Sipping Social Podcast
by sippingsocial
In this podcast we talk about all things surrounding the restaurant and bar industry. Tune in with us every couple of weeks to hear anything from beverage reviews, to stories about customers, and everything in-between. We look forward sipping on something with you!
Episodes
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#097 - Strange Skies & Kentucky Boys
On Episode 97 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we caught up on the latest restaurant news, covering what's happening in the industry both locally and nationally. We tasted Blind Corner's Strange Skies APA and Brown-Forman's Kentucky Boy whiskey, both of which received high ratings and were…
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#096 - The Charter Oak & Juicy Bits
In episode 96 of the Sipping Social Podcast, Mike, Garrett, and Johnny settle into the Underground Studio for an afternoon of drinks, restaurant talk, and plenty of laughs. The crew catches up on local restaurant changes, plans for The Office, and the possibilities of buying a neighborhood…
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#095 - Gibsons Day, Friends and Tastes
In Episode 95 of the Sipping Social Podcast, the crew welcomes a few close friends for a delightfully unhinged afternoon in the Underground Studio. Over pours of rare whiskey and Coors Banquet “yellow jackets,” they discuss restaurant health-code transparency, the drive-thru coffee craze,...
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#094 - Key In the Lake w/ Jake
On Episode 94 of the Sipping Social podcast: Jake from the Key in the Lake podcast joins us for a great time as we dive into local Oktoberfest beers and crack open a new whiskey that just hit the market from Barrell Craft Spirits.
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#093 - $50 and Under Whiskey
Episode 93 of the Sipping Social Podcast is all about great seasonal beer and good value whiskey. We cracked open Vallejo IPA from Half Acre, then put together another Value Whiskey segment, featuring several excellent bottles that deliver big flavor for under $50. If you’re looking for quality...
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#092 - Under $30 Picks & Jeff Huber
Episode 92 of Sipping Social featured our friend Jeff Huber joining us for a fun and slightly geeky whiskey tasting. We sampled four value-priced whiskeys, all under $30, and compared notes to see which bottles delivered the best bang for the buck. Great conversation, plenty of laughs, and some...
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#091 - Industry Catch-up
On episode 91 of the sipping social we caught up on the industry, the yearly industry ebb and flow, Grange House and the fun nuances of running a late night bar. We drank a couple delicious Half Acre Beers and some fantastic whiskey from Woodford Reserve. Thanks for joining us and the first two...
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#090 - We're Back, We Missed You
On episode 90 of the sipping social we caught up after being away for two months. We talked about opening Grange House and finally starting to free up some time after the chaos of the launch. The episode covered both the tough moments and the rewarding parts of getting the restaurant open and...
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#089 - St Paddy's Day Shenanigans & Super Tasty Sippers
On episode 89 of the sipping social we reminisced about St Paddy's day shenanigans and wild customers, teased some information about the new restaurant Grange House, and drank two single barrels from Heaven Hill. The single barrels were the Elijah Craig Toasted Bourbon Barrel Strength and the...
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#088 - Jesse Able & Craft Beer, Belle Meade Tasting
In Episode 88 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we welcome friend and industry compatriot Jesse Able for a laid-back yet insight-filled conversation centered around craft beer and shared experience in the industry. We kicked things off with a delicious Penrose Goofy Boots, a delicious local hazy…
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#087 - Rare Character Single Barrel & Noon Whistle Gummysaurus
On Episode 87 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we dive into how technology is shaping the modern restaurant industry and break down the local economic impact of the Super Bowl. We drank some a standout beer from Noon Whistle Brewing in the Gummy series and sipped on Rare Character single barrel…
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#086 - Bardstown Bourbon Company & Torch THC Seltzers
On Episode 86 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we caught up on all the latest industry buzz, said a heartfelt goodbye to Proof No. 5, and raised a glass to some big moments. We cracked open a fantastic Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery-only release, sipped on Torch THC Seltzers, and wrapped it…
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#085 - E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof & Blind Corner Brewery
We’re finally back! The last time we recorded was way back in August, which feels like a lifetime ago, and we couldn’t be more excited to jump back on the mic. In this episode, we kick things off with a long-overdue industry catch-up, talk Dry January realities, and pour one out for a Chicago...
