The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G

Arthur G
  • 5.0 (25)
  • Comedy Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G is where drinks, stories, and the hospitality industry go down smooth. Formerly known as Bourbon & Bullsht*, host Arthur G continues the tradition of sharing a glass with guests from all walks of life—from master distillers and brand ambassadors to nurses, teachers, and content creators. Each week, we dive deep into the world of spirits, featuring exclusive interviews with icons like Ardbeg, Ron del Barrilito, and Zomoz Mezcal. Whether you’re a bourbon beginner or a seasoned scotch collector, we explore the history, craftsmanship, and "artistic reality" behind your favorite bottles. Every month, we raise a special toast to the real MVPs: the bartenders, servers, and hospitality pros who keep our spirits high. It’s heartfelt, a little buzzed, and always worth the last call. Subscribe for: Bourbon reviews, distillery backstories, hospitality industry insights, and authentic conversations that prove the best stories happen after the last call.

  1. Sep 18

    Jamal Giles on Culinary Cocktails, Mezcal Vago Terroir, Elijah Craig & Widow Jane

    Jamal Giles on Culinary Cocktails, Mezcal Vago Terroir, and Heaven Hill Show Notes: How does an NYC art student become a National Mixologist for Heaven Hill? On this episode of The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G, Jamal Giles drops by to share his journey from a trial-by-fire New Year's Eve bartending shift to shaping Miami's craft cocktail scene at Sugarcane and Bar Nancy. Jamal breaks down his culinary approach to cocktail creation and shares how he tailors bar programs for accounts of all skill levels. For the agave and whiskey geeks, this episode is packed with technical insights. We explore the deep terroir and label transparency of Mezcal Vago, why Tequila Ocho's single-estate vintages are changing the game, and the unique Brooklyn identity behind Widow Jane's limestone-proofed bourbon. Key Highlights: The Miami Craft Boom: Jamal's pivotal years at Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill and Bar Nancy. Agave Deep Dive: Demystifying Mezcal Vago's expressions (El Manantial & Elote) and Tequila Ocho's vintage approach. American Whiskey: The blending artistry of Widow Jane vs. the traditional heritage of Elijah Craig. Industry Insights: How culinary techniques translate to better drink building and menu development. Links & Resources: Follow Jamal Giles: @jmalgls  Follow The Last Call Podcast on Instagram: lastcallwitharthur Discover Mezcal Vago, Tequila Ocho, and Heaven Hill: @mezcalvago @tequilaocho @heavenhilldistillery (Chapters/Timestamps are included for supported podcast players) 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:48 Jamal’s Origin Story 02:57 Art School to Barback 04:22 First Bartending Break 05:15 Miami and Sugarcane Era 08:23 Supplier Side Pivot 11:13 Culinary Cocktail Style 16:11 Bar Nancy and Tiki Shift 19:20 Brand Advocacy Approach 23:46 Mezcal Vago Explained 30:42 Vago Bottle Picks 34:17 Tequila Ocho Terroir 38:15 Better Tequila Tastes 39:36 Cheap Tequila Memories 40:50 Reckless Drinking Days 41:35 Brooklyn Bourbon Story 45:48 Blending Gets Respect 47:09 Elijah Craig Versus Widow 49:10 Old Fashioned Contest Recipe 52:11 Baby Jane First Pour 56:48 Deathbed Drink Pick 01:00:46 Events Projects And Farewell

  2. Aug 28

    Breaking Industry Stigmas: How SupportCraft is Uniting Veteran-Owned Beverage Brands

