Gavin traces Brian Evans' journey in spirits, beginning with early experiences with Jameson to a deep appreciation for high-value spirits like rum and Armagnac, culminating in an obsession with Japanese whiskey.

Evans details his "aha" moment with Chichibu, a distillery praised for its experimental use of unconventional casks, and the massive undertaking of curating the Hotel Chelsea's extensive Japanese whiskey program.

They also touch on current consumer trends, noting the market impact of GLP-1 drugs on alcohol consumption and the resulting shift towards more selective, preimmunized drinking experiences, with Mars Whiskey highlighted as a strong value option for new explorers.