Man Cave Happy Hour: Recent Episodes
Man Cave Happy Hour
Welcome to Man Cave Happy Hour – Whiskey, Spirits, and the stories that go along with them. Join Jamie and Matt as we broadcast live in studio and from our favorite lounges, pubs, distilleries, and happy hours. We will talk to distillers, ambassadors, entrepreneurs, bartenders, mixologists, the people that make and enjoy spirits and cocktails. Produced at the Podcast Your Voice Studios
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You can tell who’s actually been to bourbon country because they stop saying “we’ll just wing it.” We’re pouring a fresh crack of E.H. Taylor Small Batch and calling up Tim from Kentucky Bourbon Boys to get the real playbook for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: how far things are, how many stops you can realistically do, and why a great day usually tops out around three experiences, not seven.
https://kentuckybourbonboys.com/
Tim breaks down what’s new right now in Louisville and the surrounding trail hubs like Bardstown and Lexington, from downtown bourbon tasting rooms to Prohibition-style speakeasies that hide in plain sight. We talk tour planning for couples and groups, the ideal group size for value, and the add-ons people are obsessed with lately: sporting clays, horse farm visits, golf days, culinary tours, wineries, and barrel tasting experiences where you can pick a flavor profile and even fill your own bottle.
Then we dig into the question bourbon fans keep arguing about: what’s going on with supply and demand. After years of distilleries cranking out volume and filling rickhouses, things have slowed, and that shift is showing up in surprising ways, including more bottles appearing at or near retail in Kentucky. We also cover why planning ahead matters, how to avoid scams, and why safety is the foundation of a trip you’ll actually remember.
If you’re thinking about a Bourbon Trail weekend, start planning now, then hit play and steal our checklist. Subscribe, share this with your whiskey crew, and leave a review so more people can find the show.
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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August Gitschlag @rawgusto
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Hot honey finished bourbon sounds like a dare until you taste it and realize the “heat” can drink like warmth. We’re hanging in the Man Cave Happy Hour with Dante from Detroit City Distillery to get past the hype and into the decisions that actually shape flavor, from barrel finishing to proof to what your palate notices first, second, and last.
We also zoom out to what’s happening in the whiskey and bourbon industry right now: generational consumption, the way cannabis and THC edibles change the party, and why the market slowdown hits high-volume regions hardest. Dante makes a sharp case for the tasting room as the new advantage, where community and human conversation matter more than another shelf talker. You’ll hear the real-world survival stories too, including the COVID pivot into hand sanitizer and how a “shutdown bourbon” became a time capsule bottle people still chase.
Then we get into the fun stuff whiskey nerds argue about: Pappy Van Winkle pricing, why blind tasting can humble your opinions fast, and how much rye on shelves is sourced versus made from scratch. Dante also breaks down a simple Old Fashioned method that focuses on balance, bitters, and orange expression, plus where their spirits are showing up across Michigan and Mackinac Island.
If you like craft spirits, Detroit whiskey, honey finished bourbon, rye whiskey, and practical cocktail talk, hit subscribe, share this with a friend who loves bourbon, and leave us a quick review so more people can find the show.
https://www.detroitcitydistillery.com/
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A lot of “honey whiskey” tastes like sugar and shortcuts. We wanted the real story behind honey-finished bourbon that still tastes like whiskey, so we brought in Dante from Detroit City Distillery to break down how Detroit’s Bees In The D partnership turned raw urban honey into something genuinely complex. We get into the surprising first step: barrel-aging the honey itself in used whiskey barrels, then using those honey-seasoned barrels to finish bourbon without adding flavoring or coloring.
Along the way, we trade family history and Detroit roots, including a Prohibition-era boat-running story that somehow makes today’s craft spirits scene feel like part of a longer timeline. Dante also explains why Detroit City Distillery thinks about finishing windows, toasted barrels, and why proof in the 115 to 116 range can bring heat, balance, and a clean finish without blowing your palate up.
Then we taste. We compare the 100-proof blended release against single-barrel picks, talk glassware, and share a simple tasting reset that helps you stop judging a whiskey on the first sip. We also go off on whiskey hype, allocations, and a $200 Pappy pour that taught a hard truth about older barrels turning into pure oak.
If you love Michigan-made spirits, bourbon finishing, honey bourbon, or just want better tasting instincts, hit play. Subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find us.
https://www.detroitcitydistillery.com/
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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August Gitschlag @rawgusto
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A full-on plot twist drops at the bar: our longtime friend Feras is a banker who somehow became an executive producer on a nationwide theatrical release and he barely told anyone. We dig into how that secret happened, what it’s like to work with a real cast and crew, and why Detroit is the perfect city to shoot a movie that’s equal parts chaos and heart.
We also get practical about independent film financing and distribution. Not every movie comes from a studio, and not every deal is a win for creators. We talk about how the rise of streaming changed the business, why outright buyouts can erase long-term upside, and why theaters still matter when you want people laughing together, yelling together, and walking out with stories they can’t stop repeating. If you’ve ever wondered how investors evaluate a film, how festivals shape a final cut, or why a strong opening weekend can make or break showtimes, you’ll get the real-world version here.
Then we jump into Haunted Heist: four estranged friends reunite in an Airbnb to rob an ancient relic worth $20 million, only to find the mansion is haunted by racist ghosts. Yes, that’s the premise, and we talk about why “bullying horror” works, how stand-up comedians bring sharper timing than typical comedy casting, and how an 18-day Detroit shoot turns into a years-long push to get on screens nationwide. Check out hauntedheistmovie.com, then tell us what city you want this playing in. If you like the show, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review.
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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Summer drinking has two rules: keep it cold, keep it simple, and don’t ruin a good buzz with a complicated recipe. We’re in full Man Cave Happy Hour mode with a Canada Day salute, pouring Canadian Club and building a whiskey sour that actually works when you’re short on time, low on ice, and staring down a heat wave. We talk what makes Canadian whisky taste different from bourbon, why lemon juice and the right sweetener matter, and the small tweaks that turn a basic sour into a drink you’d proudly serve at a backyard party.
Then Spencer and Jennifer bring a curveball that instantly earns a spot on our summer cocktail list: a PAMA pomegranate old fashioned. We get into the exact balance of bourbon, pomegranate liqueur, demerara syrup, and bitters, plus why citrus oils from an expressed peel can make a home cocktail taste like a real bar pour. From there we bounce through easy refreshers like vodka raspberry lemonade, bourbon and lemonade, and a few “are we really doing this?” beer combos including michelada talk, Aperol in beer, and even pickle beer curiosity.
And yes, we also tackle a painfully real “hypothetical” about a sealed bourbon bottle popping in a hot car and soaking a leather seat, because summer mistakes are still mistakes. We wrap with a scotch-and-Drambuie Rusty Nail, Fourth of July plans, golf bragging rights, and fireworks stories that prove chaos is part of the tradition. If you like cocktails, whiskey, and the stories that come with them, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave us a review.
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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August Gitschlag @rawgusto
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A beer meetup that feeds people sounds like a feel-good slogan, until you hear how it’s actually being run. We’re joined by Paul, who helped launch the Michigan chapter of Beer Drinkers of America, and he lays out a simple, surprisingly effective model: pick a slow night at a local bar or brewery, bring in a crowd that wouldn’t have been there, and have the venue donate a portion of that extra revenue directly to a local food pantry. No complicated fundraising, no passing the hat, just community showing up and letting the math do the work.
We talk through what he learned while volunteering, including the difference between a food bank and a food pantry, and why food insecurity is closer than many of us want to admit. Then we get into the practical details people actually care about: what membership costs, what’s expected of members, and where the next meetup is happening. If you love local taprooms, want to support restaurants that are trying to survive, and also want your happy hour to do something real, this is a blueprint you can copy.
And yes, we drink. Paul brings a perfect warm-weather curveball, the “Spaghett” beer cocktail (light lager, Campari, citrus), and we rate it live. From there we bounce into craft beer highs and closures, special bottle shares, and even a whiskey nerd detour into infinity bottles and budget bourbons that overdeliver.
Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who loves beer with a story, and leave a review with your go-to “drink for a cause” idea so we can try it.
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A great World Cup doesn’t start at kickoff, it starts when you find the right bar and the right people to watch with. We’re recording from Thomas Magee’s Irish Pub in Detroit’s Eastern Market, talking through what it takes to turn a neighborhood spot into one of the best soccer bars in America, from Guinness-fueled mornings to the reality of hitting capacity and having to close the doors.
We get into the real World Cup watch party planning details: when to show up, why the vibe is built hours before the match, and how a place like McGee’s programs an entire tournament with food, giveaways, and all-day energy. Then we jump into a USMNT preview that sounds like every honest soccer conversation in the United States right now: big talent, big expectations, and big arguments about who’s in and who’s out. The Diego Luna omission leads to a wider talk about US soccer culture, casual fans, and how coaching decisions collide with hype.
From there it turns into pure tournament nostalgia: USA 1994 at the Silverdome, the day the OJ chase hijacked sports TV, Zidane’s headbutt, South Africa’s vuvuzelas, Suarez chaos, Germany’s 7-1 over Brazil, and the Tim Howard “saves everything” era. We wrap with favorites like Spain and France, a Dutch long shot, a few teams we’ll never root for, and a quick Michigan politics sidebar while we’re all at the table.
Subscribe wherever you listen, share this with your favorite matchday group chat, and leave a review with your World Cup champion pick.
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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August Gitschlag @rawgusto
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A mystery box of bottles hits the table and suddenly it’s decision time: what’s a keeper, what’s a mixer, and what should never be opened again. We’re posted up in the MacKay Happy House man cave with whiskey, cigars, and the kind of unfiltered spirits talk you only get when friends are pouring from the same lineup.
We start by mixing a rye cocktail we’ve been thinking about all week: the Clint Eastwood, an Old Fashioned-style drink with Angostura bitters, demerara syrup, an orange twist, and the wildcard that changes everything, green Chartreuse. That kicks off a bigger conversation about home bartending, how to use Chartreuse without wasting it, and why simple cocktail recipes expose the real character of your whiskey.
Then we tear into the distributor haul: Deep Eddy cranberry, Evan Williams Spiced Apple, a peach vodka that sparks immediate debate, a blended scotch that brings the full peat-smoke experience, plus a rum that surprises us with banana, vanilla, and caramel sweetness. We finish strong with Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond, talking mash bill, price, and what “value” actually means when you’re stocking a home bar. If you love bourbon, rye whiskey, rum, cocktail recipes, and honest tasting notes, you’ll feel right at home with us.
Subscribe wherever you listen, share the show with a friend who loves a good pour, and leave a review. What bottle would you put on our table next?
Recorded 4-20-26
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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You ever fall in love with a drink, then it vanishes from the shelf like it never existed? We sit down with Mike Didio from Blake’s Hard Cider to talk about why seasonals rotate, how new flavors get approved, and what it takes to keep a craft brand growing without losing what made it great in the first place.
We taste through the lineup and get into the details that actually matter: what makes a hard cider feel “dry” versus “sweet,” why American Apple works so well as an 8% imperial cider, and how packaging and shelf presence can make or break a launch at big retailers like Meijer, Kroger, and Total Wine. Then Mike drops big news for longtime fans of Black Philip, including what’s changing and why it’s sticking around.
The conversation opens up past cider into the bigger Blake’s Beverage Co world, including Austin Eastciders and summer-ready lemonade flavors like Dragon Fruit Lemonade and Brazilian Limeade. We also try Short Thing, a vodka lemonade RTD that’s built to compete with national ready-to-drink cocktails, and we get the honest, behind-the-scenes version of beverage innovation: trend data, tasting room trials, scaling costs, and deciding what becomes year-round versus a limited test.
If you’re into Michigan craft cider, cider tasting notes, RTD cocktails, or just want a fun happy hour with real stories and real opinions, hit play. Subscribe, share with a fellow cider fan, and leave a review with the one Blake’s flavor you want back.
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
August Gitschlag @rawgusto
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A bottle label can tell you the proof, but it can’t tell you why a whiskey feels creamy, why a blend suddenly pops with fruit, or why 118 proof can drink smoother than you’d expect. That’s the fun part, and it’s exactly where we go with Kate Douglas from O’Shaughnessy Distilling in Minneapolis, the home of Keeper’s Heart whiskey. We taste our way through four expressions while Kate breaks down how real-world distilling decisions show up on your palate.
We start with what makes pot still whiskey different from column still spirits and why those heavier oils can change mouthfeel after aging. Then we get into the nitty-gritty of American whiskey vs bourbon rules, including mash bill requirements and the practical constraints distillers have to hit to keep “whiskey” on the label. Kate also shares how Keeper’s Heart leans into Irish whiskey heritage with malted and unmalted barley, and how new virgin oak aging creates a uniquely Irish American bridge.
From there, it’s all about blending: Irish grain whiskey, Irish pot still whiskey, and American rye or bourbon working together like a base note, a supporting note, and a final layer of nuance. We talk tasting notes, sourcing from Ireland, and why cask strength releases can keep flavors intact when dilution can shift aromas. If you care about craft distilling, whiskey tasting, Irish whiskey blends, American rye, bourbon-forward profiles, or just want a smarter way to choose your next bottle, this one delivers.
Subscribe for more tastings and conversations, share this with a whiskey friend, and leave a review if you want Kate to come back with the next wave of releases.
Recorded 4-27-26
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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August Gitschlag @rawgusto
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A box shows up at the studio that’s way too big for what we thought we requested, and it makes one unmistakable sound when we lift it: swishing. We’re Man Cave Happy Hour, so you already know what happens next. We clear space, grab the camera, and start the kind of whiskey unboxing that turns a normal night of cigars and pours into a full-on reveal.
The reason for the delivery is Keeper’s Heart, a name that’s been popping up for us thanks to Motor City Irish Fest. We talk through why this brand has our attention before we even crack a cork: the Irish American whiskey angle, the pot still focus, and the idea of blending Irish-style character with American whiskey structure. If you’re curious about what “American pot still” actually implies, or how bourbon cask influence might change an Irish-leaning profile, you’ll hear the questions we’re bringing into next week’s deeper tasting conversation.
Then the box opens and the surprise hits. Instead of a couple small samples, we’re staring at four full bottles, including an “Irish and Bourbon” expression and a cask strength bottle coming in hot at 118 proof. We talk packaging, proof, labels, and where it’s coming from in the Midwest, and we set the plan: save the pours now so we can taste on mic with Keeper’s Heart next week.
If you like whiskey podcasts, Irish whiskey exploration, bourbon-curious blends, and real first reactions, hit subscribe, share this with your tasting group, and leave a review. What should we do first when we pop these bottles, sip neat or build an Irish Old Fashioned?
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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August Gitschlag @rawgusto
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May the Fourth is our excuse to do what we do best: pour something good, talk a little trash, and learn a few things along the way. We’re joined by Sarah from A Flavor Journal, and together we build a Death Star cocktail that’s basically a Black Manhattan with a darker, richer edge. Think rye whiskey for spice, amaro for deep herbal sweetness, and bitters that bring the whole drink into focus, especially when that last molasses note shows up on the finish. Yes, we even break out Death Star shaped ice, because if you’re going to commit to a theme, commit.
Then we turn it into a game: is it a Star Wars planet or a craft distillery? The names get weird fast, the guesses get confident for no reason, and somehow we all learn that whiskey branding and sci-fi worldbuilding live closer together than they should. Between rounds, Sarah shares what it’s like creating small-batch recipes, how she approaches food photography with natural light, and the practical reality that recipes are painfully easy to copy.
We also get real about AI and creativity: if AI “knows” how to write a recipe or build a cocktail spec, where did that knowledge come from, and who gets credit when it’s remixed at scale? Add in a quick ride through Spaceballs 2 excitement, Star Wars side quests, and a closing run of gin recommendations and Detroit distillery talk, and you’ve got a hang that’s equal parts tips and tangents.
Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who loves cocktails and Star Wars, and leave a review if you want more themed drink builds. What’s your pick: blue lightsaber, purple, or something else?
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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August Gitschlag @rawgusto
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Orphan bottles are the most honest kind of tasting, because nobody is trying to “win” with a hype label. We grab what’s been left behind in the studio, pour it, and let the whiskey tell on itself. That turns into a lively flight that jumps from 2XO French Oak bourbon with a surprisingly big oak driven nose, to a punchier Sagamore Spirit Double Oak rye that brings spice, dark fruit, and a sharp finish that divides the table.
We also go deep on cocktail culture for home bartenders who want more than the same old two builds. Old Fashioned riffs lead the way, including a Clint Eastwood Old Fashioned that sneaks in Green Chartreuse and blurs the line between Old Fashioned and Manhattan. That opens the bigger question: when a bottle is hard to find, where do you actually get it? We share real talk on the Chartreuse hunt, measured pours, and why the right local spot can suddenly have what every shelf is missing.
The night keeps swerving into fun territory: New York cocktail ideas that sound insane on paper, a quick debate on weird ingredients, and a blunt verdict on a lighter blended Canadian pour that just doesn’t hang with the heavier hitters. Then we end with a show-stopping sample of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged, the kind of high proof bourbon that reminds you what “full-bodied” really means.
If you like whiskey tasting notes, bourbon vs rye debates, cocktail recipes, and Detroit bar culture, hit subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review so more people can find the happy hour.
Recorded 4-13-26
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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A bourbon bottle can be just glass and marketing, or it can be a doorway into a place most people have never been taught to remember. We sit down with John Joubert, founder of Iconic Spirits, to taste Black Eden 1912 and unpack why the name points back to Idlewild, Michigan, a historic African American resort community founded in 1912 during an era when Black travelers needed safe destinations of their own.
https://blackeden1912bourbon.com/
https://www.ikonicspirits.biz/
John shares his Detroit roots, his path through basketball and a career in entertainment, and the moment during COVID that pushed him to build something lasting in his mother’s honor. That journey starts with Phyllis Wines, then scales into whiskey with a clear goal: create a premium Black-owned bourbon brand that carries history without sacrificing quality.
We also get nerdy in the best way. Black Eden 1912 is a straight bourbon whiskey at 90 proof with a 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley mash bill, aged four years. We talk sourcing and blending (including MGP), why consistency is an art, and what we taste in the glass, from a sweet nose to cherry and sugar-cookie notes. Then we break down the “shelf appeal” side: the Kingston bottle shape, screen-printed design, real cork, and the packaging decisions that make this look as good as it pours.
You’ll hear how John grows distribution market by market, why he still shows up for tastings himself, where you can find the bottle, and what’s coming next, including older barrels, a potential tasting room, and events like the Metro Detroit Bourbon Festival. If you like bourbon with a story you can verify, hit play, subscribe, share this with a whiskey friend, and leave a review so more people can find it.
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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August Gitschlag @rawgusto
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Opening Day in Detroit has a way of turning grown adults into planners, philosophers, and absolute chaos goblins before lunchtime. We’re gearing up for Detroit Tigers Opening Day and spring break energy at the same time, so the talk goes straight to what actually matters: where people gather downtown, how the day flows, and why Greektown becomes the gravitational pull for anyone chasing the full experience.
Tony from Firebird Tavern joins us to break down what Opening Day looks like from the inside. We get into the tent setup, the early doors, the DJ, big video walls, and the behind-the-scenes realities of serving a packed crowd when the city is buzzing. We also talk about building a bar culture that works in downtown Detroit and in Troy, because consistency matters more than hype when the pressure is on.
From there, we do what we always do and follow the drinks wherever they lead. That includes whiskey tasting stories, shelf staples like Woodford, the fun and pain of chasing better expressions, plus how barrel picks actually happen when you’re choosing between multiple barrels. Then we swing into tequila: what it’s like visiting producers in Mexico, why the hacienda mindset feels different, and the bottles we reach for when we want something worth sipping.
If you love Detroit bar culture, whiskey and bourbon talk, tequila recommendations, and the messy beauty of sports traditions, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who never misses Opening Day, and leave us a review so more people can find the show.
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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August Gitschlag @rawgusto
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The fastest way to understand a city’s culture is to taste what it drinks, and Detroit has a few bottles that instantly tell a story. We’re pouring Detroit City Distillery tonight, starting with a freezer-cold Jeżynówka-style blackberry brandy that a lot of people know from Hamtramck bars, deer blinds, and Punchki Day traditions. From the first sip we get into real tasting notes, how temperature changes the experience, and why blackberry brandy can feel both nostalgic and surprisingly refined.
https://www.detroitcitydistillery.com/
From there we line things up the only way that makes sense: side-by-side. A young bourbon can be a reality check when you revisit it, especially next to something as bold as fruit brandy, and we talk honestly about what feels missing and what a finish can fix. The highlight is a blackberry brandy finished bourbon that lands “Jeżynówka adjacent” with a fruit-forward nose and a smoother back end, which turns into a bigger conversation about craft distilling in Detroit, barrel finishing, and what makes a bottle worth the price.
Because it’s Man Cave Happy Hour, the drinks open the door to everything else: local distillers helping each other out, a Shark Tank detour with behind-the-scenes rules you don’t hear about, and a nerd corner where we argue our way through Marvel, Daredevil, Spider-Man, and the Dune release calendar. We also hit the real-world stuff like doing ballgames solo, fraternal clubs as the cheat code for cheap drinks, and the “high holy holidays” of Detroit party season from St. Patrick’s Day to the Nain Rouge Parade to Opening Day.
If you like whiskey tasting, spirits storytelling, Detroit craft distilleries, and the kind of conversation that only happens after the first good pour, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review. What’s the one bottle that always starts the best stories for you?
Recorded 3-9-26
https://lerouxusa.com/flavours/jezynowka-blackberry-flavored-brandy/
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A Guinness Old Fashioned sounds like something you order on a dare, but we decided to build it like it deserves respect. We mix Irish whiskey with Guinness, Demerara syrup, and molasses bitters, then taste it honestly: does it drink like a real Old Fashioned, or does stout steamroll everything in the glass? If you’ve ever searched for a St Patrick’s Day cocktail, an Irish whiskey cocktail recipe, or a new way to use Guinness at home, this one will spark opinions fast.
Detroit is the backdrop the whole way through. We recap parade day strategy, the unofficial rules of bouncing between bars, and why St Patrick’s Day proper isn’t always the heaviest drinking day. We also get into local traditions like the Nain Rouge, plus the everyday chaos of social media changes and the kind of teaching stories that make you wonder how schools function at all.
Then we pour something we actually savor: Redbreast Lustau Edition, finished in sherry casks. We dig into tasting notes like dark fruit, marzipan, spice, and oak, and talk about how sherry cask finishing can make Irish whiskey feel deeper without turning it into something unrecognizable. And because we can’t resist, we toss out trivia to test who’s really listening, from Madonna chart history to a wild Detroit fact that stops the room.
If you like whiskey tasting, Detroit stories, and the kind of conversation that wanders from cocktails to culture without losing the thread, hit play. Subscribe, share it with a friend who loves Guinness, and leave a review with your verdict: Guinness Old Fashioned yes or no?
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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August Gitschlag @rawgusto
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What happens when a Mysore-born tech founder falls in love with American whiskey—and decides to ship the culture back to the world? We head into Shankar Distillers in Troy, Michigan, where copper columns hum, the hybrid pot still shines, and Reserve 102 proves why a high-rye single barrel can win fans on both sides of the bar. Varchas shares how global travel exposed a gap on overseas shelves, why he partnered with MGP while building his own production, and how a Detroit-made identity can thrive from Metro Detroit to Bangalore.
We taste and compare the 102-proof single-barrel high-rye bourbon with a lineup of thoughtful finishes, including a standout Madeira cask that layers dark chocolate and cherry without burying the base whiskey. Along the way, we dig into the engineering: a continuous column for stripping, the pot still for precise cuts, and why finishing works best when the starting whiskey already sings. Distribution strategy, pricing that punches above its weight, and Michigan’s Great Lakes water all play a role in keeping quality consistent while scaling smart.
