Buzzed In Baltimore

Talked with Colin and Zack of Diamondback Brewing Company about contract brewing, how their brand has evolved, the unique practice of self-distribution, finding their home in Locust Point, and the importance of working with local producers. Plus, we tried spring seasonals and previewed the annual Greener Fest event at the taproom.

Sagamore Spirit president Brian Treacy and brand director Rachel Fontana talk about the Port Covington distillery turning one years old, rye whiskey history in Maryland, women in the whiskey industry, and what big plans they have for their anniversary party.

Interviewed Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins of Old Line Spirits. We chatted about the unusual origins of their distillery, changing perceptions about American single malt whiskey, how they’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of their Highlandtown taproom, and tried their brand new cask-finished Caribbean rum.

Recorded at Charm City Meadwork's brand new taproom near Mt. Vernon, where owners James Boicourt and Andrew Geffken talked about mead misconceptions, why it’s important to save the bees, local collaborations, and their upcoming apple-cinnamon release.

Hanging with my favorite Baltimore beer brothers of Monument City Brewing! We talk about their latest fall beers, the journey from contract brewing to permanent home, what Highlandtown has meant to them, interesting tales from a family hike, and try their not-yet-released hazy IPA Nobo.

Dogfish Head Distilling GM James Montero and Head Distiller Graham Hamblett join me to talk about the relationship between the brewery and the distillery, how they think of out-of-the-box flavors, getting customer feedback straight from the bar, and how Barb from Stranger Things fits into all this.

I tagged along on a City Brew Tour, which took the group around to four different breweries in Baltimore including Heavy Seas, Monument City, Brew House No. 16, and Diamondback Brewing. In the episode, I chronicle the history of the tours, talk to tour guides Matt and Ryan, and even find myself in the midst of a bachelor party along the way.

Talked with Lost Ark Distilling owners Brad Blackwell and Andy Debenham about Maryland pride, local sourcing, how Columbia is getting cool, and tried some of their delicious rums and whiskey—including a summer blend of their spiced rum that everyone should be drinking pronto.

Recorded this episode about amaro live at the Baltimore Podcast Festival. Special guests Kristen Starks of Cosima and Amie Ward of R. Bar talked all about the Italian bitter liqueur, the Baltimore bar scene, gender and race politics in the industry, and how they are changing people's minds one cocktail at a time.

Visited Old Westminster Winery and talked to owners (and siblings) Drew Baker, Lisa Hinton, and Ashli Johnson about making some of the best wines in Maryland. We chat about the winery's origins, their ingredient-driven wines, events in their tasting room, and what it's like to work with family. Plus, we sip on their Cabernet Franc and Albariño Pétillant Naturel.

The owners of Key Brewing, Spike Owen and Mike McDonald, talk about how opening the brewery was their mid-life crisis, what they love so much about Dundalk, how it's smart to leave politics out of beer, and why their beers are just so damn easy to drink.

Two of my favorite drink writers—The Baltimore Sun's Wes Case and Charm City Cook's Amy Langrehr—join me to talk about blurring lines between work and play, how the Baltimore bar scene has evolved, our favorite bar and drink trends, whether to read the comments, and how—contrary to popular belief—we don't just drink all day.

Ever wonder who the geniuses are behind Alexander's Tavern, Papi's Tacos, Huck's American Craft, and now Wicked Sisters? For the latest episode of the podcast, I interview Charlie Gjerde, his wife Lori, and her sister Carrie Podles about the secrets to the success of their mini franchise. We talk about how the bar scene has changed over the past 10 years, whether to pay any attention to Yelp, what's next for their dream team, plus we make a seasonal gin cocktail to top it all off!

The owners of the Baltimore Whiskey Company—Max Lents, Ian Newton, and Eli Breitburg-Smith—discuss the one-year anniversary of their distillery. We talk about the origins of BWC, the state of the local craft spirits scene, the process of making and marketing booze, plans for their anniversary party, and try four delicious spirits along the way.

Talked to Baltimore Beer Week founder Joe Gold about what's in store for the upcoming festival, how the Maryland beer scene has evolved, and what exactly makes pumpkin beer such a hot button issue. Plus we do a vertical tasting of Heavy Seas Greater Pumpkin Ale!

The co-owners of South Baltimore corner bar Idle Hour discuss how they got into the bar business, their saga of closing and reopening their corner bar gem, how drinking in Baltimore has changed, and, of course, their love for the green liqueur that is Chartreuse.

We visit Union Craft Brewing in Woodberry to discuss Baltimore's growing craft beer scene, taprooms as community hubs, their latest releases and events, and which beer made some dude pass out in the parking lot.

With Lyon Distilling co-founder Jaime Windon and bartender Aaron Joseph, we talk about the history and merits of rum, the resurgence of tiki culture, the rise of Maryland distilleries, the upcoming Southside Stakes event, and we made two rum cocktails to top it all off.

Lane Harlan, Dre Barnhill, and Adam Marans from Clavel discuss the ins and outs of mezcal, getting tattoos in Mexico, and what they have on deck for Cinco de Mayo. Plus, we sample a mezcal flight and new spring cocktails.

Flying Dog Brewery is celebrating its 25th anniversary, so CEO Jim Caruso and director of PR Erin Weston discuss the brewery's humble roots, Ralph Steadman's bold art, how it's grown since moving to Maryland, and fun plans for Orioles opening day and a stellar summer concert series lineup. Plus we try brand new spring releases!