    Barbook Updates + SupportCraft’s Frontline Tastings: Elevating Veteran-Owned Beverage Brands with Michael Waskiewicz What does the future of personalized flavor matching look like—and how can the craft beverage industry create real, lasting visibility for veteran distillers and brewers? In this episode of The Last Call Podcast, host Arthur G. sits down with Michael Waskiewicz, co-founder of the Barbook app and board member of SupportCraft, to break down game-changing tech updates in beverage discovery and the mission to build an official market category for veteran-owned brands. Michael gives us an inside look at Barbook’s latest evolution—including integrated direct-to-consumer (DTC) purchasing, white-label technology licensing for industry websites, and its custom-built, proprietary flavor-matching engine spanning craft spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, soda, and THC alternatives. Then, the conversation shifts to the founding of SupportCraft, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to breaking marketing stigmas, fostering workforce development, and providing veteran craft producers a unified platform. In this episode, we cover: Barbook’s Tech Evolution: Expanding beyond spirits into NA, craft soda, and THC alternatives with custom, non-public AI flavor algorithms. Direct-to-Consumer & Licensing: Bridging user discovery with partner inventory and website integration. The Mission of SupportCraft: Why veteran-owned brands need collective visibility and a dedicated industry category. Tackling the Stigma: Addressing the nuances of veterans working within the adult beverage space. Upcoming Events & Initiatives: Frontline Tastings in Tampa (Sept 22 Industry Social / Sept 24 Public Tasting), the Daytona 500 Fundraiser (Feb 21), and a preview of the consumer data–driven People’s Pour Awards (2027). Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome Back & Guest Intro 01:19 – Barbook Updates & New Milestones 02:20 – How Barbook’s Flavor-Matching Algorithm Works 03:47 – Social Taste Networks & Building Independent Tech 07:27 – Moving Beyond Industry Hype & Unicorn Chasing 11:34 – Connecting with Veterans in the Craft Beverage Space 13:43 – Why Veteran-Owned Brands Need Greater Visibility 17:01 – The Founding & Growth of SupportCraft 22:41 – Breaking Stigmas & Rethinking Beverage Marketing 28:38 – Frontline Tastings: Tampa Event Details 31:12 – Media Night Strategy & Community Collaboration 34:05 – The Power of Collective Brand Scale 36:02 – Key Partner Wins & Industry Alliances 38:03 – Transparency in Nonprofit Operations 40:11 – Funding the Mission & Grassroots Support 41:18 – Looking Ahead: The People’s Pour Awards (2027) 47:40 – Understanding Modern Consumer Purchasing Habits 50:20 – Workforce Development & Industry Transitions 54:34 – How You Can Support the Mission 58:19 – Upcoming Event Dates, Locations & Links 59:48 – Closing Thoughts & Wrap-Up Connect & Learn More: SupportCraft: https://supportcraft.org/ | Instagram: support_craft Barbook App: https://thebarbook.app/ Follow The Last Call Podcast: Instagram: lastcallwitharthur

  3. Aug 14

    Emma Janzen on The Classic Cocktail Sessions & The Future of Mezcal

    In this episode, we sit down with James Beard Award-winning spirits journalist and author Emma Janzen. We dive deep into understanding spirits through their full cultural ecosystem, exploring how she broke into the drinks world through journalism, photography, and simply showing up to industry events. Emma also breaks down her latest project co-authored with bartender Toby Maloney, The Classic Cocktail Sessions—a fun, casual, step-by-step guide to dialing in the balance, texture, temperature, and aroma of classic drinks without getting bogged down in origin histories. Plus, we discuss the origins of her acclaimed Mezcal book, the vital need to treat agave spirits with cultural respect, and what to expect in her upcoming projects. 🥃 In This Episode, We Cover: Breaking into the Industry: How writing for newspapers and mastering photography led to a career in spirits and a role as an academy chair for 50 Best Bars. The Classic Cocktail Sessions: Taking a "punk-rock," mechanics-first approach to mastering cocktails. Mezcal's Cultural Impact: Why flavor diversity matters and the ethics of representation in the evolving agave landscape. What's Next: A sneak peek at the substantially updated second edition of her Mezcal book (coming 2027) addressing social, political, and environmental issues, plus a new Mexican-American cocktail book with Nacho Jimenez. ⏳ Chapter Markers: 00:00 Welcome Emma Janzen 01:20 New Book Announcement 02:17 Punk Rock Cocktail Guide 06:05 Skipping Cocktail History 07:34 Writing Into Spirits 12:02 Industry Openness & Mentors 13:02 Welcome Home Pour 14:36 Writing Meets Photography 17:55 Why Mezcal Matters 21:00 Mezcal Book Origins 23:38 Second Edition Rebuild 27:12 Ethics And Representation 28:40 Prequel To Manifesto 29:53 Craft vs Sessions 30:58 Co-author Workflow 34:07 Finding Their Voice 37:12 Mezcal Storytelling Lens 38:51 Second Edition Issues 40:08 Showing Up Matters 46:09 Respect the Culture 49:34 Deathbed Mezcal Pick 51:55 Projects and Farewell 54:28 Mosquito Control Ad Subscribe for more cocktail craft, industry interviews, and deep dives into the world of spirits!

