Beverage Chronicles

Poitin, Ireland's ancient unaged barley spirit, was illegally bootlegged for 300+ years until 1997, predating whiskey and inspiring global moonshine culture.Maura Clare learned a secretive 20th-century recipe with molasses and beet sugar from a retired bootlegger, blending whiskey warmth, tequila aroma, gin complexity, and rum sweetness at 45% ABV.Named after her nun cousin who smuggled it in a holy water bottle, the Gothic-arch bottle ships to 40 states via smugglingnun.com, perfect for cocktails like Celtic sours or neat sips.

Many IPA critics just haven’t found the right style—flavors vary widely and bad storage can ruin the experience.Modern IPAs are more balanced and approachable than the overly bitter versions of the past.Freshness, proper storage, and open-minded tasting can completely change your perception of the style.

We break down the differences between ales and lagers, explore theevolution of hops from ancient brewing to modern IPAs, and dive intothe tradition of British cask ale. We highlight how ingredients,techniques, and culture shape the diverse flavors and experiencesfound in beer.

Alcohol affects the body quickly, with impacts on brain and body functions within minutes and peak effects within an hour, depending on factors like metabolism, food intake, and drink strength. Beyond biology, beverages like wine have historically fostered social bonding and civilization. Modern beverage choices are also shaped by branding and health perceptions, while emerging research suggests coffee may contain compounds with potential benefits for managing conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Gluten-free beer avoids barley and wheat, using alternative grains like millet, rice, and buckwheat, while gluten-reduced beers use enzymes to break down gluten but may not be safe for everyone. Brewing gluten-free beer requires extra steps and precision, but modern techniques have greatly improved flavor, offering styles that rival traditional beers. Once a niche product, gluten-free beer now appeals to a wider audience—from those with celiac disease to curious drinkers—making the beer world more inclusive. Many classic cocktails we still enjoy today were born during Prohibition, when bartenders had to mask the harsh taste of bootleg liquor with creative ingredients. Drinks like the Bee’s Knees, Southside, and French 75 combined citrus, sugar, and herbs to transform rough spirits into balanced, enjoyable cocktails. These Prohibition-era creations remain popular today, celebrated not just for their flavor but for the ingenuity and rebellious spirit that brought them to life. 

Cornbread Hemp's CEO Eric Zipperle discusses the rapid rise of THC beverages as a wellness alternative to alcohol, highlighting their company's growth, key partnerships, and regulatory hurdles.

Definition of “straight bourbon”Which state produces the most straight bourbonHow premium pricing and bottle design influence purchasesFreshness window for different styles of beer

Unrefrigerated beer and the effects on qualityCanned beer has evolved from low-quality perception to the best formatfor freshness and protectionHow Public Relations help beverage brands growHistory of the Espresso Martini

Plus:Discover the Perfect Wine for Every Meal!Bottle Labels: Why They Draw You In & Change Everything You Drink!...and more

What “Beer Babe Jess” Merritt Knows About BeerCelebrating Women's Beer Month: Uniting Flavors & Breaking Barriers!

Plus:Brand Magic: PR for DrinksDrink Smarter: Perfect Food & WineCanned Beer: Myths Debunked

Host Gary Monterosso speaks with Hannah Mizrahi of the New York Cocktail Expo. Hannah tells us about upcoming trends in the cocktail segment for 2026.

Join host Gary Monterosso as he chats with Jonathan Turnea and Nina Rosenberg, the passionate owners of the upcoming Rag and Bone Meadery, set to open this spring! In this episode, they dive into their love for mead, a beverage steeped in history, and share their journey of recreating this ancient drink. Discover the fascinating stories behind mead-making and what inspired them to bring this unique beverage to life. Don't miss out on this sweet conversation!

The state of brewing in America and beyond.This classic beer has exploded in popularity once again with our new contributor, Katie Johnson.The beer styles that are poised for success in 2026.The history of an iconic American beer, plus a tasting review.

Iconic beers that have changed their recipes.The chilling truth about a frosted glass and your favorite drink.Dry hopping.Why consumers rely on a company's reputation before they decide to purchase their products.  

Classic beers Americans rarely order any longer.Jeff Eichinger provides tips on cellaring beers. Can this be done as witrh wines?Pinor Noir wines with John Mahoney.Is Anheuser-Busch InBev in crisis mode?Our co-host Michelle Lam is back with public relations tips.

Our guests are Brian Jackson, Agnes Jamora, Ludovica D'andria from Cold Flame Ventures, as they discuss their new award-winning gin, “IL Dottore.” IL Dottore Gin is distilled in Italy, typically described as coming from a small, family‑run distillery that blends traditional methods with a modern flavor profile. Messaging around the brand emphasizes Italian craftsmanship and Mediterranean character rather than the traditional London Dry template.​

Our special guest is Sam Calagione, founder and CEO of Dogfish Head. 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the company. Sam discusses DH’s origin, merger with Boston Beer (Samuel Adams) and goals for the future.

