Oxnard, California—a charming, sun-drenched coastal town better known for its strawberries and surf than for spirits. But that’s changing, thanks to the arrival of one of the whisky world’s most celebrated figures. Enter John Campbell, a man who spent over 25 years crafting single malt masterpieces at the iconic Laphroaig Distillery on Islay, Scotland. Now? He’s trading briny peat and windswept moors for California sunshine and a bold new challenge at Sespe Creek Distillery .Campbell’s name is s...
Nov 26, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 281
We do our best to steer clear of politics on this show—unless, of course, the folks in Washington start tampering with our beloved booze. And it looks like that might be the case once Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office. During his first term, Trump slapped tariffs on imports that hammered the booze industry hard—unfortunately, not in the fun way. This time, he’s promising more of the same. In this episode, Dan dives into what happened last time, what’s likely ahead, and how we can fight bac...
Nov 19, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 280
Newly minted Emmy winner Eric Andre and Dan hosted an epic bash at Melrose Umbrella Co., Los Angeles’ favorite spot for well-made drinks and debauchery. The guest list? A little insane. We’re talking WWD’s wandering spirit expert Brad Japhe, Melrose proprietor Zach Patterson, and a who’s-who of LA’s cocktail gods. Plus, let’s not forget the real stars of the shindig: Del Maguey Mezcal, El Buho Mezcal, G4 Tequila, Cierto Tequila, Mi Casa Tequila, Tequila Herradura, Codigo 1530 Tequila, and Patron...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 279
Dan kicks things off with a wild recounting of his first brush with the future—zipping around town in a driverless Waymo. Imagine the excitement (and a touch of terror) as he sits back, trusting the wheel to a car with no driver. Spoiler alert: it’s a smooth, freakishly calm ride… until it takes him down a one-way street in the wrong direction. Just kidding! But he’ll have you gripping your armchair like you’re riding shotgun. Next up, Dan raises a glass in memory of the legendary Quincy Jones, ...
Nov 05, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 278
Dan is joined by WWD’s resident Wine Goddess herself, Clair Coppi, for a seasonal plummet into the vino vat—the kind of wine lineup that gets you through those sweater-weather nights. This year, we’ve curated a selection that’ll pair just as well with a cozy night in as it will with your attempts to out-chef the family. Here’s the rundown on the roster: Dolly Wines 2023 California Chardonnay, Siduri 2023 Sonoma County Chardonnay, Maggy Hawk 2021 Jolie Pinot Noir, CHEV 2021 Russian River Valley P...
Oct 29, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 277
Dan kicks off the episode by launching into a spirited debate—naturally—with himself, over who’d win in an imaginary bar brawl between Vodka and Gin. You know, the kind of existential dilemma we all wrestle with. After that, he sits down with one of the beverage industry’s heavy hitters, Amanda Victoria, co-founder of Siponey Spritz Co. The two dive into topics ranging from honeybees and the fascinating history of ready-to-drink cocktails, to New York City’s unseasonably warm weather and their g...
Oct 22, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 276
Alright, bar buffs and cocktail connoisseurs, Dan is back with the ultimate bucket list – or should I say, "booze bucket" list? He’s distilled his years of bar-crawling expertise into a list of the ten essential experiences that every self-respecting bar aficionado should knock out before last call on life. This isn’t your average listicle – we’re talking sacred rites of passage, people. You think you've done it all? Think again. And that's not all. In our "Drinks of the Week" segment, Dan revie...
Oct 15, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 275
You ever hear about the time Dan nearly became a Las Vegas cautionary tale? It’s a wild ride involving a championship prize fight, a topless pool (because, Vegas), an over-served spirits industry exec who thought he was part of the Rat Pack, and—oh yeah—the cops. Also, on this week’s "Drinks of the Week," we're diving headfirst into the green fairy's arms with Absente absinthe. This isn't just a drink; it's a hallucination in a glass. Remember, with absinthe, you don’t just drink it, you negotia...
Oct 08, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 275
The Clover Club cocktail is one of those drinks that makes you feel like you've been invited to a secret society meeting, where everyone’s wearing velvet smoking jackets and discussing the finer points of monocle craftsmanship. Born in pre-Prohibition Philadelphia, this elegant mix of gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white was the toast of the Clover Club, a swanky all-men’s social club. Back then, it was the kind of cocktail you'd order if you wanted to seem like the most interesting ...
Oct 01, 2024•6 min
Dan is joined by bartending legend Dale DeGroff and renowned artisan distiller Ted Breaux for some lively conversation about their latest creations: DeGroff Bitter Aperitivo and New World Amaro. These delightful concoctions mark their second collaboration with Oregon’s Clear Creek Distillery. DeGroff, whom Dan credits as the man who helped kickstart his career in spirits journalism, brings his signature charm to the discussion. Meanwhile, Dan dives into the real origin of the word "booze" and go...
