In this Cocktails with Friends Hotline Edition, Bob Cutler offers one listener (Eric with a "c") guidance on expanding his home bar, suggesting essentials like vermouths, orange liqueurs, Italian red bitters, and Giffard liqueurs, as well as mixers like fresh citrus and syrups. He highlights the importance of choosing personal favorites and including versatile bottles like coffee liqueur for trendy cocktails like espresso martinis. With practical advice to keep the process manageable, Bob emphasizes that building a home bar should be fun and stress-free. .

EPISODE INDEX

• (2:25) Start with vermouths: dry for martinis and sweet for cocktails like Manhattans and Negronis. Buy smaller bottles to prevent spoilage.
• (3:35) Add orange liqueur (e.g., Cointreau, Grand Marnier) for margaritas and other cocktails.
• (3:58) Choose an Italian red bitter, such as Campari or Aperol, for Negronis and spritzes.
• (4:41) Include Giffard liqueurs for unique flavors like strawberry or rhubarb to add flair to classic cocktails.
• (6:13) Personalize the bar with ingredients for a favorite cocktail, such as absinthe for a Sazerac or Amaro Nonino for a paper plane.

KEY TOPICS

• Building a Versatile Home Bar – Essential spirits and liqueurs to create a variety of cocktails.
• Personalization – Adding unique ingredients for favorite or signature drinks.
• Practical Tips – Managing inventory, preventing waste, and experimenting with flavors.

INSIGHTS

• Building a home bar doesn’t require dozens of bottles—focus on versatile spirits, a few quality mixers, and personal favorites to start.
• Buying smaller quantities of ingredients like vermouth prevents spoilage and ensures freshness.
• Tools like fresh citrus and seasonal sweeteners like maple syrup can elevate simple cocktails into memorable drinks.

In this Cocktails with Friends episode, host Bob Cutler chats with branding expert Karley Cunningham of Big Bold Brand, delving into the essentials of authentic branding. Karley explains that a brand is defined by its reputation and exposure, not merely its logo or colors. Using Bob’s journey with his restaurant, Novio’s, as a case study, they discuss how small businesses often focus too early on visual branding elements instead of starting with core values and character. Karley emphasizes authenticity and a clear brand story as key to success, especially in tight-knit communities. The episode is a blend of branding insights, personal reflections, and practical advice for small business owners.

EPISODE INDEX

1. **(0:14)** Karley defines branding as the reputation and exposure a business has, emphasizing it’s more than just logos or colors.

2. **(1:05)** Bob reflects on his early branding choices for Novio’s, revealing the authenticity but challenges of using his coach’s signature and choosing colors based on preference.

3. **(6:02)** Karley underscores that brand strategy should start with core beliefs and values, guiding businesses on their purpose and vision.

4. **(14:17)** The two discuss the importance of a clear brand story, especially in local communities, and how reputation impacts long-term success.

5. **(20:49)** Bob shares the lessons learned about branding’s influence on a business’s success, acknowledging the time and money spent without a strategic brand guide early on.

KEY TOPICS

1. **Defining a Brand Beyond Visuals** - Karley’s insights on why brand identity should focus on core values and reputation.

2. **Authenticity in Small Business Branding** - Bob’s experiences with Novio’s and the importance of an authentic brand story.

3. **The Role of Community in Brand Perception** - How Bangor’s close-knit community shapes the brand’s impact and visibility.

INSIGHTS

1. Start branding with core beliefs and values, not just visual elements, to build a stronger foundation for long-term growth.

2. Reputation and exposure together shape a brand’s impact, especially in tight-knit communities where word-of-mouth is powerful.

3. Authenticity and consistency in your brand story resonate with your audience and foster customer loyalty, a crucial factor in any industry.

In this holiday edition of Cocktails with Friends, Bob Cutler joins the George Hale Ric Tyler Show on VOM with a Banana Bread Old-Fashioned served from a High Camp Flask.

Bob shares the recipe, highlights the practicality of the flask, and entertains with humorous holiday anecdotes about family obligations and cocktail calorie myths.

