On & Off

Talking Alcohol Trends with Southern Glazer’s Bridget Albert

How much growth is left for Ready-to-Drink beverages? What does cannabis descheduling mean for the alcohol industry? Was Sazerac smart to purchase BuzzBallz? We discuss all this and more in this episode, with Bridget Albert, senior director of external communications for the distributor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

Alcohol Trends Among the Growth Brands Winners

Melissa and Kyle talk with Marina Velez, research director for our sister company, The Beverage Information Group. The discussion centers on the top alcohol trends among the 2024 Growth Brands Spirits and Wine winners. What helped lead these brands that sold and grew the most in the past year?

The Natural Wine Trend

In this episode we talk about natural wines with Steve Charters, Master of Wine and professor at the School of Wine & Spirits Business in Dijon, France. Steve shares his thoughts on the lack of a uniform definition of natural wines, why the style has become more significant in recent years and how it appeals to the new generations of wine drinkers.

Agave Spirits Beyond Tequila

In this episode we talk with Maxwell Reis, beverage director of Mirate restaurant and bar in Los Feliz, CA. Mirate boasts an agave spirits-led program that shines a spotlight on Mexican producers. Max shares insight from travels to Mexico, his commitment to showcasing authentic, sustainably sourced spirits, how he makes exotic spirits approachable and “edu-tains” guests, and his predictions for the next hot agave spirits.

Getting a Grasp on Gin

In our first podcast devoted to gin, we talk with Brendan Bartley, the head bartender and beverage director at the renowned speakeasy Bathtub Gin and the creator of Botanery Barn Distilling’s new Revivalist Garden Gin. We discuss the challenges in getting people to overcome their apprehension about gin, the new and different gin styles, brands and botanicals and why this year could finally be the spirit’s time to break out.

Why Are American Whiskey Prices Rising?

Have you noticed that the prices on the bottles of American whiskey that you love continue to tick up, up, up? It's hard to miss it. How much longer can that go on? For answers, in this episode, we speak with Maggie Kimberl, Content Editor, American Whiskey Magazine. Maggie also discusses several other top whiskey trends in 2024.

The Next Generation of Beverage Pros

In this episode, we chat with Brian Warrener, associate professor at The College of Hospitality Management at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, about the new generation of beverage professionals and their opportunities and challenges. Warrener, also director of the university’s new Center for Beverage Education & Innovation, discusses the areas that students today are most excited about, and the career paths that many graduates start out on.

The Top Cocktail Trends of 2024

We're talking the top drinks trends of 2024, with Andrew Freedman, founder of the San Francisco-based agencies af&co. and Carbonate, and Leith Steele, senior strategist & head of insights at Carbonate. The two collaborate on an annual hospitality trends report that the industry eagerly anticipates. What will trend in 2024? Tune in to find out.