The Philip Duff Show

The champ is here! It was a delight chatting to Matt Pietrek, the Rumwonk himself; Matt's responsible for some of the deepest and most illuminating dives into rum history in recent years on what is now his Substack (link below).His magnum opus, "Modern Caribbean Rum", which he wrote, photographed and self-published together with his wife Carrie Smith, just won "Best New Book On Spirits" at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, despite being only available at www.wonkpress.com and costing $100 plus shipping. (It's worth far, far more, by the way - 833 pages long and weighing in at around 9lbs!)Rum in hand (I was drinking Copalli blanco with a dash of Angostura Aromatic bitters, salty seadog that I am), we got into Matt's journey from being a tech dude living in Seattle to a hairy rum wonk living in New Orleans, his first book Minimalist Tiki, the history and legacies of both rum and tiki drinks & bars, why he gravitated towards rum, 19th century aristocrats as the first influencers, his work as Community Envoy for the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA), why and how he began self-publishing, why the US government is giving the Captain Morgan brand alone a whopping $2.7bn, how US taxes on non-US rum and US subsidies to US rum firms means non-US rums selling in the US are forced to subsidise their US competitors via the taxes they pay to the US, the third rail of the rum world that is spiced rum, and how a Modern Caribbean Rum audiobook might be awesome to fall asleep to. Matt's main website Rumwonk: https://www.rumwonk.com Other website Cocktailwonk: https://cocktailwonk.com Wonk Press, to order his books: https://www.wonkpress.com/Matt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktailwonk and  https://www.instagram.com/rumwonk Matt on X/Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/cocktailwonk and  https://www.twitter.com/rumwonk  Get in touch with Duff!Podcast business enquiries: consulting@liquidsolutions.org (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, and we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, or listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview or Zoom.) Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.orgPhilip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Facebook: facebook.com Old Duff Genever on X/Twitter: ...

The eagle-eyed among you will see I didn't post any episodes in July, and that's because I was based in Lisbon, but also flying around Europe like a demon, then getting back to the US a day or two before Tales, and then shooting down to Alabama to help my step-daughter move into college. So this is the catch-up! Lisbon! London! Italy! Amsterdam! New York! New Orleans (and a bit of bitching about the Tales awards)! Alabama! Tune in and enjoy, and let me know what you'd like to hear more - or less - of in the comments.  Get in touch with Duff!Podcast business enquiries: consulting@liquidsolutions.org (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, and we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, or listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview or Zoom.) Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.orgPhilip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Facebook: facebook.com Old Duff Genever on X/Twitter: ...

We both - barely - just survived Tales 2023, and as he lives in Sydney we don't get to sit down to share a drink often, so on his NY stopover I grabbed Sam Bygrave, founder of independent news hub for the Australian bar industry Boothby Drinks and formerly one of the longest serving editors of Australian Bartender Magazine. (In fact, Sam was my editor when I wrote a column for AB). Shout-out to Samantha and Ben at Porchlight in New York for letting us record in their legendary back room!Over some beers, some Old Duff genever and some Mezcal Vago Pechuga from the most adorable little mini-oilcan flask you ever did see, we recap Tales and dive into a whole bunch of other stuff too, from health insurance in America to why caviar bumps make sense, William Grants flying over 10 entire bar teams from Australia to work their portfolio party at Tales, why great cocktail bars should serve excellent Guinness, and the horrors of not being able to drink off-grid without Resy hunting you down. (That all-French spirits bar with the amazing sound system that I mentioned was A La Francaise, opened in Paris by Stephen Martin in 2015.  Cheers everyone!Sam's details: Twitter@sambygrave  @boothbydrinksInstagram - Sam Bygrave (@sambygrave) • Instagram photos and videos , - Boothby: Drinks, bartenders, recipes & bars Website: https://www.boothby.com.au Sign up for the newsletter: https://www.boothby.com.au/#/portal/signup  Get in touch with Duff!Podcast business enquiries: consulting@liquidsolutions.org (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, and we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, or listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview or Zoom.) Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.orgPhilip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Facebook: facebook.com Old Duff Genever on X/Twitter: ...

