The Liquor Connoisseur

In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, we sit down with Chris Montana, founder of Du Nord Social Spirits, to talk about building one of the most impactful distilleries in the country. Du Nord made history as America’s first Black-owned distillery, and their journey is full of flavor, hustle, and heart. In this conversation, Chris shares:🛫 How Du Nord became Delta Airlines’ official vodka part...

We sat down with Karl Franz Williams, founder of Uncle Waithley’s Vincy Brew, a ginger beer unlike any other — all-natural, Caribbean-inspired, and crafted with real Scotch Bonnet pepper. 🍹🌶️Learn how a passionate founder created this elevated ginger beer after bartending in NYC and wanting to honor his Vincentian grandfather. From mocktails to Moscow Mules to perfect pairings with rum or bourbon...

“Cheers to f**ing this sht!” kicks off this wildly entertaining and unfiltered episode of The Liquor Connoisseur with Dawn O’Neal of New Dawn Distilling. In this full-length deep dive, we unpack:What barrel proof and cask strength really mean (hint: they’re the same!)Why starting at high proof isn’t just for pros—it’s for flavor loversHow baking with cask strength spirits will change your dessert...

Ever wondered how the packaging of your favorite spirits goes from concept to shelf? In this exclusive behind-the-scenes episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, we visit Spearhead Global to meet the team revolutionizing spirits packaging for emerging and premium brands. We talk with the CEO, Heather Fritzsche, and R&D Engineers about bottle design, sustainability, customization, and how they suppor...

In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, we crack open Loft & Bear Artisanal Vodka a smooth, wheat-based spirit crafted in Los Angeles with heart, purpose, and serious flavor. With notes on mouthfeel, origin, philanthropic impact, and a “Bear greater than Goose” shirt that says it all… this one is a must-watch. #theliquorconnoisseur #drinktoremembernottoforget #blackownedspirits #craftspirit...

This isn’t your average tequila. We’re diving into Yéyo’s latest limited edition expression — Reposado Rosa (86 proof). With its pink hue and wine-cask aging, this tequila brings a beautiful balance of agave, oak, and floral notes. But is it worth the hype? Join Crystal and Roger of The Liquor Connoisseur Podcast as we taste, break it down, and give you our honest thoughts on the nose, flavor prof...

Welcome to The Liquor Connoisseur Podcast — where we drink to remember, not to forget. In this episode, we sit down with one of the founders of Striped Lion Distilling, Erin Wright. Striped Lion is a rum brand based in New Jersey that’s shaking up the craft spirits scene. Learn how Kevin and Erin transitioned from rum collectors to rum makers — and how they’re putting their own authentic stamp on...

In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, we dive into Pennsylvania’s pride: Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey. 🥃 Join Crystal and Dad's Hat founder Herman Mihalich as they share the rich backstory, taste notes, and unique regional influence that make Dad’s Hat a standout in the rye category.🚨 Started during the pandemic by passionate craft producers, Dad’s Hat reflects tradition, innovation, and the b...

What does Receivership mean? The latest update in this case. Black Mama Vodka founder and distiller Vanessa Braxton joins The Liquor Connoisseur to break down the $108 MILLION lawsuit against Uncle Nearest and its CEO Fawn Weaver, including the receivership, creditor fallout, and what it really means for Black-owned spirits brands.✨️List of black distillers: ✨️Jackie Summers (Sorel)Vanessa Braxt...

In this explosive episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, we sit down with Vanessa Braxton, founder of Black Momma Vodka, and Nicole, aka The Sipping Saint, to talk real about what it means to be a Black distiller, why you should stop drinking Tito’s, to support local craft brands, and how Black-owned spirits are changing the industry. #BlackMommaVodka #SippinSaint #BuyBlack #SupportBlackBusiness #Blac...

On this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, we sit down with JJ Braden — a rising star in the spirits industry and Arkansas-based brand ambassador — for a soulful conversation and an on-air tasting of Delta Dirt Vodka, a unique, sweet potato based craft spirit from a Black-owned, farm-to-bottle distillery. JJ shares her journey from inventory clerk to brand ambassador, the importance of community r...

Looking to break into the spirits industry or elevate your brand's in-store presence? In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, we sit down with Al Schuster, founder and president of Polaris Brand Promotions, a nationwide experiential marketing agency. We explore:What it really takes to become a brand ambassadorWhy brand education and reliability are non-negotiableHow Polaris supports small b...

In 2023 and 2024, Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Rye was named the most admired whiskey in the world by Drinks International — but does it live up to the hype? 🥃#MichterRye #RyeWhiskey #SingleBarrelWhiskey #MichterReview #WhiskeyTok #TheLiquorConnoisseur #WhiskeyPodcast #BestRye2024 #BeginnerWhiskey #KentuckyRye #WhiskeyHistory #ToastAndChar #DrinkToRememberNotToForgetIn this episode, The Liquo...

