works in the whiskey industry, however, he's looking for a way back in, and what better way than to re-proclaim his love for whiskey here! We chat about entrepreneurs and their relationship to the spirit's industry; the hierarchy of alcohol distributor; the Premier League, and the most notorious bands with numbers in their names.Guest: Matt BrownHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Bruce Perry, Global Head of Brand Advocacy of Mossburn Distillers joins the show. Bruce's decades of experience in the whisky industry is an expiring career. He's investing in brands, like Torabhaig, that walk down the road laid by the whisky/spirits legends. He shares the infancy of this Isle of Skye Scotch, the plan of their elegant releases, and the journey they're on to capture Skye in a bottle of 10 and 12-year-old Scotch.Guests: Bruce PerryHost: Jake Hukee & Brett Bauer Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Wilson Torres, Whistle Pig, and Eric Rosentreter, Old Elk, are back to finish off our discussion of who pulls the strings to the modern whiskey industry, and how brands of all sizes dangle and move with each squeeze of the finger of the puppeteers.Guests: Eric Rosentreter & Wilson TorresHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Wilson Torres, Whistle Pig, and Eric Rosentreter, Old Elk, join me to breakdown my current dilemma of: The corporate structure, perhaps, the corporate stranglehold on the whiskey industry is killing the soul of the spirit distilled from grain. Noncreative charlatans are the current gatekeepers, while the artists, the teachers, the culture-keepers are sidelined by capitalistic greed. The boys have their own thoughts and guide me through this predicament.Guests: Eric Rosentreter & Wilson TorresHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

On Saturday, May 18, we were live at Slightly Toasted recording our annual World Whisky Day event. in Part 2, we spoke with The Lakes' new US representative Marcus Reidy, Still Austin's IL Manager Eric Mersch, and Director of Bourbon Operations Tyrus Yamagiwa of Jeppsons Bourbon. Guests: Marcus Reidy, Eric Mersch & Tyrus YamagiwaHost: Jake Hukee, Matt Brown, & John ChesneyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

On Saturday, May 18, we were live at Slightly Toasted recording our annual World Whisky Day event. in Part 1, we spoke with Brett Bauer of Marussia Beverages about Hatozaki Japanese Whisky. Then Hannah Thomas and Ali Reynolds of Stauning Whisky dropped by to educate us on this great Danish whisky, and to wrap up, Kelli Nakagama, President of Women Who Whiskey Chicago, shares the first ever Jack Daniels Barrel Proof Rye Single Barrel to market.Guests: Brett Bauer, Ali Reynolds, Hannah Thomas & Kelli Nakagama Host: Jake Hukee, Matt Brown, & John ChesneyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Pinhook founder Sean Josephs joins at The Stockroom (GNS Market) in Uptown, Chicago to select a 9-Year Single Barrel. Sean explains the backstory of his vertical-single barrel series with the distillery and how he implements his sommelier background into crafting whiskey. Sean, Chris Blatner, Z from The Stockroom and I sip through three different barrel samples to find the best fit for the Northside retailer. Wait for the end when Sean drops some big news on their annual Big Horse release. Guests: Sean Josephs, Chris Blatner & Zalman GoldbloomHost: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Chris Blatner & Eric Rosentreter pop back on for a 360 conversation on the whiskey industry. We discuss the decline of whiskey sales in this young year, the rise of layoffs, and where the category of the luxury products is heading. We also chat about the Beam's continued method of innovation with excellent products, and large brands like Four Roses remaining firm on what they do best versus “trend chasing.”Guests: Chris Blatner,& Eric RosentreterHost: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Live from Delilah's in Chicago, I am joined by Brett Bauer, Chris Blatner, Alex Brick, Eric Rosentreter and Wilson Torres. I leave the show about 24 mins into the episode, and let the inmates run the asylum. We chat about what whiskey means to us, we all share our origin stories into the industry and the rising momentum of international whiskies growing across the world. Guests: Brett Bauer, Chris Blatner, Alex Brick, Eric Rosentreter & Wilson TorresHost: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Cameron George, Ardbeg National Brand Ambassador , joins me for an enlightening and inspiring conversation on life and whisky. We explore the wanderous perks and loneliness of working on the road. Cameron shares how the beauty of Scotland was ingrained in him as a child and built a foundation for his pursuit of scotch and whisky as an adult. We also chat about how the nature of whisky is parallel with the growth and nature of a human beings life.Guest: Cameron GeorgeHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com