Ever wondered about the nitty-gritty of running a craft spirits company? Join us in this eye-opening episode as we chat with John and Lucky, co-founders of January Spirits, who share their inspiring journey from working together in different bars and restaurants to creating their very own spirit brand. You'll learn about crafting unique liqueurs, navigating complex US legislation, and their mascot - Janus, the Roman God of the past, present, and future.Dive into the fascinating world of crafting liqueurs as John and Lucky discuss the intricate process of perfecting their recipes, blending ingredients, and the importance of trusting oneself. We explore the history of coffee grinders and their impact on the American Civil War, as well as different drinking occasions for Amaro - a complex but enjoyable beverage. You'll also discover the challenges of competing with well-known brands in the world of craft gin production and pricing strategies.In this absorbing conversation, John and Lucky share their gin tasting experiences, the rise of martini culture in New York City, and the importance of balancing bitter and sweet elements in cocktails. We also discuss selling alcohol in America, hotspots for their craft spirits, and the incredible journey of January Spirits. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into the world of craft spirits and learn from the experiences of these passionate entrepreneurs!January Spirits on IG:  https://instagram.com/januaryspirits?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==January Spirits WWW: January Spirits januaryspirits.com |  Lucky Preksto:  https://instagram.com/luckypreksto?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Jon Langley:  https://instagram.com/redneck_narnia?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Get in touch with Duff!Podcast business enquiries: consulting@liquidsolutions.org (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, and we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, or listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview or Zoom.) Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.orgPhilip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Facebook: facebook.com Old Duff Genever on X/Twitter: ...

Are you ready to embark on an incredible journey through the world of spirits, sustainability, and personal growth? Join us for a captivating conversation with Stephanie Jordan Balmforth, co-founder of Avallen Calvados, as we explore her diverse background, passions, and the making of a sustainable spirits brand. Over a delightful Dempsey cocktail, Stephanie shares her upbringing in London as the daughter of a British mother and Colombian father, her love for yoga and running, and how mindfulness shapes her daily life.[NON-AI TEXT:The Dempsey Cocktail, 1922, Robert Vermeire1.33oz. / 50ml Avallen Calvados5/6oz. / 25ml Bluecoat Gin5ml grenadine2 dashes (from a bitters bottle) Kubler absintheShake with iceStrain into cocktail coupe]Discover how Stephanie's unique perspective led her to a successful career as a global brand ambassador, meeting her business partner Tim and creating the premium  Avallen  Calvados. Together, they tackled the challenges of modern agriculture, environmental impact, and the world of spirits distribution. We also dive into the fascinating history of Dutch settlers in Argentina, the prevalence of brandy in Asia, and the origin of the word 'sin'.From Stephanie's passion for creating meaningful connections with consumers through storytelling to her experiences living in New York and Europe, this episode is packed with intriguing insights. We wrap up with a discussion on the founding of  Avallen  Spirits and the importance of finding the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Tune in to this exhilarating episode to hear all about Stephanie Jordan Balmforth and the remarkable world of  Avallen !Stephanie: - Stephanie Jordan (@drinkingoutloud) • Instagram photos and videos - twitter.com - Log into Facebook - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniejordan87 Avallen Spirits:https://www.avallenspirits.com - avallen spirits (@avallenspirits) • Instagram photos and v Get in touch with Duff!Podcast business enquiries: consulting@liquidsolutions.org (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, and we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, or listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview or Zoom.) Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.orgPhilip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Facebook: facebook.com Old Duff Genever on X/Twitter: ...

