Buzzed in Baltimore

The owners of Key Brewing, Spike Owen and Mike McDonald, talk about how opening the brewery was their mid-life crisis, what they love so much about Dundalk, how it's smart to leave politics out of beer, and why their beers are just so damn easy to drink.

Two of my favorite drink writers—The Baltimore Sun's Wes Case and Charm City Cook's Amy Langrehr—join me to talk about blurring lines between work and play, how the Baltimore bar scene has evolved, our favorite bar and drink trends, whether to read the comments, and how—contrary to popular belief—we don't just drink all day.

Ever wonder who the geniuses are behind Alexander's Tavern, Papi's Tacos, Huck's American Craft, and now Wicked Sisters? For the latest episode of the podcast, I interview Charlie Gjerde, his wife Lori, and her sister Carrie Podles about the secrets to the success of their mini franchise. We talk about how the bar scene has changed over the past 10 years, whether to pay any attention to Yelp, what's next for their dream team, plus we make a seasonal gin cocktail to top it all off!

The owners of the Baltimore Whiskey Company—Max Lents, Ian Newton, and Eli Breitburg-Smith—discuss the one-year anniversary of their distillery. We talk about the origins of BWC, the state of the local craft spirits scene, the process of making and marketing booze, plans for their anniversary party, and try four delicious spirits along the way.

Talked to Baltimore Beer Week founder Joe Gold about what's in store for the upcoming festival, how the Maryland beer scene has evolved, and what exactly makes pumpkin beer such a hot button issue. Plus we do a vertical tasting of Heavy Seas Greater Pumpkin Ale!

The co-owners of South Baltimore corner bar Idle Hour discuss how they got into the bar business, their saga of closing and reopening their corner bar gem, how drinking in Baltimore has changed, and, of course, their love for the green liqueur that is Chartreuse.

We visit Union Craft Brewing in Woodberry to discuss Baltimore's growing craft beer scene, taprooms as community hubs, their latest releases and events, and which beer made some dude pass out in the parking lot.

With Lyon Distilling co-founder Jaime Windon and bartender Aaron Joseph, we talk about the history and merits of rum, the resurgence of tiki culture, the rise of Maryland distilleries, the upcoming Southside Stakes event, and we made two rum cocktails to top it all off.

Lane Harlan, Dre Barnhill, and Adam Marans from Clavel discuss the ins and outs of mezcal, getting tattoos in Mexico, and what they have on deck for Cinco de Mayo. Plus, we sample a mezcal flight and new spring cocktails.

Flying Dog Brewery is celebrating its 25th anniversary, so CEO Jim Caruso and director of PR Erin Weston discuss the brewery's humble roots, Ralph Steadman's bold art, how it's grown since moving to Maryland, and fun plans for Orioles opening day and a stellar summer concert series lineup. Plus we try brand new spring releases!