Raise a Glass

On Monday, September 14th I was treated to some exemplary hospitality by Al Laws and several members of his team, including Joelle Coons, regional sales manager and Steve Kurowski, marketing director.   We discussed some of the exciting developments taking place at the facility, intriguing releases, and some fun experimental projects. Laws Whiskey House is truly world class whiskey...do your palate a favor and seek out of of their beautiful whiskies to sip and savor with fine company. https://lawswhiskeyhouse.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

On Episode 18 of Raise a Glass I sit down with Graeme Wallace, a native of Scotland who has written about whisky for 20 years and currently owns Hogback Distillery in Boulder, Colorado. Graeme intends to create the best single malt whiskey in the U.S. by uniting "Scottish and American traditions in harmony." While his single malts mature peacefully in oak casks, he has been developing his skills as a blender by sourcing various American Bourbons and Ryes and blending and maturing them in a range of unique wood finishes. In one week his first single malt release will be out in local retail stores who covet craft distillates so keep an eye out! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

Its always a pleasure to chat with Henry Preiss, a gentleman with 46 years in the wine and spirits industry whose passion is second to none. In this episode we chat about his diverse experiences over the years, observations on cocktail trends and conversation regarding some of the unique, independent products he proudly represents such as Shortcross Gin, Silkie Irish Whiskey, Jumping Goat Cold Brew Coffee Liqueurs, D'Aristi Xtabentun, Kalani Coconut Liqueur, Huana Guanabana Liqueur, etc. For more information on his vast portfolio be sure to explore www.preissimports.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

In this episode I welcome back Guillame Lamy of Maison Ferrand to explore the history of Cognac, Maison Ferrand's approach to the time honoured craft, and a brief discussion on the magnificent Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao.  My apologies for my horrific French pronunciation. :) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

I sit down with the lovely, inspiring Rachel MacNeill to chat about one of my favourite topics in the universe: Islay whisky. Rachel shares stories from her time growing up on Islay, her impressions of numerous Scotch whiskies, and exciting information on an upcoming online whisky course she is launching soon that focuses not only on whisky but on Gaelic/Celtic consciousness. I have always revered whisky as a magical, transformative sacrament that unites likeminded beings and Rachel is most definitely a kindred spirit. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

It was my genuine pleasure to chat with Read Spear, founder of Cuentacuentos Mezcal. Cuentacuentos curates small batch traditional mezcals from artisanal and ancestral producers throughout the state of Oaxaca. We chatted about the various mezcaleros who produce the mezcals for Cuentacuentos, some of Read's favorite spots in Oaxaca, an exciting new project recently launched by Cuentacuentos and the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of mezcal. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

Dan shares valuable insights into the world of the Scotch Whisky Ambassador, the vital relevance of the on premise channel for culture and connectivity of its citizenry, and his usual mastery of Scotch whisky and all things Glenmorangie and Ardbeg. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

I sit down with Tony to explore the category of natural wines, and taste through a unique assortment of the spectrum that is natural wine. We taste De Stefani Processco, Broc Cellars White Zinfandel, Di Giovanna Camurria, Volvoreta Tinta de Toro and Santa Duc Côtes du Rhône. We wrap up our sensory journey with samplings of Talisker Distiller's Edition, La Cigarerra Manzanilla, and Leipziger Gose. Not a bad way to close a Sunday evening. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

On this episode I chat with Peter Nevenglosky about Avuá, his magnificent line of artisanal cachaca,  Avuá's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, the diversity of Brazilian wood in cachaca maturation, cachaca cocktail applications, Brazilian culture, Svol Aquavit, Tiki by the Sea, investment opportunities with Drifter Spirits and an exciting limited release coming from Avuá. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

I am fortunate to sit down with Guillame Lamy of Maison Ferrand to discuss the creation of Citadelle Gin, its unique maturation program, Citadelle Gin cocktails and culinary pursuits, Plantation Rum, the topic of dosage, the recent purchase of the West Indies Rum Distillery, the wizardry of Alexandre Gabriel and the unique work culture of Maison Ferrand.   In a follow up episode we will discuss Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao as well as the exceptional Ferrand Cognac which is produced on the Ferrand Estate in the heart of Grand Champagne, the most coveted appellation in Cognac. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

Dylan Sloan, co-founder of Mezcal Vago, joins me for a conversation about Vago, the types of agave in their lineup, Dios De Los Muertos, Pechuga, Mezcal cocktails, the rich indigenous culture in Oaxaca and Chiapas, the stellar food in Oaxaca City, Aquilino Garcia's talented family members taking over mezcal production at his palenque and Vago’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and transparency. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

In this episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Allison about what inspired her to launch Fruitations and some of the valleys and peaks she's encountered along the way. She also shares fond memories of interactions with fellow flavor lovers throughout her travels and her relentless optimism in the face of adversity. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

I am delighted to sit down with Asis Cortes, world renowed mezcal expert, phenomenal artist/graphic designer and 6th generation member of the highly esteemed Cortes family who represent more than 20 communities and families creating truly compelling, magnificent mezcals. Join us we chat about mezcal, chocolate, pulque, aquamiel, and his experiences growing up in Oaxaca in a family of mezcaleros. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

Carey Shanks, co-owner of Marble Distilling, discusses he and his wife Connie's mission to create world class distillates with a 100% focus on sustainability. We discuss their zero-waste facility and delicious distillates in addition to Carey's travels and experiences prior to Marble Distillery's inception, including his 7 years living among the Hopi as well as his travels through SE Asia. I am looking forward to having Connie Baker, head distiller and Carey's better half, join me on a follow up episode in the very near future! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

Join us for a conversation about Trakal, a remarkable spirit created in Patagonia with apples, pears, 7 native herbs and 4 native berries. Seb and Ben discuss the development of this unique distillate, the inspiration behind it, as well as insights into the surrounding landscape and cultural heritage. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

Warren Bobrow joins me for conversation regarding cannabis cocktails, Lola's, Pal's, Pickett Brothers Ginger Syrup, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Rhum Agricole, Chartreuse, Klaus Apothicaire etc. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

Travis Tucker joins me for a conversation regarding Ketel One vodka, coffee, natural wine, Oaxaca, mezcal, St George Spirits, Mr. Black. etc. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

A brief exploration of beverage encounters over the course of my life that have contributed to the launch of Raise a Glass --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support

A brief summary of my brand-new podcast which will continue my long-standing mission to bring artisinal beverages to the people. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/robert-sickler/support