Ottobar owner Tecla Tesnau joins the podcast to talk about the legendary Baltimore rock club. From its days as a tiny, stinky bar on Davis Street to its current status as a renowned music venue that attracts national acts, Tesnau recounts the entire journey. She shares countless only-in-Baltimore moments—including the best thing John Waters ever said to her, her favorite band residency at Ottobar to date, how the city kept her spirits up during the darkest days of the pandemic, and what musician...
Mar 28, 2022•53 min
Guilford Hall Brewery CEO Erik Bergman and brewmaster Martin Coad discuss the new Baltimore brewery, its historic building and neighborhood, the popularity of low ABV beers, the niche they've carved out for European session styles, and and the brewery's future distribution plans. Plus, we try some lagers, pilsners, and session ales—and hear about a new holiday Weihnachtsbock.
Dec 21, 2021•46 min
Sophomore Coffee owner Kris Fulton talks about his passion and career that has taken him to Los Angeles, New York, and back to Baltimore again. He discusses how the product went from Folgers to Starbucks to the culture that exists today, whether Baltimore is a coffee town, the way orders have evolved over the years, plus he shares his personal favorite drink, the status of the shop during the pandemic, and some of the most creative coffee drinks you can order at the bar.
Sep 02, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Johnny Rad’s and Snake Hill owners Rich Pugh and Randy Coffren chat about their 20-year friendship, how skateboarding and punk rock influenced their lives, the origins of their Southeast Baltimore bars, pivots and adjustments they made during COVID-19, and their favorite things to do in the city. Plus we drink core draft beers and cocktails and tease their upcoming bar in Station North.
Jul 01, 2021•49 min
Wine Collective general director Enrique Pallares joins the podcast to chat about the collaborative winery that he co-founded in Baltimore City. He discusses his international upbringing, the unique concept of working with grapes from farms all over the region, the complications with having a planned opening date of March 2020, the facility's innovative techniques and equipment, how Maryland wine has changed for the better, the wonderful spirit that is vermouth, and how he and his team are bring...
Apr 21, 2021•34 min
Ashley Mac, bar manager of NiHao, joins the podcast to talk about her her career in bartending at places like R. House and True Chesapeake Oyster House, her four-plus years of continuous sobriety, the way she is helping to normalize mental health struggles in the industry, her innovative Asian-inspired cocktails, and the beauty that is baijiu liquor. To follow Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_amacquiri_/ To support NiHao: https://www.nihaobaltimore.com/ To get more info about Heard Baltimore: ...
Mar 17, 2021•54 min
Award-winning photojournalist Joe Giordano talks about 25 years of shooting nightlife photography in Baltimore. His work is chronicled in a new book, We Used To Live at Night, which features scenes from Baltimore bars, clubs, dance parties, casinos, hip-hop battles, drag shows, and everything in between. Pre-order Joe’s book: https://www.theculturecrush.com/culture-crush-editions/9aacr2y9lqj4a2vmvjiben4ifjqs0x Follow Joe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jmgiordanophoto/
Feb 01, 2021•55 min
Scott Mullins of WTMD and the staff of Monument City Brewing joined the podcast to discuss their upcoming live show on November 7. In-person seating will be extremely limited and social distanced and they will be live streaming the show on Facebook and YouTube. Proceeds and a virtual tip jar will benefit WTMD, which needs our help more than ever in 2020. On the podcast, we discussed how everyone is adapting this year, the symbiotic relationship between beer and live music, the best Monument brew...
Oct 30, 2020•26 min
Ty Jackson and Jeryl Cole talk about their wine and beer shop Off The Rox in Highlandtown. The husband-and-wife team discuss their foray into the industry, how their own love story played out, why they choose to work with small-batch producers, the way COVID-19 has impacted their business, and how they've seen Baltimore grow and change since they were young kids growing up in the city.
Oct 12, 2020•42 min
Ezra Allen and Aaron Joseph talk about their company Cane Collective, which produces fresh and seasonal mixers ideal for at-home bartending. The two discuss how they both got into the industry at a very young age, their complementary business partnership, how the pandemic actually spurred them into action, what it's like being a Black-owned business right now, and how they were inspired to create fresh and bright flavors like Guava Tiki Punch and Tropical Green Orchard.
Jun 12, 2020•1 hr 1 min
Tenth Ward Distilling founder & owner Monica Pearce discusses opening her dream distillery in the heart of Frederick, what goes on in the cocktail lab, why they decided to make the first absinthe in Maryland, and how they have pivoted to not only offer curbside takeout and delivery—but are also now producing and donating surface cleanser to local frontline workers. Plus, she takes us through Tenth Ward's spirits lineup, which includes a delicious smoked corn whiskey that drinks like a tequil...
May 04, 2020•38 min
Dutch Courage owners Brendan Dorr and Eric Fooy discuss opening their dream gin bar just a few short months ago, what the rollercoaster of emotions has been like since, how they've turned a cocktail bar into a carryout bottle shop, and how to best support your local service industry members during the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, they reveal some of their more interesting quarantine hobbies, mix up a Jefferson Sour, and show off their to-go gin Old Fashioned. For a list of ways you can help suppo...
Apr 06, 2020•53 min
Nepenthe Brewing co-owner Jill Antos discusses her early love of beer, one year of owning her Hampden brewery, stereotypes in the industry, some exciting canning news, and everyone's favorite brew shop dog, Benny.
