Sipping Social Podcast

#089 - St Paddy's Day Shenanigans & Super Tasty Sippers

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:44:45 -0500

On episode 89 of the sipping social we reminisced about St Paddy's day shenanigans and wild customers, teased some information about the new restaurant Grange House, and drank two single barrels from Heaven Hill. The single barrels were the Elijah Craig Toasted Bourbon Barrel Strength and the Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond, both super tasty.

Listen up, drink up, and lets goooooo!!!

#088 - Jesse Able & Craft Beer, Belle Meade Tasting

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:51:30 -0500

In Episode 88 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we welcome friend and industry compatriot Jesse Able for a laid-back yet insight-filled conversation centered around craft beer and shared experience in the industry.

We kicked things off with a delicious Penrose Goofy Boots, a delicious local hazy IPA. After that we tried Riggs Brewing Hefeweizen, appreciating its classic wheat beer profile—smooth, refreshing, and expressive with traditional yeast-driven notes. To round out the tasting, we poured Belle Meade Cask Strength Bourbon, unpacking its bold proof, rich depth, and layered finish.

Listen up, drink up, and lets goooooo!!!

#087 - Rare Character Single Barrel & Noon Whistle Gummysaurus

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 23:01:29 -0500

On Episode 87 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we dive into how technology is shaping the modern restaurant industry and break down the local economic impact of the Super Bowl. We drank some a standout beer from Noon Whistle Brewing in the Gummy series and sipped on Rare Character single barrel cask strength bourbon. Good drinks, good cheer, good peeps.

#086 - Bardstown Bourbon Company & Torch THC Seltzers

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:32:56 -0500

On Episode 86 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we caught up on all the latest industry buzz, said a heartfelt goodbye to Proof No. 5, and raised a glass to some big moments. We cracked open a fantastic Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery-only release, sipped on Torch THC Seltzers, and wrapped it all up by congratulating our giveaway winners. Listen up, drink up, and let's go!

#085 - E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof & Blind Corner Brewery

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:18:18 -0500

We’re finally back! The last time we recorded was way back in August, which feels like a lifetime ago, and we couldn’t be more excited to jump back on the mic. In this episode, we kick things off with a long-overdue industry catch-up, talk Dry January realities, and pour one out for a Chicago classic—RIP McCormick & Schmick’s in the city.

We also dive into what’s new in Wheaton, including stops at Bien Trucha, The Guild, and Dough, plus break down what we’re drinking: an EH Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon and the Blind Corner Two911 beer collab.

Grab a drink and catch up with us—it’s good to be back.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: The first four listeners who text us or DM us on Instagram to let us know they listened will score an SSP hat and shirt—plus we tease an even bigger giveaway coming soon.

#084 - Eagle Rare 10 vs. Eagle Rare 12

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 21:57:07 -0500

In this episode, we catch up on the past couple of months and everything that’s been happening in the industry. We review the classic Yuengling, which is a newer addition to the area, and also give our thoughts on Eagle Rare 12-Year — a new and incredibly tasty bourbon. The customer of the month didn’t disappoint but it never does!! Thanks for joining us for this special episode!

#083 - Wilderness Trail Interview & Single Barrel Pick

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:18:35 -0500

In this episode, we dive into the latest hot topics in the beverage world. We start with the buzz around the 200% wine tariff—what does it mean for your favorite bottles and the industry at large? Then, we shift gears to celebrate the return of some seriously delicious food at Burger Social.

Next up, we highlight Maize + Mash’s Dive Bar Night—an event you won’t want to miss! We also discuss the booming trend of non-alcoholic beverages, with NA wine, liquor, and beer reporting massive sales.

For whiskey lovers, we feature Wilderness Trail’s Single Barrel from BBH. Finally, we wrap up with our Customer of the Week, a fun pick from a fellow GM in the area.

#082 - Dr. Mike Gontarek, Russell's Reserve SB & Hop Butcher

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:06:40 -0500

In this episode, we were thrilled to welcome a listener of the Sipping Social Podcast, Dr. Mike Gontarek. A published author in Nutritional Perspectives, Dr. Gontarek is board certified in clinical nutrition and a member of the American Chiropractic Association Council on Nutrition. Mike brought a fresh perspective to the table, offering his thoughts and personal experiences as we dove into some exciting beverages: the highly anticipated Hop Butcher collaboration and Russell's single barrel pick.

#081 - Live Show #5 Recap w/ Blind Corner Brewing & Laws Whiskey House

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:57:16 -0500

In this episode, we recap our live show featuring fantastic guests Blind Corner Brewing and Laws Whiskey. We dive into their unique offerings and share some great moments from the event. We also have a little fun at the expense of a harsh online reviewer, “misfit,” who didn’t exactly love our expertise. It’s a laid-back, entertaining episode full of laughs, good company, and a bit of playful roasting.