Zak Rye and Eric Rosentreter join me upstairs at Warehouse liquors in downtown Chicago. We discuss how bars are missing the mark on providing innovative experiences, and why the secondary market place driving up retails prices across the country.Guests: Zak Rye & Eric RosentreterHost: Jake HukeeShop at Warehouse Liquors hereListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com

Brett Bauer and Steve Malloy join the show. We talk through the emergence of celebrity-backed spirits and the lack of integrity involved with such brands. We also forecast the trends of '24; will premium priced bottles continue to sell? And, while sipping on single barrels, we build a Key In The LaKe whiskey portfolio. Guests: Brett Bauer & Steve MalloyHost: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Chris Blatner, The UrbanBourbonist and Executive Director of Bourbon Charity, joins me for a conversation on the current climate of single barrels and LTO's. We discuss how the market will respond to these higher-lined items in 2024, and the brands were looking forward to seeing innovations from this year.Guest: Chris BlatnerHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

A one of a kind single barrel from Starward Whisky Is discussed. I'm an ambassador of Starward, and I sit down with friend and colleague Steve Malloy of Malloy's Finest to chat about his Starward single malt single barrel aged in a Tawny cask for five years. Deal with this moment of self-indulgence.Host: Jake Hukee Steve MalloyListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Guest: Alex BrickHosts: Jake Hukee & Matt BrownListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

We finally got the whiskey power couple. The Rosentreters, Eric and Susan, joined us at Delilah's to chat about a variety of topics. They reminisce about working and meeting at Delilah's, and how working at such a coveted whiskey bar developed their skillsets of educating and developing brands. Susan shares her 20 years of working in a male-dominated industry, and how she's earned the respect of buyers, consumers with her passion and commitment to whiskey. And we get into Old Elk's Wheat Whiskey single barrel available at Slightly Toasted.Guests: Susan Rosentreter & Eric RosentreterHosts: Jake Hukee & Matt BrownListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Live from Malloy's Finest, proprietor Steve Malloy shares his Rare Character Amburana Rye single barrel. Steve shares how he forged a relationship with RC to purchase the first Illinois single barrel from the company. Also, listen to the very, very end, you might be surprised.Guests: Steve Malloy & Eric RosentreterHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

John Chesney of Slightly Toasted shares their latest single barrel from Old Forester. John is always looking for the best whiskey he can find for their extensive single barrel program. As an operator of the on-premise, he and his business partners tussle with the idea of adding their single barrels to cocktails or serving them neat, but damn, this Old Forester can be enjoyed any way you desire. It's high in proof, yet light in oak, and rich in flavor. Go buy it now.Guest: John ChesneyHosts: Jake Hukee & Matt BrownVISIT SLIGHTLY TOASTED HEREListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Our beloved brothers from Wiscy City, USA lead us off on the 12 Days of Barrel Picks this year. Matt Brown explains their single barrel approach and highlights a delicious, unique pick from Malloy's Finest in Chicagoland. Guests: Matt Brown & John ChesneyHosts: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Alex recently became an ambassador for Teeling Whiskey. He shares a brief history of the acclaimed Irish distillery and how it relates to the history of whiskey produced in Ireland. Alex also explains how the roots of the distillery were involved in the revival of Teeling, and how they're integrating an innovative approach to making modern Irish whiskey for their core collection and single barrel program.Guest: Alex BrickHosts: Jake Hukee & Matt BrownListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

