Happy 2026. This Episode is hosted by Chris Maffeo and brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS. A Deep-Dive Analysis of This Episode is Available at maffeodrinks.com

In this episode, I host the legendary Indie Bartender, Cocktailman Danil Nevsky for a deep dive into the dynamic world of bartending and brand interactions.

We discuss the evolution of the hospitality and drinks industry, and tackle the ongoing disconnect between bartenders and brand managers.

Danil offers insightful critiques on the state of the industry, sharing anecdotes and observations on brand ambassadors' roles, the rise of cocktail culture, and the generational shift in bartending.

We also explore the adaptation of bar experiences to be more consumer-friendly and the critical role of social media in modern bartending.

The episode is both a nostalgic look back and a hopeful glance forward, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the symbiotic relationship between bars and brands. I hope you will enjoy our chat

NB It contains Hard Language, which is not suitable for all audiences.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:20 Meet Danil Nevsky: Indie Bartender

02:29 The Disconnect Between Bartenders and Brands

04:20 The Evolution of the Spirits Industry

06:22 Generational Drinking and Market Changes

07:59 The Role of Brand Ambassadors

09:21 The Impact of Social Media and Technology

13:14 Challenges in Brand and Bar Collaboration

16:04 The Future of Bartending and Brand Interactions

38:04 The Evolution of Cocktail Content Creators

38:44 The Oral Tradition of Bartending

39:12 The Impact of Content Creators on Bartending

44:14 Brand Relationships in the Bar Industry

46:43 Balancing Brand and Bar Dynamics

51:47 The Role of Bartenders in Enhancing Customer Experience

55:47 Cultural Influences on Cocktail Culture

01:06:16 The Future of Cocktail Culture

01:10:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell

About The Host: Chris Maffeo

About The Guest: Danil Nevsky

This episode is brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS, an Advisory helping drinks leaders execute bottom-up growth while managing stakeholder expectations. You can get in touch at bottomup@maffeodrinks.com

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