Between laughs, Bob emphasizes the importance of enjoying the season responsibly and introduces the Cocktails with Friends Hotline for drink advice. The episode wraps with Bob's signature blend of humor, expertise, and community spirit.

1. (0:53) Bob introduces the High Camp Flask, a dishwasher-safe, versatile container perfect for transporting cocktails without retaining odors or flavors.

2. (3:34) The Banana Bread Old-Fashioned recipe: 2 oz whiskey, 0.5 oz banana liqueur, black walnut bitters, and dark brown sugar simple syrup.

3. (7:00) Bob shares tips for making simple syrup with dark brown sugar for deeper flavors and how to store it for up to 30 days.

4. (8:35) High Camp Flasks are a thoughtful gift for outdoor enthusiasts!

5. (13:40) The Cocktails with Friends hotline: 207-814-0177—listeners can text or call for cocktail advice anytime.

1. Practical Cocktail Accessories – The High Camp flask’s functionality and its suitability for holiday gatherings or outdoor adventures.

2. Seasonal Recipes – The banana bread old-fashioned, a comforting cocktail perfect for holiday parties.

3. Community Engagement – The Cocktails with Friends hotline as a resource for cocktail lovers to connect and share ideas.

1. A High Camp flask is a versatile tool for transporting cocktails and makes a great gift for any cocktail enthusiast or outdoor adventurer.

2. Seasonal cocktails like the banana bread old-fashioned can elevate holiday gatherings with comforting, nostalgic flavors.

3. The Cocktails with Friends hotline is an innovative way to engage listeners and provide personalized drink advice, enhancing the podcast's community feel.

In this episode of Cocktails with Friends, Bob Cutler speaks with Italian winemaker Sara Veza at Josetta Safarillo Vineyard, where they explore her journey as a fifth-generation vintner producing Barolo, her sustainable vineyard practices, and the challenges posed by climate change. Sara shares her passion for wine and a cherished Vermouth recipe inspired by her grandmother, as well as the rewards of running a family vineyard with a commitment to quality and tradition.

EPISODE INDEX

**(1:08)** Bob introduces Sara Veza and her Josetta Safarillo Vineyard, known for producing Barolo, with a special focus on her family’s five-generation winemaking legacy.

**(3:04)** Sara describes her family’s early winemaking shift in the 1970s, transforming from grape-growers to independent producers to create wines with a unique vision.

**(8:03)** Sara explains the vineyard’s commitment to sustainability, using natural cork insulation and solar panels to support eco-friendly practices.

**(12:08)** She recounts her journey in creating a signature Vermouth, inspired by childhood memories and crafted with Nebbiolo grapes, balancing herbs, sugar, and bitterness.

**(16:01)** They discuss climate change’s impact on winemaking, with Sara noting how unpredictable weather and frosts complicate vineyard management.

KEY TOPICS

1. **Family Winemaking Legacy** – Sara discusses her family’s deep-rooted winemaking history, including her parents’ transformation from grape-growers to producers.

2. **Sustainable Vineyard Practices** – The vineyard’s eco-friendly approach, from natural building materials to solar energy, highlights Sara’s commitment to environmentally conscious winemaking.

3. **The Art of Vermouth Creation** – Sara shares her personal connection to Vermouth, crafted from Nebbiolo grapes and inspired by fond childhood memories.

INSIGHTS

1. **The Josetta Safarillo Vineyard balances tradition and sustainability, embracing eco-friendly innovations while preserving family winemaking methods.

2. **Sara’s Vermouth recipe is both a nod to her family’s heritage and an example of her unique, careful balance of flavors.

3. **Managing a vineyard amid climate change is challenging, as Sara adapts her techniques each year to counter unpredictable weather patterns.

In this hotline edition of Cocktails with Friends, Bob Cutler answers listener questions about everything from choosing the right glassware and creating layered drinks to infusing spirits and making mocktails. He highlights the role of proper glass design in enhancing drink flavors, shares techniques for crafting stunning layered cocktails, and explains the difference between dirty and clean ice. Bob also gives tips for experimenting with spirit infusions and recommends the Spiritless brand for creating non-alcoholic options at holiday parties. The episode is filled with practical advice, humor, and encouragement to elevate your cocktail game.

