Barrel to Bottle, The Binny's Podcast

Picking up from last week, the Barrel to Bottle crew is joined by the Whiskey Hotline to taste through all eight active distilleries in Scotland's Islay region. Part II covers the more peaty distilleries: Lagavulin, Caol Ila, Laphroaig and Ardbeg. Also silly hats. And stick around for our customer Q&A segment, when the Whiskey Hotline discuss what it takes for a distillery to get into the Binny's Handpicked Casks program.

Scotland's Islay makes some of the most distinctive and immediately recognizable whiskey in the world, from graceful and honeyed to richly peated, smoky and briny. The Barrel to Bottle crew teams up with the Whiskey Hotline in a guided tasting of all eight active distilleries on the Island, with lots of fun facts and Islay info along the way. Part I covers the less peaty distilleries: Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Bowmore and Kilchoman. Keep an eye out for Part II coming next week!

Black Friday in Chicago means heading to Binny's Lincoln Park for the annual release of one of the most collectible and desirable beers out there: Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout. This year's release includes eight unique versions: Original, Wheatwine, Reserve, Midnight Orange, Coffee Barleywine, Proprietor's, Vanilla and Bramble Rye. The Binny's crew got a sneak preview of the full lineup, and they run through their tasting notes, insider info and more in this week's Barrel to Bottle breaking news episode. […]

Brunello – it's one of the most iconic wines from Italy. On this admittedly geeky episode of Barrel to Bottle, Kristen leads the Binny's team through this world-famous Tuscan sub-region and the grape that makes it great. The team talks sangiovese at its finest, tasting 2012 Donatello Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino and 2013 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino. And stick around for the Q&A segment, when the team explains what makes a wine good for aging.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to live the glamorous life of a Binny's Wine Buyer? Meet Barbara Hermann. For the last 30 years, Barb has spearheaded the wine buying program at Binny's Beverage Depot. She joins the Barrel to Bottle team to cover how the wine world has evolved over the decades, about her extensive travel around the globe, about the Good Old Days, and how she works as a consumer advocate to find the best wines at the best prices.

When beer has needed a voice, Garrett Oliver has supplied it. Author of The Brewmaster's Table, regarded by many as the quintessential guide to beer and food pairing, and editor of the Oxford Companion to Beer – he has traveled the world, championing the cause of beer. He always found his way back home to the Brooklyn Brewery, where he's served as brewmaster for over 20 years. The Barrel to Bottle crew had the pleasure of sitting down with this industry icon, where they chatted about everything from classics styles to recent trends.

What do you get when you mix traditionally French varietals (plus a little riesling and gewurztraminer) with German winemaking knowhow? Alsace! The Barrel to Bottle team takes a closer look at one of the world's most iconic wine regions dedicated almost entirely to white wine production. Alsace is legendary for its benchmark examples of some of the world's most popular white wine varietals, unmatched in balance and concentration.

The Barrel to Bottle podcast crew celebrates 50 episodes with a special Q&A roundup. Submit your questions to @binnysbev on twitter, facebook or instagram, or email your questions to [email protected]. If the team answers your question on the podcast, you'll win a $20 Binny's Gift Card. This fun episode collects some lost Q&A segments, and that means we're giving away a whole bunch of Binny's Gift Cards.

This week on Barrel to Bottle, Pat and Roger sit down with Kentucky bourbon dignitary Wes Henderson. Along with his father, Lincoln Henderson, Wes created the category-defining Angel's Envy by blending bourbons finished in Port barrels. Wes talks bourbon heritage, his brand new Louisville distillery, and what's on the horizon for his iconic brand. Plus, Wes sticks around for our Q&A segment to answer your question about barrel toast and char.

Cans aren't just for beer! These days, innovative wineries and distilleries are joining breweries in packaging their beverages in this portable, lightweight and environmentally friendly aluminum container. The Barrel to Bottle crew breaks convention and tastes a collection of wines, cocktails and more from cans. Things get weird. Plus, stick around for this week's Q&A segment, when the team tackles your question about rose wine.

