Man Cave Happy Hour

Send us Fan Mail Blindfolds, cocktails, and murder – what more could you want from a dinner party? Creator Jill Bell joins us to reveal the story behind "Murder on the Rocks," the cocktail party murder mystery game that's completely reinventing game night. With a PhD in cybersecurity and experience as a firefighter, Jill never expected to become a game designer. Yet her creation jus...

Send us Fan Mail Dive into a cocktail experiment gone hilariously wrong as we tackle the Kalimotxo—an unusual Spanish drink that mixes red wine with Coca-Cola. This strange combination dates back to the 1920s when festival organizers in Spain discovered their wine was terrible and desperately needed a fix. Their solution? Mask it with Coca-Cola, creating what we dub "the original Fyre Festiva...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when three whiskey enthusiasts decide to pair fine spirits with jelly beans? Pure chaotic deliciousness! This episode takes you on a flavorful journey through unexpected combinations as Jamie, Matt, and August explore the intersection of childhood nostalgia and adult beverages. The adventure begins with a sample of Willett Small Batch Family Estate Straight Rye Whiske...

Send us Fan Mail Bourbon lovers, listen up! We're diving deep into a brand new release that's generating serious buzz - Heaven Hill's Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled in Bond bourbon. Unlike its limited-edition decanter siblings, this new expression promises to be a regular shelf staple (if you're lucky enough to find it). The episode kicks off with a Father's Day-themed New...

Send us Fan Mail The Man Cave Happy Hour crew welcomes Detroit writer Mickey Lyons for an evening of spirit exploration and storytelling. After sampling the underwhelming Widow Jane bourbon (dubbed "aggressively mediocre" by the hosts), the conversation transforms when August introduces a rare bottle of green Chartreuse. https://www.mickeylyons.com/ This legendary liqueur, crafted by Car...

Send us Fan Mail Raise a glass and journey with us through the captivating wine regions of northwestern Spain as we explore the distinctive character of Spanish wines while previewing an upcoming adventure to this remarkable destination. Our conversation uncorks with a lively tasting of traditional Spanish Cava, that crisp, refreshing alternative to Champagne that sets the stage perfectly for our...

Send us Fan Mail Step through the intentionally squeaky door of Donovan's Pub, and you'll immediately understand what makes neighborhood bars the backbone of Detroit. Owner Shannon Lowell keeps that door noisy for a reason - when it creaks, everyone glances up to size newcomers within 30 seconds. Located in what Shannon calls "the cracks between Corktown and Mexicantown," this...

Send us Fan Mail From spreadsheet wizard to master distiller, Jeff Duckhorn's journey from corporate accountant to craft spirits pioneer embodies the adventurous spirit of Redwood Empire Whiskey. With infectious passion, Jeff shares how his home brewing hobby and creative drive helped transform a wine company's side project into a flourishing whiskey brand celebrating Northern California...

Send us Fan Mail Step into a slice of living history at Detroit's famed Cadieux Cafe, where authentic Belgian feather bowling lanes have been delighting visitors since 1933. Our conversation with owner John Rutherford reveals the fascinating journey of this east side crown jewel from its origins as a Belgian grocery store during Prohibition to its current status as America's only authent...

Send us Fan Mail Step into a world where mushrooms transform your drinking experience—without the alcohol. Megan Klein, founder and CEO of Little Saints, takes us on a fascinating journey through her line of non-alcoholic, mushroom-powered cocktails that deliver mood enhancement and cognitive benefits with zero sugar and only five calories. From her mint green vending trailer origins in Detroit to...

Send us Fan Mail Do you have a bag of lemons and no idea what to do with them? Join us as we transform citrus into classic cocktails while unveiling our exciting new format that will take our show on the road! When our guest brought an entire bag of lemons instead of just the two requested, it sparked an impromptu exploration of lemon-based cocktails. We kick things off with our "Limosa"...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered which cocktails you should actually master for your home bar? When the Man Cave Happy Hour crew discovered a list of "13 Essential Cocktails Everyone Should Know How to Make," they couldn't resist putting these classics to the test. Armed with bottles of Sazerac rye, absinthe, Campari, and a lemon that received perhaps too much attention, Jamie, August...

