Sipping Social Podcast

On Episode 87 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we dive into how technology is shaping the modern restaurant industry and break down the local economic impact of the Super Bowl. We drank some a standout beer from Noon Whistle Brewing in the Gummy series and sipped on Rare Character single barrel cask strength bourbon. Good drinks, good cheer, good peeps.

On Episode 86 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we caught up on all the latest industry buzz, said a heartfelt goodbye to Proof No. 5, and raised a glass to some big moments. We cracked open a fantastic Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery-only release, sipped on Torch THC Seltzers, and wrapped it all up by congratulating our giveaway winners. Listen up, drink up, and let's go!

We’re finally back! The last time we recorded was way back in August, which feels like a lifetime ago, and we couldn’t be more excited to jump back on the mic. In this episode, we kick things off with a long-overdue industry catch-up, talk Dry January realities, and pour one out for a Chicago classic—RIP McCormick & Schmick’s in the city.

We also dive into what’s new in Wheaton, including stops at Bien Trucha, The Guild, and Dough, plus break down what we’re drinking: an EH Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon and the Blind Corner Two911 beer collab.

Grab a drink and catch up with us—it’s good to be back.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: The first four listeners who text us or DM us on Instagram to let us know they listened will score an SSP hat and shirt—plus we tease an even bigger giveaway coming soon.

In this episode, we catch up on the past couple of months and everything that’s been happening in the industry. We review the classic Yuengling, which is a newer addition to the area, and also give our thoughts on Eagle Rare 12-Year — a new and incredibly tasty bourbon. The customer of the month didn’t disappoint but it never does!! Thanks for joining us for this special episode!

In this episode, we dive into the latest hot topics in the beverage world. We start with the buzz around the 200% wine tariff—what does it mean for your favorite bottles and the industry at large? Then, we shift gears to celebrate the return of some seriously delicious food at Burger Social.

Next up, we highlight Maize + Mash’s Dive Bar Night—an event you won’t want to miss! We also discuss the booming trend of non-alcoholic beverages, with NA wine, liquor, and beer reporting massive sales.

For whiskey lovers, we feature Wilderness Trail’s Single Barrel from BBH. Finally, we wrap up with our Customer of the Week, a fun pick from a fellow GM in the area.

In this episode, we were thrilled to welcome a listener of the Sipping Social Podcast, Dr. Mike Gontarek. A published author in Nutritional Perspectives, Dr. Gontarek is board certified in clinical nutrition and a member of the American Chiropractic Association Council on Nutrition. Mike brought a fresh perspective to the table, offering his thoughts and personal experiences as we dove into some exciting beverages: the highly anticipated Hop Butcher collaboration and Russell's single barrel pick.

In this episode, we recap our live show featuring fantastic guests Blind Corner Brewing and Laws Whiskey. We dive into their unique offerings and share some great moments from the event. We also have a little fun at the expense of a harsh online reviewer, “misfit,” who didn’t exactly love our expertise. It’s a laid-back, entertaining episode full of laughs, good company, and a bit of playful roasting.

In this episode we explore the latest happenings in the local food and drink scene, including the closure of Maypole in Wheaton and exciting new spots like an Italian concept replacing Wok n Fire and Mosaic Kitchen & Cocktails in Geneva. We also discuss Blind Corner Brewing’s distribution launch, the Graceful Ordinary concept in Aurora, and the Walrus Room’s move next to Barrel and Rye. Plus, we feature Go Brewery’s THC-infused Easy Man beer and revisit the whiskey selections at Bottle Exchange.

The Sipping Social Podcast shines a spotlight on the Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group's John J. Bowman Single Barrel Pick, a standout whiskey choice for the season. We also taste Great Lake Christmas Ale (7.5% ABV), the perfect brew to get into the holiday spirit. Amid the hustle of Christmas shoppers, kids home from school, and last-minute party bookings, the Bourbon Belly team navigates it all with ease and humor. We recap the latest Laws Whiskey episode and the memorable Fine Whiskey and cocktail pairing dinner at Proof No. 5, while also celebrating sponsors Blind Corner Brewing and Laws Whiskey ahead of the upcoming live SSP show.

In this episode, we’re joined by a true pioneer in the whiskey world—Al Laws, the founder and owner of Laws Whiskey House, a renowned Colorado-based distillery that’s making waves with its hand-crafted, small-batch spirits. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just someone curious about the art of distilling, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Let’s go!