The Cottonmouth Club Presents: Bars, Bar Culture, Cocktails & Spirits

Michael Neff
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“The Cottonmouth Club Presents” features Master Bartender and Mixologist Michael J. Neff talking with professionals from around the globe about hospitality and humanity through the lens of bars, bartenders, spirits and cocktails. Interspersed with Neff’s unique viewpoint are conversations and sketches, all created and performed by the amazingly talented staff of The Cottonmouth Club itself.

  1. 03/08/2021

    Episode 21: On the Anniversary of the Covid Shutdown & The Risk to Bars of Reopening

    Send us a text Season Two opens on the Anniversary of the Covid-19 shout down of bars all across the world, and coincides with the decision of the Governor of Texas lifting all restrictions and mask mandates, essentially putting the entire public at risk. This risk is amplified in bars, and we have a fair amount to say on the subject. This episode channels the rage and frustration felt in the bar community all around the country and funnels it into a recap of where we’re at, a crystal ball looking at where we might be going, and an exploration of the risk, both emotional and physical, of opening too irresponsibility and too soon. Join our host, Master Bartender Michael J. Neff, in this live-stream podcast. The conversation was recorded on our nightly live stream, which you’ll find on Instagram @thecottonmouthclub, in which we discuss everything bar related with people from all over the world. The Cottonmouth Club Presents is a podcast on Bars, Bar Culture, Cocktails & Spirits. This is our last episode of the 2020, and we look forward to bringing you more conversations in 2021. Support the show

    48 min

  2. 12/27/2020

    Episode 20: “On Dive Bars” with Cocktail Historian & Author Dr. David Wondrich

    Send us a text For those of you who listen to this podcast, you know that we talk a lot about the importance of bars, what they’re for, and what role they play in hosting communities. Few other types of bars show this more starkly than the good ol’ American Dive Bar. But what is a dive bar? What defines one, and how are they made? These questions aren’t well discussed, but are important as we stand on the brink of a post-pandemic world. Our host, Master Bartender Michael J. Neff brings on a very special guest for exactly that discussion for this, the final podcast episode of 2020.  World-renowned cocktail historian and veteran dive-bar appreciator, Dr. David Wondrich, is best known as the author of two books that have inspired generations of bartenders and mixologists: “Imbibe” & “Punch.” He was also the storied drinks editor for Esquire Magazine during the heyday of the modern cocktail revival, which has since turned into a movement. There are few people who know the value of a good dive bar better, and we are honored that Dr. Wondrich came on to discuss them with us. The nature of the conversation guarantees a lot of ground is covered, but you’ll also end up with a list of great dive bars around the country to visit when the world gets anywhere close to back to normal. If they survive the economic onslaught of this pandemic, they will definitely need your support. The Cottonmouth Club Presents is a podcast on Bars, Bar Culture, Cocktails & Spirits. This is our last episode of the 2020, and we look forward to bringing you more conversations in 2021. Weirdo-paced Banjo Music: “Hound Dog Song” & “Old Reuben” Support the show

    1h 14m

  3. 12/21/2020 · BONUS

    Bartender Masterclass: On Mastery, featuring Modern Bartender ms. franky marshall (Part 2)

    Send us a text Training for Mastery takes years of work and dedication, and after a certain point there is no road map in any industry that helps the novice graduate to the journeyman, and the journeyman transform into the master.  In our continuing Bartending Masterclass, host & Master Bartender Michael J. Neff, discusses the different phases of mastery with some of the finest bartenders from around the world. In this episode, we’re talking with Modern Bartender, ms. franky marshall. This is the second of our two-part conversation with ms. marshall. You can find part one on our web site at https://thecottonmouthclubpresents.com. Ms. marshall has been a bartender for a hot minute—both before the modern cocktail movement in nightclubs & dive bars around New York, and after at such storied cocktail bars as The Holiday Cocktail Lounge, Clover Club & The Dead Rabbit. She has also traveled around the world studying spirits, cocktails, and the culture that surrounds them. Her insights in this, the first part of our conversation, are valuable to anyone with an interest in life on either side of the bar. Support the show

    33 min

  4. 12/12/2020

    Episode 19: “On Whiskey” with Nicole Austin, Distiller of George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey (Part 2)

