Top Shelf Discussions

On TOp Shelf Discussions today we are joined by Heidi Scheid from Scheid Family Wines. We discuss her working at the namesake winery for many years and she is just now launching a cutting edge style of wines and first to market with Sunny with a Chance of Flowers. These delicious wines check alot boxes new wine consumers are looking for. 85 Calories, Zero Sugar, 9% Alc, Sustainably Grown and Gluten Free. That is a mouthful. Heidi explains it all to us and we are excited to have such a cutting edge brand and person come on the show. Jimmy gets mixed up talking about stupid traditions and we talk about FB and how August needs to “ego-less FB Month” Enjoy folks. Special Guest: Heidi Scheid.

On Top Shelf DIscussions we bring back Russ Kempton owner of Speaking of Grape and Grains and he takes us through Understanding Tequila with Sueno de Atzo Reposado and Milagro Barrel Reserve. We hit on Men’s health during the pandemic. Jimmy goes off on Sleepwalkers and we touch back on songs and lyrics and talk about the big 1982 hit 867-5309 Jenny and make a couple of phone calls. We end this with a brief discussion about the beatdown of F-ing WIndchimes and their uselessness. Enjoy! Special Guest: Russ Kempton.

On Top Shelf Discussions we take down Bacardi Gold and talk about National Mojito Day and the proper way to make a great one. Jimmy goes deep into what is overrated to do as a family and a couple, think picnics. Keith talks about the top 10 Dog breeds and names for dogs. Bailey and Bella are top names? Jimmy hits the mail bag and we find out what is bothering him today. We end the show talking about bars and how people are letting their guard down right now. And of course we are still Sponsor-less. C’mon people help our show out!!

On today’s episode we talk about many things that are very timely. We take from The Top Shelf Tahwahkaro Whiskey (say what). A 100 % Grain to Glass Bourbon, not sourced, but actually made in Texas in Grapevine by some wonderful people. This whiskey is delicious. We Talk a little bit about Father’s Day, Art and its appreciation. We hit on the power trips of some HOA’s and the need for all of us to talk up Badminton again. A lost sport of shuttlecocks and fun. We end the show discussion Rejection in the industry. This is a must-listen episode.

On Top Shelf Discussions today we take down from the Top Shelf a wonderful RTD The Bloody Buddy - Bloody Mary. Damn that is good stuff. Great people behind the product and it tastes great. We tell their story and other interesting things. We talk about Zoo’s and are they really so cool. We hit on Dentists and if you really like to go to them. We hit on no fan Sports and talk about Ego’s and how you might not like someone before you even meet them. We end the show discussing Brokers for spirits/wines in 2020.

We take 14 Hand Hot to Trot Red Blend today down from the Top Shelf. We talk about folks that burn tires and what type of person does that. We hit on Mysophobia and whether it is a good time for them. Fender benders are touched on and the $45K red ant challenge (not good). We finally discuss some hot brands and categories still doing well during this time and the ultimate Hangover cure.

Off the Top Shelf today we discuss Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila and it is in your face lit. We also talk about lyrics no one understands and have some fun with that. Discuss Bumble a bit with Jimmy. We get into a talk about new products and how to get them to market.

On Top Shelf Discussions today we are doing a remote to Jim’s house and the main office.We talk a lot about Skrewball and how it is doing along with Kirkland and Trader Joe’s branded wines and their value and taste. Memorial Day is discussed and how people went nuts and had mass gatherings. We also discuss The Match with Tiger and Phil for Covid relief. We touch on the ESPN Documentary The Last Dance and i trip uo Jimmy with the word of the day and finish talking about the Future of Restaurants.

On Top Shelf Discussions today we bring out some Justin Winery Cab Sauv 2017 from the hot region of Paso Robles. What a great cab for the price. We talk with service industry waiter Paul Peterson and some of the things that have happened to him over the last two months and the re-opening of Dee Lincoln’s Prime Steakhouse and what that looks like now. We get into the Dallas Cowboys which is always fun and we discuss Jimmy possibly being a Wellness Coach? We end it with a discussion about Las Vegas and how MGM could be opening 3 properties. soon. Special Guest: Paul Peterson.

Today we mix it up literally with a stay at home cocktail using REAL Blackberry syrup making Margarita’s. We talk with industry veteran Vicki Hartnett from American Beverage Marketers. She is the SW Regional Manager and she has some great stories to tell and explains all about her great lineup of Non Alcoholic goods and how the business is doing. We are still Social DIstancing and Jimmy gets into a discussion of Rodeo Clowns and the hiring process. We talk Drones and if they are a good thing or a bad thing. And we end it with a discussion on how folks in the industry should reach out to a few folks maybe they haven’t talked to in the last two months and to stay positive. Special Guest: Vicki Hartnett.