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#084 - Eagle Rare 10 vs. Eagle Rare 12
In this episode, we catch up on the past couple of months and everything that’s been happening in the industry. We review the classic Yuengling, which is a newer addition to the area, and also give our thoughts on Eagle Rare 12-Year — a new and incredibly tasty bourbon. The customer of the month...
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#083 - Wilderness Trail Interview & Single Barrel Pick
In this episode, we dive into the latest hot topics in the beverage world. We start with the buzz around the 200% wine tariff—what does it mean for your favorite bottles and the industry at large? Then, we shift gears to celebrate the return of some seriously delicious food at Burger Social. Next...
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#082 - Dr. Mike Gontarek, Russell's Reserve SB & Hop Butcher
In this episode, we were thrilled to welcome a listener of the Sipping Social Podcast, Dr. Mike Gontarek. A published author in Nutritional Perspectives, Dr. Gontarek is board certified in clinical nutrition and a member of the American Chiropractic Association Council on Nutrition. Mike brought…
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#081 - Live Show #5 Recap w/ Blind Corner Brewing & Laws Whiskey House
In this episode, we recap our live show featuring fantastic guests Blind Corner Brewing and Laws Whiskey. We dive into their unique offerings and share some great moments from the event. We also have a little fun at the expense of a harsh online reviewer, “misfit,” who didn’t exactly love our...
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#080 - Easy Man THC NA Beer from Go Brewing
In this episode we explore the latest happenings in the local food and drink scene, including the closure of Maypole in Wheaton and exciting new spots like an Italian concept replacing Wok n Fire and Mosaic Kitchen & Cocktails in Geneva. We also discuss Blind Corner Brewing’s distribution launch,...
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#079 - John J. Bowman Private Barrel & Great Lakes Brewery
The Sipping Social Podcast shines a spotlight on the Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group's John J. Bowman Single Barrel Pick, a standout whiskey choice for the season. We also taste Great Lake Christmas Ale (7.5% ABV), the perfect brew to get into the holiday spirit. Amid the hustle of Christmas...
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#078 - An Interview w/ Laws Whiskey House
In this episode, we’re joined by a true pioneer in the whiskey world—Al Laws, the founder and owner of Laws Whiskey House, a renowned Colorado-based distillery that’s making waves with its hand-crafted, small-batch spirits. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just someone curious about the…
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#077 - Hard Truth Single Barrel Rye & Half Acre Collaboration
This episodes highlights include the launch of the stylish New Sipping Social hats and exciting news for servers and bartenders: a potential tax exemption on tips is on the horizon. In legal news, Panera Bread has settled a lawsuit linked to its "charged" lemonade. For drink enthusiasts, we…
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#076 - Bill Welter, founder of Journeyman Distillery
In this episode we had a great opportunity to interview the founder of Journeyman Distillery, Bill Welter. We sat down with him at a bustling restaurant called Maize+Mash in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The whiskey was tasty, the conversation event more tasty. Listen up and drink up with us in this...
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#075 - Michters Barrel Strength Toasted Rye & Daisy Cutter 15 Yr Celebration
In this episode, we got to try the amazing Michter’s Barrel Strength Toasted Rye. It got high reviews from all who tried it. The Daisy Cutter 15 year Celebration tropical pale ale coming in at 5.2% abv was crushable. You can currently find it at Binny’s and The Beer Cellar in Glen Ellyn. Our...
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#074 - City Water Pink Lemonade and James E Pepper Bourbon
In this episode, we caught up on some fun restaurant news for the burbs. For the whiskey review we tried the James E Pepper that we all really liked! We also brought another seltzer on the show and they keep doing well. Shout out to Solemn Oath for making the City Water line. Listen up, drink up,...
