The Speakeasy

Where do you go for arguably the best pint of Budweiser in America? Why, Wilmington, North Carolina of course, where Robby Dow, formerly of Grand Army in Brooklyn, has opened his new place Bespoke which has been called, on this show, a perfect bar. He sits down to talk with Damon and Greg about the buildout, what it’s like developing a clientele of Regulars outside of a “major market” city, and why he takes incredible pride in serving the coldest Budweiser in town. PLUS, a restaurant in Italy is bribing customers to lock up their phones during dinner with a free bottle of wine. Hear what Greg thinks about it (spoiler: positively) and why this trend might soon be catching on. Follow Robby on instagram at @thevodkaartist Follow Bespoke on instagram at @bespoke.nc LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycalliancethesaltcurefund.orgyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do you do if the spokesperson for your brand is an actual bear? What if the creative partner for your brand is a famous actor from a hit TV show? CEO Anthony Moniello and Actor Gabriel Macht sit down to talk Bear Fight, their whiskey brand that has launched an American single malt, a bourbon aged in reposado tequila barrels, and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Anthony and Gabriel talk about naming the brand, finding a place in a crowded marketplace, leaning into a new chapter after “Suits” blew up on Netflix, and the perils and upsides of funding a brand with retail investors PLUS, the Staten Island Ferry is serving booze again, thank God. And, an old friend from Kansas City chimes in about a new challenge. Follow Bear Fight on instagram at @bearfightwhiskey Follow Gabriel on instagram at @iamgabrielmacht LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycalliancethesaltcurefund.orgyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What makes a good sommelier? Encyclopedic knowledge of the wine world? The ability to sell anything to anyone? Or something more empathetic and human? If anyone knows it’s Claire Paparazzo, Wine Director for Sunday Hospitality Group and the Hotel Chelsea. Drawing on her knowledge from such iconic places as Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Claire chats with Greg about the challenge of running four properties under one roof, the art of making wine approachable, and why the fad for natural wine and orange wine probably springs from somewhere deep and sick and wonderful in our collective psyche. And, she talks about the time she almost got mauled by a pig. PLUS, are AI somms coming for our jobs? Greg offers an oddly hopeful take on whether that industry’s days are numbered Follow Claire at @clairepaparazzo Follow her documentary work at @wineifyouwantto Follow her art at @jasperheart2021 LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycalliancethesaltcurefund.orgyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In another Boomerang! episode from Raleigh, North Carolina Greg sits down with Patrick Shanahan in his new bar space Rosebud to talk about the space, the buildout, and what it took to incorporate influences ranging from Japanese hi-fi lounges to spaghetti westerns to midcentury modern aesthetic. Then, they dive into the vibe and culture of North Carolina’s capital city to discuss where it’s been and where it’s going next. PLUS, are savory cocktails the new mezcal? Greg and Patrick discuss. Follow Patrick at @pmshanahan Follow Rosebud at @rosebudraleigh LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsbusinessinsider.com/gen-z-exclusive-restaurants-regularmaxxing-central-perk-2026-1nouswithoutyou.la/@thenycalliancethesaltcurefund.orgyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is Texification, and why do it to Kentucky whiskey? Heather Greene, Master Blender of Milam & Greene hops on with Greg and Sother to answer that very question. She delves into what the unique climate of Texas does to a barrel of bourbon (or rye), what place whiskey occupies in our lives these days, and how she met the partners in her whiskey supergroup in the first place. PLUS, the kids are alright, but the way journalists cover them still sucks. Greg and Sother break down a recent piece about how Zoomers have “discovered” dive bars and discuss what it might mean for the “Gen Z doesn’t drink” narrative. Follow Milam & Greene at @milamandgreenewhiskey Follow Heather at @thewhiskeyauthority LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsbusinessinsider.com/gen-z-exclusive-restaurants-regularmaxxing-central-perk-2026-1nouswithoutyou.la/@thenycalliancethesaltcurefund.orgyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever age tequila in oak, cherry AND acacia barrels? Mijenta Tequila has and Natasha Sofia, their Global Advocacy Director, is here to tell us about it. She dives into their aging process, sustainability, and what it means to actually win the award for Best US Brand Ambassador at Tales of the Cocktail. PLUS, an update on BrewDog’s attempt to sell itself and what it means for the future of craft beer… and cannabis! Follow Natasha at @natasha_sofia Follow Mijenta Tequila at @mijentatequila LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycalliancethesaltcurefund.orgyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tao Zrafi claims he “broke cocktail menus forever” with his small bar in Illinois that boasts a menu of over 2,500 drinks. And yet it’s far from the wildest idea the Drink Masters star has ever produced. He sits down with Greg and Sother to discuss building replicable formulas that can produce literally