  4. Jul 31

    Whiskey Valor Foundation: Veteran Wellness & Preventing Military DUIs with Luis Martinez Jr.

    What if the bourbon community could be the key to preventing military DUIs and addressing veteran mental health? Today on the Last Call Podcast, Arthur G. is joined by Luis Martinez Jr., a retired Marine, Pat Tillman Scholar, and founder of the Whiskey Valor Foundation. Luis unpacks his journey from military service and geospatial intelligence to discovering the power of the bourbon community at a wellness retreat. We discuss how Whiskey Valor is fulfilling its motto, “More than whiskey,” by funding rideshare vouchers to eliminate military DUIs and using that data to spot early signs of PTSD. In this episode, we cover: The Whiskey Valor Mission: How Luis is using Uber/Lyft vouchers to keep service members safe and identify early warning signs of financial stress or PTSD. Veteran Wellness Retreats: An inside look at their fully funded, judgment-free retreats that give veterans a safe space to connect and heal. Bourbon for a Cause: How distillery partnerships, wet labs, and special barrel picks are paying it forward—including a planned double-barrel release to benefit a fallen service member’s family. How You Can Help: Ways to get involved and support the foundation, even if you don't drink. Connect with Us: Whiskey Valor Foundation: https://whiskeyvalor.org/?srsltid=AfmBOorbqPf6hvby6npvMhLtBFfKc-3TL3Iqg-5x3j02kTqIQReV-cQg Follow Luis: @whiskeyvalor Follow Last Call Podcast: @lastcallwitharthur Episode Chapters: (00:00) Welcome and Mission (01:44) Luis’ Military Journey (03:23) Discovering Bourbon Culture (06:33) Pat Tillman Scholars Explained (09:19) Whiskey Valor Core Mission (11:28) Rideshare Program Impact (13:39) Education and Wet Labs (16:39) Wellness Retreat Approach (19:08) Aftercare and Early Check-Ins (23:20) Colorado Retreat Planning (25:15) A Life-Changing Moment (26:07) Impact Beyond Whiskey (27:46) Retreat Returns to Colorado (28:55) Barrel Pick Pay-It-Forward (32:50) Distillery Partners Explained (35:17) Behind the Scenes Grind (37:12) How to Support Without Drinking (40:22) Last Call Favorite Pour (42:26) Where to Follow and Upcoming Events (44:50) Final Thanks and Sign Off

  5. Jul 17

    Trendsetter Spirits: Crafting Rum & Giving 100% to Homeless Veterans with Dr. Ken Thompson

    How does a search for a 10-year anniversary bottle turn into a craft spirits brand that gives 100% of its profits to homeless veterans? In this episode, host Arthur Gatton sits down with US Army veteran Dr. Ken Thompson. Dr. Thompson is the founder of Trendsetter Spirits, born out of the Alpha Omega Phi Military Fraternity and Sorority and brought to life through a partnership with veteran-owned Dragon Distillery in Maryland. Dr. Thompson opens up about his personal journey of retiring from the military in 2009, managing PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, and channeling his experiences into earning a doctorate to help other transitioning veterans. Tune in as we discuss the nuances of small-batch rum production, how they developed their massive hit—Mango Pineapple rum—and what it takes to land shelf space at giants like Total Wine. Most importantly, you'll hear how every single bottle sold translates directly into veteran programming, golf therapy, and community support. If you want to drink well and do good, this is an episode you can't miss. Support the Mission & Get Your Bottle: Trendsetter Spirits: https://trendsetterspirits.com Alpha Omega Phi Military Fraternity & Sorority: https://www.alphaomegaphi.org Dragon Distillery: https://www.dragondistillery.com Connect on Social Media: Trendsetter Spirits IG: @trendsetterspirits Trendsetter Spirits Facebook: Trendsetter Spirits Alpha Omega Phi IG: @alphaomegaphi If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! 🎧 Episode Chapters 00:00 Meet the Guest 01:17 Trendsetter Spirits Origin 03:29 Nonprofit Mission 04:53 Military to Boardroom 06:58 Doctorate With Purpose 09:30 Why Trendsetters 10:42 Pandemic Outreach 12:14 How to Get Involved 14:03 Brand Bottles and Distribution 16:48 Choosing Rum 18:02 Small Batch Process 20:10 Flavor Development 21:32 Mango Pineapple Hit 22:02 Flavor Testing Timeline 23:13 Store Driven New Releases 24:05 Winning Big Retail 25:50 Bottles To Veteran Impact 27:54 Golf Therapy For Veterans 31:47 Next Markets And Events 34:39 How To Buy And Request 36:23 Signature Cocktail Tips 37:20 Mission And Social Links 39:29 Mosquito Control Sponsor

