Buzzed in Baltimore

Talked with Colin and Zack of Diamondback Brewing Company about contract brewing, how their brand has evolved, the unique practice of self-distribution, finding their home in Locust Point, and the importance of working with local producers. Plus, we tried spring seasonals and previewed the annual Greener Fest event at the taproom.

Sagamore Spirit president Brian Treacy and brand director Rachel Fontana talk about the Port Covington distillery turning one years old, rye whiskey history in Maryland, women in the whiskey industry, and what big plans they have for their anniversary party.

Interviewed Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins of Old Line Spirits. We chatted about the unusual origins of their distillery, changing perceptions about American single malt whiskey, how they’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of their Highlandtown taproom, and tried their brand new cask-finished Caribbean rum.

Recorded at Charm City Meadwork's brand new taproom near Mt. Vernon, where owners James Boicourt and Andrew Geffken talked about mead misconceptions, why it’s important to save the bees, local collaborations, and their upcoming apple-cinnamon release.

Hanging with my favorite Baltimore beer brothers of Monument City Brewing! We talk about their latest fall beers, the journey from contract brewing to permanent home, what Highlandtown has meant to them, interesting tales from a family hike, and try their not-yet-released hazy IPA Nobo.

Dogfish Head Distilling GM James Montero and Head Distiller Graham Hamblett join me to talk about the relationship between the brewery and the distillery, how they think of out-of-the-box flavors, getting customer feedback straight from the bar, and how Barb from Stranger Things fits into all this.

I tagged along on a City Brew Tour, which took the group around to four different breweries in Baltimore including Heavy Seas, Monument City, Brew House No. 16, and Diamondback Brewing. In the episode, I chronicle the history of the tours, talk to tour guides Matt and Ryan, and even find myself in the midst of a bachelor party along the way.

Talked with Lost Ark Distilling owners Brad Blackwell and Andy Debenham about Maryland pride, local sourcing, how Columbia is getting cool, and tried some of their delicious rums and whiskey—including a summer blend of their spiced rum that everyone should be drinking pronto.

Recorded this episode about amaro live at the Baltimore Podcast Festival. Special guests Kristen Starks of Cosima and Amie Ward of R. Bar talked all about the Italian bitter liqueur, the Baltimore bar scene, gender and race politics in the industry, and how they are changing people's minds one cocktail at a time.

Visited Old Westminster Winery and talked to owners (and siblings) Drew Baker, Lisa Hinton, and Ashli Johnson about making some of the best wines in Maryland. We chat about the winery's origins, their ingredient-driven wines, events in their tasting room, and what it's like to work with family. Plus, we sip on their Cabernet Franc and Albariño Pétillant Naturel.