Buzzed in Baltimore

Tenth Ward Distilling founder & owner Monica Pearce discusses opening her dream distillery in the heart of Frederick, what goes on in the cocktail lab, why they decided to make the first absinthe in Maryland, and how they have pivoted to not only offer curbside takeout and delivery—but are also now producing and donating surface cleanser to local frontline workers. Plus, she takes us through Tenth Ward's spirits lineup, which includes a delicious smoked corn whiskey that drinks like a tequila and an herbal springtime liqueur.

Support Tenth Ward:

https://tenth-ward-to-go.square.site/

Support Maryland distilleries:

https://marylandspirits.org/covid-19-retail-updates/

Support Maryland breweries:

https://marylandbeer.org/retail-covid-19/

Support Maryland wineries:

https://marylandwine.com/covid-19-retail-options/

Dutch Courage owners Brendan Dorr and Eric Fooy discuss opening their dream gin bar just a few short months ago, what the rollercoaster of emotions has been like since, how they've turned a cocktail bar into a carryout bottle shop, and how to best support your local service industry members during the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, they reveal some of their more interesting quarantine hobbies, mix up a Jefferson Sour, and show off their to-go gin Old Fashioned. For a list of ways you can help support the service industry(and a ton of resources if you are a bartender), visit the list Brendan and the Baltimore Bartenders Guild put together: http://bit.ly/bmorebartenders

Nepenthe Brewing co-owner Jill Antos discusses her early love of beer, one year of owning her Hampden brewery, stereotypes in the industry, some exciting canning news, and everyone's favorite brew shop dog, Benny.

Guinness head brewer Hollie Stephenson, Checkerspot Brewing co-owner and brewer Judy Neff, and Suspended Brewing co-owner Yasmin Karimian discuss stigmas and stereotypes that women in the craft beer industry face. Listen in to hear how women are breaking the mold, battling “internal sexism,” and working smarter in the brewhouse.

DuClaw Brewing founder Dave Benfield and head brewer Brandon Stanko discuss the brewery's exciting evolution over the past few years. Craft beer fans have noticed that DuClaw has shifted—from having a one-trick pony reputation to that of a real brewing powerhouse, constantly churning out delicious sours, double IPAs, and unorthodox flavors. Listen in as they discuss how brewers and branding made that shift possible, what exciting releases are ahead, the future of the Rosedale taproom, and how an upcoming event will have brewers racing around in high heels for a good cause.

Baltimore Spirits Company co-owners Max Lents and Eli Breitburg-Smith make a return visit to the podcast to discuss their new space inside Union Collective, rebranded name, and fourth iteration of their Epoch Rye Whiskey. We discuss the secret meeting that convinced them to be a part of Union Collective, their innovative geothermal water system, the fourth iteration of award-winning Epoch Rye, their first spirits collaboration with Union Craft Brewing, and the future growth of the brand around the country.

Head brewer Hollie Stephenson joins the podcast to talk about opening the only Guinness brewery in the U.S., how she's trying to expand people's preferences beyond the stout, her impressive craft beer resume, and why she has fallen absolutely in love with Baltimore.

Gina Netisingha of Wit & Wisdom at Four Seasons Baltimore chatted about her background living around the world, what hospitality means to her, which cocktail trends she loves and hates, and how she is helping to change the service industry to be more open-minded.

Comptroller Peter Franchot joins the podcast to talk about the economic impact of craft beer in Maryland, why our state is uniquely bad for the future growth of the industry, the possibility of Maryland selling beer and wine in grocery stores, and how part of his job is being the "Chief Alcohol Regulator."

Chelsea Gregoire, bar manager at Hotel Revival's new rooftop bar Topside, talks about the Baltimore bar scene, the relationship between religion and hospitality, how the industry as a whole can be more inclusive, and takes us through her cocktail menu of Shandies, rum Old Fashioneds, and more.