The Speakeasy
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The Speakeasy - Episode 93 - Charles Hardwick
As a native New Yorker, Charles Hardwick has seen how the city's biggest juice joints have changed over the years. On this episode of The Speakeasy, Hardwick looks back with host Damon Boelte on his beginning years as a bartender. Learn what used to pass as a margarita and how the renaissance in the mixing world came to pass. What hasn't changed is the role of the bartender. Hear what Hardwick has to say about how bartenders double as hosts and servers, and the "rules of engagement" that...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 92 - Great Gatsby Inspired...
Tara Wright is the head bartender at 21 Club, the historical speakeasy located on 52nd street in New York City. During our time speaking with Tara, she explained to us the special cocktails she created inspired by the upcoming movie, The Great Gatsby and why they are representative of that time period and that movie specifically. Tara also gave us the historical backstory to the historical establishment that was opened on December 31, 1929. She tells us the creative way in which they were...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 91 - Julie Reiner & The Great...
Holy GoogaMooga! Julie Reiner, owner and operator of the Clover Club and Flatiron Lounge, chats with Damon Boelte on The Speakeasy about her role as VIP Cocktail Experience coordinator of the Great GoogaMooga Festival in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. Music, food and cocktails collide at the Great GoogaMooga. Reiner is working on bringing together the city's biggest mixologists and with quality food (foie gras donut, anyone?). The festival features bars at specific times so listen to who's coming...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 90 - Attaboy
Same spot, new look! This week on The Speakeasy, Sam Ross and Michael McIlroy drop by to talk with host Damon Boelte about their new bar, Attaboy. The two took over the former location of Lower East Side staple, Milk and Honey. Find out what it takes to open your own bar, and what they've changed to make the spot their own. What's stayed the same since the bar opened a month ago? Classic cocktails. Hear Damon, Sam and Michael debate the value of a cocktail menu. Does a lack of menus make...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 44 - New York Distilling Company
On the year-end episode of The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by Allen Katz and Nate Dumas, partners in the New York Distilling Company. Tune in to hear how the distillery went from fantasy to reality and what the guys have in store for 2012. Find out how they are re-imagining gin and trying to introduce some fresh idea into the world of spirits. Learn more about The Shanty, a bar inside of the distillery, and listen in as the guys taste some gin on-air. This episode was sponsored by...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 89 - Thomas Waugh / Major Food...
Old school Italian New York is alive and well. This week on The Speakeasy, get to know Thomas Waugh, the bar director for Major Food Group - the people behind Torissi Italian Specialties, Parm and the newly opened Carbone. He shares the plans behind Carbone, a high quality and entertaining take on classic red and white checkered tablecloth NYC Italian restaurants. Hear about Thomas's inclusive drink program at Carbone, that will promise diners free limoncello and grappa at the end of their...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 88 - Tristan Willey of Booker &...
Booker & Dax is like a mad scientists lab... just with more booze. On today's episode of The Speakeasy, hang out with Damon Boelte as he chats with bartender at Booker & Dax, Tristan Willey. Hear how he got into this scientific style of bartending and why the tools used at Booker & Dax are not at all for show. Hot drinks, savory cocktails and crazy infusions are all part of the formula at Booker & Dax - and if you weren't craving a cocktail before this show, you will be by the end of it....
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The Speakeasy - Episode 87 - Giuseppe Gonzalez (Explicit...
Giuseppe Gonzalez joins Damon Boelte for a raunchy, raw and real episode of The Speakeasy. Giuseppe was the head bartender at Julie Reiner’s well-known Flatiron Lounge and her more recent Brooklyn endeavor, Clover Club. Gonzalez also worked as lead barman at Sasha Petraske’s project in Long Island City, Dutch Kills, where he mixed classically-based cocktails in 19th century saloon-style digs. Since then, he's opened Painkiller, one of the best tiki bars in the country, and plans on opening...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 87 - Giuseppe Gonzalez (Explicit...
Giuseppe Gonzalez joins Damon Boelte for a raunchy, raw and real episode of The Speakeasy. Giuseppe was the head bartender at Julie Reiner’s well-known Flatiron Lounge and her more recent Brooklyn endeavor, Clover Club. Gonzalez also worked as lead barman at Sasha Petraske’s project in Long Island City, Dutch Kills, where he mixed classically-based cocktails in 19th century saloon-style digs. Since then, he's opened Painkiller, one of the best tiki bars in the country, and plans on opening...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 86 - Nick Jarrett LIVE From New...
Nick Jarrett is calling in to The Speakeasy all the way from sunny New Orleans! Damon checks in with Nick and talks shop about cocktails in NOLA, the Big Easy mentality, dive bars and beyond. Find out how they make a real Sazerac in New Orleans and why the drinking culture is so alive. Nick talks about some of his favorite rye whiskeys, house cocktails and day drinking routines. Find out why the drinks seem so sweet down south and what Nick has planned for St. Patrick's Day! This program was...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 85 - Beer!
