The Speakeasy

What makes a good sommelier? Encyclopedic knowledge of the wine world? The ability to sell anything to anyone? Or something more empathetic and human? If anyone knows it’s Claire Paparazzo, Wine Director for Sunday Hospitality Group and the Hotel Chelsea. Drawing on her knowledge from such iconic places as Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Claire chats with Greg about the challenge of running four properties under one roof, the art of making wine approachable, and why the fad for natural wine and orange wine probably springs from somewhere deep and sick and wonderful in our collective psyche. And, she talks about the time she almost got mauled by a pig.PLUS, are AI somms coming for our jobs? Greg offers an oddly hopeful take on whether that industry’s days are numberedFollow Claire at @clairepaparazzoFollow her documentary work at @wineifyouwanttoFollow her art at @jasperheart2021LINKSBecome a Regular: patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsFor resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycallianceSupport the Salt Cure Fund at thesaltcurefund.orgThe Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In another Boomerang! episode from Raleigh, North Carolina Greg sits down with Patrick Shanahan in his new bar space Rosebud to talk about the space, the buildout, and what it took to incorporate influences ranging from Japanese hi-fi lounges to spaghetti westerns to midcentury modern aesthetic. Then, they dive into the vibe and culture of North Carolina’s capital city to discuss where it’s been and where it’s going next.PLUS, are savory cocktails the new mezcal? Greg and Patrick discuss.Follow Patrick at @pmshanahanFollow Rosebud at @rosebudraleighLINKSBecome a Regular: patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsThe Business Insider article about Zoomers and dive bars: businessinsider.com/gen-z-exclusive-restaurants-regularmaxxing-central-perk-2026-1For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycallianceSupport the Salt Cure Fund at thesaltcurefund.orgThe Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is Texification, and why do it to Kentucky whiskey? Heather Greene, Master Blender of Milam & Greene hops on with Greg and Sother to answer that very question. She delves into what the unique climate of Texas does to a barrel of bourbon (or rye), what place whiskey occupies in our lives these days, and how she met the partners in her whiskey supergroup in the first place.PLUS, the kids are alright, but the way journalists cover them still sucks. Greg and Sother break down a recent piece about how Zoomers have “discovered” dive bars and discuss what it might mean for the “Gen Z doesn’t drink” narrative.Follow Milam & Greene at @milamandgreenewhiskeyFollow Heather at @thewhiskeyauthorityLINKSBecome a Regular: patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsThe Business Insider article about Zoomers and dive bars: businessinsider.com/gen-z-exclusive-restaurants-regularmaxxing-central-perk-2026-1For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycallianceSupport the Salt Cure Fund at thesaltcurefund.orgThe Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever age tequila in oak, cherry AND acacia barrels? Mijenta Tequila has and Natasha Sofia, their Global Advocacy Director, is here to tell us about it. She dives into their aging process, sustainability, and what it means to actually win the award for Best US Brand Ambassador at Tales of the Cocktail.Editor's note: at 3:46 Natasha misspoke: the second type of wood used is Cherry, not French Oak.PLUS, an update on BrewDog’s attempt to sell itself and what it means for the future of craft beer… and cannabis!Follow Natasha at @natasha_sofiaFollow Mijenta Tequila at @mijentatequilaLINKSBecome a Regular: patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsFor resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycallianceSupport the Salt Cure Fund at thesaltcurefund.orgThe Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a special late night edition of The Speakeasy Hennessy Ambassador Sean Johnson joins Greg and Sother to talk about the historic cognac brand’s legacy, the art of selling a spirit everyone thinks they already understand, and what it was like to start this job in summer of 2020, when not much was happening really. Sean also gets into Hennessy’s roots in Black culture and his recent experience at Bar Five Day, the Navy SEAL training of the bar world.PLUS, a happy and solemn Lent to all who celebrate. Sother unpacks the surprisingly jovial history of lenten beers and how they made fasting fun. And Greg has officially returned from Las Vegas, albeit a little worse for wear.Follow Sean at @wellbalancedseanLINKSBecome a Regular: patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsFor resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycallianceSupport the Salt Cure Fund at thesaltcurefund.orgThe Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who