We sit down with Bobby Burk of Bulleit Whiskey to explore a career shaped by music, hospitality, and human connection. From promoting live shows to building one of America’s most recognizable whiskey brands, Bobby reflects on the relationships, mentors, and experiences that shaped his journey. We discuss the legacy of Steve Beal, the evolving culture of hospitality, and the importance of authentic storytelling. We also chat about Bulleit’s newest release, Bulleit ’87, and why meaningful connections remain at the heart of the spirits industry.
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Ep 370 – Katie Black: Spirits in the Material World
Katie Black has distilled, fermented, bartended, event coordinated, traveled Europe, and so much more. It’s hard to guess where she’ll turn up next, but one thing is clear: her love of people and hospitality will keep guiding her. Her curiosity drives her, and with every move she practices the art of “intention”. And as we post this chat today, she announces the next big chapter of her career and a move to Houston. We chat dating, produce, sharing, and more.
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Ep 357 – Gustavo Ortega-Oyarzun: The Shape of Drinks to Come
Gustavo Oyarzun is an immensely thoughtful person. From creating culinary/cocktail salts (via Art of Drink) to imagining entirely new bar experiences, he uses a deeply pensive and aesthetic driven perspective to innovate in the cocktail industry. As we all sought connectivity during COVID quarantine, Gustavo chose to take his bartending skills to the people in a fun and mobile way. The traveling cocktail concept turned into Visitant Social Club and this move to Austin unleashed yet another innovative concept that has just taken the city by storm, Traveler’s Lounge. We chat corn, mezcal, instinct, and architecture.
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Ep 351 – Rich Bailey: Exploration Is Evolution
Houston native Rich Bailey has embraced kindness, openness, and a steady journey into self-empowerment. What at first was a path leading into practicing psychology soon turned into a path about self exploration. Years and many bar shifts later, Rich has recently moved to Austin, Tx to begin a new chapter as Bacardi’s LGTBQ+ ambassador. The role is a perfect extension of Rich’s embracing of diversity and the vacillating identities that we all experience. We chat Japan, Scotch, art, and more.