Then we pivot to tequila, done the right way. It’s 100% blue agave, additive-free, made and bottled in Mexico, and aged in their own used bourbon barrels to bring a shortbread-cookie sweetness bourbon lovers will recognize. We talk agave age, 900-degree ovens, blending column and pot distillate, and how fresh green pepper and cooked-agave notes can sit in harmony. The team also opens up about becoming the first American craft whiskey to enter India, why they built a diverse spirits portfolio, and how a regulated investment round turns fans into brand ambassadors.
If you love bourbon, are curious about cask finishes, or want to understand what “additive-free tequila” really means, this tour has you covered—plus plenty of insider tips on store picks, state availability, and what’s launching next. Pour a glass, press play, and tell us: would you reach for the high-rye single barrel, the Madeira finish, or the reposado aged in bourbon barrels? Subscribe, share with a spirits-loving friend, and leave a review to help more drinkers find the show.
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What do a sneaky T. rex, a furious curling debate, and a sherry-finished bourbon have in common? They all say something about what we notice, what we value, and what we pour when the mics go hot. We kick things off with Winter Olympics highs and heartbreaks—stone-cold faces at silver, a wild bobsled mishap, and the kind of curling controversy that makes you rethink how rules get enforced when no review exists. Sports drama turns out to be a perfect runway to talk about taste, memory, and why some moments stick harder than others.
From there, we open two bottles that punch above their weight. Redemption Weeded Bourbon shows off a soft, approachable profile with winter wheat smoothing the corners. Legent, a Kentucky straight bourbon partially finished in wine and sherry casks, brings layered red fruit, subtle prune, and a long, elegant finish that fans of Basil Hayden Dark Rye will recognize. We compare notes, play with ice, and figure out when each bottle earns a permanent spot on the shelf. Along the way, we debate whether big, oily American profiles have ruined us for lighter Irish styles—or whether triple-cask Irish still holds a seat at the table when you want honeyed grain and easy conversation.
Then we share a Michigan insider tip that will change how you shop. Thanks to a state-approved, location-specific price reduction process, some stores can legally mark select bottles down by 50% for a short window—if they publicly post the list and accept an ordering ban. Translation: real deals on real bottles, not just flavored outliers. We explain how to find the posted sheet in the aisle, why stock counts matter, and how to build a smarter home bar by grabbing the right clearance at the right time.
If you love Olympic storylines, blind tasting war stories, and practical bourbon hunting strategy, you’ll feel right at home here. Pour something good, hit play, then tell us what you found on your local clearance list. And if you’re enjoying the show, follow, share with a friend, and drop a review—your notes shape what we open next.
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A bowling alley debrief turns into a full‑on flavor expedition as we line up four grappas—two store‑bought and two homemade, barrel‑aged bottles from an Italian cousin—and see what happens when whiskey palates meet pomace brandy. We set the scene with Detroit’s spring drinking season (Pączki Day, St. Patrick’s parades, and Opening Day) and then dive into what grappa really is, why it can smell volatile, and how a good barrel can turn rough edges into something honeyed, floral, and unexpectedly smooth.
We start with two clear bottles at 80 proof and get our first lesson fast: nose isn’t destiny. One shows a minty finish and light texture; the other wafts acetone but drinks like white grape juice with more charm than you’d guess. Then the homemade, barrel‑aged pair arrives, and everything changes. The aroma softens, the heat recedes, and we find notes that drift toward mead and stone fruit, though not everyone is convinced. That disagreement is the point. Palate is part memory and part map—shaped by bad scotch holidays, beloved bourbons, and the drinks your grandparents swore by.
Between sips, we chase Olympic obsessions (curling scuffles, Super‑G chaos, judged sports drama) and take stock of Detroit bar news, including a beloved tiki spot closing and what that says about glassware costs, flaming garnishes, and $23 cocktails in a post‑covidian world. If you’re Italy‑bound, we share practical moves: try grappa as an ammazzacaffè after espresso, consider caffè corretto if you like a spike, and don’t be shocked if a small family bottle outperforms the label you know.
By the final toast, we’ve built a compact guide to tasting grappa like a pro: understand the pomace origin, respect the heads‑and‑tails reality, taste past the first whiff, and appreciate how cask time can coax out rounder flavors. Not every sip will be your forever pour, but curiosity pays off when a glass carries a place, a family, and a story. If you’re a whiskey fan eyeing new terrain—or just grappa‑curious—this ride is for you.
Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, leave a quick review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a new after‑dinner ritual.
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A brewery table, a fresh blueberry wheat, and a glass of crystal-clear history—this session brings together live tasting and cocktail alchemy in the best way. We kick off with Blue Mitten, a wheat beer bursting with blueberry aroma and crisp grain, then pivot to the star of the night: a clarified milk punch that looks like water but drinks like velvet. Built on bourbon, black tea, fresh lemon, and a heavy simple syrup, the punch goes full science mode as citrus hits milk, curds form, and rough edges drop out. What’s left is satin-smooth, shelf-stable, and far too easy to sip.
We trace the lineage back to 17th‑century England and Benjamin Franklin’s own notes, then test how the method holds up today—on ice, with a lime squeeze, and under brewery lights. An accidental double dose of bourbon turns from panic to proof-of-concept as the tea’s tannin, lemon’s lift, and syrup’s body pull everything into balance. Along the way, we compare filtration tricks, from fine-mesh pre-strains to paper stages, and explain why Brita filters can strip flavor. If you’ve ever wondered how curds and whey can lead to clarity, this is your backstage pass.
Curiosity drives the rest. We map out spirit swaps—dark rum for molasses depth, brandy for orchard fruit, spiced rum for warmth—and tea and citrus riffs that change the nose without losing structure. The goal is a template you can take home: precise acid-to-milk ratios, patient settling, clean filtering, and a bottle that pours like a bartender’s secret menu. Stick around for the banter, brewery love, and a teaser for our upcoming Grand Rapids bourbon guest. If you’re into craft beer, classic cocktails, home infusions, or the satisfying click of a good process, you’ll leave ready to make your own batch.
If this gave you ideas, tap follow, share it with a friend who loves a project, and drop a review with your dream milk punch combo—we might build it next time.
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Looking for the kind of whiskey bar that changes your mind—and your order? We compare notes with Whiskey Advocate’s Top 150 and hold our local favorites to the same standard, asking what truly earns the title: deep selection, thoughtful flights, smart glassware, and staff who can teach without preaching. From The Last Word’s legit shelves in Ann Arbor to Sugar House’s cocktail mastery in Corktown, and the neighborhood comfort of Butter Run Saloon, we map how atmosphere and curation work together to make a pour unforgettable.
https://whiskybars.whiskyadvocate.com/
We also rewind to a Detroit classic: the Last Word cocktail, equal parts charm and balance, now tougher to find thanks to Chartreuse’s monk-guarded scarcity. That story becomes a mirror for the whiskey hunt itself—allocation games, store picks, and the quiet thrill of a speakeasy where you can taste before you buy. Along the way, we trade recommendations across New York, Seattle, DC, and Colorado, debating whether we chase hype lists or the room that makes us slow down.
Then the night flips from talk to taste. We run a four-glass blind flight with a few surprises: a coffee-infused Bib & Tucker that divides the table but begs for an espresso-martini riff; a Michigan blend finished across American oak, cognac, and toasted oak that proves local juice has matured into itself; and a high-proof curveball that drinks bigger than its burn. When the envelopes open, an Old Soul single barrel takes the crown, with Four Roses reminding us that “easy” doesn’t mean “boring.” The takeaway is simple: the best whiskey bars don’t just collect bottles—they guide you to the pour you didn’t know you needed.
If you love whiskey lists, blind tastings, and the hunt for rooms with soul, hit follow, share this with a friend who needs a new favorite bar, and drop a comment with the best whiskey spot in your city. Cheers.
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A dusty bottle on the studio shelf turned into the perfect spark for a wide-open conversation. We finally cracked a Grand Traverse Distillery rye finished through a cognac-influenced, triple-barrel journey—and it surprised us. Instead of the hot, young profile we feared, the nose showed dry cherry, vanilla, and seasoned oak, with a clean, warming finish that felt more gentleman than brawler. If you’ve ever doubted what regional distillers can do, this pour makes a strong case for patience, wood choice, and careful blending.
With glasses in hand, we welcomed Lenny from Motor City Exotics and shifted gears into car culture. We traded first car memories—the freedom of bench seats and stick shifts, booming subwoofers, and the kind of breakdowns that become legends. Then Lenny got real about the exotic rental game: thin deposits, high-risk drivers, denied claims, and a scaling problem that grows harder instead of bigger. That hard truth fueled his pivot to allstuffauto.com, a software-driven marketplace that aims to manage assets smarter, not own more depreciating metal. Think marketplace tech with a practical spine, built from the front lines of Palm Beach to Michigan.
Dream cars rounded it out, from the engineering-first Lexus LFA to Detroit-classic muscle and niche Porsches that value feel over flash. The theme ties back to the glass: substance wins. A well-finished rye can outshine a louder bottle; a thoughtfully engineered car can outlast trend-chasing hypercars. It’s a conversation for anyone who loves craft—whether it’s charred oak and cognac perfume or titanium rods and balanced chassis.
If you enjoyed the ride, tap follow, share this with a friend who loves whiskey or wheels, and drop us a review with your dream car pick. And yes—links to Lenny and Grand Traverse are in the notes. Cheers.
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A blind flight can humble anyone—so we poured three Jamesons without labels and let our palates do the talking. Between laughs, Guinness stories, and a few surprise sneezes, we worked through color, aroma, and mouthfeel to separate Jameson Original, Black Barrel, and the new Triple Triple. One glass leaned darker with char and spice, another felt creamy and layered, and the last stayed bright and easygoing. By the end, we called the lineup with confidence and compared notes on when to sip neat, drop a cube, or mix a highball with ginger.
We also dug into why casks matter so much for Irish whiskey. Black Barrel’s double-charred bourbon barrels and pot still heft brought toast, toffee, and a richer finish. Triple Triple’s bourbon, sherry, and chestnut casks added smooth depth without turning heavy or sweet, making it a standout step-up at a friendly price. The Original reminded us why it’s a bar staple: approachable, light citrus, and endlessly mixable. Along the way, we swapped pub lore, shouted out local spots, and teased a live recording at a hidden speakeasy tucked behind a beer cave door.
Then came an unexpected pairing win: an unboxing from Double Neat with bourbon-glazed jerky, whiskey pecans, maple-roasted almonds, and coffee pods. Sweet nuts softened edges and highlighted caramel notes; a little jerky heat brought out oak and char; coffee aromas echoed roasted cocoa vibes. If you’re building a holiday tasting, keep the pairings simple and let the casks do the heavy lifting.
If this kind of curious tasting and lively banter is your jam, tap follow, share the show with a friend who swears they can spot Black Barrel blind, and drop your pick for the best Jameson expression in the comments. Your recommendations guide our next flight. Cheers.
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https://www.havenhomesofdetroit.org/
The clink of whiskey fades and a tougher story comes into focus: trafficking in Michigan isn’t a movie plot. It’s months of grooming, IDs taken, credit shattered, and a system that expects people to start over with nothing. We sit down with Aaron from Haven Homes Detroit to unpack how survivors actually rebuild—and what it takes for a small team to turn outreach into long-term stability.
Aaron traces the moment that changed everything: a young woman helped into rehab who was lured back and killed days later. That tragedy exposed the real gap—rescue without housing and documentation isn’t a fresh start. Haven Homes steps into that space with renovated transitional housing, trauma‑informed support, and practical milestones: restoring birth certificates and Social Security cards, repairing credit, teaching financial literacy, and building daily rhythms that make independence possible. With capacity for eight residents across two homes, they’ve already celebrated graduates whose lives now point forward.
We dig into Detroit’s unique dynamics: sports, conventions, and development bring demand; ownership patterns and bulk sales make housing acquisition hard; and while Michigan ranks among the top states for trafficking prevalence, public response still earns failing marks. Aaron talks partnerships with local services, the push for policy change with the Attorney General’s office, and the funding realities nonprofits face in election years. The mission is clear—scale beds, strengthen services, and keep survivors from ever returning to exploitation.
Want to help? Join the Hope & Toast Gala at the Garden Theater, support the June golf outing, or share this conversation with someone who needs to hear the truth behind the headlines. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell a friend—your signal boost can put another key in a survivor’s hand.
https://www.havenhomesofdetroit.org/
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What if the mixer, not the spirit, is the real secret to a great cocktail? We sit down with Fresh Victor founder Ken McKenzie to explore how fresh-pressed, refrigerated mixers turn home pours into bar-quality drinks without the corn syrup, neon dyes, or guesswork. Ken’s journey starts in Guadalajara, where he learned to treat tequila as an Epicurean spirit—complex, mineral-rich, and worth savoring—and ends at a solar-powered facility near Lake Tahoe crafting nine vibrant blends designed to play with any spirit or sparkle on their own.
We crack open flavors like Mexican Lime and Agave, Cactus Pear and Pomegranate, Three Citrus and Mint Leaf, Pineapple and Ginger Root, and Jalapeño Lime, then put them to work in simple builds that anyone can nail. Think a clean, bright margarita; a rye-forward whiskey sour with proper balance; a paloma that pops with sea salt; even a jalapeño-laced highball that delivers real vegetal character, not just heat. Along the way, Ken breaks down how consistent sourcing, pH testing, and cold-fill techniques protect freshness, texture, and aroma—plus why he refuses to go shelf-stable, even when it would be easier to ship.
This is a masterclass in smarter home bartending: use better acids, trust measured ratios, and let the mixer carry the weight while your spirit provides structure. We also dig into refrigerated logistics, on-premise strategy from Vegas to New York, and clever kitchen crossovers like ceviche and grilled fish marinades. Ready to taste the difference? Grab your favorite bottle, stock the fridge, and try a blend that actually tastes like the label.
Enjoy a listener perk: use code “mancave20” at freshvictor.com for 20% off. If you loved the conversation, follow the show, share with a friend, and leave a quick review—what flavor should we mix next?
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Holiday spirit tastes better when it comes with stories, experiments, and a little chaos. We kick off with a surprise: a red blend built from an AI “recipe.” The winemaker hated the idea, followed the constraints anyway, and ended up impressed by the result. That tale sets up a larger theme as we juggle innovation and tradition—how to honor craft while giving new ideas a seat at the bar.
From there we throw open the door to real-life hosting. We swap Rochester misadventures, bottle share finds, and Irish pub nostalgia while laying out a blueprint for stress-light entertaining: focus on meats, let guests bring sides and desserts, set early, and actually use the nice china. We talk seating 35 without losing your mind, why punch bowls deserve a comeback, and the etiquette of shipping gifts that shouldn’t be opened before the big morning.
Behind the bar, we get hands-on. A cranberry bourbon sour becomes a lesson in restraint—choose one tart driver and give cranberry room to paint the glass. A rum old fashioned with agave and orange bitters proves that sweetness should support, not smother. We debate maple syrup in an old fashioned, weigh a New York sour’s wine float, and rethink orphan liquor into party-ready punches with ginger and pineapple. Then we go deep on nog and milk punch: how to whisk yolks with sugar, fold in whites for lift, and grate nutmeg; why clarified milk punch looks like amber and drinks like silk; and how a few historic techniques can make your holiday table sing.
By the end, you’ll have a shortlist of crowd-pleasing winter cocktails, a smarter approach to hosting big family gatherings, and a fresh take on what tradition can mean when you let flavor lead. If this episode made you thirsty, share it with a friend who’s on drink duty, hit follow for more spirited conversations, and drop your favorite holiday cocktail in a review—we might mix it next time.
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The night starts with a clink and a curveball: can a coffee-finished bourbon carry an old fashioned without losing its soul? We chase that question through a studio full of snacks, a suitcase of Polish mead, and a first-time trip to Krakow that began with an eight-hour layover and a lounge pass that changed the game. By the time the ice hits the glass, we’ve mapped a travel strategy anyone can steal, compared notes on Christmas market chaos, and found the best pizza we didn’t expect in Zakopane on the busiest day of the year.
Back home, a “big box of that” drops on the table: Double Neat coffee pods, whiskey pecans, bourbon almonds, and jerky with a late pepper kick. It’s the sort of box you put out for friends who love bourbon but don’t need another bottle to enjoy the night. We taste our way through textures and pairings, then turn to the bottle of the hour: Bibb & Tucker Gold Roast, aged six years and infused with roasted coffee beans. On the nose, coffee leads; on the palate, chocolate, char, and a smooth finish. We get nerdy on bourbon rules, what “infused” really means, and how to build a cocktail that keeps the coffee present without burying the base spirit.
Then we stir. Two ounces of bourbon, a lighter-than-usual pour of simple syrup, healthy Angostura, clear ice, and a debate over Luxardo cherries that ends in two camps and one happy table. The espresso old fashioned holds its shape, even under sweetness and spice, which earns it a spot in our upcoming recipe guide. Between sips, we swap travel hacks, teacher jokes, and a quick look at how merch once helped local bartenders when gigs vanished. That’s the heartbeat here: share what you love, help where you can, and leave people with something they can use this weekend.
If you’re curious about coffee in cocktails, want smarter travel moves, or need a gift that keeps the conversation going, this one’s for you. Hit play, steal the recipe, and tell us how you’d tweak the bitters or the garnish. And if you enjoyed the ride, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who always orders an old fashioned.
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What happens when you line up four Buffalo Trace pours—two store barrel picks and two standard releases—and taste them blind? We set the table with numbered glasses, a few strong opinions, and a lot of curiosity, then let our palates do the talking. The result: clear favorites, a couple of surprises, and a deeper respect for how consistency and character can both shine in a bourbon lineup.
We start with a nod to Detroit’s evolving scene, from a hidden speakeasy behind a cooler door to the energy pulsing through neighborhood spots. Then we pay tribute to Freddie Johnson, the beloved Buffalo Trace storyteller whose family promise and warmth inspired us to make this a Trace-focused happy hour. Along the way, we unpack the brand’s roots, from river shipments to Colonel E. H. Taylor’s push for standards, and why that history still matters when you pick a bottle off the shelf today.
The tasting itself is where the fun takes off. One pour hits with extra spice and depth—classic “store pick” swagger. Another leans into the dependable Buffalo Trace profile: balanced caramel, soft oak, a comfortable finish. Side by side, the differences become vivid and personal. We debate whether airline minis differ from 750s, talk proof and palate, and confront the pricing paradox that turns fair MSRPs into chase bottles. Most importantly, we celebrate opening bottles instead of hoarding them—especially when signatures and sales help good causes like cemetery restoration tied to Freddie’s work.
If you love bourbon, Buffalo Trace, Detroit cocktail culture, or you’re just bourbon-curious, this one’s for you. Hit play to hear the full blind reveal, our favorites, and a few travel and community stories that keep the glasses clinking. If you dig the vibe, subscribe, share with a whiskey‑loving friend, and drop your pick for best value bourbon—we’ll shout out our favorite takes next week.
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A room that used to hide barrels now hides something better: a city’s heartbeat. We slide behind The Wine Garden into a bar that feels like a password, pour a round, and meet the people turning cocktails into community for veterans who deserve more than a thank‑you. The night hums with games, laughter, and a serious purpose as Crown Royal’s hand‑painted single barrels tour Detroit, raising funds and awareness alongside care‑bag drives.
Jim—26 years across the Army and Navy—pulls back the curtain on Mission Roll Call’s model: connect locally, amplify nationally, and keep veteran issues on the desks that matter. He walks us through how the Detroit art scene brought twenty barrels to life, why each event invites guests to donate nonperishables, and where you can see and bid on the pieces that might redefine your home bar. We share the stops, the links, and the easy ways to get involved right now.
Between sips, we explore mindful options with Little Saints’ zero‑proof line, including Saint Oak’s old fashioned profile built on lion’s mane, reishi, and Damiana—rich flavor without the alcohol. Then we dive into the cocktail program that makes this hidden room sing: Smoke and Mirrors, a smoked old fashioned with Bulleit 10 Year, fig, orange, and bitters; Code Black, weaving Johnnie Walker Black with espresso and amaro; and Classified, a crisp, layered blend of vodka and aromatized wines with Meyer lemon. Tony’s vision anchors it all—a back bar curated over years, multiple expressions for true tasting flights, branded garnishes, and a QR‑driven list that turns curiosity into discovery.
Come for the secret bar. Stay for the veterans it uplifts. Tap play, share with a friend who loves Detroit, whiskey, or good causes, and drop a review so more people can find the show. Then tell us: which cocktail—or barrel—would you claim for your own?
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A brown bag, a number on the cap, and a chorus of guesses—there’s something electric about a blind pour. We crack open day one of a whiskey advent exchange and let the senses lead: orange peel peeks out, a warm glide crawls across the palate, and debate kicks off about proof, finish, and whether banana means Jack or something sneakier. The best part isn’t being right; it’s how a room full of notes sharpens your own.
From there, we move into holiday-hosting reality. Picture a house that’s seen forty-plus at dinner, a bar that has to move fast, and a menu that keeps guests happy without burying you in prep. We road-test a Grand Marnier Old Fashioned—bourbon split with orange cognac liqueur, bitters riding shotgun, a Luxardo cherry when you want depth over peel—and dial the ratios so the bourbon still sings. Pair it with one bright spritz and you’ve got a complete, flexible playbook that turns a busy day into effortless hospitality.
Along the way we get honest about collecting and taste: why high-proof bottles are fun to try but not always the bottles you live with, how to build a shelf you actually pour from, and what makes a drink memorable: balance, intention, and a table that welcomes everyone. We also zoom out to creative work: keeping a podcast consistent, defining goals before gear, and curating an Irish music stream that respects real artists in an age of AI shortcuts. It’s all connected—taste, trust, and the communities we build around them.
Raise a glass with us, steal a cocktail idea, and join the conversation. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a friend who loves bourbon, and leave a quick review to help more whiskey fans find us. Cheers.
Cocktails
Smoked Old Fashioned:
2oz Bourbon, 3 dashes bitters, splash simple sugar, orange peel, Smoked glass
Cranberry Old Fashioned:
2oz Bourbon, 1oz cranberry, 3 dashes bitters, sugar, orange peel
New Your Sour:
2oz Bourbon, 1oz Lemon Juice, 3/4oz simple sugar, red wine float
Manhattan:
2oz Rye Whiskey, 1oz Vermouth, 3 dashes bitters, cherry
Black Manhattan:
2oz Bourbon, Amaro, 3 dashes bitters, cherry
White Russian:
2oz Vodka, 1oz Kahlua, 1oz milk, ice
Last Word:
¾ oz gin, ¾ oz Green Chartreuse ¾ oz Maraschino Liqueur ¾ Lime Juice, Cherry
Jeżynówka Shot
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Rare pours belong in glasses, not on pedestals. We sat down with Jerry from Neat Or Stir to unpack how a Detroit-area bourbon club turns the chase into a craft: buying whole barrels, tasting blind, and building real relationships with stores to secure bottles worth opening. If you’ve ever felt burned by Michigan pricing or baffled by allocations, this conversation maps a smarter path from shelf envy to satisfying sips.
We start with the local reality—tight distribution and wild price swings across the Ohio line—then explore why club barrel picks deliver more value than camping for drops. Jerry walks us through the group’s process: 20-plus barrels a year, private blind flights, and a priority system that rewards participation without becoming elitist. Along the way we taste through an eight-year Old Louisville (Bardstown distillate) packed with brown sugar and spice, a Four Roses OBSV with high-rye bite and fruit-forward lift, and a standout Stagg single barrel that converted a skeptic. The crescendo is a generous pour of the 2025 George T. Stagg at 142.8 proof—dense cocoa, dried fruit, and an absurdly long finish with no nose-burn theatrics.
