In this RTD redux with Keli Rivers, David T. Smith, and Joe Barber, some of the topics we discuss include: Emerging trends in the post-pandemic RTD (ready to drink) and RTS (ready to serve) cocktail space, including more bottled RTS SKUS, continued innovation by small producers, and marked improvements across the board in stability and flavor. Thoughts on the very real limitations of launching an RTD, such as flavor drift, limited off-premise shelf space, and market saturation. ...

In this Seattle cocktail retrospective with Paul Clarke, Editor in Chief of Imbibe Magazine, some of the topics we discuss include: How Paul began his drinks journey in the early days of the cocktail renaissance and became a regular at the ZigZag Cafe, a Seattle cocktail den that rose to prominence thanks, in large part, to a bartender named Murray Stenson. The fascinating gravitational pull that Murray exerted, both within professional hospitality circles and on the community of...

What will cocktails and bars look like in 100 years? 200 years? What about 500? In this introductory survey episode, Eric explores what "cocktail futurism" might look like and how we can start thinking NOW about how our drinks will evolve in the future. This isn't about projecting what cocktail will become "cool again" next year -- it's about understanding what long-term trends might totally re-write the beverage landscape in ways that will surprise and (hopefully) delight us. Some of the...

In this groundbreaking, down and dirty conversation with Gian Nelson of Jano Spirits, some of the topics we discuss include: How Gian found his home in the creative and multidisciplinary workspace of the wine and spirits industry and why he’s selected Agave Americana as the canvas on which he expresses his passion. An overview of the different types of agave spirits currently being produced here in the US, specifically: the differences between using imported agave syrup vs. actual...

In this fascinating deep dive with Aaron Goldfarb (@aarongoldfarb), author of Dusty Booze: In Search of Vintage Spirits, some of the topics we discuss include: What constitutes a “dusty” or vintage bottle and some of the historical forces that created the trend of hunting for them, especially in the Bourbon world. Some tentative answers to the question, “Did it really Use to Taste Better?,” featuring oak tree rings, barrel entry proof, and cedar fermentation tanks. How dusty hunters...

In this roving, wanderlustrious conversation with Devon Trevathan of Liba Spirits, some of the topics we discuss include:  Why Devon has chosen to cultivate a welcoming and mindful relationship with discomfort while traveling, and how this has allowed her to become a sponge for the sights, flavors, and sensations that make different cultures and destinations unique. A working definition of “Nomadic Distilling,” which forgoes stability and a permanent facility in favor of flexibility and...

In this heady, fragrant chat with Dr. Kevin Peterson, author of Cocktail Theory: A Sensory Approach to Transcendent Drinks, some of the topics we discuss include: Why his time testing combustion engines in a laboratory made Kevin the perfect person to analyze the classic cocktail families for their ideal dilution, temperature, and ingredient ratios How bartenders can use the notion of “olfactory motifs” rooted in memory, nature, and music to design cocktails that thrill at a more three...

In this "Year in Review" / 2024 Preview episode, Eric covers 2023 by the numbers, including highlights and growth figures. Then: some quick previews of what this year has in store, and one big announcement that has been several months in the making.

In this spirited discussion with Alain Royer and Henry Preiss of Preiss Imports, some of the topics we discuss include: What precisely Izarra liqueur is and the geographic and cultural forces that allowed it to remain more of a regional specialty, while Chartreuse enjoyed wider exposure.  How other specialty liqueurs, like Jaegermeister and Luxardo Maraschino, managed to burst the bonds of their relatively “niche” statuses and become heavyweights in the cocktail world. The unique...

In this special holiday-themed throwback episode, we've decided to re-release part of an episode from 2020, where Eric interviews acclaimed cocktail author Aaron Goldfarb, author of the book, Gather Around Cocktails. Some of the topics covered include: How to master eggnog, even in a New York City apartment Ways to think about seasonality in cocktail ingredients and custom drink specs Special drinks for Jewish holidays like Hanukkah, Rosh Hashanah, and Purim And much, much more

In this stirring, ice-cold conversation with bartender and cocktail batcher extraordinaire, Robby Haynes, some of the topics we discuss include: What people mean when they say, “Martini,” and why certain preferences and aversions pertaining to its construction may stem from unresolved fears and myths about ingredients. How Robby teamed up with distillers, wine-makers, and cocktail experts to weave a flavor tapestry worthy of sitting on the shelf next to the legendary Gold Fashioned. ...

