The Speakeasy

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Sother is joined in studio by Russell Dillon of Basik and Altos Tequila ambassador Eric Job. Russell is the main man behind the bar at Basik, a Williamsburg bar that marks the return of the drinking establishment as a "public house" and has "back to the basics" as its main inspiration. Eric shares a bit of his experience as a traveling brand ambassador in Mexico and beyond.

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by Rachel and Kyle Ford founders of Ford Media Lab, a team of creative strategists and content experts focused on delivering the creative and production services needed to uncover and share the stories worth telling. After attending OTIS College of Art and Design for Fashion, Rachel earned a degree in Business, merging her creative talents with a keen understanding of brand marketing and strategy. With a degree in Economics and Philosophy, Kyle began his professional life in finance. Creative energies eventually prompted him to quit his job and pursue his keen interest in craft cocktails and photography.

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by bartenders Tonia Guffey, who began her boozy career in her hometown of Orlando, Florida in 2002. She transferred her talents to New York City in 2005, where she became bar manager at Counter Organic Wine and Martini Bar. She soon passed the B.A.R. program in 2008. She can be found at Williamsburg’s Dram, where she showcases her classic cocktail prowess. Also in studio we have Charlie Parker, a mescal cocktail specialist and bar manager at Acenar Bar and Restaurant in San Antonio, Texas.

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Sother is joined in studio by Darren Grenia of Yours Sincerely. Darren talks about how he uses science and meticulous mixing to craft sustainable and delicious cocktails. He also shares a bit of his journey to become a bartender and bar owner in the competitive NYC cocktail scene.

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined by journalist Henry Jeffreys, author of Empire of Booze, a book about the history of the British Empire told through drink.

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined by Katie Stipe. Originally a dancer from the Southwest, Katie changed cities and professions to become a bartender in NYC. She talks about her beginning as a server and how she made her way to behind the bar.

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon and Sother are joined in studio by marketing specialist Adrienne Stillman. Adrienne has worked with a wide range of brands across wine, cocktails, finance and technology. She's a Certified Sommelier and the author of Where Bartenders Drink, a comprehensive book that gathers 700+ bar recommendations of 300 expert bartenders in 60 different countries.

Damon and Sother are joined in studio by bartenders Julie Renee Williams and Austin Hennelly, who recently came back from 5 months in Costa Rica mixing drinks at Hotel Belmar. Julie and Austin talk about sustainability, growing their own ingredients and creating new recipes with them.

On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon is joined in studio by master mixologist Matt Friedlander of Sweetwater Social. Matt talks about his career as a musician and the transition into the cocktail world. Matt also brought his guitar, so tune in and listen to him jam with Damon!

Hold your horses, this week's episode of The Speakeasy is about... horses! And drinks. Damon and Sother are joined in studio by master mixologist Dale Degroff and his guitar, and bestselling author Peter Fornatale from the Daily Racing Form.