#080 - Easy Man THC NA Beer from Go Brewing

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 22:16:48 -0500

In this episode we explore the latest happenings in the local food and drink scene, including the closure of Maypole in Wheaton and exciting new spots like an Italian concept replacing Wok n Fire and Mosaic Kitchen & Cocktails in Geneva. We also discuss Blind Corner Brewing’s distribution launch, the Graceful Ordinary concept in Aurora, and the Walrus Room’s move next to Barrel and Rye. Plus, we feature Go Brewery’s THC-infused Easy Man beer and revisit the whiskey selections at Bottle Exchange.

#079 - John J. Bowman Private Barrel & Great Lakes Brewery

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 22:46:29 -0500

The Sipping Social Podcast shines a spotlight on the Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group's John J. Bowman Single Barrel Pick, a standout whiskey choice for the season. We also taste Great Lake Christmas Ale (7.5% ABV), the perfect brew to get into the holiday spirit. Amid the hustle of Christmas shoppers, kids home from school, and last-minute party bookings, the Bourbon Belly team navigates it all with ease and humor. We recap the latest Laws Whiskey episode and the memorable Fine Whiskey and cocktail pairing dinner at Proof No. 5, while also celebrating sponsors Blind Corner Brewing and Laws Whiskey ahead of the upcoming live SSP show.

#078 - An Interview w/ Laws Whiskey House

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:21:32 -0500

In this episode, we’re joined by a true pioneer in the whiskey world—Al Laws, the founder and owner of Laws Whiskey House, a renowned Colorado-based distillery that’s making waves with its hand-crafted, small-batch spirits. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just someone curious about the art of distilling, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Let’s go!

#077 - Hard Truth Single Barrel Rye & Half Acre Collaboration

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:31:49 -0500

This episodes highlights include the launch of the stylish New Sipping Social hats and exciting news for servers and bartenders: a potential tax exemption on tips is on the horizon. In legal news, Panera Bread has settled a lawsuit linked to its "charged" lemonade. For drink enthusiasts, we tasted the Hard Truth Single Barrel Rye whiskey and Half Acre’s BBH Collab Midnight Raid beer. Our customer of the week is the notorious complainer who voices concerns before even being seated.

#076 - Bill Welter, founder of Journeyman Distillery

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 10:35:53 -0500

In this episode we had a great opportunity to interview the founder of Journeyman Distillery, Bill Welter. We sat down with him at a bustling restaurant called Maize+Mash in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The whiskey was tasty, the conversation event more tasty. Listen up and drink up with us in this special episode.

#075 - Michters Barrel Strength Toasted Rye & Daisy Cutter 15 Yr Celebration

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 21:33:01 -0500

In this episode, we got to try the amazing Michter’s Barrel Strength Toasted Rye. It got high reviews from all who tried it. The Daisy Cutter 15 year Celebration tropical pale ale coming in at 5.2% abv was crushable. You can currently find it at Binny’s and The Beer Cellar in Glen Ellyn. Our resident podcast studio cat Willie made an appearance as well.

#074 - City Water Pink Lemonade and James E Pepper Bourbon

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 20:27:18 -0500

In this episode, we caught up on some fun restaurant news for the burbs. For the whiskey review we tried the James E Pepper that we all really liked! We also brought another seltzer on the show and they keep doing well. Shout out to Solemn Oath for making the City Water line. Listen up, drink up, and let's goooooo!!!

#073 - Penrose Lemon Seltz-up & Elijah Craig Single Barrel Picks

Tue, 14 May 2024 20:30:01 -0500

In this episode, we recapped the last couple weeks we were gone and the Michter's dinner at Proof no. 5. Don’t miss the next one! For the whiskey portion we tried the BBH single barrels from Elijah Craig that received some great reviews. They’re so freaking good you should buy some! We also brought the first ever seltz on the show and we loved it. Shout out to Penrose for the Lemon Seltz-up. Listen up, drink up, let's goooooo!!!

#072 - Baker's 7 Single Barrel & Bone(x9) Double Hazy IPA Collaboration

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:21:55 -0500

For this episode, we tried the whiskey bottles we exchanged for our holiday episode. Some great bottles were gifted that day. Johnny, where's yours? We also reviewed the Hidden Hand/Alarmist Brewing collaboration Bone(x9) Double Hazy IPA, so freaking good we could rap about it. Listen up, drink up. Let's go!!!

#071 - Hard Truth Distilling Co. & Master Distiller, Bryan Smith

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 18:06:09 -0500

In this episode, we had the opportunity to record at Maize+Mash just before a private whiskey class was being held with Master Distiller and Partner of Hard Truth Distilling Co., Bryan Smith. We sipped on four of their best whiskeys and talked with Bryan about their process and the story behind Hard Truth whiskey.

#070 - Live Show #4 with Noon Whistle & Old Elk

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 17:58:18 -0500

Our 4th live show was full house at the Burger Social in Wheaton, IL. We hung out with the owners of Noon Whistle Brewing and got to try something very special they just put out. Everyone in the room also enjoyed some amazing pours from Old Elk Distillery. It was a great night!

