Drinks and a Movie

This week on Drinks and a Movie, we’re diving into the 13th entry in the James Bond franchise — Octopussy (1983)! Roger Moore is back as 007, and this time he’s going full circus mode. Killer clowns, Fabergé eggs, Cold War chaos, and an island run by an all-female cult led by the mysterious Octopussy — what more could you ask for?

We break down the highs, the lows, and the wonderfully bizarre tone of this fan-dividing Bond film. Is Octopussy campy fun or a franchise misfire? Let’s get into it.

And to pair with all that wild energy? We’re sipping on Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey — a bold 110-proof Kentucky rye that’s spicy, complex, and perfect for a spirited Bond adventure.
Find out if it’s a sipper worth stocking or if it’s better left behind like a rogue Soviet general.

Pour yourself a dram and join the conversation as we talk Bond, bourbon (well, rye), and cinematic spectacle.

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In this episode of Drinks and a Movie, we're going shaken, not stirred with a dive into the 12th James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only (1981), starring Roger Moore in one of his most grounded and underrated performances as 007. We’re ditching gadgets for grit as Bond embarks on a Cold War-era mission filled with ski chases, underwater action, and crossbows?!
We’ll explore how this entry attempted to bring the franchise back down to Earth after the space-age spectacle of Moonraker and why For Your Eyes Only remains a standout for Bond fans.

But first, we kick things off with a review of the Angels Envy Triple Oak whiskey – a limited-edition Kentucky straight bourbon finished in three different oak casks. Is it worthy of a secret agent’s palate, or just another overhyped pour? Pour a glass and tune in for Bond trivia, bold opinions, and bourbon breakdowns.

👉 Available now wherever you get your podcasts!

This episode of Drinks and a Movie is blasting off into one of the most outrageous Bond adventures ever—Moonraker (1979). Roger Moore’s 007 goes from Venice to space in a spectacle filled with laser battles, deadly centrifuge tests, and the return of the unstoppable Jaws. It’s over-the-top, it’s ridiculous, and it’s pure late-'70s Bond fun.

For a movie this bold, I had to pair it with a whiskey that packs just as much punch—the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Uncut, unfiltered, and full of intense spice and caramel sweetness, this rye whiskey hits hard, much like the G-forces in Drax’s centrifuge.

Join me as I break down Bond’s most out-of-this-world adventure while sipping on a rye that’s as powerful as a Moonraker laser blast. Buckle up, pour yourself a glass, and let’s talk Bond. Cheers!

In this episode of Drinks and a Movie, we're diving into one of the most stylish and action-packed Bond films of the Roger Moore era—The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). From the unforgettable ski jump opener to the sleek Lotus Esprit submarine car and the menacing presence of Jaws, this film is peak '70s Bond spectacle. But what’s a Bond discussion without a drink in hand?

This week, I’m pairing the film with the 2023 George T. Stagg from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. This uncut and unfiltered bourbon is as bold and complex as 007 himself—rich with dark caramel, oak, and spice, delivering a long finish worthy of a Bond villain's monologue. Join me as I break down the espionage, the iconic Carly Simon theme, and, of course, this powerhouse of a bourbon. Grab a glass and tune in—because nobody does it better. Cheers!

Bond. Bourbon. And one deadly assassin.  In this episode of Drinks and a Movie, we’re taking aim at The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), Roger Moore’s second outing as 007. With Christopher Lee as the iconic Scaramanga, a funhouse duel, and some of the wildest stunts in Bond history, this one’s got plenty to talk about. But is it a hidden gem or a misfire?

To pair with this high-stakes adventure, I’m sipping on Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch, a Bottled-in-Bond beauty from Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1. How does this bourbon hold up against other classics? Tune in for my full tasting notes and Bond breakdown! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment—who’s your favorite Bond villain?

On this episode of Drinks and a Movie, we’re diving into Live and Let Die (1973), Roger Moore’s explosive debut as James Bond. From voodoo villains to high-speed boat chases, this film is packed with action, style, and one of the franchise’s most unique soundtracks. But does it hold up today?

And what better way to pair a Bond flick than with a top-shelf bourbon? This week, I’m sipping on Rock Hill Farms, a single-barrel gem from Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2. How does it compare to other favorites from the distillery? Tune in for tasting notes, film discussion, and all the Bond-worthy vibes! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let me know—what’s your favorite Bond film?

Kicking off a special Drinks and a Movie series on movies turning 30 years old in 2025, we’re taking a high-stakes ride with Martin Scorsese’s Casino (1995). Packed with mob drama, powerhouse performances from De Niro, Pesci, and Stone, and Scorsese’s signature kinetic style, this Vegas epic still shines like the Strip at night.

And speaking of Vegas—this episode was recorded on the road to Sin City, so you’re getting the full experience. No drink pairing this time, just raw, unfiltered discussion about one of the greatest crime films ever made. Fair warning: the audio’s a little rough, but hey, what’s a Vegas trip without a little chaos?

Buckle up, hit play, and join me for a deep dive into greed, power, and betrayal in the world of Casino.

Watch this episode on YouTube.
This was recorded as part of another show I produce and co-host on YouTube called The Reel Generation Gap. This episode was meant for video so please follow the link here in the show notes, give it a watch, like and subscribe.
Cheers!

Welcome back to the Drinks and a Movie Podcast! In this seventh episode of my James Bond series, I’m diving into Diamonds Are Forever (1971), which marks Sean Connery’s return as Bond after a break from the role. This film, while classic in its own right, is also notable for its place in the Bond franchise’s continuity—or lack thereof. Diamonds Are Forever, along with On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and You Only Live Twice, deviates from the correct order of Ian Fleming’s novels. The correct sequence is Thunderball, followed by On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and then You Only Live Twice. This shift is significant because it disrupts the emotional and narrative through-line, especially when it comes to Bond’s relationship with Tracy and the aftermath of her death, which was central to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. By skipping over the emotional weight that should have followed, Diamonds Are Forever somewhat lightens the thematic stakes of Bond’s character arc, leaning into a more campy, adventurous tone instead of the emotional depth seen in Fleming’s books.

To pair with this film, I’m sipping on Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Sour Mash Bourbon, crafted from Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2. Elmer T. Lee, a legendary figure in the bourbon world. He was became a master distiller at Buffalo Trace and was instrumental in the creation of Blanton’s Bourbon. His single barrel sour mash bourbon is known for its smooth, rich profile, making it the perfect companion for a Bond film that balances high stakes with a lighter, more fun tone. 

Join me as I discuss how Diamonds Are Forever shifts the tone of the Bond saga, why the change in the novel order matters thematically, and why Elmer T. Lee’s bourbon is an ideal drink to accompany this spirited, yet somewhat disjointed, chapter in Bond’s story.

Welcome back to the Drinks and a Movie Podcast! In this sixth episode of my James Bond series, I’m diving into On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), a film that marked a major turning point in the franchise with the recasting of James Bond—enter George Lazenby in his sole outing as 007. This film stands out for its emotional depth and a more vulnerable Bond, as well as the unforgettable romance between Bond and Tracy Di Vicenzo.

To pair with this pivotal Bond movie, I’m sipping on Hancock’s President's Reserve Bourbon, crafted with Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2. This bourbon’s rich and complex flavor profile offers a perfect balance of smoothness and depth, complementing the emotional and action-packed ride of On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

Join me as I explore Lazenby’s unique take on the role, discuss the movie’s standout moments, and share why Hancock’s President's Reserve is an excellent choice for this unexpected yet powerful entry in the 007 saga. Grab your glass, settle in, and let's enjoy this classic Bond film with a bourbon that’s as rich and layered as the movie itself.