For the first time, Damon Boelte is talking BEER on The Speakeasy. Tune in as he's joined by Tristan Colegrove for a conversation about session beers, beer cocktails and other interesting things happening in the world of brews. What's the perfect ABV for a session beer? What does the future hold for beer cocktails? Get ahead of the curve and listen in for a very insightful conversation on the future of beer culture in America. This program was sponsored by The International Culinary Center.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 84 - Nico de Soto
Nico de Soto has traveled the world in the name of cocktails. This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte invites Nico into the studio to talk about his positions as Bar Manager and General Manager at The Experimental Cocktail Club in Manhattan's Lower East Side. Find out how Nico's South American trip has influenced his creative juices. Hear about the small menu at The Experimental Cocktail Club, and why Nico does not include classics on his list. Find out how flash infusions, carbonation, and...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 83 - Bridget Firtle
What goes into opening a distillery? From troubleshooting boilers to priming pumps, Bridget Firtle has gotten a lot of training she never expected to while opening "The Noble Experiment", a distillery in NYC. On this week's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte chats with Bridget about opening a distillery, making rum and making moves in the craft spirits industry. If things like sourcing molasses and Island rum variations interest you, then you've found the right show to listen to. Today's...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 82 - Kings County Distillery
Who's in the mood for whiskey? Tune into the Speakeasy and hear from "master blender" Nicole Austin from Kings County Distillery in Brooklyn. Find out how the small distillery has evolved over the past few years, and learn what exactly a master blender does. Learn about corn whiskey and what makes it different than other spirits and why when it comes to barels size does matter. Small barel distillation is a trickier task, but it makes for some absolutely delicious product. Learn all about...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 81 - The Third Man
Damon Boelte is back and so is The Speakeasy! On the first episode of 2013, Damon is hanging out with friend and fellow bartender J Rosser Lomax, of a brand new NYC bar called "The Third Man". Tune in and hear them talk shop and defend the integrity of Platinum Buds. How do restrictions help bar programs? How can bartenders make bitter classic drinks accessible to all? Hear about all of the crazy concoctions J Rosser Lomax has come up with, including Champagne-backs and tons of other crazy...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 80 - Cripple Creek Holiday...
It's The Speakeasy Cripple Creek Holiday Spectacular!!! By that, we mean Damon Boelte, Aaron Polsky and Mike O'Rourke are hanging out, drinking bourbon and talking shop. Cripple Creek is a pop up bar by Damon & Aaron's - it's their vision of the marriage between rock concert and cocktail bar. The menu looks like a set list, the drinks come in plastic cups and the music is loud. Make no mistake, we're talking about the high-end forward thinking cocktails that these guys are known for....
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The Speakeasy - Episode 79 - Happy Repeal Day!
Today, Damon Boelte is celebrating the 79th anniversary of the repeal of the 18th Amendment, and his two year anniversary on Heritage Radio Network! Joining Damon in the studio is Garret Richard, also of Prime Meats in Brooklyn, New York. Tune in to hear Damon and Garret talk about some Prohibition history, and how it affected to social landscape of cities like New York and Chicago. Later, Damon and Garret talk about modern faux-Speakeasy style bars, and how they helped to revive certain...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 78 - Seersucker Returns!
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by two friends from Seersucker Brooklyn, chef/owner Robert Newton and bartender Matt Hopkins. Tune in and hear three professionals talk shop and highlight some incredible wines coming from New York, Virginia and other overlooked regions in America. They taste a few wines on air and lament over the fact that some people still come into the coolest bars in the world and ask for Vodka & Cranberry juice! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the way modern...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 77 - New York Bartenders Ball
This week on a special episode of The Speakeasy, Damon checks in with bartenders Nino Cirabisi and Frank Cisneros who have helped organize the New York Bartenders Ball Benefit to help those affected by Super Storm Sandy. Find out how the bar community has rallied together to help in every way possible - from giving shifts to those without work to delivering ice to bars without power. Learn more about the New York Bartenders Ball, which goes down Monday, November 26th at the Bowery Hotel with...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 76 - Jan Warren
This afternoon on The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte is joined by Jan Warren, the head bartender at Dutch Kills Bar and the co-host of the web series Animals Eating Animals. Jan talks about his experiences working as a bartender and server and the relationship between patrons and those working in the restaurant. Hear how Jan spends his days off exploring the city for the best food and drink by bicycle and the wild foods he's come across in the search. Tune in as Jan talks about American food...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 75 - Brooklyn Gin
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by co-creator of Brooklyn Gin, Emil Jattne. They're obviously talking gin - from distilling to bottling and everything in between. Learn why Brooklyn Gin makes no compromises in the process of gin-making and how their unique blend of botanicals make for a one of a kind spirit. Hear some of the benefits of being included in the Barclays Center's beverage program and find out how the artisanal gin company plans on expanding. This program was...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 74 - Fernet-Branca
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon gets to chat about his favorite spirit in the world - Fernet-Branca! He's joined in studio by Jennifer Corrao, brand ambassador for Fratelli Branca, a distillery that produces Fernet-Branca, Branca Menta, Carpano Antica and more. Learn all about the bitter digestif that has picked up in popularity over the past few years - especially amongst bartenders and service industry professionals. What makes the recipe so special? What are bartenders doing with...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 73 - Donna BKLYN
This week on The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte is joined by Leif Huckman and Jeremy Oertel of the new Williamsburg bar Donna. Leif explains the concept behind the bar's feminine and welcoming design and why he thinks keeping price points low is important in building an approachable drinking establishment. The crew discusses cocktail construction, the delicate balance that goes into the classic recipes and the best ways to come up with something fresh and precise. If you're interested in...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 52 - Hospitality & Rum with...
