Classical Pairings

Clink glasses and discover unexpected harmonies at Centerpoint Brewing Company !  This Indy gem crafts "precision engineered" beers that embellish well known flavors without overpowering.  Join Nick as he is led through their diverse taps by co-owner Carl Fuhrmann and head brewer Rick Smith.  Each brew is meticulously balanced and approachable, much like the very best of classical music....

Dive into the heart of the Indianapolis spirits scene with its seasoned veteran, Hotel Tango Distillery .  Learn how founder Travis Barnes lets time become the maestro, meticulously aging each sip to perfection. Join Nick as he explores their barrel-aged haven, unlocking the secrets behind their reserve whiskeys, genre-bending gin cocktails, and surprising concoctions like the marshmallow infused...

Classical Pairings is raising a glass at Chilly Water ! This Fletcher Place hotspot is known for award-winning craft beers and a vibrant live music scene.  It's the perfect escape from the ordinary, a place where hops and harmony collide in perfect balance.  Dive into their diverse taps, where every sip is a sonic adventure inspired by music of all types.  Join Nick as owner Dan Krzywicki sha...

Join us as Classical Pairings unlocks the true essence of the cacao bean, revealing its hidden depths and nuanced melodies. Imagine tasting the symphony of flavors within each bite, like an intricate counterpoint unfolding on your tongue. SoChatti Artisanal Chocolates are part of a larger movement orchestrated by True Essence Foods and their patented technology. This technology removes unwanted no...

At The Brass Ring Lounge , where vintage charm meets vibrant creativity, Classical Pairings shares drinks and music with bartender/cellist, Jesse Lee.  Immerse yourself in sophisticated, yet approachable cocktails as the episode explores its vast bottle selection and suave concoctions.  It's not just Nick's favorite neighborhood bar; it's a haven for Indy's creatives, a place w...

Join Nick Johnson as he explores 8th Day Distillery ; Indianapolis' haven of handcrafted spirits, community spirit, and sustainability.  Co-owner Jaime Lamping shares their unique approach to cocktail creativity and passion for all things local.  Hear how the interplay of flavors in each cocktail harmonizes with carefully curated classical music, creating a truly multi-sensory journey.  Uncor...

Our host, Nick Johnson, joins co-founder of Ash & Elm Cider Co. , Andrea Homoya, as she shares ciders that make for unique pairings at any gathering.   Discover how the interplay of acidity, sweetness, and tannins in each cider create a symphony of new flavors to compliment your favorite seasons, experiences, and, of course, classical music.  Join us to hear how Ash & Elm creates these som...

Nestled in the heart of Indianapolis's Near Eastside neighborhood of St. Clair Place, Rabble Coffee has become a beloved haven for coffee enthusiasts and local supporters. Owner Mitchell Tellstrom joins our host, Nick Johnson, to share his passion for coffee and his vision for Rabble Coffee as a vibrant community hub.  Tune in as we explore Rabble Coffee's dedication to quality and hear...

Classical Pairings host, Nick Johnson, chats with general manager Brian Spony over drinks at Four Finger Distillery . Brian explains their unique cocktails, made with the distillery's own award-winning spirits and locally sourced ingredients. Join us to hear how these complex concoctions pair with classical music. Support the show

In this episode, host Nick Johnson visits Lick Ice Cream ; known for its unique flavors and commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Nick shares small-batch ice cream and conversation with one of the founders, Meredith Kong. Listen in to learn about Lick's creative process and hear how it pairs with classical music! Support the show

In this episode of  Classical Pairings , host Nick Johnson interviews Jill Potter, Owner and Founder of Helm Coffee Roasters . Located in the Garfield Park area, Helm Coffee is an LGBTQIA+ women-owned coffee roaster dedicated to providing outstanding and approachable specialty coffee. Tune in to see what Nick pairs with their most popular blends! Support the show

In this episode, Nick Johnson chats with Jenna Unrue, owner and chef of 4 Birds Bakery, a wholesale bakery in Indianapolis. Crafting an irresistible array of hand-made baked goods using high-quality, local ingredients, tune in to hear what Nick pairs with their Spent Grain Crackers with chicken salad and Oatmeal Maple Pecan Cookie! Support the show

In this episode, host Nick Johnson interviews Matt Steinbronn and Jesse Blythe, co-owners of Leviathan Bakehouse . Located in Indianapolis’ Chatham Arch neighborhood, Leviathan is inspired by a pride in craft, local-meets-global cuisine, and the spirit of community. Listen to this episode to hear what Nick pairs with their Pumpkin-Orange Eclair and their Banoffee (banana and toffee) & Hazelnut...