#069 - 1620 Distilling Small Batch Bourbon

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:20:13 -0500

On this episode, long time listener and first time caller Kevin Glass joins us as a co-host. We had a great time sipping on some 1620 Distilling Small Batch Bourbon and the Phase 3/BBH Collab Co-Pilot Hazy IPA. This our 69th episode and we kept it at a light “R” rating when it came to our immaturity, you’re welcome. Listen up, drink up and lets goooooo!!!

#068 - Pinhook Rye Single Barrel Live Pick

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:37:04 -0500

We sat down with Sean Josephs, Master Blender and Co-Founder of Pinhook to pick the next Bourbon Belly Hospitality single barrel rye live on the podcast! We learned a lot about Sean Josephs background and how Pinhook became a reality.

#067 - Holiday Special & Single Barrel Picks

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 13:41:52 -0500

In this special holiday episode, we did our best to stay sober while we gifted our annual bottle exchange to each other. We also tried the most recent single barrel picks from the Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group. An Old Elk SB Wheated Bourbon and a Castle & Key SB Restoration Rye was loved by all. Our customer of the week was a celebrity who had dinner at Proof No. 5 that left us speechless and dry-eyed.

#066 - Porchlight Brewing & Four Roses SB Picks

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 18:49:58 -0500

In this episode we had the pleasure of talking to Nick Ostapczuk (don't ask us how to pronounce it) from Porchlight Brewing out of Sacramento, CA. Nick recently joined the fast growing brewery and was thrown into the fire as their head brewer. We also tasted the new Four Roses single barrel Illinois and Chicago picks, tasty. Our customer of the week: The person who gets cut off at a private party by the host of the party, not the restaurant itself.

#065 - Master Distiller Ian Stirsman

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:30:11 -0500

We had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Master Distiller, Ian Stirsman from Ross & Squibb (MGP) and try some of their Remus and Rossville Union Rye whiskies. It was a great time!

#064 - Benchmark Single Barrel & Hazy Pitch Pale Ale

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 19:53:51 -0500

And.... we're back! After taking the summer off we are eager to get back at it. In this episode we chat about how our summer went, the opening of Proof No. 5 in Wheaton, IL and reviewed a couple of nice beverages. Let's go!

#063 - Hidden Hand Collaboration w/ Bourbon Belly

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:26:19 -0500

In this episode we sat down at the Underground Studio West (aka Garrett's basement bar) in Geneva, Illinois to discuss and taste the recent Bourbon Belly collaboration with Solemn Oath (Hidden Hand). Director of Operations, JP Vander Veen and Sales Director, Nick Scofield gave some great insight into their Hidden Hand brand. It was great night!

#062 - Master Distiller Greg Metze

Tue, 30 May 2023 16:11:25 -0500

Greg Metze became Old Elk Distillery’s Master Distiller in 2016 following a 38-year career at Seagram’s Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the world’s largest distilleries. We had the amazing opportunity to sit down with him at Maize+Mash in Glen Ellyn. It was a great conversation about his career and all things Old Elk.

#061 - Larceny Barrel Proof & Hidden Hand Beers

Mon, 01 May 2023 13:26:28 -0500

In this episode we try a Larceny barrel proof bourbon and some delicious beers from the Hidden Hand series by Solemn Oath brewery in Naperville, IL. Customer of the week was a touchy one for Mike. We had been drinking and brewing beer all day with the Solemn Oath crew so we may sound a little toasted on this one.

#060 - Michter’s Limited Release Barrel Strength Rye

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 11:58:55 -0500

Let's go! In this episode we celebrate Garrett, he just hosted his 100th whiskey class! Congratulations on this huge milestone Garrett. We celebrated with a delicious Michter’s limited release barrel strength rye. The beer this week was Ride or Die Pale Ale from Hopewell Brewing out of Chicago, IL.

#059 - Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Select

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 13:40:07 -0500

We tasted a delicious couple of brews from Solemn Oath Brewing from their Small Wave series. The Private Barrel Select from Russell's Reserve was not surprisingly wonderful. It was a fun, romantic, candle-lit spring night at the Underground Studio. Let's go!

#058 - Red Ales & Bull Run Single Barrel Aged 15 Years

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 21:37:35 -0500

In this episode we’re back in the Underground Studio after some amazing live events. We discuss the new restaurants in Wheaton that are about to open and New Belgium changing the recipe of Fat Tire. We reviewed Tighthead’s Scarlet Fire and Great Lakes Conway Red Ale on the beer side, both were good but one stood out. The whiskey was a Bull Run 13 yr bourbon aged in Pinot Noir casks for 2 years that is super tasty, especially for the proof! Listen up and drink up!

#057 - Denver Trip, Laws Whiskey House & Old Elk

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:38:31 -0500

In this episode we recap our amazing trip to Denver, Colorado. We visited the Old Elk packaging facility in Fort Collins with their rep Erik. He was also able to get us a private barrel tasting in their rickhouse which was an amazing experience. We also toured Laws Whiskey House distillery and rickhouse to pick a barrel for the Chicago based restaurant group Bourbon Belly Hospitality.

