Cocktails and Spirits

On this episode Alfonso and Erik are joined by two very special guests. Good friend Pepe from Los Angeles Tequila Club and Don Pepe Experiences joins Alfonso and Erik to chat with Jesse Estes Global Brand Ambassador for Tequila Ocho. Jesse talks about how Tequila Ocho was born. His father Tomas Estes had a vision of making tequila from all agave coming from a Single Estate field. Master Distiller Carlos Camarena invited him to work on this project together. Together Tomas and Carlos created one of the most delicious tequilas there is out there. Jesse talks about how some of the different expressions like Widow Jane, Puntas 2022, Puntas 2023, Transatlantic, Tropical and Continental. Jesse also touches base on Curado Tequila. Overall an amazing in person talk with Jesse and Pepe.

https://www.instagram.com/jesseocho/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/tequilaocho/?hl=en
https://ochotequila.com/
https://www.instagram.com/pepeagave/
https://www.instagram.com/latequilaclub/
https://latequilaclublatc.square.site/
https://www.instagram.com/donpepetequila/

On this episode Alfonso and Erik are joined by Bryant Joel Orozco Mexican Beverage Consultant. Bryant has been in the Mexican beverage industry for many years. Bryant shares how Bacanora has always been in his family's history. Bryant has a few projects in the work including Last Call Mexico which is a docuseries that focuses on traditional fermented beverages from Mexico. Another project Bryant is working on is Bar Nuda LA. Bar Nuda LA is LA's first Mexican inspired Non-Alcoholic pop up experience. They focus on functional cocktails that feature Mexican ingredients.

https://www.instagram.com/cruisin_for_a_boozin/

https://www.instagram.com/barnuda.la/

https://www.instagram.com/last_call_mexico/

On this episode Alfonso is joined by Eileen Wayner CEO of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. Eileen goes over what TOTCF represents and what they do. She also gives us an inside look at what we can expect for this years events. Eileen also talks about the programs they have at TOTCF including Beyond the Bar and Apprentice program. Tales Of The Cocktail is a huge event for the industry and Eileen plays a huge role in the success of the foundation.

https://talesofthecocktail.org/

https://talesofthecocktail.org/about/team/

On this episode Alfonso and Erik are joined by Sarah Jeltema also known as @whiskynomad on instagram. Sarah is a Whiskey Educator. Sarah breaks down Scotch on this episode. Sharing production method, regions scotch is produced, different kind of scotches and much more. Sarah is a whisky lover who loves to drink, talk about, and share whisky.  

 https://www.instagram.com/whiskynomad/

Alfonso and Erik are joined by Chuey. Chuey is the first guest to make a second appearance in the podcast. Chuey is the Founder of Pacific Northwest Agave Club. He fills us in on what they are doing down in the PNWAC. Chuey also talks about Raicilla and some of what makes Raicilla. Overall an extremely fun talk on the gave industry. 

https://www.instagram.com/chuey_agave/

https://www.instagram.com/pnw_agave_club/

Alfonso and Erik are joined by Marshall Minaya, Beverage Director of two of Midtown East’s cocktail bars that serve as a boozy time capsule of classic NYC bar culture,  Valerie and Madame George. 

When developing the bar programs at each venue, Marshall drew upon his admiration for NYC bar culture throughout history, borrowing inspiration from old school techniques and incorporating them into modern spins on classic cocktails.

https://instagram.com/marshallvincent?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

https://instagram.com/valerienewyorkcity?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

https://instagram.com/madamegeorgenyc?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Alfonso is joined by Colin Blake to talk about some of the workshops at Moonshine University. 

Colin Blake has been with Moonshine University, the first custom-built educational distillery in the US, since its launch in 2012. With an extensive history as a researcher and writer for spirits and cocktails, Colin is Moonshine University’s Director of Spirits Education. He also created the Stave & Thief Society, the only industry-backed bourbon certification program, wherein he holds the title of Managing Director.

As a native of New Mexico, Colin has traveled far and wide to satisfy his thirst for knowledge in the areas of history, visual communication, and beverages. He previously worked as a touring photographer for musicians before moving to Los Angeles, where he then worked as a production designer for big names like Sony, Showtime, HBO, and WB. Colin also wrote and hosted a TV pilot called The Cocktail Chronicles. He now uses his background in film production and comedy to make expertly curated courses with entertaining presentations.

During his time in the spirits industry, he has been awarded Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s ‘40 Under 40,’ in addition to Business First’s ‘40 Under 40’ and ‘Top 20 People to Know in Hospitality.

https://moonshineuniversity.com/

Alfonso and Erik are joined by Whiskey Professor Bernie Lubbers Whiskey ambassador for Heaven Hill Distillery. Bernie shares how and why the Bottled-In-Bond Act was passed. He also shares what some of the things Heaven Hill Distillery is doing that sets it apart. We go through some of the many offerings that come from there including their highly sough after Old Fitzgerald, Parkers Heritage and Heaven Hill Heritage Collection.

http://www.whiskeyprof.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bernielubbers/

https://heavenhilldistillery.com/our-brands.php

Alfonso and Erik are joined by Allen Katz. Allen is the distiller and co founder of New York Distilling Company. Allen shares how his career in the industry began. A passion for cocktails led to a passion for Rye Whiskey and Gin. He is now the Distiller at New York Distilling company. Allen shares what goes into making their gin and their rye whiskey. This was a phenomenal talk with Allen and gave us a great look into the production of gin and rye whiskey.

https://www.nydistilling.com/

https://instagram.com/nydistilleryman?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

On todays episode Alfonso and Erik talk to Arminder Randhawa. Arminder shares his passion and knowledge on rum and other cane spirits. Arminder gives us a brief breakdown on how he became a rum enthusiast. Arminder answers many of our questions on rum and gives us a better insight into the very complex spirit of rum.

https://www.instagram.com/rumrevival/