Wild Turkey’s Benny Hurwitz has no problem working any gig on the totem pole. For him, mastering even the smallest of things, leads to a much better and well-rounded life. After realizing the suit and tie lifestyle wasn’t for this skateboarding Maryland native, he entered the freeing world of hospitality. This land of little structure, no lectures, and a lot of creative freedom set his career on a whole new path. With his great experience at the Columbia Room and Jack Rose Dining Saloon, he attending his first session of Behind the Barrel. This connection to the Wild Turkey family continued to grow and now he travels the states sharing…
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EP 239 – Kerrin Egalka: London Calling to the Faraway Dram
Download Both creative and highly analytical, Compass Box’s Kerrin Egalka made the enviable shift into the hospitality world. As a computer science and art history “nerd”, Kerrin tired of the day to day humdrum corporate life. With an articulate ambition and unrivaled ability to understand highly complex things, she entered the cocktail industry. She has represented some exceptional spirits, but none as bold as Compass Box Whiskey. We chat Jake Tapper, London, art, being aquarians, and more.
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EP 231 – Niamh Cluskey: All the Irish Whiskey Fit to Drink
DownloadA traditional Irish upbringing involves great dairy, lots of rain, and a deep connection to whiskey. For Teeling Whiskey’s Niamh Cluskey, moving to Austin to share these beautiful marks was a dream come true. Studying journalism (and even having some experience with radio/interviewing herself) expanded into a deeper interest in people and places. Irish Whiskey perfectly bridged these 2 worlds of tradition and process. But as Niamh’s time in the US winds down, what are the next steps and aspirations in such a lovely career so far. We chat Jack Teeling, fashion, radio voice, and more.
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EP 228 – Brendan McCarron: A Coming of Age Story
Download It is a daunting task to master the art of Scotch maturation, but Glenmorangie/Ardbeg’s Brendan McCarron is just the right man for the job. As part of a big Scottish family, Brendan flocked towards the sciences in school and chemistry became a clear winner of his interest. After time in the lab, Brendan worked with Diageo gems Lagavulin, Oban, and Caol Ila to manage production. As a new marriage began to unfold, so did opportunities in the Scotch industry. Now years later, Brendan introduces his first scotch love child Ardbeg An Oa. We chat Kubrick, soccer, Glenmorangie Astar, and succession plans.