#056 - Early Times Bourbon & Hop Butcher Telehopic Double IPA

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 21:00:18 -0500

It this episode we wrap up 2022 with some delicious bourbon and beer and chat about all the great things we accomplished this year. The Hop Butcher Telehopic Double IPA was amazing and the Early Times Bottled-in-bond did not disappoint. Looking forward to 2023!

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#055 - Dovetail Brewing

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:39:46 -0500

In this episode we recorded remote at the Dovetail Brewery in Chicago, IL. Dovetail Brewery merges continental European styles and techniques with American creativity to produce amazingly unique beers that are typically found in small, family-run breweries in Europe. We had a great discussion with owners Hagen & Bill and their sales director Dan. Lets go!

#054 - Hopleaf Bar Chicago

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 12:36:48 -0500

Hopleaf has been a both a mecca for craft beer fans and a relaxed neighborhood pub in Andersonville. For over 15 years, Hopleaf has also offered thoughtfully sourced, in-house prepped, chef-inspired dining. We had the pleasure in talking to Michael Roper, the man who started it all.

#053 - Russell’s Reserve Rye Single Barrel & Crystal Lake Beers

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we sipped on Hoptopus Imperial Hazy IPA and Dunkel Lagar from Crystal Lake Brewery in, you guessed it, Crystal Lake. Garrett also brought a winner that stayed at the Underground Studio from Russell's Reserve, their Straight Rye Single Barrel. We apologize for the slight fuzzy audio quality in this one, we will dial it in next episode.

#052 - Noon Whistle Brewing

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 13:08:23 -0500

In this episode we chat with the owners of Noon Whistle Brewing out of Lombard, IL. They brought everything they have in stock for us to try, and we tried it all. Listen up for some great insights and new techniques in the brewing industry. These boys were fun to hang out with and had a lot of interesting knowledge to share. Let's go!

#051 - Phase Three Stay Free & Nulu Single Barrel

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:40:58 -0500

Phase Three seems to never disappoint, but did they in this episode? You'll just have to listen up and find out, ha! We also try a Nulu single barrel barrel from Justin's House of Bourbon. Everyone was in great spirits coming off our previous live show recording, it was a fun one.

#050 - Live Show - Pinhook Bourbon & Sean Josephs

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:18:59 -0500

Sean Josephs is a founder of Pinhook and the Master Blender. We chat with him about a couple of unique bourbons, one of them being an barrel pick by Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group. It was a fun night in front of a packed viewing audience at Burger Social in downtown Wheaton, IL.

#049 - Underground Studio West

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 18:12:52 -0500

In this podcast we venture out to our very own Garrett's underground bar, "the office" in Geneva, IL. Mike and Johnny had to opportunity to hand select a couple of very nice bottles of whiskey to down while enjoying the look of disgust on G's face. All jokes aside, he shares.

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#048 - 93 Octane Brewery

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 18:02:50 -0500

In this episode we sat down with Mario, the owner of 93 Octane Brewery and his head brewer Alex. 93 Octane Brewery opened in 2019 and is out of St. Charles, IL. They are doing some pretty great things over there. Be sure to listen till the end of this episode, where Alex does some pretty interesting things to their stout beer.

#047 - Joseph A Magnus Cigar Blend

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 20:41:16 -0500

In this episode we try a funky farmhouse ale from Illuminated Brew Works called Watermelon Gun. Garrett outdid himself on the whiskey side and brought in Joseph A Magnus Cigar Blend, a phenomenal whiskey outfit out of Washington DC. Listen up to hear when the next live show is and drink up so we sound good!!

#046 - Half Acre Brewing

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 18:40:23 -0500

We had the opportunity to record in mikes favorite brewery of all time and he's on cloud nine. Garrett "kind of likes" Half Acre as well and unfortunately for Johnny we’re not at the Captain Morgan Distillery. Sipping Social welcomes Matt Gallagher on the show, he’s the owner, co-founder, and engineer of Half Acre. We talked about a lot of shit. Listen up!

#045 - Traverse City Whiskey Co. & Boat Beers

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 16:30:00 -0500

On this episode we reviewed a Traverse City Whiskey Co. single barrel store pick from Pride Liquor. This barrel proof whiskey was selected by producer johnny and came in at around 113 proof (Garrett was happy). We also blind tasted three random beers that sounded like they'd be good to crush while boating. We hated one, loved one and passed on one. Listen up, we had a blast!

#044 - Colorado Spirits and Craft Beers

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:58:43 -0500

Our very own Mike Carl took an epic trip to Colorado and hit up some great breweries and distilleries you should check out! If your in a ski town in Colorado, these are some joints you should definitely check out. Mikes story about river rafting while it's snowing is something to hear, it was quiet the once in a lifetime experience.