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits and chats with James Menite of Don Q Rum. Learn how James went from a normal job to becoming one of New York City's premiere bartenders. Learn more about why James thinks rum is the next "breakout spirit" and how hospitality is more important than people think when it comes to bartending. This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. "If you make it as a bartender/mixologist in New York City, the world is your oyster." "We're in a lucky...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 72 - Karin Stanley
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is hangin' out with Karin Stanely, co-owner of Dutch Kills and bartender at Little Branch. Join in as they chat about making drinks, the importance of fresh juice and why meticulous bartending is second to none. Hear stories of rude customers, altercations and camaraderie amongst staff and fellow bartenders in the world of mixed drinks. There are a lot of high quality, top notch cocktail bars popping up around New York City, and Damon & Karen discuss...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 71 - Kevin Denton
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by friend and fellow bartender/musician Kevin Denton of WD-50 and The Crooners. Damon and Kevin talk shop and discuss everything from modern beverage programs, dirty martinis and Vietnamese-influenced cocktails. Hear what it's like working at a technologically-minded operation such as WD-50 and juggling a life as a musician at the same time! This program was brought to you by Hearst Ranch. "Beverage programs are now more than just the wines you...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 70 - Alie & Georgia
Alie and Georgia are in the studio! They are the hosts for Cooking Channel's Classy Ladies and contributors to Unique Sweets. Tune in as they hang out with Damon and talk about viral videos, female bartenders and lighthearted drinking. They make a delicious on-air cocktail with Aperol, orange juice and beer and somehow manage to get free tequila shots from a listener. Hear what it's like submitting recipes for a TV show and why these girls have fun everywhere they go. This program was...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 69 - Aaron Polsky
On an informative and conversational episode of The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by friend and fellow bartender Aaron Polsky or Neta and Amor & Amargo. Damon and Aaron talk shop and discuss classic cocktail variations and the use of lower ABV spirits including Soju and Sherry. How can cocktails and food live in harmony? What does it mean to mess around with classic cocktail formats? Tune in for a great conversation on interesting drinks, customized bars and innovative bartending. This...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 68 - Tiki Mondays!
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by the "Captains" of Tiki Mondays, Brian Miller and Ryan Liloia. Hear the genesis behind the highly successful weekly guest bartender night at Lani Kai where all tips go to charity. Tiki Mondays has become a family affair, and Brian and Ryan talk about how this community of bartenders teach each other new things (including the Corporal Captain Dance) constantly. Learn more about Tiki drinks and why bartending is much bigger than serving drinks on a...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 67 - Lucas Bols
Damon is back from Tales of the Cocktail and he's joined in studio by Antonia Fattizzi of Lucas Bols. Antonia and Damon chat about Bols Genever and how it's slowly gaining popularity in the states. Genever is extremely popular in Amsterdam and drinks like a gin but is closer related to whiskey. Learn more about this interesting spirit and tune in as they make a Holland Razorblade on air! This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. "Genever actually outsells vodka by 4 to 1 in...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 66 - Denizen Rum
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon chats with Marshall Altier and Nick Pelis of Denizen Rum. Learn what makes different rums unique and how each acts differently in cocktails and with mixers. White rum is not vodka, and the guys at Denizen are doing everything they can to educate the consumer in that regard. Find out why subsidies have favored quantity over quality and hear why Denizen takes no shortcuts in the quality control of their product. Tune in as the guys make cocktails on-air and...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 65 - Steve Schneider Returns!
