The Dram Amateur

The Dram Amateur Podcast
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

The Dram Amateur Podcast is your go-to show for exploring the fascinating world of bourbon, whiskey, rum, tequila, mezcal and everything in-between. Hosted by Jason, a passionate enthusiast and social media influencer, this podcast dives into the stories, history, and culture behind the spirits we love. From the thoughtful tastings and reviews to interviews with fellow influencers, industry experts, and aficionados, The Dram Amateur Podcast delivers insights for novices and seasoned connoisseurs alike.Whether you're here to find your next favorite bottle, learn about unique distilleries and brands, listen to stories, or simply enjoy spirited conversations this is your space to sip, savor, and celebrate the journey of a dram.

  1. 1d ago

    Season 4 Ep. 1: The Secret Every Great Bartender Knows (Most Drinkers Don't) ft. @mariibar_nyc

    Tasting Notes: Cocktails Are More Than a Recipe—They're Hospitality in a Glass. What separates a good cocktail from one you'll remember years later? In this episode, Jason sits down with Marielle (@mariibar_nyc)—bartender, cocktail creator, and hospitality professional—to explore the artistry, philosophy, and passion behind modern cocktails. From unexpectedly falling in love with bartending during COVID to now crafting drinks in one of New York City's most respected cocktail bars, Marielle shares why great cocktails aren't just about ingredients—they're about creating experiences. Along the way, Jason mixes two of Marielle's cocktail recipes posted on her Instagram, learns why ice matters more than most people realize, and discovers the small details that transform a drink into something unforgettable. Whether you're a whiskey drinker looking to branch out or someone who's always wondered what separates an average cocktail from an exceptional one, this episode is full of practical insights and fascinating stories. 🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways 🍸 Falling Into Bartending... and Finding a Passion - Why Marielle never planned to become a bartender - How stepping behind the bar during COVID changed everything - Discovering creativity through cocktails instead of simply serving drinks 🎨 Cocktails as an Art Form - Why presentation matters just as much as flavor - Designing drinks that create memorable experiences - The balance between aesthetics and functionality - Why egg white cocktails remain one of her favorite techniques 🧪 Creativity Behind Every Cocktail - Where inspiration actually comes from - Turning food experiences into cocktails - Experimentation, failures, and creating award-winning drinks - Why not every creative idea survives the tasting glass 🧊 The Details Most People Never Notice Jason gets a live masterclass on: - Why ice size changes a cocktail - Proper shaking techniques - Ingredient order while building drinks - Why fresh citrus is non-negotiable - How premium ingredients elevate every cocktail 🌎 California vs. New York Cocktail Culture Marielle compares two very different hospitality worlds: - Different guest expectations - Cocktail trends across the country - Why New York continues to push cocktail innovation - Building menus for different audiences ❤️ Hospitality Over Everything Perhaps the biggest takeaway of the episode: A memorable cocktail isn't always the most complicated one. It's the connection between bartender and guest that people remember long after the glass is empty. 📱 Building a Cocktail Community Online Marielle also discusses: Creating cocktail content on Instagram Learning videography while growing her audience Staying authentic on social media Why personality matters more than perfection 🥃 Jason's Live Cocktail Challenge Throughout the episode, Jason attempts to recreate two cocktails Marielle has posted on her Instagram account: 🍋 Paper Plane 🔥 Smoky Spicy Margarita ...while getting real-time coaching from a professional bartender. Needless to say, there are a few lessons learned along the way. 🥃 Connect with Marielle 📸 Instagram: @mariibar_nyc 🥃 Follow The Dram Amateur 📸 Instagram: @dram_amateur ▶️ YouTube: The Dram Amateur Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow whiskey, tequila, or spirits enthusiast and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Because every pour comes with a story. 🥃

    1h 36m

  2. Jun 16

    Season 3 Ep. 24: The Blind Bonanza Returns: Reposado Showdown Part 2 ft. @mr._given

