The Modern Bar Cart Podcast

Bar consultant and drink expert Philip Duff lends his multi-decade, international perspective to the debate on tipping trends, service fees, and legislative initiatives that affect tipped workers, bar owners, and restaurant patrons alike.

In Part 1 of my two-part conversation with bar consultant and spirits expert Philip Duff , some of the topics we discuss include: How a small Irish town of 5,000 people played host to the busiest pub in all of Ireland thanks, in part, to a trip to Texas, some stained glass, and knack for documenting its drink recipes The shift in consumer consciousness from fun, flair-driven pours to more complex...

In this fascinating deep dive on the history, biochemistry, and culture of rum with distiller Brett Steigerwaldt , some of the topics we discuss include: How Brett applies his in-depth background in automation, fluid and thermal dynamics, and systems engineering to design fermentation and distillation programs that create delicious spirits. The surprising connection between microbial research cond...

In this special edition, recorded at the American Distilling Institute's 20th Anniversary Conference and Trade Show, Eric shares his 20th Anniversary Address and Keynote Intro, informally titled, "It's All on Fire." Then, we jump straight into a delighful panel discussion about the art, business, and philosophy of blended whisk(e)y. This is a panel, moderated by Eric Kozlik, consisting of three ex...

Eric checks in with some important updates and previews what's in store for late summer and early fall, 2023. Be sure to keep your ears out for an exclusive discount from Jordan Hughes on his Cocktail Camera course!

Eric and guest co-host Tracie Franklin ( @spirited_tracie ) review several new and noteworthy spirits for the Summer of 2023. They include: Confluence American Gin by Still 630 Frontera Single Malt by Whisky Del Bac Solum Single Malt by Westland Distillery Various mixers by Sweet Ginger Browne Visit our YouTube Channel to see the full video reviews of these spirits!

Eric reviews the most popular modernist mixology methods that are on the rise behind the world's best cocktail bars in 2023. Many of the culinary ingredients and techniques featured in this episode have evolved from classic or low-tech versions of processes like clarification or freeze-thaw distillation. Others employ cutting-edge science to completely shake up the way we think about our favorite...

In this botanically diverse conversation with ethnobotanist and author Gary Nabhan, some of the topics we discuss include: The winding, intersectional, and truly inspiring story of Gary's personal journey, from his family ties to bootlegging during Prohibition, to his days spent foraging and learning about plants in the Indiana Dunes, to his documentary work showcasing the pollinator relationship...

In this inspiring conversation with bartender Mike Vander Horn , some of the topics we discuss include: Mike's personal journey, from his humble origins as a "rum and diet" drinker, to the cocktail competitions that would ultimately lend him the authority to step behind the bar as the head bartender at the newly opened Queen Jayne's Lounge & Royal Drinkery in Somers Point, NJ . The different types...

In this new #BoozeNews episode, Eric runs down some trending news stories and introduces the new Modern Bar Cart Discord Server! Email podcast@modernbarcart.com to request access to this new community forum. Featured news items include: Mastering your mint julep game for the Kentucky Derby this weekend Maine Gov. signs "To-Go" Cocktails into law Oregon considers doubling Distilled Spirits Tax Spir...

In this wide-ranging conversation with World's 50 Best Content Director Mark Sansom , some of the topics we discuss include: The myriad ways in which entire segments of the hospitality industry have bounced back from the COVID crisis, as well as the talent- and capital-related symptoms and side-effects that linger on to this day. The return of international travel, which dovetails with the launch...

In this frosty deep dive with cocktail scholar and author Camper English, some of the topics we discuss include: The story of Camper's initial tumble down the ice rabbit hole, originating at the legendary New York bar, Milk & Honey, and resulting in a whole slew of at home experiments designed to test the thermodynamics and ergonomics of freezing water. The theory and methods behind "directional f...

In this Mesquited, not Peated conversation with Whiskey Del Bac Head Distiller Mark Vierthaler, some of the topics we discuss include: What it takes for a spirit to be called an "American Single Malt Whiskey," a term that is currently self-administered by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, but that's on track for nationwide federal approval and regulation by the TTB. A brief romp through...

In this complex, yet surprisingly potent conversation with Brandon and Kim Grilc of The Kazan Room in Kobe Japan, some of the topics we discuss include: How this husband and wife duo cultivated their passion for Tiki at one of America's most celebrated tropical drinks bars, inspiring them to open their own tropical drinks concept in Japan, where they now live. What it means to be a "Tiki Snob" or...

In this deep dive on the biochemistry and genetics of mint with Abby Bryson and Dr. Björn Hamberger of the Michigan State University Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , some of the topics we discuss include: Why mint and other members of the Lamiacea family have been able to evolve in such a diverse array of ecological niches, infusing their flavors and health benefits into the ethnob...

In this lively chat with David T. Smith , spirits judge, consultant, and author of Gin Tonica , some of the topics we discuss include: A history of the Gin & Tonic cocktail, which turns out to be a bit more punk and DIY than it's often played up to be, as well as a bit more recent than we like to romanticize. The ways in which cultural differences in the US and the UK, like the widespread adoption...

In this fascinating conversation with food scientist, distiller, and tamer of yeast, Faye Johnson, some of the topics we cover include: How Faye's childhood exposure to fermented foods and her formal experience testing foods for harmful microorganisms led her to hop-scotch her way through the worlds of cake decorating, cheese making, brewing, and distilling. What it's like to receive samples beari...

Eric and Ethan review 3 bottles that are each new and noteworthy in their own very unique ways. The bottles in question are: Wonderbird Spirits Gin No. 61 (45% ABV) Tears of Llorona Extra Anejo Tequila (43% ABV) Oak & Eden Wheat & Honey Bourbon (45% ABV) This episode is brought to you by   Near Country Provisions . If you live in the Mid-Atlantic and want to enjoy ethically raised (and delicious)...

In this conversation with drinks entrepreneur and educator Ryan Chetiyawardana, some of the topics we discuss include: The origin story of the name "Mr. Lyan" and how Ryan's family relationships with movers and shakers in the design and fashion world influenced the wide scope and inclusive lens of his bar projects. Ryan's framework for creativity and drink creation, which incorporates input at all...

In this wide-ranging conversation with bartender and drinks consultant Jon Schott of Riffraff Drink Co. , some of the topics we discuss include: The state of the non-alcoholic drinks space, and why language and placement are tricky and need to be dialed in for every unique bar or restaurant menu. Jon's personal journey into sobriety, including a brief detour selling home security systems, and his...

Eric runs down highlights from 2022 by the numbers and recaps some of the big moments from this past year. Then, looking ahead to 2023, he shares what to look out for from The Modern Bar Cart Podcast. On the back end of the show, 6 bartenders are featured from the McClintock Distilling Holiday Bar Room Blitz, a terrific event that helped us to remember just how great it is to be doing things in pe...

In this viticultural conversation with SUYO Pisco founders Alex Hildebrandt and Ian Leggett, some of the topics we discuss include: How two born-and-bred Peruvians met and became friends in the world of American corporate finance, then turned their sights on celebrating the flavors and aromas of their beloved home country. What it means for a distillate to be "single-origin," and how Ian and Alex...

In part two of this audio essay, Eric zooms in on the recently passed legislation in Washington, DC (Initiative 82) that has eliminated the tipped minimum wage and is slated to take effect on January 1, 2023. Using an analytical framework known as "Stasis Theory," he carefully walks through the definitions, cause-and-effect logic, ethical values, and action points that prompted this change in the...

Eric examines the history and culture of tipping in Europe and America as a way to explore recent legislation in Washington, DC that will change the way that bartenders and other service industry workers get paid. This, of course, will also have significant impacts on the cost and perceived value of dining and drinking out, changing the DC food and drink scene in a major way. This episode begins w...

In this well-lit and impeccably styled conversation with photographer, drinks educator, and newly-minted author Jordan Hughes , some of the topics we discuss include: Jordan's voyage into the world of spirits and cocktails, including the pours and flavors that first got him hooked on mixology and spirited guides who helped him along his journey. How he thinks about staging and lighting cocktail ph...