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is re-joined by friend of the show Steve Schneider of Employees Only and Macao Trading Company. Steve has been a busy man in the past year, traveling across the world for competitions, exhibitions and general craziness. Hear how he broke speed records at the "Rematch" bartending competition and why he challenges anybody in the world to compete with him! Steve passionately explains how bartenders are like family and describes the camaraderie that helped him...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 64 - Cask Store
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon chats with Amanda Womack, manager at Cask in San Francisco. Cask sells artisanal beverages and is part of the Future Bars group. Find out how Cask sources their small batch liquors and learn about their American Whiskey Club. Get a sense of what cocktail and spirits culture is like on the West Coast, as Amanda shares some of her favorite beverages and cocktails right now. This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. "I can't ever think of a time...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 62 - Van Brunt Stillhouse
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte chats with friend and distiller at Van Brunt Stillhouse, Daric Schlesselman. Tune in to hear what it's like running a small batch distillery and why Grappa got him into this whole business. From sugar to aging, learn about the process of distilling and how different techniques can make different products. This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. "Finishing is a little bit of a challenge for a small distiller. It takes years to have...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 61 - Rocky Yeh
Fresh off the Manhattan Cocktail Classic bender, Damon Boelte sits and chats with bartender Rocky Yeh from Vessel Lounge in Seattle. Hear some wild stories from the MCC and get an insiders perspective on bartending, spirits distribution and liquor availability. How is running a bar in Seattle different than New York? How could the entire state of Washington run out of Aperol? Learn more on another edition of the best bartending show in the world. This program was sponsored by White Oak...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 60 - Speed Rack
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits and chats with the ladies of Speed Rack. Speed Rack is a competition created for and by female bartenders to promote female bartenders. Hear from Ivy Mix, Lynette Marrero & Claire Bertin-Lang as they preview the upcoming competition on May 10th, 2012. Find out how intense the competition gets and what to expect from a room full of the most skilled women bartenders in the world! This program was sponsored by White Oak Pastures. "This cocktail community...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 59 - Clover Club
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte sits and chats with Tom Macy & Jesse Wohlers of The Clover Club. Find out what makes bartending such a grueling gig and how they both got to where they are now. Find out how to climb the ranks in a bar and make a career out of the most fun job in the world. Hear their thoughts on everything from social skills behind the bar to mocktails. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch. "[When bartending] I want the customer to feel like I have nothing...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 58 - Makers Mark
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by Adam Harris, brand ambassador for Maker's Mark. Hear about the history of the company and what makes their whiskey recipe so unique. Hear about the companies water renewal program and hear how they utilize the mash that has been used as methane to power their cookers. Learn something new about one of the most popular bourbons in the world on this week's episode of The Speakeasy. This program was sponsored by White Oak Pastures. "We don't...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 57 - Justin Noel
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon hangs out and chats with Justin Noel, bartender at 1534 and rep from Prestige Brands. Damon and Joel talk about everything from changing perceptions around gin & tequila to creating characters at hotel bars. Learn more about overlooked spirits behind the bar and find out how to get over your fear of certain spirits by trying the right stuff! This program was sponsored by White Oak Pastures "There's nothing worse than somebody forcing a brand or product down...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 56 - Drunk Diet with Lc Carl
Who says you can't lose weight while getting wasted? Not Lc Carl. Tune in to this week's episode of The Speakeasy as Damon Boelte chats with Lc, who's latest book, aptly titled The Drunk Diet: How I Lost 40 Pounds . . . Wasted: A Memoir, helps people get healthy while maintaining a rock star life. Find out how he went from binge parties to running marathons and what it takes to maintain a balance of health and fun. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market. "I consider the book more...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 55 - Betto & Kanon Vodka
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte catches up with Matt Carr and Tom O'Neil of Betto with Johnny Gaffney of Kanon Vodka. Tune in as they celebrate the arrival of spring with a lively discussion on amaros, grappas and delicious refreshing cocktails that can be made with either. Learn how having a bar in a restaurant is convenient when it comes to ingredients and why there's nothing wrong with a bull shot here and there. Also find out more about Kanon Vodka and their single distilled...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 54 - Michael J. Neff
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits and chats with Michael J. Neff of Ward III & Rum House. Tune in to hear how he and his journeymen bartender colleagues turned their dreams into reality with Ward III and what it takes to run a successful bar in New York City. Find out why Michael prefers free pouring over jiggers, and how it changes the drink making process. Why is it so hard to get a good cocktail at a sports bar? Why do some "cocktail bars" frown upon people ordering vodka sodas? Hear...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 53 - Toby Maloney of The Violet...
