The Modern Bar Cart Podcast

Episode 220 - Kentucky 74 with Lauren Chitwood

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this eye-opening conversation with Spiritless CEO, Lauren Chitwood, some of the topics we discuss include: How Lauren's experience running events ...

Episode 219 - All The Bitter with Ian Blessing

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this spirited discussion with Ian Blessing, co-founder of All The Bitter, some of the topics we discuss include: How Ian's career as a sommelier a...

Episode 218 - World's 50 Best Bars with Mark Sansom

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this fascinating conversation with Mark Sansom, content editor of The World's 50 Best Bars and 50 Best Restaurants, some of the topics we discuss i...

Episode 217 - Mindful Mixology with Derek Brown

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation with Derek Brown, author of the forthcoming book, Mindful Mixology, some of the topics we discuss include: How Derek entered int...

Episode 216 - Why I Like the Term "Mixologist"

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Eric weighs in on the use of the word "mixologist" to describe someone who makes cocktails either professionally or as a hobby. He does this by first ...

Episode 215 - Last Call 2021

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Eric breaks down the highlights from The Modern Bar Cart Podcast in 2021 and previews what listeners can expect in 2022. Topics include: 2021 by the ...

Episode 214 - (Part II) The Curds Are Your Only Friend with Eamon Rockey

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is the second of a two-part interview with bartender, entrepreneur, and milk punch expert, Eamon Rockey. He's the creator of Rockey's Bot...

Episode 213 - (Part I) Hacking Milk Punch With Eamon Rockey

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this first portion of a two-part interview with Eamon Rockey, creator of Rockey's Botanical Liqueur, some of the topics we discuss include: How Ea...

Episode 212 - Tarnished Truth, Delicious Whiskey

25 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this fascinating conversation with Andrew Yancey of Tarnished Truth Distilling, some of the topics we discuss include: How Andrew and his team ope...

Episode 211 - The Science of "Switched" Cocktails with Iain McPherson

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this fascinating deep dive with bartender and ice cream fanatic Iain McPherson, some of the topics we discuss include: How a childhood love of fro...

Episode 210 - Fever-Tree Mixers with CEO Tim Warrillow

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this effervescent and eye-opening conversation with Fever-Tree co-founder and CEO, Tim Warrillow, some of the topics we discuss include: The drink...

Episode 209 - Through the Looking Glass with Deke Dunne

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this eye-opening conversation with Bar Director Deke Dunne of Allegory here in Washington, DC, some of the topics we discuss include: How Deke tra...

Episode 208 - Recipes Aren't Enough

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this wide ranging conversation with spirits expert and cocktail author Kurt Maitland, some of the topics we discuss include: Some notes from the e...

Crossover: The NBA's Wine Obsession with Baxter Holmes of ESPN

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this cross-over interview courtesy of the Drinks Adventures Podcast, James Atkinson interviews ESPN journalist Baxter Holmes about the NBA's burgeo...

Episode 207 - Half Bottles and Pony Shots

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this mailbag episode, Eric answers questions submitted by listeners. The topics include: Why 375ml bottles are less prevalent than 750ml bottles i...

Episode 206 - Redwood Empire with Lauren Patz

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this barrel-aged deep dive into Bourbon and American whiskey with distiller Lauren Patz, some of the topics we discuss include: How Lauren's roots...

Quick Guide - Tales of the Cocktail 2021

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eric gives listeners his thoughts on Tales of the Cocktail 2021, which is being held remotely for the second year in a row due to the...

Episode 205 - The Atlas of Bourbon & American Whiskey with Eric Zandona

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this fascinating deep dive on American Whiskey, some of the topics I discuss with author and spirits judge Eric Zandona include: A quick rundown o...

Episode 204 - Adventures in Milk Clarification

09 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a post-mortem examination of a large-scale, milk clarified cocktail that Eric recently helped to create for the wedding of his friend ...