    Tasting Notes:  What happens when two friends sit down with four mystery pours, zero preparation, and a shared love for great spirits? In this episode, Jason welcomes back fan-favorite guest John (@mr._given)—the king of Porch Pops and High-Proof Hikes—for another Blind Bonanza. This time, the focus shifts to Reposado tequila as the guys work through a lineup of mystery pours, attempting to identify distilleries, proofs, and flavor profiles completely blind.  Along the way, the conversation wanders into everything from social media creativity and tequila collecting to side-by-sides, college tuition, Braves baseball, NFL Draft reactions, and why certain spirits become lifelong favorites. As always, the real fun isn't just what's in the glass—it's the stories that come with it. Key Topics & Takeaways 🥃 Blind Bonanza: Reposado Edition Four mystery Reposado tequilas tasted blindGuessing proofs, distilleries, and production stylesWhy proof doesn't always tell the whole storyThe surprising differences between Highland and Lowland tequilasHow barrel influence can dramatically change a tequila's profile🌄 Highlands vs. Lowlands Tequila What terroir means in tequila productionWhy Highland tequilas often showcase brighter citrus and fruit notesHow volcanic soils influence Lowland tequila characterLearning to identify regional characteristics through blind tastingAnd why some bottles become "repeat reaches" regardless of how many options sit on the shelf. 📸 Creativity, Community & Instagram How content creators develop their own styleThe inspiration behind Jason's "Repeat Reach" seriesWhy authenticity matters more than chasing trendsBuilding community through shared passions🚜 Porch Pops, High-Proof Hikes & New Toys John talks about: Purchasing a Kawasaki MuleThe origins of "Musings from the Mule"Why followers keep asking for merchThe surprising ways social media catchphrases take on a life of their own⚾ Sports Talk & Dad Life Braves baseball optimismGeorgia Bulldogs baseballNFL Draft reactionsRaising kids, preparing for college, and balancing hobbies with real life🇲🇽 Falling Down the Agave Rabbit Hole The conversation explores: Why tequila continues to gain momentum among whiskey drinkersThe appeal of additive-free tequilaHigh-proof versus standard-proof expressionsHow tequila and mezcal reveal terroir in unique waysWhy Mexico's culture, food, and hospitality continue to inspireConnect with John Follow John for Porch Pops, High-Proof Hikes, whiskey adventures, and plenty of good laughs: Instagram: @mr._given Connect with The Dram Amateur 📸 Instagram: @dram_amateur 🎥 YouTube: The Dram Amateur Podcast 📘 Facebook: The Dram Amateur Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow whiskey, tequila, or spirits enthusiast and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Because every pour comes with a story. 🥃

    1h 27m

  3. Jun 2

    Season 3 Ep. 23: The Blind Bonanza Returns: Reposado Showdown Part 1 ft. @mr._given

    Tasting Notes:  What happens when two friends sit down with four mystery pours, zero preparation, and a shared love for great spirits? In this episode, Jason welcomes back fan-favorite guest John (@mr._given)—the king of Porch Pops and High-Proof Hikes—for another Blind Bonanza. This time, the focus shifts to Reposado tequila as the guys work through a lineup of mystery pours, attempting to identify distilleries, proofs, and flavor profiles completely blind.  Along the way, the conversation wanders into everything from social media creativity and tequila collecting to side-by-sides, college tuition, Braves baseball, NFL Draft reactions, and why certain spirits become lifelong favorites. As always, the real fun isn't just what's in the glass—it's the stories that come with it. Key Topics & Takeaways 🥃 Blind Bonanza: Reposado Edition Four mystery Reposado tequilas tasted blindGuessing proofs, distilleries, and production stylesWhy proof doesn't always tell the whole storyThe surprising differences between Highland and Lowland tequilasHow barrel influence can dramatically change a tequila's profile🌄 Highlands vs. Lowlands Tequila What terroir means in tequila productionWhy Highland tequilas often showcase brighter citrus and fruit notesHow volcanic soils influence Lowland tequila characterLearning to identify regional characteristics through blind tastingAnd why some bottles become "repeat reaches" regardless of how many options sit on the shelf. 📸 Creativity, Community & Instagram How content creators develop their own styleThe inspiration behind Jason's "Repeat Reach" seriesWhy authenticity matters more than chasing trendsBuilding community through shared passions🚜 Porch Pops, High-Proof Hikes & New Toys John talks about: Purchasing a Kawasaki MuleThe origins of "Musings from the Mule"Why followers keep asking for merchThe surprising ways social media catchphrases take on a life of their own⚾ Sports Talk & Dad Life Braves baseball optimismGeorgia Bulldogs baseballNFL Draft reactionsRaising kids, preparing for college, and balancing hobbies with real life🇲🇽 Falling Down the Agave Rabbit Hole The conversation explores: Why tequila continues to gain momentum among whiskey drinkersThe appeal of additive-free tequilaHigh-proof versus standard-proof expressionsHow tequila and mezcal reveal terroir in unique waysWhy Mexico's culture, food, and hospitality continue to inspireConnect with John Follow John for Porch Pops, High-Proof Hikes, whiskey adventures, and plenty of good laughs: Instagram: @mr._given Connect with The Dram Amateur 📸 Instagram: @dram_amateur 🎥 YouTube: The Dram Amateur Podcast 📘 Facebook: The Dram Amateur Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow whiskey, tequila, or spirits enthusiast and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Because every pour comes with a story. 🥃