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte checks in with celebrated bartender Toby Maloney of The Violet Hour, a pre-Prohibition era-inspired speakeasy in Chicago recently nominated for the Outstanding Bar Program James Beard Award. Learn how Toby found his way to The Violet Hour and what has influenced his style as a bartender. Find out what it takes to run a successful bar and find out what "Malort" is and why it's popular in Chicago. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market. "The...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 51 - Dutch's Spirits
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte returns to the airwaves with the man behind The Dutch's Spirits, Jonathan Forester. Tune in and learn more about their sugar wash moonshine, aged peach brandy and other old school spirits. Learn about the history of prohibition, small distilleries, the importance of forgotten spirits and the effectiveness of well made bitters. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market. "Every peach brandy was different in the 1700's and 1800's. I wanted to make...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 50 - The Tiki All Stars
What does Tiki mean to you? Damon Boelte is joined by "The Tiki All-Stars" on a deliciously rummy episode of The Speakeasy. Tune in as they talk about Tiki Mondays at Lani Kai, make drinks on-air, discuss Tiki culture and elaborate on some of the classic beachy cocktails invented by pioneers such as Dom the Beachcomber and Beachbum Berry. Get in that summer state of mind as the snow falls this winter - listen immediately! This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch. "Tiki drinks come out of...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 44 - New York Distilling Company
On the year-end episode of The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by Allen Katz and Nate Dumas, partners in the New York Distilling Company. Tune in to hear how the distillery went from fantasy to reality and what the guys have in store for 2012. Find out how they are re-imagining gin and trying to introduce some fresh idea into the world of spirits. Learn more about The Shanty, a bar inside of the distillery, and listen in as the guys taste some gin on-air. This episode was sponsored by...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 48 - Seersucker
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits down and chats with friend Robert Newton of Seersucker in Carroll Gardens. Hear why he thinks it's important to feature American foods and wines at his restaurant and how Southern cuisine plays such an integral role in his menu. From catfish to moonshine, Seersucker should be a destination spot for anybody in the area. Tune in and learn more about his cocktail list and the seasonal ingredients that are at the base of all of his dishes. This episode was...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 47 - Rye Whiskey with Nick...
What's the difference between blended whiskey and spirit whiskey? What are the origins of rye whiskey? If you're at all interested in the history of whiskey, this episode of The Speakeasy is for you. Tune in as Damon Boelte sits down and chats with friend of the show Nick Jarrett over some 1951 Old Overholt Rye Whiskey. Learn more about bonding regulations, excise taxes, the bottled-in-bond act and more history as it relates to rye whiskey. Bottoms up! This episode was sponsored by Cain...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 46 - Jordana Rothman
This week on The Speakeasy Damon Boelte welcomes Time Out New York's infamous food and drink editor, Jordana Rothman. Jordana shares her defining, imbibing "a-ha" moment and gives listeners some insight into likely trends for 2012. Tune in to hear how she came around on challenging spirits like cynar and why she thinks nobody should be excluded from the cocktail movement. Damon & Jordana also discuss what makes food at cocktail bars successful and why small plates and communal dishes are...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 45 - The Dizzy Fizz
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits down and chats with Selena Ricks-Good, the woman behind the popular blog, The Dizzy Fizz. Tune in to hear how she's trying to make high end cocktails more accessible through the blog and the events that she throws such as The French Spirits Soire. Hear why Selena thinks some cocktails have too much sugar these days, what place novelty drinks have in cocktail culture and which trends she thinks will take off in 2012. This episode was sponsored by Fairway...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 43 - The Bourgeois Pig
Trust your barender! Especially if his name is Frankie Cocktails. Tune in to a friendly episode of The Speakeasy as Damon speaks with Frank Cicneros, aka Frankie Cocktails, about his latest venture, The Bourgeois Pig. Learn about his sherry based cocktails and how carbonated cocktails are generally trending. Don't be that guy at the bar who constantly asks for drink modifications, trust the expert behind the bar! This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market. "People forget that proof and...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 42 - Ba'sik
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon chats with childhood friend and owner of Ba'sik Bar in Wiliamsburg, Jay Zimmerman. Hear what made him want to expand to Williamsburg and find out what challenges come along with opening a new bar in New York. This episode was sponsored by Roberta's
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The Speakeasy - Episode 40 - Avery and Janet Glasser of...
This week on the Speakeasy, Damon welcomes an old duo to the studio: Avery and Janet Glasser, the founders of Bittermens. They talk about their revival and re-envisioning of new spirits and liqueurs such as Hiver Amer Cinnamon, Amre Sauvage, Commonwealth Tonic Liquer, and more. From the formulation of the perfect gin and tonic to Avery's trials and tribulations of trying to make an American Frenette, tune for an informed and expert conversation from the people who know bitters best. This...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 41 - Jim Meehan
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon has a great conversation with friend and bartender Jim Meehan, author of "The PDT Cocktail Book: The Complete Bartender's Guide from the Celebrated Speakeasy". Jim discusses his experiences at PDT and elaborates on the bartender vs customer wars. Why do people always ask for vodka? Does vodka have a place in high-end cocktails? Tune in to hear about what it's like working on cocktail books and how the classics helped inspire Jim to get to where he is today....