Episode 203 - Barr Hill Gin with Ryan Christiansen

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this wide-ranging and pine-scented conversation with Master Distiller Ryan Christiansen, some of the topics we discuss include: How time spent in ...

Episode 202 - Sam Calagione on the Past and Future of Craft Beer

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation with Dogfish Head Brewery founder Sam Calagione, some of the topics we discuss include: How Sam took his creativity from the wri...

Episode 201 - How to Pair Baijiu with Food

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this blockbuster Baijiu pairing and Chinese food smorgasbord, some of the topics we discuss with Brett Steigerwaldt and Derek Sandhaus include: Th...

Episode 200 - David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum on "The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails"

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this wide-ranging conversation with Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich, some of the topics we cover include: How Dave transitioned from English prof...

Episode 199 - Infuse Your Booze with Andrew Hellman

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this fascinating conversation with Andrew Hellman of 1pt Co., some of the topics we discuss include: What an infusion IS at a technical level, and...

Episode 198 - Intro to Epicureanism

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is an introduction to a philosophy called "Epicureanism," a word that has become associated with those who seek out good food and drink. ...

Episode 197 - Distilled, The Board Game, with Dave Beck

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this well-shuffled, cleanly dealt interview with Dave Beck of Paverson Games, some of the topics we discuss include: How a trip to Scotland sparke...

Episode 196 - The Lagoon of Mystery with Jayme Blaschke

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this tropical deep dive with home bar architect and Tiki expert Jayme Blaschke, creator of The Lagoon of Mystery and host of A Moment of Tiki, some...

Episode 195 - Intro to Japanese Whisky with Nicholas Pollacchi

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this fascinating deep dive on Japanese Whisky, past and present, some of the topics I discuss with Nicholas Pollacchi of Shibui Whisky include: Th...

Episode 194 - The Fault in Our Spirits

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Eric examines the ways in which spirits can be identified as either "flawed" or "faulty." Some of the topics covered in this Bar Cart Foundations Epis...

2021 Second Half Preview

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Eric gives you a few things to look out for during the second half of 2021, including Japanese spirits and cocktails, orchard-to-table drinks and garn...

Episode 193 - Equiano Rum with Ian Burrell

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this eye-opening conversation and rum tasting with Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell, some of the topics we discuss include:   How Ian entered th...

Episode 192 - Buck, Yeah!

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this wide-ranging conversation with entrepreneur and ginger beer philosopher Kenny Richards, some of the topics we discuss include: How Kenny left...

Episode 191 - Gilded Age Cocktails with Cecelia Tichi

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this fascinating conversation with author and historian Cecelia Tichi, some of the topics we discuss include: What the Gilded Age is, and why this...

Episode 190 - Hawaiian Agricole Rum with Kyle Reutner

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this eye-opening conversation and rum tasting with Kō Hana Rum General Manager Kyle Reutner, some of the topics we discuss include:   How Kō Ha...

Episode 189 - The Bloody Mary Ritual (Breaking Bloody - Part 5)

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Eric is joined by co-producer and travel correspondent, Adam Bauer to discuss the many signature Bloody Mary cocktails served at St. Regis Hotels all ...

Episode 188 - Reviving Ancient Stills with Dr. Eric Stroud

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this stimulating still dialogue with Dr. Eric Stroud of Mohawk Spirits Distillery, some of the topics we discuss include: The differences between ...

Episode 187 - Whisky Philosophy with Billy Abbott

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Some of the topics we cover in this wide-ranging conversation with spirits writer, educator, and judge Billy Abbott include: How Billy took the leap ...

Episode 186 - The Art and Science of Cutting Back

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Eric walks through his method for cutting back on drinking using a simple tool he calls a "daily accountability journal." This method stands in stark ...

Episode 185 - The Mint Julep: From Persia with Love

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this Bar Cart Foundations episode, we trace the history of the mint julep and describe some important points regarding its craft. We begin by tryi...

Episode 184 - Is Bourbon Broken?