    1h 16m

  4. May 19

    Season 3 Ep. 22: Why Armagnac Might Be the Greatest Spirit You’ve Never Tried ft. Dan @oadearmagnac

    Tasting Notes: In this episode, Jason sits down with Dan Hakker, founder of Oade Armagnac, for a deep dive into the history, craftsmanship, and soul behind one of the world’s most overlooked spirits. From hidden cellars in Gascony to tasting 100-year-old Armagnacs straight from the barrel, this conversation explores why Armagnac isn’t just another spirit category—it’s living history in a glass. Dan shares the journey of building Oade Armagnac from scratch, traveling across southwest France to uncover forgotten barrels, meeting multi-generational producers, and introducing American drinkers to a spirit built on patience, authenticity, and human connection. This episode is about more than tasting notes. It’s about slowing down, honoring craftsmanship, and appreciating the stories behind every pour. 🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways 🇫🇷 Discovering the Soul of Gascony How Dan fell in love with Armagnac through travel, food, and cultureWhy Gascony feels completely different from the modern spirits worldThe emotional connection between people, land, and spirit productionWhat makes Armagnac feel deeply personal compared to other categories🥃 What Exactly Is Oade Armagnac? The meaning behind the name “Oade”Why Oade focuses on honoring producers instead of making spirit themselvesTraveling across France to taste over 2,500 barrelsFinding rare single-barrel, cask-strength Armagnacs to bring to the U.S.🧪 How Armagnac Is Actually Made The once-a-year harvest and distillation processTraveling alembic stills that move from farm to farmWhy Armagnac production is still incredibly small-scaleHow aging environments dramatically impact flavor🍇 The Importance of Terroir & Grapes The difference between Bas Armagnac and TenarèzeWhy Baco grapes became legendary after PhylloxeraHow soil, climate, and barrel placement shape flavor profilesWhy no two producers taste alike🏚️ Hidden Cellars & Forgotten Barrels Discovering producers with no digital footprintWalking into century-old cellars covered in dustThe emotional experience of tasting Armagnac from the 1900sWhy some producers refuse to sell—even when the barrels are extraordinary⚠️ Building a Brand With No Roadmap Launching an import business with zero alcohol industry experienceNavigating distribution, importing, and international logisticsSurviving tariff increases right as the first shipment was readyWhy educating consumers is the real challenge🕰️ Why Armagnac Teaches You to Slow Down Appreciating time, craftsmanship, and patienceWhy Armagnac changes in the glass over timeThe importance of savoring experiences instead of rushing through themHow Armagnac became Jason’s “Sunday pour”🧠 What You’ll Learn Why Armagnac is radically different from bourbon and cognacHow vintage Armagnac is preserved and documentedWhat makes aging conditions so important in ArmagnacWhy authenticity matters more than hypeHow culture and craftsmanship still survive in modern spirits🔁 Why This Episode Matters This episode is a reminder that not everything needs to move fast. Armagnac represents: patience over productioncraftsmanship over scaleconnection over marketingAnd in today’s spirits world, that’s becoming increasingly rare. 🥃 Featured Armagnacs Tasted “The Farewell” — 1986 Domaine Marquestau“Serendipity” — 1985 Domaine du Carpoulat1976 Vintage — J. Damblat SelectionFollow Oade Armagnac Oade Armagnac Website: www.oadearmagnac.com@oadearmagnac on Instagram Follow the Dram Amateur Podcast @dram_amateur on InstagramThe Dram Amateur Podcast on YouTube Share this episode with a fellow spirits enthusiastLeave a review to help grow the community🥂 Closing Thought Some spirits are made to sell. Others are made to preserve history. Armagnac belongs to the second category.

