Cocktails With Friends

S3 E1 Novio's Radio | Wyoming Loves Acadia

In this Novio's Radio episode of Cocktails with Friends, Bob Cutler introduces George Hale and Ric Tyler to a special limited-edition bottle from Wyoming Whiskey that honors Acadia National Park. For the first time, the brand is recognizing a national park outside Wyoming—and they chose Acadia. Bob also explains where and why Novio's acquires such clear ice. Plus, listeners also get a deep tasting breakdown of the 98-proof bourbon, offering notes of orange, almond, cherry, honey, vanilla, espresso, and chocolate.

Key Topics

Whiskey for Conservation –

Bob details how the Wyoming Whiskey liquor release is helping raise funds for Acadia National Park projects.

The Science of Ice –

Why the clear, slow-melting cubes Novio's acquires for patrons matter for taste and dilution.

How to Taste Whiskey –

Bob offers tasting tips, a flavor breakdown, and what "smooth" really means.

0:00 – Wyoming Whiskey honors Acadia with a special edition bottle, supporting Friends of Acadia for the first time ever.

1:17 – Cutler explains the science of using large, clear ice cubes from Knickerbocker Ice in cocktails and whiskey pours.

3:21 – He defends adding ice to whiskey, calling it a personal preference that brings out hidden notes like honey and vanilla.

6:43 – The whiskey will be available statewide at Maine's state agency liquor stores, and proceeds will support trail repair, shuttle services, and worker housing in Acadia.

9:33 – Tasting notes include orange, almond, cherry, honey, vanilla, espresso, and chocolate—a layered, complex profile at 98 proof

S2 E52 What A Long Strange Year

Bob Cutler raises a Boulevardier and wraps up Season 2 with a reflective, funny, and heartfelt best-of episode featuring favorite moments and standout guests. He reflects on a year of head trauma, vermouth memories, fairway wisdom, popes and piercings, and bread-fueled dreams—tying it all together with cocktails, community, and a deep love for stories that can fill a glass.

Key Topics

The Evolving Language of Injury and Care

Through conversations with researchers and clinicians, Bob explores how the words we use—like "head trauma" versus "concussion"—shape how seriously we treat physical and emotional healing.

Crafting Community Through Food, Drink, and Storytelling

From Annie's launching Sunburys to Tate's expression through fashion, this episode celebrates how people use everyday passions to build connection and joy.

Bringing Humor and Humanity to Every Glass

Whether joking about goats with a priest or exploring the craft of vermouth, Bob shows that cocktails aren't the point—they're just the starting pour for great conversation.

0:26 – Bob with a toast and then revisits a concussion conversation with Jess Riccardi.

4:15 – Italian winemaker Sarah Vezza recalls her grandmother's vermouth ritual.

6:39 – Rob Jarvis joins for a walk-and-talk about golf's inclusive evolution and the joy of family play.

10:04 – Paul Culina shares how "Next Goal Wins" became a beer and a men's league mantra.

12:21 – Bob remembers the hilarious papal predictions and South Park takes with Father Bill Labbe

S2 E49 Devin Lueddeke of Friends of Acadia

Bob Cutler chats with Devin Lueddeke of Friends of Acadia about preserving Maine's national treasure that is Acadia National Park and celebrates the launch of a limited-release Wyoming Whiskey benefiting Acadia. Bob and Devin touch on ways everyday folks can support Acadia's future with volunteer work, membership, and soon -- a good pour of Wyoming Whiskey.

Key Topics

Acadia's Unique Legacy

Unlike most parks carved from federal land, Acadia was built on private donations and local stewardship—making it a deeply personal and community-driven national park.

Sustaining the Park Through Volunteerism & Innovation

Friends of Acadia supports the park with trail maintenance, youth education, and ecosystem protection, while also addressing post-pandemic crowding and parking challenges.

Whiskey with a Cause: The Acadia Release

A special edition of Wyoming Whiskey celebrates the park and donates proceeds back to Friends of Acadia, blending national pride with local impact—one bottle at a time.

1:31 – Devin describes Friends of Acadia's downtown Bar Harbor HQ and love for local flavor.

2:44 – The park's origin as privately donated land sets it apart from other national parks.

6:22 – Friends of Acadia's four pillars include trails, education, Wild Acadia, and visitor experience.

8:23 – Wyoming Whiskey's Acadia bottle hits shelves in Maine with proceeds benefiting the park.

11:14 – The whiskey features Hunter's Head on the label and tasting notes of almond, cherry, and spice.

S2 E50 If Après Is The Vibe, High Camp Is The Vessel

Bob and Rich head to new heights—literally and metaphorically—in this episode of Après All Day as they explore the story behind High Camp Flasks, a brand built on the idea that adventure and quality cocktails go hand-in-hand. Co-founders Nic Barisone joins the conversation to talk about how their backcountry skiing experiences inspired them to redesign the traditional flask into something more communal, functional, and elevated.