This was so much fun we forget we were recording! After fuelling up a starving Sother with one of Will Wyatt's preposterously good Electric Burritos, Sother kicks off by spilling the tea on Trap Cocktails, Maxwell Britten, and  his firm's soon-to-open African diaspora restaurant, Ubuntu. We discuss the joys of vegan food both at the DIG fast-casual chain and at Eleven Madison Park, Sother invents the word "proteinaceous", Phil Barlow and Coconut Cartel rum's copper ice plate gets a look in, we learn about bidding for vintage rye whiskey at Sotheby’s , why modern corks are way better, and if you can even get regular Michelob any more. Just to show off, Sother becomes the first guest on the show ever to use the word "nomenclature", we explore why flair is hard but mixology is easy, rap about the joy of yummy drinks a la Leo Robitschek, why there are only a few really outstanding people in any field, how millionaires can get tax rebates in Sweden, taste some genepi, then some gin, and announce the world exclusive of Sother’s forthcoming pineapple habanero mezcal hot sauce. (By the way, that quote I mentioned was in Sebastian Faulks' James Bond book "Devil May Care", not one of Anthony Horowitz's Bond books, and here it is:  "The waiters in their short white coats were all Romans of a certain age who had spent a lifetime in their chosen profession. They were swift and precise in their movements, polite without being deferential." ) Love that. Sother IG: https://instagram.com/creativedrunk?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Sother on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CreativeDrunk Buy signed, personalised copies of  Sother’s books and bitters: https://creativedrunk.bigcartel.com/products Come see Sother, Lucky, Bruce and crew at Amor y Amargo in NYC: https://instagram.com/amoryamargo?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Get in touch with Duff!Podcast business enquiries: consulting@liquidsolutions.org (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, and we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, or listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview or Zoom.) Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.orgPhilip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Facebook: facebook.com Old Duff Genever on X/Twitter: ...

Ever wondered how alcohol can actually be beneficial in fostering creativity, bonding, and even lie detection? Join our intriguing conversation with award-winning Sinologist and philosophy professor Dr. Edward Slingerland, as we discuss his recent captivating book, "Drunk", and shed light on the often-misunderstood spirits industry.Together, we dive into the role of alcohol in society, its stress-reducing effects, and how it can be used alongside cultural tools like religion to build trust. Dr. Slingerland also shares his experiences as a bartender in San Francisco and as a professor at the University of British Columbia. We tackle the challenges of integrating drinkers and non-drinkers, the power dynamics within the service industry, and the potential effects of banning spirits from college campuses.Lastly, we explore the differences between northern and southern drinking cultures, the role of bartenders in regulating drinking, and the impact of social media on our drinking habits. Get ready for an insightful and fascinating discussion that will have you rethinking your relationship with alcohol!Dr Slingerland on Twitter: https://twitter.com/slingerland20?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Buy "Drunk": https://bookshop.org/p/books/drunk-how-we-sipped-danced-and-stumbled-our-way-to-civilization-edward-slingerland/17290207?ean=9780316453387  Website for Dr Slingerland: www.edwardslingerland.com Get in touch with Duff!Podcast business enquiries: consulting@liquidsolutions.org (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, and we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, or listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview or Zoom.) Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.orgPhilip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Facebook: facebook.com Old Duff Genever on X/Twitter: ...