    1h 16m

  5. May 5

    Season 3 Ep. 21: They Brought Whiskey Back to a City After 100 Years… Here’s How ft. Tim Piersant @chattwhiskey

    Tasting Notes: What does it take to revive a whiskey city after 100 years? In this episode, Jason sits down with Tim Piersant, CEO of Chattanooga Whiskey, to unpack the journey from grassroots startup to 2x Craft Producer of the Year. From fighting outdated laws to building one of the most innovative distilleries in America, this conversation dives into the mindset, risks, and relentless creativity behind the brand. This isn’t just about whiskey—it’s about identity, community, and building something that actually means something. 🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways 🔥 Bringing Whiskey Back to Chattanooga The accidental discovery of Chattanooga’s pre-Prohibition distilling historyLaunching a brand overnight with nothing but a story and a Facebook pageTurning local pride into a movement🏆 Craft Producer of the Year (Twice) What the award really means internallyWhy “product integrity” is the core of everything they doHow validation changes (and doesn’t change) the mission⚙️ Building a Brand from the Ground Up Bootstrapping the business with extreme risk and beliefThe moment they had to jump from 20 barrels to 1,200Changing Tennessee laws to legally distill🧪 The Experimental Distillery Over 500 experimental barrels and countingWhy innovation never stops being R&DHow small-batch releases became a cult following🥃 Tennessee High Malt Explained Creating a completely new style of American whiskeyWhy they chose to “wear blinders” instead of copying trendsThe role of roasted & toasted grains in their flavor profile⚡ The Biggest Risk That Could’ve Killed the Brand Replacing sourced whiskey with their own overnightWalking away from 18,000-case momentumBetting everything on authenticity🏙️ Why Chattanooga Matters The city’s role in the brand’s successCommunity, culture, and investor supportWhy this story couldn’t exist anywhere else💬 Standout Moments “We didn’t just build whiskey—we built identity.”“Product integrity over brand hype. Every time.”“We could’ve killed the company overnight… but we didn’t.”“This is a company full of creators—not just distillers.”🧠 What You’ll Learn How to turn history into opportunityWhy authenticity beats trend-chasing in spiritsWhat real innovation in whiskey looks likeThe power of community-driven brands🔁 Why This Episode Matters This episode is a masterclass in: Taking risks when there’s no roadmapBuilding a brand with purpose—not just productStaying creative even as you scaleFollow Chattanooga Whiskey: Follow @chattwhiskey on Instagramwww.chattanoogawhiskey.comFollow the Dram Amateur Podcast: Follow @dram_amateur on InstagramYouTube, FacebookShare this with a fellow whiskey loverLeave a review to help grow the community🥂 Closing Thought Some brands follow the rules. Others rewrite them. Chattanooga Whiskey chose the second path.

    1h 25m

  6. Apr 21

    Season 3 Ep. 20: What Liquor Stores DON’T Tell You (Allocations Exposed) ft. Vick @kenny18bts

    Tasting Notes:  Ever wonder who actually decides what hits the shelf… and what never makes it out of the warehouse? Jason sits down with Vick, owner of Kenny 18 Bottle Shop in Atlanta, to break down the real world of liquor retail—allocations, hype bottles, hidden gems, and what customers get completely wrong. What We Get Into: 🥃 The Truth About Allocations It’s not just luck—there’s strategy, relationships, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes maneuvering. 📈 Bourbon vs. Tequila Boom Is bourbon cooling off? Is tequila next in line for allocation chaos? 👀 Hype vs. Reality Blanton’s, Weller… worth it? Plus: underrated bottles you’re probably overlooking. 🛒 Customer Mistakes Buying the name instead of the juice—and how to break that habit. 📱 Social Media’s Impact Great for exposure… dangerous when hype replaces honesty. 👉 The best bottle isn’t the most popular one… …it’s the one you actually enjoy drinking. 🏪 What Makes Kenny 18 Different: Community-first vibe 🤝Real conversations, not sales pitchesSampling + education over pushing productFollow Kenny 18 Bottle Shop: Instagram: @kenny18btsFollow The Dram Amateur Podcast: Instagram: @dram_amateurYouTube, Facebook🎯 Final Pour Vick’s goal is simple: Put the right bottle in your hands… and let word of mouth do the rest. 🎧 Listen Now Tap in, pour something good, and enjoy the conversation. Until next time—one more pour. 🥃

    1h 11m

  7. Apr 7

    Season 3 Ep. 19: From Zamboni Driver to Spirits Obsession ft. @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppers (Part 2)

