Tasting Notes: 🍹 American rum is having a moment, and Seth Benhaim is leading the charge!

In this episode of The Dram Amateur Podcast, Jason sits down with Seth Benhaim—the visionary mind behind Mainland Rum and the innovative Broken Barrel Whiskey. Seth isn’t just bottling spirits; he’s bottling a movement.

We dive into:

• Why American rum deserves respect and how Mainland is putting domestic distilleries on the map.
• Seth’s “aha moment” that sparked the first independent American rum bottler focused on cask-strength, single-barrel releases.
• The hustle behind the brand—hunting down barrels from California to Louisiana, and the transparency that makes Mainland stand out.
• The wild terroir of U.S. rum (spoiler: it’s not all pirates & pineapples 🍍).
• What’s next for Mainland: island projects, hazmat-proof rums, and a mission to reshape how the world thinks about American rum.

Jason also tastes through Mainland’s lineup live—Georgia, Florida, California, and Louisiana—and the results are nothing short of mind-blowing. 🌟

Whether you’re a bourbon diehard curious about rum, a spirits geek chasing unique pours, or just love a great entrepreneurial story, this episode will light you up.

Connect with Seth & Mainland Rum:

• Instagram: @mainlandrum
• Website: www.mainlandrum.com

Connect with me:

• Instagram / Threads: @dram_amateur
• YouTube/Facebook: Dram Amateur Podcast

🥃 Pour yourself something bold and sip along—this conversation might just change the way you see rum.

Tasting Notes:  Jason is joined by fellow Niners fan, agave enthusiast, and Instagram mainstay John (@mr._given) for Part 2 of their episode taking a deep (and delicious) dive into the world of tequila, agave spirits, and community connection.

What starts with laughs about live streaming challenges turns into a passionate and nerdy journey through flavor profiles, terroir, and barrel aging. Whether you're new to tequila or a seasoned sipper, this episode is packed with gems that’ll level up your agave appreciation.

🥃 What’s Inside the Glass:

• A blind tasting of multiple tequilas 🕶️👃
• Agave flavor preferences: what hits and what misses
• Why G4 Tequila is having a moment
• The art and science of barrel aging
• Real talk on tequila pricing, value, and hype

🧠 Bonus Sips of Wisdom:

• The rise of tequila exploration: what's next?
• Live streaming + podcasting = chaos or connection?
• Building community through shared pours and stories
• That one bottle that totally surprised them…

⚡️ Highlights You Can’t Miss:

• 49ers banter and football meets flavor 🍻🏈
• Personal stories that connect tequila to life moments
• Social media’s role in discovering and sharing great bottles
• The joy of not knowing what’s in the glass — and learning as you go

📲 Connect & Sip Along:

Follow John at @mr._given on Instagram.
Share your favorite tequila finds or tasting notes with us @dram_amateur or at [email protected] — we want to hear what’s in your glass!

🎧 Listen Now:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you pour your pod time.

Tasting Notes:  We're kicking off Season 3 with a bang — and a blind tequila tasting! Jason is joined by fellow Niners fan, agave enthusiast, and Instagram mainstay John (@mr._given) for a deep (and delicious) dive into the world of tequila, agave spirits, and community connection.

What starts with laughs about live streaming challenges turns into a passionate and nerdy journey through flavor profiles, terroir, and barrel aging. Whether you're new to tequila or a seasoned sipper, this episode is packed with gems that’ll level up your agave appreciation.

🥃 What’s Inside the Glass:

• A blind tasting of multiple tequilas 🕶️👃
• Agave flavor preferences: what hits and what misses
• Why G4 Tequila is having a moment
• The art and science of barrel aging
• Real talk on tequila pricing, value, and hype

🧠 Bonus Sips of Wisdom:

• The rise of tequila exploration: what's next?
• Live streaming + podcasting = chaos or connection?
• Building community through shared pours and stories
• That one bottle that totally surprised them…

⚡️ Highlights You Can’t Miss:

• 49ers banter and football meets flavor 🍻🏈
• Personal stories that connect tequila to life moments
• Social media’s role in discovering and sharing great bottles
• The joy of not knowing what’s in the glass — and learning as you go

📲 Connect & Sip Along:

Follow John at @mr._given on Instagram.
Share your favorite tequila finds or tasting notes with us @dram_amateur or at [email protected] — we want to hear what’s in your glass!

🎧 Listen Now:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you pour your pod time.

