Barrel to Bottle: The Binny's Podcast

Binny's Beverage Depot is the Midwest's largest wine, spirits and beer superstore. If you can't find it at Binny's, it's probably not worth drinking.

Summer Scotches 07/10/2026

Summer Scotches Dan loves Scotch. While he will drink it all year, not everyone is the same. This week he brought a sample box brimming with Summer Scotches. Perfect for hot days and ice-cold Highballs. Or maybe for cool summer nights around the fire. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/42024900

Kölsch 07/03/2026

Kölsch Kölsch, the beer of Cologne, Germany and a favorite among Chicago-area drinkers for several decades now. This week we’re trying authentic German Kölsch, local favorites, and the beer that made Chicago fall in love with Kölsch. Plus an NA version for good measure. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/41936000

Will It Slush? vol. 1 06/26/2026

Will It Slush? vol. 1 Will it slush? This is the age-old question we will finally answer on Barrel to Bottle. Somehow, we got a slushie machine and every time we think of something that might be better as a semi-frozen drink, we fire up the machine and the record and answer the question, will it slush? If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/41806690

All Things Agave Speed Dating 06/19/2026

All Things Agave Speed Dating All Things Agave is Binny’s yearly celebration of tequila, mezcal and other agave spirits. As we did for World of Whiskies, Barrel to Bottle set up our podcast equipment to grab interviews with industry folks who are passionate about all things agave. Lizzy Lopez, Tequila 1349 Founder and CEO Lucia Narez, La Catrina Imports Co-Founder David, PM Spirits If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/41693185

Icons of Belgian Beer 06/12/2026

Icons of Belgian Beer The icons of Belgian beer are the perfect gateway for new beer drinkers. They’re also great for veteran beer drinkers who have grown tired of the current offerings. The also pair great with all manner of foods. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/41614350

Q Mixers 06/05/2026

Q Mixers At Barrel to Bottle, we have always preached the importance of quality in cocktail ingredients. High quality spirits, fresh-squeezed juices and of courses. Mixers make up a huge percentage of cocktails, which is why we upgrade to a brand like Q. This week BreakThru’s Beverage Development Manager Lisa Selman joins us to make five cocktails with Q mixers and refreshers. Check out all the recipes on our . If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/41524125

What's New From the Whiskey Hotline - May 2026 05/29/2026

What's New From the Whiskey Hotline - May 2026 It’s been a while since someone from the Whiskey Hotline rolled into the podcast studio, arms full of new and interesting things to try. This week we’re trying the latest tequilas, bourbons, whiskies, scotches and RTDs. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/41457500

Rosés For Summer 05/22/2026

Rosés For Summer Rosés are a perfect summer wine; crisp, refreshing, light, pairs well with the kind of foods you want in warm weather. This week Lexi and Jim did the shopping while Chris walks us through some frizzy, fizzy, off-the-beaten path wines. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/41381125

Frey Ranch Master Distiller Russell Wedlake 05/15/2026

Frey Ranch Master Distiller Russell Wedlake Farm distilleries are becoming a frequent topic on Barrel to Bottle. This week we’re welcoming Russell Wedlake, master distiller at Frey Ranch, another Nevada farm distillery. Frey Ranch Estate Distilled Farm Strength Uncut Straight Rye If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/41282280

Central Illinois Beers 05/08/2026

Central Illinois Beers This week on Barrel to Bottle, we’re showing Central Illinois some love. We asked our Central Illinois stores (Peoria, Springfield, Champaign and Bloomington) to bring their favorite local beers to Dan, who muled them back to Chicago. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/41205335

World of Whiskies Speed Dating pt. 2 05/01/2026

World of Whiskies Speed Dating pt. 2 We had too much content for one episode of World of Whiskies Speed Dating, so we’re back for part two this week. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/41061230

World of Whiskies Speed Dating pt. 1 04/24/2026

World of Whiskies Speed Dating pt. 1 Binny’s has been hosting World of Whiskies, the Midwest’s largest whiskey tasting, for over twenty years. For the first time, Barrel to Bottle set up our podcast equipment nearby to grab interviews with some of the distillers and founders in town for the event. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40993490

Canapalooza 2026 04/17/2026

Canapalooza 2026 Spirits buyer Jeff only appears on the podcast twice a year and since it’s not winter, it means it’s time for Canapalooza. Every year, we sample hundreds of canned beverages from new brands and new innovations from existing brands. This week on Barrel to Bottle we’re trying some of the highlights from Canapalooza that you can look forward to this spring and summer. Mom Water Iced Tea On the Rocks Sparkling Watermelon Margarita Tia Linda’s POG Margarita If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40890925

Binny's Tasting Panel Top 30 Under $30 2026 04/10/2026

Binny's Tasting Panel Top 30 Under $30 2026 Binny’s is in the list business! Our yearly 50 Under $50 and 30 Under $30 lists are always popular with both Binny’s staff and customers. This week on Barrel to Bottle we’re tasting highlights from this list with wine managers Gabe and Jon. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40725915

Citrusy Cocktails 04/03/2026

Citrusy Cocktails It’s no secret that we love cocktails on Barrel to Bottle. We also love fruits, and fruit juices. With warm-weather approaching it’s the perfect time for fresh, zippy cocktails that go perfect with outdoor brunch, or a lazy Sunday on the patio. Check out all the recipes on our . If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40702185

