Make Mine Neat

Canadian whiskies always seem to get overlooked, but not today as we welcome the world’s foremost expert on the category, Davin de Kergommeaux as we explore the reasons, rationale, and exceptionalism that built a global empire one glass at a time.

Bill Owens, famous photographer, brewer, and the singularly loudest voice of the craft distilling movement. Listen in as Flavien and Ethan pick his brain to uncover a million reasons why you should never open a distillery and the passionate reasons why you should.

Flavien and Ethan open the door to the dark side of spirits when they discuss some of the more exotic and lesser known spirits they have had the privilege and sometimes horror of tasting.

Agave ain’t easy, but thankfully we have the master of all things Jalisco, David Suro, world renowned Agave distillate expert of Siembra Azul and owner of Philadelphia’s own, Tequila’s Restaurant to sort it out for us.

There is a strong and growing population that is more mindful of their alcohol intake than ever before. Founders of non-alcoholic Bourbon company, Spiritless, Lauren Chitwood and Lexie Lancaster Larsen join for a flavorful conversation about how their brand is revolutionizing the low to no ABV cocktail.

Brandy is on the move and it’s being made, enjoyed, and growing up right here in the good ole U.S. of A. Brandy empresario, Dan Farber joins to touch on the finer points of fruit distillation, what we can learn from the French and the years of tradition, and what changes we can expect on the innovation front.

Understanding flavors is not as straightforward as it seems. Reverend Dr. R. M. Peluso, author of Deep Tasting, the world’s foremost expert on pairing whiskies and chocolates discusses the finer points of profiles, experiencing, and growing into a new level of tasting maturity. This is not your everyday trip to the chocolate shop.

From Cognac to the Caribbean, Alexandre Gabriel of Maison Ferrand joins us as we discuss the rum world and learn more about the highly anticipated expansion of the West Indies Rum Distillery. We find out what consumers can expect from the sipping rums of various nations and why these varied and rich cultures are so important to the cocktail community.

Prolific author and whiskey expert Aaron Goldfarb breaks down all the new and weird things people are doing with their drinks, some much better than others. Listen in as he discusses the life of a novelist, a transformation to whiskey expert, and why he may be just the best damned guide out there for a night of spirited adventures.

Owner and overseer of some of the greatest stocks of Armagnac in Gascony Marc Darroze answers all questions on the silent but impressive growth of this Brandy category, how the spirit is shaped by the people of Gascony, and what the world can expect more of in the not so distant future.

Founder of arguably the greatest damn whisky club out there, Drammers, Charlie Prince will discuss the challenges and successes of creating a first in class tasting experience both virtually and in person, around the globe. Learn why the future path of whiskey will be led by these private clubs. Tasting exclusive whisky is more than bottles, it's the people who love it.

Acclaimed author and editor of Wine Enthusiast, Kara Newman, chimes in on the state of affairs in the spirits world and what it means for the consumer. The debate rages on about the best and worst fads along with the newest trends going forward.

Bourbon Connoisseur and acclaimed Spirits Journalist, Sean Evans, leads us down the dark and windy rabbit hole of collecting Bourbons. What to look for, what to avoid, and how to navigate the shadows in the secondary market.

The shelves at the liquor stores are overflowing these days with gin selections. Everyone and their mother has jumped in on the action making gin more popular than ever. Is it bound for world domination and what magic is in the juice that makes it so appealing to craft producers and large conglomerates alike?

Doctor Ivan Saldana of Casa Lumbre Spirits and co-creator of Abasolo Mexican Whisky joins for an in-depth discussion of how some distillers are using Ancestral grains in whisky production and how they can be used in new spirits going forward. This conversation is any sustainability and innovation nerd’s dream!

The Matron of Mash, Peggy Noe Stevens, brings her new book, What Fork Do I Use With My Bourbon, to the conversation. How do you properly host a whiskey tasting and pair your favorite bourbons? Peggy shares her secrets to home entertaining hacks all with grace and genuine Kentucky hospitality.

Uncover the secret world of Terroir while we discuss nature's impact on spirits production and how it leaves its fingerprint on the final product. Or not...

Growing old gracefully means leaving the fiery, youthful notes of the past behind and entering the realm of balance and harmony. A lasting legacy and rich character can only be achieved by the perfect combination of high quality wood, cellar master expertise, and time!

Famed mixologist, author, and educator Tad Carducci joins for zesty conversation as we unpack the details and complexities of Amaro. Old world concoctions like aromatized wines, vermouths, and bitters are making a huge comeback. How are these flavors so important to drinking well and what makes them a must have for any professional or armchair barkeep?

Oak maturation for quality spirits is of the utmost importance, and therefore requires a sequel! There is so much to learn in this episode that you’ll feel like becoming a cooper yourself!

Size does matter...when it comes to casks, but so do a lot of other factors. We are taking a deep dive into Oak, nature’s secret weapon to developing the taste of exceptional spirits. If you don’t respect wood now, you will after this one!

There’s an art to getting more than what you pay for. Top Bourbon expert and creator of Bourbonblog.com Tom Fischer, joins us to help explain the rationale and practice of price increases and what truly makes a bottle of whiskey a good value.

Some of the strongest flavors and aromas are the most captivating. Know the difference in your favorite assertive notes and why they define the character of Scottish malts. Iodine or band aid anyone?

Sherry bombs are all the rage and with them comes an explosive price tag. Join us as we explore the history of Sherry Butts in single malt production and learn what all the fuss is about.

The land of the Rising Sun took our glasses by storm and now we can’t get enough of it. How did Japan revolutionize the whisky market and why do we love them for it? Kampai!

Warning: Do you really want to know everything about your favorite dram? This is an exploration into understanding sourced whiskies and why this practice is pivotal to innovation, financial sustainability, and in some cases, controversial.