The Modern Bar Cart Podcast

In this fascinating deep dive with Aaron Goldfarb (@aarongoldfarb), author of Dusty Booze: In Search of Vintage Spirits, some of the topics we discuss include: What constitutes a “dusty” or vintage bottle and some of the historical forces that created the trend of hunting for them, especially in the Bourbon world. Some tentative answers to the question, “Did it really Use to Taste Better?,” featuring oak tree rings, barrel entry proof, and cedar fermentation tanks. How dusty hunters use label cues like importers, tax stamps, DSP numbers, and Julian dating to determine the true age and origin of the bottles they encounter. A romp through some of the packaging gimmicks that dominated the Bourbon world in the second half of the 20th century. And a look at today’s secondary market for spirits with respect to how it started and where it might be headed. Along the way, we consider the historical impact of Howard Hughes’ liquor collection, salute the unwavering faith and confidence of bourbon distillers, get Aaron into bed with a sultry bottle of pre-phylloxera Cognac, and much, much more. Dusty Booze: In Search of Vintage Spirits will drop in about a month, so be sure to pre-order your copy if you’ve got some time on your hands and think you could uncover the next outrageously valuable bottle hiding in a storage unit or estate sale.

In this roving, wanderlustrious conversation with Devon Trevathan of Liba Spirits, some of the topics we discuss include:  Why Devon has chosen to cultivate a welcoming and mindful relationship with discomfort while traveling, and how this has allowed her to become a sponge for the sights, flavors, and sensations that make different cultures and destinations unique. A working definition of “Nomadic Distilling,” which forgoes stability and a permanent facility in favor of flexibility and the ability to sample widely from multiple ingredient streams and spirits categories. Devon’s thoughts on the notion of Terroir (spoiler: she don’t like it) and the ability to celebrate and mash-up different spirits traditions from around the world by embracing the role of the guest or outsider. Then, of course, we explore the Liba Spirits portfolio, including a Tyrolean gin from the Dolomites, a botanical rum from New Orleans, and a first-of-its-kind American aperitivo made with a bourbon base. Along the way, we explore the perplexingly cozy lunch habits of Austrians, wax poetic on the flavor of green ants, explain why cold brew deserves a place in your next Americano spritz, and much, much more. Featured Cocktail: Jägertee Inspired by Devon’s travels in Europe, this episode’s featured cocktail is Jägertee, which is an Austrian winter warmer cocktail. Is it 70 degrees here in Washington, DC as I write this? Yes. But we’ll just pretend that we’re having normal January weather and that the planet isn’t trying to kill us. To make a batch of Jägertee you’ll need: 250 ml / 1 cup tea (your choice, but I’d recommend black tea here) 250 ml / 1 cup spiced rum (Austrian Strohrum is traditional, but any will do) 250 ml / 1 cup red wine 250 ml / 1 cup plum brandy, schnaps, or any other liqueur to hand 250 ml / 1 cup orange juice 2 to 3 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick 2 lemon slices Sugar to taste (depends on how sweet your other ingredients are) Combine all these ingredients in a medium saucepan over low-to-medium heat, warm the mixture gradually until it just begins to simmer, then cut the heat, strain out the solids (or don’t…you do you), and enjoy! Jägertee means, essentially, "Hunter’s tea" in Austrian. Presumably, this is because, after a long, harrowing hunt, it’s pleasant to warm up with a comforting, spicy, winey brew, and NOT because the Austrains endorse consuming uppers and downers before brandishing firearms. One interesting thread to follow here is that rum is extremely popular in the German-speaking world. If you go back to my interview with Brett Steigerwaldt, you’ll learn about the importance of Rum verschnitt in the early parts of the 20th century, so it’s not a complete surprise to me to see a spiced or flavored rum product popping up in a traditional Austrian drink.

Dr. Kevin Peterson, author of Cocktail Theory, discusses the ideal dilution and ingredient ratios for classic cocktails. He shares how bartenders can design cocktails using olfactory motifs and perfumery techniques. The podcast explores the similarities between bartenders and magicians, the complex systems in cocktail service, and the connection between safety and memory. They also discuss the concept of reality in cocktails and the challenges of business ownership.

Reflecting on the past year and discussing projections for the upcoming year, including key analytics. Exploring the history and variations of the Army and Navy cocktail. Discussing challenges faced in shutting down a business and plans for future episodes. Exploring the concept of benign masochism and the enjoyment of spicy foods. Exploring unexpected instruments in music and suspension of disbelief in storytelling. Discovering the impact of bitterness in cocktails and encouraging listener engagement.

In this spirited discussion with Alain Royer and Henry Preiss of Preiss Imports, some of the topics we discuss include: What precisely Izarra liqueur is and the geographic and cultural forces that allowed it to remain more of a regional specialty, while Chartreuse enjoyed wider exposure.  How other specialty liqueurs, like Jaegermeister and Luxardo Maraschino, managed to burst the bonds of their relatively “niche” statuses and become heavyweights in the cocktail world. The unique culture and flavors of the Basque nation, a people who transcend political and geographic boundaries and holds tenaciously to their own distinct identity even in today’s increasingly remixed and digital world. Then, of course, we taste through Izarra’s two flagship offerings: Izarra Verte and Izarra Jaune. We compare and contrast these spirits with their logical Chartreuse analogues and explore the best service methods and use cases for each. We wrap up the conversation by reviewing how Henry and his team are rolling out this beautiful duo of alpine liqueurs in liquor stores and bars across the country and give you some insights on how to get your hands on a bottle. Along the way, we cover the medicinal underpinnings of our contemporary genepies and amari, the crucial role of the Armagnac region in the production of these Basque spirits, the one Izarra product that didn’t quite survive the test of time, and much, much more.

Acclaimed cocktail author Aaron Goldfarb discusses how to master eggnog, seasonality in cocktail ingredients, special drinks for Jewish holidays, and much more in this holiday-themed episode.

Robby Haynes, bartender and cocktail batcher extraordinaire, discusses the fears and myths surrounding the Martini. He shares his experiences collaborating with distillers and cocktail experts. They taste the Hoste Martini and explore the nuances of martini service. They also discuss the Gold Fashioned, 'Vermouth Tipping Point,' and hosting a cocktail party.

In this nerdy deep-dive on the craft and science of Super Juice with bartender and cocktail competitor Mike Vander Horn (@cocktail.complex), some of the topics we discuss include: What Super Juice is and how it has risen to prominence in both cocktail bar and home bar settings. Different ways of formulating super juice, including recipes and methods drawn from Liquid Intelligence, a bartender named Nickle Morris, and a YouTube mixologist called Kevin Kos. How to test the flavor of super juice against real citrus, and why this highly-engineered product seems to attract as many skeptics and purists as it does sustainability nerds and flavor geeks. Where we stand in the sweeping citrus “movements” or “eras” that have influenced cocktail trends over the past several centuries. And the tools and ingredients you’ll need to source if you want to incorporate this versatile new citrus ingredient into your professional or home bar. Along the way, we tackle a question from the Discord Community about pH measurements, the best way to foil your bartender nemesis, South Jersey’s new signature cocktail, and much, much more.  

Amanda Schuster, author of Signature Cocktails, discusses sourcing 200 cocktail recipes from around the world, distinguishing signature cocktails from generic ones, historical trends in cocktail making, importance of menu attribution, and tips for designing a signature cocktail. They also delve into topics like chocolate and gin, Margarita variations, and spiking drinking wells with whiskey.

Bar consultant Philip Duff discusses tipping cultures, pouring drinks, different models of tipping, freedom vs. security, raising the minimum wage, and the history of drinking and hospitality in Italy.