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this barrel-aged deep dive with spirits writer Brent Joseph, some of the topics we discuss include: How Brent came to love Bourbon and used his pa...

Episode 183 - Love and Bitters with Sother Teague

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sother Teague is the barman behind the hit NYC bar, Amor y Amargo (Trans: "Love and Bitters"). He is also the authors of the books, I'm Just Here fo...

Episode 182 - Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur with Mary Sadlier

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this passionate conversation with spirits entrepreneur Mary Sadlier, creator of Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur, some of the topics we discuss inclu...

Episode 181 - Negroni with David T. Smith & Keli Rivers

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this bitter and botanical deep dive with Keli Rivers and David T. Smith, we preview their new book, Negroni, and discuss the ins and outs of this c...

MBC LIVE - Bourbon (Themed Tasting 2)

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another episode of Modern Bar Cart LIVE! This time around, we were lucky enough to have special guest Erin Petrey of Bourbon & Banter join ...

Episode 180 - Horseradish Hijinks (Breaking Bloody - Part 4.2)

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this continuation of our two-part exploration of spice in the Bloody Mary cocktail, Eric chats with food scientist Sarah Kolk of Silver Spring Food...

Episode 179 - Fire and Spice (Breaking Bloody - Part 4.1)

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the latest installment of our Breaking Bloody series, where we systematically break down the Bloody Mary cocktail to investigate what each...

Episode 178 - American Cider

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this fruity, fermented conversation with Crag Cavallo and Dan Pucci, authors of American Cider, some of the topics we discuss include: How each of...

Episode 177 - The Future of Hospitality Education

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this interview with Professor Brian Connors of Florida International University, some of the topics we discuss include: His travels through the wo...

Episode 176 - Smoke & Leaded Crystal

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this mailbag episode, Eric answers questions from listeners concerning many bar-related topics, including: At-home, DIY bar cart builds The histor...

Episode 175 - Intro to Aquavit with Christian Krogstad

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this Aquavit-driven conversation with Christian Krogstad, creator of Krogstad Aquavit, some of the topics we discuss include: What differentiates ...

Episode 174 - Indicate THIS

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this Bar Cart Foundations Episode, we take a deep dive into Geographical Indications - you know - those things that verify where your booze comes f...

MBC LIVE - Themed Tasting 1 - Jamaican Rum

07 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this first themed bottle tasting of 2021, we focus on Jamaican style rum, with two mass market bottles and two very special limited releases. The b...

Episode 173 - Last Call 2020

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this year-in-review episode, we put the final nail in the coffin of 2020 so that hopefully it doesn't rise from the dead to haunt us. Some of the t...

2020 Cocktail Holiday Gift Guide

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Eric is joined for this Modern Bar Cart LIVE episode by co-founder Ethan Hall to discuss the best gifts to give (or request) for home bartenders and m...

MBC LIVE - Bottle Reviews #1

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this inaugural bottle review episode of Modern Bar Cart LIVE, Eric, Ethan, and Russell review four bottles from two craft brands. In order, they ar...

Episode 172 - Tequila Casa Dragones with Bertha González Nieves

19 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this delicious interview and spirits tasting with Bertha González Nieves of Casa Dragones Tequila, some of the topics we discuss include:   How ...

Episode 171 - Gather Around Cocktails with Aaron Goldfarb

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this convivial and wide-ranging chat with drinks writer Aaron Goldfarb, author of Gather Around Cocktails, some of the topics we discuss include: ...

Episode 170 - Rare Chartreuse Tasting

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this inaugural Modern Bar Cart LIVE episode, Eric teams up with Modern Bar Cart Co-Founder Ethan Hall and live stream producer Eric Holtzman to bri...

Episode 169 - Umami Tsunami (Breaking Bloody - Part 3)

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this third installment of the "Breaking Bloody" series, we investigate the fifth flavor, umami by way of a hard-to-pronounce Bloody Mary ingredien...