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The Speakeasy - Episode 39 - Mayur Subbarao
This week on the Speakeasy host Damon Boelte is joined by Rennaissance man Mayur Subbarao. Not only is Subbarao a cocktail afficianado, a bartender, and a spirit crafter at Bittermens, but he also works by day as an environmental lawyer helping with green energy and building. Tune in for a panoramic discussion on extreme bartending, starting DIY cocktail clubs, and one of Damon's favorite subjects: bitters. Learn how Mayur has been recreating his own bitters such as Amer Picon and bringing...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 38 - Bitters w/ Brad Thomas...
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon takes a break from the bar songs and speaks with Brad Thomas Parsons, the author of "Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas". Tune in to learn more about one of the components of the original definition of "cocktail"; bitters. Find out how all the different variations are related and why it's so hard to get your hand on artisanal bitters. Learn how you can make your own bitters at home and discover why...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 37 - Bartenders Playlist Part 2
Back by popular demand! Damon Boelte continues the Bartenders Playlist, a selection of great drinking songs for great drinking times. Press play, pour yourself a drink, sit back and relax. This episode was sponsored by Roberta's.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 36 - Bartenders Playlist
On a special episode of The Speakeasy, Damon takes a moment to highlight some of his and his bartender friends favorite drinking songs. Tune in for a very unique Bartenders Playlist and vibe out to some booze-related tunes! This episode was sponsored by Roberta's
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The Speakeasy - Episode 35 - Jim Ryan of Hendrick's Gin
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by Jim Ryan, brand ambassador for Hendrick's Gin. Learn more about the popular spirit brand and which cocktails best utilize its many different botanicals. Learn what an "unusual Negroni" is and find out how to best enjoy warm gin on a Wednesday afternoon. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 34 - Abigail Gullo
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by none other than the "Rye Girl" herself, Abigail Gullo. Abigail talks about her experience working with Chairman's Reserve Rum and Bitter Truth and how she fell in love with both products. She also explains how she was introduced to the cocktail world and what. she enjoys most about spirits, bars and bartending. This episode was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA's No Goat Left Behind Project.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 22 - Sam Ross & Michael McIlroy
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by Michael McIlroy and Sam Ross of the world renowned members only bar Milk & Honey. They discuss how they found their way to New York and navigated the "cocktail world" and share some tips to class up any bar program. This episode was sponsored by Camp Bacon.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 26 - Maharlika
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by the crew at Maharlika, a Filipino "pop up" restaurant that features traditional cuisine and an outstanding cocktail program. Tune in to learn more about Filipino culture and food traditions and hear about some interesting new projects on the horizon from the Maharlika crew including sari-sari stores and more! This episode was sponsored by Cain Five.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 33 - Island Creek Oysters
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon drinks some 50 year old cognac and eats oysters with Dana Hale of Island Creek Oyster Farm. Tune in to learn more about the popular and sensual raw seafood that has New York City buzzing. Find out how oyster mating affects taste and how farming is one of the most safe and sustainable ways of raising shellfish and seafood. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 32 - Pernod Ricard
Leslie Pariseau, New York Brand Ambassador for Pernod Ricard & Ria Soler, Bar Smarts Manager join Damon Boelte on this week's episode of The Speakeasy. Learn about some common misconceptions surrounding absinthe and learn more about some of the other products Pernod Ricard has in its portfolio including Pastis. Also find out how the Bar Smarts program is helping educate people in the bar industry all across the country. This episode was sponsored by
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The Speakeasy - Episode 31 - Jill DeGroff & Dale DeGroff
On a very special episode of The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by artist and author of "Lush Life, Portraits from Behind the Bar", Jill DeGroff and her husband, "The King of Cocktails", Dale DeGroff. Jill and Dave tell incredible stories of their travels and experiences in bars across the world and share their passion for the people on both sides of the bar. Learn how the two met, why they were drawn to drinks and what inspires Jill in her portraits of the people who frequent the bar...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 30 - Brian Floyd
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by bartender Brian Floyd of The Vanderbilt in Prospect Heights. Damon & Brian talk about making the transition for "anything goes" to high end bartending service. Brian also discusses The Barman's Fund, which labels itself "A loose association of Dipshit Do-gooders". The Barman's Fund encourages those in the service industry to donate one shifts worth of tips a month to charity. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 29 - Cabell Tomlinson
This week on The Speakeasy Damon is joined by Cabell Tomlinson, bar director of Frankies Spuntino. Cabell discusses her philosophy behind the cocktail programs at the various Frankies locations, and how Italian apertif style drinks inspire her. Find out why vermouth is so misunderstood and how bitters can be more than just a small element of a complex cocktail. Damon & Cabell mix up a delicious American Royal on-air and share their distaste for puree based cocktails. This episode was...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 28 - Alie Shaper of Brooklyn...
This week on the Speakeasy Damon has on an old friend, Alie Shaper of Brooklyn Oenology. They talk the growing of Greenpoint and Red Hook as well as finding artists for their unique wine labels(they turn into stickers!). Tune is for a refreshing Riesling tasting and more savory wine talk on The Speakeasy. This episode is sponsored by Fairway Market.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 27 - Bushwick Country Club
This week on The Speakeasy, the studio is packed with the crew from Bushwick Country Club. Tune in for an especially raucous episode of the best cocktail show on the internet as the guys share drinks, explain what a pickleback is, tell ghost stories and have a good time. This episode was sponsored by Roberta's.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 25 - Tales from Tales of the...
This week's episode of The Speakeasy sees Damon Boelte sitting down with Steve Schneider of Employees Only, fresh off their award winning weekend at Tales of the Cocktail. Tune in to hear how the crew at Employees Only celebrated being crowned "Best Cocktail Bar in the World". This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market
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The Speakeasy - Episode 24 - Bittermens Very Small Batch...
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by Avery & Janet Glasser of Bittermens Very Small Batch Bitters Company. Tune in to learn more about the history and functionality of bitters in cocktails as Avery and Janet explain how bitters are inherently medicinal and can be used as more than just a bartender tool. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 23 - Combier
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits down with Romain Guille, brand rep for Combier USA. Tune in to learn the history of the worlds first triple sec and find out how to best utilize the delicious digestif in your cocktails. Learn how triple sec differs from curacao and how citrus migrated its way to our glasses. This episode was sponsored by The Small Holding Festival.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 21 - St. John Frizell
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte sits down with St. John Frizell, head of the Red Hook bote, Fort Defiance. Tune in to learn more about how his personal journey as a bartender and how New Orleans cocktail culture influences John. Also learn what a Sumo Collins is and why David Wondrich approves of it. This episode was sponsored by Just Food.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 20 - 42Below
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by Paul Franich, brand rep for 42 Below Vodka. Learn more about the New Zealand-based vodka and how it all started as a DIY operation in a garage! Find out what The Cocktail World Cup is all about and discover why the kiwis know what they're doing when it comes to drinks! This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 19 - Happy Birthday Damon!
Damon Celebrates his 30th birthday on a heady episode of The Speakeasy with friend, bar manager and reggae/dancehall DJ Shane Feirstein. Tune in as they talk about Jamaican rum, Jamaican music and the Jamaican lifestyle while sipping on rum and listening to some great tracks. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. For more information visit Surry Farms.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 18 - Norwegian Invasion!
The studio is packed as Damon & Brian Miller invite from friends from Oslo, Norway to The Speakeasy to remiss on drunken nights, discuss the brilliance of Akvavit and remind listeners that it's not about what you have but how you use it! This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 17 - Tanqueray
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by Angus Winchester, Global Brand Ambassador for Tanqueray Gin. Damon & Angus share their love for gin over a Negroni and discuss the differences between the Manhattan Cocktail Classic and Tales of the Cocktail events. Tune in to find out what makes a good Gin & Tonic, and why your grandmother might know best when it comes to gin! This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market - like no other market.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 16 - Santa Teresa Rum
This week Damon Boelte invites the team from Santa Teresa Rum to speak about the current rum industry and their new Venezuelan rum products. The main goal of Santa Teresa is to keep the culture and tradition of true rum alive using special brewing techniques to ensure the highest pure quality rum. Watch out for Santa Teresa rum at your local bar! This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. For more information, visit Surry Farms.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 15 - Ari Form Returns
Ari Form returns to The Speakeasy with a strange strange bottle of Irish Liqueur that tastes like Malibu. What does this mean? You'll have to listen to find out. Tune in as Damon and Ari talk pick-me-up cocktails, Irish whiskey and more on the best spirits show around. This episode was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 14 - Steve Schneider & Vincent...
