Cocktails With Friends

S3 E11 Après All Day|TailGate Brewery In this episode of Après All Day, Bob Cutler and Rich Stoner crack open a TailGate Orange Wheat and welcome Liz Tarry, sales and marketing director for TailGate Brewery to talk about the brewery's gold-medal beers, its Lager Project craftsmanship, Nashville Sweet Tea, and founder Wes Keegan's people-first philosophy—all proof that good beer and good company can build real community in the heart of Tennessee. Key Topics Craftsmanship and Innovation TailGate's lineup blends creativity and precision, from citrusy Orange Wheat to its high-end Lager Project. Each beer reflects the brewery's obsession with quality and balance over hype and shortcuts. Diversifying the Taproom Experience Beyond beer, TailGate has expanded into sweet tea, seltzers, and cold brew—meeting shifting consumer tastes while keeping its Southern roots. The taprooms serve as community hubs where families, students, and locals gather. Independent Ownership and Company Culture Founder Wes Keegan's refusal to take outside investors lets TailGate focus on people over profit. His decision to fully cover employee healthcare and maintain a supportive, creative workplace sets a rare standard in the brewing industry. Episode Index (4:20–4:32) TailGate's flagship Orange Wheat wins Gold at the U.S. Open Beer Championship and remains the brewery's best-seller. (5:37–6:03) The team brews 300 unique beers each year, consistently ranking among the top ten U.S. breweries for variety. (7:28–9:22) Launch of the Lager Project—a premium, Munich-style Helles brewed with imported ingredients and poured via custom Lucre handles at partner bars. (16:40–18:39) Expansion beyond beer with Nashville Sweet Tea Co., THC seltzers, and cold brew coffee, born from pandemic-era innovation. (20:21–21:46) Founder Wes Keegan's leadership—independent, no outside investors, paying 100% of employee healthcare, and fostering a top-ranked workplace culture.

S3 E9 The Wine Pair Episode Bob Cutler switches from cocktails to corks, pouring a glass of Italian vino and welcoming Joe and Carmela, co-hosts of The Wine Pair Podcast. Known for their accessible style, the pair share how their show was born during the pandemic as a creative outlet and a way to explore wine together. The trio talk about interviewing winemakers, connecting with listeners, and building a community that avoids the snobbery too often tied to wine culture. Key Topics Making Wine Accessible Joe and Carmela break down barriers to wine appreciation by setting a friendly price cap and speaking in plain language. Like Bob, their humor and candor make wine less intimidating for everyday drinkers. Honest Reviews and Ratings By buying their own bottles and using a no-nonsense scale, the pair keep their opinions genuine—offering listeners a trusted shortcut in a crowded wine market. Wine as Community and Journey From winemaker interviews to bucket-list vineyard travels, they highlight wine as both a cultural exploration and a way to connect people across geography and generations. Episode Index (0:29–1:17) Bob meets Joe and Carmela, co-hosts of The Wine Pair Podcast, who built their show during the pandemic as a creative project and outlet. (5:14–5:56) Their rule: review wines under $25, buying every bottle themselves to keep reviews honest and accessible. (11:07–11:48) Bob learns Joe and Carmela refuse free bottles—preferring unbiased takes and using a clear, simple rating system from "buy it" to "pour it down the sink." (14:15–15:40) Finding good wine means trusting importers, regions, and varietals instead of just fancy labels or scores. (18:01–19:21)The trio share fan-favorite wines, dream trips to Burgundy and New Zealand, and how unscripted banter keeps their chemistry fresh.

S3 E7 3 Days In Louisville|Elizabeth Sutherland Host Bob Cutler sits down with Elizabeth Sutherland as she plans a three-day Louisville getaway to celebrate her anniversary—aiming to balance bourbon, great food, arts, and a little non-spirits culture. A live call with Michter's JP McCartan adds a premium twist—"bottle your own" barrel-proof bourbon (a Kentucky-only keepsake) and a short list of top cocktail bars and whiskey libraries. Key Topics Cadence beats conquest. Treat Louisville like a tasting marathon, not a sprint: anchor one distillery per half-day, eat before you pour, and hydrate between stops. Rotate flavor profiles so your palate isn't blown out, and plug in one culture block (Ali Center, Churchill Downs, Slugger) every afternoon to reset your senses before the evening lineup. Make a keepsake moment. Pick a single "only-here" highlight—like a bottle-your-own barrel-proof experience or a limited single-barrel pick—and plan the day around it. Snap a photo, note the proof/warehouse/barrel, and grab a matching bar pour later; that bottle becomes the weekend's signature souvenir and an easy on-air story beat when you're back home. Reset the flavor dial. Book one non-bourbon dinner (e.g., chef's tasting with a wine pairing) and one cocktail bar with impeccable ice and technique to give your taste buds contrast. Aim for a lighter, citrus-forward aperitif before dinner and a stirred nightcap after; you'll finish energized instead of overwhelmed, and the trip will feel curated—not chaotic. Episode Index (5:17) Base yourself on Whiskey Row at Hotel Distil; consider the art-filled 21C Museum Hotel and its brunch spot Proof on Main. (12:00) Pace tastings to avoid palate fatigue; start simple with the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. (13:30) Rabbit Hole Distillery impresses with a modern space and its standout barrel-aged gin. (17:01) Michter's Fort Nelson delivers small-batch tours, a top cocktail bar, and the unique "bottle your own" barrel-proof bourbon. (17:16) Balance bourbon with non-spirits highlights: dinner at 610 Magnolia or Mayan Café, and cultural stops like the Muhammad Ali Center, Kentucky Derby Museum, Slugger Museum, and the Frazier.