Episode 168 - Sex is Not a Tasting Note

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this audio essay, Modern Bar Cart CEO Eric Kozlik walks you through the recent outrage in the spirits industry regarding sexist language in whisky ...

Episode 167 - Macchu Pisco with Melanie Asher

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this fascinating conversation and tasting with Melanie Asher of Macchu Pisco, some of the topics we discuss include: Melanie's journey as an entre...

Episode 166 - Give Me Liberty and Give Me a Drink with Jarrett Dieterle

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this wide-ranging and incredibly revelatory interview with Jarrett Dieterle, booze policy wonk and author of Give Me Liberty and Give me a Drink, s...

Episode 165 - Brian Bartels (Breaking Bloody - Part 2)

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this bloody interesting conversation with author, bartender, and bar owner Brian Bartels, some of the topics we discuss include: A little briefing...

Episode 164 - KLEOS Mastiha with Effie Panagopoulos

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some of the topics we discuss in this lively conversation with bartender-turned-entrepreneur Effie Panagopoulos include: How Effie's career took her ...

Episode 163 - Cocktail Ingredients You've Never Heard Of

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this Bar Cart Foundations Episode, we go well off the beaten path to learn about a few cocktail ingredients that you've probably never heard of. Th...

Episode 162 - Spirits of Latin America with Ivy Mix

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this flavorful conversation with Ivy Mix, author of Spirits of Latin America, some of the topics we discuss include: Ivy's background in the bar w...

Episode 161 - Tales of the Cocktail 2020 with Caroline Rosen

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this timely conversation with Caroline Rosen, executive director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, some of the topics we discuss include: T...

Episode 160 - Carbonadi Vodka with Ricky Miller

20 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Eric interviews Ricky Miller, founder of the House of Carbonadi (makers of Carbonadi Vodka). Some of the topics we discuss include: Ricky's journey t...

Episode 159 - Copalli Rum with Elayne Duff

13 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Eric chats with spirits expert and Copalli Rum Global Brand Ambassador Elayne Duff about a new Belizian cane spirit she's helping to bring to the US s...

Episode 158 - Fizz vs. Spritz

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Eric fields a question about the difference between two iconic cocktail categories: the Fizz and the Spritz. To get to the bottom of this issue, we re...

Episode 157 - Agave Road Trip

30 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Eric is joined by a pair of agave warriors - pyromaniac distilling engineer Salvador Peribán (aka Chava) and Lou Bank, founder of SACRED, a US-based ...

Episode 156 - The Ghost of Cocktail Future

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this enlightening conversation with Greg Benson of Bar None and The Speakeasy, some of the topics we discuss include: How Greg transitioned from a...

Episode 155 - The Tomato Man Cometh (Breaking Bloody - Part 1)

16 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this lively, in-depth discussion with tomato expert Craig LeHoulier, some of the topics we discuss include: The history of the tomato - from its o...

Episode 154 - Molecular Mixology with Calsin Hoyle

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation with Calsin Hoyle of Molecular Food and Cocktails, some of the topics we discuss include: Calsin's journey from Nairobi, Kenya, ...

2020 Second Half Preview

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini episode, we give you a preview of some of the awesome stuff we have planned for you in the second half of 2020.

Episode 153 - Haus Alpenz with Jake Parrott

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this really informative chat with Jake Parrott, National Sales Representative for spirits importer Haus Alpenz, some of the topics we cover include...

Episode 152 - Intro to Baijiu with Derek Sandhaus

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this eye opening conversation with Baijiu expert Derek Sandhaus, some of the topics we discuss include: What Baijiu is - which might seem like a s...

Episode 151 - Measurements: A Proportional Cocktail Guide

11 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation with designer and cocktail author Nick Barclay, some of the topics we discuss include:   How Nick made his way to Australia by ...

Episode 150 - Great Northern Cocktails with Shawn Soole

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some of the things we discuss in this wide-ranging conversation with bartender, author, and podcaster Shawn Soole of Soole Hospitality Concepts includ...