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#073 - Penrose Lemon Seltz-up & Elijah Craig Single Barrel Picks
In this episode, we recapped the last couple weeks we were gone and the Michter's dinner at Proof no. 5. Don’t miss the next one! For the whiskey portion we tried the BBH single barrels from Elijah Craig that received some great reviews. They’re so freaking good you should buy some! We also…
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#072 - Baker's 7 Single Barrel & Bone(x9) Double Hazy IPA Collaboration
For this episode, we tried the whiskey bottles we exchanged for our holiday episode. Some great bottles were gifted that day. Johnny, where's yours? We also reviewed the Hidden Hand/Alarmist Brewing collaboration Bone(x9) Double Hazy IPA, so freaking good we could rap about it. Listen up, drink…
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#071 - Hard Truth Distilling Co. & Master Distiller, Bryan Smith
In this episode, we had the opportunity to record at Maize+Mash just before a private whiskey class was being held with Master Distiller and Partner of Hard Truth Distilling Co., Bryan Smith. We sipped on four of their best whiskeys and talked with Bryan about their process and the story behind...
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#070 - Live Show #4 with Noon Whistle & Old Elk
Our 4th live show was full house at the Burger Social in Wheaton, IL. We hung out with the owners of Noon Whistle Brewing and got to try something very special they just put out. Everyone in the room also enjoyed some amazing pours from Old Elk Distillery. It was a great night!
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#069 - 1620 Distilling Small Batch Bourbon
On this episode, long time listener and first time caller Kevin Glass joins us as a co-host. We had a great time sipping on some 1620 Distilling Small Batch Bourbon and the Phase 3/BBH Collab Co-Pilot Hazy IPA. This our 69th episode and we kept it at a light “R” rating when it came to our...
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#068 - Pinhook Rye Single Barrel Live Pick
We sat down with Sean Josephs, Master Blender and Co-Founder of Pinhook to pick the next Bourbon Belly Hospitality single barrel rye live on the podcast! We learned a lot about Sean Josephs background and how Pinhook became a reality.
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#067 - Holiday Special & Single Barrel Picks
In this special holiday episode, we did our best to stay sober while we gifted our annual bottle exchange to each other. We also tried the most recent single barrel picks from the Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group. An Old Elk SB Wheated Bourbon and a Castle & Key SB Restoration Rye was loved by…
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#066 - Porchlight Brewing & Four Roses SB Picks
In this episode we had the pleasure of talking to Nick Ostapczuk (don't ask us how to pronounce it) from Porchlight Brewing out of Sacramento, CA. Nick recently joined the fast growing brewery and was thrown into the fire as their head brewer. We also tasted the new Four Roses single barrel...
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#065 - Master Distiller Ian Stirsman
We had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Master Distiller, Ian Stirsman from Ross & Squibb (MGP) and try some of their Remus and Rossville Union Rye whiskies. It was a great time!
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#064 - Benchmark Single Barrel & Hazy Pitch Pale Ale
And.... we're back! After taking the summer off we are eager to get back at it. In this episode we chat about how our summer went, the opening of Proof No. 5 in Wheaton, IL and reviewed a couple of nice beverages. Let's go!
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#063 - Hidden Hand Collaboration w/ Bourbon Belly
In this episode we sat down at the Underground Studio West (aka Garrett's basement bar) in Geneva, Illinois to discuss and taste the recent Bourbon Belly collaboration with Solemn Oath (Hidden Hand). Director of Operations, JP Vander Veen and Sales Director, Nick Scofield gave some great insight...
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#062 - Master Distiller Greg Metze
Greg Metze became Old Elk Distillery’s Master Distiller in 2016 following a 38-year career at Seagram’s Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the world’s largest distilleries. We had the amazing opportunity to sit down with him at Maize+Mash in Glen Ellyn. It was a great conversation about...
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#061 - Larceny Barrel Proof & Hidden Hand Beers
In this episode we try a Larceny barrel proof bourbon and some delicious beers from the Hidden Hand series by Solemn Oath brewery in Naperville, IL. Customer of the week was a touchy one for Mike. We had been drinking and brewing beer all day with the Solemn Oath crew so we may sound a little...
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#060 - Michter’s Limited Release Barrel Strength Rye
Let's go! In this episode we celebrate Garrett, he just hosted his 100th whiskey class! Congratulations on this huge milestone Garrett. We celebrated with a delicious Michter’s limited release barrel strength rye. The beer this week was Ride or Die Pale Ale from Hopewell Brewing out of Chicago, IL.
