Man Cave Happy Hour

Send us a textWhat makes a simple promise the most significant gift you could ever give someone? For Freddie Johnson, Buffalo Trace Distillery's beloved ambassador, keeping his word literally saved his life.Sitting in what he calls "the ultimate man cave," Freddie shares the rich tapestry of his family's deep connection to Kentucky bourbon. As the third generation to walk the grounds of Buffalo Trace, Freddie's stories transport us through time—from his grandfather throwing rocks with Colonel Blanton along the riverbank to his father's 47-year partnership with legendary master distiller Elmer T. Lee. These aren't just family anecdotes; they're living lessons about what truly matters."The product in the bottle is just the byproduct of a good relationship," Freddie explains, revealing a philosophy that extends far beyond distilling. Through what he calls "memory moments," Freddie illustrates how seemingly ordinary encounters—like meeting the speakeasy&

Send us a textRaise your glasses to another round of spirited conversation on the Man Cave Happy Hour! This week, Jamie Flanagan, August Kitchen, Matt Fox, and special guest David Wright (the Motor City Hypnotist) dive into a blue-hued adventure celebrating Detroit's football fever.Fresh off the successful Magnum 12 fundraiser, the crew shares behind-the-scenes stories that had us laughing out loud - from Matt's sole-destroying dance moves to a mysteriously disappearing phone that found its way home through an unlikely guardian. The fundraiser's success highlights the incredible community spirit that makes Detroit special, raising thousands for charity through raffle tickets, beard-shaving challenges, and generous donations.The Lions' impressive season start has unleashed a tidal wave of themed merchandise across the city, and we're putting one particular product to the test: Grit City Vodka. Our impromptu taste test reveals what you're really paying for (spoiler: it's the b

Send us a textRaise your glasses and wax those mustaches – it's time to talk charity, cider, and community support on this episode of Man Cave Happy Hour!Jamie, Matt, and August dive into a tasting of Blake's Cider seasonal offerings while unveiling the backstory of their beloved Magnum 12 charity event. What started as friends challenging each other to wear tracksuits to a bar has evolved into a 12-year tradition of Hawaiian shirts, mustaches, and heartfelt community giving. The guys share candid (and sometimes hilarious) reviews of Blake's Cider Mill Donut and Salted Caramel Apple flavors – with a surprise call to Blake's representative Mike Didio providing insider details about the upcoming event.The conversation takes us through the evolution of their charity events, from rotating causes to finding their perfect charitable match with the Hero Foundation, which supports families affected by cancer during difficult times. We get the scoop on this year's venue at the tiki-themed East

Send us a textGrab a pint and join us for a deep dive into soccer culture as we explore the beautiful game through the lens of traditional English pub ales and Detroit's thriving soccer community. What happens when you mix the world's most popular sport with Detroit's gritty character and authentic beer culture? Pure magic. Our guest Matt Conti breaks down the intricacies of fantasy Premier League soccer, explaining how this global phenomenon differs dramatically from American fantasy sports with its salary cap structure and unique scoring system.We take you on a tour of Detroit's vibrant soccer scene, from the passionate supporters of Detroit City FC who march from local bars to Keyworth Stadium, to the dedicated pubs where fans gather at dawn to watch their favorite European teams. Thomas McGee's for Liverpool supporters, The Dog and Pony Show for Tottenham Hotspur fans – every major club has found its Detroit home.While sampling traditional English pub ales like Boddingtons (aptly

Send us a textNothing brings friends together quite like celebrating life's victories over a good glass of bourbon. In this episode, we're joined by special guest David, the Motor City Hypnotist, as we crack open some long-neglected "orphan bottles" and share stories that range from triumphant to heartwarming.The spotlight first falls on Matt's incredible achievement - his first-ever hole-in-one after 17 years of golfing. The pure, unfiltered joy captured in the moment when his 5-iron shot disappeared into the cup on a 185-yard par 3 is something every golfer dreams about. "They call me Ace now," Matt jokes, still riding the high of that perfect shot at Westbourne Golf Club. The story sparks a larger conversation about our varied golfing experiences, from Jamie's childhood lessons with his father to Dave's relatively recent entry into the sport.Our whiskey journey centers around a bottle with its own story to tell - New Holland's Beer Barrel Bourbon. Sent to u

