The Modern Bar Cart Podcast
Episodes
Episode 311 - Flavor Attractors with Dr. Kevin Peterson
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In part two of my exploration of flavor and memory with Dr. Kevin Peterson, some of the topics we discuss include: What the Big 5 personality index ...
Episode 310 - Data-Driven Drinks with Dr. Kevin Peterson
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this data-driven conversation with Dr. Kevin Peterson, some of the topics we discuss include: How winding down Castalia and Sfumato after a decad...
Episode 309 - The Donn of Tiki with Alex Lamb and Max Well
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating conversation with Max Well and Alex Lamb, directors of The Donn of Tiki, some of the topics we discuss include: How a COVID-era ...
Episode 308 - Your Whiskey Math is Bullsh*t
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Eric kicks off 2026 with an audio essay rant targeted at the ham-fisted "percentage" math that people use to answer the question: "How much of a whisk...
Episode 307 - Sacred Serves: The Rituals that Make Drinking Human
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This time around, we'll be taking a look at drinking rituals from around the world. A few months back, my friend Reece Sims asked me to write an arti...
Episode 306 - The Bartender's Manifesto with Toby Maloney
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eric interviews Toby Maloney (@tobycocktail) about his award-winning book, The Bartender's Manifesto. Some of the topics covered in this conversation...
Episode 305 - Building Iconic Bar Programs with Toby Maloney
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this modern classic conversation with bartender and beverage consultant Toby Maloney, some of the topics we discuss include: Toby's journey throug...
Episode 304 - The Cigar Blend Dilemma with Maggie Kimberl
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this smokey, robust conversation with cigar and whiskey expert Maggie Kimberl (@lougirl502), some of the topics we discuss include: A working defi...
Episode 303 - The Official Rum of Leisure with Malcolm Gosling Jr.
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this smooth-sailing conversation with Malcolm Gosling Jr., 8th generation steward of the Goslings Rum company, some of the topics we discuss includ...
Episode 302 - Shop Talk: On-Premise Positioning for Spirits Brands
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
View the video of this seminar: here! What's shakin' drinks fans? Thanks for joining me for this special industry shop talk episode, where I give you...
Episode 301 - Into the Blue with Monique ten Kortenaar
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this true, blue interview with Lucas Bols Co. Master Distiller Monique ten Kortenaar (@distillermo), some of the topics we discuss include: The h...
Episode 300 - American Cane with Maggie Campbell
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In part two of my conversation with rum trailblazer Maggie Campbell, CEO of American Cane, some of the topics we discuss include: The project of Ame...
Episode 299 - Cane Dawgs with Maggie Campbell
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this spirited conversation with Maggie Campbell, CEO of American Cane, some of the topics we discuss include: Maggie's road to rum, which winds t...
Bonus: Rare Benedictine Tasting
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eric tastes through several rare and vintage Benedictine Liqueur expressions, alongside friends and colleagues from the spirits industry at the 2025 A...
Episode 298 - Above the Clouds with Charles Joly
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of my high-flying conversation with Charles Joly, some of the topics we discuss include: The 2014 Diageo World Class win that elevated Cha...
Episode 297 - In the Weeds with Charles Joly
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In part 1 of my conversation with acclaimed bartender Charles Joly, some of the topics we discuss include: The two predominant "schools" of cocktail ...
Episode 296 - The Mind of a Blender with Nancy Fraley
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this cask-strength conversation with spirits judge, educator, and master blender Nancy Fraley, some of the topics we discuss include: Nancy's jou...
BONUS: Ginspiration
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eric presents selected recordings from the 2024 ADI Gin Summit to provide a few extra perspectives on botanical spirits from some of the world's best ...
Episosde 295 - State of Gin, 2025 with Bobby Freeman
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Navy Strength conversation with Bobby Freeman (@nononsensegin), creator of the hit YouTube Channel, No Nonsense Gin Drinking, some of the top...
