The Philip Duff Show

Philip Duff
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Food
  • Updated Weekly

Liquor, bars, cocktails: the people and companies who make them, sell them and drink them, plus everything & everyone in-between, with your host, globetrotting spirits guy and escaped bartender, Philip Duff. 

  1. 1d ago

    #170, J’Nai Angelle Williams, Lead Bartender at the Chandelier Bar, Four Seasons New Orleans, & Content Creator

    J'Nai, a born-and-raised New Orleanian, is lead bartender at The Chandelier Bar inside the rather ritzy Four Seasons New Orleans, was just nominated into the final 4 for "US Bartender of the Year" at the 2026 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, makes content with her companies Pretty Magic Cocktails and Magic House Media, and is also awesome (we met on a shoot for Australian Bitters Co. that involved us, ahem, "taste-testing" Sazeracs at 10am in the Old Absinthe House on Bourbon St) and great fun, so onto the Philip Duff Show she goes! We talked about her upbringing, swerving from dentistry to bartending, how she got into the industry and into craft cocktails, finding her own voice, being Black in big-city New Orleans versus small-town Georgia, political polarisation , the joy of dive bars and how she just wants to be able to eat all of the garnishes, all the time!  J'Nai on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jnai.angelle Magic House Media: https://www.instagram.com/magichousemadeit Pick Up My Shift: https://www.instagram.com/pickupmyshift Pretty Magic Cocktails: https://www.instagram.com/prettymagiccocktails (Get in touch with Duff! Podcast business enquiries:  consulting@liquidsolutions.org  (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, nor listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview (or lurk on the Zoom.)   And our AI automatically deletes pitch emails that are clearly written using AI.  Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.org Philip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Faceboo...

    #170, J’Nai Angelle Williams, Lead Bartender at the Chandelier Bar, Four Seasons New Orleans, & Content Creator

  2. Jul 27

    #169, Philip Duff solo - The Tales (& Awards) recap! 27 July 2026

    Well, we - meaning me - survived Tales! (not that Delta Airlines were any bloody help).  Here's a recap of what I did, where I went and how I think it all shook out, including of course some  - sometimes salty - commentary on the Spirited Awards, said commentary applying to all the the other awards, Lists, nominations and suchlike that now bedevil our once-tranquil industry.  Enjoy! (Get in touch with Duff! Podcast business enquiries:  consulting@liquidsolutions.org  (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, nor listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview (or lurk on the Zoom.)   And our AI automatically deletes pitch emails that are clearly written using AI.  Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.org Philip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Faceboo...

    #169, Philip Duff solo - The Tales (& Awards) recap! 27 July 2026

  3. Jul 20

    #168, Leslie Merinoff Kwasnieski , master distiller, Matchbook Distilling, North Fork, Long Island, NY. 20 July 2026

    I didn't realise Leslie was the person behind Matchbook Distilling until I had her brother, Andrew Merinoff, on the show (Episode #154, here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Qgz2nPJNYyrVu4MnHoLfd?si=Ypn5UXXlTMii5zNOD_1KrQ ) I was aware of Matchbook, you see, because as well as making their own mindboggling spirits, Matchbook are spoken of reverently by the very best bars in New York, such as Death & Co., Eleven Madison Park, Shinji's (RIP), Schmuck, and more, for the custom distillates they will co-create with such bars to form the basis of truly unique cocktails.    So when I learned Leslie was the powerhouse behind this all I badly wanted to have her on the show - we just had to wait a couple of months, as she was 8 months pregnant (and still working!) when I first contacted her, not long after I had had  Andrew on.  The day finally came, and the conversation was amazing. She's had a wild route into this industry, from being born into American liquor royalty on both sides of her family, to home brewing in high school and college, immersing herself in the world of fruits and grains and vegetables, founding Matchbook, being awarded Distiller of the Year (2025) - and even becoming an innkeeper.  If you're even mildly interested by distilling, this is the episode for you.  Leslie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thebookofbam/ Matchbook on IG: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DZOIkukumxH/&ved=2ahUKEwi7muvuzLyVAxXEF2IAHU9gNKoQFnoECB4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw22tx7IOUyWGccq-Kw8L6uf Buy Matchbook products: https://mdcdropshop.com/collections/all Stay at the Lin Inn: https://linbeachhouse.com/ (Get in touch with Duff! Podcast business enquiries:  consulting@liquidsolutions.org  (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, nor listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview (or lurk on the Zoom.)   And our AI automatically deletes pitch emails that are clearly written using AI.  Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.org Philip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Faceboo...

