Pouring Stories

Michael Giambrone
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Food
  • Updated Biweekly

Pouring Stories is a Hospitality Podcast produced at the host Giambrone's home bar. The aim of our show it to give a sincere look inside the business of hospitality and entertainment. Set in Las Vegas and featuring rotating guests, who share their own personal experiences with hospitality or their contributions to their craft. Serious and unserious topics alike for the home bar enthusiast, all the way to seasoned professionals and resort operators. There will be spirits experts, Vegas Performers, and many more.

  1. The REAL “Most Interesting Man In The World”, The Wine Guy | Renato Lebron | Pouring Stories S2 Ep6

    2d ago

    The REAL “Most Interesting Man In The World”, The Wine Guy | Renato Lebron | Pouring Stories S2 Ep6

    In our 6th episode, Renato LeBron, known simply as The Wine Guy in Las Vegas, sits down and shares his journey.From Q-Tester, judging green coffee beans, to cheesemonger (a master of cheese making), to Journeyman Chocolatier, then to advanced sommelier. Eventually he uses his major in economy to join Merrill Lynch in San Francisco, before leaving that for Mondavi’s Opus when it was just being built. So how the heck did he end up working for Trader Joe’s? So much to learn from him in such a short time. Find out something about everything with the real “World’s Most Interesting Man”.00:00 Intro to Renato LeBron (teaser)00:26 First Rusty Nail3:03 Drambui 5:00 (The cocktail we couldn’t figure out was the Bobby Burns)6:30 Coffee Bean - Q Grader(1 of Less than 600)9:45 Cheese Monger13:12 Journeyman Chocolatier 17:08 Sommelier (WSET Advanced)19:24 Econ major - Merrill Lynch  20:50 Robert Mondavi and Opus24:15 Trader Joe’s 26:10 Riedel Glassware 27:08 Jitters Coffee before there was Starbucks32:00 The Martinez34:30 Tony Abou-Ganim Modern Moxologist & Johnny Love35:35 Garnish as an afterthought!37:20 Joe Pereira - Blood & Sand,Luxardo cherry Sangue Morlacco38:45 Coffee Talk 46:28 Garnish P2 - PEELS 51:00 First Time Bar Lead52:30 Pisco sour: egg white 53:30 Juyoung 56:00 Cole and sprite is not Gingerale! 59:35 Trader Joe's all employees do all jobs 1:03:00 Old Pal1:06:07 a man's glass1:07:00 Class Jozef Latasi 1:08:29 Butcher and thief1:11:00 The Sommelier is a dying art1:16:00 servers and bartenders should go out and experience other conceptsRusty Nail (Our proportions):2.00 oz Johnny Walker Black1.00 oz Drambui Garnish - Lemon Peel Either Build in glass with regular ice or combine ingredients in mixing glass, add ice, stir, and strain over large cube and garnish with a lemon peel. The Martinez Recipe:1.50 Hayman's Old Tom1.50 1757 Cinzano rosso 0.25 Maraschino Liqueur2 dashes angostura Garnish - Orange peelCombine ingredients in mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into chilled Coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel.Old Pal Recipe:1.00 Minden Mill Rye whiskey1.00 Campari1.00 Dry vermouthGarnish - Lemon peelCombine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir. Pour into a Nick and Nora glass and garnish with a lemon peel.Special Thank you to Renato Lebron for years of bringing delicious Trader Joe’s Snacks to the many bars I’ve served you at & for taking the time to share some of your story! @C @Coffeewme Created & hosted by Michael GiambroneExecutive producer: Angelo Cabanos

    1h 22m
  2. Behind the Scenes, Relationships, & Tequila Mules | Katie Kush | Pouring Stories S2 Ep5

    Jun 4

    Behind the Scenes, Relationships, & Tequila Mules | Katie Kush | Pouring Stories S2 Ep5

