Episode 120 - Neuromixology

In this interview with Kevin Peterson of Castalia, some of the topics we discuss include: How Kevin and his wife Jane transformed the bottom level of an old mansion in Detroit into a scent shop by day that converts into an intimate 20-seat cocktail bar by night. Some of the differences between people who approach cocktails from a service industry background and those who come at the subject from a completely different area of specialization. What it's like to pair fragrances and cocktails, and how Kevin thinks about "hacking the signal" of the drink to give guests a truly memorable experience. We also talk about lots of nerdy physiology stuff, including how the brain processes aroma, the difference between orthonasal and retronasal smell, and a whole lot of other things you probably didn't know about aroma and flavor. We talk about our favorite flavor and aroma books, we trade theories about the Platonic ideal of baking spice, and we even find time to grab drinks with the man who changed the Spaghetti Sauce industry forever.