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 349 – Dercy Cabrera: Hustling and Bustling
Dercy Cabrera is a polished student of mezcal and spirits. Her years in distribution and sales made her the perfect person to make Mezcal Rosaluna a household name. With a dedication to health, community, and constant evolution, she embodies hospitality. You are sure to find her waiting right around the corner to fill your copita with a splash of Rosaluna or with tender words of support. We chat bling, family, mourning, and more.
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Ep 348 – Jesus Verde: Here, There, and Everywhere
Whether in front of or behind the camera, crafting an elegant cocktail, or competing on a national stage, you’ll soon be familiar with the work of Jesus Verde. Although his burgeoning hospitality career is relatively new, he is no stranger to long hours and unflinching work ethic. Originally from Venezuela, his educational voyage brought him to the states where he’s cut his teeth with both tech and consumer goods companies alike. A fateful move to Austin to work for one of the biggest tech companies, shifted naturally into the world of hospitality. And now, you can find Jesus lifting others up with his directorial eye or crafting an instantly memorable…
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Ep 347 – Maestros Mezcaleros Antenogenes y Jose Garcia San Isidro Guishe
On a beautiful fall afternoon, we set out to San Isidro Guishe in Miahuatlán. A beautiful hotbed of mezcal production. The unique flavor of these mezcales are vibrant, stoney, and green. This is the interview with father and son maestros Antenogenes and Jose, two of the producers for Cinco Sentidos. A day that will be forever in my mind. The epitome of mezcal, hospitality, and learning about one another. Jason Paul Cox helps with translation and logistics. We chat about tradition, style, and the characteristics of the region.