Today Jim and I discuss many things. We take Whispering Angel down from the Top Shelf and talk about this great Provence Rose. We discuss stupid National Calendar days, The American Distilling Institute updated info. We talk some sports that are happening without fans and end it with discussing General Sales Meetings and how that will evolve.

We take down Templeton Rye from the Top Shelf today and explain that brand on the show. We talk about the alcohol business in the off premise channel and how price, size mix and sales have changed to new normals. We talk about the NFL draft as if it was some big deal to watch. We have back on the show Pam Dzierzanowski aka Pam D from California. She is President of Re Event Designs and she has some incredible ideas on virtual tastings and events. Such a positive person and we end the show with what i call some mild rants by Jimmy. Enjoy! Special Guest: Pam Dzierzanowski.

Top Shelf Discussions today is still digital distancing as Jimmy is still calling in. We hope for better sound quality. We take Gentleman Jack down from the top shelf and discuss the mellower side of Jack. We talk to longtime restauranter Joe Covino owner of Covino’s Pasta and Pizza in NTX as he tells us how he and his place is doing during the Corona virus. Very uplifting story. We hit on Hand Sanitizers being made by distilleries and how business will be once this crisis ends. Jimmy rants on the reality of vanity and getting haircuts. Special Guest: Joe Covino.

Today’s Podcast is really different from the others as i am at the home office and i have Jim doing it via phone call. We do a deep dive into the effects the Corona virus is having on the industry and how it is affecting everything right now. There is some good news out there that we share and we discuss the great things suppliers and distributors are doing as they step up to help beleaguered bartenders and restaurant staff. Heroic stuff. I talk about Margs for Life program in Texas and Jimmy hammers on some Skrewball whiskey.

Today’s show is a more (sober) and serious discussion on the impact of COVID-19 in the bev alcohol industry as it stands right now in Late March 2020. We talk to industry veterans hitting and impacting retail, Hospitality and the Wine business. We have key people discussing these areas as we have Orlando Spencer - Marketing and Purchasing Director for the Texas Chain Pinkie’s Liquor on the show to discuss impact at the retail level. We then touch on why some stores make you touch their POS systems so much - especially now- We also talk to Industry veteren and former VP of Event Marketing with The Patron Spirits Co. and now owner of her own company Re-EVENT Pam Dzieranowski on the current situation in the Hospitality industry, her positivity is infectious. We then end the show talking to Bryon Schreckengost of Ryder Estate Wines on the impact to the wine industry. Why do we have so many people on the show with tough last names to spell and pronounce? This is and was one of our best Discussions and more to come. Special Guests: Bryon Schreckengost, Orlando Spencer, and Pam Dzierzanowski.

We take down Cointreau from the top shelf today and discuss its mixability and how clean and fresh it is. We touch on St. Paddy’s Day. In the mailbag is a strange letter from a Mr. Ding Dong and Jimmy answers it. He also rants about the use of handkerchiefs and that mess. Keith touches on old mens and womens names that are dying off and finally talk about the hotel industry.

We drink Deep Eddy Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka today from the Top Shelf- delish- We have a special guest join us, he is Carey Stinson a Hospitality recruiter and friend. He talks about jobs that are available out there in the restaurant industry. We talk about some things in the mail bag and of course the word of the day. Jimmy’s vocabulary is rising. We talk a bit about Chinese food and why they ruin your tea and finish up talking a little March Madness. Special Guest: Carey Stinson.

Top Shelf discussions discuss Correlaejo Silver Tequila today from the Top Shelf, We talk about the new ad from Skrewball whiskey and the never ending rudeness of people yelling into their cell phone on planes. We discuss Penury as the word of the day and its meaning. Jimmy is bothered why people wear Cowboy Hats and Boots and nobody else wears an outfit out in public for other professions. We have a couple pieces of mail to discuss and end the podcast talking about celebrity chefs or lack of them that are actually doing any cooking.

From The Top Shelf today we sample Angels Envy a bourbon finished in Port Wine Barrels. We check out an email question about screwcap vs corks and Jimmy finds a wine suitable for Possum dinner from the mailbag. We discuss lightbulbs and the confusion surrounding all of the changes. Bobcats are bothering Jimmy the most today. We end the show with discussions around supplier trips and Sales Routes.

The Top Shelf Brand today is 1010 Premium Chocolate Whiskey Liqueur. Hown a product with Scotch and Belgian Chocolate taste so good. This one works. We discuss the special holiday that is Valentine’s Day and Jimmy is beside himself over this Holiday. Tricked up or real? We discuss a word of the day to bolster Jimmy’s vocabulary and he has a retro rant. We end the show discussing the limits of General Sales Meetings.

On Top Shelf discussions we talk about our trip to Houston for the vent, Pinot in the City. Great producers of Oregon WIne. We then recap from last week’s show the results of Groundhog Day and the Super Bowl winning Kansas City Chiefs!! Jim goes off on well done steaks, we discuss the word of the day, and end the show talking about Private Labels.

On Top Shelf Discussions today we talk about how the PETA group wants the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to retire Phil the Groundhog for an animatronic one, WTF! Big news of the day. We bring down from the Top Shelf a Ready to Drink brand of Moscow Mules called The Copper Can in 12 oz forms and talk about the Moscow Mule cocktail. We discuss the scary virus Coronavirus and how people are actually Googling Coran beer virus, a real thing. We discuss our picks for the Super Bowl and Jimmy gets a letter and reads it and answers it in his own special way. We end the show with a heady discussion about the 3 tier system and how it might be time to tweak some fundamental flaws that are outdated.

Today we have special guest Russ Kempton on the show a certified Spirit Specialist with tons of experience. He takes us on a compare and contrast tasting with Balvenie and Tullamore Dew. He throws in a funny story as well. We go on to talk about emails received about bad driving conditions, The Wine and Spirit Summit of 2019 and the hot categories from the year. We talk a little bit about the AFC and NFC championship football games and the not so funny side effects of too much sugar free candy. We talk about the huge growth of cities in the south particularly in DFW and Jimmy goes off the rails about wedding rings. Special Guest: Russ Kempton.

From the Top Shelf today we are drinking Coppola Canned wine. Chard and Pinot Noir. These are great. Keith discusses his harrowing drive in Oklahoma and peoples use of headlights and hazard lights and he has a good idea. We discuss the College Football Championship game and Jimmy talks his cruise experience and he continues his streak of being happy? Nah. He riffs on people giving advice. We finish up talking about Winemaker dinners and if they are effective anymore.

Today from the top shelf we talk about the great Red Blend from Austin Hope, The Troublemaker. A great red blend from Paso Robles. It’s 2020 and all of a sudden Jimmy is in a happy mood? Nah, We have received a big boost as for followers thanks to our Sponsor Skrewball Peanut Whiskey. We talk about bad Christmas gifts and how Amazon screws up people’s Christmas by having the return labels on the boxes and the family who gets the boxes knows exactly what is inside. We follow up the College Bowl picks we made. Jimmy nailed them all. We talk a little Pro Football playoff games too. Jimmy’s teases going on a cruise and we will talk more about that next podcast. Uber is now the new old Taxi with smelly cars, Ugh. We finish up talking about the supplier/distributor relationship and thinking about switching changing companies in the new year.

Our Christmas Edition and New Years. We drink Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve and talk with Ste Michelle Exec Jane Degler about this great sparkler. We talk about some of the stores about Jimmy’s sales rep days. We talk about Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner traditions and gifts. Jimmy rants on the word Karma. We talk about Hot Shots and Will Calls from the distributor to end the year. We wrap things up talking about NYE and going to restaurants.

Steve Yeng, the owner of Skrewball Peanut Butter whiskey, is with us today to discuss the brands beginnings and how it got to be the biggest industry introduction of a brand in the country in over 30 years. We are proud to announce our first sponsor. Jim and I go Bowling talking about college football. Jim rants on Christmas trees, wreaths on cars and reindeer antlers on sides of cars and we finish up talking war room stories as distributors try to bring in year end numbers.

Stacey Klass joins the podcast as our first female host and she discusses a highly allocated Japanese malt whisky called Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt 17. She discusses her climb up the corporate ladder and her start in the industry. She discusses women’s ever growing presence in the industry as well. Jim and I discuss a little football and we all discuss the most hated Christmas songs and movies of all time. Then Jim goes off on Mixologists, bartenders and waiters. Special Guest: Stacey Klass.

We go over the recap of our Thanksgiving weekend and discuss Innovation in the industry and how difficult it is on the three tier system. Hits and misses but today from the Top Shelf we bring out the big hit Skreball peanut butter whiskey. We talk about the new saying “Do You’ and how ridiculous that is. We pick four football games and the potential Super Bowl teams and finally we end it with Holiday Surveys and their waste of time.

It is our special Thanksgiving Episode, today we take from the Top Shelf Hall Sauvignon Blanc which will go great with Thanksgiving dinner, Jim is going the wrong way on his vocabulary. We discuss why it is that all the neighbors leaves blow into my yard and hand selling wine.

Today we take from the Top Shelf, Kahlua coffee and rum liqueur, from the very hard to find and the enigmatic bar and restaurant Ray Marsoun’s. Marsoun’s is that throwback restaurant you might have found in the 70’s in New York. You just won’t believe some of the stuff inside this place and possibly Ray just might be in the witness protection program. Keith asks “why is it” about people who stand so far away from counters while in line. We talk about a wine’s journey from bottle to the end user and bothering Jimmy today is ball caps and truck drivers.

Mt. Gay Eclipse Rum is discussed off the Top Shelf today and the mixibility of the rum and the high use among boaters. This rum is from the Remy Martin USA folks. Jimmy is bothered by sheep people who are followers and colorful socks guys wear. We discuss the ridiculous overuse of service animals like dogs, cats, werewolves, ponies etc. FInally, Keith discusses the happy moments and unpleasant moments as an EVP at the distributor level.

We sit down with Industry legend Bob Camillone to discuss his amazing career from the bottom all away to the top. Bob tells us some very funny stories from his past. We pull down from the top shelf today a new and upcoming Texas Whiskey called Silver Star Honey. We also discuss what’s bothering Jimmy today!! Its Weddings and why they cost so much and why does it always have to be about the Bride and Groom. We ask the question why are there so many Insurance Commercials.

Today we sit down with industry veteran and all around nice guy Bill Burke and we take from the Top Shelf Hendricks Mid-Summer Solstice Gin and discuss BIll’s portfolio and the taste of this gin. Bill discusses his career and why he is such a nice guy. He talks about the dark side of paperwork and some funny stories from his time as a supplier. We put a bow on the chicken sandwich wars and discuss airplane etiquette again and why people scream into their cell phone on planes. We discuss the fall fashion pictures in Esquire magazine and the fact no one wears any of that stuff. Finally, why do people hold up the drive thru mailbox line.

Today from the Top Shelf we discuss W.L. Weller 12 Yr Old Bourbon, a tough to find and allocated brand in the market. We discuss curbside delivery service and why no one uses that service. Jimmy discusses Sushi and the use of chopstix and are there health benefits of eating Sushi. What’s bothering Jimmy today? A lot, Birthday parties, Halloween and Anniversaries. We wrap up the podcast talking about pricing from Suppliers to Distributors to Retailers. What are you paying for? Artist: https://colemunrochitty.wordpress.com/

Today we discuss Rose Wines as our top shelf brand selection. We recap the taste of Heineken 0.0 from the previous episode and our thoughts on Rose wines. Jimmy discusses his uncles surgery. Keith talks about Adele the singer her songs of pain. Eddie Money’s passing and a few other singers. What’s bothering Jimmy today is Airplanes and all that entails. From the industry side of things we discuss How to get to know your Distributor better as a supplier.

This podcast starts talking about Canadian Club Whisky vs Seagram’s VO and the difference between the two brands. Jimmy reminisces about a friend in Vegas and tells the story of her death. Also we discuss Sports and Drinking and how sometimes they don’t go together. The Great American Chicken Sandwich wars are discussed and we handicap the fast food chains involved. Lastly we discuss the value of the industry warehouse workers and what they mean to the beverage alcohol business.

Today we recap the huge demand for White Claw Hard Seltzer, Discuss Sober September while drinking a non - Alc beer, We sit down with Restaurant Legend Tony Pocaro, former managing partner of Nick and Sams Steakhouse in NTX and current GM of Dee LIncoln’s Prime Steakhouse. Many insights of the restaurant industry is discussed. We also delve into Human Resource departments of the industry and how quick they are to cut people without compassion. We talk about over-cologned guys and the odor they do not know they give off.

Beverage Alcohol Industry veterans Keith Neill and Jim DeMartino discuss on this Podcast the huge success of Hard Seltzers and in particular White Claw along with other topics. They discuss the ESPN Body Issue and Jimmy’s own photo shoot. Keith and Jim talk about stealing Baseball cards and Beer in their past. They also talk about common courtesy in the beverage industry, returning calls, texts and do it within 24 hrs.

Beverage Alcohol Industry veterans Keith Neill and Jim DeMartino have over 60 years of combined industry experience and are putting it out there. The goal of the podcast is to discuss aspects and insights of the industry from suppliers, distributors and retailers in the Three Tier System. They will infuse their unique stories of all that is beverage alcohol most of which is behind the scenes that most may not know. They discuss humorous stories along the way of their past experiences and may even rant on some current events. Their unique view on everyday life and miscellaneous topics will certainly be from their point of view and may have you agreeing with them or leave you wondering WTF!!