Sep 24, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 273
Yo, ho, ho! In the time it takes to sing an ol' sea shanty — and who doesn't love an ol' sea shanty? — Dan walks us down the plank and dives into the Dark 'n Stormy, an invigorating coalescence of Gosling's Black Seal Rum and ginger beer that hails from Bermuda and derives its name from one of the worst opening lines in literary history. A kissing cousin to the Moscow Mule, it's an inviting drink with an ominous hue once described as "the color of a cloud only a fool or dead man would sail under...
Sep 17, 2024•4 min
Dan is joined by Barrell Craft Spirits founder Joe Beatrice and the company's Director of Distillery Operations & Chief Whiskey Scientist, Tripp Stimson. Barrell Craft Spirits isn’t just making whiskey—they’re bottling liquid adventure. Founded in 2013 by Beatrice, the Louisville-based company has mastered the art of blending, curating small-batch, cask-strength gems that ignite the palate. Their philosophy? Don’t dilute greatness. Each batch is like a fingerprint—unique, unrepeatable, and l...
Sep 10, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 272
Country music superstar Dierks Bentley stops by to share the story behind his latest venture, ROW 94—a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted with care at the historic Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, KY. Dierks dives into what drew him to the spirits business and the unique influences that shaped the flavor of his new whiskey. Of course, they dive into music too, revisiting his debut single and instant classic, “What Was I Thinkin’,” and reflecting on the journey that led to multiple...
Sep 03, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 271
Tailgating is where culinary alchemy meets liquid artistry—a pre-game spectacle that’s less about the final score and more about the sizzling symphony of the grill, the cold embrace of a well-poured drink, and the joyous blur of camaraderie. It’s that sacred space where friendships are grilled to perfection over spicy wings, cold beverages, and the kind of choices you might not brag about later. Tailgating: where parking lots morph into arenas of epic indulgence. In this episode, Dan is joined b...
Aug 27, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 270
At the start of each chapter in Dan's book, Living Loaded , you'll discover cocktail recipes crafted to perfectly complement the theme of the chapter. These tantalizing drinks were exclusively created for the book by fifteen of the world’s top mixologists, all of whom Dan proudly counts as friends. In this episode, Dan spotlights a few of these masterfully mixed cocktails, featuring contributions from legendary figures like Dale DeGroff, Aisha Sharpe, Allen Katz, and more. Our Sponsors: * Check ...
Aug 20, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 269
In a few shakes of a lamb's tail, Dan tips his hat to the Boulevardier, that urbane cousin of the Negroni. Swapping out gin's juniper jab for whiskey’s warm embrace, this cocktail mingles sweet vermouth and bitter Campari, achieving a rich, ruddy hue. Conceived in the roguish Parisian circles of the 1920s, where expatriates like Erskine Gwynne heralded its creation, the Boulevardier whispers of smoky parlors and literary wit, an elixir not just sipped, but savored. Our Sponsors: * Check out Diet...
Aug 13, 2024•8 min
History tells us that anything that becomes popular is immediately beaten to death with a shovel. This has certainly been the case with Pumpkin Spice Lattes, or PSLs for those who find syllables too burdensome. In this episode, our intrepid host declares it’s time to admit we’ve reached the pinnacle of pumpkin spice mania. The higher we’ve climbed, the harder the inevitable fall. When the PSL backlash hits, it'll be brutal, and Dan will be hailed as a prophet. And since we’re smack dab in the mi...
Aug 06, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 268
One of our all-time favorite humans graces the podcast once again! The multi-talented Aisha Tyler—actor, director, writer, and spirits entrepreneur—joins Dan along with guest co-hosts Claire Coppi and Austin Melrose for a whirlwind chat at the cozy Melrose Umbrella Co. in Los Angeles. We dive deep into Aisha's star-studded career from "Criminal Minds" to "Friends," and even those memorable "Talk Soup" days with our very own Mr. Dunn. And what's on the menu for today? None other than Aisha's late...
Jul 30, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 267
It's been said that it's always wine o'clock in the summertime, and that's certainly the case on this episode, featuring a bunch of great wine and a pair of vino experts in Claire Coppi and Austin Melrose... oh, and Dan too! The wines sampled include Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc, FitVine Aluminum Chillable Red Blend, Diatom Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, Stag’s Leap Winery Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Loveblock Organic Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne Lanson Le Green Label and Beau...
Jul 23, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 266
Dan imparts hard-earned wisdom gleaned from years spent perched upon barstools the world over. For instance, did you know that if you multiply the number of whiskies drank in a session by ten, subtract from your body weight, divide by four, add one for every decade you’ve been alive, you get the precise number of hours you’ll be hungover the next day? Try it. Works every time. Also, we hand out our annual bar industry awards in oft-overlooked categories such as Best Bartender Tattoo, World’s Wor...
