Some years ago, I was able to speak with Niki Nakazawa of NETA spirits about her life, mezcal beginnings, and pop up life. Now that travel is back, tastings are back, and she makes her first trip to Austin, things are about to get good. We chat Oaxaca, rent, education, sustainability, and the beautiful town of Logoche.
-
-
Ep 320 – Jack Murray: Once Was Found, But Now Is Lost
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…
-
Ep 313 – Robert Björn Taylor: Finding Inspiration in Everything
As our previous lives trickle into the new reality post shut-down, what have we learned? Robert Björn Taylor is taking his learnings in stride. As one of the most formidable forces in Texas cocktails, his background as a creative gives him boundless tools. But what happens when life moves too quickly, and the vices around us push us into a darker place? For some it leads to self destructive art, and for others like Björn, it leads to a chapter of sobriety and freedom. We chat Hitchcock, BLM, emo music, and more…..
-
Ep 286 – Marco and Rodrigo Cedano: The Story of Tequila Tromba
As the first master distiller for Don Julio, Marco Cedano was just a man doing his job. As the element of celebrity has been attributed to master distillers now, his new Tequila, Tromba, brings him a whole new level of recognition. After a chance meeting with a few key Canadians, the new brand was born and his son Rodrigo became an essential piece of the plan. With astute business acumen and understanding of branding, the skills were aligned to produce a delicious Tequila. We talk about education, Texas BBQ, and quality methods.