Episode 294 - AI Cocktails (Part 2)
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eric continues his two part investigation of the rise of Artificial Intelligence in the cocktail and bar world with special guest Rob Nester, creator ...
Episode 293 - AI Cocktails (Part 1)
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eric interviews Rob Nester, creator of the hit podcast, Drinking with Robots, about the rise of artificial intelligence in the cocktail space. This is...
BONUS: ASMR Rare Chartreuse Tasting
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Courtesy of the illustrious David T. Smith, author of The Gin Dictionary, Disco Cocktails, and other fine bibulous publications, I and a group of frie...
Episode 292 - Flavored Whiskey: Breaking the Taboo
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eric leads a panel discussion about flavored whiskey at the 2024 American Distilling Institute Conference and Trade show in Baltimore, Maryland. The e...
Episode 291 - Crushing Your Next Cocktail Competition
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eric presents a "soup-to-nuts" crash course on how to crush your next cocktail competition. If you'd like to view this seminar with slides, you can wa...
Episode 290 - Intro to Awamori with Jeremy Webb
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this globe-trotting, Japanofilic conversation with Awamori champion Jeremy Webb of Webb's Grainworks, some of the topics we discuss include: The ...
Episode 289 - The Bartender's Pantry with Jim Meehan
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this wide-ranging conversation with cocktail expert and bar mentor Jim Meehan (@mixography), author of The Bartender's Pantry, some of the topics w...
Episode 288 - Your Tasting Notes are Bullshit
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this LIVE Seminar recording, Eric identifies two key strains of B.S. that run through contemporary tasting notes. Then, using a concept he refers t...
Episode 287 - Rum A Tasting Course with Ian Burrell
24 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this, sweet, funky, and occasionally grassy conversation with Ian Burrell (@therumambassador), author of Rum A Tasting Course, some of the topics w...
Episode 286 - The Case of the Quantum Coaster
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eric investigates the Boce Coaster, descending into a noir mystery narrative to determine if it's possible for a drink coaster to reduce fusel oils in...
Episode 285 - Letters from Flavor Camp with Reece Sims
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this campy conversation with Reece Sims (@reecesims), creator of Flavor Camp, some of the topics we discuss include: How camps - like bars - act ...
2024 Second Half Preview
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eric shares some exciting previews of the episodes to come in the second half of 2024, including sneak previews of "Cocktail Futurism" interviews with...
Episode 284 - Foraged Spirits with Tony Gugino
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this down-to-earth conversation with distiller and outdoorsman Tony Gugino of Eighth District Distilling Co., some of the topics we discuss include...
Episode 283 - Spilling the Tea on American Single Malt
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this American, singular, and distinctly malty conversation with Tyler Pederson (@cerealdistiller), master distiller at Westland Distillery, some of...
Episode 282 - RTD Redux
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this RTD redux with Keli Rivers, David T. Smith, and Joe Barber, some of the topics we discuss include: Emerging trends in the post-pandemic RTD ...
Episode 281 - A Few Last Words with Paul Clarke
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Seattle cocktail retrospective with Paul Clarke, Editor in Chief of Imbibe Magazine, some of the topics we discuss include: How Paul began h...
Episode 280 - Cocktail Futurism
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What will cocktails and bars look like in 100 years? 200 years? What about 500? In this introductory survey episode, Eric explores what "cocktail futu...
Episode 279 - American Agave with Gian Nelson of Jano Spirits
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this groundbreaking, down and dirty conversation with Gian Nelson of Jano Spirits, some of the topics we discuss include: How Gian found his home...
Episode 278 - Dusty Booze with Aaron Goldfarb
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating deep dive with Aaron Goldfarb (@aarongoldfarb), author of Dusty Booze: In Search of Vintage Spirits, some of the topics we discus...
Episode 277 - Nomadic Distilling with Devon Trevathan of Liba Spirits
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this roving, wanderlustrious conversation with Devon Trevathan of Liba Spirits, some of the topics we discuss include: Why Devon has chosen to ...