are better customers, Democrats or Republicans? Nycci Nellis, longtime Washington, DC food and drinks writer, radio host, consultant and more sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about the cocktail scene in the nation’s capital. Together they talk business, branding, wine and which political party is better for local businesses… all while reminiscing about some of their favorite establishments in the DMVPLUS, Greg was on a different podcast and learned something shocking about one of his favorite bars. Sometimes you really can’t go home and drink a hubcap full of margarita again…Follow Nycci at @nyccinellisLINKSBecome a Regular: patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsFor resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycallianceSupport the Salt Cure Fund at thesaltcurefund.orgThe Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 Is Branded Content the future of journalism? Or put another way, does a news outlet that springs out of a lifestyle brand hold the keys for journalism’s survival? That’s what Rashaun Hall, Editor-in-Chief of The Whiskey Lifestyle is here to discuss. He sits down with Greg and Sother to talk about transforming from a music into a spirits and cocktail journalist and whether retail holds the key to independent news’s future. They also get into diversity in the drinks space and what’s doing alright vs. what needs to improve.PLUS, if you found a porron of delicious martini buried in one of New York City’s many semi-permanent snowbanks right now… would you drink it? Be honest.Follow Rashaun at @bartimestoriesLINKSBecome a Regular: patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsFor resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycallianceSupport the Salt Cure Fund at thesaltcurefund.orgThe Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Canadian Whisky? Heck yeah. Canadian Gin? I mean sure, why not? Canadian Wine??? Now we’re getting weird. Kristin Rose Pike, Founder of Northern Rose Selections joins Greg and Damon to talk about the delicious drinks made by our neighbors to the north, from gin to amaretto to cold weather wines. She talks about the terroir of the highest tide in the world, the increasingly tense bourbon diplomacy between the US and Canada, and whether or not Canadian Whisky is poised for a massive comeback.PLUS, let it snow, let it snow, let is snow! Most of the country is frozen in and Greg & Damon compare their blizzard beverages of choice.Follow Northern Rose Selections at @northernroseselectionsLINKSBecome a Regular: patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsFor resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycallianceThe Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s more punk rock than opening a cocktail bar in a strip mall? A psychedelic harp maybe? Bartender and lifelong musician Paul Finn knows a little something about both after opening up Little Gem in Chapel Hill, NC. Together with Greg, Sother and Damon he unpacks his philosophy for hiring, training and explaining new concepts to guests, making the transition from bartender to bar owner, and of course how his love of music built the concept for his new bar, consciously or otherwise.PLUS, Happy Burns Night lads and lassies! The Scottish Cinco de Mayo is upon us, leading to a lively discussion about whether this holiday should be celebrated by everyone, or whether it’s better to leave it to folks in the know.Follow Paul at @stardustbeverageFollow Little Gem at @littlegembarLINKSBecome a Regular: patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsFor resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycallianceThe Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rob Lam-Burns has bartended all over the world: Thailand, Hong Kong, Maison Premiere and now LenLen, a new Thai spot in the Flatiron district. He joins Greg and Sother to talk about his philosophy behind putting new and unexpected flavors in front of people, the divisive magic of Durian, “the king of fruits” and of course, professional skateboarding.PLUS, chili and cinnamon rolls? A culinary sensation from the great state of Nebraska gets its time in the limelight, and Greg and Sother discuss how refreshing it is that there are still some things in life yet to be explored.Follow Rob at @rob.hlssFollow LenLen at @lenlen.nycLINKSBecome a Regular: patreon.com/SpeakeasyRegularsRead JJ’s article on Chili & Cinnamon Rolls: flatwaterfreepress.org/chili-and-cinnamon-rolls-warm-welcoming-and-a-little-unexpected-just-like-nebraska/For resources on dealing with ICE agents in your community visit nouswithoutyou.la/ and @thenycallianceThe Speakeasy is now on YouTube! Tune in to “see” what we’re talking about at youtube.com/@Speakeasy.PodcastCheck out Quiote Imports at quioteimports.com and use promo code “Speakeasy” to get free shipping at checkout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.