    #168, Leslie Merinoff Kwasnieski , master distiller, Matchbook Distilling, North Fork, Long Island, NY. 20 July 2026

  4. Jul 13

    #167, Emma Janzen & Toby Maloney, award-winning authors of “The Bartender’s Manifesto” and “The Classic Cocktail Sessions”

    Toby is a veteran bartender and mixologist, who added high-level mixology to his legendary drinkmaking speed with stints at Milk & Honey (NY), The Violet Hour (Chicago) and Mother's Ruin, before turning his hand to (as well as consulting on bar programs) writing and co-authoring "The Bartender's Manifesto" with Emma, which won a James Beard award, and most recently "The Classic Cocktail Sessions" a prequel to the Manifesto.  Emma is an acclaimed Chicago-based spirits, cocktail and bars writer and author, and has won numerous James Beard awards in addition to the one for The Bartender's Manifesto.  This was really a chat about both the books they've written together, as well as the industry as a whole - enjoy! Emma on IG: https://www.instagram.com/emmajanzen/?hl=en Toby on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tobycocktail/?hl=en Buy the Bartender's Manifesto from an independent bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-bartender-s-manifesto-how-to-think-drink-and-create-cocktails-like-a-pro-emma-janzen/46c7cc8bda6b756b?ean=9780593137987  Buy the Classic Cocktail Sessions from an independent bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-classic-cocktail-sessions-a-bartender-s-new-fashioned-approach-to-the-world-s-most-beloved-recipes-emma-janzen/583e258db56145d2?ean=9780593798584 (Get in touch with Duff! Podcast business enquiries:  consulting@liquidsolutions.org  (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, nor listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview (or lurk on the Zoom.)   And our AI automatically deletes pitch emails that are clearly written using AI.  Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.org Philip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Faceboo...

    #167, Emma Janzen & Toby Maloney, award-winning authors of “The Bartender’s Manifesto” and “The Classic Cocktail Sessions”

  5. Jul 6

    #166, Scott Mayer, bartender, manager , beverage director & founder of Blended Family liqueurs

    I first ran into Scott down in New Orleans at Tales of the Cocktail, but we've since hung out many times, also in Atlanta. His story, about coming up in mixology, especially in Miami in the early years when it wasn't cool, is fascinating.  Like a lot of bartenders back then, he made his own bitters, syrups and liqueurs because the industry then hadn't yet caught up to the Second Golden Age of cocktails; unlike a lot of bartenders, he decided to make his experience into a branded range of liqueurs, higher quality than anything out there, yet priced to sell and work in cocktails.  We talk about illegal blackcurrants, Benedictine, Fernet, his love of amari generally, and we do a whole deeeeeeeeeep dive into liqueurs, so while this is on the nerdy side, if you read this far - you're very likely to enjoy it.  And if you do? Give us a five-star rating, post the episode on your socials, or recommend us to a friend.  Enjoy! Email Scott! mailto:scott@blendedfamilyspirits.com  Scott on IG: https://www.instagram.com/scottdmayer?igsh=ZzZtZmVobzA5bXFt Blended Family Liqueurs on IG: https://www.instagram.com/blendedfamilyspirits/?hl=en (Get in touch with Duff! Podcast business enquiries:  consulting@liquidsolutions.org  (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, nor listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview (or lurk on the Zoom.)   And our AI automatically deletes pitch emails that are clearly written using AI.  Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.org Philip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Faceboo...