Also: Pop the Cork: Exploring Sparkling Wines with Robin ShreevesCocktail RecipesHow This Unique Liqueur is Taking the World by Storm

Mixology Magic: Secrets from Frankie Solarik’s BarChef. Plus: Fizz vs. Foam: What’s the Real Difference?

Also: A Taste of Tradition: Exploring the Last of the Stirred Classics. Draft, Bottle, or Can? The Beer Taste Challenge You Didn't Know You Needed

Also: How some traditional drinking customs are being challenged. Are energy drinks in danger of being banned?

Co-host Michelle Lam introduces us to Malexi Brands, a family-owned German-American business that imports and distributes German brands to the US market, including German wine producer Weegmüller Wines. The company was founded by Ines and Marc, who moved their family from Germany to the United States in 2022. Wine expert John Mahoney describes his choice for a remarkable late summer wine.

How Tariffs are Changing the Beer Landscape. Who is affected? Who is being hurt the most? Crafting Spirits: The Vision Behind “Before the Barrel Distillery”

Sipping Sunshine: The CoAqua Coconut Water Experience... Is it a Love Affair? Peter LaFrance Reviews Goose Island’s Hazy Beer Hug.

Ommegang's Hidden Brew Experience. The Origins of Imported Beer Names. Michelle Lam offers public relations trends that are reshaping the beverage world in 2025.

Also, Michelle Lam Tastes the Future: Predicting Beverage Trends through Public Relations. Mastering the Old Fashioned: Tips from Mike Vander Horn

The Dark Side: A Deep Dive into Porters and Stouts. From Grain to Glass: The Story Behind Founders Kalamazoo Stout. Bubble Wars: Which Soft Drink Will Reign Supreme in 2025?

Plus: Rice in Your Beer as a Main Ingredient? Will breweries be returning to glass? Beer Cocktails. Public Relations Trends Shaping the Beverage World for 2025.

Plus: Summertime Beer Traditions with Rachel Benkowski, Review of Founders KBS, Michelle Lam Prrovides the Top PR Trends Revolutionizing The Beverage Industry in 2025

Plus: How AI is Transforming Public Relations: The Future is Here!

Plus: State by State: The Craft Brewing Powerhouses You Need to Know. Michelle Lam on Merging AI with Public Relations: What You Need to Know

A new category on the horizon. Rachel Benkowski’s take on beer as medicine. Yuengling’s innovative expansion, more to come?

Unveiling the 2025 Glassboro Craft Beer Festival with Scott Kronberger and Cheers to Summer: Discovering New Wines with Robin Shreeves at Sharrott Winery

We talk with podcast host Kali-Kat, who tells us about her new craft beer show and discusses the story behind a couple of memorable episodes.

Plus: Michelle Lam talks Bronx Bull Bourbon Whiskey at the NYC Whiskey & Spirits Festival, Andrea Young creates a wine-chocolate pairing with Aubrey Graf-Daniels of The Ancestral Vine

Plus: The Evolution of American Beer: Insights from Rachel Benkowski and Inside Dovetail Distillery: Michelle Lam's Exclusive Report

Plus: New releases from Boston Beer. Robin Shreeves reports on dandelion wine. Sake, Gourmet Cocktails

Why the World Beer Cup is the Ultimate Beer Showdown

We discuss the future of Rampur in America, their product line and bold expansion plans.

Included: The great Indian heritage of premium single malt whiskys, adapting to the American market, unique flavor profiles.

Also: Inside Railroad Distillery: Michelle Lam's Exclusive Update! The Chilling Truth: Rachel Benkowski on Beer Storage and Refrigeration

We talk with Aaron Ho, CEO and Founder of Sugar Mouse NYC, Manhattan's new hotspot game hall and music venue (www.sugarmousenyc.com)

Also: The World of IPAs and Farmhouse Ales. Exploring the Essence of Do Good Spirits

 Plus: From Hops to Grapes: Exploring New Jersey's Brewing Landscape. Unveiling theLatest Buzz: New Jersey's Brewery Breakthrough! The Untold Story: How Yeast Revolutionized Fermentation

Plus: Rampur Whiskey: Unveiling the Secrets Behind India's Finest Spirit and The Last Pour: A Heartfelt Farewell to Philadelphia's Beloved Brewery

Plus The Latest from New Jersey's Craft Beer Scene, Essential Wine Tips for Every Enthusiast, Boost Your Brand: Michelle Lam's Proven Marketing Techniques

We have a sneak peak at Dogfish Head's upcoming 2025 releases, plus we have details on the Hammonton Brewmasters' Beer Crawl.

Celebrating Craft Beer: The Newest Inductees to the Hall of Fame plus we have an exclusive interview with Swedesboro Brewing's Associate Brewer.

This week, we focus on an upcoming event, the 12th Annual German Bierfest in Philadelphia, featuring a guest expert, Marnie Old.