Jack Murray has imbued Texas with his big Irish energy. With an energetic personality, partially fueled by Red Bull sales in Ireland, Jack has helped shed light on the category of Irish whiskey. As the point person for Tully in Texas, he created staple cocktails, shots, and a mainstay for Irish whiskey behind most Austin bars. COVID shifted his gears and led to some interesting situations as an Irish person with limited status as a citizen in the US. But now, he’s back with a new brand and a new sense of purpose. Lost Irish is a beautiful whiskey that blends many global barrel components. From wine to sherry to…
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Ep 290 – Kristopher Hart: Houston’s Bourbon Socialite
The job of an interviewer, at least a good one, is to offer up some vulnerability for your guest to hopefully encourage the same for them. It’s not an easy job, but Kris Hart is the man for the job. With his successful show Whiskey Neat, and his gargantuan whiskey event the Houston Whiskey Social, what makes the man tick? The proud father was thrown into the role very young in life but now reflects on the amazing experience. Kris has united whiskey lovers, podcast listeners, and many seeking transparency in the world of spirits, but what’s next? We chat QT, Destilado, FB groups, and more.
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Ep 281 – Simon Brooking: The Host with the Most Toasts
The deeply unique and rich flavors of Laphroaig can only be represented by the most exceptional of hosts; enter stage right, Mr Simon Brooking. Simon has a wealth of knowledge about literature, poetry, acting, and the essence of culture. When his passion of acting is combined with the eccentric yet traditional flavors of a heavily peated Scotch, the ensuing fun is unparalleled. The road to Scotch is winding, but Simon punctuates it with eloquence and excellence. We chat about Lore, pairings, Shid, and more.
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What happened with Genius Gin?
In 11/2011, Charles Cheung and I formed a company that aspired to express our love of music, art, and food in a liquid form, a spirituous Gin more specifically. Thus, Genius Gin was born. We worked with close friends and confidants to develop the flavors, the right proof, and I remember Jeret Pena saying that the lab sample at 57% was “Flavor Country”. I remember that early tasting with Jessica Sanders where I was nervous and riddled with anxiety. That first Genius martini, as Bill Norris opened up Midnight Cowboy early for us to talk about the gin. It was a riveting time. A tough time. One in which no…
