There are tons of late nights in the bar industry and conversations that cover all subjects. This is one of those conversations. We sat down with Chuck Fowler to discuss all the conspiracies that we hear serving guests at the bar and add our own take to them. This is one of those types of shows that is genuinely as close as it gets to the conversations had at the bar top!
In this episode we invite Enes from Alesmith on to talk about the history and beers of Alesmith Brewing. We learn a lot about how the brewery got started, some of their specialty beers, and the charities and organizations they help out with. Enes was born in in the former Yugoslavia and is a Bosnian native that moved from there to Tucson AZ, and later Phoenix. We talk a lot about this growing up there and moving to the states, and what it is like to become a representative that helps open up mar...
In this episode with sit down with Ian Ribowsky, General Manager of Jean-Luc Colombo in Cornas in the Rhône Valley. We had an amazing time talking with Ian about what it was like working the industry for the past few decades, and what it took for him to work with his good friend Jean-Luc. We sat down and drank through a handful of different wines from Jean-Luc Colombo winery, and talked a lot about what makes up Rhône Valley styles and the rules that dictate how they are made. We learned a lot f...
In this episode, we sit down with representative Katixa Mercier from French Libations. French Libations represents a bunch of different French wines, spirits and ciders in America. We talk bout everything from how she came up in the industry and her love of wine, as well as all things chip related. #chipfaced. She also helps Jonathan try to pronounce all the different wine labels, since she can speak multiple different languages, but as usual he fails pretty terribly. We hope you enjoy this show...
In this episode with sit down with the Southwest Area Sales Manager of Great Divide brewing to talk to us about the brewery and its beers. We also get into what its like in the beer industry and learned a lot along the way. We hope you enjoy.
In this episode, we sit down with the winemaker Matt Dees. Matt makes the wines for Jonata, The Hilt, and The Paring wines. We sit down and have a discussion about ho the got into the wine industry, where its heading, and future plans for himself. Once again, the conversation leads to a lot of laughter and we discover that the world is a small place and we all know some of the same people.
In this episode, we have on Bibiana González Rave, owner and winemaker, of Cattleya and Alma de Cattleya Wines. She was named Winemaker of the year in 2015 by San Francisco chronicle as well as Wine Enthusiast top 40 under 40 Americas Tastemakers. While we drink her wines and discuss her 2 labels Alma de Cattleya and Cattleya, we dive into how she arrived in the wine making world. What it was like working for Pahlmeyer and Wayfarer and how she started her own wine brand. We learn a lot from her ...
In this episode, we sit down with the VP of Marketing and sales for Karl Strauss Brewery Chad Heath. We sample through a bunch of different beers with him while we talk about what it was like to get to where he is at, as well as Karl Strauss Brewery and the future of beer from them. As usual we get into some other weird conversations that give you a look into the wide world of beer. Hope you all enjoy. Cheers!
In this episode, Adam Avery, the owner and founder of Avery Brewing Co in Boulder Colorado joins us on the show. We had a great time talking to him about what is was like starting his brewery, creating his original beers, what it was like to run the brewery during COVID, and numerous other topics. Beer drank on this episode Pamona - Sour Beer White Rascal - Belgian Wit Beer Liliko'i Kepolo - Belgian Wit Beer with Hawaiian passion fruit Hazyish IPA - Hazy IPA Vanilla Bean Stout - Bourbon Barrel A...
In this episode the Head brewer of Harland Ryan Alvarez, and Brand Ambassador Erica Nichols come on to discuss their beers from Harland Beer Co in San Diego, California. We talk with Ryan and Erica about how they got into the beer industry, what its like being a brewer, the crazy world of the beer industry, becoming an ambassador for the company during a pandemic, and much more. Beer Drank on the episode Wallaby - Australian Lager Tama Tama - Foeder fermented Pilsner - Foeder Pilsner w/ Yuzu and...
In this episode Brenson Johnson, from Toppling Goliath Brewery in Decorah, Iowa, join Jonathan and Damien. While they drink a few different beers from the brewery, they discuss every thing from what its like working for Toppling Goliath, new trends in the beer industry, Brensons band, and making homemade furniture! Beers drank in this episode Dorthys New World Lager Pompeii IPA Pseudo Sue - Hazy Pale Ale King Sue - Hazy Double IPA Term Oil Coconut Monster Cookie - Bourbon Aged Stout...