Beer is simple – just water, barley, hops and yeast, right? These days, breweries are adding all kinds of stuff to their beer, from fruit and spices all the way through candy and breakfast cereal. Roger leads the Barrel to Bottle crew through an epic tour and blind tasting across the spectrum of adjuncts in beer. And stick around for this week's double Q&A segment, where the team tackles two listener questions.

This week on Barrel to Bottle, Kristen and Greg sit down with two VIPs of California wine, Chris Benziger and John Concannon. Chris Benziger carries the tradition of his family's winery into the next generation, with all of Benziger's releases certified sustainable, organic or biodynamic. John Concannon is an advocate for environmental stewardship and sustainability. As a fourth generation vintner, he is hoping for a future as bright as his family's rich legacy: from bottling the first petite sirah in 1961 to importing key cab clones from Chateau Margaux in 1893 that are now found throughout California. Plus, Chris and John stick around to help with this week's customer Q&A about wine in cans.

Trophy hunting is a big thing in the whiskey world, but those bottles might only be available one day a year. The Barrel to Bottle team flips whiskey on its head by focusing on the bottom shelf – great whiskeys at a great price available every day. And in the Q&A segment, the Barrel to Bottle team gives their favorite non-Kentucky Bourbon picks.

This week on Barrel to Bottle, Rollin Soles is a scientist. An early "flying winemaker," Rollin gained experience as a fixer at wineries around the world before founding Argyle in Dundee, Oregon. Rollin sits down with Kristen to talk about Oregon's natural splendor, his no-nonsense approach to winemaking, and his newest project, ROCO Winery. Stick around for customer Q&A, when Kristen and Greg recommend citrusy wines.

What would you do if your prized stock of Trinidad rum – the inaugural release of your passion project and longshot startup – was accidentally blended with some random whiskey? If you were Turner Wathen, you would bottle it and sell it under the name Fortuitous Union (it helps that it's delicious). Wathen shares FU with the Barrel to Bottle Crew, plus he talks through the influence his family has had on the whiskey industry over the last two centuries.

When anyone mentions beer, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Pilsner – the brilliantly golden, effervescent and refreshing style. Born in Bohemia, Pilsner has become one of the most widely brewed and recognized styles of beer in the world. The Barrel to Bottle crew covers everything Pilsner, from classic Czech and German examples to heavily hopped American favorites. And in a customer Q&A segment, Roger answers your question about Sierra Nevada's influence on the craft beer scene. Prost!

Happy Independence Day! The Barrel to Bottle Crew celebrates the 4th with a special episode. What did people drink in revolutionary times? From rum to rye… from cider to sherry, you might be surprised at the variety of drinks the founding fathers enjoyed. Plus, Roger brings you revolutionary cocktail secrets.

Brewer, author, music geek and raconteur – Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione is one of the leading voices in the craft beer industry. This champion of independent craft joins us to discuss his refreshingly unique SeaQuench Ale, the leading pick in Chicago Tribune beer writer Josh Noel's 2018 Beers of Summer. We taste some of Josh's other picks, discussing beer styles, tastes and trends along the way. Plus, Sam answers your questions in a lightning round Q&A on this episode of Barrel to Bottle.

The difference between history and legend is sometimes murky. Whiskey insiders were shaken to learn that the long held story of Jack Daniel's wasn't exactly true. The legendary distiller actually learned his craft from a slave – Nathan "Uncle Nearest" Green. Author and historian Fawn Weaver joins the Barrel to Bottle crew to share Green's story, his impact on distilling, and about the research and experiences that led her to launch Uncle Nearest 1856, a new award-winning Tennessee whiskey.

Claire Villars-Lurton is the embodiment of centuries of Bordeaux winemaking know how. She joins host Kristen to discuss the culture of French winemaking, managing a multi-generation family business across continents, and bringing that old-world experience into her new-world Sonoma winery. Plus, in this episode's Q&A segment, Kristen and Greg square up against the red wine headache.