How did growing up in an Italian ice cream shop lead to owning the world's best bar? Join us as we chat with Giacomo Giannotti about his incredible journey from humble beginnings to achieving international acclaim with his Barcelona-based bar, Paradiso, current #1 on the World's 50 Best Bars list. Listen in as we explore the lessons he learned along the way, how his experiences in London at places like B@1 shaped his hospitality expertise, and the inspiration behind his world-renowned establishment.But that's not all! We also dive into the fascinating world of truffle-infused spirits, taste Paradiso's experimentaL new white truffle amaro, and hear my stories of creating a cognac that complements the flavor of truffle. We discuss the process, the challenges faced, and the impact of Paradiso's prestigious title on the spirits industry. From speakeasies to post-pandemic customer attitudes, we'll touch on the evolution of the bar scene and the future of bartending, including Paradiso's bar training program. We'll also explore the influence of iconic venues like Rum Trader in Berlin and Milk and Honey in New York, and discuss the importance of investing in quality drinks and service to meet the needs of the new generation of drinkers. So, grab your favorite cocktail and join us for this captivating conversation that takes you behind the scenes of the world's number one bar, Paradiso!GiacomoIG: https://instagram.com/giacomoloris_?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==FB: https://www.facebook.com/giacomo.giannotti?mibextid=LQQJ4dCo-founder & wife Margarita Sader:IG: https://instagram.com/margarita_sader?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Margarita’s incredible Atelier for custom and off-the-rack aprons, accessories, tuxedo jackets and more: https://instagram.com/msbartrends?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Paradiso: https://instagram.com/paradiso_barcelona?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==The Paradiso Lab, the future of bar sustainability: Get in touch with Duff!Podcast business enquiries: consulting@liquidsolutions.org (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, and we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, or listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview or Zoom.) Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.orgPhilip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Facebook: facebook.com Old Duff Genever on X/Twitter: ...

This one's for the industry people!I first came across Chris on LinkedIn, where he posts short, GOLD pieces of advice almost every day for small brands looking to grow and scale sustainably in bars and restaurants, building on his decades-long experience of doing just that across Europe, from his native Italy to the Czech Republic, where he now lives. Over a Pilsner  Urquell or two we covered a bunch of topics, including: - Why a beer mentality can help sell spirits - Why decanters on TV only mean they couldn't find a liquor sponsor - How brands need to move from their historical consumption occasion to a new one via cocktails - Why your first job is to turn your brand proposition into a commercial proposition - Why its better to sell 3 bottles with a staff tasting as opposed to 10 cases without one - Why JRR Tolkien did occasionally phone it in. Chris has a great newsletter you can sign up for at his website below, his podcast is well worth a follow and so is he, especially on LinkedIn. Chris on LinkedIn: linkedin.com  Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/maffeodrinks Chris on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maffeodrinks?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Chris' website & newsletter Winning With Drinks: https://www.winningwithdrinks.com/ The Maffeo Drinks Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/the-maffeo-drinks-podcast/id1670614849?ref=winningwithdrinks.comGet in touch with Duff!Podcast business enquiries: consulting@liquidsolutions.org (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, and we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, or listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview or Zoom.) Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.orgPhilip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Facebook: facebook.com Old Duff Genever on X/Twitter: ...

I nabbed Julio Bermejo while he was in town for the launch of Campari's new luxury (and tasty) tequila, named Mayenda, and Campari generously let us borrow one of their conference rooms* loftily overlooking New York's Bryant Park from the 19th floor, to record an episode. Equipped with a dram or two of tequila, we covered vital topics, including: - Why "fresh" is like "pregnant" - when it comes to juice - How important it is to support owner-operated tequila brands - Why Mexican distillers don't think there are any additives in tequila that need to be disclosed - The joy of synthetic corks - The greater joys of ripe agave - The American (kind-of) celebrity who owns a tequila brand and has never been to Mexico - Julio's mobile phone number (he read it out on-air! Just don't call him when he's sleeping, right?)Always great to hang with Julio!Now, don't forget to Like, Share and review The Philip Duff Show on whichever platform you listen to it on - oh, and tell a friend about us, if you think they'd like the show. Julio is, in his own words, not the greatest social media user, but check him out:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/julio.bermejo.718?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: @julio.bermejo.718) Tommy's Mexican Restaurant, San Francisco: www.tommysmexican.com  Instagram: @tommysmexican *It was the Old Fashioned Conference Room, in case you're wondering; they're all named after cocktails. It's right next to the Sidecar conference room. Get in touch with Duff!Podcast business enquiries: consulting@liquidsolutions.org (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, and we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, or listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview or Zoom.) Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.orgPhilip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Facebook: facebook.com Old Duff Genever on X/Twitter: ...