    Send us a text In this episode, General Manager & Distiller of George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey Nicole Austin talks with us about the traditions in Tennessee Whiskey, the idea of imbibing a place, and why she doesn’t use the title “Master Distiller.” A wonderful primer into the nuances of whiskey-making in general, Nicole offers insights into the art of distilling, and how to make choices based on both tradition and the drive to succeed as a business. In the meantime, she dispels some myths about the whiskeys of Tennessee and talks about its relation to bourbon. This is Part Two of our two-part conversation. We hope you enjoy it—you can find part one or check out our other Spirit School entries on our website (https://thecottonmouthclubpresents.com), or browse conversations with some of the world’s best bar professionals in our Masterclass Series. Nicole Austin came up in Kings County Distillery in the early days of the Craft Spirits movement, breaking into the business with a degree in Chemical Engineering and a desire to work in spirits. From her interview with The Tennessean: “I didn’t have the right last name to work in Kentucky or the right degree for Scotland, so I was like, ‘What am I going to do?’ ” Austin said. “In 2010, Kings County got the license to distill … and I basically knocked on their door and was like, 'I’m going to work for you now. I’m done asking, I’m telling.’ ” After working for the consulting company of the legendary late distiller Dave Pickerell, she took a job with Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey before being tapped for the top-job at Cascase Hollow Distillery, maker of George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey. An advocate for the craft spirits movement, Ms. Austin helped found the American Craft Spirits Association, New York Distillers Guild, and helped create the idea of Empire Rye. Weirdo-Paced Banjo Music: “Lady Gray” Support the show

    37 min

  5. 11/22/2020

    Episode 18: “On Whiskey” with Nicole Austin, Distiller of George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey (Part 1)

    Send us a text In this episode, General Manager & Distiller of George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey Nicole Austin talks with us about the traditions in Tennessee Whiskey, the idea of imbibing a place, and why she doesn’t use the title “Master Distiller.” A wonderful primer into the nuances of whiskey-making in general, Nicole offers insights into the art of distilling, and how to make choices based on both tradition and the drive to succeed as a business. In the meantime, she dispels some myths about the whiskeys of Tennessee and talks about its relation to bourbon. This is Part One of a two-part conversation. We hope you enjoy it—stay tuned for the second part coming up. In the meantime, check out our other Spirit School entries on our website (https://thecottonmouthclubpresents.com), or browse conversations with some of the world’s best bar professionals in our Masterclass Series. Nicole Austin came up in Kings County Distillery in the early days of the Craft Spirits movement, breaking into the business with a degree in Chemical Engineering and a desire to work in spirits. From her interview with The Tennessean: “I didn’t have the right last name to work in Kentucky or the right degree for Scotland, so I was like, ‘What am I going to do?’ ” Austin said. “In 2010, Kings County got the license to distill … and I basically knocked on their door and was like, 'I’m going to work for you now. I’m done asking, I’m telling.’ ” After working for the consulting company of the legendary late distiller Dave Pickerell, she took a job with Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey before being tapped for the top-job at Cascase Hollow Distillery, maker of George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey. An advocate for the craft spirits movement, Ms. Austin helped found the American Craft Spirits Association, New York Distillers Guild, and helped create the idea of Empire Rye. Weirdo-Paced Banjo Music: “Lady Gray” Support the show

    41 min

  6. 11/05/2020 · BONUS

    Bartender Masterclass: On Mastery, featuring Modern Bartender ms. franky marshall (Part 1)

    Send us a text Training for Mastery takes years of work and dedication, and after a certain point there is no road map in any industry that helps the novice graduate to the journeyman, and the journeyman transform into the master.  In our continuing Bartending Masterclass, host & Master Bartender Michael J. Neff, discusses the different phases of mastery with some of the finest bartenders from around the world. In this episode, we’re talking with Modern Bartender, ms. franky marshall. Ms. marshall has been a bartender for a hot minute—both before the modern cocktail movement in nightclubs & dive bars around New York, and after at such storied cocktail bars as The Holiday Cocktail Lounge, Clover Club & The Dead Rabbit. She has also traveled around the world studying spirits, cocktails, and the culture that surrounds them. Her insights in this, the first part of our conversation, are valuable to anyone with an interest in life on either side of the bar. Some highlights include: “You have to put as much effort into making that vodka soda as you do in making a Japanese Whisky Highall.... You should be taking pride in your work, so that every single drink you make, even the simplest one, is going to be great.” “As a trainer, you need to be able to give and you need to be generous with your knowledge.” “(Relating to people is) why you need to read books, or travel, or look at art, so you have other things to to give to people across that bar.” Support the show