thousands of drinks, his venture into entrepreneurship by creating acid powders that can replace citrus juice, are shelf stable, and can be shipped anywhere in the world, and how growing up in Tunisia and cutting his teeth behind the bars of Montreal shaped a truly unique view on the world of cocktails. PLUS, BrewDog is for sale! Greg catches us up on the latest from the embattled microbrewery. And it snowed in New York, again and the city’s id was on full display… for better and for worse. Follow Tao at @travelingbartenders Follow No School Tomorrow at @noschooltomorrow.bar LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycalliancethesaltcurefund.orgyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a special late night edition of The Speakeasy Hennessy Ambassador Sean Johnson joins Greg and Sother to talk about the historic cognac brand’s legacy, the art of selling a spirit everyone thinks they already understand, and what it was like to start this job in summer of 2020, when not much was happening really. Sean also gets into Hennessy’s roots in Black culture and his recent experience at Bar Five Day, the Navy SEAL training of the bar world. PLUS, a happy and solemn Lent to all who celebrate. Sother unpacks the surprisingly jovial history of lenten beers and how they made fasting fun. And Greg has officially returned from Las Vegas, albeit a little worse for wear. Follow Sean at @wellbalancedsean LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycalliancethesaltcurefund.orgyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who are better customers, Democrats or Republicans? Nycci Nellis, longtime Washington, DC food and drinks writer, radio host, consultant and more sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about the cocktail scene in the nation’s capital. Together they talk business, branding, wine and which political party is better for local businesses… all while reminiscing about some of their favorite establishments in the DMV PLUS, Greg was on a different podcast and learned something shocking about one of his favorite bars. Sometimes you really can’t go home and drink a hubcap full of margarita again… Follow Nycci at @nyccinellis LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycalliancethesaltcurefund.orgyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Branded Content the future of journalism? Or put another way, does a news outlet that springs out of a lifestyle brand hold the keys for journalism’s survival? That’s what Rashaun Hall, Editor-in-Chief of The Whiskey Lifestyle is here to discuss. He sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about transforming from a music into a spirits and cocktail journalist and whether retail holds the key to independent news’s future. They also get into diversity in the drinks space and what’s doing alright vs. what needs to improve. PLUS, if you found a porron of delicious martini buried in one of New York City’s many semi-permanent snowbanks right now… would you drink it? Be honest. Follow Rashaun at @bartimestories LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycalliancethesaltcurefund.orgyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Canadian Whisky? Heck yeah. Canadian Gin? I mean sure, why not? Canadian Wine??? Now we’re getting weird. Kristin Rose Pike, Founder of Northern Rose Selections joins Greg and Damon to talk about the delicious drinks made by our neighbors to the north, from gin to amaretto to cold weather wines. She talks about the terroir of the highest tide in the world, the increasingly tense bourbon diplomacy between the US and Canada, and whether or not Canadian Whisky is poised for a massive comeback. PLUS, let it snow, let it snow, let is snow! Most of the country is frozen in and Greg & Damon compare their blizzard beverages of choice. Follow Northern Rose Selections at @northernroseselections LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycallianceyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s more punk rock than opening a cocktail bar in a strip mall? A psychedelic harp maybe? Bartender and lifelong musician Paul Finn knows a little something about both after opening up Little Gem in Chapel Hill, NC. Together with Greg, Sother and Damon he unpacks his philosophy for hiring, training and explaining new concepts to guests, making the transition from bartender to bar owner, and of course how his love of music built the concept for his new bar, consciously or otherwise. PLUS, Happy Burns Night lads and lassies! The Scottish Cinco de Mayo is upon us, leading to a lively discussion about whether this holiday should be celebrated by everyone, or whether it’s better to leave it to folks in the know. Follow Paul at @stardustbeverage Follow Little Gem at @littlegembar LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycallianceyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rob Lam-Burns has bartended all over the world: Thailand, Hong Kong, Maison Premiere and now LenLen, a new Thai spot in the Flatiron district. He joins Greg and Sother to talk about his philosophy behind putting new and unexpected flavors in front of people, the divisive magic of Durian, “the king of fruits” and of course, professional skateboarding. PLUS, chili and cinnamon rolls? A culinary sensation from the great state of Nebraska gets its time in the limelight, and Greg and Sother discuss how refreshing it is that there are still some things in life yet to be explored. Follow Rob at @rob.hlss Follow LenLen at @lenlen.nyc LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsflatwaterfreepress.org/chili-and-cinnamon-rolls-warm-welcoming-and-a-little-unexpected-just-like-nebraska/nouswithoutyou.la/@thenycallianceyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New Year, New Us! We were awfully mean to the good people of Lansing, MI and in 2026 we’re going to do better, starting today. To help us make good on this resolution, Gregg Smyth and Brian Phillips of Phillips Cider Bar in Lansing sat down to tell us why the capital of the Wolverine state is actually a pretty cool place. Plus, they delve into the history of their sixth generation orchard, talk about the transition to making hard ciders, and help us pick the new town we’ll be dumping on for the next 365 days. PLUS The Speakeasy turns 15! Greg, Sother and Damon reminisce about episode 1 and reflect on how the more things change, the more they stay the same. Follow Phillips Cider at @phillipsorchards LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycallianceyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In their annual year end wrap-up show Greg, Sother and Damon sit down to talk about what the heck just happened. They unpack some of the leading trends of 2025, including Hi-Fi Lounges, High-Dives, Premiumization and the migration to the extremes of either luxury or ultra-discount experiences. Are we too used to curated experiences to accept risk in our bars and restaurants? Can a true high-end dive really exist? And why does Sother have such a fascination with the US Postal Service anyway? All that and more is answered in the final Speakeasy of 2025. LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycallianceyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Boomerang! episode Greg travels to the Second City of Anaheim, where he meets with Strong Water’s “Fleet Commander” Ying Chang. They discuss how the bar was assembled almost entirely from estate sales, how the idea of elevated tropical bar with great rum cocktails came to fruition, their impending high dive concept, and what it’s like running a James Beard Award finalist bar in the “middle brother” of Los Angeles and San Diego Follow Strong Water at @strongwateranaheim LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycallianceyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Wondrich is one of the few people in the world of spirits and cocktails that truly needs no introduction. The James Beard and Spirited Award-winning author of Imbibe!, Punch, and The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails is back with a new book, The Comic Book History of the Cocktail. He sits down with the band to talk about breaking new ground in the world of cocktail history, picking the right collaborator for a work of this size and answering the age old question that eats at all of us: Cocktails… what are they for? PLUS, Jimmy’s Corner, a hidden gem in Times Square, is in danger of closing. Greg, Sother and Damon discuss why it’s so hard to get a decent drink in that part of the world (for less than forty dollars) and what losing a storied institution like this would mean for the theatre district, and for New York City. Follow David at @splificator LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycallianceyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Boomerang! episode Greg sits down with Stephen Julander, Senior Ops Manager at Woody Creek Distillers to talk about his new gig, what it’s like to distill and age whiskey over a mile above sea level, and how needing more space to grow potatoes for vodka brought a movie star into the company. Follow Woody Creek at @woodycreekdistillers LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycallianceyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you put a barrel inside a barrel? That’s the question Dixon Dedman looked to solve when he founded 2XO, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon brand that uses two times the oak on all of their whiskies. Dixon sits down with Greg and Sother to discuss his innovative solution to this problem (it involves a very fun prop) his long family history in Kentucky Bourbon, and how blenders might finally be getting the respect they deserve in the world of whiskey. PLUS: Raccoons. They’re just like us. And as a recent news story makes clear, if you've been on a bit of a bender, those cool bathroom tiles feel mighty good, no matter what your species is. Follow 2XO at @2xowhiskey Follow Dixon at @dixon_dedman Follow Til Death at @tildeathkc LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsvcp.orgnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycallianceSauced kickstarter.com/projects/timmckirdy/sauced-the-podcastyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the second Boomerang episode from Kansas City Greg sits down with Phil Worden and Andrew Loos of Til Death, the famous speakeasy located below a fully operational funeral home. In a surprisingly deep and moving conversation the three of them chat about the relationship between alcohol, grief and celebration, the similarity between the job of a funeral director and a bartender, and the character of a city at a crossroads. Also, they talk about how a bar wound up in a mortician’s basement a half century ago, and the practical concerns of having a casket for a bar top. Follow Til Death at @tildeathkc Learn more about Veterans Community Project at vcp.org LINKS patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsnouswithoutyou.la/@thenycallianceSauced kickstarter.com/projects/timmckirdy/sauced-the-podcastyoutube.com/@Speakeasy.Podcastquioteimports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.