John is the GM and Operator of Slightly Hospitality.. Slightly Toasted is one the best modern whiskey bars in Chicago. John shares his perspective of building/running bars and restaurants during the height of the whiskey and revived cocktail booms. He discusses his method of working with distributors to build a prestige back bar, handling relationships with spirits reps., and being a guide—from behind the bar—to guide whiskey drinkers on their journey through the current and next generation of whiskey.Guest: John ChesneyHosts: Jake Hukee & Matt BrownListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Steve Malloy of Malloy's Finest and Eric Rosentreter of Old Elk join me for an industry check-in. We debate consumer fatigue of spending money on limited whiskey releases and single barrels vs. the overall fatigue of spending money for expensive items. We also chat about what “makes” a speakeasy. And, AND, we reveal Steve's lead on purchasing a goddam BOOKER'S single barrel. Guests: Steve Malloy & Eric RosentreterHost: Jake HukeeListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

J. Henry & Sons is a beloved brand on this podcast. We've had our dear friend Joe Henry, cofounder and son of the family-owned distillery, on multiple times, but, now, we get to hear from the matriarch. Cofounder Liz Henry (Joe's mom) comes on live at Wisconsin Whiskey Fest. She shares how the distillery changed her life and her family, her experience working with Nancy Fraley, and how proud she is to represent her home, Wisconsin, inside of a whiskey bottle. And The Crystal King of Chicago Marty Duffy joins us.Guest: Liz Henry & Marty DuffyHost: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Susan Rosentreter of Samson & Surrey joins me live from the Wisconsin Whiskey Fest. We go over her 20 years in the industry, including her time running one of the greatest whiskey bars in Chicago, Fountainhead. We also chat about pride of developing/working with small whiskey brands and how they're stacking up against big brands. And of course, we discuss the future of single barrels in America. Host: Jake Hukee Guest: Susan RosentreterListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

We head back to see our friends in Wiscy City, USA. Nick Maas and his band of brothers, who operate Dancing Goat, share the updates of their distillery, including the expansion of their Presents Series. We also discuss the legacy of the DG, acquiring and leveraging distilleries, and brand building by “owning your backyard.” Towards the end, we forecast the future of small distilleries. We speculate on how they an maneuver through a crowded market and learning innovative opportunities to survive.Guests: Nick Maas, Sean Dotson, Beau Bunce, Mark Fitlin, and Shane CaulderHosts: Jake Hukee & Wilson TorresListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Assistant Distiller Ted Wolfe and Sales Director Brett Bauer are on the show, and they're not here to just talk whiskey. Sagamore is launching a new Amaro. Ted explains the intricate process of developing the herbal liqueur, and Brett shares the market execution of launching the Amaro in a Black Manhattan campaign across the US. Ted also shares his experience of studying astrophysics to developing sustainable farming in Paraguay with the Peace Corps, then a decade working in storm water restoration, and finally, ending up in the distillery at Sagamore.Guests: Ted Wolfe & Brett BauerHosts: Jake Hukee Sagamore SpiritListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Chris Blatner, Steve Malloy, Eric Rosentreter and Wilson Torres join me for a roundtable discussion on a variety of topics. We primarily focus on the single barrel scene for small distilleries, and the overall growth of small distilleries. We discuss the approach of these distilleries discovering their identity while developing, in the moment, and following nontraditional routes to customers.Guests: Chris Blatner, Steve Malloy, Eric Rosentreter & Wilson TorresHosts: Jake Hukee, Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

Chris Blatner and Wilson Torres are back to reimagine the current state of Bourbon…and to drink a lot of Bourbon. We chat about the abundance of distillery collaborations with breweries, vineyards and even with other distilleries, and the longterm impact these collaborations will have on whiskey. We also discuss the recent purchases of small distilleries by larger spirits portfolios; revisioning the laws/guidelines of Bourbon; and Kentucky Bourbon Festival.Hosts: Jake Hukee, Chris Blatner & Wilson TorresListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.comKey In The Lake

My boss and Starward Whisky Founder David Vitale is back. Dave is moving back to Australia after building Starward in America during the past five years. We talk about the successful strategies of launching our whisky in The States, along with the struggles of building a relatively unknown brand, and the our future projections of our whisky—whisk(e)y, in general—in America.Guest: Dave VitaleHosts: Jake HukeeVisit STARWARD WHISKY hereListen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com