Episode 276 - Cocktail Theory with Dr. Kevin Peterson
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this heady, fragrant chat with Dr. Kevin Peterson, author of Cocktail Theory: A Sensory Approach to Transcendent Drinks, some of the topics we disc...
Episode 275 - The Way Forward
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this "Year in Review" / 2024 Preview episode, Eric covers 2023 by the numbers, including highlights and growth figures. Then: some quick previews o...
Episode 274 - Izarra: The "Chartreuse" of Basque Country
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this spirited discussion with Alain Royer and Henry Preiss of Preiss Imports, some of the topics we discuss include: What precisely Izarra liqueu...
Bonus: Mastering Eggnog with Aaron Goldfarb
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special holiday-themed throwback episode, we've decided to re-release part of an episode from 2020, where Eric interviews acclaimed cocktail a...
Episode 273 - The Fine Art of the Martini with Robby Haynes
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this stirring, ice-cold conversation with bartender and cocktail batcher extraordinaire, Robby Haynes, some of the topics we discuss include: Wha...
Episode 272 - Super Juice 101 with Mike Vander Horn
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this nerdy deep-dive on the craft and science of Super Juice with bartender and cocktail competitor Mike Vander Horn (@cocktail.complex), some of t...
Episode 271 - Signature Cocktails with Amanda Schuster
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this time-traveling, globetrotting conversation with Amanda Schuster, author of Signature Cocktails, some of the topics we discuss include: How A...
Bonus: Philip Duff on Tipping Cultures, Foreign and Domestic
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bar consultant and drink expert Philip Duff lends his multi-decade, international perspective to the debate on tipping trends, service fees, and legis...
Episode 270 - Philip Duff on Scaling Bar Brands
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 1 of my two-part conversation with bar consultant and spirits expert Philip Duff, some of the topics we discuss include: How a small Irish t...
Episode 269 - Cutting-Edge Rum Research with Brett Steigerwaldt
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating deep dive on the history, biochemistry, and culture of rum with distiller Brett Steigerwaldt, some of the topics we discuss includ...
Episode 268 - You've Got a Blend in Me
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special edition, recorded at the American Distilling Institute's 20th Anniversary Conference and Trade Show, Eric shares his 20th Anniversary ...
Summer Update 2023
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eric checks in with some important updates and previews what's in store for late summer and early fall, 2023. Be sure to keep your ears out for an exc...
Episode 267 - New and Noteworthy Spirits (Summer 2023)
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eric and guest co-host Tracie Franklin (@spirited_tracie) review several new and noteworthy spirits for the Summer of 2023. They include: Confluence ...
Episode 266 - Modernist Mixology Methods
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eric reviews the most popular modernist mixology methods that are on the rise behind the world's best cocktail bars in 2023. Many of the culinary ingr...
Episode 265 - The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals with Gary Nabhan
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this botanically diverse conversation with ethnobotanist and author Gary Nabhan, some of the topics we discuss include: The winding, intersection...
Episode 264 - World Class Aspirations
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring conversation with bartender Mike Vander Horn, some of the topics we discuss include: Mike's personal journey, from his humble orig...
Episode 263 - Booze News: Spring 2023
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this new #BoozeNews episode, Eric runs down some trending news stories and introduces the new Modern Bar Cart Discord Server! Email podcast@modernb...
Episode 262 - World's 50 Best: 2023 Edition
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this wide-ranging conversation with World's 50 Best Content Director Mark Sansom, some of the topics we discuss include: The myriad ways in which...
Episode 261 - The Ice Book with Camper English
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this frosty deep dive with cocktail scholar and author Camper English, some of the topics we discuss include: The story of Camper's initial tumbl...
Episode 260 - Mesquited, Not Peated
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Mesquited, not Peated conversation with Whiskey Del Bac Head Distiller Mark Vierthaler, some of the topics we discuss include: What it takes ...