Episode 149 - Distilling the Future

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation with Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Chris Swonger, some of the topics we discuss include: What DISCUS does as a lob...

BONUS: Earth No Patio Crossover Episode

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is Earth No Patio (Episode 9), where Eric provided some voice-over work as inspiration for Ben Turner, who produced this strange and amazing piec...

Episode 148 - Art of the Recipe (Part III: Ben Turner)

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some of the topics we discuss with Ben Turner, creator of Earth No Patio include: How Ben's experiences in the art and culinary world led him to this...

Episode 147 - The Home Bar Awards

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eric catches up with Chris Kiertz (@cocktail_chris) about his pet project, The Home Bar Awards - an inclusive monthly cocktail compet...

Episode 146 - The Art of the Recipe (Part II)

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this second installment of our three-part series on the art of the recipe, we emerge from the depths of ancient history and trace the recipe from i...

Episode 145 - Art of the Recipe (Part I: Origins)

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We take a trip into the deep past to locate the origins of the recipe. From the African Savannah, to Babylon, to Rome, we sift through clay tablets an...

Episode 144 - Letters from Quarantine

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we take questions from our listener mailbag and answer the most burning questions about spirits & cocktails. Some of the topics we co...

Episode 143 - The Gin Is In

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this juniper-perfumed discussion with gin expert, author, and spirits judge Aaron Knoll, some of the topics we cover include: The story of how Aar...

Episode 142 - Fernet Duet

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this amaro-driven conversation with Nick Fisher of Cocktail Chemistry, some of the topics we discuss include: How Nick started his incredibly popu...

Episode 141 - Herb Appeal

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this lush, verdant conversation with herbalist Colleen O'Bryant of Wild Roots Apothecary, some of the topics we discuss include: Which herbs, flow...

Episode 140 - Cocktails in a Time of Plague

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the effects that COVID-19 Coronavirus has had on the spirits and cocktail industry and then examine the history of spirits during times of ...

Episode 139 - The Subtle Art of Opening a Bar

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This time around, Eric gets to know two awesome bartenders-turned-consultants: Susan Eggett and Alex Maynard. They're the masterminds behind the new b...

Episode 138 - The Carmen San Diego of Food & Drink

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Eric interviews international food and drink maven Virginia Miller. She's the Western North America Academy Chair for the World's 50 Best Restaurants,...

Episode 137 - RTD Revolution

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk with a panel of esteemed guests about the rise of "Ready-to-Drink" cocktails (RTDs). These are the canned counterparts to contemporary beers a...

Episode 136 - From Elixir to Mixers

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This time around, we catch up with H. Joseph Ehrmann, proprietor of the legendary San Francisco bar, Elixir, and one of the driving forces behind Fres...

Episode 135 - St. George Spirits

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We interview Master Distiller Lance winters of St. George Spirits in Alameda, CA. He's a pioneer in the industry and a champion of craft distilling. S...

Episode 134 - Artet: Rise of the Cannabis Aperitif

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Xander Shepherd and Zach Spohler are two of the three founders of Artet, a groundbreaking cannabis aperitif that's making waves in the cocktail space....

Episode 133 - The Death of Smooth

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The object of our investigation this episode is the word, "smooth." We hear used all the time to describe drinks, and yet, most of us would have a har...

Episode 132 - Part II: Bar Room Blitz

23 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

During this episode, you'll hear stories and flavor advice from the five bartenders who competed in this battle to raise money for their respective ch...

Episode 131 - Part I: Battle of the Bartenders

16 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is part 1 of two part story about cocktail competitions. In this edition, we'll head to Loudoun County, Virginia, where our friends at Ca...

Episode 130 - Thoughts on Dry January

09 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this Dry January conversation with Modern Bar Cart Co-Founder Ethan Hall, some of the topics we discuss include: What we're excited about for 2020...