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#059 - Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Select
We tasted a delicious couple of brews from Solemn Oath Brewing from their Small Wave series. The Private Barrel Select from Russell's Reserve was not surprisingly wonderful. It was a fun, romantic, candle-lit spring night at the Underground Studio. Let's go!
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#058 - Red Ales & Bull Run Single Barrel Aged 15 Years
In this episode we’re back in the Underground Studio after some amazing live events. We discuss the new restaurants in Wheaton that are about to open and New Belgium changing the recipe of Fat Tire. We reviewed Tighthead’s Scarlet Fire and Great Lakes Conway Red Ale on the beer side, both were…
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#057 - Denver Trip, Laws Whiskey House & Old Elk
In this episode we recap our amazing trip to Denver, Colorado. We visited the Old Elk packaging facility in Fort Collins with their rep Erik. He was also able to get us a private barrel tasting in their rickhouse which was an amazing experience. We also toured Laws Whiskey House distillery and...
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#056 - Early Times Bourbon & Hop Butcher Telehopic Double IPA
It this episode we wrap up 2022 with some delicious bourbon and beer and chat about all the great things we accomplished this year. The Hop Butcher Telehopic Double IPA was amazing and the Early Times Bottled-in-bond did not disappoint. Looking forward to 2023! Silent Night (Holy Night) by...
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#055 - Dovetail Brewing
In this episode we recorded remote at the Dovetail Brewery in Chicago, IL. Dovetail Brewery merges continental European styles and techniques with American creativity to produce amazingly unique beers that are typically found in small, family-run breweries in Europe. We had a great discussion…
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#054 - Hopleaf Bar Chicago
Hopleaf has been a both a mecca for craft beer fans and a relaxed neighborhood pub in Andersonville. For over 15 years, Hopleaf has also offered thoughtfully sourced, in-house prepped, chef-inspired dining. We had the pleasure in talking to Michael Roper, the man who started it all.
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#053 - Russell’s Reserve Rye Single Barrel & Crystal Lake Beers
In this episode, we sipped on Hoptopus Imperial Hazy IPA and Dunkel Lagar from Crystal Lake Brewery in, you guessed it, Crystal Lake. Garrett also brought a winner that stayed at the Underground Studio from Russell's Reserve, their Straight Rye Single Barrel. We apologize for the slight fuzzy…
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#052 - Noon Whistle Brewing
In this episode we chat with the owners of Noon Whistle Brewing out of Lombard, IL. They brought everything they have in stock for us to try, and we tried it all. Listen up for some great insights and new techniques in the brewing industry. These boys were fun to hang out with and had a lot of...
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#051 - Phase Three Stay Free & Nulu Single Barrel
Phase Three seems to never disappoint, but did they in this episode? You'll just have to listen up and find out, ha! We also try a Nulu single barrel barrel from Justin's House of Bourbon. Everyone was in great spirits coming off our previous live show recording, it was a fun one.
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#050 - Live Show - Pinhook Bourbon & Sean Josephs
Sean Josephs is a founder of Pinhook and the Master Blender. We chat with him about a couple of unique bourbons, one of them being an barrel pick by Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group. It was a fun night in front of a packed viewing audience at Burger Social in downtown Wheaton, IL.
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#049 - Underground Studio West
In this podcast we venture out to our very own Garrett's underground bar, "the office" in Geneva, IL. Mike and Johnny had to opportunity to hand select a couple of very nice bottles of whiskey to down while enjoying the look of disgust on G's face. All jokes aside, he shares. Cheerful Whistling…
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#048 - 93 Octane Brewery
In this episode we sat down with Mario, the owner of 93 Octane Brewery and his head brewer Alex. 93 Octane Brewery opened in 2019 and is out of St. Charles, IL. They are doing some pretty great things over there. Be sure to listen till the end of this episode, where Alex does some pretty...
About this show
In this podcast we talk about all things surrounding the restaurant and bar industry. Tune in with us every couple of weeks to hear anything from beverage reviews, to stories about customers, and everything in-between. We look forward sipping on something with you!
Hosted by
sippingsocial