Jul 09, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 265
Dan pays tribute his brother Brian on the 14th anniversary of his passing, Our Sponsors: * Check out Diet Smoke and use my code WWDPOD20 for a great deal: https://www.dietsmoke.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jul 02, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 264
Harvey Wallbanger does indeed sound more like a lawyer you'd call after a fender bender than a cocktail you'd order at a swanky soirée. Whipped up in the psychedelic whirlwind of the '60s, this groovy concoction blends the slick, cool vibe of vodka with the bright, cheery optimism of orange juice, topped off with a mysterious float of Galliano. Donning a golden hue and a stature that rivals any lava lamp, this drink is as much a throwback to its era as shag carpets and bell bottoms, yet it's inf...
Jun 25, 2024•7 min
Raise your glasses high, folks—it's our 5th Anniversary Bash! To celebrate, we're uncorking a lineup of liquid legends with two hilariously high-spirited guests. Dan's chilling with Phil Rosenthal, the globe-trotting gourmand from 'Somebody Feed Phil,' and Emmy-winner Tom Caltabiano, a man who knows his way around a joke as well as a jigger. Join us as we sip, savor, and dissect a tantalizing array of top-shelf treasures, from the agave-kissed brilliance of Tequila Ocho to the cool Icelandic cha...
Jun 18, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 263
In the time it takes to walk an old dog, Dan reveals all about the Amaro Shakerato. It's like your wild Italian cousin who studied mixology instead of law. It's a frothy fiesta of bittersweet flavors that demands a shake more vigorous than a salsa dance off. This cocktail's a dark, mysterious concoction that's both bitter and sweet, kind of like most of Dan's exes. Shaken, not stirred, because apparently, that’s how we deal with our feelings now. It's the perfect drink to sip while pondering whe...
Jun 11, 2024•5 min
Recorded at the legendary The Belmont bar in West Hollywood, Dan goes all in on some Tequila Fortaleza while hanging out with the creative and star-studded trio behind the new film "Last Night on Earth" — writer-director Marcos Efron and stars Dee Wallace and Shane West. Our Sponsors: * Check out Diet Smoke and use my code WWDPOD20 for a great deal: https://www.dietsmoke.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Jun 04, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 262
Dan kicks off a rollicking episode by inviting bar-industry heavyweights Jimmy Yeager and Sean Kenyon to dive into the world of Woody Creek Distillers, a Colorado gem that's all about that farm-to-bottle magic. Their top-notch spirits have turned heads with their quality and eco-friendly swagger, serving up a true Rocky Mountain high. Get ready for some spirited banter as the gang tackles the hot topic of auto-gratuities in bars, with opinions flying as fast as shakers at happy hour. Also on tap...
May 21, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 261
Dan is joined by Mike Love, the eternal Beach Boy; the high priest of Good Vibrations, holding court over summer anthems and gorgeous sunsets. With a voice that can summon the spirit of the sixties and a cap that has never known defeat, Mike has serenaded generations with tales of surf, sand, and teenage dreams. With Club Kokomo Spirits, Mike and his son Brian, who's also on the show, have bottled the essence of endless summers and sunlit surf. It's a lineup of laid-back ready-to-drink libations...
May 14, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 260
In Iceland's icy grip, Reyka Vodka stands out like a Norse god at a cocktail party, distilled amidst volcanic fervor and the soft murmurs of elfin lore. This boutique spirit, clearer than a polar gale, is lovingly wrought from glacial waters, offering a taste so disarmingly smooth, it might just mediate a Viking truce. Joining Dan is Reyka's stalwart National Ambassador, Jeff Naples, to delve deep into this top-tier tipple. And don’t miss another fiery episode of "Driving Me to Drink," where Dan...
May 07, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 259
Sipping on a budget means your cocktail might occasionally taste like paint thinner—but hey, it's all part of the adventure! Imbibing low-budget cocktails is an art form perfected by thrifty tipplers and college students worldwide. Picture this: a dimly lit kitchen, a motley crew of friends gathered around, each clutching a plastic cup filled with something vaguely alcoholic. The ingredients? Whatever's on sale—off-brand cola, no-name rum, and if you're feeling fancy, a splash of fruit punch fro...
Apr 30, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 258
On this episode, Dan waxes nostalgic about Zima, which was for one brief shining moment in the 1990s, a sparkling sensation on the adult beverage scene. For those of you too young to remember, or who may have repressed the memory due to trauma, Zima was a clear, lightly carbonated alcoholic beverage that the Coors Brewing Company burped out in 1993. Basically, Zima was training wheels for people who thought beer was too, y’know, beer-y. Also, Dan chats with one of the world’s most revered master...
Apr 23, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 257