🎙️🥃Tasting Notes:  Planning your dream trip along the Bourbon Trail? Before you hit the road, pour yourself a dram and join Jason as he welcomes Sam from Bourbon Curations—the mastermind behind a service that makes distillery tourism smarter, safer, and way more personalized. 🍁

This episode is a deep dive into the world of bourbon travel, blending tech, taste, and a whole lot of heart. Sam shares how Bourbon Curations got started, the challenges bourbon lovers face when trying to visit their favorite distilleries, and why every stop along the trail should be as unique as the whiskey in your glass.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

🛠️ The story behind Bourbon Curations and the tech making travel easier
📍 Planning the perfect route across big names & craft distilleries
🥃 The role of your personal palate in shaping your bourbon adventure
🚗 Why safety and pacing matter on the trail (hydration reminder, y’all!)
🌍 How community, transparency, and shared experiences fuel the culture
🔮 What’s next for Bourbon Curations and the future of whiskey tourism
⚡ Rapid-fire takes on trends, must-visits, and what makes a good pour

Whether you're a seasoned taster or just planning your first sip trip, this conversation is packed with laughs, insight, and inspiration for anyone chasing the spirit of bourbon culture.

Connect with Sam (Bourbon Curations):

• 📸 Instagram: @bourboncurations
• Website: bourboncurations.com

🥃 Follow & Support the Show:

• Instagram / X / Threads: @dram_amateur
• Facebook: The Dram Amateur Podcast
• Hit that Follow button, leave a review, and share with your fellow spirits & horror lovers!

📲 Listen now, and start curating your next pour-fect adventure!

🔦 Tasting Notes:

What happens when you mix barrel-proof bourbon with blood-curdling horror? You get Whiskey Morgue – a brand where spirits and spooky vibes live in perfect harmony.

In this chillingly fun episode, Jason sits down with Mike, the creative mind behind the hauntingly beautiful Instagram account and podcast Whiskey Morgue. Mike shares the eerie origin of his brand name, how he curates his cinematic bottle pairings, and the deep research behind matching iconic horror films with thoughtfully selected pours.

You’ll hear how Mike blends the polished, atmospheric visuals of Instagram with raw, nerdy conversations on his podcast – creating an experience that’s both elegant and just the right amount of unsettling.

So grab your favorite pour (preferably something dark and moody), and join us for a killer conversation that dives deep into community, creativity, and the art of pairing spirits with suspense.

🧠 Episode Highlights:

• Meet Mike aka Whiskey Morgue – The “master of mash, mood, and the morbidly beautiful” shares how horror and whiskey came together in his creative universe.
• Podcast vs. Instagram – Why Mike treats Instagram like a cinematic release and his podcast like a gritty director’s cut.
• Tonight’s Pours
  • Mike’s Picks:
    • Sons of Vancouver Rye – A wheat-heavy Canadian rye making waves.
    • Rolling Fork Rum (Foursquare finished in Buffalo Trace barrels) – A rum even bourbon lovers will love.
  • Jason’s Pick:
    • Wild Turkey Rare Breed (Non-Chill Filtered) – Finally found at Toronto’s duty-free after a long hunt!
• The Stanley Hotel Obsession – Mike’s pursuit of a spooky bottle from the iconic "Shining" hotel.
• Behind the Name – Discover how "Whiskey Morgue" was born from horror inspiration like Rue Morgue Magazine and the idea of “dissecting” a pour.
• Horror on the Rocks – Mike’s video collab with Rue Morgue Magazine dives even deeper into spirits and scares.
• Elegance Meets Eerie – Mike talks about the tension between haunting horror and refined spirits – and how both are best when savored slowly.
• Real Talk & Fanboy Feels – Mike opens up about imposter syndrome, building connections, and why passion always finds its people.

🧟 Connect with Mike (Whiskey Morgue):

• 📸 Instagram: @whiskeymorgue
• 🎧 Podcast: Whiskey Morgue Podcast (stream it wherever you get your podcasts)

🥃 Follow & Support the Show:

• Instagram / X / Threads: @dram_amateur
• Facebook: The Dram Amateur Podcast
• Hit that Follow button, leave a review, and share with your fellow spirits & horror lovers!

💀 Final Pour:

This episode is for anyone who loves a good pour with a twist of the paranormal. Whether you're here for the whiskey, the horror, or the creativity, Mike's story will leave you inspired—and maybe just a little creeped out (in the best way).

Until next time... sip responsibly and stay spooky. 👻🥃

🔦 Tasting Notes:

What happens when you mix barrel-proof bourbon with blood-curdling horror? You get Whiskey Morgue – a brand where spirits and spooky vibes live in perfect harmony.

