The Second Glass

In this episode of The Second Glass , we dive into the life and legend of William Schmidt—better known as “The Only William.” A towering figure in the golden age of bartending, Schmidt was equal parts artist, poet, and alchemist. From his ornate drink recipes to his influence on cocktail literature, we uncover how this German immigrant helped shape the theatrical and intellectual foundations of Am...

Step into the spirited heart of New Orleans with this episode of The Second Glass , where we explore the history and cultural impact of The Sazerac House. From 19th-century apothecaries to modern-day cocktail education, this landmark represents more than just a drink—it’s a living museum of American mixology. Perfect for Certified Spirits Educator (CSE) candidates or curious drink lovers. More spi...

The Savoy Hotel’s American Bar isn’t just a glamorous footnote in cocktail history—it’s the cradle of modern mixology. In this episode, we explore how bartenders like Ada Coleman and Harry Craddock turned this London landmark into a global powerhouse of drinks culture. From the invention of the Hanky Panky to the legacy of The Savoy Cocktail Book , this story is essential CSE listening. More spiri...

In this episode of The Second Glass , we spotlight Constante Ribalaigua y Vert—“El Rey de los Cocteleros.” From the bar at El Floridita in Havana, Constante pioneered the art of precision, balance, and blended cocktails, forever changing the Daiquiri and inspiring generations of bartenders. Discover the legacy of this quiet giant and the golden age of Cuban mixology. More episodes from the Certifi...

In this episode of The Second Glass , we dive into the spirited legacy of Gary "Gaz" Regan—author, iconoclast, and the orange bitters evangelist who redefined cocktail culture. From The Joy of Mixology to his Taoist bar philosophy, we unpack how Regan transformed bartending into a soulful craft. Whether you're studying for the Certified Spirits Educator (CSE) exam or just love a grea...

Jacopo Poli, the master distiller behind Poli Distillerie, transformed the reputation of grappa from rustic firewater to refined artisanal spirit. In this episode of The Second Glass , we explore his innovations, commitment to tradition, and how he helped put Italian grappa on the world stage. Part of the CSE series. More spirited episodes are on the way from Drink Different—stay tuned.

Sasha Petraske didn’t just found Milk & Honey—he helped reinvent the rules of modern cocktail culture. In this episode of The Second Glass , we explore how Petraske’s quiet intensity and obsession with detail birthed the speakeasy revival and reshaped the bartender's role from flashy showman to restrained craftsman. Discover the legacy behind the man who made bars whisper again. More episodes...

In this episode of The Second Glass , we journey to Bourbon Street to uncover the myths, spirits, and shadowy legends behind Jean Lafitte’s Old Absinthe House —a bar steeped in bootlegging lore and the green haze of absinthe-soaked history. Who really drank here, and what truths hide behind the romance? More is coming soon from Drink Different—stay tuned for the next pour.

In this episode of The Second Glass , we shine a spotlight on Tom Nichol, the legendary master distiller behind Tanqueray. From reviving London Dry Gin’s reputation to shaping the modern craft gin movement, Nichol’s influence runs deep. Discover how one man helped make gin relevant again—and what it means for spirits education today. 🍸 More episodes in the CSE series are coming soon from Drink Di...

Step back in time to the golden age of cocktails at Henry’s Bar , the elegant Parisian hideaway founded by Henry Tepe and the birthplace of the legendary French 75. In this episode of The Second Glass , we explore how this sophisticated venue helped shape global cocktail culture and defined a new era in spirits history. 🎙️ More episodes in the CSE series are coming soon—only from Drink Different ....

Step into the storied past of Harry's New York Bar , the legendary Parisian cocktail haunt where expatriates sipped, jazz legends lingered, and classic drinks were born. In this episode, we uncover how a transplanted Manhattan saloon became one of the most influential bars in spirits history—shaping not just cocktails, but culture. More spirited stories and smart drinks education are coming so...

