Episode 56: Château Garreau feat. Carole Garreau and Gregoire Fabre

Image: Château Garreau

Everyone loves an underdog, so you’ll definitely love the team (and the juice) from Château Garreau. 

The Garreau family has been growing grapes, distilling Armagnac, and aging it in their own cellars for over a hundred years. Carole, who runs the domaine, is the great-granddaughter of Charles Garreau who founded the Chateau in 1919. All the ingredients for this beauty - from the grapes to the water and even the French Oak used for the barrels, comes from within a few miles from the estate. This is about as OG as it gets when it comes to spirit-making.

Join Steve the SmokyBeast and his very special guests Gregoire and Carole for a warm discussion about the terroir and distillation process of this “farm-spirited” liquor, the centuries-long Garreau family legacy, and why Gregoire calls Armagnac the world’s only “bespoke” spirit. 

Episode 55: Two Dzaddies feat. Aaron Goldfarb

Image: Aaron Goldfarb

The pod is BACK! Old friend, super-journalist and whiskey personality Aaron Goldfarb joins the SmokyBeast in his kitchen. They discuss his many books (Hacking Whiskey, Gather Around Cocktails, etc.), the joys of fatherhood, and beaver anus whiskey. Find Aaron’s work in Esquire, PUNCH, VinePair, and the Whiskey Advocate. 

They taste through our Ezra Brooks, Starlight and Starbright, Knob Creek and Lucky 7. Clink!

Episode 54: Old Forester feat. Tyler Mirt

This week on the pod, the boys are joined by the one and only Tyler Mirt from Old Forester. While we’re always excited for our guests, Tyler is extra special - he is one of a small few in the world who can call themselves a Sommelier, Cicerone and Executive Bourbon Steward. 

Join Ben, Tyler and SmokyBeast in the “fruity warehouse” for this delicious conversation about our (your) barrel, the science behind the spirits at Old Forester, and what super-taster Tyler looks for in booze. 

Episode 53: L’Encantada feat. Vincent Cornu and Nicolas Palazzi

What can transcend cultural and language barriers, connect people across oceans, and is equally appreciated by Frenchman and American alike? Armagnac, of course. 

This week on the pod, take a French immersion class with spirit masters Vincent Cornu of L’Encantada and Nicolas Palazzi of PM Spirits. Learn about the distilling process, the estates, the distinct beauty of each of France’s famed regions, and why whiskey lovers are flocking to the brand. 

In the end, for both Frenchman and American, whiskey warrior and armagnac devotee, it’s all about finding beautiful, delicious things, and sharing them with one another.

Episode 52: One Eight Distilling feat. Alex Laufer and John Carrabus

This week on the pod, take a con-law class taught by Alex Laufer and John Carrabus out of America’s Booze Capital (DC).

Learn what One Eight owes to Smooth Ambler (what timing!), how the guys were inspired by the Constitution (hint…1.8), and about the joys of experimentation. Most importantly, get the scoop on future One Eight releases (!).