The Speakeasy

In 2015 a happy accident at the Woodford Reserve rickhouse led to the first batch of their coveted Double Double Oaked bourbon. Ten years later, newly appointed Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall was tasked with recapturing the magic. She sits down with the band to talk about her journey to one of the most prestigious positions in American whiskey, what it was like creating and releasing Double Double Oaked 2025, and gives some advice to other women looking to get ahead in what is still a male-dominated industry.And, the Kentucky Derby is right around the corner! Elizabeth talks about Woodford Reserve’s famous $5,000 mint julep and, of course, who’s making her hat for the 151st Derby at Churchill Downs. Plus, the world’s premiere vodka scientist has a new brand on the market, and we’ve got the scoop on the latest breakthrough development.The Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy_PodcastLove The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, drink recipes from all our guests, and free kits every month from our friends at Shaker & Spoon. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBondCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.Get your hands on some Buddha’s Hand Bitters at kingfloyds.comDon’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:Damon Boelte @DamonBoelteSother Teague @CreativeDrunkGreg Benson @100ProofGregSpeakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcastFOLLOW US ON TWITTER:Sother Teague @CreativeDrunkSpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadioHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alba Huerta has seen a lot over the past eleven years in Houston. She sits down with the band to discuss the evolution of her bar Julep, from a foundation built on classic cocktails in the 2010s to more experimental drinks as she’s watched Houston become a world class city where people expect world class cocktails. Plus, she discusses their annual Derby Day celebration which has become a major event on Houston’s social calendar - complete of course, with fancy hats.Plus, Happy National Corndog Day! March’s holiday calendar is bizarrely packed, and in the runup to St. Patrick’s Day Damon runs through some of his faves.The Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy_PodcastLove The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, drink recipes from all our guests, and free kits every month from our friends at Shaker & Spoon. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBondCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.Want to join the fight against replacing Coney Island with a casino? Sign the petition and get involved at coneyisland.com/nocasinoFollow Alba Huerta on instagram at @AlbaHuertaOfficialFollow Julep on instagram at @JulepHou Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:Damon Boelte @DamonBoelteSother Teague @CreativeDrunkGreg Benson @100ProofGregSpeakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcastFOLLOW US ON TWITTER:Sother Teague @CreativeDrunkSpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadioHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1978, whiskey makers at Bushmills laid down two barrels. 46 years later, they’re ready to taste. Alex Thomas, the Master Blender at Bushmill’s Irish Whiskey sits down with the band to talk about shepherding the oldest single malt Irish Whiskey ever released through the last few years of its journey, the rebound of Irish Whiskey as a category, and what it’s like to work at the oldest licensed distillery in the world at four centuries and counting.Plus, American booze is flying off Canadian shelves - literally. The LCBO ordered all stores to pull US alcohol off its shelves in a move that may already be resolved by the time this airs? Who knows. We sure don’t. And, Greg has plans to be close to hockey history in the making, thanks to his pals at Botanist gin.Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBondCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout. Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:Damon Boelte @DamonBoelteSother Teague @CreativeDrunkGreg Benson @100ProofGregSpeakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcastFOLLOW US ON TWITTER:Sother Teague @CreativeDrunkSpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadioHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ektoras Binikos has had quite a life in the New York cocktail scene. From Sugar Monk up in Harlem (which was recently named a 50 Best Discovery) to Bitter Monk in Industry City, the boozy entrepreneur is now at the helm of Atheras Spirits. They’re making a bunch of new creations, ranging from a straightforward distillate flavored with fig leaves (which may or may not be pre-used by The Speakeasy’s hosts) to an amaro based on the preservatives used in mummification. Ektoras sits down with Damon & Greg to talk about running a microdistillery in Brooklyn, sourcing weird botanicals, and what the customer can expect from these very off-the-beaten-path liqueurs.Plus, it’s daylight savings time! Be sure to set the clocks on your microwave and stove ahead this weekend. Everything else is probably good.Follow Ektoras on Instagram at @ektorasbFollow Atheras on Instagram at @atherasspiritsLove The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBondCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout. Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:Damon Boelte @DamonBoelteSother Teague @CreativeDrunkGreg Benson @100ProofGregSpeakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcastFOLLOW US ON TWITTER:Sother Teague @CreativeDrunkSpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadioHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shannon Mustipher, VP of Brands and Trade Development at Privateer Rum has a lot on her mind when it comes to the state of the industry and the state of sugarcane spirits. She sits down with Greg and Damon to talk rising prices behind the bar, how they’re affecting the guest experience, and what operators can and should do to stay welcoming in uncertain times. Then, they dive into rum, and discuss the state of the union when it comes to this “outlaw spirit”Plus, Greg is back from LA! He shines his new sunshiney demeanor on the striking workers at New York’s Alamo theatres, and suggests some moves movie fans can use to stand in solidarity.Follow Shannon on Instagram at @shannonmustipherLove The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBondCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:Damon Boelte @DamonBoelteSother Teague @CreativeDrunkGreg Benson @100ProofGregSpeakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcastFOLLOW US ON TWITTER:Sother Teague @CreativeDrunkSpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadioHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sother goes on the road to the Windy City to talk to Jeremy Barrett of Lemon, Judy Velez from Diageo and Josh Davis of Brown & Balanced. Tune in for a special live on the road discussion of all things cocktail in the second city.Follow Jeremy & Lemon at @swizzle_me_thisFollow Lemon at @lemon_chicagoFollow Judy at @laladydrinksFollow Josh at @mrnixologistFollow Brown & Balanced at @brownandbalancedLove The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBondCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:Damon Boelte @DamonBoelteSother Teague @CreativeDrunkGreg Benson @100ProofGregSpeakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcastFOLLOW US ON TWITTER:Sother Teague @CreativeDrunkSpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadioHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Five years ago, Hero opened its doors in Nairobi Kenya as the first bar with a dedicated cocktail laboratory in east Africa. The idea was the be the sort of place superheroes (and supervillains) would chill in on their days off. What would they eat? What would they drink? How do they unwind?Today, Hero has cracked into the World’s 50 Best Bars and is touring the globe, with pop-ups from Mexico City to Tokyo. Richie Barrow and Kelvin Thairu sit down with the band to talk about how their vision of fostering a Kenyan cocktail scene got started, how they source their ingredients, and the ingredients they bring with them when they’re on tour that highlight the amazing produce and flavors of east Africa.Plus, congratulations (we suppose) to the super bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Greg, Sother and Damon wax poetic about some of their favorite bars in the city of brotherly love, and muse about the city’s peculiar habit of pole-greasing, to limited effectFollow Hero on instagram at @hero_nairobiLove The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBondCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout. Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:Damon Boelte @DamonBoelteSother Teague @CreativeDrunkGreg Benson @100ProofGregSpeakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcastFOLLOW US ON TWITTER:Sother Teague @CreativeDrunkSpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadioHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it take to launch a Pisco brand in a country that looooooves Pisco, vs. a country that’s still figuring out what to make of it. That’s what Alex Hildebrandt, founder of Suyo Pisco is here to talk about. He sits down with the gang to talk about growing up with Pisco all around him, the drink’s rich history in Peru, the care that goes into these grapes and the unique challenges of launching a brand in a spirit’s home country, vs. in the United States.Plus, Damon is going to London soon, which means he’ll be able to check one more site off his ancient aliens bucket list.Follow Suyo Pisco on instagram at @suyopiscoLove The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBondCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout. Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:Damon Boelte @DamonBoelteSother Teague @CreativeDrunkGreg Benson @100ProofGregSpeakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcastFOLLOW US ON TWITTER:Sother Teague @CreativeDrunkSpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadioHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Ben Branson started Seasn Bitters he knew what he wanted to do: get intense, complex, very specific flavors into a bottle of bitters without using alcohol. He sits down with the gang to talk about how (and why!) he did it, including some very devious chemistry, a passion for strong flavors, and a side quest to taste over 73,000 different species of trees.Plus Damon’s back! Tune in to hear where he’s been and how his 2025 kicked off.Follow Seasn Bitters on instagram at @seasnyourdrinksLove The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBondCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout. Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:Damon Boelte @DamonBoelteSother Teague @CreativeDrunkGreg Benson @100ProofGregSpeakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcastFOLLOW US ON TWITTER:Sother Teague @CreativeDrunkSpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadioHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dani Zig is back for the first time since the pandemic to talk about what she’s been working on at Coconut Cartel! Since last we left our hero she’s been working on a blanco rum to compliment the aged rum she introduced a few years back, and where that one was very mellow this one highlights some delightful pot stilled funk! She sits down with Sother and Greg to talk about proofing down rum with coconut water, the hunt for the perfect funky rum and striking the right balance between trusting the data and going with your gut when it comes to launching a new product.Plus, is Bitters & Soda the solution we’ve been waiting for when it comes to splitting the difference on dry January? Sother and Greg discuss.Follow Coconut Cartel on instagram at @coconutcartelLove The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBondCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout. Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:Damon Boelte @DamonBoelteSother Teague @CreativeDrunkGreg Benson @100ProofGregSpeakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcastFOLLOW US ON TWITTER:Sother Teague @CreativeDrunkSpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadioHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.