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#043 - The Live Show

Thu, 12 May 2022 18:21:47 -0500

On this episode, we recorded in front of a live audience! It was a private event hosted by Burger Social in Wheaton, IL in their amazing bar space on the second floor. The event was a huge success and we are so thankful that we have such a wonderful listening audience. The night was energetic and so fun, we can't wait to do it again. Thank you to our sponsors Hidden Hand Brew, Michters Whiskey and Burger Social for helping us out big time!

#042 - Blaum Brothers Whiskey

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 21:39:23 -0500

On this episode we jam out with Matt Brown from Blaum Bros, he’s fun. We also drank and reviewed a delicious Hazy IPA from Solemn Oath, thanks friends who made this!! Join us next time for more beer and whiskey shenanigans… Listen up and drink up!! Cheers!

#041 - Old Pepper Distillery Single Barrel Rye & Noon Whistle Dub Dub

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 20:51:56 -0500

In this episode we get to taste a single barrel rye from Old Pepper Distillery, to go along with Noon Whistle's Dub Dub freshie fresh from a crowler. The customer of the week was something, #togoqueen. Pour a good one, the episode starts out a little slow but for sure ramps up! Thanks for listening!

#040 - Elijah Craig Single Barrel & Exile Brewing Company

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 22:09:09 -0500

This episode we review some great stuff by Elijah Craig & Exile Brewing Company out of Des Moines, Iowa. We had a great time talking about interesting news in the restaurant industry, listed a few great places to check out downtown Chicago (if you have a vax card.... still) and told a great story about some recent customers at Burger Social in Wheaton, IL.

#039 - Old Elk Wheated Bourbon & Transient Artisan Ales

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 12:49:47 -0500

This week we got to sip on the Old Elk wheated bourbon store pick by Malloy's Liquors and Transient Artisan Ales Hazy Like A Fox IPA. Both were delicious. We also talked about new places popping up in the western suburbs of Chicago. We had a great time!

#038 - Hop Butcher & Owner Jude La Rose

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 17:00:00 -0500

This week we try some fresh beers right off the canning line from Hop Butcher and also get to chat with the owner of the brewery, Jude La Rose. Jude and his business partner Jeremiah Zimmer stared their adventure in one day owning and operating their own brewery in 2012. Listen to how they they've become one of the most sought after makers of brew in the Chicago-land area.

#037 - Jack Waters & Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 23:47:11 -0500

On this episode we have Jack Waters, one of the owners of Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group. We talk about how he became a partner in one of the most successful restaurant groups in the western suburbs.

#036 - WGN Around Town Segment with Producer Jeff Hoover

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 13:03:19 -0500

We just joined WGN Morning News Around Town. This is the aftermath and it’s a little drinky. We reviewed a New Riff Single Barrel bourbon and Pipeworks NvU vs THE HAZE. We apologize for how many times the word penis was yelled into the mic. We promise the next podcast won’t be so penisy.

#035 - Old Pepper Distillery Bourbon & Goose Island Bourbon County

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 18:00:00 -0500

In episode 35 we would like to first apologize for the level of intoxication we achieved while recording. We reviewed the Old Pepper Distillery bourbon coming in at very high alcohol by volume and compared three different years of Goose Island Bourbon County. It's no wonder we ended-up slurring our words!

#034 - Surly Darkness Imperial Stout & Pinhook High Proof Rye

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 18:27:37 -0500

We’re back together in the Underground Studio in the new recording room. We talk about some national restaurant news and we also give out some good gift ideas for the holiday. The beer review is Surly Darkness Imperial Stout, and the whiskey review is the new Pinhook High Proof Rye!! Listen up and drink up!! Cheers.

#033 - Weller Antique 107 Single Barrel Pick & Hop Butcher’s Neon Green Relish

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 21:43:34 -0500

Last time we recorded we were remote and now we’re back in the underground studio together. We’re talking about the state of the restaurant industry and our experiences going out in the last year. The beer review is Hop Butcher’s Neon Green Relish and the whiskey review is a Weller Antique 107 Single Barrel Pick from Doti’s Liquors. Thanks Jude and George!! Listen up and drink up!!

#032 - Old Bardstown Bottled In Bond & Rodenbach Grand Cru Red Ale

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 22:57:26 -0500

In this episode we review the BIB from Old Bardstown from the Willet's distillery in Kentucky and a Flanders Red Ale from Rodenbach. Rodenbach is a brewery in Roeselare, Belgium. We also chat about a special evening we had over zoom with co-workers from Keller Williams real estate company and also bad news for the restaurant industry, again.

#031 - Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel & Good Beers

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:00:00 -0500

This week we try the 94 proof Toasted Barrel by Elijah Craig, Hop Rich by Riverlands Brewing and Sailor's Kush by Half Acre.

#030 - Dovetail Brewery & Pinhook Rye Whiskey

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 16:50:11 -0500

After a long COVID hiatus, we are back together again. In this episode we review some beers from the Dovetail Brewery and try the 114 proof rye cask strength whiskey from Pinhook.