What's fizzy and refreshing, delicious and mixable, always fun and an absolute value? Prosecco! In this week's Barrel to Bottle, Kristen leads the team through one of her favorite categories: Italian sparkling wine. Topics range from affordable Prosecco to world class Franciacorta to sparkling wine cocktails. Stick around for the Q&A segment, as the team tackles the mystery of the punt.

The only way to be completely objective when rating wine, spirits and beers is to taste blind. Kristen, Pat and Greg put their palates – and several popular vodkas – to the test. Even this famously neutral spirit shows variety and character when tasted blind. Learn a thing or two about vodka and discover the Barrel to Bottle team's favorite in this week's podcast.

Kristen sits down with Alberto Bianchi, Winemaker at Napa Valley's Newton Vineyard. Alberto traces his winemaking journey from Italy to New Zealand to Napa Valley, highlighting vineyard management in Napa and around the world. Plus, the Barrel to Bottle team tackles your listener Q&A about neutral oak barrels and their use in wine, spirits and beer production.

Craft whiskey is hot, but there's still a lot of confusion surrounding rye. From rye whiskey to high-rye bourbon, The Barrel to Bottle Podcast team covers the basics of this hot category. Kristen, Pat and Roger taste several examples from Whiskey Acres, High West and Rittenhouse (plus Pat's favorite everyday high-rye bourbon from Old Forester) plus two different versions of the classic Old Fashioned cocktail side by side.

It takes something extra to make it in Chicago's craft beer scene, but Forbidden Root makes it look easy. In this episode, the Barrel to Bottle team chats with Forbidden Root Head Brewer Nick Williams and craft brewing guru Randy Mosher. They explain what sets their beer apart, their cutting edge use of bark, stems, flowers, herbs and spices, all based on the foundation of brewing tradition.

What's the connection between this classic Spanish wine region and some of the most respected whiskies in the world? In this week's episode of Barrel to Bottle: The Binny's Podcast, Kristen, Pat and Roger talk through Sherry 101 and taste several examples of Oloroso Sherry cask aged whiskies, including examples ranging from local craft distilleries to global single malts from India and Scotland.

This week on Barrel To Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot- Kristen Ellis & Jeff Carlin, along with Binny's Beer Buzz expert Roger Adamson & the Whiskey Hotline's Pat Brophy, welcome Marty Scott from Revolution Brewing Company to the podcast to talk about one of the most iconic independent breweries in the country. As Quality and Innovation Lead for Revolution Brewing Company, Marty has his hands in almost every aspect of brewing of Revolution's dynamic line of offerings but his passion is […]

This week on Barrel To Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot, Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin present the third installment of their Whiskey Week series, this time on the road at World of Whiskies 2018, to bring you incredible conversations with some of the greatest minds at the forefront of distilling, Kristen and Jeff offer a sampling of some of the 200+ offerings at one of the largest whiskey tasting in America. First up, Johny Barbosa from Far North Spirits highlights a […]

This week on Barrel To Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin take the podcast on the road to Bourbon Women Night 2018 to talk with movers and shakers in the world of Bourbon Women. Kristen talks with legendary distiller Al Young about celebrating his 50th anniversary at Four Roses and his love of bourbon history. Branch Ambassador for Bourbon Women Gina Caruso talks about her love of bourbon and the growth of the Bourbon Women Association. […]

This week on Barrel To Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot, Kristen Ellis, Jeff Carlin, Pat Brophy and Roger Adamson present a unique conversation with Jimmy and Eddie Russell from Wild Turkey Distilling Co. These two icons of American whiskey talk about their combined 90+ years making whiskey in Kentucky, how the process has changed over the years, the innovation behind Wild Turkey American Honey, and handing down the distilling tradition to another generation of Russells. Plus, a lucky listener wins […]

This week on Barrel To Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot, Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin present a look at the historical business of fraudulent wine, some incredibly audacious wine scams, and how modern technology is working to combat this expensive problem. Plus, Kristen and Jeff answer one lucky listener wins a wins a $20 gift card by asking a question about up-and-coming wine regions. Have a question for Binny's Beverage Depot? Hit us on Twitter and you might win a […]