    Katie Kush sits down with Giambrone for a candid, fun, and eye-opening conversation on Pouring Stories Season 2 Episode 5. The adult film star shares her real experiences in the industry, from her favorite gonzo-style scenes and surprising least favorite moments (including VR) to the unique chemistry that makes or breaks a shoot. Katie opens up about relationships, industry judgments, weird directors, OnlyFans impact, and what life is really like in front of the camera. Along the way, we dive into her personal hobbies like junk journaling, awkward fetishes (yes, including horror-themed), psychology in adult film, and why she never watches her own work. This episode blends mixology, honest storytelling, and plenty of laughs - including her unforgettable “I can find the gutter!” moment. We also mix up some delicious tequila cocktails including a Tequila Mule & a Margarita. If you enjoy real conversations with fascinating people paired with great cocktails, this one delivers. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 Katie Kush Intro Teaser 00:25 Katie’s First Scene 02:40 Jalisco Tequila Mule 09:57 Copper Mug & Glassware 12:47 Least Favorite Scene… VR 13:25 Pillow Princess 14:33 Favorite Scene… Gonzo 15:25 Chemistry Between Actors 16:59 The Reality of Adult Film Shoots 18:25 Weird Directors 21:52 Relationships as a Performer 25:05 Judgments from Others 26:03 “I can find the gutter!” 😂 26:40 OnlyFans Impact 28:36 Pour Decisions: Meeting Katie Kush 30:53 Why Porn Sets Are Sober Environments 32:42 Cocktail Riffs on Classics 34:09 Cocktail Competitions 36:00 Basic B*tch Cocktails 38:25 Katie’s Hobbies Outside Work 41:00 Junk Journaling 44:34 Margaritas 47:15 Katie’s Feet Bartending 50:25 Awkward Fetishes: Horror p*rn 55:05 Psychology of the Industry 58:28 Katie Doesn’t Watch Her Own Films 59:45 Katie’s Dream lay 1:01:20 P*rn Mt. Rushmore Jalisco (Tequila) Mule ​00 Sieta Leguas Blanco Tequila​50 Fresh Lime Juice3-4oz San Benedetto Ginger beer Build in glass and stir. Garnish with any combination of candied ginger, lime wheel, & mint Margarita ​00 oz Siete Leguas Reposado​50 oz Pierre Ferrand Orange curaçao ​75 Fresh Lime Juice​50 agave syrup Add all ingredients in mixing tin, add ice, shake, strain into salt/tajin rimmed rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel Special thank you to Katie Kush for her honesty, energy, and willingness to share real stories. Created & Hosted by Michael Giambrone Executive Producer: Angelo Cabanos #KatieKush #PouringStories

    1h 3m
  3. Pain Killers, Integrity, & Developing New Business | J.R. Starkus | Pouring Stories S2 EP4

    May 19

    Pain Killers, Integrity, & Developing New Business | J.R. Starkus | Pouring Stories S2 EP4

    J.R. Starkus joins us at the Pouring Stories bar for a masterclass in hospitality, bar management, and opening successful venues. A true legend in Las Vegas for decades, J.R. went from leading mixologist to the face of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. He’s mentored countless industry professionals and continues to set the standard for what a career in beverage and hospitality can look like. This episode delivers an honest, intelligent breakdown of what bars get right and wrong - and why integrity should always come first.00:00 J.R. Starkus Intro Teaser 00:25 Nickel, Dime, Quarter. 02:15 Director Of Business Development For New Accounts 03:40 Southern Glazers Beverage Company 06:28 RX Boiler Room built for J.R. 07:54 Rookie Move 09:20 The Pain Killer 09:45 The Soggy Dollar Bar 11:47 J.R.’s Integrity  15:37 Expectations & Mise En Place  20:47 Opening bars… Initial plan vs reality 27:08 Cocktails trends - The Espresso Martini 29:26 Mental tricks on menus 31:07 Cognac - (Remy Martin) 34:39 Las Vegas not respected 36:55 I know it probably doesn’t work like that. 36:05 The Arts District  38:04 Sidecar - Dry Curaçao’s crucial role 42:07 Cognac - Most underrated spirit 43:10 J.R. Makes Drinks 45:14 Patron Cristalino - Margarita 47:33 Barrel Aged Spirits 52:05 Weber Ranch Vodka 54:30 “Gluten Free” spirits 57:03 Bars have evolved  59:38 Collecting Mentors 1:01:13 The Costs and Rewards of a career in “Beverage” Special Thanks to J.R. Starkus for years of mentorship and being a leader in the Las Vegas and global beverage industry.  Pusser’s Painkiller Recipe: Ingredients: 2 oz Pusser’s Rum 4 oz Pineapple Juice 1 oz Orange Juice 1 oz Cream of Coconut Fresh grated nutmeg (for garnish) Build: Shake all ingredients with ice. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with freshly grated nutmeg. Recipes: The Side Car 1.50oz Remy Martin VSOP 1.00oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao 0.75oz Fresh Lemon Juice Garnish half sugar rimmed coupe glass & Lemon Peel. Build: Add all ingredients into a shaker tin, add ice, shake vigorously, and double strain into a Half sugar rimmed coupe glass. Garnish with expressed lemon peel.

