Raise a Glass - podcast cover

Raise a Glass

Robert Sickler
Raise a Glass will explore the world of artisinal beverages, discussing their origins, applications and relevance with fellow professionals and enthusiasts I’ve met along my journey.
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Episodes

Episode 19 - Al Laws of Laws Whiskey House

On Monday, September 14th I was treated to some exemplary hospitality by Al Laws and several members of his team, including Joelle Coons, regional sales manager and Steve Kurowski, marketing director. We discussed some of the exciting developments taking place at the facility, intriguing releases, and some fun experimental projects. Laws Whiskey House is truly world class whiskey...do your palate a favor and seek out of of their beautiful whiskies to sip and savor with fine company. https://laws...

Sep 16, 202057 min

Episode 18 - Graeme Wallace of Hogback Distillery

On Episode 18 of Raise a Glass I sit down with Graeme Wallace, a native of Scotland who has written about whisky for 20 years and currently owns Hogback Distillery in Boulder, Colorado. Graeme intends to create the best single malt whiskey in the U.S. by uniting "Scottish and American traditions in harmony." While his single malts mature peacefully in oak casks, he has been developing his skills as a blender by sourcing various American Bourbons and Ryes and blending and maturing them in a range...

Aug 27, 20201 hr 26 min

Episode 17 - Henry Preiss of Preiss Imports

Its always a pleasure to chat with Henry Preiss, a gentleman with 46 years in the wine and spirits industry whose passion is second to none. In this episode we chat about his diverse experiences over the years, observations on cocktail trends and conversation regarding some of the unique, independent products he proudly represents such as Shortcross Gin, Silkie Irish Whiskey, Jumping Goat Cold Brew Coffee Liqueurs, D'Aristi Xtabentun, Kalani Coconut Liqueur, Huana Guanabana Liqueur, etc. For mor...

Aug 21, 20201 hr 21 min

Episode 16 - Guillaume Lamy of Maison Ferrand (Part Two)

In this episode I welcome back Guillame Lamy of Maison Ferrand to explore the history of Cognac, Maison Ferrand's approach to the time honoured craft, and a brief discussion on the magnificent Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao. My apologies for my horrific French pronunciation. :)

Aug 20, 20201 hr 20 min

Episode 15 - Rachel MacNeill of Islay Whisky Academy and Whisky Affinity

I sit down with the lovely, inspiring Rachel MacNeill to chat about one of my favourite topics in the universe: Islay whisky. Rachel shares stories from her time growing up on Islay, her impressions of numerous Scotch whiskies, and exciting information on an upcoming online whisky course she is launching soon that focuses not only on whisky but on Gaelic/Celtic consciousness. I have always revered whisky as a magical, transformative sacrament that unites likeminded beings and Rachel is most defi...

Aug 19, 20201 hr 47 min

Episode 14 - Read Spear of Cuentacuentos Mezcal

It was my genuine pleasure to chat with Read Spear, founder of Cuentacuentos Mezcal. Cuentacuentos curates small batch traditional mezcals from artisanal and ancestral producers throughout the state of Oaxaca. We chatted about the various mezcaleros who produce the mezcals for Cuentacuentos, some of Read's favorite spots in Oaxaca, an exciting new project recently launched by Cuentacuentos and the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of mezcal.

Aug 13, 20201 hr 30 min

Episode 12 - Tony Zezas of The Harvest Wine Company

I sit down with Tony to explore the category of natural wines, and taste through a unique assortment of the spectrum that is natural wine. We taste De Stefani Processco, Broc Cellars White Zinfandel, Di Giovanna Camurria, Volvoreta Tinta de Toro and Santa Duc Côtes du Rhône. We wrap up our sensory journey with samplings of Talisker Distiller's Edition, La Cigarerra Manzanilla, and Leipziger Gose. Not a bad way to close a Sunday evening.

Aug 10, 20201 hr 48 min

Episode 11 - Peter Nevenglosky of Avuá Cachaca

On this episode I chat with Peter Nevenglosky about Avuá, his magnificent line of artisanal cachaca, Avuá's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, the diversity of Brazilian wood in cachaca maturation, cachaca cocktail applications, Brazilian culture, Svol Aquavit, Tiki by the Sea, investment opportunities with Drifter Spirits and an exciting limited release coming from Avuá.

Aug 07, 20201 hr 12 min

Episode 10 - Guillaume Lamy, VP of the Americas for Maison Ferrand & West Indies Rum Distillery

I am fortunate to sit down with Guillame Lamy of Maison Ferrand to discuss the creation of Citadelle Gin, its unique maturation program, Citadelle Gin cocktails and culinary pursuits, Plantation Rum, the topic of dosage, the recent purchase of the West Indies Rum Distillery, the wizardry of Alexandre Gabriel and the unique work culture of Maison Ferrand. In a follow up episode we will discuss Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao as well as the exceptional Ferrand Cognac which is produced on the Ferrand Es...

Jul 31, 20201 hr 22 min

Episode 9 - Dylan Sloan of Mezcal Vago

Dylan Sloan, co-founder of Mezcal Vago, joins me for a conversation about Vago, the types of agave in their lineup, Dios De Los Muertos, Pechuga, Mezcal cocktails, the rich indigenous culture in Oaxaca and Chiapas, the stellar food in Oaxaca City, Aquilino Garcia's talented family members taking over mezcal production at his palenque and Vago’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and transparency.

Jul 30, 20201 hr 12 min

Episode 8 - Allison Goldberg of Fruitations Craft Soda & Cocktail Mixer

In this episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Allison about what inspired her to launch Fruitations and some of the valleys and peaks she's encountered along the way. She also shares fond memories of interactions with fellow flavor lovers throughout her travels and her relentless optimism in the face of adversity.

Jul 29, 202050 min

Episode 7 - Asis Cortes of Mezcal Dixeebe and Origen Raiz

I am delighted to sit down with Asis Cortes, world renowed mezcal expert, phenomenal artist/graphic designer and 6th generation member of the highly esteemed Cortes family who represent more than 20 communities and families creating truly compelling, magnificent mezcals. Join us we chat about mezcal, chocolate, pulque, aquamiel, and his experiences growing up in Oaxaca in a family of mezcaleros.

Jul 24, 202055 min

Episode 6 - Carey Shanks of Marble Distilling

Carey Shanks, co-owner of Marble Distilling, discusses he and his wife Connie's mission to create world class distillates with a 100% focus on sustainability. We discuss their zero-waste facility and delicious distillates in addition to Carey's travels and experiences prior to Marble Distillery's inception, including his 7 years living among the Hopi as well as his travels through SE Asia. I am looking forward to having Connie Baker, head distiller and Carey's better half, join me on a follow up...

Jul 23, 202056 min

Episode 5 - Sebastian Gomez Camarino & Ben Long of Trakal Patagonian Spirit

Join us for a conversation about Trakal, a remarkable spirit created in Patagonia with apples, pears, 7 native herbs and 4 native berries. Seb and Ben discuss the development of this unique distillate, the inspiration behind it, as well as insights into the surrounding landscape and cultural heritage.

Jul 22, 202049 min
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