Send us a textStep into the heart of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, where an unassuming bar houses a breathtaking treasury of over 1,450 different whiskeys. At the Butter Run Saloon, owner Dave Harden has created more than just a drinking establishment—he's built a whiskey lover's sanctuary that draws enthusiasts from across the Midwest.During our visit, Dave guides us through his personal barrel selection process, sharing samples of his Buffalo Trace, Old Forester, and Maker's Mark private picks. Each pour tells a story of meticulous tasting and selection, with Dave revealing his straightforward philosophy: "I strictly go on flavor and profile and what I like." The Buffalo Trace selection showcases a creamier, more flavorful profile than the standard offering, while the Old Forester barrel pick delivers complex notes despite its formidable 130.8 proof.Dave's journey mirrors the evolution of American whiskey culture itself. When he opened nearly 13 years ago, "whiskey wasn&apos

Send us a textThe old saying goes that Wild Turkey is just "country whiskey," but true bourbon lovers know better. This week, we're putting two expressions from this iconic Kentucky distillery head-to-head: the classic Wild Turkey 101 against the more elusive Wild Turkey 101.8.What's the difference between these two nearly identical-proof bourbons? About two years minimum in the barrel and roughly $18 at retail. While the standard 101 blends spirits aged 6-8 years, the 101.8 contains only bourbons aged a minimum of 8 years. That time difference creates distinctly different drinking experiences despite sharing the same mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.Our tasting reveals the standard 101 delivers that characteristic Wild Turkey spice right on the tip of the tongue, with that warming Kentucky hug following close behind. It's bold, assertive, and perfect for cocktails - especially old-fashioneds where its spice cuts beautifully through the sweetness. At around $27, i

Send us a textDive into the refreshing world of authentic Finnish long drinks as we welcome the team behind Lancaro to the Man Cave Happy Hour. This eye-opening conversation reveals how a paralyzed founder's dream evolved into a mission-driven beverage company revolutionizing the ready-to-drink market with clean, natural flavors.Discover the fascinating history behind Finland's national cocktail, born during the 1952 Olympics as an efficient way to serve refreshing gin drinks to thirsty visitors. You'll learn how Lancaro transformed this traditional recipe into something uniquely their own, tackling the notorious "cloying sweetness" problem that plagues most canned cocktails. The team's passionate flavor scientist breaks down their meticulous development process, explaining how they create drinks that maintain their aromatic qualities even over ice – a rarity in the RTD world.What truly sets this brand apart is their Lumi line – completely unsweetened cocktails at just 96 calorie

Send us a textBlindfolds, cocktails, and murder – what more could you want from a dinner party? Creator Jill Bell joins us to reveal the story behind "Murder on the Rocks," the cocktail party murder mystery game that's completely reinventing game night.With a PhD in cybersecurity and experience as a firefighter, Jill never expected to become a game designer. Yet her creation just funded at an astonishing 985% on Kickstarter, proving there's serious thirst for innovative party games that combine adult beverages with clever gameplay mechanics. What makes this game special? Unlike traditional one-and-done mystery boxes, Murder on the Rocks features beautifully illustrated clue cards designed for multiple interpretations, making every playthrough a unique experience.The game works brilliantly in its simplicity: players attend a masquerade party at Whiskey Ridge Manor, don blindfolds during a "dance party" phase, and the designated murderer secretly "poisons" someone's

Send us a textDive into a cocktail experiment gone hilariously wrong as we tackle the Kalimotxo—an unusual Spanish drink that mixes red wine with Coca-Cola. This strange combination dates back to the 1920s when festival organizers in Spain discovered their wine was terrible and desperately needed a fix. Their solution? Mask it with Coca-Cola, creating what we dub "the original Fyre Festival of cocktails."We explore the Tempranillo wine used in our experiment, discussing the rich characteristics of this Spanish grape variety known for its full body and deep ruby color. Despite our best efforts (and even adding bitters and lemon), the verdict is unanimous—some cocktails exist more as cautionary tales than recommendations. As Matt perfectly puts it, it's "like a mistake that you just drink."The episode takes an exciting turn when we unbox "Murder on the Rocks," a cocktail-themed murder mystery game featuring characters like Ginny Tonic and Absinthe Abby. Get a sneak peek at our