    1h 7m
  4. The Lost Episode with Spirit & Seoul | Jen Yim & Joe Arakawa | Pouring Stories S1 Ep19

    May 11

    The Lost Episode with Spirit & Seoul | Jen Yim & Joe Arakawa | Pouring Stories S1 Ep19

    During the end of season 1, production went off the rails and Pouring Stories had to go a new direction with our editing. This was this final episode of our first season. It was an amazing episode that deserved more attention. Despite the production issues I wanted to share it with the world. Joe and Jen are incredible people and I am thrilled to share their perspective with my audience! 00:00 Intro teaser 00:38 Joe Arakawa intro Cynar Southside 2:40 Worlds Best 10:37 Spirit & Seoul 14:30 USBG 17:55 Not Just a bartender 18:58 Jen’s official intro LPM 19:35 Craft Bartender’s incomes 22:50 “Deckered" It’s been rough 23:46 Consistency 27:00 Jen’s Cocktail Kuramoto Ice 28:00 Shaved Ice 29:29 Shochu vs. Soju vs Baijiu 35:00 Highball History 41:20 FRESH ORIGINS 45:30 Buzz Button 46:30 Verbena at Cosmo - Lorena Mercer 47:54 Biju - Ming River 53.20 Cultures Bartenders 1:06:00 Horse Radish 1:13:20 A special riff on a Vesper 1:20:00 Batch Programs 1:29:00 Brick and Mortar 1:34:33 Outro Fernet Birria Consume Special thanks to Spirit & Seoul (Joe & Jen) for their years of friendship and patience! Created and Hosted by Michael GiambroneEdited by Kyler Fleming

    1h 38m
  5. Mocktails, Zero Proof, & The New "Veganism" | Eryn Korby | Pouring Stories S2 Ep3

    Apr 30

    Mocktails, Zero Proof, & The New "Veganism" | Eryn Korby | Pouring Stories S2 Ep3

    Eryn Korby, Owner Of Sin City Saints, visits Pouring Stories for Episode 3 of Season 2!  Sin City Saints is an Adult Non Alcoholic Boutique, located on Main Street, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She carries amazing zero proof spirits and she brings some for us to try. Korby even makes a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned! We talk about the direction the industry is going, the shift to other substances from alcohol, and how the industry should react! Please like, subscribe, and leave a comment/suggestion, to help our podcast grow! 00:00 Intro Teaser 00:00 Eryn Korby Introduction (Teaser) 00:28 Pouring Stories Season 2 Episode 3 01:54 Adult Non Alcoholic industry  02:30 Sin City Saints Retail in Arts District   03:30 “The New Veganism” 7:20 Who is driving growth?  9:19 “ZEBRA STRIPING” https://www.foodandwine.com/dry-january-zebra-striping-11880462  11:27 N/A Amaro - Pathfinder 12:48 The Ritual of having a cocktail. 14:35 “The 3 B’s: Bite, Bitter, & Body!”  16:55 All bars need Zero Proof offerings  19:07 Analog ANAs. 22:00 Alcohol in sour dough, bananas, etc. https://nabeerclub.com/can-you-buy-drink-na-beer-under-21/  23:30 Can anyone purchase N/A beers? 26:13 How to add bite! Capsaicin. 30:00 “Mocktail” - Julia Momose https://bartenderatlas.com/hospitality-gems/julia-momose/ 33:00 Who should judge Non-alchs 34:20 Derek Brown 35:23 “Que The Sober People” 35:50 The Proof Awards https://issuu.com/proofthemagazine/docs/pr_f_magazine_-_january_2-26 38:13 All The Bitters - Best N/A bitters 40:55 Adaptogens and nootropics 42:35 DROMME  44:25 Tasting notes 45:22 Off the cuff cocktail building 47:27 18 Bin 49:00 Building the cocktail 53:20 Inclusive Hospitality 57:25 Feeling judged 1:01:06 Korby Makes Dromme O.F. 1:05:20 “You take the pink one!” Tasting Korby’s creation.  01:06:38 Favorite spots to get ANA bevs. 1:08:20 Where to find Korby!  Special Thanks to Korby for all her expertise and her time!  Check out Saint Beverage Co.  Dromme O.F. 2.00 oz Nkd N/A whiskey 1.00 oz Dromme Calm 0.50 oz Charred Oak & Maple Yesco 10 dashes All The Bitters Orange Combine all ingredients in mixing glass, add ice, stir. Strain over a large cube in a rocks glass.  Garnish with Orange peel and cherry   Hosted and Created by Michael Giambrone Executive Producer: Angelo Cabanos

    1h 12m

  6. Mar 31

    "Even When They're Bad They're Still Good" | Jive Turkey's Adam O'Donnell | Pouring Stories S2 EP2