Expect practical wisdom you can use right away: how temperature and glass size change viscosity and aroma, why blind tasting beats label worship, what Four Roses recipes actually signal on the palate, and how to be the kind of customer stores want to call for special picks. More than anything, it’s a reminder that the best bottle is the one you share. When community meets curation, even hazmat-proof whiskey becomes welcoming.
If you love whiskey stories, crave better barrel picks, or want a clearer path through the allocation maze, you’ll feel right at home here. Hit follow, share this with a bourbon friend, and leave a review with your favorite single barrel of the year—we might feature it on a future tasting. Cheers.
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A quiet Monday at a local brewery turns electric when a homebrew guild pulls up chairs and starts pouring stories. We begin with two teachers who fell for British cask ales, came home to stovetops and driveway boils, and helped fuel a club where curiosity ferments into craft. The thread runs through every glass we raise: the right community turns “someday” into batches, medals, and the kind of know-how you can taste.
Live from Kuhnhenn Brewing Co. https://kbrewery.com/
We ride the arc from origin tales to technique. Water chemistry becomes a secret weapon, revealing why southeast Michigan’s tap water is a dream for brewing and how salts and profiles shape style. Then the pours arrive: a wild, 18-year-old cherry farmhouse ale that over-carbonated itself into legend; a meticulous Belgian golden strong dry enough to pair with food, yet sneaky at 9.5%; and a velvet American barleywine hopped with El Dorado, all malt depth and quiet power. The mead table steals a scene, too: a fire cider sizer crafted from cider reduced over 18 hours and dosed with fireweed honey, plus a macadamia blossom bochet kissed by Amburana wood that delivers natural baking spice without a single clove. Along the way we unpack staves vs chips, surface area, aging time, and the real economics of scaling niche styles.
What ties it all together is the guild itself. First-Monday meetings mix social flights with pro-caliber education, from hops and IPAs to yeast behavior and carbonation targets. Members bring clean American lagers that chase consistency, herb-lifted basil wits that perfume the room from a half ounce of leaves, and fresh-hopped pale ales picked one day and brewed the next. Some alumni go pro, others just brew better, but everyone learns faster through honest feedback and shared palates.
Pour a glass and come hang with us as we celebrate the science, bravery, and joy inside every fermenter. If you love craft beer, mead, cider, or just a great story that starts with a hand-pulled pint, this one’s for you. Hit follow, share with a friend who brews or wants to, and leave a review telling us the one style you’re craving next. Cheers.
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A brewery story that starts with nuts and bolts and ends with medals and cult beers is worth a pint and a half. We set up at Kuhnhenn Brewing and talk with brothers Eric and Bret about how a family hardware store in Warren became a fiercely independent microbrewery known for high-gravity ales that still drink refreshingly clean. The path wasn’t smooth—paperwork delays, a sparse early Detroit beer map, and a lot of trial batches—but the lesson from Belgium changed everything: strength means nothing without quaffability.
Live from Kuhnhenn Brewing Co. https://kbrewery.com/
Hear how DRIPA, their double rice IPA, flipped expectations by using rice not as a shortcut but as a precision tool to dry out the body and let hops sing. The result is a 9.5% IPA that sips like something far lighter, showcasing Mosaic, Simcoe, and classic hop notes without a sticky finish. We also dive into 4th Dementia, their award-winning old ale, where stressed yeast and careful fermentation build layers of fig, toffee, and spice that unfold as the beer warms. For barrel-aged variants, they blend across Heaven Hill and other cooperages, explaining why beer often thrives in barrels that aren’t overly old and how blending achieves consistent, nuanced character.
It’s not just malt and oak. The team shares how their cider program won top marks with clean, unsulfury ferments and balanced acidity, plus why they tinker with sake and eye icebock for future releases. Along the way we talk independence, scale, and the practical reality that DRIPA keeps the lights on while limited bottles build legend. If you love craft beer, bourbon barrels, and the art of making big flavors drinkable, this conversation pours out hard-won wisdom from two brewers who never stopped learning.
If this story made you thirsty, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves strong yet smooth beers, and drop a review so others can find us. Cheers.
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Ever stared at a Four Roses label and wondered what those letters actually taste like? We pulled on the baseball tees, poured a mystery single barrel at 100 proof, and put our palates to the test—no hints, just noses, notes, and a friendly wager. What started as happy hour turned into a crash course on mash bills, yeast strains, and how recipe codes like OBSF, OESO, and OESK map to real flavor in the glass.
We break the code in plain English. “B” or “E” tells you the corn and rye balance, the final letter reveals the yeast’s aromatic fingerprint, and together they shape everything from apple and cocoa to baking spice and mellow oak. As the glass opens, we talk through ethanol on the nose, how sweetness and spice trade places between sip two and three, and why color rarely gives away the profile. One taster locks on apple, another gets a bright rye lift, and the reveal proves how yeast and mash bill can be heard if you know where to listen.
Then comes the question every bourbon fan asks: is the $100 single barrel really better than the beloved Four Roses Small Batch you can actually find? We compare structure, finish, and versatility, and we’re honest about price-to-pleasure. Along the way, we share practical tips—how to taste smarter at home, why bar markups on staples like Sazerac Rye change the calculus, and which salty snacks dial up sweetness while taming heat. It’s whiskey nerdery without the pretense, wrapped in laughs and a clear takeaway you can use on your next store run.
If you love decoding labels, exploring mash bills and yeast strains, or just want a reliable guide to Four Roses single barrels, this pour is for you. Hit play, taste along, and tell us your pick. Enjoying the show? Tap follow, drop a review, and share this with a friend who thinks they can guess the code by nose alone.
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A glass can change a night, and sometimes a cause. We’re clinking through Detroit’s dining glow-up, tasting everything from a zero-proof old fashioned that actually satisfies to a small-lot Mount Veeder Cabernet with the kind of structure that makes bourbon fans nod. Along the way, we spotlight Uncork for a Cure—the 10th-anniversary gala rallying chefs, sommeliers, and guests to fund breast cancer research—and why a modern event now pours exquisite wines alongside serious non-alcoholic cocktails.
We start with Little Saints, a smart take on NA drinking built around botanicals like reishi and damiana for calm focus and lifted mood. Then we pop Champagne Andre Clouet 1911, a true Champagne with deep reserves that opens from tight and steely to vinous and layered as it warms. For sweater weather, we dig into Amador County Zinfandel—the right kind of jammy, with raspberry and bramble framed by dryness that plays beautifully with lamb, smoked pork, and game. Finally, we Coravin a limited Mount Veeder Cabernet, showing mountain fruit, French oak spice, and a firm, late-arriving grip that begs for a decanter and a slow evening.
Between pours, we map Detroit’s restaurant scene: Mabel Gray, SheWolf, Chartreuse, and more raising standards with craft bar programs and thoughtful wine lists. We share practical buying tips for mulling wine without the headache, a quick primer on decanting and sediment, and a handful of Michigan wine stops that prove the state’s cool-climate whites and leaner reds deserve a spot at your table. It’s a tour of taste, technique, and community, wrapped around a night that uses hospitality to do real good.
If you enjoyed the ride, follow the show, share with a friend who loves great pours, and drop a review with your favorite fall pairing—we’d love to feature it next time. Cheers.
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What makes a simple promise the most significant gift you could ever give someone? For Freddie Johnson, Buffalo Trace Distillery's beloved ambassador, keeping his word literally saved his life.
Sitting in what he calls "the ultimate man cave," Freddie shares the rich tapestry of his family's deep connection to Kentucky bourbon. As the third generation to walk the grounds of Buffalo Trace, Freddie's stories transport us through time—from his grandfather throwing rocks with Colonel Blanton along the riverbank to his father's 47-year partnership with legendary master distiller Elmer T. Lee. These aren't just family anecdotes; they're living lessons about what truly matters.
"The product in the bottle is just the byproduct of a good relationship," Freddie explains, revealing a philosophy that extends far beyond distilling. Through what he calls "memory moments," Freddie illustrates how seemingly ordinary encounters—like meeting the speakeasy's owner Tony years ago—can become foundational turning points in our lives. His most powerful story recounts how honoring a promise to care for his ailing father ultimately placed him in Kentucky instead of beneath the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001—a profound example of how "promises made, promises kept" can alter destinies.
Beyond his ambassadorial role, Freddie channels his passion into a 501(c)(3) charity that restores historical cemetery sites. Using cutting-edge technology, his team has identified thousands of forgotten graves, preserving crucial chapters of American history that might otherwise disappear. A dollar from every case of his namesake root beer and soda line directly funds these restoration efforts.
Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or simply someone who values authentic human connection, Freddie's perspective on creating "lifetime memory moments" will transform how you think about the choices we make every day. As he reminds us, it's not about what could have been, but what should be—and the courage to choose wisely when those moments arrive.
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Raise your glasses to another round of spirited conversation on the Man Cave Happy Hour! This week, Jamie Flanagan, August Kitchen, Matt Fox, and special guest David Wright (the Motor City Hypnotist) dive into a blue-hued adventure celebrating Detroit's football fever.
Fresh off the successful Magnum 12 fundraiser, the crew shares behind-the-scenes stories that had us laughing out loud - from Matt's sole-destroying dance moves to a mysteriously disappearing phone that found its way home through an unlikely guardian. The fundraiser's success highlights the incredible community spirit that makes Detroit special, raising thousands for charity through raffle tickets, beard-shaving challenges, and generous donations.
The Lions' impressive season start has unleashed a tidal wave of themed merchandise across the city, and we're putting one particular product to the test: Grit City Vodka. Our impromptu taste test reveals what you're really paying for (spoiler: it's the bottle, not the booze), as we craft blue cocktails worthy of gameday celebrations. The resulting concoctions might not win mixology awards, but they perfectly capture the spirit of Lions fandom - colorful, enthusiastic, and occasionally questionable.
Between sips, we tackle season predictions, road game challenges, and that jaw-dropping catch by rookie Jameson Williams that had everyone talking. The conversation takes an unexpected detour into the world of aging rock stars, comparing notes on Stevie Nicks, the B-52s, and other legends still performing well into their seventies.
Whether you're planning your next Lions watch party, searching for the perfect blue cocktail, or just enjoying the camaraderie of friends sharing drinks and stories, this episode delivers the perfect blend of sports talk, spirits sampling, and genuine Detroit heart. Pour yourself something blue and join us for the ride!
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Raise your glasses and wax those mustaches – it's time to talk charity, cider, and community support on this episode of Man Cave Happy Hour!
Jamie, Matt, and August dive into a tasting of Blake's Cider seasonal offerings while unveiling the backstory of their beloved Magnum 12 charity event. What started as friends challenging each other to wear tracksuits to a bar has evolved into a 12-year tradition of Hawaiian shirts, mustaches, and heartfelt community giving. The guys share candid (and sometimes hilarious) reviews of Blake's Cider Mill Donut and Salted Caramel Apple flavors – with a surprise call to Blake's representative Mike Didio providing insider details about the upcoming event.
The conversation takes us through the evolution of their charity events, from rotating causes to finding their perfect charitable match with the Hero Foundation, which supports families affected by cancer during difficult times. We get the scoop on this year's venue at the tiki-themed Eastern Palace Club and hear about the tremendous outpouring of support from local businesses donating gift cards for auction baskets. Between sips and laughs, the guys share stories of gift card mishaps, podcast award nominations, and August's struggles with his mandatory Magnum PI mustache.
Whether you're planning to attend Magnum 12 or simply enjoy hearing about community-driven charity work done with heart and humor, this episode showcases why the Man Cave Happy Hour has become a beloved fixture in Detroit's podcast scene. Grab your favorite cider, tune in, and consider how you might support families impacted by cancer through the Hero Foundation.
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Grab a pint and join us for a deep dive into soccer culture as we explore the beautiful game through the lens of traditional English pub ales and Detroit's thriving soccer community.
What happens when you mix the world's most popular sport with Detroit's gritty character and authentic beer culture? Pure magic. Our guest Matt Conti breaks down the intricacies of fantasy Premier League soccer, explaining how this global phenomenon differs dramatically from American fantasy sports with its salary cap structure and unique scoring system.
We take you on a tour of Detroit's vibrant soccer scene, from the passionate supporters of Detroit City FC who march from local bars to Keyworth Stadium, to the dedicated pubs where fans gather at dawn to watch their favorite European teams. Thomas McGee's for Liverpool supporters, The Dog and Pony Show for Tottenham Hotspur fans – every major club has found its Detroit home.
While sampling traditional English pub ales like Boddingtons (aptly nicknamed "the blonde Guinness") and discussing the art of cask conditioning, we explore how these brewing traditions create the perfect complement to match day experiences. Our conversation weaves through personal stories of attending matches in England and Italy, the cultural differences between European soccer leagues and American sports, and how global stars like Messi are transforming soccer's popularity across the United States.
Whether you're a dedicated supporter who knows every chant or someone curious about why people wake up at 7am on weekends to watch matches, this episode captures the community, traditions, and pure joy that make soccer the world's game. Listen, learn, and perhaps discover your own team to support in the premierist of all leagues.
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Nothing brings friends together quite like celebrating life's victories over a good glass of bourbon. In this episode, we're joined by special guest David, the Motor City Hypnotist, as we crack open some long-neglected "orphan bottles" and share stories that range from triumphant to heartwarming.
The spotlight first falls on Matt's incredible achievement - his first-ever hole-in-one after 17 years of golfing. The pure, unfiltered joy captured in the moment when his 5-iron shot disappeared into the cup on a 185-yard par 3 is something every golfer dreams about. "They call me Ace now," Matt jokes, still riding the high of that perfect shot at Westbourne Golf Club. The story sparks a larger conversation about our varied golfing experiences, from Jamie's childhood lessons with his father to Dave's relatively recent entry into the sport.
Our whiskey journey centers around a bottle with its own story to tell - New Holland's Beer Barrel Bourbon. Sent to us nearly seven years ago, this 80-proof bourbon aged in American white oak and finished for three months in Dragon's Milk stout barrels had been sitting untouched on our shelf after plans for a distillery interview fell through. We finally give this orphaned spirit its moment, discovering notes of stone fruit, a distinct beer finish on the palate, and contemplating how it might perform in cocktails compared to our welcome drink - a robust 110-proof Russell's Reserve private barrel selection.
Between sips, Dave shares his excitement about welcoming a new puppy into his home after losing his beloved Pippin two years ago, while Jamie recounts tales of his 19-year-old cat Kirby and newly adopted rescue dog Raina who's developed a particular fondness for ice cubes (or "water cookies" as Jamie affectionately calls them).
Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, a golfer chasing that perfect shot, or simply enjoy genuine conversation among friends, this episode captures what Man Cave Happy Hour is all about - celebrating life's moments together, one glass at a time. Join us for the next round at mancavehappyhour.com or anywhere you find your favorite podcasts.
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Step into the heart of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, where an unassuming bar houses a breathtaking treasury of over 1,450 different whiskeys. At the Butter Run Saloon, owner Dave Harden has created more than just a drinking establishment—he's built a whiskey lover's sanctuary that draws enthusiasts from across the Midwest.
During our visit, Dave guides us through his personal barrel selection process, sharing samples of his Buffalo Trace, Old Forester, and Maker's Mark private picks. Each pour tells a story of meticulous tasting and selection, with Dave revealing his straightforward philosophy: "I strictly go on flavor and profile and what I like." The Buffalo Trace selection showcases a creamier, more flavorful profile than the standard offering, while the Old Forester barrel pick delivers complex notes despite its formidable 130.8 proof.
Dave's journey mirrors the evolution of American whiskey culture itself. When he opened nearly 13 years ago, "whiskey wasn't a thing yet," and distributors were practically begging him to take bottles that now command waiting lists and premium prices. This transformation has positioned Butter Run as a destination establishment that helps drive traffic to the entire St. Clair Shores community.
The conversation expands beyond whiskey into Dave's entrepreneurial vision, including his cocktail bar Caché and an ambitious project to transform a historic local theater into a restaurant and entertainment venue. His concept of bourbon lockers—secure storage for regulars' special bottles—promises to bring a new dimension to the area's drinking culture.
What emerges is a portrait of passion translated into hospitality excellence. As Dave succinctly puts it: "We have great food, great bourbon." Sometimes the simplest statements capture the most profound truths.
Join us for an intimate look at how one man's love for whiskey has helped transform a community's drinking and dining landscape. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just beginning your whiskey journey, this episode offers valuable insights into the culture, business, and pure enjoyment of America's native spirit.
Episode 19 was our first visit to the Butter Run.
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The old saying goes that Wild Turkey is just "country whiskey," but true bourbon lovers know better. This week, we're putting two expressions from this iconic Kentucky distillery head-to-head: the classic Wild Turkey 101 against the more elusive Wild Turkey 101.8.
What's the difference between these two nearly identical-proof bourbons? About two years minimum in the barrel and roughly $18 at retail. While the standard 101 blends spirits aged 6-8 years, the 101.8 contains only bourbons aged a minimum of 8 years. That time difference creates distinctly different drinking experiences despite sharing the same mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
Our tasting reveals the standard 101 delivers that characteristic Wild Turkey spice right on the tip of the tongue, with that warming Kentucky hug following close behind. It's bold, assertive, and perfect for cocktails - especially old-fashioneds where its spice cuts beautifully through the sweetness. At around $27, it's a spectacular value that deserves a permanent place on your bar cart.
Meanwhile, the 101.8 shows its additional maturation through a creamier mouthfeel with pronounced caramel-vanilla notes that one taster describes as "vanilla cake frosting." The flavors linger longer on the mid-palate, making it an exceptional sipper for enjoying neat. Originally available only in Asian markets since 1992, this expression is now finding its way to American shelves at around $45.
Both expressions showcase the deep #4 char ("alligator char") that's signature to Wild Turkey, housed in new American oak barrels that impart distinctive vanilla and caramel notes. Whether you're mixing cocktails or sipping neat, these Wild Turkey offerings prove they're far more sophisticated than their reputation might suggest. Gobble gobble, indeed!
Join us next time as we continue our journey through the wonderful world of whiskey. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite bourbon experiences with us!
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Dive into the refreshing world of authentic Finnish long drinks as we welcome the team behind Lancaro to the Man Cave Happy Hour. This eye-opening conversation reveals how a paralyzed founder's dream evolved into a mission-driven beverage company revolutionizing the ready-to-drink market with clean, natural flavors.
Discover the fascinating history behind Finland's national cocktail, born during the 1952 Olympics as an efficient way to serve refreshing gin drinks to thirsty visitors. You'll learn how Lancaro transformed this traditional recipe into something uniquely their own, tackling the notorious "cloying sweetness" problem that plagues most canned cocktails. The team's passionate flavor scientist breaks down their meticulous development process, explaining how they create drinks that maintain their aromatic qualities even over ice – a rarity in the RTD world.
What truly sets this brand apart is their Lumi line – completely unsweetened cocktails at just 96 calories that rely solely on sophisticated flavor development rather than sugar or artificial sweeteners. The founders challenge listeners to scrutinize labels and understand industry terminology tricks, highlighting how "no sugar" often means artificial ingredients are lurking inside. Through their transparent approach and commitment to quality, Lancaro offers everything from traditional grapefruit to innovative flavors like dragon fruit, pineapple, and white peach.
Beyond creating exceptional products, Lancaro supports Next Step Fitness, a non-profit organization founded by Yanni after his diving accident left him paralyzed. With locations across the US and internationally, Next Step provides specialized gym facilities helping those with paralysis regain mobility and hope. Try Lancaro yourself – now available at Kroger and experience how good intentions and meticulous craftsmanship create truly remarkable drinks.
https://loncaro.com/
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Blindfolds, cocktails, and murder – what more could you want from a dinner party? Creator Jill Bell joins us to reveal the story behind "Murder on the Rocks," the cocktail party murder mystery game that's completely reinventing game night.
With a PhD in cybersecurity and experience as a firefighter, Jill never expected to become a game designer. Yet her creation just funded at an astonishing 985% on Kickstarter, proving there's serious thirst for innovative party games that combine adult beverages with clever gameplay mechanics. What makes this game special? Unlike traditional one-and-done mystery boxes, Murder on the Rocks features beautifully illustrated clue cards designed for multiple interpretations, making every playthrough a unique experience.
The game works brilliantly in its simplicity: players attend a masquerade party at Whiskey Ridge Manor, don blindfolds during a "dance party" phase, and the designated murderer secretly "poisons" someone's drink – typically with grenadine to simulate blood. The victim then receives cryptic clue cards that may or may not point to the killer's identity. As Jill explains, "It's all about strategy... do you want to try and spread out the game?" The murderer walks a delicate line between misleading other players while avoiding suspicion themselves.
We explore the stunning artwork created by illustrator Zoe Almond-Job, the character-themed signature cocktails, and even get a sneak peek at Jill's next project – "Shots at Sundown," a Wild West-themed drinking game where your cocktail serves as ammunition in gunslinging duels. Whether you're a murder podcast enthusiast or simply looking for your next game night obsession, this conversation will have you reaching for both the cocktail shaker and your detective hat.
Murder on the Rocks will be available in 2024, with late pledges still open on Kickstarter. Visit MisfitMixers.com to learn more about this killer combination of mystery and mixology!
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Dive into a cocktail experiment gone hilariously wrong as we tackle the Kalimotxo—an unusual Spanish drink that mixes red wine with Coca-Cola. This strange combination dates back to the 1920s when festival organizers in Spain discovered their wine was terrible and desperately needed a fix. Their solution? Mask it with Coca-Cola, creating what we dub "the original Fyre Festival of cocktails."
We explore the Tempranillo wine used in our experiment, discussing the rich characteristics of this Spanish grape variety known for its full body and deep ruby color. Despite our best efforts (and even adding bitters and lemon), the verdict is unanimous—some cocktails exist more as cautionary tales than recommendations. As Matt perfectly puts it, it's "like a mistake that you just drink."
The episode takes an exciting turn when we unbox "Murder on the Rocks," a cocktail-themed murder mystery game featuring characters like Ginny Tonic and Absinthe Abby. Get a sneak peek at our upcoming game night where we'll be joined by the game's creator to solve mysteries while mixing drinks.
Between sips and laughs, we share plenty of dad jokes (including one that August has been saving for 42 years), discuss Pride Month celebrations, and preview our packed schedule of upcoming episodes.
Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast curious about unusual drink combinations or simply enjoy our brand of spirited conversation, this episode offers plenty of laughs, lessons about what NOT to mix, and a reminder that sometimes the best discoveries come from trying something new—even when the results aren't what you expected!
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What happens when three whiskey enthusiasts decide to pair fine spirits with jelly beans? Pure chaotic deliciousness! This episode takes you on a flavorful journey through unexpected combinations as Jamie, Matt, and August explore the intersection of childhood nostalgia and adult beverages.
The adventure begins with a sample of Willett Small Batch Family Estate Straight Rye Whiskey, setting the stage for our sweet experiments. We then dive into Jelly Belly's cocktail-inspired beans, identifying unique flavors like mojito, moscow mule, and gin and tonic before creating our own whiskey pairings. Watch as our toasted marshmallow beans meet Basil Hayden's Toasted Bourbon in a "toast on toast" combination, and witness the colorful transformation when red apple jellies soak in Yellowstone Bourbon.
Beyond the tasting experiments, we share personal jelly bean preferences (August loves black licorice while Jamie can't resist lemon-lime) and nostalgic candy memories. Did you know Jelly Belly makes over 100 different flavors? Or that Mountain Dew was originally created as a whiskey mixer? These fascinating tidbits pepper our conversation as we sample Writer's Tears Irish Whiskey, Eagle Rare, and Sazerac Rye alongside various beans.
The episode wraps with exciting news about our upcoming appearance judging smoked cocktails at Whiskey Taco Foxtrot and an invitation to our listeners. Have a man cave, tiki bar, boat, or unique space you'd like us to broadcast from? Reach out—we're compiling locations for future episodes and would love to bring the show to you!