In this chillingly fun episode, Jason sits down with Mike, the creative mind behind the hauntingly beautiful Instagram account and podcast Whiskey Morgue. Mike shares the eerie origin of his brand name, how he curates his cinematic bottle pairings, and the deep research behind matching iconic horror films with thoughtfully selected pours.

You’ll hear how Mike blends the polished, atmospheric visuals of Instagram with raw, nerdy conversations on his podcast – creating an experience that’s both elegant and just the right amount of unsettling.

So grab your favorite pour (preferably something dark and moody), and join us for a killer conversation that dives deep into community, creativity, and the art of pairing spirits with suspense.

🧠 Episode Highlights:

• Meet Mike aka Whiskey Morgue – The “master of mash, mood, and the morbidly beautiful” shares how horror and whiskey came together in his creative universe.
• Podcast vs. Instagram – Why Mike treats Instagram like a cinematic release and his podcast like a gritty director’s cut.
• Tonight’s Pours
  • Mike’s Picks:
    • Sons of Vancouver Rye – A wheat-heavy Canadian rye making waves.
    • Rolling Fork Rum (Foursquare finished in Buffalo Trace barrels) – A rum even bourbon lovers will love.
  • Jason’s Pick:
    • Wild Turkey Rare Breed (Non-Chill Filtered) – Finally found at Toronto’s duty-free after a long hunt!
• The Stanley Hotel Obsession – Mike’s pursuit of a spooky bottle from the iconic "Shining" hotel.
• Behind the Name – Discover how "Whiskey Morgue" was born from horror inspiration like Rue Morgue Magazine and the idea of “dissecting” a pour.
• Horror on the Rocks – Mike’s video collab with Rue Morgue Magazine dives even deeper into spirits and scares.
• Elegance Meets Eerie – Mike talks about the tension between haunting horror and refined spirits – and how both are best when savored slowly.
• Real Talk & Fanboy Feels – Mike opens up about imposter syndrome, building connections, and why passion always finds its people.

🧟 Connect with Mike (Whiskey Morgue):

• 📸 Instagram: @whiskeymorgue
• 🎧 Podcast: Whiskey Morgue Podcast (stream it wherever you get your podcasts)

🥃 Follow & Support the Show:

• Instagram / X / Threads: @dram_amateur
• Facebook: The Dram Amateur Podcast
• Hit that Follow button, leave a review, and share with your fellow spirits & horror lovers!

💀 Final Pour:

This episode is for anyone who loves a good pour with a twist of the paranormal. Whether you're here for the whiskey, the horror, or the creativity, Mike's story will leave you inspired—and maybe just a little creeped out (in the best way).

Until next time... sip responsibly and stay spooky. 👻🥃

Tasting Notes: In this episode of the Dram Amateur Podcast, Jason sits down with McCauley Williams, the visionary founder and CEO of Morningside Brands and the creative force behind Alma del Jaguar Tequila — a brand as bold and beautiful as its namesake.

🍹 From mergers & acquisitions attorney to tequila trailblazer, McCauley takes us on a wild ride through his unexpected journey into the world of craft spirits. Along the way, we explore:

🔹 The why behind Alma del Jaguar and its powerful mission to protect the majestic jaguar
🔹 How storytelling isn’t just marketing — it’s the soul of a great brand
🔹 The importance of transparency, authenticity, and choosing the right distillery
🔹 What it really takes to build a spirits brand from the ground up
🔹 His passion for preserving Mexican culture while connecting with American consumers
🔹 The role of influencers and trends shaping the tequila industry today
🔹 Why sustainability isn't just a buzzword — it’s the foundation of his long-term vision

Whether you're a spirits enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the magic behind your favorite pour, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few serendipitous surprises.

👀 Spoiler Alert: You’ll never look at a jaguar—or a bottle of tequila—the same way again.

🔗 Connect
Follow @almadeljaguar and @mccauleyw on Instagram for more content, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Dram Amateur Podcast for more engaging conversations!

👂Listener Engagement
Share your thoughts with Jason on Instagram at @dram_amateur or email at [email protected]. Your feedback might be featured in a future episode!

🥃 Pull up a dram, press play, and let’s toast to purpose-driven spirits and the people bold enough to bring them to life.

Tasting Notes: In this episode of the Dram Amateur Podcast, Jason is joined by the stylish, strong, and spirited Emily Alden—a whiskey influencer who brings major vibes both behind the glass and on the gram.

👗🥃 What We’re Pouring Into This Episode:

💫 Emily’s Whiskey Journey
From curious sipper to confident influencer, Emily shares how she found her footing (and her flavor) in the whiskey world—and what it means to show up authentically as a woman in the spirits space.