Harry Craddock—bartender, author, and silent architect of the modern cocktail revival. In this episode of The Second Glass , we dive into the life and legend of the American-born, London-based bartender behind The Savoy Cocktail Book . How did a man fleeing Prohibition become the codifier of postwar drinking culture? And what can CSE candidates learn from his legacy? More episodes from Drink Diffe...

In this episode of The Second Glass , we explore Aeneas Coffey—the Irish distiller and excise officer whose improvements to the column still changed the spirits world forever. From neutral spirits to global whisky styles, his legacy is literally distilled into every sip. More profiles like this are on the way as Drink Different continues building the deepest study archive for beverage professional...

In this episode of The Second Glass , we trace the journey of James Busby—writer, diplomat, and the so-called “father of Australian wine.” From his travels through European vineyards to his influential vine cuttings that shaped a continent’s wine future, we explore how Busby blended science, vision, and colonial ambition into one transformative legacy. More groundbreaking episodes from Drink Diffe...

What happens when a French distiller rewires the rules of rectification? In this episode, we dive into the innovations of Jean-Baptiste Cellier-Blumenthal—the mind behind one of the 19th century's most consequential improvements to the column still. From crude batch runs to continuous finesse, we explore how his designs shaped modern spirits. More bold explorations are coming soon from Drink Diffe...

In this sparkling installment of The Second Glass , we uncork the storied history of Bollinger , the Champagne house beloved by royalty, spies, and sommeliers alike. From Madame Lily Bollinger’s quotable charm to the cellar secrets behind récemment dégorgé vintages, we explore what makes this house a paragon of Pinot Noir and power. More is coming soon from Drink Different—stay tuned for deeper po...

In this episode of The Second Glass , we honor Tom Bullock—the first Black American to publish a cocktail book and a master of pre-Prohibition mixology. From his refined service at the St. Louis Country Club to his landmark 1917 book The Ideal Bartender , Bullock helped shape American cocktail culture with elegance and precision. Discover why his legacy still matters for CSE candidates and bartend...

In this episode of The Second Glass , we head to Montalcino to trace the legacy of Biondi-Santi—the family behind Brunello. Learn how their single-varietal Sangiovese Grosso, long aging, and cellar precision transformed a small Tuscan hill into one of Italy’s most revered DOCGs. From the 1800s to modern collectors’ lists, we examine why Biondi-Santi matters for every CWE candidate studying Italian...

In this episode of The Second Glass , we shine a tiki torch on Jeff "Beachbum" Berry—the cocktail archaeologist who cracked the code of lost exotic recipes. From decoding Donn Beach’s Zombie to reviving authentic rum blends, Berry’s books and bars have reshaped how we understand tropical mixology. Learn why his work is essential for every CSE student exploring the rich, rum-soaked roots of tiki cu...

In this episode of The Second Glass , we explore the pioneering work of Helmut Becker—the German viticulturist who reshaped modern vine breeding. From Geisenheim’s experimental plots to global vineyards, Becker’s research in clonal selection, disease resistance, and cool-climate adaptability continues to influence winegrowing worldwide. Essential listening for CWE candidates and viticulture nerds...

Was the Mai Tai born in Hollywood—or Oakland? In this episode of The Second Glass , we profile Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron, the rum-slinging restaurateur who brought Polynesian flair to the postwar cocktail scene. From bamboo bars to global branding, Trader Vic turned tiki into big business. Learn how his legacy—and rivalry with Donn Beach—shaped the evolution of tropical mixology and why it matt...

In this episode of The Second Glass , we dive into the legacy of Maynard Amerine—the analytical mind behind America’s wine renaissance. From classifying grape varieties to pioneering sensory evaluation, Amerine’s work at UC Davis helped transform winemaking from folklore into science. Discover how his research still shapes what’s in your glass—and your CWE exam. More deep-pour content is coming so...

Step into the world of palm fronds, potent rum, and post-Prohibition reinvention with this episode of The Second Glass . We explore the life and legacy of Donn Beach—founder of tiki culture, blender of exotic elixirs, and creator of the legendary Zombie. Discover how his tropical theatrics reshaped American cocktail bars and helped rum earn its place in the spirits pantheon. More spirited stories...