Things get rowdy on this week's episode of The Speakeasy as host Damon Boelte hangs out with Employees Only's wild bartenders Steve Schneider and Vincent Vitek. Steve and Vincent touch on the brotherhood and camaraderie felt amongst bartenders and explain what it's like working behind a bar with high quality drinks and exceptions that come along with them. Tune in for some ice smashing fun as the crew talks shop and makes a slammin mint julep on-air. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 13 - Frank Cisneros
This week's guest on The Speakeasy is Frank Cisneros, aka Frankie Cocktails. Frank and Damon discuss how music can influence cocktails and spirits, talk about the decline and rise of Vodka & imagine a post-cocktail bar world. Learn how Frank got started in drinks and find out more about the wonderful world of spirits. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market & Do Something Reel
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The Speakeasy - Episode 12 - Maxwell Britten
Maxwell Britten is this week's guest on The Speakeasy. Tune in to hear how he became the Beverage Director and Marketing Manager at Maison Premiere and why he thinks people still want to show themselves a good time even during a recession. Learn more about one of his favorite spirits, absinthe, as Maxwell dispels myths and helps listeners understand how to truly appreciate this drink. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery. For more information visit www.CainFive.com
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The Speakeasy - Episode 11 - American Gin Company
On today's episode of The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by Scott Krahn, 1/2 of the American Gin Company. Scott talks about the return of gin, and reminds us that it's "essentially flavored vodka". Learn more about gin production, tasting notes and applications and find out why the Averell Damson Gin Liqueur is such a unique product. Sponsored by Fairway Market - like no other market.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 10 - Phil Ward
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by former head bartender of Death & Co. Phil Ward, currently of Mayahuel. Phil discusses his interest in agave based spirits and tequila cocktails as well as the past, present and future of agave production in Mexico. Tune in to learn more about the Tequila Interchange Project, a venture dedicated to promoting awareness about the culture of tequila for industry professionals in USA and Mexico. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 9 - Nic Cowles
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by Nic Cowles of Minibar. Nic talks about the community vibe of Minibar and how it serves as a warm and familiar place for those in the service industry to come relax at after a shift. Tune in to hear why Yelp reviews are hardly helpful and why you might not actually know what a real Manhattan tastes like. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery. For more information visit www.CainFive.com
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The Speakeasy - Episode 8 - USBG
Tune into the latest episode of The Speakeasy hosted by Damon Boelte. This week he highlights the United States Bartenders Guild. Tune in and hear from Jason Littrell of The Randolph at Broome & preview guest Nick Jarrett about how the Bartenders Guild helps protect our bar talent and opens an endless amount of networking possibilities for bartenders all over the country. Learn more at www.USBG.org. This episode was sponsored by the Museum of Food & Drink.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 7 - Nick Jarrett
This week on a special one-hour long episode of The Speakeasy, host Damon Boelte sits down and chats with friend and bartending troubadour Nick Jarrett. Nick talks about his experience at Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co and how he successfully managed to split his time equally between NYC & Philly. Tune in to hear stories about Bill Murray, tequilla, hotel room Old Fashioned's, and a forthcoming mobile green bar. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market
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The Speakeasy - Episode 6 - Brad Farran
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon is joined by Brad Farran of The Clover Club. Brad explains how he went from running a record label in North Carolina to moving to New York to become one of the city's premier bartenders. Tune in and hear why Brad love cream drinks, how he uses Sherry in creating cocktails and find out the story behind his Midnight to 6 cocktail. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch. For more information visit http://www.hearstranch.com
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The Speakeasy - Episode 5 - Ian Wolff
This week on The Speakeasy Damon is joined by Ian Wolff, Wine & Spirits editor at La Cucina Italiana. They discuss the collaborative nature of writing and the transition from the kitchen to the pen. Tune in and learn how good grappe can derail any conversation and why being behind a bar talking to people everyday is an art in itself. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. For more information visit www.surryfarms.com
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The Speakeasy - Episode 4 - Ari Form
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by Ari Form of the JakeWalk. Ari & Damon discuss everything from Damon's huge hands to Ari's time spend at Pluck-U. Tune in and hear more about why a sense of community is so important in Brooklyn and why it's not always easy to gracefully kick people out of a bar. This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market - like no other market.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 3 - Adam Kolesar
On the third installment of The Speakeasy, Damon sits down with Adam Kolesar, tiki drink expert and proprietor of Brooklyn Orgeat Works. The two sit down to discuss the origins of the traditional Mai Tai and how it's been lost in modern cocktail culture. Tune in the find out where you can go for an authentic tiki experience in New York City, and how rum profiles matter more than you might expect in the execution of an excellent cocktail. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards &...
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The Speakeasy - Episode 2 - Thomas Waugh
This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte is joined by guest Thomas Waugh, head bartender at NYC's Death & Co. Damon and Thomas discuss the similarities and differences in style between East and West coast cocktail culture and the rise of Fernet Branca. Tune in to learn more about cocktail competitions, transitioning from bartending to consulting and why you should NOT throw shot glasses against the wall. This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market - like no other market.
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The Speakeasy - Episode 1 - Brian Miller
On the innaugral episode of The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte overcomes a brief power outage in the studio and chats with friend & colleague Brian Miller, formerly of Death & Company. Brian explains how he went from a food runner as a fresh New York transplant to becoming one of the best bartenders the city has to offer. Later in the show, Damon & Brian discuss Tiki cocktail culture and history and how under appreciated these fruity rum based drinks are these days. Tune in and learn more about...
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402 Graham Ave.
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