Looking for a bold, approachable bourbon that won’t break the bank? 🥃In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, we review Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve, a 100-proof Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey aged in chiseled and charred American white oak barrels — all handcrafted by Brown-Forman’s own cooperage. #CoopersCraft #BourbonReview #BudgetBourbon #100ProofBourbon #BourbonBeginner #theliquorconno...

What if you had a bartender in your pocket who could actually recommend your next favorite spirit? In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal chats with Mike and Dolly, co-founders of The Bar Book — an innovative app that helps you discover new spirits based on your personal flavor profile. We talk about:The origin story of The Bar BookWhy spirit discovery is broken (and how they’re fixing...

In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Chris and Raj dive deep into Volans Still Strength Blanco Tequila — a bold 106-proof expression made at the legendary El Pandillo Distillery (NOM 1579) by Felipe Camarena in Los Altos, Jalisco. Crafted with the sweetest Blue Weber agave, crushed using a solar-powered mechanical tahona (aka “Frankenstein”), and fermented with a unique fiber blend, this sma...

What if your favorite spirit was named after your mom? In this heartfelt and revealing Part 3 of our exclusive interview, master distiller Rodrigo Bojórquez of Kilinga Bacanora takes us behind the label — literally. Learn how this small-batch Bacanora from the Sonoran Desert is rooted in family legacy, powered by women, and inspired by ancient medicinal traditions of the region. We explore:💡 The...

What’s the difference between a Blanco and a Silvestre Bacanora? What makes Reposado so unique at Kilinga? In Part 2 of our exclusive conversation, Rodrigo Bojórquez — founder and master distiller of Kilinga Bacanora — takes us deep into the artistry behind each of his expressions. From the vibrant youth of Silvestre to the mature elegance of Blanco and the barrel-aged complexity of Reposado, this...

Ever wonder how American culture became the driving force behind global spirit trends?💡 Tyree Williams breaks it all down — from global exports to the power of culture, e-commerce, and collective ownership. In Part 3 of our interview, industry veteran Tyree Williams joins The Liquor Connoisseur to explore:✅ Why America is the most influential market in the spirits industry✅ How U.S. brands are...

Distribution is the hardest part of launching a liquor brand — and Tyree Williams breaks down exactly why. Whether you're a new spirits founder or dreaming of shelf space, this episode will change how you approach the industry. 🥃📉📈In Part 2 of our exclusive interview with Tyree Williams — a 25-year industry veteran and spirits consultant — we dive deep into the complexities of alcohol distr...

🔥 Have you ever heard of Bacanora? It’s time to discover one of Mexico’s best-kept spirit secrets! In Part 1 of our exclusive interview, Crystal from The Liquor Connoisseur sits down with Rodrigo Bojórquez — Master Distiller, Founder, and Chairman of Kilinga Bacanora — to dive deep into the fascinating story behind this rare agave spirit. 🌵🥃What you'll learn in this episode:✨ What Bacanora is...

Welcome to Part 1 of our exclusive 3-part interview with Tyree Williams, founder and managing director of Creative Minds CPG Consulting. With over two decades of experience at industry giants like Seagram, Pernod Ricard, and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Tyree brings unmatched insight into what it takes to build, grow, and scale a spirits brand in today’s crowded marketplace. In this episo...

What do you get when you mix an old family recipe, a vodka base, Colombian coffee, and a Big Lebowski obsession? Lebowski’s Kool-Luah Coffee Liqueur — the smooth, no-burn, mix-it-with-everything liqueur! In this episode of *The Liquor Connoisseur*, we sit down with David Kowalski of **Lebowski’s Taproom** to hear how a forgotten recipe turned into an award-winning spirit now used in:- 50+ White Ru...

In this delectable episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, we delve into a harmonious pairing that tantalizes the senses: Castle & Key's Roots of Ruin Gin and Bissinger's Dark Chocolate Gin & Tonic Bar. Crafted with a base of rye whiskey and infused with botanicals like chamomile, ginger, and rosemary, Roots of Ruin Gin offers a bright and complex flavor profile. Complementing this spir...

This week we review Bissinger's Cocktails at Bissinger's 16PC Truffles with Chief Chocolate Officer Dan Abel Jr. This box of chocolates is full of truffles modeled after 8 famous cocktails! Each piece of chocolate is hand crafted and has a small amount liquor to complete the experience. Let this chocolate raise your spirit, order at https://www.bissingers.com/Theliquorconnoisseur+21 A true...