Episode 259 - Tiki in Japan with Brandon and Kim Grilc of The Kazan Room
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this complex, yet surprisingly potent conversation with Brandon and Kim Grilc of The Kazan Room in Kobe Japan, some of the topics we discuss includ...
Episode 258 - Mint Condition
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this deep dive on the biochemistry and genetics of mint with Abby Bryson and Dr. Björn Hamberger of the Michigan State University Department of Bi...
Episode 257 - Gin Tonica with David T. Smith
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this lively chat with David T. Smith, spirits judge, consultant, and author of Gin Tonica, some of the topics we discuss include: A history of th...
Episode 256 - Yeasty Boys with Faye Johnson
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating conversation with food scientist, distiller, and tamer of yeast, Faye Johnson, some of the topics we cover include: How Faye's c...
Episode 255 - New and Noteworthy Spirits (Winter/Spring 2023)
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eric and Ethan review 3 bottles that are each new and noteworthy in their own very unique ways. The bottles in question are: Wonderbird Spirits Gin N...
Episode 254 - Meet Mr. Lyan with Ryan Chetiyawardana
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation with drinks entrepreneur and educator Ryan Chetiyawardana, some of the topics we discuss include: The origin story of the name "...
Episode 253 - Winning Dry January with Jon Schott
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this wide-ranging conversation with bartender and drinks consultant Jon Schott of Riffraff Drink Co., some of the topics we discuss include: The s...
Episode 252 - Year in Review 2022
01 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eric runs down highlights from 2022 by the numbers and recaps some of the big moments from this past year. Then, looking ahead to 2023, he shares what...
Episode 251 - SUYO Single Origin Pisco
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this viticultural conversation with SUYO Pisco founders Alex Hildebrandt and Ian Leggett, some of the topics we discuss include: How two born-and-...
Episode 250 - Just the Tip (Part 2)
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In part two of this audio essay, Eric zooms in on the recently passed legislation in Washington, DC (Initiative 82) that has eliminated the tipped min...
Episode 249 - Just the Tip (Part 1)
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eric examines the history and culture of tipping in Europe and America as a way to explore recent legislation in Washington, DC that will change the w...
Episode 248 - Getting Twisted with Jordan Hughes
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this well-lit and impeccably styled conversation with photographer, drinks educator, and newly-minted author Jordan Hughes, some of the topics we d...
Episode 247 - Modern Caribbean Rum with Matt Pietrek
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating deep-dive into the world of cane distillates with Matt Pietrek, author of Modern Caribbean Rum, some of the topics we discuss incl...
Episode 246 - Boozy Collective Nouns
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eric investigates the words we use for large groups or collections of spirits and cocktails. This episode is brought to you by Near Country Provision...
Episode 245 - Hanky Panky: An Unintentional Speakeasy
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this eye-opening conversation with Walter Meyenberg, founder of Hanky Panky, some of the topics we discuss include: Why this bar, which is so famo...
Episode 244 - Drinking Like Mad Men: Midcentury Cocktails with Cecelia Tichi
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Midcentury cocktail retrospective with American Studies professor Cecelia Tichi, author of Midcentury Cocktails: History, Lore and Recipes fro...
Episode 243 - The $150 Old Fashioned
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this truly wide-ranging conversation with bartender, spirits maker, and entrepreneur Robby Haynes, creator of the Sunday's Finest Golf Fashioned, s...
Episode 242 - Uncle Nearest
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating conversation with Victoria Eady Butler, Master Blender for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, some of the topics we discuss include: ...
Episode 241 - Sorel: The Red Drink
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this wide-ranging conversation with Jackie Summers, creator of Sorel, some of the topics we discuss include: How Jackie has led a life of continuo...
Episode 240 - New and Noteworthy Spirits (Fall 2022)
10 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eric and Ethan review new and noteworthy bottles, including: Clever Fox Silver Rum Mason Dixon Distillery Tsipouro Old Bay Vodka Empirical Ayuuk Bar...