Send us Fan Mail Pouring the Perfect Pint: Inside Gus O'Connor's and Gus's Snug. Raise a proper pint as we celebrate our 200th episode at Gus's Snug in downtown Clawson, Michigan! This milestone deserves something special, and our guest Dimitry Goyfman delivers with his fascinating journey from Moscow to becoming one of Michigan's premier Irish pub proprietors. Born in Rus...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered if smoking cocktails is more than just a bar trick? Join us for a spirited chat in the Man Cave Happy Hour, where Jamie Flanagan, sharing laughs and lively discussions alongside my co-hosts August Gitschlag and Matt Fox. We take on the smoky cocktail debate head-on, questioning whether this trend is a genuine flavor enhancer or simply a gimmick, akin to thos...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what happens when you blend whiskey, cigars, and a dash of 12 year old humor? Picture us, your Man Cave Happy Hour hosts, along with our delightful friend Kristen Carlson, trying to keep a straight face while exploring the aromatic profile of Bitter Lekker from Babylon Storen. Our latest minisode is a tapestry of stories that blur the lines between episodes, sparked...

Send us Fan Mail Can we really trust award shows to reflect true talent, or have they become just a spectacle of celebrity antics and bizarre fashion choices? Join us at the Man Cave Happy Hour as Jamie Flanagan, August Gitschlag, and Matt Fox with Mrs. Vino Kristen Carlson challenge the relevance of pop culture phenomena like the Grammys, with a special focus on notorious figures like Kanye West...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you age Pabst Blue Ribbon whiskey for just five seconds? We found out, and it's brought a whole new level of laughs to the Man Cave Happy Hour. Join Jamie Flanagan, August Gitschlag, Matt Fox, and our special guest, the hilarious Matt Conte, as we dive into this quirky whiskey experience. We explore its playful nod to the iconic PBR beer and dissect the surp...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a childhood dream can transform into a vibrant community hub? Join us at Whiskey Taco Foxtrot with our special guest, Craig Fahle, as we explore this intriguing story. Charlie Samson, one of the masterminds behind this beloved establishment, shares his journey of turning visions into reality amidst the challenges of a global pandemic. Discover how the Whiskey Soc...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever tried to open a bottle and felt like you were battling a stubborn dragon? Join your favorite hosts Jamie Flanagan, August Gitschlag, and Matt Fox on a hilarious journey through the world of mocktails, as we recall the thrilling escapades of real-life action heroes from a past episode.  Get ready for a cocktail of nostalgia as we mix classic movie memories with the ar...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when two veterans trade in their uniforms for bottles of bourbon? Find out as Harold and Rick share their journey from military service to whiskey craftsmanship. https://www.fourbranches.com/story Dive into an episode filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a tribute to all branches of the military with their Four Branches Bourbon. Harold takes us on a nostalgic trip b...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a football legend trades the gridiron for the grill? We sit down with Billy Sims, former Detroit Lions star, who shares his inspiring journey from a celebrated athlete to a successful barbecue entrepreneur. Alongside my co-hosts Kristen Carlson, aka Mrs. Vino, and Jordan, also known as J-Bone from Radio Cobra, we unravel the story behind Billy Sims Barbecue'...

Send us Fan Mail Celebrating the Lions with Blue Cocktails The Cocktails: "Blue Grit"  2 oz. of Bourbon (or Gin) 1 oz Blue Curaçao 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice Sugar Rim Lemon Ice -In a shaker combine Bourbon, Curaçao, and lemon juice. Shake  Sugar the rim of a glass. Pour cocktail over ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge "Biting Kneecaps"  .5 oz Gin .5 oz Tequila .5 oz Vodka .5 oz Rum...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a festive celebration on the Man Cave Happy Hour as we explore the delightful world of holiday pairings with our special guest, Kristin Carlson, known affectionately as Mrs. Vino. Together with hosts Jamie Flanagan, August Gitschlag, and Matt Fox, we dive into the heart of Detroit’s vibrant culinary scene, showcasing delectable chocolates from Bon Bon Bon and a charcut...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered about the untold tales behind your favorite spirits? Join us as we toast to the unexpected with our guests, Ryan and Gina, at the lively Whiskey in the Winter event held at the bustling Detroit Shipping Company. Amidst the warm, aromatic swirls of whiskey, we indulge not just in classic tastes but also in adventurous cocktails, all complemented by delectable dishes f...

Send us Fan Mail What if the key to community transformation lies in shipping containers? Meet John, the visionary who turned a patchwork of metal boxes into the Detroit Shipping Company, a bustling hub of culture, art, and community in the heart of Detroit. Journey with us through John's inspiring story of resilience, moving from a nomadic childhood with a single mom to becoming the entrepre...