WE ARE BACK!!! This is the ver first episode recorded in the podcasting studio at Rift! In this episode Jonathan and Damien discuss where the term cult wine comes from. they break down the possibility of the term originating from an actual cult in California, and not created to be used as a term for collector wines. They drink some wine made from a place in California that is considered among many to have once been a doomsday cult that produced the wine for this episode. Check out the new bar at...
In Episode 41, after a few months away from the mic's, the guys settle back into the groove of podcasting by welcoming their good friend Yousef back on the show to talk about his craft beer collaboration and to blind taste some wine with us. Yousef is the founder and cohost of the live show "Social Distance Drinking Club" and a Spilling the Truth favorite guest. The guys talk all about his recent beer collaboration with Tombstone Brewing, announce their new studio and wine bar, and of course dis...
The guys are back with new episodes! In their return, Jonathan and Damien open a great bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and discuss the impact the pandemic is having on restaurants, wineries, breweries and the beverage industry as a whole. They have some great advice for people trying to do virtual tastings and ideas on how to get through the weeks of being on lockdown. Wines Tasted: 2013 Calla Lilly "Ultimate Red" Cabernet Sauvignon - Pope Valley, Napa, California
In today episode, Damien and Jonathan were very lucky to spend a couple hours talking everything Italian with Nicola Biscardo, Amarone producer, importer, and brand ambassador of some of the most amazing and unique Italian varietals. The guys begin the show with a quick lesson on Italian phrases and than get right into the rich culture and history of Italy and Verona in particular. Nicola shares his passion and enthusiasm throughout the show and educates the guys on how amarone is produced, the ...
In Episode 38, Damien and Jonathan welcome the owner of Atlas Bistro on the show to saber a champagne bottle and to talk Oregon Pinot Noir. Todd founded Atlas Bistro 19 years ago and it has become one of the best hidden gems in Phoenix and in America. The show starts off with a quick demonstration on how not to saber a bottle, a discussion about Grower Champagnes, our favorite wine importers, and how he founded the restaurant. Quickly the guys get into how Atlas Bistro, after 19 years, stays one...
In Episode 37, Jonathan and Damien talk all about attending wine trade shows and discuss Washington state wines for the first time. The guys just returned from a local distributor trade event with a bottle of Saltfire Hazy IPA and 4 different selections from Gorman Winery in Columbia Valley WA. They spend the episode discussing everything from sustainability laws and Washington growing regions to how to get into a distributor trade shows with ease. Gorman winery is a great value and we definitel...
In Episode 36, the guys welcomed local food festival legend David Tyda on the show to Spill the Truth all about his new festivals and to discuss pairing wine with pizza. David arrived to the show with a local favorite NY style pizza, the guys opened three awesome Italian wines, turned on the mic's instantly hilarity ensued. This episode is our funniest to date and also has the first canned wine consumed on the show. The guys talk all about Davids upcoming Phoenix Pizza Festival and debate everyt...
In this episode, Damien and Jonathan welcome their good friend and sommelier Thomas Klafke to Spill the Truth about the Howell Mountain AVA. This is the the most informative episode to date and might have the best wine ever consumed by the guys while recording. Thomas flew in just to share three estate Cabernet Sauvignons from three different vintages while discussing the nuances of the region in a fun way. The conversation really is an in depth look into the Howell Mountain AVA and the mind of ...
In this episode, Damien and Jonathan welcome back Sean Tevik to discuss sulfites in wine more in depth and talk about other misconceptions in wine production. Sean has worked as a wine director, winery general manager, distributor, and ambassador and is a wealth of knowledge. We had planned on talking more about sulfites during this episode however the conversation lead us to many alternate topics such as spontaneous fermentation, immaculate inoculations and magic wands that reduce hangovers. Th...
