Nicola Olianas eats and breathes hospitality. As an Italian native, his surroundings were always rooted in food and community. The lifestyle of learning, fostering communication, and appreciating nature were at the foundation of his journey. But as it can sometimes feel limiting, his insular Italian neighborhood couldn’t satisfy Nicola’s cultural and travel inspired appetite. After studying abroad and rooting his passion for hospitality with some academic feats, the greatest handshake yet occurred: forging his relationship with the Fratelli Branca family. We all know and love Fernet, but let’s dig a little deeper. We chat fatherhood, health, hosting, and more.
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Ep 246 – Fausto Zapata: The Creation of El Silencio Mezcal
The world of mezcal is growing in a very rapid way. The divide between bottle pricing creates many questions for consumers and bartenders alike. With all the market opportunities, what does a burgeoning brand do to captivate the market and consumers alike. Fausto Zapata, the creator and CEO of El Silencio Mezcal, used his interest in people, real estate, and culture to bring a cost-effective spirit to the market. And now, a few years later, the bottle can be spotted just about anywhere. So where does entrepreneurialism end and passion begin? We chat agave blends, terroir, family, and food.
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Ep 245 – Alvaro Plata: The Spoils of Spain
Sherry is finally returning to favor in cocktails and drinking culture, but some of the details are foggy. The jet setting Alvaro Plata travels the world sharing the beautiful spirits and sherry’s of Gonzalez Byass. The beloved Spanish brandy and sherries are a labor of passion and years of tradition. As many generations of Alvaro’s family have worked with GB in Jerez, he continues the legacy whilst sharing sips around the world. We chat teaching, Nomad whiskey, economics, food, and the best flavor combo with Sherry.
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Ep 244 – Johnnie Mundell: A Scotsman in Japan
The road to Scotch was a much larger one than you might think for Beam-Suntory’s Johnnie Mundell. As a traveler, and semi-aspiring film maker, his creative roots were moving in many directions. But as life and love ultimately shaped the journey, Johnnie connected with his homeland and perspective on teaching as he became a whisky brand ambassador. Through a few other brands, Johnnie ultimately found one of the largest challenges yet, representing Japanese culture and history through the lens of Whisky with Beam-Suntory. We chat Ken Loach, school days, Cognac, Jordan Felix and more.