Episode 239 - The Hard Problem of Structured Tastings
03 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eric reviews the most common types of structured tastings you may encounter in the fermented and distilled beverage world. These include: Blind vs. N...
Episode 238 - From Sorghum, with Love
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this wide-ranging conversation with Lars Williams and Mark Emil Hermansen, co-founders of Empirical, some of the topics we discuss include: How Ma...
Episode 237 - The Legendary Silkie with James Doherty
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this delicious, philosophical conversation with James Doherty of Sliabh Liag Distilling and The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey, some of the topics ...
Episode 236 - Fassbind Eau de Vie
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this tasting and fireside chat with Stephan Kopp of Fassbind Eau de Vie and Henry Preiss of Preiss Imports, some of the topics we discuss include: ...
Episode 235 - Malört Report
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating conversation with Tremaine Atkinson of CH Distillery, manufacturers of Jeppson's Malört, some of the topics we discuss include: ...
Sneak Preview: Tales of the Cocktail 2022
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eric chats with Eileen Wayner, CEO of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, about this year's 20th Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans. Some of...
Episode 234 - Chinola Liqueur with Andrew Merinoff
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this flavorful, entrepreneurial conversation with Chinola Liqueur co-founder Andrew Merinoff, some of the topics we explore include: Andrew's f...
Episode 233 - Meated Whiskey with Matt Power of Tamworth Distilling
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this flavorful conversation with distiller Matt Power of Tamworth Distilling, some of the topics we cover include: How the "House of Tamworth" ser...
Episode 232 - Vanishing Spirits: The Art of Whisky with Ernie Button
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this stimulating conversation with photographer and whisky enthusiast Ernie Button, creator of The Art of Whisky, some of the topics we discuss inc...
Episode 231 - Picon Someone Your Own Size
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this audio essay, Eric examines mergers and acquisitions in the spirits world, using several case studies to explore how brands rise, fall, or beco...
Episode 230 - Coming to a Death & Co. Near You
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this fusion update / mini-esssay episode, Eric covers some new developments at Modern Bar Cart, including: A website redesign New calendar and who...
Episode 229 - The Art of the Barrel Pick with OJ Lima
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this single-barrel conversation with entrepreneur and spirits educator OJ Lima, co-founder of Taste Select Repeat, some of the topics we cover incl...
Episode 228 - New Gin in Town
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this flavorful, botanically-robust interview and gin tasting with Duncan Coltharp and Jewel Murray, some of the topics we discuss include: The pro...
Episode 227 - The Margarita: A Sweet Technology
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is Part II of an extensive audio essay on the history and mechanics of the Margarita cocktail. In Part I, we examined the origins of sour taste p...
Episode 226 - You Put the Bogbean in the Poitin
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating conversation with Pádraic Ó Griallais, founder and director of Micil Distillery, some of the topics we discuss include: The his...
Episode 225 - Amber Revolution - Orange Wine with Simon Woolf
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this globe-trotting discussion with wine expert and author Simon J. Woolf, some of the topics we discuss include: How Simon transitioned from a c...
Episode 224 - The Worm and the Margarita
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this first installment of a two-part series, Eric investigates the origins and history of the Margarita cocktail, beginning with the origins of sou...
2022 Early Spring Preview
03 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 223 - Rethinking Vermouth with Birk OHalloran
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this fragrant, vine-ripened deep dive with Birk O'Halloran, creator of Rockwell Vermouth, some of the topics we discuss include: How Birk worked ...
Episode 222 - Porchlight and Puppetry with Nicholas Bennett
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this wide-ranging conversation with Porchlight Beverage Director Nicholas Bennett, some of the topics we discuss include: Nick's journey from a be...
Episode 221 - Lyre's Non-Alcoholic Spirits with Maria Denton
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this refreshing and perfectly balanced conversation with Maria Denton, Southeast Regional Manager for Lyre's Non-Alcoholic Spirits, some of the top...