    #166, Scott Mayer, bartender, manager , beverage director & founder of Blended Family liqueurs

  6. Jun 29

    #165, H. Joseph Ehrmann, owner, Elixir bar (San Francisco), Chief Mixology Officer, Fresh Victor cocktail mixers 29 June 2026

    H is an old friend and I'd been meaning to catch up with him anyway, but when I heard he was piloting a ground-breaking new mentorship program for bartenders, in association with the brand he helps spearhead, Fresh Victor, it was time to schedule a session.  From being a line cook to gaining an MBA, creating products for grocery and consulting on liquor brands, then breathing new life into San Francisco's second-oldest bar, he's done it all.  Enjoy! H on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktailambassadors/ Elixir on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elixirsf/ Fresh Victor: https://www.instagram.com/freshvictorcocktails/ (Get in touch with Duff! Podcast business enquiries:  consulting@liquidsolutions.org  (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, nor listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview (or lurk on the Zoom.)   And our AI automatically deletes pitch emails that are clearly written using AI.  Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.org Philip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Faceboo...

    #165, H. Joseph Ehrmann, owner, Elixir bar (San Francisco), Chief Mixology Officer, Fresh Victor cocktail mixers 29 June 2026

  7. Jun 22

    #164, Seymour Ferreira, global liquor CEO, brand owner (inc. Ridgeview Wine Estate), founder of Chimera import, distribution & brand development (UK)

    Seymour has has a long career in liquor and has been a global CEO multiple times, adding millions of cases and value to every firm he worked at, from the Philippines to Singapore, to Amsterdam, and from Allied-Domecq to Maxxium to Amber Beverage, and many more besides.  Seymour was my client for years, starting at Maxxium, and we developed a friendship that's seen us collaborate on many projects since.  His newest venture, Chimera brand development in the UK, is less than two years old but already has thousands of distribution points in bars and wholesalers throughout the UK and recently acquired the Ridgeview Wine Estate in England as well.  We talk about his upbringing and education, working for the Mars brothers, his route into liquor, how competitive it was back then, fighting counterfeiters in the Philippines, building global liquor brands, what's important, what isn't, and how it all works.   This is a great episode  - enjoy.  Seymour on IG: https://www.instagram.com/seymourferreira/ Seymour on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seymour-ferreira-3b41351  Chimer Brand Development:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWlisdcsPjY/ (Get in touch with Duff! Podcast business enquiries:  consulting@liquidsolutions.org  (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, nor listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview (or lurk on the Zoom.)   And our AI automatically deletes pitch emails that are clearly written using AI.  Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.org Philip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Faceboo...

    #164, Seymour Ferreira, global liquor CEO, brand owner (inc. Ridgeview Wine Estate), founder of Chimera import, distribution & brand development (UK)

  8. Jun 15

    #163, Hemant Pathak, partner & beverage director Junoon, Jazba, Room 207 & Tandoor Oven (NYC), World Class and Bacardi Legacy winner (India)

    Hemant , who is from a small village in the foothills of the Himalayas, became a star overnight after winning Diageo World Class India, followed quickly by winning Bacardi Legacy India, but when he moved to New York he was briefly homeless and just four weeks from returning to India. At the last moment he was connected to restaurateur  Rajesh Bhardwaj, owner of the Michelin-starred Junoon restaurant, where Hemant went on to become the beverage director and general manager. Subsequently Hemant was able to buy his own restaurant, Tandoor Oven on NY's Upper East Side, and go on to open the acclaimed Jazba and, most recently, Room 207 bar with Rajesh, and even open his own boutique hotel in his home town.  Hemant's a warm and cheerful man I've known for years, and it was a delight to get his full backstory - this is one of the best episodes we have taped, enjoy! Hemant on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hemantnyc/?hl=en Junoon: https://www.instagram.com/junoonnyc/?hl=en Jazba: https://www.instagram.com/jazbanyc/?hl=en Room 207: https://www.instagram.com/room207nyc (Get in touch with Duff! Podcast business enquiries:  consulting@liquidsolutions.org  (PR friends: we’re only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, we won’t supply prepared or sample questions, nor listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview (or lurk on the Zoom.)   And our AI automatically deletes pitch emails that are clearly written using AI.  Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.org Philip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Faceboo...

    #163, Hemant Pathak, partner & beverage director Junoon, Jazba, Room 207 & Tandoor Oven (NYC), World Class and Bacardi Legacy winner (India)
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Liquor, bars, cocktails: the people and companies who make them, sell them and drink them, plus everything & everyone in-between, with your host, globetrotting spirits guy and escaped bartender, Philip Duff. 

Information

  • Creator
    Philip Duff
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    170
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Philip Duff Show
  • Show Website
    The Philip Duff Show

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