Send us a textWhat happens when three whiskey enthusiasts decide to pair fine spirits with jelly beans? Pure chaotic deliciousness! This episode takes you on a flavorful journey through unexpected combinations as Jamie, Matt, and August explore the intersection of childhood nostalgia and adult beverages.The adventure begins with a sample of Willett Small Batch Family Estate Straight Rye Whiskey, setting the stage for our sweet experiments. We then dive into Jelly Belly's cocktail-inspired beans, identifying unique flavors like mojito, moscow mule, and gin and tonic before creating our own whiskey pairings. Watch as our toasted marshmallow beans meet Basil Hayden's Toasted Bourbon in a "toast on toast" combination, and witness the colorful transformation when red apple jellies soak in Yellowstone Bourbon.Beyond the tasting experiments, we share personal jelly bean preferences (August loves black licorice while Jamie can't resist lemon-lime) and nostalgic candy memories. Did you know Je

Send us a textBourbon lovers, listen up! We're diving deep into a brand new release that's generating serious buzz - Heaven Hill's Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled in Bond bourbon. Unlike its limited-edition decanter siblings, this new expression promises to be a regular shelf staple (if you're lucky enough to find it).The episode kicks off with a Father's Day-themed New York Sour cocktail featuring Elijah Craig bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a red wine float that sets the perfect tone for our whiskey adventure. As we crack open the fresh bottle of Old Fitzgerald, we explore the rich history behind both the brand (dating back to 1870) and the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 that established bourbon's gold standard for quality and authenticity.Our tasting reveals a robust, full-flavored bourbon with subtle cherry notes and a lingering finish that makes its 100-proof strength known without overwhelming the palate. At around $60 (when found at MSRP), we debate whether this bourbon represe

Send us a textThe Man Cave Happy Hour crew welcomes Detroit writer Mickey Lyons for an evening of spirit exploration and storytelling. After sampling the underwhelming Widow Jane bourbon (dubbed "aggressively mediocre" by the hosts), the conversation transforms when August introduces a rare bottle of green Chartreuse.https://www.mickeylyons.com/This legendary liqueur, crafted by Carthusian monks according to a 1770 secret recipe featuring 130+ botanicals, captivates everyone with its complex flavor profile. As the group savors notes of cardamom, anise, and countless herbs, Mickey explains why this spirit has become nearly impossible to find – the monks have drastically reduced production to focus on their meditative lifestyle rather than meeting skyrocketing demand.The evening peaks with the creation of a "Last Word" cocktail, a Detroit Athletic Club classic from 1916 featuring equal parts Chartreuse, gin, Luxardo cherry liqueur, and lime juice. Mickey, whose writing celebrates Michigan&ap

Send us a textRaise a glass and journey with us through the captivating wine regions of northwestern Spain as we explore the distinctive character of Spanish wines while previewing an upcoming adventure to this remarkable destination.Our conversation uncorks with a lively tasting of traditional Spanish Cava, that crisp, refreshing alternative to Champagne that sets the stage perfectly for our vinous exploration. We delve into the heart of Rias Baixas, where the Albariño grape reigns supreme, producing wines of remarkable brightness and minerality that capture the essence of this Atlantic-influenced region.The tasting progresses through varying expressions from Gran Bazán winery, showcasing how the same grape can yield dramatically different results when handled with different techniques. From the lighter Verde bottling to the slightly creamier Ámbar expression, these wines reveal the versatility that makes Spanish whites so compelling. As we transition to reds, we discover the surprising elegance and approach

Send us a textStep through the intentionally squeaky door of Donovan's Pub, and you'll immediately understand what makes neighborhood bars the backbone of Detroit. Owner Shannon Lowell keeps that door noisy for a reason - when it creaks, everyone glances up to size newcomers within 30 seconds.Located in what Shannon calls "the cracks between Corktown and Mexicantown," this neighborhood institution has weathered decades of Detroit's changing landscape. From its origins as Patton's Bar in the mid-60s to its rebirth after a fire, Donovan's embodies the resilience that defines the city. Shannon shares fascinating stories of his childhood in the bar, meeting characters like Marlene the numbers runner who kept folded cash visibly bulging from her tight jeans pockets - both as a display of status and a warning not to touch.The walls themselves tell stories - from bullet holes courtesy of an angry patron who shot a Playboy centerfold on the wall to the permanent Halloween decoration