Whether you're a whiskey aficionado looking for unconventional pairings or simply enjoy listening to friends having a great time, this sweet-meets-spirits episode delivers plenty of laughs, insights, and inspiration for your next tasting adventure. Subscribe now and join our growing community of spirit enthusiasts!
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Bourbon lovers, listen up! We're diving deep into a brand new release that's generating serious buzz - Heaven Hill's Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled in Bond bourbon. Unlike its limited-edition decanter siblings, this new expression promises to be a regular shelf staple (if you're lucky enough to find it).
The episode kicks off with a Father's Day-themed New York Sour cocktail featuring Elijah Craig bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a red wine float that sets the perfect tone for our whiskey adventure. As we crack open the fresh bottle of Old Fitzgerald, we explore the rich history behind both the brand (dating back to 1870) and the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 that established bourbon's gold standard for quality and authenticity.
Our tasting reveals a robust, full-flavored bourbon with subtle cherry notes and a lingering finish that makes its 100-proof strength known without overwhelming the palate. At around $60 (when found at MSRP), we debate whether this bourbon represents excellent value in today's premium market and if it's worthy of gifting to the bourbon enthusiast in your life. The consensus? This is definitely a "marry" rather than just a "screw" in our bourbon relationship terminology.
Between sips, we share laughs over AI-generated photos transforming us into Rat Pack-style characters, discuss the challenges of finding popular bourbons as the Tigers baseball season heats up, and offer our best advice for securing limited releases (hint: make friends with your local liquor store owner).
Whether you're a seasoned bourbon collector or just beginning your whiskey journey, this episode offers valuable insights, entertaining stories, and practical tips for enjoying one of America's finest spirit traditions. Join us at the Man Cave Happy Hour, where every pour comes with a side of camaraderie and whiskey wisdom.
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The Man Cave Happy Hour crew welcomes Detroit writer Mickey Lyons for an evening of spirit exploration and storytelling. After sampling the underwhelming Widow Jane bourbon (dubbed "aggressively mediocre" by the hosts), the conversation transforms when August introduces a rare bottle of green Chartreuse.
https://www.mickeylyons.com/
This legendary liqueur, crafted by Carthusian monks according to a 1770 secret recipe featuring 130+ botanicals, captivates everyone with its complex flavor profile. As the group savors notes of cardamom, anise, and countless herbs, Mickey explains why this spirit has become nearly impossible to find – the monks have drastically reduced production to focus on their meditative lifestyle rather than meeting skyrocketing demand.
The evening peaks with the creation of a "Last Word" cocktail, a Detroit Athletic Club classic from 1916 featuring equal parts Chartreuse, gin, Luxardo cherry liqueur, and lime juice. Mickey, whose writing celebrates Michigan's rich drinking culture, shares details about her upcoming adventure as a "Lake Lorien" (lecturer) on Great Lakes cruise ships, where she'll spend two months sharing regional history with passengers.
Between sips, the conversation weaves through Detroit's historic bar scene, from the legendary Stonehouse to the Prohibition-era establishments that shaped the city's character. These stories remind us how deeply spirits are intertwined with local heritage and community connection.
Whether you're a spirits enthusiast, Michigan history buff, or simply appreciate good storytelling among friends, join us for this spirited journey through rare liqueurs, regional history, and the captivating stories behind what we drink.
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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Raise a glass and journey with us through the captivating wine regions of northwestern Spain as we explore the distinctive character of Spanish wines while previewing an upcoming adventure to this remarkable destination.
Our conversation uncorks with a lively tasting of traditional Spanish Cava, that crisp, refreshing alternative to Champagne that sets the stage perfectly for our vinous exploration. We delve into the heart of Rias Baixas, where the Albariño grape reigns supreme, producing wines of remarkable brightness and minerality that capture the essence of this Atlantic-influenced region.
The tasting progresses through varying expressions from Gran Bazán winery, showcasing how the same grape can yield dramatically different results when handled with different techniques. From the lighter Verde bottling to the slightly creamier Ámbar expression, these wines reveal the versatility that makes Spanish whites so compelling. As we transition to reds, we discover the surprising elegance and approachability of northwestern Spanish red blends that challenge preconceptions about Spanish wine styles.
Between sips, Mrs. Vino shares details about her upcoming wine tour through this captivating region - a November journey featuring six distinctive wineries, including historic estates dating back to the 12th century. Picture cruising along the Sil River with vineyards cascading dramatically down hillsides, exploring the pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela, and enjoying the region's renowned cuisine that pairs so perfectly with local wines.
Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or simply wine-curious, this episode offers a taste of authentic Spanish wine culture that extends far beyond the bottle. The interplay of history, geography, and tradition creates wines of remarkable character at surprisingly accessible price points. Discover why this often-overlooked region deserves your attention, and perhaps consider joining Mrs. Vino for an unforgettable Spanish wine adventure this November. Find all the details at MrsVino.com/Spain.
https://mrsvino.com/
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Step through the intentionally squeaky door of Donovan's Pub, and you'll immediately understand what makes neighborhood bars the backbone of Detroit. Owner Shannon Lowell keeps that door noisy for a reason - when it creaks, everyone glances up to size newcomers within 30 seconds.
Located in what Shannon calls "the cracks between Corktown and Mexicantown," this neighborhood institution has weathered decades of Detroit's changing landscape. From its origins as Patton's Bar in the mid-60s to its rebirth after a fire, Donovan's embodies the resilience that defines the city. Shannon shares fascinating stories of his childhood in the bar, meeting characters like Marlene the numbers runner who kept folded cash visibly bulging from her tight jeans pockets - both as a display of status and a warning not to touch.
The walls themselves tell stories - from bullet holes courtesy of an angry patron who shot a Playboy centerfold on the wall to the permanent Halloween decorations that stayed put after removing one damaged the finish. Perhaps most treasured is the rescued Alvin's Detroit Bar clock, preserved from a legendary Cass Corridor venue and now sparking conversations about Detroit's rich musical history.
Donovan's has hosted everyone from Detroit Tigers players like Aurelio Lopez to famed crime novelist Elmore Leonard, who arrived with an entourage while researching a book. But beyond celebrity encounters, it's the sense of community that defines the place. In tougher times, the bar served as a neighborhood financial institution - cashing checks on Fridays and collecting money for funeral expenses when tragedy struck.
While trendy establishments come and go, Donovan's remains steadfast in its mission: creating a sustainable, affordable place where people can connect authentically. As Shannon puts it, "I always want to make a bar that I would want to go to and I could afford to go to." In an age of $20 appetizers and $50 drinks, there's something revolutionary about a place that prioritizes conversation over cocktail artistry and community over profit margins.
Come discover why places like Donovan's matter - where the squeaky door welcomes you, the stories captivate you, and the spirit of Detroit's resilient neighborhoods lives on in every cold beer served.
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From spreadsheet wizard to master distiller, Jeff Duckhorn's journey from corporate accountant to craft spirits pioneer embodies the adventurous spirit of Redwood Empire Whiskey. With infectious passion, Jeff shares how his home brewing hobby and creative drive helped transform a wine company's side project into a flourishing whiskey brand celebrating Northern California's iconic trees.
Each bottle in the Redwood Empire lineup tells a story – from Pipe Dream Bourbon's complex blend of whiskeys from eight distilleries across four states to Emerald Giant Rye's bold 90% rye expression softened with a touch of wheat. Most fascinating is Lost Monarch, a "sneaky rye" that masterfully blends bourbon and rye whiskeys to create an approachable gateway for bourbon drinkers to explore spicier profiles.
What truly distinguishes Redwood Empire is their environmental commitment. Their Cocktails for a Cause program has planted over 1.7 million trees, with 100,000 more during Earth Month alone. This sustainability focus extends to their production, where they use specialty floor malts from a local maltster and emphasize quality ingredients that reflect their California roots.
The excitement builds as Jeff reveals their expansion to a new distillery on Mare Island – a former naval base with rich history now becoming home to increased production and a forthcoming tasting experience. With bottles priced accessibly around $35 and aged whiskeys up to 14 years in their blends, Redwood Empire makes exceptional craft spirits both affordable and purpose-driven.
Ready to explore whiskeys that taste good and do good? Grab a bottle of Redwood Empire, plant a tree with your sip, and discover why this growing brand has whiskey enthusiasts buzzing coast to coast.
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Step into a slice of living history at Detroit's famed Cadieux Cafe, where authentic Belgian feather bowling lanes have been delighting visitors since 1933. Our conversation with owner John Rutherford reveals the fascinating journey of this east side crown jewel from its origins as a Belgian grocery store during Prohibition to its current status as America's only authentic feather bowling venue.
John's own story proves equally captivating - a professional trombone player who performed with Bob Seger for over 300 shows before becoming Cadieux's third owner in nearly a century of operation. His passion for preserving tradition while thoughtfully modernizing shines through as we explore the cafe's unique offerings. The original dirt lanes (complete with their secret mixture including kitty litter and quick-crete) remain intact, rolling alongside an impressive selection of 30+ Belgian beers that showcase the rich brewing traditions of Trappist monasteries and Flemish brewers.
During our visit, we sample Chimay Red and Petrus Sour while learning about the cafe's regular music programming, including monthly performances by Planet D Nonet and Grateful Dead tribute band Super Crunch. John's improvements - an outdoor beer garden accommodating 242 people, lane cameras enhancing casual players' experience, and infrastructure updates - have enhanced the venue while maintaining its authentic character. Future plans may include a third bowling lane and improved facilities, ensuring this Detroit institution continues introducing new generations to Belgian culture, cuisine, and the unique joy of feather bowling for decades to come.
Join us for a pint and a roll at this one-of-a-kind destination where Belgian traditions meet Detroit history in the most delightful way. Check their website or Facebook page for upcoming events, including the popular annual Mussel Beach Music Festival.
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Step into a world where mushrooms transform your drinking experience—without the alcohol. Megan Klein, founder and CEO of Little Saints, takes us on a fascinating journey through her line of non-alcoholic, mushroom-powered cocktails that deliver mood enhancement and cognitive benefits with zero sugar and only five calories.
From her mint green vending trailer origins in Detroit to facing the Sharks on national television, Megan shares the remarkable story behind Little Saints' creation and her gutsy decision to turn down unfavorable investment offers. With the conviction to maintain her vision, she's built a brand that's changing how we think about functional beverages.
The tasting experience reveals something truly special—these aren't your typical mocktails. The Negroni Spritz offers a perfect bitterness without overwhelming, while the Old Fashioned delivers caramel notes and warmth that mimics traditional spirits. The St. Ember, infused with sacred Palo Santo wood from South America, provides a mezcal-like complexity that even discerning palates might mistake for the real thing.
What makes these drinks truly revolutionary is their foundation in functional mushrooms—reishi for gentle relaxation and lion's mane for cognitive enhancement—extracted through cutting-edge technology to deliver maximum benefits. The recent addition of Damiana, a natural aphrodisiac, playfully supports the brand's cheeky tagline: "mushrooms make sex better."
Whether you're sober-curious, health-conscious, or simply looking for innovative alternatives to alcohol, Little Saints offers a sophisticated drinking experience without compromise. Find them at littlesaints.com and discover what functional fungi can do for your next happy hour.
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Do you have a bag of lemons and no idea what to do with them? Join us as we transform citrus into classic cocktails while unveiling our exciting new format that will take our show on the road!
When our guest brought an entire bag of lemons instead of just the two requested, it sparked an impromptu exploration of lemon-based cocktails. We kick things off with our "Limosa" (lemon mimosa) – a simple yet refreshing blend of sparkling wine and lemonade that some of us enhance with a splash of gin for a French 75 variation.
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g60216072/lemon-cocktail-recipes/
Lemomosa - Fill flute halfway with champagne and top with lemonade. Serve.
Aviation Cocktail
1 1/2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 ounce maraschino liqueur, Luxardo
1/4 ounce Crème de Violette
Luxardo cherry, for garnish
-
Combine gin, lemon, maraschino liqueur, and Crème de Violette in a cocktail shaker with a generous cup of ice.
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Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
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Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
https://kitchenswagger.com/aviation-cocktail-recipe/
Sidecar
1 1/2 ounces cognac
3/4 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Garnish: orange twist
Garnish: sugar rim (optional)
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Coat the rim of a coupe glass with sugar, if desired, and set aside.
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Add the cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
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Strain into the prepared glass.
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Garnish with an orange twist.
https://www.liquor.com/recipes/sidecar/
Between sips, we share our newest initiative – the Man Cave Roadshow! After realizing we've never actually broadcast from anyone's personal man cave, we're changing that by visiting friends with extraordinary spaces. From a backyard tiki bar called "The Blue Footed Booby" to a basement full of bourbon collections, an 1800s-style saloon in a carriage house, and even a 3,000 square foot garage filled with race cars and vending machines – we've got an exciting lineup of locations planned.
The cocktail journey continues as we craft the historic Aviation, a Prohibition-era purple cocktail dating back to 1916, featuring gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and the elusive crème de violette. We follow this with the classic Sidecar, quickly discovering that sometimes tradition needs adjustment when the sugar rim overwhelms the delicate cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice mixture.
Throughout our spirited conversation, we share practical tips about cocktail techniques, proper glassware, ice options, and making adjustments to suit personal taste. The chemistry between hosts creates a comfortable atmosphere that makes complex cocktail concepts accessible and entertaining.
Ready to show off your space? We're looking for more unique man caves, home bars, and wine cellars to feature. Reach out through our social media and let's raise a glass in your personal happy hour haven!
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Ever wondered which cocktails you should actually master for your home bar? When the Man Cave Happy Hour crew discovered a list of "13 Essential Cocktails Everyone Should Know How to Make," they couldn't resist putting these classics to the test.
Armed with bottles of Sazerac rye, absinthe, Campari, and a lemon that received perhaps too much attention, Jamie, August, Matt and guests Barry and Mike work their way through iconic drinks like the Sazerac, Old Fashioned, Martini and Negroni. What unfolds is equal parts mixology lesson and riotous debate about everything from the wasteful practice of "rinsing" glasses with expensive liquors to the divisive nature of olives in martinis.
The crew uncovers fascinating cocktail history along the way, like how the Old Fashioned got its name from frustrated drinkers simply wanting "a good, old-fashioned cocktail" amid increasingly complicated concoctions—a sentiment that resonates in today's era of elaborate mixology. As Anthony Bourdain would say about enjoying a perfect Negroni, "Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride."
Between sips and storytelling, they question whether some "essential" cocktails truly belong on the home bartender's list. After all, who actually keeps a bottle of Benedictine or crème de violette at home? As one host puts it, "Some of these are like you have to hike up the Himalayan mountain to find a special herb."
Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or just someone who enjoys watching friends get progressively more opinionated with each sip, this episode delivers spirits, stories, and endless entertainment. Pour yourself something delicious and join us for the perfect happy hour experience.
https://casualmixologist.com/guides/casual-banter/13-classic-cocktails-every-home-mixologist-should-know-how-to-make
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Pouring the Perfect Pint: Inside Gus O'Connor's and Gus's Snug.
Raise a proper pint as we celebrate our 200th episode at Gus's Snug in downtown Clawson, Michigan! This milestone deserves something special, and our guest Dimitry Goyfman delivers with his fascinating journey from Moscow to becoming one of Michigan's premier Irish pub proprietors.
Born in Russia and fluent in the language, Dimitry shares how he accidentally stumbled into the hospitality industry after an unemployment office visit led him to Ruby Tuesday's. His natural talent for making people happy eventually brought him to Gus O'Connor's in Rochester, where he worked his way up to become part-owner before opening the second location, Gus's Snug, in Clawson.
What makes an Irish pub truly authentic? For Dimitry, it required firsthand research in Ireland, where he discovered that beyond the decor, real Irish pubs embody community, camaraderie, and genuine hospitality. We explore the fascinating history behind "the snug" – those semi-private spaces originally created so women and clergy could drink discreetly, away from the main bar area where men gathered.
The conversation flows like a perfect Guinness pour as we discuss the meticulous art of serving a proper 20-ounce pint, complete with shamrock foam art. Dimitry reveals why cleaning lines every three weeks makes all the difference and explains why Irish cider tastes better over ice. The menu at both establishments honors traditional Irish dishes like boxties, shepherd's pie, and scotch eggs while supporting local Michigan suppliers.
As St. Patrick's Day approaches, Dimitry shares what makes their celebrations special, from the 7am openings with free Irish breakfasts to the beloved "blessing of the pint" ceremony. Our blind Irish whiskey tasting reveals surprising preferences, and we're treated to the story behind Dimitry's unique Tullamore Dew blend, custom-created during a distillery tour in Ireland.
Pour yourself something smooth and join us for this landmark episode celebrating 200 conversations about spirits, community, and the stories that bring us together. Sláinte!
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Have you ever wondered if smoking cocktails is more than just a bar trick? Join us for a spirited chat in the Man Cave Happy Hour, where Jamie Flanagan, sharing laughs and lively discussions alongside my co-hosts August Gitschlag and Matt Fox. We take on the smoky cocktail debate head-on, questioning whether this trend is a genuine flavor enhancer or simply a gimmick, akin to those party store signs claiming bourbon is cheaper than divorce. With humor and camaraderie, we regale you with stories from our dabbling in home smoker kits and the art of pairing whiskey and cigars.
We dive deep into the smoky world, unraveling the intricate process of creating smoked cocktails with wood chips and butane torches—it's not as easy as it seems! As we muddle through finger-stirring techniques and the occasional butane mishap, our banter never wavers. From smoky old-fashioneds to the quirky nuances of various wood chips like cherry and pecan, our quest for cocktail perfection is filled with fun tales and unexpected revelations. You might even discover why electing a new Pope came into play as we explored the theatrics of smoke.
Finally, prepare for some lighthearted musings as we chat about everything from glamping to the curious magic of smoke lingering in glassware. Our conversations take whimsical turns, from playful debates about the olfactory senses to the joys of smoky cocktails in winter and beyond. With local flavors and personal anecdotes, we keep the laughs coming and the stories rolling, promising a cozy listen that captures the essence of smoky cocktails and the joy of sharing them with friends.
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Ever wondered what happens when you blend whiskey, cigars, and a dash of 12 year old humor? Picture us, your Man Cave Happy Hour hosts, along with our delightful friend Kristen Carlson, trying to keep a straight face while exploring the aromatic profile of Bitter Lekker from Babylon Storen. Our latest minisode is a tapestry of stories that blur the lines between episodes, sparked by unforgettable whiskey events and a name that prompts enough giggles to rival a classroom full of teenagers. We promise plenty of laughs as we savor the non-alcoholic aperitif and share the art of palate cleansing with Honeybush and Rosemary.
But that's not all! Embark with us on a bold adventure through the quirky realm of Jepson's Malort, a spirit infamous for flavor notes that might remind you of grapefruit rinds and dry burnt erasers. It's an acquired taste, sure, but there's joy in the journey as we recount tales of Malort margaritas and celebrate the daring souls who embrace this cultural icon of a drink. If you're curious about the digestive benefits of bitters or ready to get "Malorted," grab a seat and join our camaraderie-filled exploration that promises to entertain as much as it enlightens.
Episode 198
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Can we really trust award shows to reflect true talent, or have they become just a spectacle of celebrity antics and bizarre fashion choices? Join us at the Man Cave Happy Hour as Jamie Flanagan, August Gitschlag, and Matt Fox with Mrs. Vino Kristen Carlson challenge the relevance of pop culture phenomena like the Grammys, with a special focus on notorious figures like Kanye West and fashion daredevils like Jaden Smith. We couldn't resist a nostalgic trip down memory lane to recall Will Smith's glory days before that unforgettable Oscar blunder with Chris Rock. As we gear up for Valentine's Day, we share some chuckle-worthy tales from our own love lives, celebrating the strength of partnerships with a light-hearted flair that keeps the mood cheery and engaging.
When it comes to wining and dining, spontaneity is key! That's why we're all about those hidden gem family restaurants and budget-friendly outings to ballgames or symphonies. Our latest obsession? A delightful rosé from the sustainable South African estate Babylonstoren, paired perfectly with chocolates. We explore the rich flavors and affordable luxury of South African wines, even with those pesky tariffs, and dive into the distinctive taste of Costa Rican cacao, complete with its unique mucilage twist. It's all about savoring quality without breaking the bank, celebrating tradition, and supporting sustainable practices. So grab a glass, some chocolate, and let’s toast to good taste and good times!
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What happens when you age Pabst Blue Ribbon whiskey for just five seconds? We found out, and it's brought a whole new level of laughs to the Man Cave Happy Hour. Join Jamie Flanagan, August Gitschlag, Matt Fox, and our special guest, the hilarious Matt Conte, as we dive into this quirky whiskey experience. We explore its playful nod to the iconic PBR beer and dissect the surprisingly intricate mash bill that somehow makes it, well, whiskey. Alongside the whiskey talk, Matt Fox shares tales from his family's Grand Rapids adventure, and we all reminisce about our favorite local haunts like Eastern Market and Hamtramck.
The episode offers more than just whiskey chatter; it's a hearty serving of nostalgia and humor. Matt Conte spices things up with a story about attending a party dressed as a Scottish Soccer Hooligan, and we take trips down memory lane with stories of growing up in Detroit and life in Sterling Heights. The chatter meanders into the realm of memorable gifts, like a certain bottle of liquor meant to amuse, which serves as a springboard for anecdotes about timing and appreciation. Our collective love for laughter and connection shines through every twist of conversation, celebrating those little moments of joy that life throws our way.
But wait, there's more! We roll through the vibrant nightlife of Ferndale, recounting venues and wild stories of track-suited adventures, all while debating the art of mixing the perfect drink. As we wrap up, alternative Valentine's Day plans take center stage, complete with a humorous take on overpriced dinners and the candy industry's brainchild, Sweetest Day. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or just love a good story filled with laughter and camaraderie, this episode promises to entertain and connect. Grab your favorite drink, kick back, and enjoy the ride with us!
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Ever wondered how a childhood dream can transform into a vibrant community hub? Join us at Whiskey Taco Foxtrot with our special guest, Craig Fahle, as we explore this intriguing story. Charlie Samson, one of the masterminds behind this beloved establishment, shares his journey of turning visions into reality amidst the challenges of a global pandemic. Discover how the Whiskey Society became a beacon of camaraderie, uniting whiskey lovers through shared passions for fine spirits and delicious food.
While the spotlight often shines brighter on bourbon and scotch, Canadian whiskey holds its ground with flair and creativity. Craig and I reminisce about iconic brands like Canadian Club and Crown Royal, recounting their role as gateways into the whiskey world. Our tasting adventure at Whiskey Taco Foxtrot uncovers the artful blending behind Canadian whiskey, with a fun twist—participants showcase their style in a denim-themed fashion show. From the Weiser's lineup to the legacy of Hiram Walker Distillery, we aim to shatter myths and reduce elitism in the whiskey culture, making it accessible for all to enjoy.
Finally, we celebrate the unsung heroes in the world of whiskey—affordable yet flavorful blends like Lot 40 and Elijah Craig Rye. Our conversation offers insights into the unique flavor profiles these spirits bring to cocktails. Wrapping up our episode, we reflect on the thriving community spirit in Rochester, where local businesses support each other despite competition. A heartfelt thank you to Craig for sharing his insights and hospitality, and to all our listeners—your engagement fuels our whiskey-filled adventures.
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Have you ever tried to open a bottle and felt like you were battling a stubborn dragon? Join your favorite hosts Jamie Flanagan, August Gitschlag, and Matt Fox on a hilarious journey through the world of mocktails, as we recall the thrilling escapades of real-life action heroes from a past episode.
Get ready for a cocktail of nostalgia as we mix classic movie memories with the art of drink making. We tackle everything from the intricacies of balancing flavors in a unique old-fashioned mocktail to the monumental task of opening those pesky bottles. Along the way, we sprinkle in personal anecdotes, like a tech glitch that turned into a Luxardo cherry debate and a dentist visit that morphed into a fluoride discussion. All this while contemplating whether the latest mocktails could fool even the most discerning cocktail connoisseur.