In this episode, Jonathan and Damien discuss sulfites and additives in wines. The sulfites added to wine have became the stuff of urban legend where people believe its the catalyst for every headache, migraine, and movie style hangover. And yet, there’s no scientific evidence to support such claims. Damien has some great rants as the duo discuss all the additives allowed in wine, the real reason you might get a headache, and some local Arizona wines that you might find interesting. Thank you for...
In this episode, Jonathan and Damien sit down with Sommelier Oscar Avila before he leaves for Burgundy to pursue his MBA in wine. The guys talk what it takes to get a Business Degree in wine while enjoying some of Oscar's favorite varietals. The trio discusses everything from food and wine pairings and global warming to the wine events to attend such as TexSomm, VinItaly, and ProWein. Oscar drops some great knowledge including when is the perfect time to open those special bottles you are holdin...
In this episode, Jonathan and Damien go back to beer and do a followup to their Hazy IPA episode. They guys open a few different craft beers fresh from San Diego and discuss the craft beer explosion in the US and many of the trends happening right now. Damien busts out some amazing stats such as total number of breweries since the 1800's and per capita volume brewed per state. Many of the things covered in this episode are going to shock you ! Enjoy and thank you for listening. Beers Consumed: R...
In todays episode, Jonathan and Damien open a great bottle of 2007 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and have a conversation about the state of the beverage industry. They talk about the new tasting tongue that can spot fakes, trigger words that freak people out, and what exactly the guys consider a "big" wine. We hope you enjoy and thank you for tuning in. Wine tasted: 2007 Barbour Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - St. Helena, California You can now also watch on YouTube Episode 30 on YouTube...
In this Episode, Jonathan and Damien open some of their favorite unique white wines that are perfect for summertime entertaining and all these wines pair perfectly with barbecues, tacos and pools. The discuss throwing "A.B.C." parties as well as some of their favorite white wine pairings. There are some hilariously funny moments in this episode and we hope you enjoy. Wines Tasted: 2017 Aveleda Vinho Verde - Vinho Verde, Portugal 2017 Piattelli Torrontes - Salta, Argentina 2016 Hirsch "Hirschverg...
In this episode, Jonathan and Damien talk all about Barolo. They guys open two wines from the most iconic Barolo producers while discussing the region of Piedmont, the different clones of Nebbiolo and why this is one of their favorite varietals and regions in the world. This is another milestone episode where you can also watch on YouTube. We hope you enjoy. Wines tasted: 2013 Bruno Giacosa Nebbiolo d'alba - Nieve, Piedmont, Italy 2010 Damilano Cannubi Barolo - La Morra, Piedmont, Italy Watch Ep...
In today's episode, Jonathan and Damien go down the Hazy IPA rabbit hole and discuss why so many wine lovers are enjoying this newer style of IPA. The guys talk all about the different types of hops, the beer collaboration movement, and proper glassware. As usual, the conversation takes many twists and turns and always ends up back to whats in the glass. Cheers! Beers Tasted: Odd 13 Brewing "Intergalactic Juice Hunter" Double IPA Lumberyard Brewing "Hazy Angel" IPA New Image Brewing - "Peachra -...
In today's episode, Jonathan and Damien blind taste each other on some poorly stored wines and discuss the effects the storage environment has on wine. During the show, the guys talk about different techniques used to romance wine buyers, the beer hops craze in the US, and wine diamonds. The grand unveiling of wines tasted was shocking and you will need to tune in to see what happened. Enjoy Wines tasted: Its a surprise - you will need to listed to see what happens
In today's episode, Jonathan and Damien welcome local beer geek Yousef Hawash on the show drink wine and give his views as a consumer on the wine industry. The original plan was to blind taste various Malbecs from around the world with him however the guys got quickly derailed and ended up talking about everything from the best airport food in America and Alex Jones to who really is the Robert Parker of milkshakes. Yousef was a great guest and even shared a beer that would make the best sommelie...
In today's episode, Damien and Jonathan dive deep into Rosé wines and discuss why everyone should drink more of them. The guys open wines from two different countries and talk about everything from how Rosé is made and common food pairings to the final 2018 stats on wine consumption in the USA. We suspect the guys will do many more Rosé episodes after this one since they only scratched the surface on the many different styles of Rosé made around the world. Enjoy ! Wines Tasted: 2018 Ioppa Nebbio...