In this episode, host Nicholas Johnson invites Kristin Patrick, co-owner of  Loren's AF Beverages , to the podcast. Offering wine, beer, and spirit alternatives, Kristin explains that their alcohol-free bottle shop isn't about sobriety - Loren's AF is about disruption and inclusion. Find out what Nick pairs with Jøyus non-alcoholic sparkling wine and rose! Support the show

In this episode, host Nick Johnson welcomes Dylan Morse, the Director of Accounts at Tinker Coffee Co. , to the podcast. As a specialty coffee roaster located in Indianapolis, Dylan details how the company is focused on roasting the finest specialty coffees from around the world and providing visitors with an awesome and educational experience. Tune in to this episode to hear what Nick pairs with...

In this episode, host Nick Johnson interviews Justin Crider, the Assistant General Manager of Grand Junction Brewing Co. , the award-winning craft brewery in Westfield, IN. Honoring Westfield's rich history, they talk about their method of brewing traditional, true-to-style beers, all while sampling their Hoosier Pride Cream Ale, The Mulligan, and Hundy. Support the show

Classical Pairings is back for 2023! In this episode, host Nick Johnson invites Nicole Kearney of Sip & Share Wines  to the podcast to talk about her boutique winery, which produces a diversity of handcrafted vegan wines. In their conversation, Nicole shares how they are passionate about creating a community with wine, especially for wine lovers who are often overlooked and underrepresented by...

In this episode, host Nick Johnson welcomes Dimitri Morris, Kan-Kan Cinema & Brasserie 's bar manager, to the podcast. In addition to learning about the opportunities this theater and eatery offers the city of Indianapolis, they have an excellent conversation about all things movies and pair two fantastic cocktails with themes from film scores. Support the show

In this special episode of Classical Pairings, host Nick Johnson is joined by Chloe Boelter as they travel to Bengaluru, India. Their guests include Akshatha, a formal student of the Carnatica style, and her father Ranga Kadambi, who has been singing with his family and tradition for much longer informally. Support the show

In this episode, host Nick Johnson invites Justin Duenne, the Store Manager at Quills Coffee Indianapolis, to introduce us to the Indy coffee community. Quills has grown from a tiny neighborhood shop in Louisville, Kentucky, to a regional and national presence with shops in New Albany and Indianapolis. Find out what Nick pairs with their Salted Bourbon Caramel Latte and Mystic Coffee Soda. Support...

In this episode, host Nick Johnson invites Nick Traeger, the lead distiller at Hi & Mighty , to introduce us to Indianapolis' newest distillery. Established by Dan and Jamie Fahrner, Nick describes how he became an integral part of the company and shares some exciting news about Hi & Mighty's future in Indy, including new products that are set to launch this year and a full-scale...

In this episode, host Nicholas Johnson invites Daimien Weems, Cocktail Program Director & Bar Manager at Bar One Fourteen , to show us the ins and outs of Indianapolis's luxe microbar, dining, and listening room. Daimien shares his knowledge of Japanese microseasons and how that plays into his creative vision for the cocktail menu. Tune in to this episode to hear what Nick pairs with this...

On this special edition of classical pairings, host Nicholas Johnson is joined by Chris Caruso-Lynch, music director of Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis. On this episode, they embark on a  journey to find the perfect beer to pair with two iconic pieces of classical music: Giuseppe Verdi's, Requiem and Louis Vierne's Messe Solennelle, Op. 16 .  To find these pairings they travel to t...

Classical Pairings is Back for 2022! Host Nicholas Johnson invites Jessica Taylor of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits to create some amazing mock-tails to celebrate dry January. Jessica shares two original recipes and invites Nicholas to find the perfect name for the delicious concoctions as well as the perfect pieces of classical music to listen to while enjoying these amazing beverages....

Host Nicholas Johnson is joined on this special episode by his fiancé Chloe Boelter along with Alex and Sonja Overhiser of A Couple Cooks food website (acouplecooks.com). They trade tips on how to successfully navigate romantic and creative partnerships before pairing two delicious pastries with some amazing classical pieces. Support the show