This week on Barrel To Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot, Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin present an intimate conversation with Director of Winemaking for The Hess Collection, David Guffy. Dave talks about his passion for making fruit-forward wines, the success of the Lion & the Lion Tamer wines, why California wines are best when they forgo trying to mimic old-world styles in favor of highlighting the region's unique terroir, and of course, the importance of winery dogs. Plus, Kristen and […]

This week on Barrel To Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot, Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin sit down with a co-founder of Scofflaw and gin aficionado Danny Shapiro to talk about the often misunderstood world of gin as he offers a guide to tasting the complexities of quality gin. Working his way through three distinct categories of gin, Danny tastes through three unique examples: Sipsmith, Nikka Coffey, Scofflaw Old Tom. Also on the docket, recipes for three great gin cocktails that will […]

This week on Barrel To Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot, Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin present a conversation with winemaker Delphine Laborde of Maison Veuve Clicquot. Born in the heart of France's Champagne region, Laborde shares stories about her life amongst the vines, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Madame Clicquot's Veuve Clicquot Rosé, and the difference between French and American winery dogs. Plus, one lucky listener wins a $20 Binny's gift card for asking a great question about champagnes that […]

This week on Barrel To Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot, hosts Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin along with Roger Adamson(Beer Buzz) get a unique tasting tour of Goose Island Beer Company's 2017 Bourbon County label releases with Goose Island's head of research and development, Mike Siegel. 2017 marks one of the most extensive lineups of Goose Island's Bourbon County offerings including the Bourbon County Brand Stout, the Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout, Bourbon County Brand Barleywine, Bourbon County Brand Northwoods Stout […]

This week on Barrel To Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot, hosts Kristin Ellis and Jeff Carlin share Kristin's one-on-one conversation with acclaimed winemaker Paul Hobbs. Paul shares stories about his work on Opus One, globetrotting around the world learning about wine, his time in Argentina and Chile helping to bring the South American wine industry into the modern era, and why he prefers Sonoma County's laidback culture over Napa's commercial scene. Plus, one lucky listener 'keeps on trocken' their way to […]

This week on Barrel to Bottle, Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin look at all things cider. Cider Director / Floor Manager for The Northman in Chicago, Brian Rutzen aka "CiderBrian" dives into the ever-growing world of cider to explain cider's historical roots, common misconceptions about cider, and to taste some unique styles. Roger Adamson(Beer Buzz) also joins the conversation with a look at how modern cider production mimics the American beer scene. Want to discover cider for yourself? Check out the 6th annual […]

What's the perfect wine, spirit, or beer to go with your Valentine's Day plans? This week on Barrel to Bottle Kristen Ellis, Jeff Carlin, and Roger Adamson(Beer Buzz) explore some elegant offerings from KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates in Wisconsin and pair them with various spirits, wine, and beer. Looking for something extra special this V-Day? Try Kohler Dark Chocolate Brandy. Have a question for Binny's Beverage Depot? Hit us on Twitter and you might win a $20 gift card toward […]

How do the soil, terrain, climate, and tradition impact the taste of certain wines and spirits? Terroir, of course! This week on Barrel to Bottle Kristen Ellis and co-host Jeff Carlin take a trip through terroir's impact on the production of wine and spirits. Also, joining the conversation are B2B regulars Joe Maloney(Whiskey Hotline) and Roger Adamson(Beer Buzz) with a look at how hops and grain are also impacted by terroir. All that, plus someone walks away with a $20 […]

The hunt is on in the wide-world of whiskey for all things Pappy Van Winkle, but are there cheaper alternatives that are easier to find?This week, Kirsten Ellis and Jeff Carlin welcome back to Barrel to Bottle w/Binny's Beverage Depot, Whiskey Hotline expert Joe Maloney and Beer Buzz expert Roger Adamson to find out. Kristen lays out the historic legacy of Pappy Van Winkle while Joe puts Roger and Jeff to the test in a blind tasting of unique alternatives […]