#029 - Cody Road Bourbon

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 16:18:48 -0500

In this long awaited episode, we talk to Sam from the Mississippi River Distilling Company out of Le Claire, Iowa. Sam brought us their Cody Road Bourbon line up for us to sample. We tasted the Cody Road Single Barrel Bourbon, Cody Road Rye Whiskey and the Cody Road X Experimental Series. Which one was our favorite? Listen up to find out!

#028 - Phase Three Brewing

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 17:00:00 -0500

Today on the podcast we had the opportunity to meet (virtually) with 2 of the 3 owners of Phase Three Brewing out of Lake Zurich, Illinois. We discusses their startup story, the brewing industry and their stellar beers.

#027 - Half Acre Daisy Cutter & Makers Mark Private Select Barrel Pick

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 11:30:00 -0500

In this podcast we talk about Maize+Mash bottle sell off and making some cocktails at home. The beer we sipped on was Daisy Cutter from Half Acre Beer Company from Chicago, IL. The whiskey we featured in this podcast was the Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group barrel pick from Makers Mark.

#026 - Coronavirus & The Restaurant Industry

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 18:28:26 -0500

In this podcast we talk about how the Coronavirus has impacted our local restaurant businesses. Mike did his part and did a remote podcast from his home office. It was a fun night.

#025 - Bell's Hopslam Ale & Bardstown Bourbon Company's "The Prisoner"

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 23:50:04 -0500

In this podcast we got to try the illusive Bell's Hopslam Ale as well as Bardstown Bourbon Company's "The Prisoner". Bardstown partnered with The Prisoner Wine Company for a collaborative bourbon finished in red wine barrels.

#024 - Revision Brewing Hazy IPA & Angels Envy Finished Rye

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 11:00:00 -0500

In episode 24 we get to sip on Boogie Bus, a delicious Hazy IPA from Revision Brewing near Reno, Nevada. This weeks whiskey is Angels Envy Finished Rye, a tasty one finished 18 months in Caribbean rum barrels. Our customer of the week: tax season receipt collectors, get out of here. We also took a well deserved smoke break and talked about Ubers Eats, “I didn’t sign up for this”.

#023 - Makers Mark & Master Distiller Denny Potter

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 18:54:06 -0500

In this episode we had the unique opportunity to interview Denny Potter, the master distiller at Makers Mark and Greg Butera, their midwest brand ambassador. We chatted about their new RC6 product, the unique production line at Makers Mark and their commitment to operating as an environmentally sustainable company.

#022 - J. Henry & Sons Bourbon

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:00:00 -0500

In episode #022, we had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Joe Henry from J. Henry & Sons Bourbon Company. They exploded into the whisky world with their 5 year bourbon in 2015. Over the last 5 years they've won gold and double gold awards at the San Fransisco World Spirits Competition. They are a farm to bottle operation, growing 90% of what goes into the bottle on their family farm in Dane, WI.

#021 - Award Winning Beers & Makers Mark RC6 Wood Finishing Series

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 11:00:10 -0500

In this podcast we talk about Mike and Garrett's trip down to the Bourbon Trail in Louisville Kentucky. They visited the Michter's, Makers Mark and Buffalo Trace distilleries as well as some tasty restaurants in the area. We tasted some award winning beers from Old Irving Brewing & Crystal Lake Brewing. Also, Garrett and Mike brought the Makers Mark RC6 Wood Finishing Series back from their trip to Kentucky for us to review.

#020 - Bardstown Bourbon Company & Master Distiller Steve Nally

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:00:00 -0500

In this podcast we had the incredible opportunity to interview Master Distiller Steve Nally from Bardstown Bourbon Company. Steve was on a marketing tour to promote his new line of bourbons, Fusion & Discovery Series along with a Collaboration Series with Copper & Kings, to the Chicagoland area. Listen to a legend talk about the bourbon industry as well as the great new products he’s produced.

#019 - Bonus: FEW Spirits Wrap Up

Sun, 27 Oct 2019 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we take the time to reflect on our experience at FEW Spirits in Evanston, Illinois. It was our first remote podcast and we learned a lot from it. We hope you enjoy this quick recap!

#018 - FEW Spirits, Ownership & Whiskey

Sun, 20 Oct 2019 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode we focused on FEW ownership and their whiskey portfolio. The sipping social crew went on the the road for their very first remote podcast at the FEW rack house in Evanston, Illinois. The setting was in a massive, yet unassuming, red brick building built in the early 1900's for an ice distrubution company. We recorded with six thousand barrels of aging whiskey surrounding us and the sweet smell of whiskey nectar was in the air.

#017 - FEW Spirits, Operations & Gin

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:00:00 -0500

In this very special two part series, the sipping social crew went on the the road to do their very first remote podcast at the FEW rack house in Evanston, Illinois. The setting was in a massive, yet unassuming, red brick building built in the early 1900's for an ice distrubution company. We recorded with six thousand barrels of aging whiskey surrounding us and the sweet smell of whiskey nectar was in the air. In this episode we focused on operations and FEW Spirits gin portfolio.