💃 Fashion Meets Flavor
We talk about how her bold, nostalgic 90s-inspired style mirrors her whiskey preferences. It’s more than looks—it’s about feeling confident and comfortable in your skin (and your sips).

🏋️‍♀️ Fitness, Mindset & Motivation
Emily opens up about her personal transformation, the mental shift behind weight loss, and how having a powerful “why” has fueled every part of her life—from the gym to the glass.

🤝 Coaching, Community & Authentic Influence
We go deep on what it really means to coach and connect—how listening, self-reflection, and authenticity create lasting impact and build true community.

👵 A Whiskey Inspired by Grandma
Get ready for some heart—Emily shares the dream behind creating a bourbon that pays tribute to her grandmother, blending grace, grit, and flavor.

⚡ Rapid-Fire Round
We wrap things up with some fun, fast-paced questions—favorite bottles, guilty pleasures, fashion hot takes, and more!

🔗 Connect
Follow @emersalden on Instagram for more content, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Dram Amateur Podcast for more engaging conversations!

👂Listener Engagement
Share your thoughts with Jason on Instagram at @dram_amateur or email at [email protected]. Your feedback might be featured in a future episode!

💬  🥃🎧 Whether you're here for the bourbon, the boldness, or the badass vibes—this episode is a toast to authenticity, style, and finding your own blend.

Tasting Notes: In this episode of the Dram Amateur Podcast, Jason is joined by the stylish, strong, and spirited Emily Alden—a whiskey influencer who brings major vibes both behind the glass and on the gram.

👗🥃 What We’re Pouring Into This Episode:

💫 Emily’s Whiskey Journey
From curious sipper to confident influencer, Emily shares how she found her footing (and her flavor) in the whiskey world—and what it means to show up authentically as a woman in the spirits space.

💃 Fashion Meets Flavor
We talk about how her bold, nostalgic 90s-inspired style mirrors her whiskey preferences. It’s more than looks—it’s about feeling confident and comfortable in your skin (and your sips).

🏋️‍♀️ Fitness, Mindset & Motivation
Emily opens up about her personal transformation, the mental shift behind weight loss, and how having a powerful “why” has fueled every part of her life—from the gym to the glass.

🤝 Coaching, Community & Authentic Influence
We go deep on what it really means to coach and connect—how listening, self-reflection, and authenticity create lasting impact and build true community.

👵 A Whiskey Inspired by Grandma
Get ready for some heart—Emily shares the dream behind creating a bourbon that pays tribute to her grandmother, blending grace, grit, and flavor.

⚡ Rapid-Fire Round
We wrap things up with some fun, fast-paced questions—favorite bottles, guilty pleasures, fashion hot takes, and more!

🔗 Connect
Follow @emersalden on Instagram for more content, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Dram Amateur Podcast for more engaging conversations!

👂Listener Engagement
Share your thoughts with Jason on Instagram at @dram_amateur or email at [email protected]. Your feedback might be featured in a future episode!

💬  🥃🎧 Whether you're here for the bourbon, the boldness, or the badass vibes—this episode is a toast to authenticity, style, and finding your own blend.

Tasting Notes: In this episode, Jason dives deep into the smoky, soulful world of mezcal with Adrian from @planetmezcal. This isn’t just a chat about spirits—it’s a journey through tradition, taste, and cultural roots.

Adrian shares how he fell in love with mezcal, the magic behind different agave varietals, and the stories that live inside each bottle. From the hills of Oaxaca to the busy streets of Mexico City, they explore the challenges of finding authentic mezcal, the craftsmanship of small-batch producers, and the beauty of connecting through this ancient spirit.

The two also get into:

• The real differences between mezcal and tequila 🥃
• The philosophy behind Pachugo mezcal and why it stands out
• Cocktail favorites, unique pairings, and go-to bottles for every level
• Why transparency in labeling matters more than ever
• The dream of the ultimate mezcal tasting experience 🌵✨

Whether you’re a seasoned agave lover or just mezcal-curious, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and that unmistakable passion for the dram. Hit play and let’s sip our way into the heart of mezcal.

🔗 Connect:
 Follow @planetmezcal on Instagram for more content, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Dram Amateur Podcast for more engaging conversations!

👂Listener Engagement:
 Share your thoughts with Jason on Instagram at @dram_amateur or email at [email protected]. Your feedback might be featured in a future episode!

Grab your copita, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy this lively conversation with @planetmezcal! 🥃

🎧 Listen now!