    48 min

  7. 10/27/2020

    Episode 17: Tequila, Tahonas & Terroir with Jesse Estes of Tequila Ocho (Part 2)

    Send us a text In this episode, Tequila Ocho Global Brand Ambassador Jesse Estes joins us to talk all about agave spirits, diving specifically into Tequila! This isn’t your average tequila talk—our topics range from the two categories of Tequila and the process of making Tequila Ocho to “What is a diffuser and why is it controversial?” There is something for both experts and neophytes in this, the second of our two-part conversation with Jesse Estes. Stay tuned for Part Two.  In the meantime, check out our other Spirit School entries on our website (https://thecottonmouthclubpresents.com), or browse conversation with some of the world’s best bar professionals in our Masterclass Series. Jesse Estes is a London-based spirits educator, author, and former award-winning bartender. He has worked behind the bar at establishments like The Lonsdale, Green & Red, All Star Lanes, CalloohCallay, and The Luggage Room, as well as performing guest bartending shifts around the world. He has won a number of cocktail competitions and regularly acts as a judge and chairman for various cocktail competitions and spirits awards including the Drinks International's International Spirit Challenge and the Tequila Masters.  In 2013, Jesse developed the bar program for London's first 'agavería' – a bar specializing in Agave Spirits – El Nivel. That same year, Jesse was named one of London's Best Bartenders by the Huffington Post.  He is often consulted as an expert on agave spirits, and has been interviewed or featured in publications such as: Imbibe, Esquire, Shortlist, Spirits Business, Forbes and Drinks International, among others. In 2019, Jesse was one of the first people to sit the WSET Level 3 in Spirits, which he passed with Merit.  Jesse is now the Global Brand Ambassador for Tequila Ocho and can be found leading seminars, tastings, and masterclasses on tequila and other agave spirits across the world. He is also the author of two cocktail books, Tequila Beyond Sunrise and From Dram to Manhattan, and regularly contributes articles to trade publications. Jesse recently became the Agave Spirits Curator for Spirits Kiosk, a craft online spirits retailer directed at discerning drinkers.   Get in touch at jesse@ochotequila.com Weirdo-paced Banjo Tune: “East Virginia” Support the show

    43 min

  8. 10/22/2020 · BONUS

    Bartender Masterclass: On Mastery featuring Master Bartender Yael Vengroff (Part 2)

    Send us a text Training for Mastery takes years of work and dedication, and after a certain point there is no road map in any industry that helps the novice graduate to the journeyman, and the journeyman transform into the master.  In our continuing Bartending Masterclass, host & Master Bartender Michael J. Neff, discussed the different phases of mastery. This time, we’re focusing on Mastery of the Heart with special guest Ms. Yael Vengroff (aka Yael Stormborn). Yael is a long-time bartender who cut her teeth in some of the most storied bars in Houston (Grand Prize) & New York City (Pegu Club, Painkiller) before moving to Los Angeles to take over as Bar Director for The Spare Room in the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood and Genghis Coen. The group also has bars in Seattle and Nashville, which Yael helms, as well. She has many accomplishments to her name, including winning the women-only charity speed competition Speed Rack, as well as being named Best American Bartender at the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail. Some highlights from Part 2 of our conversation: “I think that vulnerability is mastery. Vulnerability is Mastery of the Ego.” “You have to be able to crush yourself to death and break yourself down enough to fully embody Mastery.” “You can be vulnerable and logical at the same time, but it requires removing your emotions.” Weird-tempo Banjo Tune: Katy Hill Support the show

    45 min
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“The Cottonmouth Club Presents” features Master Bartender and Mixologist Michael J. Neff talking with professionals from around the globe about hospitality and humanity through the lens of bars, bartenders, spirits and cocktails. Interspersed with Neff’s unique viewpoint are conversations and sketches, all created and performed by the amazingly talented staff of The Cottonmouth Club itself.

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