    Adam O'Donnell, Co-Owner of Jive Turkey in Las Vegas, returns to Pouring Stories for our second episode of season 2. Like at his and Sam's bar "Jive Turkey", Adam is back on the podcast to push boundaries! The conversation goes from shooters and gendered ordering to the history of the Old Fashioned and Luxardo cherries. All along Adam uses his shocking sense of humor to surprise the host G. There is a lot of playful word jousting but at the end you know, this is just how two good friends, show their love. Please rate and follow our channel to help our podcast grow! 00:00 Introducing Adam O'Donnell 01:58 A Jabroni vs A Giambrone 02:40 Cement Mixer… 05:48 An Old Fashioned Argument 08:55 Season 2 changes... ANGELO! 11:00 An education on Luxardo & Perla Dry! 15:00 Gendered P-Mix (men vs. women ordering trends) 17:30 Shumaker deserves better! 19:50 “Other People’s Property” at Jive Turkey 22:08 Saturday Morning Cartoons NotJustABartender 23:26 Building Cocktail Menus 26:55 THE COSTS OF OWNERSHIP 29:45 “Irrealistic” IS IT A WORD? P1 30:40 Does lime go in a Pina Colada? 32:15 "Irrealistic" P233:10 Picking Rum 34:20 "Irrealistic" P3 35:31 Recipe: The piña COLADA (Scarface) 36:55 Ferraro’s Cardamom Saffron tincture 39:55 “Even when they’re bad, they’re still good” 41:15 Finishing The drink 43:43 “oooh weee, I think we got something here” 44:50 Liquid Alchemist 47:21 How to make a cocktail 50:25 What makes a “Dive Bar”? 52:25 Tiki Bars 53:00 Cannibalizing Bramare (Allegedly) 55:10 Dives vs Tiki P2 57:00 Stereotypes 57:55 Dives P3 dives vs sports bars 1:00:00 Jive’s Chicken Sandwich. 1:08:00 Malort 1:11:07 Refused Icing 1:15:10 1:15:57 icing p2 end 1:16:501:18:00 Nocturno 1:20:00 Adam’s dessert island food - Burger 1:20:43 Bar Bohem's burger 1:21:50 “f**k your for icing me” P3 1:24:13 Cocktails “oh Malort” Blacking Out Recipe Bastardized piña colada 2.00 oz pineapple 1.00 oz coconut 0.50 oz Fernet Branca 0.50 oz Planteray Pineapple Stiggins 0.50 oz Lemon Hart & Sons 151 Rum 0.25 oz Fresh Lime Juice This Old Fashioned 2.50 oz Old Forester 100 prrof 0 .25oz simple syrup 3 dash Angostura bitters 2 dash Orange bitters G- Orange peel & Cherry Combine all ingredients in mixing glass, add ice, stir, strain over large cube. Express orange over cocktail and a cherry pick for garnish

    1h 28m

  7. Mar 17

    Self Caring, Tequila Side Sipping, & Wyld Ki | Heidi Wiest | Pouring Stories Podcast S2 Ep1

    Pouring Stories Season 2 Episode 1 Heidi Wiest, Master Hair Stylist, Sound Healer, and founder of Wyld Kī®, joins the Pouring Stories Podcast for our first episode of season 2. Heidi speaks to her over 25 years of experience in beauty and personal care, drinking expensive “cat coffee”, & enjoying good tequila, all while desperately seeking a decent Skinny Margarita! During the episode we test tequila's for additives, talk about the alleged shady practices of some brands, tattoo care, and G gets Heidi's personal touch with her product Ignite! As the drinks go down, the conversation ramps up in this hilariously good time! 00:00 Intro Heidi Wiest Teaser 00:20 Skinny Margaritas 01:45 Wyld Ki and Sound Healing 04:11 Skinny Margaritas p2 08:10 Sound Healing 09:48 Wyld Ki Dear Tallow 12:20 Men and Skin Care 15:25 Additives in Tequila 21:30 Tattoo Care 30:40 Routines & The Key To Sex-ess! 32:00 Comparing Tequilas 37:08 Side Sippin’ great Tequila 42:00 Quality vs. Hype 44:00 Tito’s will never sponsor us! 48:40 Allegedly! 52:52 G isn't an espresso expert... 55:10 Luwak (Cat Poop) Coffee 57:30 Carajillo riff with Ilegal Mezcal 60:00 First days of a new tattoo 65:00 Heidi melts G with "Ignite" from Wylde Ki 69:25 WRAP IT UP! Recipes Skinny Margarita 2.00 oz G4 Reposado Tequila 1.00 oz Cointreau 1.00 oz Fresh Lime Juice Shake and strain into Rocks Glass with Tajin rim Modified Carajillo 2.00 oz Fresh Espresso 1.50 oz Licor 43 0.50 oz Ilegal Caribbean Cask Reposado Shake and strain over ice and garnish with orange peel. Check out her website www.wyldki.com for all her amazing products (this is not a paid promotion). Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to see all of our episodes! A special thank you to our guest Heidi Wiest for her years of friendship and great hair cuts! Hosted and Created by Michael Giambrone Executive Producer: Angelo Cabanas

