Join us for a captivating journey through the fields and distilleries of Mexico with Francisco Terrazas, Executive Director of the Tequila Interchange Project and co-founder of Paranubes Oaxacan Rum. We follow his path from the craft cocktail bars of Tucson, Arizona, to the heart of the agave world as the former General Manager of Houston's renowned mezcalería, The Pastry War. Francisco shares his deep dive into advocacy and production, from his time as Brand Ambassador for Mezcal Vago to co-founding one of Mexico's pioneering craft rum brands. He reveals the story behind Paranubes—a groundbreaking project that honors Oaxacan terroir and traditional methods outside the world of agave. This conversation goes beyond the bottle to explore his critical work with the Tequila Interchange Project, promoting sustainability and ethical practices in the spirits industry.

Learn More: https://www.tequilainterchangeproject.org/funding

Import Project: phttps://www.raicesimports.com

Paranubes Rum: https://www.paranubes.com/about

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Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

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FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender
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How does an arcade video game passion project become a national phenomenon? Join us for an in-depth conversation with Paul Kermizian, CEO and co-founder of Barcade, the pioneering company that invented the retro arcade bar concept in 2004. He reveals the accidental success story of a Williamsburg hobby that proved the simple, powerful appeal of pairing classic 80s arcade games with American craft beer, thus creating a social hub for two dedicated communities. Paul breaks down the operational wisdom behind the brand, detailing their unique ownership of over 1,200 vintage games and an in-house tech team dedicated to near-perfect uptime. He also shares insights on strategic growth, including why the company is pausing expansion after opening its largest location to date and exploring franchising as a future model.

Be sure to check out our Patreon to gain access to an extended hour long version of this same episode: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender
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Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1
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FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Join us for a conversation with Kim Grilc, bartender and co-founder of Kobe Japan's acclaimed tiki bar, The Kazan Room. As a three-time national finalist in prestigious competitions like the Tokyo International Bar Show and Diageo World Class, she is one of the only foreign-born women to compete at this level in Japan. We explore her journey of balancing high-level craft with Tiki's vibrant spirit, a style she shares globally as she travels with The Kazan Room for guest events. Kim also dives into her active role in the worldwide Tiki community, where she serves as a speaker, judge, and celebrated bartender at events like Tiki Oasis. Off the bar mat, she brings the same dedication to her parallel career as an ESL teacher, holding a Master's in Education.

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1
Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Ever wonder what professional whiskey tasters actually smell? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Edwin Cruz, West Coast American Whiskey Ambassador for the historic Beam Distilling Company, as he guides us through his acclaimed sensory class, Know Your Nose. Edwin pulls back the curtain on the science and art of spirits evaluation, teaching us how to move beyond simple tasting notes to truly understand and articulate the complex aromas in a glass of whiskey. He reveals how anyone can train their olfactory senses, unlocking a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every bottle. This episode is more than a whiskey chat; it's a masterclass in sensory awareness that will forever change the way you experience your next pour. Tune in to sharpen your senses, expand your whiskey vocabulary, and learn how to confidently navigate the aromatic world of fine spirits.

Bourbon Serial Number Lookup: https://www.beamdistilling.com/bakers/single-barrel-journey

Camp Runamok Application: https://www.camprunamok.org/campapplications

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1
Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Join us for a journey to the forefront of modern mixology with Craig Schoettler, the acclaimed Executive Director of Beverage for MGM Resorts International. We trace his remarkable path from pioneering the culinary cocktails at Chicago's famed Alinea and The Aviary to now shaping the global beverage vision for a Las Vegas hospitality empire. Schoettler pulls back the curtain on his most ambitious project yet: The Vault, a hidden bar inside Bellagio Las Vegas where guests can "drink history" from a menu of rare vintage spirits and historically reimagined cocktails. He reveals how his unique background allows him to merge precise culinary technique with deep spirits knowledge, creating a luxury experience that is as intellectually engaging as it is delicious. This conversation explores the evolution of cocktail culture and how pushing creative boundaries can redefine an entire industry's standards.

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1
Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Join us for a deep and surprisingly poignant dive into one of Chicago's most infamous cultural icons with award-winning journalist Josh Noel. As the author of "Malort: The Redemption of a Revered and Reviled Spirit," Noel unravels the complex history of the intensely bitter spirit that is both a local rite of passage and a national curiosity. He brings his signature depth as a longtime Chicago Tribune reporter to explore how a drink known for its challenging taste forged an unbreakable bond with a city's identity. This conversation goes beyond the memes and dare shots to examine Malort's Swedish roots, its tumultuous American journey, and its unlikely modern resurgence as a symbol of pride. Noel argues that this spirit's story is a profound reflection on taste, tradition, and what it means to belong. Listen in for a fascinating case study on how the most reviled drink in the bar became so deeply revered.

Buy the book here: https://www.joshnoel.net/malort-book

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1
Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Grab a seat and a cheap drink as we pull up a stool with San Francisco staple, Broke-Ass Stuart (aka Stuart Schuffman), to discuss his new book, The Worst of Broke-Ass Stuart: 20 Years of Love, Death, & Dive Bars. For two decades, his writing has captured the city's soul—from protest marches and political campaigns to bleary-eyed mornings and heartbroken nights—with the wit and grit of a true working-class champion. This collection gathers his most iconic, infamous, and occasionally ill-advised stories, forming a raw and rowdy memoir of what it means to scrape by, speak up, and fall in and out of love with a place that doesn't always love you back. Stuart takes us behind the scenes of his wildest escapades—from running for mayor and hosting an IFC show to chronicling dive bars and drifting through the world—all told with the unflinching honesty that made his San Francisco Examiner column a cult classic.

Perfect Puree Samples for Free: https://perfectpuree.com/foodservice/complimentary-samples/?utm_source=bartenderatlarge&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sampling202

Buy Stuart's book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-worst-of-broke-ass-stuart-20-years-of-love-death-dive-bars-stuart-schuffman/88e4d7fbb98b9d0c?ean=9780999010853&next=t&next=t\

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1
Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge

Pull up a chair for a spirited lesson in modern history with Dr. Steven Parissien, historian and Oxford fellow, as he discusses his captivating new book, *Another Round: A Post-War History of Britain in Twelve Strong Drinks. He makes the point that the nation's social and cultural shifts, from postwar austerity to postmodern plurality, can be traced through the rise and fall of its iconic cocktails. From the gin and tonic's imperial echoes to the cosmopolitan's signal of a new, global Britain, Steven reveals how each drink is a potent symbol of its era. He brings his unique dual perspective as a respected academic and a former beverage advertising executive to decode the hidden narratives in our glassware.

Link to book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/821846/another-round-by-steven-parissien/

Substack: https://stevenparissien.substack.com

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1
Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge