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Description
Welcome to Man Cave Happy Hour – Whiskey, Spirits, and the stories that go along with them.
Join Jamie, Matt, and August as they take you on a spirited journey through the world of fine drinks and fascinating conversations. Broadcasting live from top lounges, distilleries, and happy hours, they explore the best new spirits, uncover hidden gems, and dive into the stories behind the bottles.
From master distillers and cocktail experts to bartenders, foodies, and entrepreneurs, every episode is a toast to craftsmanship, creativity, and the love of a great drink. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just love a good cocktail, pull up a chair, pour a glass, and enjoy the ride.
Produced at the Podcast Your Voice Studios
219 Episodes
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Send us a text Ever stared at a Four Roses label and wondered what those letters actually taste like? We pulled on the baseball tees, poured a mystery single barrel at 100 proof, and put our palates to the test—no hints, just noses, notes, and a friendly wager. What started as happy hour turned into a crash course on mash bills, yeast strains, and how recipe codes like OBSF, OESO, and OESK map to real flavor in the glass. We break the code in plain English. “B” or “E” tells you the corn and ...
Send us a text A glass can change a night, and sometimes a cause. We’re clinking through Detroit’s dining glow-up, tasting everything from a zero-proof old fashioned that actually satisfies to a small-lot Mount Veeder Cabernet with the kind of structure that makes bourbon fans nod. Along the way, we spotlight Uncork for a Cure—the 10th-anniversary gala rallying chefs, sommeliers, and guests to fund breast cancer research—and why a modern event now pours exquisite wines alongside serious non-a...
Send us a text What makes a simple promise the most significant gift you could ever give someone? For Freddie Johnson, Buffalo Trace Distillery's beloved ambassador, keeping his word literally saved his life. Sitting in what he calls "the ultimate man cave," Freddie shares the rich tapestry of his family's deep connection to Kentucky bourbon. As the third generation to walk the grounds of Buffalo Trace, Freddie's stories transport us through time—from his grandfather throwing rocks with Colo...
Send us a text Raise your glasses to another round of spirited conversation on the Man Cave Happy Hour! This week, Jamie Flanagan, August Kitchen, Matt Fox, and special guest David Wright (the Motor City Hypnotist) dive into a blue-hued adventure celebrating Detroit's football fever. Fresh off the successful Magnum 12 fundraiser, the crew shares behind-the-scenes stories that had us laughing out loud - from Matt's sole-destroying dance moves to a mysteriously disappearing phone that found it...
Send us a text Raise your glasses and wax those mustaches – it's time to talk charity, cider, and community support on this episode of Man Cave Happy Hour! Jamie, Matt, and August dive into a tasting of Blake's Cider seasonal offerings while unveiling the backstory of their beloved Magnum 12 charity event. What started as friends challenging each other to wear tracksuits to a bar has evolved into a 12-year tradition of Hawaiian shirts, mustaches, and heartfelt community giving. The guys shar...
Send us a text Grab a pint and join us for a deep dive into soccer culture as we explore the beautiful game through the lens of traditional English pub ales and Detroit's thriving soccer community. What happens when you mix the world's most popular sport with Detroit's gritty character and authentic beer culture? Pure magic. Our guest Matt Conti breaks down the intricacies of fantasy Premier League soccer, explaining how this global phenomenon differs dramatically from American fantasy...
Send us a text Nothing brings friends together quite like celebrating life's victories over a good glass of bourbon. In this episode, we're joined by special guest David, the Motor City Hypnotist, as we crack open some long-neglected "orphan bottles" and share stories that range from triumphant to heartwarming. The spotlight first falls on Matt's incredible achievement - his first-ever hole-in-one after 17 years of golfing. The pure, unfiltered joy captured in the moment when his 5-iron shot...
Send us a text Step into the heart of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, where an unassuming bar houses a breathtaking treasury of over 1,450 different whiskeys. At the Butter Run Saloon, owner Dave Harden has created more than just a drinking establishment—he's built a whiskey lover's sanctuary that draws enthusiasts from across the Midwest. During our visit, Dave guides us through his personal barrel selection process, sharing samples of his Buffalo Trace, Old Forester, and Maker's Mark private p...
Send us a text The old saying goes that Wild Turkey is just "country whiskey," but true bourbon lovers know better. This week, we're putting two expressions from this iconic Kentucky distillery head-to-head: the classic Wild Turkey 101 against the more elusive Wild Turkey 101.8. What's the difference between these two nearly identical-proof bourbons? About two years minimum in the barrel and roughly $18 at retail. While the standard 101 blends spirits aged 6-8 years, the 101.8 contains only ...