On this week's episdoe of Barrel to Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot as winter weather sets in, host Kristen Ellis lays out a couple of guidelines for picking the perfect cold weather wine that pairs well with football party fare and hearty cold-weather favorites like stews and roasts. Co-host Jeff Carlin and Kristen are joined by Binny's Whiskey Hotline expert Joe Maloney and Binny's Beer Buzz expert Roger Adamson on tour of Italian wines that are sure to impress. Have […]

Binny's Beer Buzz expert Roger Adamson joins hosts Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin for a cold weather survival episode of Barrel to Bottle with Binny's Beverage Depot. Roger salutes old-school barleywines that are sure to keep you warm in the cold months of winter. Plus, one lucky fan gets a preview of the beer trends to keep an eye on for 2018 and a free $20 gift card to Binny's. Have a question for Binny's Beverage Depot? Hit us on […]

Winemaker Mike Kush has a lot of experience making wine in the Duoro region of Portugal, he joins Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin with a deep dive into the complex world of port wine. What differentiates a tawny from a ruby? Who declares a port wine is Vintage? And what is a late bottled vintage? Mike shares the knowledge he has acquired from spending over a decade on the ground in Portugal working with growers, making his own port wines, […]

There is no better wine to take us through the holiday season than Champagne. Kristen Ellis chats all things 'fizz' with her co-host Jeff Carlin in this bubbly episode of Barrel to Bottle. How do the bubbles get in there? What kind of glass should I use to serve Champagne? Why does it taste like it does? Join us as we break it all down just in time for your New Year's toast. Have a question for Binny's Beverage Depot? […]

Can you pick up a glass of wine and in just one sip identify the grape, region, and even year it was produced? Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin try to wrap their heads around the process of becoming a Master of Wine. Joining the discussion this week on Barrel to Bottle is half of the husband-wife team behind Chasing Harvest wines and MW candidate Mike Kush. Mike offers a first-hand account of just what it takes to prepare one of […]

Did you know someone who fears an empty glass suffers from cenosillicaphobia? This week, host Kristen Ellis takes her co-host Jeff Carlin through the world of drinking phobias/manias, unravels the mystery of sulfites in wine, and debunks common myths about wine temperature. Have a question for Binny's Beverage Depot? Hit us on Twitter and you might win a $20 gift card toward your next purchase! Follow @BinnysBev Want to attend an upcoming tasting or event? Check out our events page […]

Binny's Beverage Depot's beer guru Roger Adamson is back again to join hosts Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin with a unique history of lambic beers and to unravel the mystery of gueuze (or Geuze). Monique Huston and Greg Versh also join the conversation breaking down the process of fermenting with wild yeasts and how these characteristics define the lambic style. Have a question for Binny's Beverage Depot? Hit us on Twitter and you might win a $20 gift card toward […]

Binny's Beverage Depot takes you into the mysterious world of mezcal! Hosts Kristen Ellis and Jeff Carlin are joined by spirit specialist Monique Huston with a detailed breakdown of the hottest and most complex spirit coming out of Mexico. From tepeztate to tobalá and everything in-between, Monique shares her experiences exploring Mexico's small batch palenques (distilleries) and their unique histories. Have a question for Binny's Beverage Depot? Hit us on Twitter and you might win a $20 gift card toward […]

Binny's Beverage Depot is setting the table for Thanksgiving dinner with the perfect wine pairings. Kristen Ellis takes her co-host Jeff Carlin, Monique Huston, and Greg Versh course-by-course through a holiday dinner, pairing unique wine profiles with all the holiday classics. Expand your holiday wine selections with Kristen's picks and be the hit of your next holiday party! Have a question for Binny's Beverage Depot? Hit us on Twitter and you might win a $20 gift card toward your next […]

Binny's is breaking down the "ABCs" of wine; the Anything But Chardonnay/Cabernet movement began in the mid-'90s and is still prominent today. Kristen Ellis takes Jeff Carlin through the origins and impact of the ABC trend and how people are exploring the big "Cs" of wine in new ways. Have a question for Binny's Beverage Depot? Hit us on Twitter and you might win a $20 gift card toward your next purchase! Follow @BinnysBev Want to attend an upcoming tasting […]