Light Lager Blind Tasting 03/27/2026

Light Lager Blind Tasting There are always new trends in beer, and surprisingly the latest trend are breweries making “premium American lagers” or low-calorie beers. Thing macro lagers like Miller Lite or Bud Light. Roger gathered twelve beers that are craft, craft-adjacent or macro, for a blind taste test. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40631430

Bottled in Bond Spirits 03/20/2026

Bottled in Bond Spirits March is Bottled in Bond Month, but if you’re anything like the Barrel to Bottle crew you live every month like it’s Bottled in Bond Month. If you don’t know what it is, we’re going to tell you, and sample thirteen Bottled in Bond spirits. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40546190

L'Ecole No. 41's David Rosenthal 03/13/2026

L'Ecole No. 41's David Rosenthal This week, we’re schooling you on the wines of L’Ecole No 41. David Rosenthal is the new Director of Wine Making for the longtime Washington winery. They were pivotal in establishing the Walla Walla AVA, literally putting Washington wines on the map. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40414335

Irish Whiskies 03/06/2026

Irish Whiskies Take the rocky road to Dublin with the Whiskey Hotline as we explore the latest innovations in Irish whiskey, as well as revisit some classics. From blended to single grain to single pot still, the Emerald Isle has a lot to offer spirits drinkers. Whack-follol-le-dah! If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40333740

Minden Mill Distillery 02/27/2026

Minden Mill Distillery Minden Mill Distillery does not take the easy way out. This estate distillery grows all their grains in the mountains of Nevada, which has a 90-day growing season. Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan lays out the challenges of distilling in the high desert, making vodka with rye and being part of the nascent American Single Malt movement. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40244495

Flagship February: Oops! All Chicagoland Edition 02/20/2026

Flagship February: Oops! All Chicagoland Edition Every February the Beer Buzz celebrates the great flagship beers from some of our favorite, long-running breweries. These are the beers that keep the lights on, that are reliable, that win awards. This year we’re celebrating flagships from Chicago, the suburbs and just over the border. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40157055

Italian Wines for Winter Sports 02/13/2026

Italian Wines for Winter Sports The games of 2026 are taking place right now in the Alpine regions of Italy. Specifically, Lombardy, Veneto and neighboring areas. You may have noticed watching the games that the area looks very German, and the wines often reflect that influence. So, sit on your couch, watch some stupendous athletic feats and enjoy these gold medal wines (and one aperitif) at bronze medal prices. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40091420

Dry February 02/06/2026

Dry February So long, Dry January. Hello Dry February! If your time exploring NA drinks has come to an end, kick things off by dialing back the sweetness. We’re trying dry wines, cocktails, ciders and beers. Check out the cocktail recipes on our . If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/40010305

UGC 2026 Recap 01/30/2026

UGC 2026 Recap Every January the French come to town. Specifically, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux. UGC is your chance to try the newest Bordeaux vintage, and to buy these wines before they hit our stores shelves. This year, the 2023 vintage is featured, and we have wine managers Gabe and Jon to walk us through the event and some highlights from the vintage. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/39925880

So You Bought a Bottle of Absinthe 01/23/2026

So You Bought a Bottle of Absinthe So you bought a bottle of absinthe? Maybe you wanted to make Sazeracs for Mardi Gras. Maybe you were watching Moulin Rouge and got curious. But you used your rinse of absinthe, and you still have most of the bottle left? Now what? We’ve got cocktail ideas for you beyond the Sazerac, from the basic to the complex. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/39829420

NA Beers 01/16/2026

NA Beers It’s been a few years since Barrel to Bottle strolled down the NA beer aisle. The options have never been better for Dry January, and beyond. There are more styles than ever, from breweries of all sizes. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/39751390

Whisky Advocate Top 20 of 2025 01/02/2026

Whisky Advocate Top 20 of 2025 Every year, we’re seeing more bottles from Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 hit our shelves. Throughout the year these bottles come and go, and this year is no different. The Whiskey Hotline grabbed five from the list to sample, and they’ll countdown the entire list. New Riff Distilling Balboa Rye Bottled in Bond If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/39566720

Binny's Buyers' Picks 2025 pt. 2 12/26/2025

Binny's Buyers' Picks 2025 pt. 2 We’re back with part two of Binny’s Buyers’ Picks for 2025. Jeff M. – Spirits Buyer (seasonal) Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Kyle F – Beer Buyer Mark S – Wine Buyer Barb H – Wine Buyer If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/39520340

Binny's Buyers' Picks 2025 pt. 1 12/19/2025

Binny's Buyers' Picks 2025 pt. 1 The end of the year means a chance to welcome Binny’s expert team of wine, spirits and beer buyers. They try thousands of things every year, but what is their pick of the year? Bill N. – Wine Buyer Jack S. – Cigar Buyer Tübr Gordo and Stash Can Brett P. – Spirits Buyer New Scotch Distilleries Opened in the Last Ten Years (, , , , , , ) If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/39461140

Master Blender Stephanie Macleod 12/12/2025

Master Blender Stephanie Macleod Stephanie Macleod is the Master Blender of Scotch Whiskey for Bacardi, and this week we’re talking to her about her history with Bacardi and the innovations at Dewar’s and Aberfeldy. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at , or reach out to us on , or . If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $20 Binny’s Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on . /episode/index/show/binnys/id/39375440

Barrel to Bottle: The Binny's Podcast

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