    1h 12m
  8. Nathan Grates on Building Sand Dollar & La Casa De Juliette | Pouring Stories Ep.18

    09/20/2025

    Nathan Grates on Building Sand Dollar & La Casa De Juliette | Pouring Stories Ep.18

    🎙 Pouring Stories Ep.18 - Giambrone sits down with Nathan Grates, co-owner of The Sand Dollar LV, Sand Dollar Downtown, and La Casa De Juliette, to talk about the grind behind building three of Las Vegas’ most respected cocktail and live-music destinations. From brutal late nights as a beverage manager to wild college bar shifts, Nate opens up about the real costs of success: Physical, emotional, and financial. We dive deep into cocktail competitions, sobriety in the industry, Las Vegas dram shop laws, and why authenticity beats hype every time. If you care about Las Vegas bars, cocktail culture, or the business of hospitality, this episode is pure gold. 💡 Why Watch / Listen ✔ Inside story of The Sand Dollar Las Vegas-from concept to cult status ✔ Brutally honest look at the hospitality industry: burnout, sobriety, and creative passion ✔ Cocktail nerd talk: Trinidad Sour, additive-free spirits, and Martingale Cognac ✔ Lessons on entrepreneurship, partnership, and staying authentic in a world of influencers ⏰ Chapters & Key Moments 00:00 Intro Teaser 01:04 Ole Bison Bourbon - Tasting room with Jeremy Wilkinson 02:30 Building a foundation 04:19 Beverage Manager Hell - “It Destroyed Me Physically & Emotionally” 07:55 First moments bartending - “Is this legal?” 11:26 Enthusiasm for bartending 12:18 Cocktail Competitions (Presentation) 14:18 Cocktail Competitions (Scoring bias) 15:45 Over-drinking & Sobriety in the beverage industry 18:35 D.U.I., Taking their Keys, & Dram Shop Laws in Las Vegas 22:45 Davey’s Locker 24:40 Bartending a College Bar - “I overserved everybody” 27:20 Media Dinners! 29:46 Concierge 31:31 Trinidad Sour - What did G do wrong? 35:00 G realizes his mistake! 37:00 Additive Free in the news! 42:55 Ghost Busters44:10 Corrected Trinidad Sour (after 2 bottles of ango) 45:54 La Casa De Juliette 50:00 No Smoking at The Dollar! 52:25 Girls love the most horrific content - Last Podcast on The Left 55:10 Nate & Jamison - Origins of true partnership 1:08:00 Born to work - It’s how you’re raised 1:14:00 10 Years of The Sand Dollar (Cancelled Comp?!) 1:26:00 Additive vs. Additive Free 1:28:10 Martingale Cognac 1:31:00 Guillaume Vallet - Louis XIII 1:32:00 “Certain cultures are notoriously poor at making beer” 1:33:50 Vegas Brewers 1:37:00 People who talk but never do 1:38:30 Bringing authenticity to content creation 🍹 Featured Drink – Trinidad Sour The Giuseppe Gonzalez recipe: 1.50 oz Angostura Aromatic Bitters 1.00 oz Orgeat 0.75 oz Lemon Juice 0.50 oz Rye Whiskey Shake with ice, double strain into a Nick & Nora, garnish with a lemon peel. 🎧 Pouring Stories Hosted & Produced by Michael Giambrone & Kyler Fleming Executive editor: Kyler Fleming Follow for more conversations with bartenders, spirits pros, and the people shaping cocktail culture. For more info on Nate's venues click the links below. https://lacasadejuliette.com/ https://thesanddollarlv.com/

    1h 45m
See All (21)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Pouring Stories is a Hospitality Podcast produced at the host Giambrone's home bar. The aim of our show it to give a sincere look inside the business of hospitality and entertainment. Set in Las Vegas and featuring rotating guests, who share their own personal experiences with hospitality or their contributions to their craft. Serious and unserious topics alike for the home bar enthusiast, all the way to seasoned professionals and resort operators. There will be spirits experts, Vegas Performers, and many more.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Giambrone
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michael Giambrone
  • Show Website
    Pouring Stories

You Might Also Like