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It’s the end of the year. The magical season where every critic, pundit, and unemployed know-it-all crawls out of their hole to slap you in the face with lists. Oh, the lists. “Best of this.” “Most compelling that.” Like you’ve been wandering through 2024 in some kind of cultural fog, just praying for some random chump to come along and tell you which Taylor Swift song defined your existence.
What have you been doing all year? Living under a rock? Completely unaware of the Top Ten Ways to Make Your Coffee Taste Like Regret or the Most Overplayed Breakup Anthem That Made You Want to Gouge Your Ears Out? Clearly, you need saving. And here comes Dan, because he, too, is a sucker for this ridiculous yearly tradition.
So, fine—here’s his contribution to the nonsense: “The 63 Coolest Things About Drinking.” Why 63? Because lists with odd numbers are edgy now. So grab a drink, scroll through this thing, and let’s pretend this matters. If you can’t beat ‘em, at least you can toast to how stupid it all is. Cheers!
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Eggnog: the boozy holiday sweater you drink. A festive concoction born from the unholy union of eggs, cream, sugar, and whatever bottle of booze your uncle reaches for first. Traditionally spiked with rum, brandy, or bourbon (or all three if you’re aiming for a sleigh ride straight to DrunkyTown), this yuletide classic feels like a dessert, a drink, and a dare all at once.
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The Paper Plane is a drink so perfectly balanced, it could moonlight as a tightrope walker. Born in 2008 at the hands of NYC bar legend Sam Ross, this beauty is an equal-parts wonder: bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice, shaken into a frothy symphony of citrusy, bittersweet perfection. It’s light enough for summer, complex enough for winter, and just strong enough to make your in-laws semi-tolerable this holiday season. Served up in a coupe, it’s as sleek and stylish as its name implies. Buckle up for this high-flying edition of 3-Minute Bartender, where Dan takes the Paper Plane for a well-deserved spin.
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Oxnard, California—a charming, sun-drenched coastal town better known for its strawberries and surf than for spirits. But that’s changing, thanks to the arrival of one of the whisky world’s most celebrated figures. Enter John Campbell, a man who spent over 25 years crafting single malt masterpieces at the iconic Laphroaig Distillery on Islay, Scotland. Now? He’s trading briny peat and windswept moors for California sunshine and a bold new challenge at Sespe Creek Distillery.Campbell’s name is synonymous with whisky excellence, a guy who’s had his fingerprints all over some of the most beloved Scotch whiskies on the planet. And now, he’s bringing that same legendary skillset to a scrappy upstart distillery nestled in the agricultural heart of Ventura County. It’s a move that’s equal parts unexpected and inspired, and you better believe Dan had to see it for himself. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into John’s incredible journey—how a kid from Islay grew up surrounded by whisky lore, mastered the craft at one of Scotland’s most revered distilleries, and ended up transforming spirits in a sleepy California beach town. Plus, we’ll get an inside look at what he’s working on now at Sespe Creek and what’s next for this whisky pioneer turned SoCal trailblazer.
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We do our best to steer clear of politics on this show—unless, of course, the folks in Washington start tampering with our beloved booze. And it looks like that might be the case once Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office. During his first term, Trump slapped tariffs on imports that hammered the booze industry hard—unfortunately, not in the fun way. This time, he’s promising more of the same. In this episode, Dan dives into what happened last time, what’s likely ahead, and how we can fight back. Plus, “Drinks of the Week” featuring fresh gins from the always-creative Tamworth Distilling.
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Newly minted Emmy winner Eric Andre and Dan hosted an epic bash at Melrose Umbrella Co., Los Angeles’ favorite spot for well-made drinks and debauchery. The guest list? A little insane. We’re talking WWD’s wandering spirit expert Brad Japhe, Melrose proprietor Zach Patterson, and a who’s-who of LA’s cocktail gods. Plus, let’s not forget the real stars of the shindig: Del Maguey Mezcal, El Buho Mezcal, G4 Tequila, Cierto Tequila, Mi Casa Tequila, Tequila Herradura, Codigo 1530 Tequila, and Patron. Did we forget anything? Absolutely not. Don’t miss out—hit play and join the party!