#016 - Oktoberfest Beers & Old Rip Van Winkle

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 16:00:00 -0500

In this episode we review four different Oktoberfest beers, almost too much beer for one episode but we got through it. Garrett brings us another great whiskey, the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year! He also tells us about his greatest customer experience that involves a professional Chicago sports team. We tried to keep this one short as well but ended up having too much fun. Our next episode will be a two part remote podcast at the FEW distillery in Evanston, IL

#015 - JP Vander Veen, Solemn Oath & Woodinville Bourbon

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 19:46:34 -0500

This week we have the privilege of sipping on some delicious beers with the Production Manager at Solemn Oath, JP Vander Veen. JP has been in the beer business for most of his adult life and we are excited talk shop with him. This week amongst other industry news, we say goodbye to our old stomping ground, Muldoons Irish Pub that lasted in Wheaton, IL. for 17 years. Sit back, listen in and grab something to sip on with us.

#014 - Half Acre Lunar Form & Mammoth Distilling

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 16:00:00 -0500

We are gearing up for more interviews! So, this episode we kept it short with a tasting of Lunar Form by Half Acre Brewing and delicious rye whiskey from Mammoth Distilling. Next week we interview JP Vander Veen. JP is the head brewer at Solemn Oath in Naperville, IL. We hope you enjoy this quick listen!

#013 - Grist House & Old Bardstown

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 17:00:00 -0500

This week we chat about another rickhouse that burned down, big news for the Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurants and local YIEF happenings. We had the privilege to taste some sour beers from the Grist House Craft Brewery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the spirit was Old Bardstown Bourbon Whiskey. Our good and bad customer of the week: those who use the call ahead policy and those that like to order the impossible drink.

Important Links:

Grist House Craft Brewery
Old Bardstown Bourbon Whiskey

#012 - Miskatonic & Pappy Van Winkle

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 09:49:54 -0500

No interview for this episode, we are taking the next couple episodes to catch up on some things. This week we respond to listener questions, talk about another rickhouse that burned down and exciting news for Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group. We had the privilege to taste Miskatonic's Apricot Long Tongue Liar kettle sour beer and Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 yr old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Our customer of the week: channel changers.

Important Links:

Miskatonic Brewing Company
Pappy Van Winkle
Natural Light Naturdays

#011 - EHS Hospitality Group, Hibiki Suntory & Hop Butcher

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 20:04:51 -0500

We’re excited to have Kristin Elftmann on the podcast today. Kristin is the Vice President of EHS Hospitality Group. You'll hear all about the hospitality recruiting business and how Kristin got into that world. We reviewed a couple things today. The beer review is Hop Butcher’s Alemerica The Beautiful, a Mosaic-hopped American pale ale at 6% ABV. For the spirit, Hibiki Suntory Whiskey - Japanese Harmony, it's a tasty one! There's also some new things happening at Heaven Hill and Sazerac Company that you'll want to hear about. Our customers of the week: people who tip on the total after a gift card is run, not good.

Important Links:

EHS Hospitality Group
Hop Butcher Brewery
Hibiki Suntory

#010 - Manbot Coffee Roasters & Coffee Style Beers

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 09:20:07 -0500

We’re excited to have Mike Hoffman and Chris Clabots from Manbot Coffee Roasters on the podcast today. You'll hear about what it is like to start up your own coffee roaster business and the process in which they go about it. The coffee was delicious and was prepared delicately in the Underground Studio right in front of us. We reviewed a couple of coffee style beers on the show today, you definitely want to hear all about those. Our customers of the week: people who verbally tip their wait staff and leave the bare minimum.

Important Links:

Manbot Coffee Roasters

#009 - Brad Hill, Sales Rep at North Coast Brewing

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 13:15:25 -0500

We’re are super excited to have Brad Hill on the podcast today from North Coast Brewing in Fort Bragg, California. Brad brought us some amazing beers from North Coast and to say we enjoyed them would be an understatement. Just listening to Brad explaining the beers will get you all warm inside. We also have a special guest sitting in for Garrett this week, Kait Eliz. She has worked in the restaurant industry for years and is super fun to chat with! Now she's a kick ass nurse. In this podcast we also talk about a new beer tax proposal in Illinois, Sam Adams purchased Dogfish Head to the tune of $300 million and Joe Maddon opening a restaurant in Wrigleyville. Customers of the week are: People who leave idiotic restaurant and beer reviews that ruin the rating system for all.

Important Links:

North Coast Brewing

Credits:

Be Chillin’ by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com | Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com | Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

#008 - Joanna, Phase Three Brewing & Evan Williams

Thu, 30 May 2019 18:17:11 -0500

We’re are super excited to have Joanna Stipanuk on the podcast today. Joanna has been in the business since she was 13! No joke! She is currently bartending and serving at Nobel House in Glen Ellyn which opened up not that long ago, they’re lucky to have her. In this podcast we also share some great stories, talk about the Burger Social in Wheaton making the rank on Chicago Tribune’s Top 20 Fries list, the Kentucky Derby experience and some great booze and beers. Listen in, it's a great episode!

