Libsyn Directory

13 Generations of Distilling w Marko Karakasevich | Bartender at Large ep 509

Bartender at Large

This week we are joined by Marko Karakasevich, 13th generation master distiller and owner of Charbay Distillery. Since his parents founded the distillery back in 1983, Charbay has been quietly pushing the boundaries of American spirits, from hop-flavored whiskeys distilled from actual beer, to vodkas infused with fresh-picked fruit, to the highly anticipated gin he plans to launch in 2026. So tune in as Marko walks us through his one-of-a-kind approach to distillation, including his 32-fraction method, why he extracts with both water and alcohol, and the crucial roles that bottle shock and...

Mastering Sake w Yoko Kumano & Kayoko Akabori | Bartender at Large ep 508

Bartender at Large

For too many bartenders, sake remains one of the most intimidating sections of the back bar, with confusing labels and endless categories making it hard to know where to even begin. Luckily, this week we are joined by Yoko Kumano and Kayoko Akabori, co-founders of the beloved Japanese beverage shop Umami Mart and authors of Everyday Sake: The Go-To Guide for Choosing, Pairing, and Serving. Together they have made it their mission to demystify sake and make it approachable for everyone, from curious first-timers to seasoned industry pros. So tune in as they break down how to navigate the...

Tales of the Cocktail w Charlotte Voisey | Bartender at Large ep 507 XL Episode | Video

Bartender at Large

This week we are joined by acclaimed spirits professional Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, to talk all things Tales going into this year's gathering in New Orleans. With over 400 events packed into six days, Tales of the Cocktail has grown into the premier destination for industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts alike, and Charlotte gives us an inside look at what to expect. In addition, Charlotte shares her thoughts on mentorship, staying curious throughout your career, and even some practical survival tips for conference week (extra socks...

Celebrating Tales of the Cocktail w Charlotte Voisey | Bartender at Large ep 507 XL Episode | Audio

Bartender at Large

This week we are joined by acclaimed spirits professional Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, to talk all things Tales going into this year's gathering in New Orleans. With over 400 events packed into six days, Tales of the Cocktail has grown into the premier destination for industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts alike, and Charlotte gives us an inside look at what to expect. In addition, Charlotte shares her thoughts on mentorship, staying curious throughout your career, and even some practical survival tips for conference week (extra socks...

Talking Whiskey w William H. Macy | Bartender at Large ep 506 XL VIDEO Episode

Bartender at Large

This week we are joined by Academy Award-nominated actor William H. Macy, who many of you know from his iconic roles in Fargo and Shameless, and co-founder of Colorado's own Woody Creek Distillers, along with Denver bartender Sean Kenyon, the man behind the legendary Williams & Graham. While most celebrity spirit brands are little more than a licensing deal, Macy has been hands-on with Woody Creek since the beginning, championing their grain-to-glass approach in the Rocky Mountains. So tune in as one of Hollywood's most beloved character actors proves he is every bit as passionate about...

Talking Whiskey w William H. Macy | Bartender at Large ep 506 XL Episode

Bartender at Large

This week we are joined by Academy Award-nominated actor William H. Macy, who many of you know from his iconic roles in Fargo and Shameless, and co-founder of Colorado's own Woody Creek Distillers, along with Denver bartender Sean Kenyon, the man behind the legendary Williams & Graham. While most celebrity spirit brands are little more than a licensing deal, Macy has been hands-on with Woody Creek since the beginning, championing their grain-to-glass approach in the Rocky Mountains. So tune in as one of Hollywood's most beloved character actors proves he is every bit as passionate about...

Finding Romance in the Bar w Dani Brand | Bartender at Large ep 505 XL VIDEO Episode

Bartender at Large

As bartenders, we have a front-row seat to the modern dating scene — every night, we watch hopeful patrons shoot their shot, and most of them could use some coaching. Which is why this week we are joined by Dani Brand, writer and New York City bartender whose recent InsideHook article, "How to Hit on a Woman at a Bar," has been making the rounds across the industry. So tune in, as she shares what she has learned from years behind the stick, from why buying a stranger a drink rarely works to why there is still no better place to meet someone than over a well-made drink. Read Dani's Article...

Finding Romance in the Bar w Dani Brand | Bartender at Large ep 505 XL Episode

Bartender at Large

As bartenders, we have a front-row seat to the modern dating scene — every night, we watch hopeful patrons shoot their shot, and most of them could use some coaching. Which is why this week we are joined by Dani Brand, writer and New York City bartender whose recent InsideHook article, "How to Hit on a Woman at a Bar," has been making the rounds across the industry. So tune in, as she shares what she has learned from years behind the stick, from why buying a stranger a drink rarely works to why there is still no better place to meet someone than over a well-made drink. Read Dani's Article...

Creating the Most Successful Liqueur in 50 Years w Tom Maas of RumChata | Bartender at Large ep 504

Bartender at Large

The creator of RumChata, Tom Maas, sits down with us to reflect on his remarkable journey from brand builder to published author. Tom shares the story behind his new book, Tastes like Money, offering an inside look at the business of building a beloved beverage brand from the ground up. He pulls back the curtain on the wins, the lessons, and the grit it takes to turn a dream into a product that fills back bars across the country. Whether you're a bartender, a spirits enthusiast, or an aspiring entrepreneur, Tom's insights are as memorable as the drink that made him famous. Get his book: Join...

The New Rules of Dining Out w Adam Reiner | Bartender at Large ep 503

Bartender at Large

Join us for a new perspective on the art of dining out with Adam Reiner, a James Beard Award-winning journalist who spent over two decades working in some of New York City's most celebrated restaurants, including Babbo, Carbone, and The Grill. Adam joins the show to discuss his new book, The New Rules of Dining Out, a book that offers practical, step-by-step advice on everything from soliciting recommendations from your server and tactfully sending food back to navigating wine lists and tipping like a pro . Adam also makes a compelling case for why hospitality is a two-way street, encouraging...

TOPICS