Houston native Stephen Caronna has worked in every conceivable role in the hospitality industry. A king of content and service, his career trajectory has led him to a gig of a lifetime as Texas market manager for Compass Box whisky. The exploratory and supremely cerebral whisky brand pairs the best of art and flavor in each bottling. There is a catch though, sometimes the perfect marriage of whiskies is only as accessible as a few hundred cases. Stephen never faces a closed door with Compass Box whisky in hand, but how do you have those intricate conversations about blending and scarcity, simply? It takes Stephen’s creativity and kindness to start.…
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Ep 330 – Kate Perry: Travel the World, and the 7 Seas
Kate Perry landed her dream job with La Maison & Velier after years of travel, years of pouring rum, and years of simply exploring the world. To many she is known as the Queen of Rum, but regardless of the moniker, she is certainly one of the foremost experts of Rum production around the world. But what has lined this serpentine road to rum? We chat about spontaneity, internalizing, and Hampden Estate.
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Ep 328 – Cameron Holck: A Life Well Traveled
Although Cameron Holck might be new to Fidencio Spirits, he isn’t new to agave. When a quest to find the source for his favorite Raicilla opened up new doors, as they say the rest is history. Cameron is a well studied and inquisitive mind that makes him the perfect companion for all of the delicious Mexican spirits of Fidencio Spirits. But now that the world is open, the roads are wide, where will he go? We talk biking, solitude, and van life.
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Ep 326 – Collin De Laval: Getting to the Heart of the Matter
Codigo 1530 Tequila’s master mixologist Collin De Laval is as pure hospitality as it comes. He has worked as a bartender in Houston, San Francisco, Chicago, and Portland. His deep roots in serving bar patrons is accompanied by a deep compassion for people in general. He continues to explore the world of agave and self improvement. As a power lifter, he also understands how to balance the lifestyle of ambassadorhood and his physical health. We chat punk rock, the new Codigo Ancestral Mezcal, parenting, and more.