Key Topics

Designing Gear for the Après Life

High Camp Flasks was born out of a desire for durable, beautiful gear that lets people toast the end of an adventure without compromising quality or connection.

Community and Sharing on the Summit

With its detachable tumblers and shareable ethos, High Camp celebrates the joy of raising a glass with friends in even the most remote places.

Elevating the Everyday Adventure

From mountaintop margaritas to campsite old fashioneds, High Camp's story reminds listeners that you don't need a fancy bar to enjoy a meaningful drink—you just need a good flask and a great view.

0:58 – Bob and Rich introduce themselves and the story behind High Camp's origin in the Sierra backcountry.

4:45 – Bob and Rich geek out over the Highball Shaker and how it levels up outdoor mixology.

9:37 – Nic Barison joins the discussions of the philosophy of "elevated minimalism" in design and drink culture. Rich's dog make a cameo.

16:00 – Sharing a drink with a view is a core part of the brand's mission—hence the detachable tumblers.

21:30 – Dream après moments include pow days, summit sips, and well-earned whiskey in the woods.

S2 E49 Independence Day

Bob Cutler delivers solo wisdom for the Fourth of July, sharing hydration hacks, pre-batch cocktail tips, and comedic warnings to keep friends (yes, Curtis, Chris, and Dano, Bob is looking at you!) upright and ready for the fireworks instead of snoozing after early-morning whiskey pours.

Key Topics

Hydration as a Holiday Strategy

Bob emphasizes the importance of alternating water with cocktails to survive long party days, keep your spouse happy, and make it to the evening fireworks.

Smart Cocktail Prepping for Barbecue Days

Pre-batching lemonade-based cocktails ensures consistent pours, reduces midday "free-pour sloppiness," and lets you focus on grilling and storytelling.

Drink Choice for Longevity and Enjoyment

Bob recommends using 80-proof whiskeys or lighter spirits for holiday drinking to avoid burnout before the main event—and to preserve your dignity..

0:53 – Bob intros himself humorously as guest and host in this solo holiday episode.

2:37 – He previews upcoming season 3 guests and on-the-road recordings, including Meghan Markle.

3:42 – The "one water, one cocktail" strategy is explained to keep you hydrated and marriage intact.

4:42 – Lemonade-based cocktail builds are highlighted for easy batching and day drinking.

6:40 – He warns against switching drinks mid-day to avoid passing out before fireworks.

S2 E48 Novio's Radio | Hydrofoiled

Bob Cutler returns to the George Hale Ric Tyler Show for a summer-themed installment of Cocktails with Friends, featuring special guest Dr. David Cloutier of the Veazie Vet Clinic. Bob mixes a mocktail for George, explains the concept of a highball, and crafts a new concoction that earns its name on-air: "Hydrofoiled", inspired by Dr. Cloutier's early morning adventure on Pushaw Lake!

Key Topics

The Art of the Highball

Bob demystifies the highball—a drink that's easy to build, low in alcohol, and ideal for long afternoons on the deck or by the grill.

Mocktails Matter

With non-drinkers in mind, Bob serves up a flavorful alcohol-free Paloma, showing that complex flavor doesn't require booze.

Naming the Cocktail: Hydrofoiled

A spontaneous mix becomes a signature drink, with a name tied to Dr. Cloutier's morning lake session and a nod to the drink's light, buoyant finish.

0:51 – Bob introduces Dr. Cloutier and breaks down the beauty of highballs—easy, light, and seasonal.

1:53 – The crew enjoys a non-alcoholic Paloma made with hibiscus and rose water from Colorado.

6:02 – A whiskey highball featuring Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond bourbon is served and praised.

9:00 – Bob mixes an on-the-fly cocktail using bourbon, Aperol, grapefruit, and club soda—earning the name "Hydrofoiled."

12:32 – Listeners ask: "What is Aperol?" Bob explains it as a red Italian bitter and essential entry-level Amaro.

S2 E47 Tate Clough

In this episode, host Bob Cutler sits down with Tate Clough, the youngest guest to appear on Cocktails with Friends—a 21-year-old fashion design student, kitchen team member at Birdies, and aspiring model. Their conversation blends deep respect with light-hearted banter, exploring how Tate's calm, competent energy in the kitchen is matched by bold creativity in fashion. From cleaning up the back of house to sketching hundreds of designs for class, Tate brings thoughtfulness and ambition to every setting.

Key Topics

Fashion as Identity and Empowerment

Tate views clothing as a way to show the world who he is—mixing confidence, creativity, and comfort into a personal expression that breaks from Maine's rural fashion norms.

The Future of Sustainable Design

From upcycled fabrics to locally sourced materials, Tate's vision for fashion includes eco-consciousness and community-driven aesthetics, inspired by real-world experience and classroom training.