    🥃 Tasting Notes: What happens when a hockey-loving Zamboni driver falls headfirst into the world of whiskey, rum, tequila, and cigars? In this episode, I sit down with Jerry—co-host of Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes and the voice behind @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppers. From COVID-fueled curiosity to building a collection of hundreds of bottles, Jerry shares how passion, patience, and community shaped his journey. We talk mezcal surprises, rum revelations, evolving palates, and why sometimes the best pour isn’t the rarest bottle—it’s the right one for the moment. And yeah… we also talk about driving a Zamboni 🧊 🔥 What We Get Into 🧊 From hockey rinks to whiskey glasses: Jerry’s unexpected journey🥃 The COVID turning point that changed everything🌵 Falling down the tequila & mezcal rabbit hole🍌 Breaking down a wild 17-year Trinidad rum pour💸 Why chasing bottles isn’t the move anymore🧠 How your palate actually evolves over time🎙️ Building Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes from the ground up🧔 The beard game… and the products that actually work🤝 Community over hype—always🎯 Key Takeaways Your palate will change—what you loved early on may not stickTrying before buying saves money and regretRum and tequila are still wildly underrated categoriesThe “story” matters… but the moment matters moreCommunity is what keeps this whole thing fun💬 Standout Moment “It’s more important what you say no to than what you say yes to.”That applies to bottles… and honestly, everything else too. 🎧 Why You Should Listen If you’ve ever: Bought a bottle you regrettedWondered how your taste changed over timeFelt overwhelmed by all the options out thereThis episode hits home. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it’s exactly what this community is about. 📲 Where to Connect Follow Jerry: Instagram: @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppersPodcast: Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes @bourbonbeardsandbelvederesFollow The Dram Amateur Podcast: Instagram: @dram_amateurYouTube, Facebook🥃 Final Pour This one’s about the journey. Not the hype bottles. Not the price tags. Just good pours… good people… and figuring it out along the way. Until next time—one more pour. 🥃

    1h 19m

  8. Mar 25

    Season 3 Ep. 18: From Zamboni Driver to Spirits Obsession ft. @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppers (Part 1)

    🥃 Tasting Notes: What happens when a hockey-loving Zamboni driver falls headfirst into the world of whiskey, rum, tequila, and cigars? In this episode, I sit down with Jerry—co-host of Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes and the voice behind @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppers. From COVID-fueled curiosity to building a collection of hundreds of bottles, Jerry shares how passion, patience, and community shaped his journey. We talk mezcal surprises, rum revelations, evolving palates, and why sometimes the best pour isn’t the rarest bottle—it’s the right one for the moment. And yeah… we also talk about driving a Zamboni 🧊 🔥 What We Get Into 🧊 From hockey rinks to whiskey glasses: Jerry’s unexpected journey🥃 The COVID turning point that changed everything🌵 Falling down the tequila & mezcal rabbit hole🍌 Breaking down a wild 17-year Trinidad rum pour💸 Why chasing bottles isn’t the move anymore🧠 How your palate actually evolves over time🎙️ Building Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes from the ground up🧔 The beard game… and the products that actually work🤝 Community over hype—always🎯 Key Takeaways Your palate will change—what you loved early on may not stickTrying before buying saves money and regretRum and tequila are still wildly underrated categoriesThe “story” matters… but the moment matters moreCommunity is what keeps this whole thing fun💬 Standout Moment “It’s more important what you say no to than what you say yes to.”That applies to bottles… and honestly, everything else too. 🎧 Why You Should Listen If you’ve ever: Bought a bottle you regrettedWondered how your taste changed over timeFelt overwhelmed by all the options out thereThis episode hits home. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it’s exactly what this community is about. 📲 Where to Connect Follow Jerry: Instagram: @a_whiskey_kydd_and_his_peppersPodcast: Bourbon, Beards & Belvederes @bourbonbeardsandbelvederesFollow The Dram Amateur Podcast: Instagram: @dram_amateurYouTube, Facebook🥃 Final Pour This one’s about the journey. Not the hype bottles. Not the price tags. Just good pours… good people… and figuring it out along the way. Until next time—one more pour. 🥃

    1h 16m
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out of 5
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About

The Dram Amateur Podcast is your go-to show for exploring the fascinating world of bourbon, whiskey, rum, tequila, mezcal and everything in-between. Hosted by Jason, a passionate enthusiast and social media influencer, this podcast dives into the stories, history, and culture behind the spirits we love. From the thoughtful tastings and reviews to interviews with fellow influencers, industry experts, and aficionados, The Dram Amateur Podcast delivers insights for novices and seasoned connoisseurs alike.Whether you're here to find your next favorite bottle, learn about unique distilleries and brands, listen to stories, or simply enjoy spirited conversations this is your space to sip, savor, and celebrate the journey of a dram.

Information

  • Creator
    The Dram Amateur Podcast
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dram Amateur
  • Show Website
    The Dram Amateur

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