  6. Jul 3

    Tiki, Touring & Metal: Richie Brown (I Am Morbid / Terrorizer) on Permanent Vacation, European Festivals & Tour Bus Mixology

    How does a death metal guitarist end up building one of Florida's premier tropical cocktail programs?  This week on The Last Call Podcast, host Arthur G sits down with Richard “Richie” Brown, guitarist for I Am Morbid and Terrorizer, and the creative force behind Permanent Vacation. Richie opens up about balancing a dual career shredding on stage at massive European festivals like Belgium's Graspop and managing a high-volume, world-class tiki bar.  We talk about the recent "Speed Freak" takeover night with Paris’ legendary Dirty Dick, the hospitality philosophy inspired by Pittsburgh’s Hidden Harbor, and how Richie runs a fully functioning cocktail bar directly out of his tour bus bunk. Plus, Richie drops exclusive updates on Terrorizer’s upcoming album, their transition to festival-focused touring, and a whirlwind travel guide featuring bar finds in Bangkok, Singapore, Poland, and Baba Au Rum in Athens. Pull up a stool for a deep dive into the unexpected parallels between commanding a metal stage and commanding a bar.  Inside this episode: • [01:17] The "Speed Freak" Dirty Dick's Paris pop-up. • [02:53] Playing Europe's massive festivals vs. club tours. • [14:06] Transitioning from music to high-end bartending and consulting. • [23:52] Tiki community menu philosophy and Hidden Harbor's influence. • [28:11] Global bar crawl: Bangkok, Singapore, Bulgaria, and Athens. • [37:07] Tipping culture, respect, and European vs. American hospitality. • [42:38] How to pack a functional cocktail bar on a tour bus. Connect with The Last Call Podcast on social media to see behind-the-scenes photos and cocktail recipes from this episode!  Support our sponsor: https://www.byrnepest.com/

  7. Jun 15

    Glenmorangie’s Harrison Ford Edition, “A Tale Of” Series & The Science of Fruity Whisky (with Glenmo Dan)

    Dive deep into the world of single malt scotch with returning guest Daniel Crowel (“Glenmo Dan”), Glenmorangie’s National Brand Ambassador! In this episode, host Arthur G sits down with Dan to explore the cutting edge of Glenmorangie's whisky experimentation. We taste the highly anticipated Harrison Ford limited edition (finished in re-toasted Portuguese red wine casks) and discuss how the Hollywood legend actually helped refine the final profile. Plus, we pull back the curtain on Dr. Bill Lumsden’s fearless creative process, the evolution from the Private Editions to the new “A Tale Of” series, and the fascinating science behind Glenmorangie’s signature ester-driven, fruity style. In this episode, we cover: The Harrison Ford Partnership: A tasting and breakdown of the new 46.5% ABV, non-chill filtered limited release. Behind the Barrel: Dr. Bill Lumsden’s massive library of simultaneous whisky experiments. Fermentation Science: How Glenmorangie’s hard, mineral-rich spring water dictates yeast nutrition and flavor. "Once Upon a Time in Scotland": Spotlighting the actual distillery workers behind your favorite drams. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Welcome Back Glenmo Dan aka Daniel Crowel  01:23 Fans Ask: Experimental Bottles 02:44 Private Editions And “A Tale Of” 04:51 Meet Dr. Bill Lumsden 07:01 How Experiments Run In Parallel 09:37 Why Time Cannot Be Rushed 11:06 Harrison Ford Limited Edition 14:33 Celebrity Endorsement Done Right 19:14 Cask Recipe And Tasting Notes 25:43 Once Upon A Time In Scotland 28:03 The People Behind The Whisky 31:24 Spirits, Music, And Memory 32:36 Whiskey Memories and Music 35:05 Distillery Pride and Joy 37:20 Hard Water Fermentation Science 42:07 Against Whiskey Marketing Bias 44:53 Whiskey Speed Dating Events 48:07 Dr. Bill’s Fearless Creativity 52:36 Experimental Releases Explained 55:35 Musician Collab Dream Cask 01:01:23 Where to Find Dan 01:02:51 Final Thanks and Sign Off 01:04:39 Sponsor: Mosquito Control If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