Marvel at the transformation of the classic Shirley Temple into a "Dirty Shirley," and join us as we share our fondness for ready-to-drink options like the On the Rocks brand—perfect for those who love a well-mixed drink without all the effort. With plenty of laughs and a nod to community spirit, this episode promises a fun ride through the whimsical world of mocktails and everyday mishaps.
Fakir
Both sweet and tart in flavor, this drink will be your new super-simple go-to. It requires only two ingredients and will give you the illusion of eating an energizing acai bowl, except here you’re drinking it!
Ingredients
¼ pint fresh blackberries
8 ounces ginger ale
Instructions
Set aside 4 berries for garnish. Force the rest through a sieve to remove the seeds in order to end with ¼ cup of berry puree. Pour the ginger ale evenly into two champagne flutes, and add a tablespoon of berry puree into each. Without mixing, garnish each drink with a couple of berries.
Shirley Temple
Ingredients
1 ounce grenadine
6 ounces soda (Sprite, 7Up, ginger ale)
Maraschino cherries
Instructions
Pour the grenadine into the bottom of a tall glass filled with ice. Then add about 6 ounces of the white soda of your choice to fill the rest. Top it off with maraschino cherries.
List of Links
https://atelizabethstable.com/old-fashioned-mocktail/
- Black Tea Bags: instead of whiskey, these mocktails use tea as the base. Tea is rather neutral but still has a bit of a bite, to mimic the whiskey flavor.
- Simple Syrup: I used maple syrup simple syrup.
- Angostura Bitters:
- Orange Peel or Luxardo Cherry: for garnish
Step 1. Steep the tea in the hot water for 3-5 minutes. Let the tea cool completely.
Step 2. Meanwhile, make maple simple syrup. Let cool completely.
Step 3. Once the tea and syrup are cool, make the cocktail. To four glasses (over ice, if desired) add ¼ cup tea, ¼ ounce simple syrup, 2 dashes bitters. Garnish with an orange peel or luxardo cherr
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What happens when two veterans trade in their uniforms for bottles of bourbon? Find out as Harold and Rick share their journey from military service to whiskey craftsmanship.
https://www.fourbranches.com/story
Dive into an episode filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a tribute to all branches of the military with their Four Branches Bourbon. Harold takes us on a nostalgic trip back to his roots in Mount Holly, North Carolina, revealing how playing high school sports paved the way to his Navy service, while Rick opens up about his dramatic experiences in the Marine Corps, resembling tales straight out of a TV drama.
Join us for a spirited discussion that honors brotherhood and bravery with each sip of Four Branches Bourbon. Harold and Rick captivate us with their stories of transitioning from the high seas and military bases to the art of whiskey making. Enjoy a generous pour of wit, wisdom, and whiskey as we explore their inspiring journey and toast to their service and spirits. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or a fan of heartfelt military tales, this episode promises a rich blend of both worlds.
Also in studio local friends Keith and Chris to join us in the tasting.
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What happens when a football legend trades the gridiron for the grill? We sit down with Billy Sims, former Detroit Lions star, who shares his inspiring journey from a celebrated athlete to a successful barbecue entrepreneur. Alongside my co-hosts Kristen Carlson, aka Mrs. Vino, and Jordan, also known as J-Bone from Radio Cobra, we unravel the story behind Billy Sims Barbecue's emergence as a beloved franchise, despite the hurdles of a global pandemic. With locations spread across various states, Billy's transition is a testament to his passion and perseverance.
Listen as Billy reveals the secrets behind the mouth-watering magic of his barbecue, emphasizing the critical role of freshness and quality in their delectable offerings. Discover the story of their signature sauce, now gracing Walmart shelves nationwide, and learn from Kristen as she shares expert wine pairings, such as a bold cabernet, to enhance the smoky flavors of the menu's favorites like the Heisman sandwich. Filled with insights into his personal involvement with each franchise, Billy also shares his enduring love for the Detroit Lions, seamlessly blending his passions for food, wine, and sports.
As the conversation unfolds, Billy reflects on how high school sports shaped his destiny, sharing anecdotes from his early days in St. Louis and his football career in Texas. From the influence of his grandmother to the guidance of Coach Switzer, Billy’s story is rich with life lessons that transcend the world of sports. His advice to young athletes is both practical and profound—prioritize academics over athletics and strive for excellence in every endeavor. This episode offers listeners an inspiring blend of nostalgia, wisdom, and culinary passion from a sports veteran who has successfully forged a new path.
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www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
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Celebrating the Lions with Blue Cocktails
The Cocktails:
"Blue Grit"
2 oz. of Bourbon (or Gin)
1 oz Blue Curaçao
1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
Sugar Rim
Lemon
Ice
-In a shaker combine Bourbon, Curaçao, and lemon juice. Shake
Sugar the rim of a glass. Pour cocktail over ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge
"Biting Kneecaps"
.5 oz Gin
.5 oz Tequila
.5 oz Vodka
.5 oz Rum
1 oz Blue CuraçaoSplash - Blue pop (or clear lemon/lime)
Ice
-In a shaker combine all the booze. Shake. Pour over ice.
Add pop for color and taste.
Picture this: You’re sitting back in the Man Cave Lounge, a glass of our signature "Biting Kneecaps" or "Blue Grit" cocktail in hand, as we toast to the Detroit Lions’ fantastic season. We’re Jamie, Matt, and August, your hosts for an hour of spirited fun that takes you from the nostalgia of returning pop bottles to the art of crafting delicious cocktails. With no guests, it’s just us, our stories, and a few laughs as we share everything from childhood memories at the Town Club factory to the quirks of social media algorithms.
Ever wondered what it’s like to chat with a football legend over barbecue? We look forward to meeting Billy Sims at his fan appreciation day, though one of us might be caught soaking in the melodies of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra instead. Our plans for a 50th birthday bash channel the humor and flair of Saturday Night Live, complete with costumes, contests, and a bourbon cocktail that’s as smooth as it is bold. There’s chatter, there’s laughter, and there’s a hint of blue Curacao-induced mischief as we concoct drinks for our gathering.
Who knew a cocktail could spark conversations about fatherhood and gender reveals? Our latest mixology adventure—dubbed "Biting Kneecaps" (an adaptation of "Blue Motherfucker")—leads to playful debates on liquor preferences while sparking the idea of colored cocktails for revealing a baby’s gender. With guests like Dave and Matt Fox alongside Jamie Flanagan, we wrap up with camaraderie, a dash of open mic antics, and a nod to the humble Ovaltine. Responsible drinking is key, but so is a good story, and we’ve got plenty to share.
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www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
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Join us for a festive celebration on the Man Cave Happy Hour as we explore the delightful world of holiday pairings with our special guest, Kristin Carlson, known affectionately as Mrs. Vino. Together with hosts Jamie Flanagan, August Gitschlag, and Matt Fox, we dive into the heart of Detroit’s vibrant culinary scene, showcasing delectable chocolates from Bon Bon Bon and a charcuterie board from Monger's Provisions. This episode promises to elevate your holiday gatherings with insights on selecting the perfect wines, from rich reds and crisp whites to the effervescent charm of champagne, ensuring your festive table is both memorable and delicious.
https://bonbonbon.com/
https://mongersprovisions.com/
https://mrsvino.com/
Listeners will discover the magic of pairing champagne with a variety of foods, celebrating its adaptability. Explore the unique collaboration between Bon Bon Bon and Mawby Sparkling, where wine is transformed into bonbons, capturing Detroit's entrepreneurial spirit. We share techniques for serving champagne, such as aeration, and suggest budget-friendly alternatives like cava. Our spirited conversation spills over into traditions involving bubbly, the allure of dessert wines like port, and the rising popularity of ice wines from Michigan’s Mission Peninsula, offering a sweet yet balanced profile perfect for holiday festivities.
In a journey through wines and culinary indulgence, we chat about the art of pairing Chardonnay with charcuterie, uncovering the nuances of oak treatments in wines. Our lively discussion touches on the social etiquette of holiday gift-giving, the joy of wine tasting, and the playful yet humorous side of food pairings. As we reminisce about memorable moments and personal anecdotes, there's plenty of laughter and shared camaraderie, creating an atmosphere of togetherness and appreciation for fine wines and good company. So grab a glass, settle in, and toast to a joyous holiday season with us!
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
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Ever wondered about the untold tales behind your favorite spirits? Join us as we toast to the unexpected with our guests, Ryan and Gina, at the lively Whiskey in the Winter event held at the bustling Detroit Shipping Company. Amidst the warm, aromatic swirls of whiskey, we indulge not just in classic tastes but also in adventurous cocktails, all complemented by delectable dishes from local gems like Bangkok 96 and Dudley's Dumplings. The night takes a nostalgic turn as we encounter Herodura tequila, sparking memories of our bartending days and adding a twist to our whiskey-laden evening. It's not just about the drinks; it's the camaraderie, the shared laughter, and the stories that flow as smoothly as the spirits.
As the glasses clink, Ryan takes us on a spirited journey through his fascinating career in the industry, from his beginnings in Old Park to his prominent role with Brown-Forman. Discover how managing DJs in Detroit shaped his path, and delve into the world of notable brands like Jack Daniels and Woodford Reserve. We also give a nod to Heredura's pioneering role in the tequila world, especially its creation of the Reposado category. The episode wraps up with an engaging tequila tasting, featuring the Helladora Legend, promising insights into its unique, additive-free qualities. With insights from our vibrant host Jamie Flanagan and contributions from Matt Fox, August Gitchlag, and Bob, this episode isn't just a tasting—it's a spirited adventure through flavors, stories, and the connections that bring us together. Cheers to new experiences!
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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What if the key to community transformation lies in shipping containers? Meet John, the visionary who turned a patchwork of metal boxes into the Detroit Shipping Company, a bustling hub of culture, art, and community in the heart of Detroit. Journey with us through John's inspiring story of resilience, moving from a nomadic childhood with a single mom to becoming the entrepreneurial force behind this unique space. Discover how John's values of connection over material wealth have shaped a place that is not just a business but a vital part of a thriving neighborhood with a shifting identity.
This episode also serves up a smorgasbord of community events and ventures that celebrate the fusion of cultures through food and entertainment. From the festive energy of Noel Nights in Midtown to the delicious offerings at the Lansing Shuffle food hall, we explore the vibrant spirit of these community gatherings. We share the charming history of the New Dodge Lounge in Hamtramck and its legendary farewell message. As we wind back to the Detroit Shipping Company, feel the pulse of local art and music, highlighted by the sounds of the Whiskey Charmers, and look forward to future events like Detroit's First Fridays.
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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Merch www.WearingFunny.com
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Join us at the Man Cave Happy Hour for a spirited session with Josh from Bardstown Bourbon Company, tracing his extraordinary path from a legal career to a bourbon aficionado. Inspired by a transformative 40th birthday trip along the Bourbon Trail, Josh shares how Bardstown has grown exponentially since 2014, enticing bourbon lovers with their Origin series. We'll hear echoes of the collaborative energy of Bardstown, especially their thrilling partnership with Michigan's Founders Brewing. If you're curious about the art and innovation that fuel Bardstown's diverse whiskey expressions, this chat is brimming with insights and stories that capture the essence of their craft.
Experience the fusion of bourbon and wine as we journey through Bardstown's Collaborative Series. Imagine a sip filled with the aroma of baked strawberries and cocoa, leading to a rich bourbon finish. Plus, we highlight the "Fat Glenny" Glencairn glass, a unique creation that elevates your tasting experience to new heights. With stories about mash bill compositions, cocktail crafting, and stunning bottle designs, this episode promises a full-bodied exploration of bourbon artistry. Dive into this world of flavors and creativity with us and discover what makes Bardstown Bourbon Company stand out in the whiskey landscape.
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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We previewed what was coming up at Whiskey in the Winter
https://mtwhiskeyinthewinter.com/
Drinks we did on the show
OZ's Ginger and Lime
1 Part Jameson
3 Parts Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer
Garnish with Lime Wedge
Instructions:
Fill a highball glass with ice and add Jameson Original.
Top up the glass with good quality ginger ale and stir briefly to mix.
Squeeze in a large wedge of lime, then drop it into the glass.
Gladiator Blood and Sand Cocktail
Ingredients
1 fluid ounce amaretto liqueur
1 fluid ounce peach-flavored bourbon liqueur (such as Southern Comfort)
1 fluid ounce orange juice
1 fluid ounce lemon-lime soda, such a Sprite
Directions
Stir amaretto liqueur, bourbon liqueur, orange juice, and lemon-lime soda together in a glass.
Welcome to OZ Cocktails inspired by the movie Wicked.
https://cocktailsfromoz.entertowinprizes.com/recipes
More movie fun with Gladiator II style drinks
https://www.differentdrummer.cc/main/2019/2/21/gladiator-blood-and-sand-cocktail-recipe#:~:text=Gladiator%20Blood%20and%20Sand%20Cocktail,-Ingredients&text=Stir%20amaretto%20liqueur%2C%20bourbon%20liqueur,soda%20together%20in%20a%20glass.
https://www.tablemagazine.com/gladiator-ii-cocktail/
Ever had a quirky mishap involving a Wicked movie toy? Join us in this episode of the Man Cave Happy Hour as we share the unexpected stories from our recent adventures, featuring our fantastic guest, Catherine Audette, and the Motor City Hypnotist. From an affordable night out at a Toledo walleye game to living it large in the bustling streets of Manhattan, we recount our travels with plenty of laughs and camaraderie. We also get swept up in the hype for Whiskey in the Winter and reveal the secrets behind acquiring those elusive preview movie tickets for Gladiator and Wicked.
The magic of Broadway hits the silver screen, and we're here to spill the beans on the movie adaptation of "Wicked." With jaw-dropping visuals and surprise appearances from the original Broadway cast, it's a cinematic event we can't wait for. Our conversation takes a spirited turn as we explore themed cocktails inspired by the musical, delving into curated liquor combinations that promise to add a wicked twist to any gathering. Plus, don't miss our comical quest for the legendary Great Odin's Raven bourbon, which embodies the spirit of our shared indulgences.
Nostalgia takes center stage as we reminisce about our experiences in Metro Detroit's vibrant media scene and our youthful escapades involving Southern Comfort and De Serrano. We even bring you a tantalizing Gladiator-themed cocktail recipe, perfect for your next movie night. As we savor the rich flavors of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, we cherish the moments of camaraderie shared over whiskey tastings and toast to the joy of discovering a new favorite spirit. Get ready for an engaging ride filled with stories, laughter, and the essence of the Man Cave H
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
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Picture this: A chilly evening, a cozy mobile cigar lounge at Thomas McGee's, and the perfect pint of Guinness. That's exactly where we find ourselves as we kick off the Man Cave Happy Hour with the gang—Matt Fox, August Kitchener, and our special guest, the world-class DJ and philanthropist, DJ Tom T. With whiskey in hand, we share laughs over cigars (even if they're not everyone's cup of tea) and joke about the quirks of past podcast episodes, including that unforgettable Twizzler-infused vodka moment. It's an evening where camaraderie rules, and the joys of Eastern Market's local hotspots like Firebird Tavern and McGee's take center stage.
Our musical journey then shifts as we dive into Tom's globe-trotting DJ career and his remarkable charity work. From remixing tracks for the likes of Bastille and the Killers to his ever-popular "Throwback Thursday Jam of the Day," Tom entertains and inspires on and off the stage. We relive stories of friendships formed at gigs and sustained through fantasy football leagues, celebrating Tom's dedication to giving back to the community, even as he crisscrosses the globe for his next big show. His ability to balance a hectic schedule with meaningful contributions to local charities paints a picture of a truly committed artist.
As the night keeps rolling, we lighten the mood with a playful game of "Who's Smellier?" and share tales of unforgettable parties, like the upcoming New Year's Eve bash at Boogie Fever. The discussion meanders through lively anecdotes, from tailgate shenanigans to personal milestones like wedding anniversaries. Wrapping up in our snug mobile podcast studio, we reflect on the creative ways we've kept the party alive—even during a pandemic—and the enduring friendships that make these gatherings truly special. Join us for a night of humor, music, and the joy of good company.
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
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Ever wondered what it’s like to experience the luxury of a cigar lounge on wheels? Join us on Man Cave Happy Hour as we take you inside STX Mobile Cigar Lounge, a unique creation by Kent and Tamar Fowler. Broadcasting from the heart of Detroit's Eastern Market, Tamar reveals the rich tapestry of her East Detroit roots, while Kent shares his transformative journey from a serendipitous encounter in Ireland with a Romeo and Juliet Cuban cigar to becoming a cigar aficionado. Together, they crafted a mobile sanctuary that brings the elegance and camaraderie of fine cigars to celebrations of all kinds—from tailgates to vow renewals—all while being a hit with both smokers and non-smokers alike.
https://stxmobilecigarlounge.com/
Our rolling lounge has become the talk of the town, offering plush seating, a big-screen TV, and a cozy fireplace for autumn gatherings, captivating attendees at every event. And as we gear up for colder months, there’s chatter about pop-up events and strategic winter plans. We also tease upcoming podcast surprises, including appearances by notable guests like Chief Rob Griffin. Whether you’re lighting up for the first time or are a seasoned enthusiast, we invite you to grab a drink and join us, Jamie Flanagan, Matt Fox, and August Gitschlag, as we toast to good times and unforgettable stories. Keep tabs on our adventures by following us on Facebook—your front row seat to all things Man Cave Happy Hour. Cheers!
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
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Step into the vibrant world of whiskey and cigars with us in Eastern Market's unique mobile cigar lounge, where camaraderie is not just encouraged—it's a way of life. This episode, we sit down with Erik Olson and Jet from Thomas McGee's Sporting House to uncover the heartfelt and colorful backstory behind the bar's name, revealing a family tapestry rich with history, including a brothel-owning great aunt. Eric takes us through his inspiring journey of breathing life back into a quiet building, transforming it into a bustling haven for sports enthusiasts and niche communities since 2013. With stories that blend personal passion and community spirit, you'll learn how Thomas McGee's became a beloved local hotspot offering unforgettable experiences during unconventional hours.
Whiskey lovers, this one's for you. We dive into the world of barrel picks, sharing the excitement of a recent Pendleton Whiskey event and teasing an upcoming rodeo-themed party that's sure to be a hit. Highlighting our connection with Detroit's Caribbean community, we celebrate a variety of cultural and sports events from Formula One to cricket. Regular happenings like "Smoking Vinyl" keep the venue buzzing, while Sundays are all about the Lions with DJ Janelle Hearns. We also sprinkle in some tips on betting strategies related to the Pistons and give a sneak peek at future events, including the anticipated Boxing Day blowout. Whether you're a sports fan, whiskey aficionado, or just someone looking for a lively story, there's something here for everyone.
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Send us a text
https://mrsvino.com/
Have you ever wondered how a transition from IT professional to certified sommelier can inspire a deeper appreciation for wine? Join us, Jamie Flanagan and August Gitschlag, as we kick back with Kristen Carlson, affectionately known as Mrs. Vino, to uncork the secrets behind 100 wines under $20 that you should try in 2024. With selections spanning from Napa to Michigan, and even some intriguing Star Wars-themed bottles, Kristen leads us through a tantalizing lineup that promises both quality and affordability. Her unique background and journey to becoming a sommelier offer a refreshing perspective on how storytelling can elevate the wine experience.
Step into the world of sparkling wines as we pop the cork on C3PO from Big Little Winery, a unique creation crafted with three different Pinot grapes. Kristen shares her insights on the art of wine etiquette and tasting, while we swap anecdotes about bargain wines and the delightful surprises they can bring to your holiday table. Whether it's the perfect Riesling for Thanksgiving or understanding the nuances of Champagne, our conversation is filled with laughter, insights, and a dash of playful banter.
From wine consulting to the balance between quality and affordability, our chat with Kristen highlights the joys of personalizing wine experiences. We explore the vibrant Michigan wine scene and the camaraderie among local wineries, sharing tips on finding your perfect glassware match. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting your journey, this episode is your passport to discovering wines that bring joy and connection to any occasion. Grab a glass and join us for a spirited toast to wine, stories, and the simple pleasures of life.
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/toplists/best-buys-2024/
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
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Why is Motor City Gas expanding beyond their Royal Oak location? Join us for a spirited session of the Man Cave Happy Hour as we unravel this exciting journey with none other than Rich Lockwood. Broadcasting live from Motor City Gas Whiskey, Rich takes us through their meticulous process from grain to glass, and now dirt to bottle as they venture into farming with their Ann Arbor location. Be captivated by the backdrop of live music as we discuss their first barrel for wider distribution and what sets Motor City Gas apart in the world of whiskey craftsmanship.
Have you ever wondered what makes a whiskey truly distinctive? Discover "Sweating Bullets," a unique weeded bourbon made with a bold mash bill of 25% wheat, 10% locally malted barley, and heirloom white corn, released at a potent 108 proof. Rich reveals the inspiration behind its intriguing name and offers a sensory tour of its flavors—think fruit, roasted nuts, and spices. We'll also touch on their limited distribution strategy to ensure each release meets impeccable standards, and how they decide when a barrel is just right for bottling.
Crafting and distributing whiskey in Michigan isn't without its challenges. Rich shares the complexities behind navigating stringent regulations, from packaging and labeling to government approvals. Despite these administrative obstacles, Motor City Gas remains committed to quality and innovation. Discover the evolution of their distillery as they acquire a 500-gallon pot still named Aretha, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of their tasting room. Enjoy live music, local food, and witness the distillation process firsthand in a setting that celebrates the art and passion of whiskey making. Cheers to a truly engaging and informative episode!
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www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
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Ever wondered how Ryan Seacrest is faring as the new host of Wheel of Fortune? Or curious about the quirky tales from the Renaissance Festival? Join Jamie Flanagan, Matt Fox, and August Gitsch as we kick off the latest Man Cave Happy Hour with a blend of humor and nostalgia. We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming live recording at Motor City Gas, celebrating their distillery's exciting expansion beyond its tasting room. Plus, catch a sneak peek into future episodes where we'll explore the impressive 26 wine expressions of Detroit Vineyards.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of fantasy sports! We’re sharing our personal highs and lows from managing multiple fantasy football and baseball leagues. From the thrill of last-minute victories to the strategic maneuvers that keep us on our toes, it’s all here. We’ll also spotlight the Hero Foundation and our fundraising efforts to support families affected by cancer, and discuss our vision for expanding these initiatives nationwide. Thanks to our local sponsors, every event becomes a testament to community spirit and camaraderie.
Finally, shake up your cocktail repertoire with our back-to-school themed drinks! Learn how to make the delightful “Pencil Eraser” cocktail and enjoy our lighthearted banter that includes some quirky medieval punishments and baby shower drinks. We also dive into teacher-inspired sweet vodka cocktails, debating the pros and cons of fresh fruit versus simpler mixers. Wrapping up with heartfelt appreciation for our listeners, we offer a compassionate message for those facing tough times. Cheers to you all, and we eagerly await our next happy hour together!
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
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Celebrity Spirits: Gin Tasting Adventure
Vasectomy - Ryan Renolds
Ice Filled Glass
1 oz. Cranberry
3 oz. tonic
1/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 oz Deadpool gin
stir
Lemon peel garnish
Here is Ryan doing the mix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgjc_ct-zlc
Have you ever felt the thrill of outsmarting your GPS on a road trip? Join Jamie Flanagan, Matt Fox, and August Kitschlein as we share our hilarious attempts to beat GPS estimated arrival times, inspired by Jamie's recent escapades in Florida. We also reminisce about that one time a beer run to Wisconsin turned into a scene straight out of "Smokey and the Bandit." Expect plenty of laughs, especially when Jamie celebrates his five-minute victory over technology and flaunts his fresh Marine-style haircut.