Mar 08, 2020•39 min
Guinness head brewer Hollie Stephenson, Checkerspot Brewing co-owner and brewer Judy Neff, and Suspended Brewing co-owner Yasmin Karimian discuss stigmas and stereotypes that women in the craft beer industry face. Listen in to hear how women are breaking the mold, battling “internal sexism,” and working smarter in the brewhouse.
Mar 28, 2019•48 min
DuClaw Brewing founder Dave Benfield and head brewer Brandon Stanko discuss the brewery's exciting evolution over the past few years. Craft beer fans have noticed that DuClaw has shifted—from having a one-trick pony reputation to that of a real brewing powerhouse, constantly churning out delicious sours, double IPAs, and unorthodox flavors. Listen in as they discuss how brewers and branding made that shift possible, what exciting releases are ahead, the future of the Rosedale taproom, and how an...
Mar 12, 2019•53 min
Baltimore Spirits Company co-owners Max Lents and Eli Breitburg-Smith make a return visit to the podcast to discuss their new space inside Union Collective, rebranded name, and fourth iteration of their Epoch Rye Whiskey. We discuss the secret meeting that convinced them to be a part of Union Collective, their innovative geothermal water system, the fourth iteration of award-winning Epoch Rye, their first spirits collaboration with Union Craft Brewing, and the future growth of the brand around t...
Nov 21, 2018•34 min
Head brewer Hollie Stephenson joins the podcast to talk about opening the only Guinness brewery in the U.S., how she's trying to expand people's preferences beyond the stout, her impressive craft beer resume, and why she has fallen absolutely in love with Baltimore.
Oct 30, 2018•35 min
Gina Netisingha of Wit & Wisdom at Four Seasons Baltimore chatted about her background living around the world, what hospitality means to her, which cocktail trends she loves and hates, and how she is helping to change the service industry to be more open-minded.
Aug 29, 2018•30 min
Comptroller Peter Franchot joins the podcast to talk about the economic impact of craft beer in Maryland, why our state is uniquely bad for the future growth of the industry, the possibility of Maryland selling beer and wine in grocery stores, and how part of his job is being the "Chief Alcohol Regulator."
Jun 26, 2018•30 min
Chelsea Gregoire, bar manager at Hotel Revival's new rooftop bar Topside, talks about the Baltimore bar scene, the relationship between religion and hospitality, how the industry as a whole can be more inclusive, and takes us through her cocktail menu of Shandies, rum Old Fashioneds, and more.
May 16, 2018•45 min
Talked with Colin and Zack of Diamondback Brewing Company about contract brewing, how their brand has evolved, the unique practice of self-distribution, finding their home in Locust Point, and the importance of working with local producers. Plus, we tried spring seasonals and previewed the annual Greener Fest event at the taproom.
Apr 16, 2018•43 min
Sagamore Spirit president Brian Treacy and brand director Rachel Fontana talk about the Port Covington distillery turning one years old, rye whiskey history in Maryland, women in the whiskey industry, and what big plans they have for their anniversary party.
Apr 03, 2018•47 min
Interviewed Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins of Old Line Spirits. We chatted about the unusual origins of their distillery, changing perceptions about American single malt whiskey, how they’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of their Highlandtown taproom, and tried their brand new cask-finished Caribbean rum.
Mar 02, 2018•54 min
Recorded at Charm City Meadwork's brand new taproom near Mt. Vernon, where owners James Boicourt and Andrew Geffken talked about mead misconceptions, why it’s important to save the bees, local collaborations, and their upcoming apple-cinnamon release.
Dec 01, 2017•31 min
Hanging with my favorite Baltimore beer brothers of Monument City Brewing! We talk about their latest fall beers, the journey from contract brewing to permanent home, what Highlandtown has meant to them, interesting tales from a family hike, and try their not-yet-released hazy IPA Nobo.
Sep 22, 2017•40 min
Dogfish Head Distilling GM James Montero and Head Distiller Graham Hamblett join me to talk about the relationship between the brewery and the distillery, how they think of out-of-the-box flavors, getting customer feedback straight from the bar, and how Barb from Stranger Things fits into all this.
Aug 23, 2017•40 min
I tagged along on a City Brew Tour, which took the group around to four different breweries in Baltimore including Heavy Seas, Monument City, Brew House No. 16, and Diamondback Brewing. In the episode, I chronicle the history of the tours, talk to tour guides Matt and Ryan, and even find myself in the midst of a bachelor party along the way.
Aug 03, 2017•7 min
Talked with Lost Ark Distilling owners Brad Blackwell and Andy Debenham about Maryland pride, local sourcing, how Columbia is getting cool, and tried some of their delicious rums and whiskey—including a summer blend of their spiced rum that everyone should be drinking pronto.
Jun 28, 2017•44 min
Recorded this episode about amaro live at the Baltimore Podcast Festival. Special guests Kristen Starks of Cosima and Amie Ward of R. Bar talked all about the Italian bitter liqueur, the Baltimore bar scene, gender and race politics in the industry, and how they are changing people's minds one cocktail at a time.
May 24, 2017•35 min
Visited Old Westminster Winery and talked to owners (and siblings) Drew Baker, Lisa Hinton, and Ashli Johnson about making some of the best wines in Maryland. We chat about the winery's origins, their ingredient-driven wines, events in their tasting room, and what it's like to work with family. Plus, we sip on their Cabernet Franc and Albariño Pétillant Naturel.
Apr 05, 2017•38 min