  8. May 29

    Keepers of the Quaich & The Art of Blending with Dewar’s Gabriel Cardarella

    Does blended Scotch truly get the respect it deserves? We dive deep into the technical craft and history of blending to find out. On this episode of The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G, we sit down with Gabriel Cardarella, North American Brand Ambassador for Dewar’s. We are breaking down the intricate details of Dewar’s double aging process, the persistent myths surrounding blended scotch, and how Master Blender Stephanie McLeod is spearheading massive innovation across their portfolio. Gabe also shares his wildly unconventional career path—transitioning from managing tours for the Jackass crew to becoming a highly respected whiskey educator inducted into the Keepers of the Quaich. We explore the philosophy behind experimental releases like the Stone Toasted series, discuss Dewar’s role as the official Scotch of the US Open, and conduct a focused tasting of Dewar’s 12 (featuring a first-fill unrinsed bourbon cask finish sourced from Angel’s Envy) and Dewar’s 15. Grab a glass and join us as we explore how whiskey connects people through time, place, and memory. In this episode, we cover: The truth about age statements and why they don’t automatically equal quality. The technical mechanics of Dewar’s double aging and cask finishing. Gabe's journey into the Keepers of the Quaich in 2024. Tasting notes on Dewar's 12 (Bourbon Finish) and Dewar's 15. Modern bar culture, the Highball soda hack, and frozen Penicillin ideas. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to the Dewar's Deep Dive 02:01 - Gabe’s People-First Philosophy 05:06 - Beyond the Script: Authentic Whiskey Talk 09:51 - Dewar's Heritage and Innovation 15:12 - Why Blends Deserve Respect 17:29 - Age Statements and Time Capsules 20:41 - Meet the Makers Behind the Whisky 22:25 - From Jackass Tours to Scotch 27:16 - Keepers of the Quaich Explained 31:10 - Proving Credibility in Scotch 34:14 - Golf, the 19th Hole, and US Open Limited Releases 36:33 - Hyper-Local Cask Finishes 40:44 - The Discovery Mindset in Whiskey 42:05 - Blends vs. Single Malts 43:03 - Dewar's 12 Bourbon Finish 45:12 - Tasting Notes & Storytime 50:50 - Single Malts Worth Exploring 54:20 - The Stone Toasted Challenge 56:57 - How Dewar's 12 Drinks 59:07 - Scotch in Modern Cocktails 01:01:13 - The Highball Soda Hack 01:02:51 - Frozen Penicillin Ideas 01:08:13 - Desert Island Dram 01:10:29 - Deathbed Drink Choice 01:13:06 - Dewar's 15 Deep Dive 01:15:13 - Media-Inspired Cocktails 01:19:54 - Wrap Up & Where to Find Gabe

    Keepers of the Quaich & The Art of Blending with Dewar’s Gabriel Cardarella
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About

The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G is where drinks, stories, and the hospitality industry go down smooth. Formerly known as Bourbon & Bullsht*, host Arthur G continues the tradition of sharing a glass with guests from all walks of life—from master distillers and brand ambassadors to nurses, teachers, and content creators. Each week, we dive deep into the world of spirits, featuring exclusive interviews with icons like Ardbeg, Ron del Barrilito, and Zomoz Mezcal. Whether you’re a bourbon beginner or a seasoned scotch collector, we explore the history, craftsmanship, and "artistic reality" behind your favorite bottles. Every month, we raise a special toast to the real MVPs: the bartenders, servers, and hospitality pros who keep our spirits high. It’s heartfelt, a little buzzed, and always worth the last call. Subscribe for: Bourbon reviews, distillery backstories, hospitality industry insights, and authentic conversations that prove the best stories happen after the last call.

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