In this nerdy deep-dive on the craft and science of Super Juice with bartender and cocktail competitor Mike Vander Horn (@cocktail.complex), some of the topics we discuss include: What Super Juice is and how it has risen to prominence in both cocktail bar and home bar settings. Different ways of formulating super juice, including recipes and methods drawn from Liquid Intelligence, a bartender named Nickle Morris, and a YouTube mixologist called Kevin Kos. How to test the flavor of...

In this time-traveling, globetrotting conversation with Amanda Schuster, author of Signature Cocktails, some of the topics we discuss include: How Amanda went about sourcing 200 signature recipes from all corners of the globe and spanning over 500 years of history. What distinguishes signature cocktails from their more generic counterparts like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Martinis - specifically, the roles of people, places, and events. An examination of certain important...

In this time-traveling, globetrotting conversation with Amanda Schuster, author of Signature Cocktails, some of the topics we discuss include: How Amanda went about sourcing 200 signature recipes from all corners of the globe and spanning over 500 years of history. What distinguishes signature cocktails from their more generic counterparts like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Martinis - specifically, the roles of people, places, and events. An examination of certain important...

Bar consultant and drink expert Philip Duff lends his multi-decade, international perspective to the debate on tipping trends, service fees, and legislative initiatives that affect tipped workers, bar owners, and restaurant patrons alike.

In Part 1 of my two-part conversation with bar consultant and spirits expert Philip Duff, some of the topics we discuss include: How a small Irish town of 5,000 people played host to the busiest pub in all of Ireland thanks, in part, to a trip to Texas, some stained glass, and knack for documenting its drink recipes The shift in consumer consciousness from fun, flair-driven pours to more complex and serious cocktails with the opening of the Atlantic Bar and Grill in London in 1995. ...

In this fascinating deep dive on the history, biochemistry, and culture of rum with distiller Brett Steigerwaldt, some of the topics we discuss include: How Brett applies his in-depth background in automation, fluid and thermal dynamics, and systems engineering to design fermentation and distillation programs that create delicious spirits. The surprising connection between microbial research conducted on rum fermentations more than 100 years ago and the current quest for rum distillers...

In this special edition, recorded at the American Distilling Institute's 20th Anniversary Conference and Trade Show, Eric shares his 20th Anniversary Address and Keynote Intro, informally titled, "It's All on Fire." Then, we jump straight into a delighful panel discussion about the art, business, and philosophy of blended whisk(e)y. This is a panel, moderated by Eric Kozlik, consisting of three expert distillers: Lauren Patz (Redwood Empire) Stephen Gould (Golden Moon Distilling) Dave...

Eric checks in with some important updates and previews what's in store for late summer and early fall, 2023. Be sure to keep your ears out for an exclusive discount from Jordan Hughes on his Cocktail Camera course!

Eric and guest co-host Tracie Franklin (@spirited_tracie) review several new and noteworthy spirits for the Summer of 2023. They include: Confluence American Gin by Still 630 Frontera Single Malt by Whisky Del Bac Solum Single Malt by Westland Distillery Various mixers by Sweet Ginger Browne Visit our YouTube Channel to see the full video reviews of these spirits!

Eric reviews the most popular modernist mixology methods that are on the rise behind the world's best cocktail bars in 2023. Many of the culinary ingredients and techniques featured in this episode have evolved from classic or low-tech versions of processes like clarification or freeze-thaw distillation. Others employ cutting-edge science to completely shake up the way we think about our favorite cocktails.

In this botanically diverse conversation with ethnobotanist and author Gary Nabhan, some of the topics we discuss include: The winding, intersectional, and truly inspiring story of Gary’s personal journey, from his family ties to bootlegging during Prohibition, to his days spent foraging and learning about plants in the Indiana Dunes, to his documentary work showcasing the pollinator relationship between bats and agave. How he teamed up with his co-author, David Pinera, a famed...

In this inspiring conversation with bartender Mike Vander Horn, some of the topics we discuss include: Mike’s personal journey, from his humble origins as a “rum and diet” drinker, to the cocktail competitions that would ultimately lend him the authority to step behind the bar as the head bartender at the newly opened Queen Jayne’s Lounge & Royal Drinkery in Somers Point, NJ. The different types of cocktail competitions that exist in today’s world, ranging from the purely digital,...

In this new #BoozeNews episode, Eric runs down some trending news stories and introduces the new Modern Bar Cart Discord Server! Email [email protected] to request access to this new community forum. Featured news items include: Mastering your mint julep game for the Kentucky Derby this weekend Maine Gov. signs "To-Go" Cocktails into law Oregon considers doubling Distilled Spirits Tax Spirits surpass beer in market share for first time Looming white oak shortage plagues bourbon...