Send us a textFrom spreadsheet wizard to master distiller, Jeff Duckhorn's journey from corporate accountant to craft spirits pioneer embodies the adventurous spirit of Redwood Empire Whiskey. With infectious passion, Jeff shares how his home brewing hobby and creative drive helped transform a wine company's side project into a flourishing whiskey brand celebrating Northern California's iconic trees.Each bottle in the Redwood Empire lineup tells a story – from Pipe Dream Bourbon's complex blend of whiskeys from eight distilleries across four states to Emerald Giant Rye's bold 90% rye expression softened with a touch of wheat. Most fascinating is Lost Monarch, a "sneaky rye" that masterfully blends bourbon and rye whiskeys to create an approachable gateway for bourbon drinkers to explore spicier profiles.What truly distinguishes Redwood Empire is their environmental commitment. Their Cocktails for a Cause program has planted over 1.7 million trees, with 100,000 more during Ea

Send us a textStep into a slice of living history at Detroit's famed Cadieux Cafe, where authentic Belgian feather bowling lanes have been delighting visitors since 1933. Our conversation with owner John Rutherford reveals the fascinating journey of this east side crown jewel from its origins as a Belgian grocery store during Prohibition to its current status as America's only authentic feather bowling venue.John's own story proves equally captivating - a professional trombone player who performed with Bob Seger for over 300 shows before becoming Cadieux's third owner in nearly a century of operation. His passion for preserving tradition while thoughtfully modernizing shines through as we explore the cafe's unique offerings. The original dirt lanes (complete with their secret mixture including kitty litter and quick-crete) remain intact, rolling alongside an impressive selection of 30+ Belgian beers that showcase the rich brewing traditions of Trappist monasteries and Flemish brewers.

Send us a textStep into a world where mushrooms transform your drinking experience—without the alcohol. Megan Klein, founder and CEO of Little Saints, takes us on a fascinating journey through her line of non-alcoholic, mushroom-powered cocktails that deliver mood enhancement and cognitive benefits with zero sugar and only five calories.From her mint green vending trailer origins in Detroit to facing the Sharks on national television, Megan shares the remarkable story behind Little Saints' creation and her gutsy decision to turn down unfavorable investment offers. With the conviction to maintain her vision, she's built a brand that's changing how we think about functional beverages.The tasting experience reveals something truly special—these aren't your typical mocktails. The Negroni Spritz offers a perfect bitterness without overwhelming, while the Old Fashioned delivers caramel notes and warmth that mimics traditional spirits. The St. Ember, infused with sacred Palo Santo wood from South

Send us a textDo you have a bag of lemons and no idea what to do with them? Join us as we transform citrus into classic cocktails while unveiling our exciting new format that will take our show on the road!When our guest brought an entire bag of lemons instead of just the two requested, it sparked an impromptu exploration of lemon-based cocktails. We kick things off with our "Limosa" (lemon mimosa) – a simple yet refreshing blend of sparkling wine and lemonade that some of us enhance with a splash of gin for a French 75 variation.https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g60216072/lemon-cocktail-recipes/Lemomosa - Fill flute halfway with champagne and top with lemonade. Serve.Aviation Cocktail1 1/2 ounces gin1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice3/4 ounce maraschino liqueur, Luxardo1/4 ounce Crème de VioletteLuxardo cherry, for garnish1.   Combine gin, lemon, maraschino liqueur, and Crème de Violette in a cocktail shaker with a generous cup of ice.2.   Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and double st

Send us a textEver wondered which cocktails you should actually master for your home bar? When the Man Cave Happy Hour crew discovered a list of "13 Essential Cocktails Everyone Should Know How to Make," they couldn't resist putting these classics to the test.Armed with bottles of Sazerac rye, absinthe, Campari, and a lemon that received perhaps too much attention, Jamie, August, Matt and guests Barry and Mike work their way through iconic drinks like the Sazerac, Old Fashioned, Martini and Negroni. What unfolds is equal parts mixology lesson and riotous debate about everything from the wasteful practice of "rinsing" glasses with expensive liquors to the divisive nature of olives in martinis.The crew uncovers fascinating cocktail history along the way, like how the Old Fashioned got its name from frustrated drinkers simply wanting "a good, old-fashioned cocktail" amid increasingly complicated concoctions—a sentiment that resonates in today's era of elaborate mixology. A