Proof of Concept

In this bonus episode of Proof of Concept, hosts Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz sit down for a guided tasting of Mezcal Vago — one of the most respected names in artisanal mezcal production. This conversation goes beyond the bottle and into the glass, breaking down the earthy, complex, and soulful character that has made Mezcal Vago a benchmark for the category. From smoke and terroir to the craft behind every batch, this tasting offers a deeper look at what sets truly exceptional mezcal apart. Whether you're a mezcal devotee or just agave-curious, this is your chance to experience the craft.

In this episode of Proof of Concept, hosts Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz speak with Judah Kuper, co-founder of Mezcal Vago, about the journey behind one of the world’s most respected artisanal mezcal brands. Built on deep relationships with generational mezcaleros, Mezcal Vago is known for radical transparency — crediting each batch to the maestro who made it and documenting every detail from agave species to fermentation and distillation methods. Judah shares how the brand’s philosophy, “Don’t kill the magic,” guides their approach to growth, sustainability, and sharing mezcal with a global audience while protecting its cultural roots. The conversation explores the delicate balance between tradition and scale, the pride and recognition that international awards have brought to Oaxaca’s palenques, and what it means to build a spirits brand that uplifts the people and communities behind the craft.

In this bonus episode of Proof of Concept, hosts Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz sit down with Ian Somerhalder for a guided tasting of Brother’s Bond Bourbon. This conversation goes beyond the story and into the glass, breaking down flavor, balance, and the craftsmanship behind every sip. From notes and structure to the intention behind the blend, this tasting offers a deeper look at how quality shows up in the final product and what sets an award-winning bourbon apart. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just bourbon-curious, this is your chance to experience the craft.

What does it take to turn a friendship into a Double Gold–winning bourbon? On this episode of Proof of Concept, presented by The Tasting Alliance, hosts Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz sit down with Ian Somerhalder, co-founder and Brand Guardian of Brothers Bond Bourbon. Ian shares how a shared vision, hands-on craftsmanship, and uncompromising standards helped build one of the fastest-growing and most awarded bourbon brands in the U.S. From blending and grain selection to sustainability and regenerative agriculture, this conversation explores what it takes to earn credibility, and Double Gold recognition, in a crowded spirits market. This is a story of proof: that purpose, partnership, and craft can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best bourbons.

In this bonus episode of Proof of Concept, we sit down with Chinola CEO Andrew Merinoff for a guided tasting of the brand’s signature passion fruit liqueur. Andrew shares the story behind Chinola, the craft and sourcing that define the product, and what it takes to build a standout spirits brand from the ground up. From flavor to philosophy, this conversation offers a deeper look into the people and process behind the bottle along with the tasting notes that led the brand to Double Gold. Tune in for a taste of Chinola, and the vision driving it forward.

In the debut episode of Proof of Concept, presented by The Tasting Alliance, hosts Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz sit down with Andrew Merinoff, founder and CEO of Chinola. Andrew shares the journey behind creating the world’s first shelf-stable fresh fruit liqueur — from thousands of test batches and early setbacks to building a brand rooted in sustainability, community impact, and uncompromising craft in the Dominican Republic. The conversation explores what it takes to earn credibility in the spirits world, win over bartenders and judges alike, and grow thoughtfully without losing authenticity. With multiple Double Gold and Platinum awards from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Chinola stands as proof that when passion meets persistence, an idea can become something truly exceptional.

Welcome to Proof of Concept, the official podcast of The Tasting Alliance — the team behind the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York World Spirits Competition, Asia World Spirits Competition, and Latin America World Spirits Competition. Hosted by Toby Blue, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of The Tasting Alliance and longtime spirits industry executive and Jason Rabinowitz, Multiple Grammy Award Nominee and Entertainment Industry Veteran, this series explores the journeys behind the world’s most exceptional Double Gold–winning spirits — and the founders bold enough to build them. On Proof of Concept, you’ll discover: Behind-the-scenes origin stories from top spirits brands Conversations about bourbon, whiskey, tequila, mezcal, rum, vodka, gin and emerging craft categories Insights into distilling, barrel aging, grain selection, blending, sustainability, sourcing and scaling a premium spirits brand Lessons in entrepreneurship, branding, celebrity ventures, innovation and long-term business building The role of blind judging, Double Gold medals and Platinum awards in validating world-class quality Tasting notes from some of the most discerning palates in the industry This is a show for: Whiskey lovers Bourbon enthusiasts Craft spirits collectors Founders and entrepreneurs Beverage industry professionals Hospitality and bar professionals Spirits competition followers Fans of premium lifestyle storytelling Produced by The Tasting Alliance Co-Hosted by Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz Edited by Ed RosenBerg Music by Jason Rabinowitz Follow The Tasting Alliance on Instagram and on their site for competition results, Double Gold winners, tasting insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the world’s most respected spirits competitions.