Important Links:

Nobel House

Credits:

Impulse by Electronic Senses | https://soundcloud.com/electronicsenses | Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com | Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

#007 - Nick Scofield, Sales Director at Solemn Oath Brewery

Mon, 13 May 2019 16:36:08 -0500

We’re excited to have Nick Scofield on the podcast today. Nick is the Sales Director for Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville, IL. You'll hear about what it is like being the Sales Director for one of the most successful breweries in the Chicagoland area. He also brought a huge cooler of Solemn Oath beers for us to try in the Underground Studio. Even though Nick brought like 10 beers for us to try, we only had time to review Lü (Kölsch-Style Ale), Snaggletooth Bandana (American IPA), East Side (Strawberry Berliner-Weiss) and Seventh Whistler (Double NE IPA w/ Lactose). They are delicious! Our customers of the week are: people who talk on their speaker phone at the bar, ridiculous.

Important Links:

Solemn Oath Brewery - Naperville, IL

Credits:

The End Of The World by Tristan Lohengrin | https://www.tristanlohengrin.fr - Music promoted by - https://www.free-stock-music.com - Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

#006 - Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group, Crystal Lake Brewery & Roknar Rye

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 20:39:57 -0500

We welcome our very first guest on. We’re super excited to have one of the owners of the Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group, Nick Roberge. Nick and his partner Jack Waters currently own four successful restaurants in Illinois. Barrel+Rye and Burger Local in Geneva, Burger Social in Wheaton and Maize+Mash in Glen Ellyn. This week we also taste Beach Blonde Lager from the Crystal Lake Brewery and sip on a Roknar rye whiskey from Far North Spirits in Minnesota. Our customers of the week are: smokers asking for matching and stanking up the joint.

Important Links:

Maize+Mash - Glen Ellyn, IL

Barrel+Rye - Geneva, IL

Burger Social - Wheaton, IL

Burger Local - Geneva, IL

Crystal Lake Brewery

Roknar Minnesota Rye Whiskey

Credits:

B-Roll - Islandesque by Kevin MacLeod | http://incompetech.com - Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com - Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

#005 - Hailstorm Brewery & Makers Mark Binny’s Private Select

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 09:04:30 -0500

This week we taste Cumulus IPA from the Hailstorm Brewery in Tinley Park and sip on some Makers Mark Binny’s Private Select. We also discuss Maize + Mash in Glen Ellyn being rated the #13 best Whiskey bar in the country by Yelp, whiskey tasting fests and yearly industry ebb and flow (YIEF). Our customers of the week are: people who don’t want to sit at a community table.

Important Links:

Maize + Mash - Glen Ellyn, IL

Hailstorm Brewing - Tinley Park, IL

Makers Mark Private Select

#004 - Noon Whistle Brewing & Rossville Union Straight Rye

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 09:16:33 -0500

This week we taste Gummy Vortex Northeast IPA from the Noon Whistle Brewing Co. and sip on an MGP product, Rossville Union Straight Rye. We also discuss the big news of Noon Whistle Brewing expanding into Naperville, recent vacation spots for Mike in Milwaukee and an exciting opportunity with Solemn Oath Brewery. Our customers of the week are: "I like to make-out at the bar" and "I ordered the wrong food, take it off my bill".

#003 - Hop Butcher & 1792 Full Proof Whiskey

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 19:26:35 -0500

This week we taste Unwind Your Mind Double IPA from Hop Butcher out of Darien, IL and a 1792 Full Proof Binny’s Single Barrel Select. We also discuss the Robert Kraft and R. Kelly craziness, the 145th running of Kentucky Derby and the Woodford Reserve Derby bottle released a couple weeks ago. Customer of the week: "I have gluten free and ketogenic diet restrictions", come on now dawg!

Important Links:

Breckenridge Tap House - Breckenridge, CO

Doc's Smokehouse - Milwaukee, WI

#002 - More Brewing & Belle Meade Cognac Cask Bourbon

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 10:21:48 -0500

This week we taste Rewind #3 Double IPA from More Brewing in Villa Park and Belle Meade Cognac Cask Bonny pick from Nashville, Tennessee. We also discuss Valentines Day, Manny Machado signing with the Padres, the rise of breweries and discuss an opportunity with Journeyman Distillery. Our customer of the week is "Self Seaters".

Important Links:

More Brewing - Villa Park, IL

Journeyman Distillery - Three Oaks, MI

Acorn Theater - Three Oaks, MI

#001 - Our First Epsode & Sketchbook Brewing Company

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 18:54:05 -0500

This week we take a look at Insufficient Clearance from the Sketchbook Brewing Company. We also discuss the Big Game, bets, company holiday parties, New Year’s resolutions and repeat customers.

Important Links:

Sketchbook Brewing Company - Evanston IL