S3 E5 Schoodic Institute's Lisa Frazell This episode takes listeners to Maine's Schoodic Peninsula, where host Bob Cutler sits down with Lisa Frazell to spotlight the work of the Schoodic Institute, a nonprofit scientific partner of Acadia National Park. Lisa explains that while many confuse the institute with schooner boats, its mission is rooted in environmental research, restoration, and education that helps sustain the park for future generations. Key Topics Science in Action for Acadia's Future The Schoodic Institute restores trails, summits, and marshes impacted by millions of visitors and climate shifts, experimenting with plants and methods that will endure for decades. Their work ensures that Acadia remains resilient in the face of environmental pressures. Training the Next Generation of Conservationists Through internships, fellowships, and immersive programs, Schoodic gives students and young professionals critical on-the-ground experience. This prepares the next wave of scientists and educators to tackle global environmental challenges. Community, Culture, and Climate Conversations From visitor engagement in Winter Harbor to public lectures on climate change, the Institute bridges science and community life. By connecting everyday people to research, they make conservation relevant and actionable for all. Episode Index (3:31) Schoodic Institute explained: a nonprofit partner to Acadia National Park, focused on research and science. (5:31) Three pillars: restoration of summits/salt marshes, sustainable research like rockweed harvesting, and education for students and early-career scientists. (10:04) Schoodic Education Adventure brings middle schoolers—sometimes seeing the ocean for the first time—into hands-on park science. (14:03) The Institute employs about 25 staff year-round, swelling to 100 in summer, funded through federal grants, philanthropy, and contracts with Acadia. (17:13) Public engagement: visitor center, lecture series, and programs on climate change, like the upcoming "Don't Fence Us In" forest panel.

S3 E3 Après All Day | Mountain Mixer In this episode of Après All Day, Bob and Rich head to Park City—at least in spirit—for the inaugural Mountain Mixer cocktail contest. The event brings together the top ten cocktails from a month-long, undercover judging process, culminating in a high-energy showdown at Deer Valley's Silver Lake Lodge on August 21. Bob and Rich welcome Executive Director Ginger Wicks of the Park City Area Restaurant Association, plus, two finalists - Leeham Bridgham from High West Distillery and Megs Miller from The Brass Tag. Key Topics 1. Transforming a Contest for Transparency After last year's online cocktail contest was compromised by hacking, the Park City Area Restaurant Association reinvented the format. By bringing the Mountain Mixer live, with impartial, high-profile judges and a real-time audience vote, the event now offers credibility, excitement, and a dynamic, in-person experience that supports local bars and restaurants. 2. A Culinary Community that Works Together Ginger Wicks emphasizes Park City's rare spirit of collaboration, where competing restaurants help one another by sharing staffing resources and promoting the collective dining scene. This cooperation strengthens the area's culinary reputation and helps both visitors and locals enjoy a richer variety of experiences year-round. 3. The Artistry and Performance of Mixology In Mountain Mixer, taste is only half the battle—showmanship counts too. From the storytelling behind the drink to stage presence, bartenders must connect with both judges and audience. Finalists like Leeham and Megs illustrate how creativity, seasonal inspiration, and personal flair come together to create memorable cocktails and moments. Episode Index (3:32) Mountain Mixer format: Ten finalists face expert judges and live audience scoring in a performance-driven cocktail showdown. (7:54) Park City's collaborative culinary community: Restaurants work together, even sharing staff to keep the scene strong. (9:16) Live finale details: Music, food, and a stage where mixologists present their cocktails to Michelin-star and James Beard-level judges. (17:52) Seasonal creativity: Competitors tailor cocktails to seasonality, from dark, spirit-forward drinks to light, refreshing sours. (26:10) Personal style: Leeham and Meggs share their post-shift favorites, behind-the-scenes process, and approach to showmanship.