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Dan kicks things off with a wild recounting of his first brush with the future—zipping around town in a driverless Waymo. Imagine the excitement (and a touch of terror) as he sits back, trusting the wheel to a car with no driver. Spoiler alert: it’s a smooth, freakishly calm ride… until it takes him down a one-way street in the wrong direction. Just kidding! But he’ll have you gripping your armchair like you’re riding shotgun.
Next up, Dan raises a glass in memory of the legendary Quincy Jones, who left us this past weekend. Expect no tearful eulogies here—just pure, unadulterated admiration for a music giant whose talent was as vast as his influence. Then, it’s time for some big news: Dan’s back at it with his newest venture, Substack. That’s right, he’s writing again, and he’s got some words for you. Brace yourself.
Finally, we're diving into our fan-favorite segment, “Drinks of the Week,” where Dan gives the lowdown on two new expressions from Woodinville Whiskey (think rich, warm, and ready for winter) and a sweet, sultry liqueur straight out of Southern Spain. Grab a glass, folks—it’s about to get good!
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Dan is joined by WWD’s resident Wine Goddess herself, Clair Coppi, for a seasonal plummet into the vino vat—the kind of wine lineup that gets you through those sweater-weather nights. This year, we’ve curated a selection that’ll pair just as well with a cozy night in as it will with your attempts to out-chef the family.
Here’s the rundown on the roster: Dolly Wines 2023 California Chardonnay, Siduri 2023 Sonoma County Chardonnay, Maggy Hawk 2021 Jolie Pinot Noir, CHEV 2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Rodney Strong 2019 Rockaway Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2023 Grant Burge Paso Ink.
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Dan kicks off the episode by launching into a spirited debate—naturally—with himself, over who’d win in an imaginary bar brawl between Vodka and Gin. You know, the kind of existential dilemma we all wrestle with. After that, he sits down with one of the beverage industry’s heavy hitters, Amanda Victoria, co-founder of Siponey Spritz Co. The two dive into topics ranging from honeybees and the fascinating history of ready-to-drink cocktails, to New York City’s unseasonably warm weather and their go-to cold remedies.
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Alright, bar buffs and cocktail connoisseurs, Dan is back with the ultimate bucket list – or should I say, "booze bucket" list? He’s distilled his years of bar-crawling expertise into a list of the ten essential experiences that every self-respecting bar aficionado should knock out before last call on life. This isn’t your average listicle – we’re talking sacred rites of passage, people. You think you've done it all? Think again. And that's not all. In our "Drinks of the Week" segment, Dan reviews two fresh-off-the-still whiskies from the legend himself, Wes Henderson. Yes, the Bourbon Hall of Famer who helped craft Angel's Envy is back with a brand-new venture that’ll make even the most jaded booze snob sit up and take notice.
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You ever hear about the time Dan nearly became a Las Vegas cautionary tale? It’s a wild ride involving a championship prize fight, a topless pool (because, Vegas), an over-served spirits industry exec who thought he was part of the Rat Pack, and—oh yeah—the cops. Also, on this week’s "Drinks of the Week," we're diving headfirst into the green fairy's arms with Absente absinthe. This isn't just a drink; it's a hallucination in a glass. Remember, with absinthe, you don’t just drink it, you negotiate with it. Pour, dilute, sip, and repeat—like Dan's attempts at adult responsibility. Cheers, or as they say in the absinthe circles, à votre santé—and maybe hide your phone.
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The Clover Club cocktail is one of those drinks that makes you feel like you've been invited to a secret society meeting, where everyone’s wearing velvet smoking jackets and discussing the finer points of monocle craftsmanship. Born in pre-Prohibition Philadelphia, this elegant mix of gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white was the toast of the Clover Club, a swanky all-men’s social club. Back then, it was the kind of cocktail you'd order if you wanted to seem like the most interesting guy in the room—without even trying. Today, it’s back on menus, and popular as ever. And don’t let the pink hue fool you,. This drink has enough punch to remind you that sophistication doesn't have to mean boring. It's a cocktail with class and just enough zing to keep things interesting.
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Dan is joined by bartending legend Dale DeGroff and renowned artisan distiller Ted Breaux for some lively conversation about their latest creations: DeGroff Bitter Aperitivo and New World Amaro. These delightful concoctions mark their second collaboration with Oregon’s Clear Creek Distillery. DeGroff, whom Dan credits as the man who helped kickstart his career in spirits journalism, brings his signature charm to the discussion. Meanwhile, Dan dives into the real origin of the word "booze" and goes on a hilarious rant about the seemingly endless parade of "Batman" movies and TV shows flooding screens everywhere.
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Yo, ho, ho! In the time it takes to sing an ol' sea shanty — and who doesn't love an ol' sea shanty? — Dan walks us down the plank and dives into the Dark 'n Stormy, an invigorating coalescence of Gosling's Black Seal Rum and ginger beer that hails from Bermuda and derives its name from one of the worst opening lines in literary history. A kissing cousin to the Moscow Mule, it's an inviting drink with an ominous hue once described as "the color of a cloud only a fool or dead man would sail under."
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Dan is joined by Barrell Craft Spirits founder Joe Beatrice and the company's Director of Distillery Operations & Chief Whiskey Scientist, Tripp Stimson. Barrell Craft Spirits isn’t just making whiskey—they’re bottling liquid adventure. Founded in 2013 by Beatrice, the Louisville-based company has mastered the art of blending, curating small-batch, cask-strength gems that ignite the palate. Their philosophy? Don’t dilute greatness. Each batch is like a fingerprint—unique, unrepeatable, and loaded with character. Barrell scours the globe for top-notch barrels, blending them into transcendent bourbon, rye, and rum. They're not chasing tradition—they're reimagining it.
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Country music superstar Dierks Bentley stops by to share the story behind his latest venture, ROW 94—a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted with care at the historic Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, KY. Dierks dives into what drew him to the spirits business and the unique influences that shaped the flavor of his new whiskey. Of course, they dive into music too, revisiting his debut single and instant classic, “What Was I Thinkin’,” and reflecting on the journey that led to multiple #1 hits, chart-topping albums, and billions of global streams. Plus, Dierks spills on his favorite country music drinking songs. This is one episode you won’t want to miss.
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Tailgating is where culinary alchemy meets liquid artistry—a pre-game spectacle that’s less about the final score and more about the sizzling symphony of the grill, the cold embrace of a well-poured drink, and the joyous blur of camaraderie. It’s that sacred space where friendships are grilled to perfection over spicy wings, cold beverages, and the kind of choices you might not brag about later. Tailgating: where parking lots morph into arenas of epic indulgence. In this episode, Dan is joined by Eddie "the YumYumFoodie" Zamora and Rick McCarthy, the BBQ wizard behind Baby Blues in Venice Beach, CA, to dive deep into the art of America’s favorite pastime. Expect world-class BBQ dancing harmoniously with the liquid legends that are Ford's Gin, Bacardi Reserva Ocho Rum, and Kastra Elion Vodka.
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At the start of each chapter in Dan's book, Living Loaded, you'll discover cocktail recipes crafted to perfectly complement the theme of the chapter. These tantalizing drinks were exclusively created for the book by fifteen of the world’s top mixologists, all of whom Dan proudly counts as friends. In this episode, Dan spotlights a few of these masterfully mixed cocktails, featuring contributions from legendary figures like Dale DeGroff, Aisha Sharpe, Allen Katz, and more.
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In a few shakes of a lamb's tail, Dan tips his hat to the Boulevardier, that urbane cousin of the Negroni. Swapping out gin's juniper jab for whiskey’s warm embrace, this cocktail mingles sweet vermouth and bitter Campari, achieving a rich, ruddy hue. Conceived in the roguish Parisian circles of the 1920s, where expatriates like Erskine Gwynne heralded its creation, the Boulevardier whispers of smoky parlors and literary wit, an elixir not just sipped, but savored.
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History tells us that anything that becomes popular is immediately beaten to death with a shovel. This has certainly been the case with Pumpkin Spice Lattes, or PSLs for those who find syllables too burdensome. In this episode, our intrepid host declares it’s time to admit we’ve reached the pinnacle of pumpkin spice mania. The higher we’ve climbed, the harder the inevitable fall. When the PSL backlash hits, it'll be brutal, and Dan will be hailed as a prophet. And since we’re smack dab in the middle of summer vacation season, Dan would like to offer a public service announcement: The Do’s and Don’ts of Summer Vacation Drinking.
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