Special Links

spiritless.com

https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-make-clear-ice

Key Moments

1. (0:11) Glassware matters! The design of martini, coupe, or highball glasses enhances the aroma, flavor, and presentation of cocktails.

2. (0:50) For layered drinks like a tequila sunrise, use a bar spoon to pour each layer slowly—mess-ups are a great excuse to practice!

3. (2:14) “Dirty ice” from the shaker dilutes faster than clean ice, which is preferred for slower-melting drinks like whiskey.

4. (3:30) Infuse spirits safely by using clean vessels and experimenting with complementary flavors like coffee and rye or jalapeño and mezcal.

5. (7:10) Spiritless non-alcoholic options offer a versatile way to craft inclusive mocktails or lower-proof cocktails for extended enjoyment.

Key Topics

1. Glassware and Presentation – How the right glass enhances the drink’s flavor, aroma, and aesthetic appeal.

2. Cocktail-Making Techniques – Tips for creating layered drinks, using dirty and clean ice, and experimenting with spirit infusions.

3. Mocktail Inclusivity – Recommendations for crafting special non-alcoholic drinks to ensure all guests feel valued at social gatherings.

Insights

1. Glass design isn’t just for show—it plays a crucial role in highlighting a drink’s flavors and aromas.

2. Experimenting with layered drinks and infusions is a fun way to elevate your cocktail skills while discovering new combinations.

3. Inclusive entertaining means offering high-quality non-alcoholic options that feel just as special as regular cocktails.

Bob Cutler hosts Matt Bolinder, owner of the Maine-based coffee roastery Speckled Ax, in this episode of Cocktails with Friends, to explore craft coffee and whiskey pairings. From wood-roasting techniques to the flavor intricacies of espresso martinis, Matt shares the origins of Speckled Ax, his passion for coffee, and details of the annual Advent Calendar featuring unique roasts each day, giving listeners a chance to refine their tasting skills. Together, they reflect on the art of brewing and the influences shaping coffee culture, making this episode a flavorful journey for coffee and whiskey enthusiasts alike.

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EPISODE INDEX

**(0:16)** Bob and Matt discuss the challenges of wood-roasting coffee and maintaining precise temperature curves to achieve the perfect roast.

**(1:01)** Matt highlights Speckled Ax’s partnerships, recommending a past conversation on Graining In that covers the roastery’s history in detail.

**(3:47)** Bob creates an espresso martini using Matt’s coffee, Macallan single malt, and a dash of brown sugar, crafting a unique cocktail that bridges coffee and whiskey flavors.

**(9:57)** Matt explains the Speckled Axe Advent Calendar, a popular holiday feature that offers 25 different coffee samples to help customers deepen their tasting knowledge.

**(19:48)** They reflect on Starbucks’ impact on coffee culture, recognizing its role in popularizing high-quality coffee while discussing the benefits of local roasting.

KEY TOPICS

1. **Craft Coffee and Wood-Roasting Techniques** – Matt describes the complex process of wood-roasting coffee with Maine hardwoods, a technique that sets Speckled Ax apart.

2. **Coffee and Whiskey Pairing** – The episode highlights a coffee-whiskey cocktail, showing how both beverages can enhance each other’s flavors.

3. **Evolution of Coffee Culture** – They discuss how major brands like Starbucks have changed consumer expectations and paved the way for specialty coffee shops.

INSIGHTS

**Wood-roasting coffee requires intense precision, as specific temperature curves bring out the best flavors in the beans.

**Trying diverse coffee types, such as those in the Speckled Ax Advent Calendar, can help enthusiasts build a deeper understanding of coffee’s complexities.

**Brands like Starbucks may have commercialized coffee, but local roasters provide a unique craft experience that emphasizes quality over quantity.

In this episode of Cocktails with Friends, host Bob Cutler shares humorous and insightful tales from his recent trip to Italy and France, where he explored the nuances of European cocktail culture and winemaking. From mixing his own old-fashioned on a flight to discovering the art of Aperol spritzes at French bistros, Bob’s adventures offer a lighthearted look at the differences in drink-making traditions abroad, with plenty of inspiration for listeners to bring a bit of European flair to their own cocktail experiences.

KEY TOPICS

Bob explores the differences in alcohol standards, drink recipes, and service styles in Italy and France, adding humor to his comparisons with U.S. customs.

He describes the unique conditions of the Piedmont region, especially the impact of weather on grape harvests, giving listeners a peek into winemaking challenges.

Bob reflects on how his passion for cocktails influences his travels, from critiquing restaurant service to crafting drinks on a plane.

INSIGHTS

Listeners will discover how Europe’s lower alcohol pours and ingredient choices create a distinct flavor profile in cocktails.

Bob’s story of Piedmont’s rain-drenched vineyards reveals the intricate relationship between nature and the flavors in each bottle of wine.

Bob reveals his habit of mixing his own drinks on flights when sharing a quirky travel tip that adds humor and encourages creativity in an unexpected place.

EPISODE INDEX

**(0:25)** Bob introduces the episode, describing it as a "grass ain't necessarily greener" edition, reflecting his lighthearted take on European drinking culture.

**(1:00)** He discusses the intense rains and early grape harvest in Italy's Piedmont region, noting how weather conditions can impact the taste of local wines.

-**(3:25)** Bob humorously recalls his experience with Italian cocktail "experts," sharing his surprise at the lower alcohol content in European cocktails compared to the U.S.

-**(8:11)** Shifting to France, Bob highlights an exceptional cocktail experience at the Parisian bar Dirty Lemon, known for unique drinks and Lebanese-inspired flavors.

**(12:24)** Bob describes his tradition of mixing old-fashioned cocktails mid-flight with his own bartending kit, adding a touch of travel-related humor to the episode.

In this episode of Cocktails with Friends, host Bob Cutler welcomes David Fleming, Executive Editor of Whisky Advocate, to talk all things whisky and give listeners a preview of the upcoming Whisky Fest in New York City. Together, they discuss must-try whiskies, insider tasting tips, and current trends shaping the whisky world. Whether you're a longtime whisky fan or just curious, this episode offers plenty of insights and advice for savoring and understanding the nuances of whisky.

You don’t want to miss WhiskyFest on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Tickets are still available at whiskyfest.com/newyork

• An overview of Whisky Fest NYC and what attendees can expect

• The evolution of Whisky Fest since 1998 and its highlights

• Masterclasses and exclusive pours: the VIP experience

• Trends in whisky: American single malts, Japanese whiskies, and Irish single pots

• Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 list and how they select the best each year

Daily Tasting Builds Your Palate: David shares why regular tasting is key for developing a refined palate and suggests starting with a sip a day.

Exclusive Access at Whisky Fest: VIP attendees get early access to rare whiskies like Hibiki 21, Michter’s 20 Year, Hakushu 12, and Elijah Craig 18, along with intimate masterclass sessions.

Trends to Watch: American single malts and Irish single pots are gaining traction and offer unique styles distinct from traditional Scotch and bourbon.

David Fleming is the executive editor at Whisky Advocate, where he oversees content for the leading industry magazine and helps bring Whisky Fest to life, one of the most prominent whisky events globally. Known for his expertise and enthusiasm, David gives listeners an inside look at whisky trends and tips for making the most of every tasting experience.

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Whisky Advocate and Whisky Fest NYC

[00:01:10] - Meet David Fleming, executive editor of Whisky Advocate

[00:01:50] - Details on Whisky Fest NYC: dates, tickets, and venue

[00:02:30] - Growth of Whisky Fest and whisky’s rise in popularity

[00:03:20] - Exploring global whiskies: Scotch, Japanese, and more

[00:05:40] - VIP benefits: early access and exclusive pours

[00:06:30] - Rare Japanese whiskies featured at Whisky Fest

[00:08:40] - Masterclass sessions and what attendees can expect

[00:09:50] - Whisky trends: American single malts and Irish single pots

[00:15:30] - Insights into Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 list selection process

[00:20:40] - Closing thoughts: whisky tasting tips and appreciation