S3 E1 Novio's Radio | Wyoming Loves Acadia In this Novio's Radio episode of Cocktails with Friends, Bob Cutler introduces George Hale and Ric Tyler to a special limited-edition bottle from Wyoming Whiskey that honors Acadia National Park. For the first time, the brand is recognizing a national park outside Wyoming—and they chose Acadia. Bob also explains where and why Novio's acquires such clear ice. Plus, listeners also get a deep tasting breakdown of the 98-proof bourbon, offering notes of orange, almond, cherry, honey, vanilla, espresso, and chocolate. Key Topics Whiskey for Conservation – Bob details how the Wyoming Whiskey liquor release is helping raise funds for Acadia National Park projects. The Science of Ice – Why the clear, slow-melting cubes Novio's acquires for patrons matter for taste and dilution. How to Taste Whiskey – Bob offers tasting tips, a flavor breakdown, and what "smooth" really means. Episode Index 0:00 – Wyoming Whiskey honors Acadia with a special edition bottle, supporting Friends of Acadia for the first time ever. 1:17 – Cutler explains the science of using large, clear ice cubes from Knickerbocker Ice in cocktails and whiskey pours. 3:21 – He defends adding ice to whiskey, calling it a personal preference that brings out hidden notes like honey and vanilla. 6:43 – The whiskey will be available statewide at Maine's state agency liquor stores, and proceeds will support trail repair, shuttle services, and worker housing in Acadia. 9:33 – Tasting notes include orange, almond, cherry, honey, vanilla, espresso, and chocolate—a layered, complex profile at 98 proof

S2 E49 Devin Lueddeke of Friends of Acadia Bob Cutler chats with Devin Lueddeke of Friends of Acadia about preserving Maine's national treasure that is Acadia National Park and celebrates the launch of a limited-release Wyoming Whiskey benefiting Acadia. Bob and Devin touch on ways everyday folks can support Acadia's future with volunteer work, membership, and soon -- a good pour of Wyoming Whiskey. Key Topics Acadia's Unique Legacy Unlike most parks carved from federal land, Acadia was built on private donations and local stewardship—making it a deeply personal and community-driven national park. Sustaining the Park Through Volunteerism & Innovation Friends of Acadia supports the park with trail maintenance, youth education, and ecosystem protection, while also addressing post-pandemic crowding and parking challenges. Whiskey with a Cause: The Acadia Release A special edition of Wyoming Whiskey celebrates the park and donates proceeds back to Friends of Acadia, blending national pride with local impact—one bottle at a time. Episode Index 1:31 – Devin describes Friends of Acadia's downtown Bar Harbor HQ and love for local flavor. 2:44 – The park's origin as privately donated land sets it apart from other national parks. 6:22 – Friends of Acadia's four pillars include trails, education, Wild Acadia, and visitor experience. 8:23 – Wyoming Whiskey's Acadia bottle hits shelves in Maine with proceeds benefiting the park. 11:14 – The whiskey features Hunter's Head on the label and tasting notes of almond, cherry, and spice.

S2 E49 Independence Day Bob Cutler delivers solo wisdom for the Fourth of July, sharing hydration hacks, pre-batch cocktail tips, and comedic warnings to keep friends (yes, Curtis, Chris, and Dano, Bob is looking at you!) upright and ready for the fireworks instead of snoozing after early-morning whiskey pours. Key Topics Hydration as a Holiday Strategy Bob emphasizes the importance of alternating water with cocktails to survive long party days, keep your spouse happy, and make it to the evening fireworks. Smart Cocktail Prepping for Barbecue Days Pre-batching lemonade-based cocktails ensures consistent pours, reduces midday "free-pour sloppiness," and lets you focus on grilling and storytelling. Drink Choice for Longevity and Enjoyment Bob recommends using 80-proof whiskeys or lighter spirits for holiday drinking to avoid burnout before the main event—and to preserve your dignity.. Episode Index 0:53 – Bob intros himself humorously as guest and host in this solo holiday episode. 2:37 – He previews upcoming season 3 guests and on-the-road recordings, including Meghan Markle. 3:42 – The "one water, one cocktail" strategy is explained to keep you hydrated and marriage intact. 4:42 – Lemonade-based cocktail builds are highlighted for easy batching and day drinking. 6:40 – He warns against switching drinks mid-day to avoid passing out before fireworks.