Ever wondered if celebrity-endorsed spirits are worth the hype? We dive into a spirited conversation about Ryan Reynolds' Aviation Gin, comparing it to Tanqueray London Dry and other star-studded liquors. After a heartfelt update about a 92-year-old family matriarch, we laugh our way through anecdotes from the Deadpool franchise, giving you our candid take on the celeb-cameo-filled universe. With humor and camaraderie, we dissect the pros and cons of these famous beverages, making this a must-listen for movie buffs and gin aficionados alike.
Can a cocktail recipe from a celebrity really impress your guests? You'll hear our chaotic yet entertaining attempts to mix a Ryan Reynolds-inspired gin cocktail with cranberry juice, tonic, and lemon. Amid our tangents about Walton Goggins and other celeb ventures into the spirits world, we critique our concoction and brainstorm ways to elevate it. From discussing the differences between American and London dry gin to poking fun at Aviation Gin's movie cameos, our lively banter wraps up with a light-hearted critique perfect for anyone looking to add some zest to their next baby shower. Tune in for a fun-filled, informative, and laugh-out-loud episode!
The second mix we talked about:
1oz. Lime Juice
2 oz. Deadpool gin
stir
Top off with Tonic
Then add some puree strawberry
and a smashed strawberry
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Ever wondered how toasted bourbons compare to their traditional counterparts? Join us as we sit down with our special guest to savor and dissect Basil Hayden's classic bourbon alongside the intriguing Basil Hayden Toast. We dive into the unique packaging, history, and high-rye mash bill origin story crafted by Meredith Basil Hayden Sr. Plus, we explore the rising trend of toasted bourbons, noting flavor profiles like vanilla, light oak, coconut, and salted caramel. Prepare for a journey through whiskey history with a nod to pioneers like Elijah Craig and the popular Penelope's toasted variant.
Get ready for some light-hearted whiskey banter as we discuss our love for dark rye and share amusing observations from our friends' liquor collections. Ever had a laugh over a bottle of Fireball whiskey? We sure did, and it led us to a deeper conversation about how whisky's aroma and taste can evolve over time. Between the practical frustrations of a broken ice maker and a playful jab at a landlord, we pop open a fresh bottle and toast with our cherished Glencairn cups from Firebird Tavern.
Finally, we recount a lively birthday celebration at Firebird Tavern, complete with standout sandwiches and memorable drinks like a Manhattan made with Statesman and Old Forester. As we delve into a unique whiskey tasting session, we sprinkle in personal anecdotes and humor, reminiscing about the hunt for a bottle of Eagle Rare and the evolution of our podcast since 2017. A surprise guest, Todd, gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming podcast "Foam and Friends," promising a blend of fun and industry insights. This episode is packed with engaging stories, laughter, and the camaraderie that has made Man Cave Happy Hour a fan favorite.
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
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Ever wondered how Detroit's past and present weave a tapestry of sports, history, and whiskey? Jamie Flanagan, August Gitschlag, and Matt Fox kick off our latest Man Cave Happy Hour in our newly expanded man cave parlor with a stand-up comedy flair. August shares tales of his feather bowling escapades and a weekend immersed in the vibrant energy of the NFL Draft in downtown Detroit. Despite the parking hiccups, the seamless organization and overwhelming attendance reflect a promising future for Detroit's host events.
We dive into Detroit's rich heritage with local historian, reflecting on iconic moments from sports parades to the Super Bowl. Shifting gears, we delve into the NFL Draft's impact and the Lions' strategic picks. But the conversation doesn't stop at sports. We take a deep sip into the world of whiskey, exploring Rittenhouse Rye and the bottled-in-bond tradition. We'll compare a store pick barrel selection to the standard shelf offering, appreciating the unique qualities and storied history of rye whiskey brought over by the Dutch.
Taste the difference with our barrel pick whiskey discussion, as we savor the sweeter, perfume-like aroma and spicy warmth of a finely aged spirit. We appreciate the generosity of store owners who share their exclusive picks and highlight hidden gems. Whether neat or in an old-fashioned, our whiskey journey celebrates camaraderie and craftsmanship. Join us as we toast to the exciting expansion of our Podcast Your Voice Studios and look forward to more great episodes from our man cave parlor, where humor and the love of quality spirits flow freely. Cheers!
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Ever wondered how to craft the perfect Boulevardier or give your bourbon a unique twist? This episode of Man Cave Happy Hour promises to elevate your cocktail game with insights from our special guests, Sarah from A Flavor Journal and Tanya Cole of the Black Bourbon Society and Bourbon Women Organization. Sarah kicks things off by sharing her travel tales and introducing us to the Boulevardier cocktail, a delightful blend of bourbon, Campari, and vermouth. Tanya then recounts her team's big win at the Scofflaw Backyard Bourbon Battle in Atlanta, where their winning bourbon blend paired perfectly with barbecue brisket and Scofflaw's IPA.
As our conversation unfolds, we explore the nuances of crafting classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Paper Plane. Sarah provides expert tips on mixing drinks, emphasizing the importance of balance and equal parts, while Jamie dives into the art of cocktail experimentation, including the intriguing technique of fat-washing bourbon. The camaraderie and shared love for bourbon shine through as we discuss our favorite bourbon-based drinks, the excitement of discovering new flavor combinations, and our upcoming group trip to Whiskey Row.
Wrapping up, we delve into the inclusive and vibrant world of the Black Bourbon Society and Bourbon Women events, with Tanya sharing her experiences and tips for fat-washing bourbon at home. We also celebrate outdoor grilling, sharing personal stories of enjoying a glass of bourbon on the deck while grilling up a feast. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and check out more content on our website and social media. Raise a toast with us and embrace the joy of spirited gatherings and culinary creativity!
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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
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Ever wondered how to turn bacon into a delicious cocktail ingredient? Today, we're not just talking whiskey; we're transforming it! Join Jamie Flanagan, August Gitschlag, Matt Fox, and David Wright as we embark on a hilarious and enlightening journey through the world of whiskey cocktails. From a mix-up in introductions that sets a comedic tone to sharing stories about our DJ and Irish music scene friends, this episode is all about camaraderie and creativity. Our ambitious plan to tackle 55 whiskey cocktail recipes from Whiskey Advocate offers a treasure trove of inspiration, with a special spotlight on old-fashioned recipes and intriguing ingredients like the Bacon Maple Old Fashioned.
Prepare to be entertained as we navigate the meticulous process of crafting a bacon-infused bourbon cocktail with Woodford Reserve. We dive into the nitty-gritty of measurements, the infusion of maple syrup, and the precise addition of bitters, all while engaging in playful banter about bartending techniques and tools. The camaraderie and creativity involved in mixing drinks shine through, from rendering bacon fat to debating the merits of pre-cooked bacon from Costco. Reflections on flavor balance and effort add depth to our conversation, making you both informed and amused.
In our experimental mixology session, we explore the Bourbon Bramble and the Blackberry Smash Bourbon Cocktail, debating between basil and mint. We also touch on the controversy surrounding Yezhenufka's switch from glass to plastic containers and the excitement of derby season cocktails. With humorous anecdotes, teamwork, and insightful cocktail-making tips, this episode promises to inspire your own whiskey cocktail adventures while keeping you thoroughly entertained. So grab your shaker and join us for a spirited adventure!
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www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
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Ever wondered what goes into creating a cocktail that leaves an unforgettable impression? Join us as we sit down with Josh, a seasoned bartender from The Vault on First, to uncover the secrets behind the Gold Medal, an innovative twist on the classic old-fashioned. We promise you'll gain expert insights into the art of cocktail crafting, including the use of unique ingredients like herring cherry liqueur and fat-washed Maker's Mark, as Josh takes us through his journey from his early days at Ruby Tuesday to mastering his craft at The Vault.
Josh opens up about his personal and professional life, revealing how a move to Ohio and a failed relationship brought him back to his true passion: bartending. You'll hear tales from behind the bar, including Josh's aversion to overly complex cocktails and his dedication to proper beer pouring techniques, especially for Guinness. The Vault's impressive collection of over 240 bottles of spirits sets the stage for discussions about rare selections and Josh's philosophy on hospitality, influenced by his father's European winery customs.
As we wrap things up, get ready for a deep dive into the specifics of crafting the Gold Medal old-fashioned and the versatility of gin in cocktails like the French 75. We also touch on the importance of allergen awareness in restaurants and hear a few humorous stories, including a chaotic night at The Vault that ends in a laugh-out-loud moment. Tune in for a spirited conversation filled with lighthearted banter, expert tips, and a genuine passion for creating exceptional drinks. Cheers to good times and great conversations!
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Have you ever wondered how international drinking traditions could spice up your next party? Join Jamie Flanagan, Matt Fox, and August Gitschlag on the Man Cave Happy Hour for a rollicking ride through the world of fine whiskey, cigars, and quirky customs from around the globe. We kick off with the joy of the last day of school, sharing laughs and a lighthearted story from August about assembling a shed with his wife, highlighting the hilarious pitfalls of early marriage and the crucial role of teamwork.
Prepare to be entertained as we recount an amusing tale about updating voter rolls with a neighborhood wellness check, segueing into a deep dive into unique drinking traditions from Southern wedding customs to outlandish Eastern European rituals. Ever heard of drinking from the bride's shoe or hiding the bride in a village pub crawl? We’ve got those stories and more, along with our own humorous takes on how these customs might play out in your local small town or city.
Curious about bizarre drinking laws and unconventional alcoholic concoctions? From pineapple moonshine in Hawaii to Tanzanian mead made with honey wine and cow's blood, we explore some of the most unusual beverages and the stories behind them. We also discuss outlandish laws, like Kansas never fully ending prohibition and peculiar restrictions in Pennsylvania and Utah. Wrapping things up, we delve into the origins of bourbon barrel-aged beer, ethical dilemmas in journalism, and exciting plans brewing at Detroit City Distillery. This episode promises laughter, intriguing insights, and a toast to the unexpected!
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly appreciate bourbon, or how to confidently navigate the intricate world of whiskey? You’re in for a treat as we welcome Carrie McBride, aka Harper Neat, to the Man Cave Happy Hour. Carrie takes us on a heartfelt journey from her childhood memories of her dad’s bourbon to writing her book "Bourbon Basics for Her," designed to empower women in the world of bourbon. Discover how the unique challenges of 2020 became the catalyst for her to share her wisdom and passion for this classic spirit.
Curious about transitioning from bourbon cocktails to savoring it straight? Learn about our personal experiences and tips that helped us evolve our bourbon palate, and how collecting quirky bourbon accessories enhances the journey. Get insights into making informed choices, from selecting high-quality bourbons on a budget to the essentials of great cocktail crafting at home. We discuss the art of mixology, revealing secrets behind perfect Manhattans, old-fashioneds, and even the smoky allure of using cherry wood.
Lastly, join us as we chat about the community of bourbon enthusiasts. From the camaraderie found in the Ladies Love Bourbon Facebook group to the dream of exploring the Bourbon Trail, the episode is filled with ideas and inspiration. We share practical tips for understanding your bourbon preferences, and recount fun stories from cocktail parties featuring expert mixologists. Whether you’re a bourbon newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, this episode promises a delightful exploration of bourbon’s rich world.
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Our Guest Today: Sara from A Flavor Journal.
We make the Paper Plane she has featured on her site.
https://aflavorjournal.com/paper-plane-cocktail/
Paper Plane Cocktail:
1oz. Bourbon (Buffalo Trace or Four Roses are good)
1oz. Amaro Nonino
1oz. Aperol
1oz. freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
Combine in shaker with ice and shake it up.
- Swap rum for bourbon. (Then called a Paper Kamikaze).
- Swap Campari for Aperol (if you like it extra bitter).
- Swap Amaro Nonino for Grand Mariner (or Gran Gala), and add a dash or two of bitters.
Can a cocktail be deceptively potent and refreshingly delightful at the same time? Find out as we catch up in the Man Cave Happy Hour, with Jamie and Matt and where August shares the excitement of his new job and our recent adventures at a Tigers game. We’re loving the spring vibes and the sleek new bar setup in our podcast studio, courtesy of Firebird Tavern's glassware sponsorship. This episode features Sara from A Flavor Journal, who joins us to unravel the seemingly simple yet complex world of equal part cocktails, focusing on the beloved Paper Plane. Trust us, cocktail enthusiasts—this is a segment you won't want to miss.
Next, take a trip with us to the Wine Garden in Saint Clair Shores, where we meet the legendary Big Tony and score a unique bottle of Amaro Nonino. We dive deep into the caramel complexities of various Amaro spirits and their transformative impact on cocktails. From mixing tips to ingredient order, we share our insights and preferences, celebrating the joy of crafting and enjoying well-made drinks with friends. The communal spirit of cocktail creation comes alive as we experiment with a cocktail featuring equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice.
Closing out the episode, we explore the nuances of the New York Sour cocktail, including alternatives to egg whites and the fun of having a well-stocked bar. Sharing our aspirations for crafting recipes for brands and the challenges involved, we highlight our favorite recipes like buffalo chicken sliders with ranch slaw. Plus, get ready for our summer barbecue cook-off featuring bourbon-based sauces! This episode is packed with engaging conversations, useful tips, and plenty of laughs, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about cocktails and good company.
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Traveller Whiskey - Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace.
Jamie, Matt and August are joined by George to talk about the amazing Traveller Whiskey from Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace.
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www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Snacks, Drinks, Bourbon, Whiskey, Vodka and so much more. Some of our Michigan/Detroit Favorites.
August and Jamie Try Flying Ace Bourbon and more.
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www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Manhattan (the cocktail) Project
Jamie, Matt, and August define the Manhattan Cocktail and try some variations of the classic.
https://www.acouplecooks.com/manhattan-cocktail/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Caribou Crossing - Single Barrel pick from the Wine Garden.
Know as the "Blanton's of the North" this fine Canadian Whiskey get event better as a Single Barrel pick from the "Brotherhood of the Barrel" and Big Tony at the Wine Garden.
https://www.facebook.com/TheWineGardenSCS
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
A&B Liquor Stores - Plenty a Picks
Talking to Evan from A&B Liquor about all the picks he offers at his locations.
https://www.facebook.com/ABLiquorStore
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www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie, Matt and August head to the shelf for Just a Taste of Peerless Rye Whiskey. We've been sitting on this one for a bit. It comes in hot.
Joining us for the taste are Spencer and Rob "Chief 1 Love" Griffin. Rob updates us on his latest products and endorsements. Cheesecake and personal groomer, things get deliciously weird.
https://thegonutz.com/ref/Chief1love/?v=7516fd43adaa
https://www.24thcheesecakerie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/chief1love/
https://kentuckypeerless.com/whiskey/kentucky-peerless-rye/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie, Matt, August, and Dave take on Apple Cider cocktails
Mixing with Bourbon, Rum, Champagne, and Vodka. Not at the same time but a few different mixes.
Here is the bourbon mix we did:
https://tidymom.net/apple-cider-cocktail/
Here are more mixes to consider:
https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/g37179593/apple-cider-cocktails/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Detroit Lions Double D Cocktail - Salted Carmel Whiskey from Duke & Dame and a toast to a good season.
Jamie, Matt, and August are joined by Joel Paulino from Duke & Dame to give the Double D a try. We are also joined by the Motor City Hypnotist, David Wright. The Double D is a salute to the Detroit Lions and the great season so far. It is very blue in honor of the Lions Honolulu Blue. It is a very nice cocktail. We made seconds.
From Duke & Dame:
As Football season is in swing and everyone is putting together the perfect game day parties, there's nothing better than a true blue cocktail that will be sure to bring the team spirit! Duke & Dame, The Salted Caramel Whiskey with only 1g of sugar, has put together a cocktail every Detroit football fan will love. Please see below for the recipe.
Double D
Ingredients:
2 oz Duke & Dame
4 oz Simply Lemonade
1/2 Blue Curacao
Lemon wedge for garnish
Pour 2oz Duke & Dame into glass over ice, add 4oz of Simply Lemonade, add 1/2oz of Blue Curacao and Garnish with lemon wedge.
We also sampled the Honolulu Blue cocktail from Copper Craft. It is a vodka based drink.
Below are links to our previous episodes with Duke & Dame and Copper Craft.
Our First Visit with Duke & Dame founder Amani Macauley. Episode #111
Cocktail time with Amani - Duke & Dame Episode #126
Copper Craft from Episode #4 (way back)
https://dukeanddame.com/
https://coppercraftdistillery.com/cans/honolulu-blue/
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www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Anna from Shaker & Spoon mixing it up with a box of fun: Mezcalloween II: Agave’s Revenge. Some super fun Halloween cocktails: Curse of the Black Bramble and Dream Phone (see the recipes at the link below).
We also talk about their kickstarter that is based on Bitters. "Better with Bitters" Join us to examine the project and all the perks.
http://kck.st/3tjlY8F
https://shakerandspoon.com/pg/mezcalloween-ii-agaves-revenge
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Detroit City Distillery is doing an amazing Bespoke Bourbon Tour at the Whiskey Factory. Every Thursday small groups are invited deep in to the Whiskey Factory for an even deeper tour the offerings from Detroit City Distillery. Jamie and August take the tour with help from Jennifer and Spenser gathering video and audio. Garrett take us through the Bespoke Experience. Well worth a trip on a Thursday.
https://www.detroitcitydistillery.com/visit
https://www.whiskeyfactorydetroit.com/
Episode 12 - Man Cave Happy Hour with Mike Forsyth of the Detroit City Distillery
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www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Half way to St. Patrick's Day calls for a blind tasting of Irish Whiskeys.
Who will come out on top? Matt Fox gets the biggest surprise in his pick.
Kat helps us with the blind pours and David Wright, The Motor City Hypnotist, joins Jamie, Matt, and August for a stroll through these Irish beauties.
Writer's Tears
Bushmills - Black Bush
Proper 12
2 Gingers
Jamison's Black Barrel
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and August checking in with Steve and Tim from the Kentucky Bourbon Boys (should be a band name). Their curated tours of the Bourbon Trail are unmatched. News from the trail and more.
Jamie and August give a taste test of a Maker's Mark Private Select bottle from Meijer. It is what they call the 'Lightning Bottle'. Plus we look at some 'happy accidents' that became special releases.
https://www.kentuckybourbonboys.com/
This is the story about the happy accidents:
https://www.gobourbon.com/happy-accidents-five-of-bourbons-best-mistake-bottles/
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www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie, Matt, and August head to Lake Orion and visit with the owner of the Wine Social, Doug Jones. Doug has created an amazing space for wine and so much more. We also have Leo Gibson one of the powers behind Whistle Pig whiskey and now Bhakta Spirits. Joined his college buddy Raj Bhakta as he launched Whistle Pig and now is with him again as they present Bhakta Spirits. We get the story of the origins of both Whistle Pig and how it almost never happened and the birth of Bhakta.
https://wine-social.com/
https://www.bhaktaspirits.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie, Matt, and August head to the Eastern Palace Club in Hazel Park for a chat with the owner Mike Pierce about the creation of this space and the beach cocktails on the menu.
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Tocororo in Eastern Market - Happy Hour Story Hour
Jamie and August visit with owners of Tocororo, Connor Payne and David Previch. In the space that was formerly Stache International space in Eastern Market Dave and Connor launch Tocororo. named for an exotic bird the drinks and the space are colorful and tasty.
https://tocororodetroit.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tocororodetroit
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Recorded on June 14, 2023 - National Bourbon Day
Detroit City Distillery - National Bourbon Day
Detroit City Distillery - National Bourbon Day toast and news from Garrett Passiak join us to find out what is new at DCD. Hint: It is an Experience not to be missed. In the studio with Jamie is special co-host Spencer Burke.
https://www.detroitcitydistillery.com/
https://www.whiskeyfactorydetroit.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DetroitCityDistillery/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Whiskey and cocktails play a big part of the movies and characters. Here's a look at some of our favorites.
Jamie, Matt & August sip our way through some of the most popular and obscure movie cocktail and whiskey references.
We have a welcome pour of Blanton's in honor of John Wick, and then mix up some Manhattans like in "Some Like It Hot" as we work our way through the best.
Some of our Favs:
John Wick, The Big Lebowski, James Bond, Star Wars, Casablanca, Lost in Translation, Goodfellas, the Kingsmen, Old Forester, Statesman, Great Gatsby, Some Like it Hot, Star Trek, Groundhog's Day, and so many more.
Cheers to the Movies.
Here are some of the sites that got us talking:
https://flaviar.com/blog/bourbon-movies/
https://www.chicagobourbon.org/2017/01/23/bourbon-in-the-movies-six-unforgettable-scenes/
https://uproxx.com/life/best-whiskey-scenes-in-movies/
https://screenrant.com/most-iconic-signature-drinks-movies/#mint-julep-the-great-gatsby-2013---stream-on-hbo-max
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Mixing it up with Vernors and Bourbon. How well do they mix? Jamie, August, and Matt put it to the test and mix up a special Man Cave Cocktail just for the occasion.
The cocktail:
Man Cave Happy Hour Double Barrel Motor City Cocktail
2oz. Bourbon (Wild Turkey 101)
4oz. Vernors
5 dashes Angostura Bitters
Garnish with 3 Luxardo Cherries (be sure to get plenty of Luxardo juice to spill into the cocktail as you grab the cherries)
In a rocks glass combine Bourbon, Vernors, and bitters . Stir well. Add one large cocktail ice cube. Add cherries on a toothpick and stir again. Enjoy.
Make it a Mule by adding a 1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lime preparing the drink in a pint glass (or mule mug). Replace the cherries with a lime wedge and fill the remainder of the glass with Veronors. This is the "Man Cave Motor City Mule"
Here is the article where we pulled historical info:
https://www.awesomemitten.com/vernors-michigans-oldest-soda/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie, Matt, and Augie take the show on the road to Whiskey in the Jar in Hamtramck to preview the upcoming Tracksuit Nine and talk to Mike Didio the Director of Wholesaler Development for Blake's Hard Cider. Blake's is a very generous sponsor for Tracksuit and we are happy to have them. We get the tracksuit origin story from Conrad and Mikey pops in to let us know about all the great raffle items this year.
https://www.blakeshardcider.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hamtramckwhiskey
https://www.detroitfriendshiphouse.org/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie, Matt and August venture to the Packard Proving Grounds for the Whiskey Classic. There is a lot more than whiskey at the event. Cigars, cars, and all sorts of spirits. We started our trip at the Whiskey Classic with tequila from Padre. Joining us is Auday Arabo from Benchmark Beverage Company who represents Padre Tequila. He walks us through the different expressions and the story behind Padre.
https://padreazul.com/
https://benchmarkbeverage.com/
https://packardprovinggrounds.org/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Guests today are Owen Burke and Tony Piraino the owners of the Firebird Tavern in Greektown. The story behind the evolution of the Firebird Tavern project and how bourbon barrel picks are part of experience that make people avid fans of the Firebird.
https://www.firebirdtavern.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FirebirdTavern/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie, August, and Matt invite the Triaxial Mead team into the studio for a tasting of the array meads available from Triaxial Meads. Barry, Mike, Paul joined forces to create this brand. We get the story of these meadsmiths and the amazing line of expressions they present. Some great things on tap and new canned projects coming this year.
https://triaxialmeads.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and Matt continue the celebration of 5 years of the Man Cave by cracking a special bottle of Old Forester Statesman. The movie connect to The Kingsmen.
A special visitor Pat Akerley (DJ Tool) joins us. Pat wrote and performed the Man Cave Happy Hour theme song. We revisit that, the recording of it and lots of other dusty other memories.
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Presidents, 46 and counting. Most every one had a different taste for spirits and cocktails a scant few abstained from the drink. On this President's Day we run through some of the choices of our past presidents. Joining us for the conversation is fan of the show and fan of bourbon, George Munger. He shares with us some information on President Truman. Truman was one of the leaders that consumed the most and bourbon in particular. Matt Fox tips his hat to President John F. Kennedy by mixing up one of his favorites, the Bloody Mary. August has two tributes for the episode. First up a shot of Screwball, PEANUTbutter whiskey, a toast to President Jimmy Carter. Second up is a cocktail named for a president, McKinley's Delight.