Modeling, Mentorship, and Maine Roots

Despite modeling opportunities and big-city aspirations, Tate stays grounded through his work at Birdies and the mentorship of supportive family, professors, and now even Bob Cutler himself.

1:04 – Tate reflects on joining the Birdies kitchen and how a smooth team dynamic makes the work flow.

4:00 – His Instagram handle (@Tate with 9 A's) reflects his personality and love for fashion.

6:21 – Tate explains how fashion became a personal expression and why "look good, feel good" is a daily mantra.

10:34 – He walks through the design process from sketching hundreds of looks to building a full line concept.

19:03 – Bob and Tate agree: no tie is sometimes the right tie, especially if you want to feel like yourself.

S2 E46 Après All Day | Father's Day

This special Father's Day episode of Après All Day is a hilarious and heartfelt tribute to dads who just want good food, a stiff drink, and a chance to kick back. With guest Feet Banks from Canada, hosts Bob and Rich explore how fathers operate, celebrate, and sometimes survive—with laughter, storytelling, and plenty of spirited suggestions.

Key Topics

Celebrating Fatherhood Through Après

This episode honors the spirit of Father's Day not with neckties or overplanning, but with small joys: smoky cocktails, backyard grilling, and unapologetic relaxation.

Parenting Stories That Hit Home

Bob, Rich and Feet trade war stories and wisdom from the front lines of fatherhood, from driving all weekend for sports tournaments to dodging teenage moods and iPhones.

Après Culture as Everyday Ritual

Whether it's camping off-grid or grilling with your kids after bedtime, they show how après isn't just for mountains—it's a mindset for winding down and showing up.

1:15 – Rich breaks down his DIY smoked Bloody Mary mix and dream of a Camp Chef smoker episode.

10:43 – Bob shares the real Father's Day dream: pancakes, bacon, and just THREE holes of golf with his boys.

20:10 – Feet Banks joins from Canada and lays out his perfect Father's Day plan: camping, grilling, and tequila by the river.

44:11 – Bob and Rich swap ideas for kid-made cocktails, like watermelon lemonade with rhubarb gin or bourbon.

55:42 – The crew closes by reminding listeners that après is about slowing down, celebrating, and being with the people who matter most.

Introducing The "Après All Day" Podcast

In this special preview, Bob Cutler teams up with Rich Stoner—founder of All About Après—to launch a new spin-off of Cocktails with Friends celebrating the après lifestyle beyond the slopes. The two recount how their friendship began at a whiskey anniversary party in Jackson Hole, and how their mutual appreciation for post-adventure relaxation sparked this new series.

Their core idea? Après isn't just for skiing anymore. Whether it's after a surf session, a beach day, a hike, mowing the lawn, or making pizzas after work, they believe the celebration of the day's effort should happen every day. With that in mind, Après All Day aims to expand the concept to anyone, anywhere, who enjoys winding down with friends, flavor, and a toast to life's little victories.

Future episodes will follow a consistent format, including cocktail talk, story-sharing, guest interviews, and "last call" tips. With an open invitation to mixologists, mountain lovers, and laid-back legends from all walks of life, Bob and Rich are setting the table for a podcast that's light-hearted, fast-paced, and always celebratory—starting with a Father's Day special.

S2 E45 Bols Master Distiller Monique

Bob Cutler interviews Monique ten Kortenaar, the Master Distiller at Lucas Bols, about the creation of Bols Blue 1575—a new liqueur celebrating the brand's FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY-YEAR legacy. Developed over more than a year, this limited-edition update to their popular blue curaçao adds depth with botanicals and Jamaican rum. The episode explores Monique's journey, her cocktail preferences, and the role Bols plays in shaping cocktail culture across the globe.

Key Topics

The Craft of Distilling at Bols

Monique shares how her role involves not just production, but also research, innovation, and collaboration with the R&D team to continually refine and evolve Bols' world-renowned liqueurs.

Creating a Modern Blue Curaçao with Depth

The development of Bols Blue 1575 highlights a deliberate move toward complexity, with added botanicals like cardamom and a touch of Jamaican rum bringing warmth and sophistication to a traditionally sweet category.

Women in Distilling Leadership

As the first female Master Distiller at Bols, Monique's journey reflects both her expertise and the broader shift in the spirits industry toward recognizing and empowering talented women in roles once dominated by men.

1:08 – Monique explains her role as Master Distiller and how she became the first woman in that position at Bols.

3:40 – She reveals how Bols Blue 1575 builds on the original blue curaçao with botanicals like cardamom and Jamaican rum.

6:53 – The innovation process is a team effort, not a solo act—collaboration is key to developing new liqueurs.

8:14 – The recipe and design for the 1575 bottle took roughly a year and a half to complete.

10:27 – Monique prefers orange-based liqueurs like triple sec or the new blue for their versatility in cocktails.