Here is the recipe August created for us.
https://www.liquor.com/recipes/mckinleys-delight/
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Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Here is a fun Chat GPT article we generated on the subject:
Cocktails have been a staple of American culture for centuries, and it's no surprise that many United States presidents have had their favorite drinks. From George Washington to Joe Biden, every president has had a unique palate and preference for their cocktails. Here's a look at some of the favorite cocktails of past US presidents:
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George Washington's Cherry Bounce: George Washington, the first president of the United States, was known to enjoy a drink called "Cherry Bounce." The drink was made by infusing brandy with cherries, sugar, and spices, and then aging it for several months.
-
Abraham Lincoln's Applejack: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was said to enjoy applejack, a type of brandy made from apples. It was a popular drink in the 19th century and was often used as a currency in rural areas.
-
Theodore Roosevelt's Mint Julep: Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, was known to enjoy a mint julep on a hot day. The drink is made with bourbon, sugar, water, and fresh mint, and is served over ice
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Franklin D. Roosevelt's Martini: Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, was known to enjoy a dry martini. The drink is made with gin and dry vermouth, and is served with an olive or a twist of lemon.
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John F. Kennedy's Daiquiri: John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was known to enjoy a daiquiri. The drink is made with rum, lime juice, and sugar, and is served over ice.
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Richard Nixon's Screwdriver: Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States, was known to enjoy a screwdriver. The drink is made with vodka and orange juice, and is often garnished with a slice of orange.
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Ronald Reagan's California Cooler: Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, was known to enjoy a drink called the California Cooler. The drink is made with white wine, club soda, and a splash of cranberry juice.
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Bill Clinton's Godfather: Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, was known to enjoy a drink called the Godfather. The drink is made with Scotch and amaretto, and is often served on the rocks.
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Barack Obama's Beer: Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, was known to enjoy a cold beer. He even brewed his own beer at the White House, using honey from the White House beehive.
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Joe Biden's Orange Creamsicle: Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States, has a sweet tooth and is said to enjoy an Orange Creamsicle cocktail. The drink is made with vanilla vodka, orange juice, and cream, & ice.
What was your favorite whiskey of the past year? Jack Daniel's Bottle in Bond very interesting.
Jamie, Matt, and August give the whiskey that was rated the #1 most interesting whiskey of 2022 and look over the whole list from Whiskey Advocate. We were surprised to see that Jack Daniel's hit the top spot. Even more surprising was the taste itself. Jack Daniel's has a hit on their hands with the Bottled in Bond expression.
Here is the article from Whiskey Advocate:
https://whiskyadvocate.com/top20/top20/2022
Our conversation with Chris Fletcher the Master Distiller at Jack Daniel's from Episode 18
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1897842/9657502
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www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie & Matt talk to Adam von Gootkin of Highclere Castle Gin and Nick Melillo from Foundation Cigars about the very special 100th anniversary celebration and the special releases.
More details on Limited Edition Barrel-Aged gin. Talk about luxury… This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun by famed archaeologist Howard Carter with the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, Lord Carnarvon’s Great Grandfather. Founders of Highclere Castle Gin; Lord Carnarvon (Godson to The Queen) and CEO Adam von Gootkin have decided that to commemorate the anniversary, have barrel-aged Highclere Castle Gin for the last 2 years in Armagnac, Scotch, and American Oak barrels. Thus, creating a glorious spirit of Barrel Aged Highclere Castle Gin! We also worked with famous Egyptologists John & Colleen Darnell on the bottle design to be as authentic to Egypt as possible and we nailed it! The bottle was a year in the making and simply stunning. There are only 2000 cases which will only be available through our website www.HighclereCastleGin.com at $99 a bottle for a short time. This will NEVER be created again, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity; trust me!
More details on cigar: Foundation Cigar company has created the 3rd Highclere Castle Cigar release to pair with the barrel-aged gin, it’s called the Senetjer Cigar which means incense in Egyptian. Here is a link with some pics and info on this glorious cigar.
Man Cave Happy Hour - Whiskey Classic Preview - Episode 143
Jamie, Matt, and August preview what is on tap for the live recording at the Whiskey Classic coming up at the Packard Proving Grounds. We talk to Mike DiMercurio, Regional Sales Manager for Ranch Road & North Forest Kreme. They will have several offerings at the Classic. We also speak with Jesus from the Traverse City Whiskey Company. excited to share some interesting new pours out of TC.
Here is a link to save if you are coming to the event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-whiskey-classic-2022-whiskey-bourbon-cocktails-cars-tickets-453041157297?aff=JamiCarli
n
https://www.chankaskawines.com/content/north-forest-kreme
https://www.tcwhiskey.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie & Matt are rewinding to Episode 4 to revisit a couple early guests.
Giving a couple pre-made cocktails a try along with a taste of the base whiskeys.
Iron Fish Distillery and Coppercraft Distillery offer some interesting cocktail creations. We try the pre-made old fashion from Iron Fish and the canned Whiskey and Ginger from Coppercraft.
https://ironfishdistillery.com/
https://coppercraftdistillery.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Old Forester has a long storied past and Jamie and Augie get the whole story from Detroit Senior Sales Consultant Bryan Gluth. We walk through the amazing line up of Old Forester whiskeys and get the stories that go along with them. Science, history, taste and bourbon. So much to talk about we had to break it in two. Here is the second part of our conversation.
https://www.oldforester.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Old Forester has a long storied past and Jamie and Augie get the whole story from Detroit Senior Sales Consultant Bryan Gluth. We walk through the amazing line up of Old Forester whiskeys and get the stories that go along with them. Science, history, taste and bourbon. So much to talk about we had to break it in two. Here is the first part of our conversation.
https://www.oldforester.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Steve Rubin wrote the enclopedia on James Bond Movies and The Twilight Zone. He also create a children's book about Ann Frank's cat. We dive into the Bond book and talk about some of the men behind the character. What drink was the go to for Bond really? The martini or champange?
https://www.amazon.com/Steven-Jay-Rubin/e/B000APP8IY%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Summer Sips - 10 perfect bourbon cocktails for summer.
11 actually. Jamie has a list of 10 great bourbon cocktails and Matt adds one of his own.
https://www.liquor.com/recipes/suffering-bastard/
https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/summer-bourbon-cocktails/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
5 Question Show Down with Joe Louis Bourbon. Jamie and Matt face off with 5 no holds barred questions over a pour (or two)
https://joelouisspirits.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Time for Just a Taste. Jamie and Matt share a pour of the Redemption Rye from A&B Liquor and review it.
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Founders Brewing Company Head Brewer Jeremy Kosmicki Live from Founders Detroit Taproom. We meet Jeremy and find out about his journey in to brewing. Just a Taste of all the great brews on tap for summer.
https://foundersbrewing.com/brewery/detroit/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Founders Brewing Company Head Brewer Jeremy Kosmicki Live from Founders Detroit Taproom. We meet Jeremy and find out about his journey in to brewing. Just a Taste of all the great brews on tap for summer.
https://foundersbrewing.com/brewery/detroit/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
The Man Cave is a podcast for everyone, it's about stories, and Cynn Coburn is never short of stories to share. One of her most recent adventures is taking over the DISSIDENT Cigar brand. Cynn launches a promotional tour of in Michigan with the first stop at Cigar Fellas Cigar Lounge in Davidson Michigan. Jamie catches up with Cynn for a smoke and an update on the cigar line and whiskey.
https://www.cynnister.com/
https://ovejanegracigars.com/pages/dissident
https://www.facebook.com/cynncoburn
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Mixing it up again with Joe Louis Bourbon we are in for another triple treat with three great cocktails from the latest Shaker and Spoon box. This month is the "Bring on the Bourbon" box. One of the cocktails is called "Is It Summer Yet?" From the creative mind of Sam Jimenez. Sam is a 27-year veteran of the food and beverage industry, a crafter of cocktails, and a connoisseur of Mexico's agave-based spirits, from mezcal and raicilla to tequila and bacanora. He currently represents small-batch craft distilleries that are working to keep Mexico’s unique liquid culture alive.
https://shakerandspoon.com/
https://joelouisspirits.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and Matt entertain regular listener Steve. We open the studio doors for Just a Taste of I.W. Harper Bourbon.
https://www.iwharper.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch
www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie, Matt, and August are joined by Mike from Blake’s Hard Cider. We get an update from the Kentucky Bourbons Boys. We talk to two of the drivers who are ready and willing to chauffer you around the Bourbon Trail. Steve and David have a ton of experience to make your bourbon experience the best.
https://www.kentuckybourbonboys.com/
https://www.blakeshardcider.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch
www.WearingFunny.com
Cocktail time with Amani Macaulay the co-founder of Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey. We enjoyed some amazing drinks stirred up in the studio. Jamie, Matt, & August are joined by Chief 1 Love, Rob Griffin, as Amani mixes up the cocktails. We tried the Pineapple Whiskey Mule, Make Me Blush, and a Manhattan (see the recipes below and more at the Duke & Dame website).
Chief brought in the RX Water for us to try and updated us on all his projects.
https://drinkrxwater.com/
https://dukeanddame.com/
PINEAPPLE MULE
Ingredients
- 2 oz Duke & Dame
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1/4 – 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
- Ginger Beer
- Shake, Pour over ice in a Mule Mug, garnish with a Rosemary sprig
MAKE ME BLUSH
Ingredients
- 2 oz Duke & Dame
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz Red Wine
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz agave
- Shake, Strain into a coupe glass, garnish with a edible flower
MANHATTAN
Ingredients
- 2 oz Duke & Dame
- 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
- Stir, Strain into glass with Ice, garnish with Luxardo Cherry
Sara Alvord from A Flavor Journal joins us to create a custom cocktail in honor of the Champion of them all Joe Louis. Brand Manager of Joe Louis Bourbon, Tonya Cole, joins us as well as we mix up the Joe Louis Bourbon Brown Sugar Bomber.
Joe Louis Bourbon Brown Sugar Bomber
2 oz. Joe Louis Bourbon1 oz. Brown Sugar Syrup (equal parts brown sugar and super hot water - I did 1/4 cup of each, combined them in a jar, and shook it until they combined!)
½ oz. fresh Orange juice
½ oz. fresh lemon juice
2 dashes Orange bitters
2 dashes angostura bittersCombine everything in a cocktail shaker and fill halfway with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain over a giant ice cube in a chilled glass.
https://aflavorjournal.com/
https://joelouisspirits.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch
www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and Matt have honor of speaking with Lord Carnarvon from Highclere Castle to get the insights into the botanicals and oats used in the baskets to create Highclere Castle Gin. Adam Von Gootkin and Lord Carnarvon have been able to craft a unique award winning gin. We find out how this partnership began and get some hints as to what is next. Something amazing is the chance to connect with the innovative crowd sharing project where you can buy into the next steps Highclere Castle Gin takes. The actual Downtown Abbey is ready to star in yet another installment of the Downtown Abbey series with another movie.
https://highclerecastlegin.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch
www.WearingFunny.com
Blake's Hard Cider and Track Suit 8 at Whiskey in the Jar
Amazing charity event at Whiskey in the Jar in Hamtramck coming up, Tracksuit 8. August Gitschlag is back and bringing friends. Auggie gives us all the info on Tracksuit 8 and introduces us to Mike Didio the Director of Wholesaler Development for Blake's Hard Cider. Blake's is one of the main sponsors of Tracksuit 8. Mike share his story, the story of Blake's and has some delicious samples to take for a test drive. All this to promote the great fundraising event Tracksuit 8 happening April 15, 2022 at Whiskey. It all benefits the Detroit Friendship House. See the link below to donate and get more info if we have passed the event date.
https://www.blakeshardcider.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hamtramckwhiskey
https://www.detroitfriendshiphouse.org/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch
www.WearingFunny.com
Signature cocktails are popular for wedding and even just home gatherings. We needed a Man Cave Signature Drink. Sara from "A Flavor Journal" customized a cocktail called the Witty Comeback. Sara calls it a warm your soul cocktail and we agree. We made our own Ginger Simple Syrup and pulled in a fine Redemption Rye Barrel Pice from A&B Liquor Stores
Find Sara's full break down of the cocktail on her Journal along with some amazing photography and story.
Thank you Sara, and Cheers!
This is right from "A Flavor Journal"
INGREDIENTS FOR THE WITTY COMEBACK COCKTAIL:
- 2 oz. Rye Whiskey
- 1/2 oz. Amaro (like Averna)
- 1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/4 oz.Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
- 1/4 oz. Ginger Simple Syrup
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch
www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and Matt talk to Tonya Cole the Brand Community Director for Joe Louis Bourbon. She is also the host of The Making of Champions Podcast sponsored by Joe Louis Bourbon. Joe is making some moves and is now available in more places than ever before.
https://joelouisspirits.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and Matt dive into a beauty of a Bottle In Bond Bourbon for Bottled In Bond day March 3, 2022. We toast with Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bottled In Bond.
We discuss 8 Bargain Bourbons (several BIB) you should know about and review what it takes to be Bottled In Bond.
The 8 suggested bourbons are courtesy of Forbes magazine.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2019/10/01/eight-exceptional-bourbon-values-that-you-have-probably-never-heard-off/?sh=52b3180e333d
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and Matt are livin in a box, a cocktail box. We talk to the creators of Shaker & Spoon a subscription service for cocktail mixing and recipes. With a background as designers Mike & Anna have create an amazing service for anyone to up their cocktail game.
https://shakerandspoon.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and Matt are livin in a box, a cocktail box. We talk to the creators of Shaker & Spoon a subscription service for cocktail mixing and recipes. With a background as designers Mike & Anna have create an amazing service for anyone to up their cocktail game.
https://shakerandspoon.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Time to whip up some cocktails with Rachel know as the BuffaloBourbonBabe on InstaGram and she is the manager at Lockhouse Distillery in Buffalo, New York. We talk cocktails, expensive bourbons, mixing at home and lots more. @BuffaloBourbonBabe
https://www.instagram.com/buffalobourbonbabe
https://www.lockhousedistillery.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
In this episode we talk to Greg, one of the founders of Watershed Distillery and his brand rep Chris. They have a great line up of bourbon and spirits. Some pretty interesting premixed cocktails and more. Along side Jamie, August pinch hits for Matt today. Gin, bourbon, and premixes, oh my.
https://www.watersheddistillery.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and Matt dive into some special pours from Founders Brewing just in time for the holidays. What makes the perfect gift? Beer! Naturally, and spirits. This time of year brings up the ability to give some amazing gifts. We got to try the MotherShip Series and some of the Barrel Aged Series - Frootwood, both are amazing
Thanks to Founders Brewing for sending us these samples... so delicious.
https://foundersbrewing.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Luxardo Cherries come in a magical syrup. Jamie and Matt wanted to see if there were cocktails that infused that magic into the mix. We found an amazing recipe from Sara at A Flavor Journal. Her twist on the traditional Man O' War creates a delicious mix of booze and sweet. Follow A Flavor Journal for some great food and drink ideas and great writing to boot. We also looked at a pink cherry gin cocktail from Genevieve Morrison and a Cherry Sour from Ross David.
Here is Sara's Man O'War
https://aflavorjournal.com/man-o-war-bourbon-cocktail-with-luxardo-cherry-juice/
https://www.luxardo.it/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Michter's Bourbon has 17 different expressions available on the market now. The prices range from $40 to that of a new house. Jamie and Matt give the small batch 'Just a Taste' and run down the line available.
We found the list of expressions on Uprocxx
https://uproxx.com/life/michters-whiskey-ranked/
https://michters.com/
https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour
www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit
Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Jamie & Matt have ‘Just a Taste’ of Bib & Tucker on the suggestion of Joe Kakos. Joe pointed out that this special bourbon that has been a favorite of his for quite some time found its way on to the buyers guide of the ‘Top 10 Highest Scoring Whiskeys’ for Fall of 2021 in...
Jamie and Matt talk and taste with Will Pitchforth, Head of Commercial for Bladnoch Distillery. -Bladnoch Distillery is the oldest working Scotch distillery in the Scottish Lowlands and is helmed by Master Distiller Nick Savage (formerly of The Macallan). -The over 200-years-old distillery is the home of Bladnoch, a line of rare Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, and Pure Scot, a premium, award-winning Blended Scotch Whisky brand.-Bladnoch Distillery is truly...
Jamie & Matt talk to James Saunders the president and founder of New England Barrel Co about his bourbon and how he got into crafting these spirit. https://newenglandbarrelco.com/https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and Matt have just a taste of Duke and Dame Salted Carmel Whiskey. We are joined by one of the founders, Amani Macauley. Amani (who went from being finance professional to whiskey connoisseur), created the product to appeal to a wide consumer audience and break down the stigma that whiskey is too intimidating to...
Jamie and Matt head to Whiskey in the Jar to try some Rum drinks and talk about an amazing fundraiser that the crew at Whiskey throw every year. Magnum 8 was being sponsored by Bacardi Rum this year and we were able to sample the 8 year, 4 year, the tropical and more. Mikey created...
Jamie & Matt do just a Taste of Wild Turkey Rare Breed. Yum! Barrel Proof and coming in at 116.8 What is ‘Barrel Proof’ and what are some of the best values out there, out of the barrel? https://wildturkeybourbon.com/product/wild-turkey-rare-breed/ Here are the articles we pulled from: https://www.whiskyadvocate.com/barrel-proof-bourbon-under-75/ Learn the Basics of Barrel Proof Whiskey https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour...
Jamie and Matt do ‘Just a Taste’ of S’mores flavored whiskey from Ugly Dog Distillery in Michigan. What is your favorite summer or campfire cocktail? https://uglydogdistillery.com/ https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie & Matt discuss how to gift a bottle. What makes a good gift and what to avoid. 8 Best Bourbons for Father’s Day 8 Best Bourbons for Father’s Day Gifting alcohol 101 https://tinyurl.com/5844mvb4 https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Diving in to some Summer Cocktails with Tara Jag Cocktails, our resident bartender. She is amazing and so are the drinks. Plus what are the basics to have on your bar to entertain. https://www.tarajagcocktails.com/ https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com
A good cocktail needs a good base. Jamie’s vermouth game was called out as weak, so we tested a couple vermouths to see if that can make a difference. Joining Jamie and Matt were Abby and Alaina from Bourbon and Blondes. We also discuss why the labels on bitters are usually oversized for the bottle....
Time for some high proof barrel pick/store pick fun. Talking about trends in bourbon in 2021 Barrel Picks from stores are quite the rage. We grabbed a set of twins from Yellowstone to try. We had the regular shelf version of Yellowstone Select and a Single Barrel Store pick from Tony at the Wine Garden....
Just a Taste of David Nicholson 1843, on the recommendation of one of our favorite party stores we give David Nicholson a try. Pretty darn good pour. We also fall down a rabbit hole with a whiskey from GWAR. Home Catoctin Creek Distillery Announces its Sickest Ragnarök Rye Whiskey Release Ever with Heavy Metal Rock...
Doing cocktails Rat Pack Style. Jamie and Matt whip up an Old Fashioned the way Dean Martin would have done it. With J&B Scotch. We talk about the Rat Pack’s favorite food and drink, and the special story behind this particular bottle of J&B. Lots of variations of the Old Fashioned, see the link for...
Jamie and Matt visit Motor City Gas Whiskey Distillery. It has been voted to the top 25 distilleries in the US. We get the story from owner Rich Lockwood. They have expanded to a farm and will be soil to bottle on some expressions. We try two of the newest expressions “Jacked Up” a Tennessee...
100 Proof – 100th Episode Jamie & Matt celebrate the 100 by visiting with friends we have met along the way. Thanks to everyone who has been a guest on this episode and the 99 that came before. Abby & Aalina, Bourbon & Blondes, Sam Nork running the board for us, Bruce from Zim’s Vodka,...
Jamie and Matt talk to Nolan Smith one of the owners of Backbone Bourbon. Coming at you uncut and unfiltered, not just the podcast but that is how they do their whiskey. A standout from Indiana. We sample and breakdown several of their offerings. https://backbonebourbon.com/ https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour http://www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch http://www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and Matt start thinking spring with a special mix of cocktails made by our favorite Mixologist Tara. We are talking a spring whiskey mix with Maker’s Mark Diplomat Greta, all hosted by Tony in the very special Wine Garden Bunker. Old Fashioned 2oz Makers .25oz Black Truffle Honey 4 Dashes Ango 2oz Makers .5oz...
A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame Ed Belfour spent nearly 20 years as one of the most outstanding goaltenders in the NHL. Now he has turned his attention toward award winning spirits. Ed joins us in the Man Cave to talk about the spirits available from Belfour Spirits and the spirit of champions...
Jamie and Matt dig in to the story behind Bottle in Bond. Not just 100 Proof but a whole lot more. https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie and Matt head to the Ambassador for a pairing of a cocktail and cigar. Today we are rolling with gin and juice. A Gimlet (gin & lime juice basically). Shawn from Ambassador suggest the “A” from Micallef Cigars. They paired well. https://www.micallefcigars.com/ https://www.liquor.com/recipes/gimlet/ Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Thirty Days in the hole. Jamie and Matt share a few drams and and a great conversation with Adam Edwards from Digital Brand Ambassador from Rabbit Hole Distillery. A great story behind the passion behind the brand. https://www.rabbitholedistillery.com/ Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie & Matt head to a new space for Just a Taste of Russell Reserve Single Barrel. It is a Store pick from our friend Tony at the Wine Garden. From the Wild Turkey Family this is a great pour. We have been sitting on this on for some time waiting for a taste. We...
Jamie and Matt get a private lesson in Maker’s Mark Private Select with Brand Diplomat Greta Harper. We discover how the unique mash bill came to be and how the cask strength base becomes some amazing Private Selections. https://www.makersmark.com/ https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Jamie & Matt take the show on the road to Kakos Market in Birmingham for the release of their Maker’s Mark Private Select Barrel. This is a special one and Joe Kakos will walk us through his pick and we will talk some serious bourbon. Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie and Matt have to bring in the A team, or actually the B Team. Abby and Alaina from Bourbon and Blondes. The two podcasts collide for a tasting of Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey. The ladies are incredible entrepreneur and we all have a ton of fun telling whiskey tales. https://www.bourbonandblondes.com/ Home Page https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com...
Matt & Jamie hit the studios in the Detroit Shipping Company for a special Repeal Day episode. Dave from IT in the D joins us and bartender Tara for Just a Taste of Old Foresters 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon. Tara mixes up some Prohibition style cocktails. She made us a round of Old Fashioned with...
Jamie and Matt dive into a bottle of Old Elk. A barrel pick from Kakos Market. Master Distiller Greg Metz was on hand for the barrel release and we had a chance to talk to him about Old Elk and this particular barrel. They are joined by a host of another show on the Podcast...
Jamie and Matt slide into the studio for Just a Taste of Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select. They are joined by a host of another show on the Podcast Detroit Network, David R. Wright. David host and is the Motor City Hypnotist. We discover so obscure facts about Frank. Home – David R. Wright https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-us/whiskey/sinatra-select https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour...
Jamie & Matt step on a Rusty Nail. Allison the bartender at Ambassador joins our table for a moment to pour a Rusty Nail. On Sean’s suggestion we pair it with a Devil’s Night Cigar from Asylum Cigars. Lucky us owner of Asylum Cigars was on site and sat down to talk smokes. Essential Whisky...
Jamie & Matt get some mentoring on cigars from Mike Peralis of Tatuaje Cigars. Mike tell us what make the ‘perfect cigar’. The owner of Ambassador Sean introduces us to HIRSCH Bourbon. A great pairing. https://www.tatuajecigars.com/ https://www.hotalingandco.com/brand/hirsch https://ambassadorcigar.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AmbassadorCigarsAndSpirits/ https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com
We sit down with Jeremy of the Cigar Cartel of Michigan for the October HERF. A gathering of smokers to enjoy an afternoon of fun and smoke. We try a Drew Estate and pair up cigars with the Fall and yard work. https://ambassadorcigar.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AmbassadorCigarsAndSpirits/ https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Just a taste – Michter’s Bourbon Small Batch. Matt pulled out the Michter’s to share and do just a taste. Plus a porn star martini. Yum. Michter’s Distillery Man Cave Happy Hour https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com
Today on the podcast we are mixing it up for the fall. Bartender extraordinaire Tara Jagodzinski mixes some Joe Louis Bourbon with some home made and fresh ingredients to create some yummy drinks. She does private lessons find her on the socials. https://www.facebook.com/tara.jagodzinski.3 Man Cave Happy Hour home https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt...
Jamie & Matt get their passports ready. We are off to Tel-Aviv, Israel to chat with Tal Chotiner and Tomer Goren from Milk & Honey Distillery. Ok, we talked via the web but a great conversation about the first whiskey distiller in Israel. We samples the M&H Classic and the M&H Elements finished in Sherry...
Jamie & Matt are joined by Bruce from ZIM’S Vodka and Michael from Joe Louis Bourbon to talk about being spirit entrepreneur. We get some background on ZIM’S and mix up some cocktails that have both bourbon and vodka in them. Home Man Cave Happy Hour home https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox...
Today on the podcast we will talk to Karen & Sheri from the Inspired Good Fat Life podcast. Plus Tonya Cole from The Making of Champions Podcast. It’s like it’s Ladies Night in the Man Cave. Are spirits good for you? Does a whiskey a day keep the doctor away? And much more Home Man...
Jamie & Matt settle in for a Tasting Tuesday with Joe Louis Bourbon and music. We pair song with cocktails and bourbon. Talk about some vintage bourbon whiskey classics and some contemporary hits as well. www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com As always our friends: https://www.kentuckybourbonboys.com/ Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon...
Jamie and Matt visit the Wine Garden and share some Drew Estate Cigars with owner Tony Batou and from the Michigan Chapter of the Cigar Cartel Jeremy Smith. We pair and taste some amazing bourbons and sticks. We did some Knob Creek, Red Breast and a few others. We got to try the new re-release...
Tasting Tuesdays. Jamie & Matt chat with Michael Shoer from the Joe Louis team. Jamie and Matt mix up several summer cocktails with Joe Louis Bourbon as the base. We pulled from a couple websites for the mixes. A Couple Cooks and Liquor dot com Follow along for some summertime fun. https://www.acouplecooks.com/bourbon-cocktails/ https://www.liquor.com/bourbon-cocktails-4779435 https://joelouisbourbon.com/ http://detroitcityofchampions.com/...
Tasting Tuesdays. Jamie & Matt chat with Peter Guidi and Michael Shoer from the Joe Louis team. We record live from Godfather’s Bistro for Tasting Tuesday. We pair the Joe Louis Bourbon with a couple different cigars. Brandon, Tristan and Omar from Godfather’s try Joe for the first time and pair us up with some...
Tasting Tuesdays. Jamie & Matt chat with Michael Shoer Peter Guidi from the Joe Louis team. Joe Gransden joins us to talk about Big Band leader Lucky Millinder. Lucky was good friends with Joe and actually was a brand ambassador for Joe back in the day. We get some historical perspective from author Charles Avison....
Jamie and Matt celebrate National Bourbon Day with the crew from the Kentucky Bourbon Boys, Tim and Lauren. Grab a glass and toast with us with your favorite, what ever it is. www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com As always our friends: https://www.kentuckybourbonboys.com/ Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/...
Tasting Tuesdays. Jamie & Matt chat with Michael Shoer from the Joe Louis team. With the unrest in America right now we talk about how Joe was a symbol of strength and dedication. 50 year journalism veteran William Wright joins the conversation. We get some historical perspective from author Charles Avison. https://joelouisbourbon.com/ http://detroitcityofchampions.com/ www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home...
Tasting Tuesdays. These are open to the public and you are welcome to register and join us in the chat every week. Jamie & Matt chat with Michael Shoer from the Joe Louis team. Recorded this episode around Memorial Day. We talk about whiskey’s ties to the military and Joe’s final resting place. Breaking down...
Jamie & Matt break quarantine and head to the Podcast Detroit bunker to do Just a Taste of two different barrel strength bourbons from Detroit City Distillery with Dave from IT in the D. www.DetroitCityDistillery.com www.whiskeyfactorydetroit.com www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com As always our friends: https://www.kentuckybourbonboys.com/ Beth Underwood – Talk...
Jamie & Matt host Adam von Gootkin and some of the team from Highclere Castle Gin. We pair the amazing gin with the namesake cigars from Foundation Cigars. The story behind the gin is an interesting tale spanning several years and cooperation with Lord and Countess or Carnarvon. The taste is classy like something right...
Tasting Tuesdays. These are open to the public and you are welcome to register and join us in the chat every week. Jamie & Matt chat with Michael Shoer from the Joe Louis team. Jazzing it up today with Joe Gransden live from Cafe 290 in Atlanta. Club owner John Scatena joins the covnersation as...
Tasting Tuesdays. These are open to the public and you are welcome to register and join us in the chat every week. Jamie & Matt chat with Michael Shoer from the Joe Louis team. We connect to Establishment in Atlanta with Bartender Tom McGuire for some cocktial hisotry. We talk about the prospects of events...
Tasting Tuesdays. These are open to the public and you are welcome to register and join us in the chat every week. Jamie & Matt chat with Michael Shoer from the Joe Louis team. We talk to the bartending crew from the Red Phone Booth in Atlanta. http://redphonebooth.com/ Joe Louis Bourbon http://detroitcityofchampions.com/ www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie...
Tasting Tuesdays. These are open to the public and you are welcome to register and join us in the chat every week. Jamie & Matt chat with Michael Shoer from the Joe Louis team. Very special guest Charles Avison the author of “Detroit: City of Chamions” Talking about how Joe Louis is a huge part...
Tasting Tuesdays. These are open to the public and you are welcome to register and join us in the chat every week. Owner Peter Guidi and Michael Shoer from the Joe Louis team. Very special guest Michael Meir Bourbon Steward from Man and Oak and Jamie Flanagan and Matt Fox host the Man Cave Happy...
Jamie and Matt on the road at the Rusted Crow Distillery in Dearborn, Michigan. Andrew Starnes the Mad Alchemist in residence at Rusted Crow (Master Distiller) shares the story behind some of the spirits coming from the still. These guys have great spirits and amazing art and packaging. You have to check it out. https://rustedcrowspirits.com/...
Tasting Tuesdays. These are open to the public and you are welcome to register and join us in the chat every week. Owners Peter Guidi & JJ Mokarzel and Michael Shoer & Ron Heady from the Joe Louis team. Very special guest Charles Avison the author of “Detroit: City of Chamions” Talking about how Joe...
It is the first of our weekly Tasting Tuesdays. These are open to the public and you are welcome to register and join us in the chat every week. For our first flight we had Joe Louis Barrow Jr II on with Joe Louis Bourbon owner Peter Guidi, and Michael Shoer & Ron Heady from...
Jamie & Matt at Stray Cat Lounge. SPECIAL GUEST: ROBB WILSON From ROCKY PATEL! Join Us For a Smoke, a Cocktail & Let’s Talk About It! Stay Smokey, Friends! http://www.straycatlounge.com/ www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox Merch www.WearingFunny.com As always our friends: https://www.kentuckybourbonboys.com/ Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ Audio Track...
Jamie and Matt get to eat some cookies and drink bourbon with our friends from Kentucky Bourbon Boys. Tony and Tim Hagan help us work our way through some boxes of Girl Scout cookies to see how they pair with some Old Forester 1910. The Kentucky Bourbon Boys is a customized tour company taking you...
Jamie and Matt dive into some craft cocktail recipes with bartender extraordinaire Lucas Huff. Lucas works at the Bently Heritage Distillery. It is an amazing place with an great story. Follow Lucas on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebartendersfable/ or https://bentlyheritage.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TAGMediaGroupUS As always our friends: https://www.kentuckybourbonboys.com/ Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ www.WearingFunny.com www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie...
Jamie and Matt at Ambassador Cigar for Just a Taste. This time we give Rittenhouse Rye a try. We talk about bottles that would make good gifts and have some general fun in the Man Cave. https://heavenhilldistillery.com/rittenhouse.php https://ambassadorcigar.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/cigarsmokersofmichigan/ As always our friends: https://www.kentuckybourbonboys.com/ Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ www.WearingFunny.com www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home...
Jamie and Matt have just a taste of Very Old Bartons and recap the weekend at Astronomicon 3. http://www.sazerac.com/Barton.aspx As always our friends: https://www.kentuckybourbonboys.com/ Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ www.WearingFunny.com www.ManCaveHappyHour.com http://www.podcastdetroit.com Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Jamie and Matt met our new best bourbon friends Tim, Ethan, and Chuck from The Kentucky Bourbon Boys – Bourbon Trail Tours. Wow, what a great set of guys and what an amazing gig. Bourbon tours. We talk about what’s new in the promised land about their services. We look forward to more news from...
Jamie and Matt at Ambassador Cigar for their ‘Smoke Show’ a fun count down of the best cigars of the year as voted on by Ambassador customers and a cook out. We Just a Taste of Eagle Rare today. (See the facebook page/gallery linked below for all 10 cigars of the year) https://ambassadorcigar.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/cigarsmokersofmichigan/ As...
Jamie and Matt at Ambassador Cigar for their ‘Smoke Show’ a fun count down of the best cigars of the year as voted on by Ambassador customers. Nate the manager and Sean the owner join us to review the best of the best. The Winner is: H. Upmann 175th Anniversary (See the facebook page/gallery linked...
Jamie and Matt attend the Whiskey in the Winter at the Detroit Shipping Company put on by the Metro Times. Scotch Time with brand ambassador Nick Crezy. We dive into Oban Little Bay and Talisker 10 Year. Both very different, both very amazing. https://www.obanwhisky.com/whiskies/little-bay https://www.malts.com/en-us/our-whisky-collection/talisker/ Home https://www.detroitshippingcompany.com/ https://www.metrotimes.com/ As always our friend Beth Underwood –...
Jamie and Matt attend the Whiskey in the Winter at the Detroit Shipping Company put on by the Metro Times. We give the Campfires from High West to the test. It is very flavorful. Lots going on in this one. We also talk to Tito’s Vodka brand ambassador Rachel. https://www.highwest.com/products/high-west-whiskey-campfire.php https://www.titosvodka.com/ Home Page Home https://www.detroitshippingcompany.com/...
Jamie and Matt attend the Whiskey in the Winter at the Detroit Shipping Company put on by the Metro Times. An interesting brand to try ‘Uncle Nearest’. We talk to brand rep Lazar and get the Uncle Nearest story and a taste. Good stuff. Home Page Home https://www.detroitshippingcompany.com/ https://www.metrotimes.com/ As always our friend Beth Underwood...
Jamie and Matt attend the Whiskey in the Winter at the Detroit Shipping Company put on by the Metro Times. We sample several of the offerings and talk to Dr. Joe Ales from Optik in Birmingham one of the title sponsors. Home https://www.detroitshippingcompany.com/ https://www.metrotimes.com/ As always our friend Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me...
Jamie and Matt join some amazing guys at one of the gems in the city Whiskey in the Jar in Hamtramck. August Gitschlag, Konrad Maziarz, and Greg Gnyp gather around a table to sample some astounding selections from a box of fun that Konrad has at his fingertips. Get the story about the great fundraisers...
Jamie and Matt help launch The Smallest Dive Bar in Detroit inside the Detroit Shipping Company with Hamm’s Beer. It is Hammsgiving time we collect cans to donate. A can for a can. A great night at the Shipping Company as we get the story of Hamm’s, play some trivia and sneak inside the Samllest...
Jamie and Matt are joined by a ton of guests. Broadcasting from The Loft Cigar Lounge in Farmington, Mich. With us is Bruce Carroll from ZIMS vodka and special Guest Bob Krause former professioanl golfer making a run at a retrun to pro golf. Great story from Bob and from the owners of The Loft...
Jamie and our resident cigar Godfather Paul sit down to chat at Ambassador Cigar. Home https://ambassadorcigar.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/cigarsmokersofmichigan/ As always our friend Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ www.WearingFunny.com www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Jamie and Matt at the 7th Annual Detroit Bulldog Rock-a-bully Chili Cook-off. What pairs well with Chillis? We dive into some tasty options while helping raise money for some great dogs. https://www.detroitbulldogrescue.org https://www.facebook.com/DetroitBulldogRescue/ As always our friend Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ www.WearingFunny.com www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Jamie and Matt at Ambassador Cigar, Mail Call, Jamie got a present from Four Roses. His welcome package from the Mellow Moments fan club for Four Roses. Then we give Four Roses a try. Home https://ambassadorcigar.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/cigarsmokersofmichigan/ As always our friend Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ www.WearingFunny.com www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit...
Jamie and our resident cigar Godfather Paul sit down with Nick R. Auga (Melillo) at Ambassador Cigar. We get Nick’s story behind the foundation of Foundation Cigars and the amazing array of sticks they currently have, including the Highclere Castle line (the actual Downton Abbey). Home https://ambassadorcigar.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/cigarsmokersofmichigan/ As always our friend Beth Underwood –...
Jamie and Matt at home on the deck for ‘Just a Taste’. National Bourbon Heritage Month we are trying Evan Williams today. https://evanwilliams.com/ As always our friend Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ www.WearingFunny.com www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Jamie and Matt at home on the deck for ‘Just a Taste’. Ladies choice because we are joined by Beth Underwood author of “Talk Bourbon To Me” Beth shares some news from Kentucky and inspires us on a toast to 9/11 and the servicemen and firefighters that protect us. Beth called up Old Grand Dad...
Jamie and Matt at the Sugar House Downtown Detroit in Corktown for some Scotch. Look out we have National Brand Ambassador Camreon George repsenting Ardbeg and Glenmorangie distilleries. Great stoires and great tastings. Plus we get some of the story behind the Sugar House one of, not just Detroit, but nation wide best craft cocktail...
Jamie and Matt at Ambassador Cigar for Just a Taste. This time we get Nathan to help us pair a Ambassador House Old Fashioned with an Eiroa Cigar. Allison, bartender and certified tobacconist, pours us an Old Fashioned right at the table. (Check out the YouTube Video to see it happen. (The Bourbon in the...
Jamie and Matt with another party on the deck. Doing Just a Taste of Proper 12 Irish Whiskey. Conor McGregor’s blend. It is smooth. https://properwhiskey.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenotoriousmma/?hl=en As always our friend Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ www.WearingFunny.com www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Jamie and Matt take the party to the deck at Casa de Flanagan for something different, Tequila. First, a lesson in Tequila from the guys at ‘I Love Top Shelf Tequila’. These guys know their agave. Then we try a pour of Tres Agaves. Wow, what a sipper. The bottle was suggested by Joe at...
Jamie and Matt stay in the Podcast Detroit studios for a ‘Just a Taste’ of Scotch. Aberlour – A’Bunadh is in the glass today. https://www.aberlour.com/en-EN/our-whisky/abunadh As always our friend Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ www.WearingFunny.com www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Jamie and Matt at Ambassador Cigar for Just a Taste. This time it is Basil Hayden – Dark Rye. Matt has gone to the dark side. He loved some Basil Hayden. https://www.basilhaydens.com/dark-rye https://ambassadorcigar.com/ As always our friend Beth Underwood – Talk Bourbon To Me https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ www.WearingFunny.com www.ManCaveHappyHour.com Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox
Jamie and Matt with a special guest straight from Kentucky bourbon country Beth Underwood. She is the author of Talk Bourbon To Me and other books. Beth will join us on the regular to talk bourbon to us. We also try an Irish whiskey The Quiet Man Whiskey for Just a Taste. https://www.facebook.com/talkbourbon/ Home home...
Jamie and Matt land at Ambassador Cigar and meet a very interesting gentleman Paul Janulis who is a military guy helping others in the military deal with the challenges military and all relationships face. THEN we dive into some Knob Creek for Just a Taste https://www.facebook.com/beinthefivepercent/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTTqJomj8Kl7nlfDCs3Rsw https://www.knobcreek.com/ https://ambassadorcigar.com/ Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox...
Jamie & Matt ‘Just a Taste’ live at Motor City Comic Con in the Podcast Detroit booth with Noble Oak Bourbon. Dave from Podcast Detroit IT in the D along with fellow podcster Brad from ‘The Breakfast Table’ a geek culture podcast. Home Home Home Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie & Matt ‘Just a Taste’ with Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Strength Bourbon at the Stray Cat Lounge. At Barrel strength this juice gave us a bit of a kick. https://www.tcwhiskey.com/ https://www.straycatlounge.com/ Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie & Matt ‘Just a Taste’ with Bulleit Bourbon – Frontier Whiskey at the Stray Cat Lounge. What great bar and what a great story behind the Bulleit. Ok, Let’s try it. https://www.bulleit.com/ https://www.straycatlounge.com/ Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie & Matt sit down (stand up actually) with two of the founders/creators of Glyph Molecular Whiskey. Josh & Alec have designed a spirit that defies categories, but is a fine whiskey pour. It is a softer floral/fruit taste to our palate. This is right out of 10 Forward and the replicator. It was nice...
Episode 25 – Jamie & Matt ‘Just a Taste’ with Ol’ Major Bacon Bourbon. We crash the gates at Ambassador Cigar again for a taste of something odd on the menu, Bacon Bourbon… Ok, Let’s try it. baconbourbonusa.com ambassadorcigar.com/ Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie & Matt ‘Just a Taste’ with Dalmore 12 Single Malt Scotch Whiskey at Ambassador Cigar https://www.thedalmore.com https://ambassadorcigar.com/ Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Episode 23 – Jamie & Matt ‘Just a Taste’ with Weller Antique 107 along with Nathan from Ambassador Cigar paired the Weller with a unique foil wrapped cigar Illusione MJ12. http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/wl-weller#3 https://ambassadorcigar.com/ Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Episode 22 – Jamie & Matt ‘Just a Taste’ with Bushmills Irish Whiskey representative Annie. We tried Red Bush for this tasting. Mind you this is after an array of cocktail made with the original and Red Bush. Whiskey https://www.detroitshippingcompany.com/ Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
“Episode 21 – Jamie & Matt ‘Just a Taste’ with 1792 Small Batch as they invade Ambassador Cigar in Troy, Mich. We break down a pour of a small batch. We talk about he recent spill at the distillery and the collapse over the past summer. http://www.1792bourbon.com/ https://ambassadorcigar.com/ Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com”
Episode 20 – Jamie & Matt kick off ‘Just a Taste’ with Jefferson’s Ocean Aged as they invade Ambassador Cigar in Troy, Mich. Breaking down a nice pour of some well traveled whiskey. They move on to a conversation with Kerry Lutz from the Financial Survival Network. Kerry is a red wine fan and well...
Jamie & Matt head to the Butter Run Saloon in St. Clair Shores, Michigan to host a tasting with the Michigan Bourbon Club. We dive into a few bottles of Three Chord Bourbon a brilliant blend perfectly tuned in Jackson, Mich. From guitarist Neil Giraldo and his team we try the 81 proof Three Chord...
Jamie & Matt talk with Assistant Master Distiller Chris Fletcher from Jack Daniel Distillery. Chris shares some amazing stories from Jack’s history and talks about the JD process and special bottles that are currently under way and under development. https://www.jackdaniels.com Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie & Matt head to the capital to visit the first distillery in Lansing, Mich. American Fifth Spirits. We talk to owner Rick and distiller Kars about their process and the story behind the distillery. We love the stoy behind the names of the Fermenting Vats. What a great array of spirits available from Amerian...
Jamie and Matt are joined by a ton of guests. We broadcast live at La Casa with owner Ismail Houmani and the crew from Zim’s Vodka Terry Olsen and Bruce Carroll. We enjoyed Ismail’s ’20 Minute in Detroit Cigar’ and got the story on how it came to be. Zim’s tall skinny bottle has a...
Jamie & Matt are at High Score eSports Lounge in Ferndale for a private episode of the Man Cave. Thanks to Neil the owner of High Score for sponsoring the show. We have some fun with Ryan Gallimore a cigar distributor here in the midwest. Ryan brought us a Hoyo de Montery – la Amistad....
Jamie and Matt visit Motor City Gas Whiskey Distillery. It has just been voted to the top 25 distilleries in the US. We get the story from owner Rich Lockwood and bartender/distiller Eric. An amazing hidden gem in downtown Royal Oak, Mich. on 4th Street. Whiskey is the only game in house but with over...
Jamie and Matt are joined by a ton of guests. Brian Donovan is back in the Man Cave along with Greg Gnyp from 93.9 The River and friend Tim Carr. We have on as guests Charlie Waters brand ambassador for Zim’s Vodka We get to pair the Zim’s with a cigar. Paul Camilleri cigar aficionado...
Jamie & Matt venture downtown to the HockeyTown Cafe and the MusicTown recording studios on the second floor. They are joined by Mike Forsyth of the Detroit City Distillery. Mike one of the founders talks to us about the amazing origin story behind the distillery and the Bespoke Bourbon collection. 3 special bourbons coming out...
Live at the Wine Garden with Beau Beckman from Buffalo Trace Distillery for a release of E. H. Taylor Small Batch. We talk to a few of the patrons who showed up to get the Taylor and Beau talked to the crowd. Wasn’t sure that audio would turn out, glad it did… great stories. Then...
Live from the Wine Garden in St. Clair Shores. Jamie and Matt along with Big Tony and Patrick from the Michigan Bourbon Club try four pours today. Woodford Double Oaked, Elijah Craig, Mayor Pingree from Valentine Distilling, and round it out with a pour of Stagg Jr. (Except for the Stagg) All the pours are...
Jamie & Matt venture downtown to the HockeyTown Cafe and the MusicTown recording studios on the second floor. They are joined with Tony Batou of the Wine Garden in St. Clair Shores and Patrick Moore from the Michigan Bourbon Club. Tony & Patrick have just returned from a trip to Kentucky to pick four barrels....
Angel’s Envy and the Michigan Bourbon Club hosted a tasting at the Sugar House in Detroit. On the menu was all three picks from Angel’s Envy. First up the Kentucky Bourbon, then the Rye and finally the very exclusive Cask Strength. Cory from Angel’s Envy breaks them down for Jamie and Jason. www.AngelsEnvy.com sugarhousedetroit.com/ www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie heads to a special event at Wright & Co. in downtown Detroit for a tasting of some great cocktails from Monkey Shoulder. Product rep Vance Henderson gives a break down of the whisky and the drinks. Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky brought one of 2017’s World Best Bar’s to Detroit for a one...
Live from Small’s Bar in Hamtramck Matt & Jamie talk with owner Mike Mouyianis about the new exclusive brew from Brew Detroit ‘Small’s Lager’ only available at Small’s. We get the story behind the beer and the bar plus some fun and games. www.ManCaveHappyHour.com
Jamie& Matt broadcast live from Whiskey Business at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market. This is the one of three installments from the night. We talk to several distillers, vendors, and whiskey lovers at the event. www.whiskeybusinessmi.com Keeping it in Michigan we chat with Joel the Bier Distillery in Grand Rapids. We try their moonshine and...
Jamie& Matt broadcast live from Whiskey Business at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market. This is the one of three installments from the night. We talk to several distillers, vendors, and whiskey lovers at the event. www.whiskeybusinessmi.com We have a piper down! We talk to Brian from Tamdhu Distillery we sample several of the spirits he...
Man Cave Happy Hour – Whiskey Business 2018 – Episode 4.1 Jamie& Matt broadcast live from Whiskey Business at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market. This is the one of three installments from the night. We talk to several distillers, vendors, and whiskey lovers at the event. www.whiskeybusinessmi.com First up is Woodford Reserve. We talk to...