Send us a text Dive into the refreshing world of authentic Finnish long drinks as we welcome the team behind Lancaro to the Man Cave Happy Hour. This eye-opening conversation reveals how a paralyzed founder's dream evolved into a mission-driven beverage company revolutionizing the ready-to-drink market with clean, natural flavors. Discover the fascinating history behind Finland's national cocktail, born during the 1952 Olympics as an efficient way to serve refreshing gin drinks to thirsty vi...
Send us a text Blindfolds, cocktails, and murder – what more could you want from a dinner party? Creator Jill Bell joins us to reveal the story behind "Murder on the Rocks," the cocktail party murder mystery game that's completely reinventing game night. With a PhD in cybersecurity and experience as a firefighter, Jill never expected to become a game designer. Yet her creation just funded at an astonishing 985% on Kickstarter, proving there's serious thirst for innovative party games that co...
Send us a text Dive into a cocktail experiment gone hilariously wrong as we tackle the Kalimotxo—an unusual Spanish drink that mixes red wine with Coca-Cola. This strange combination dates back to the 1920s when festival organizers in Spain discovered their wine was terrible and desperately needed a fix. Their solution? Mask it with Coca-Cola, creating what we dub "the original Fyre Festival of cocktails." We explore the Tempranillo wine used in our experiment, discussing the rich characteri...
Send us a text What happens when three whiskey enthusiasts decide to pair fine spirits with jelly beans? Pure chaotic deliciousness! This episode takes you on a flavorful journey through unexpected combinations as Jamie, Matt, and August explore the intersection of childhood nostalgia and adult beverages. The adventure begins with a sample of Willett Small Batch Family Estate Straight Rye Whiskey, setting the stage for our sweet experiments. We then dive into Jelly Belly's cocktail-inspired ...
Send us a text Bourbon lovers, listen up! We're diving deep into a brand new release that's generating serious buzz - Heaven Hill's Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled in Bond bourbon. Unlike its limited-edition decanter siblings, this new expression promises to be a regular shelf staple (if you're lucky enough to find it). The episode kicks off with a Father's Day-themed New York Sour cocktail featuring Elijah Craig bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a red wine float that sets the perfect tone for o...
Send us a text The Man Cave Happy Hour crew welcomes Detroit writer Mickey Lyons for an evening of spirit exploration and storytelling. After sampling the underwhelming Widow Jane bourbon (dubbed "aggressively mediocre" by the hosts), the conversation transforms when August introduces a rare bottle of green Chartreuse. https://www.mickeylyons.com/ This legendary liqueur, crafted by Carthusian monks according to a 1770 secret recipe featuring 130+ botanicals, captivates everyone with its comp...
Send us a text Raise a glass and journey with us through the captivating wine regions of northwestern Spain as we explore the distinctive character of Spanish wines while previewing an upcoming adventure to this remarkable destination. Our conversation uncorks with a lively tasting of traditional Spanish Cava, that crisp, refreshing alternative to Champagne that sets the stage perfectly for our vinous exploration. We delve into the heart of Rias Baixas, where the Albariño grape reigns suprem...
Send us a text Step through the intentionally squeaky door of Donovan's Pub, and you'll immediately understand what makes neighborhood bars the backbone of Detroit. Owner Shannon Lowell keeps that door noisy for a reason - when it creaks, everyone glances up to size newcomers within 30 seconds. Located in what Shannon calls "the cracks between Corktown and Mexicantown," this neighborhood institution has weathered decades of Detroit's changing landscape. From its origins as Patton's Bar in th...
Send us a text From spreadsheet wizard to master distiller, Jeff Duckhorn's journey from corporate accountant to craft spirits pioneer embodies the adventurous spirit of Redwood Empire Whiskey. With infectious passion, Jeff shares how his home brewing hobby and creative drive helped transform a wine company's side project into a flourishing whiskey brand celebrating Northern California's iconic trees. Each bottle in the Redwood Empire lineup tells a story – from Pipe Dream Bourbon's complex ...
Send us a text Step into a slice of living history at Detroit's famed Cadieux Cafe, where authentic Belgian feather bowling lanes have been delighting visitors since 1933. Our conversation with owner John Rutherford reveals the fascinating journey of this east side crown jewel from its origins as a Belgian grocery store during Prohibition to its current status as America's only authentic feather bowling venue. John's own story proves equally captivating - a professional trombone player who p...
Send us a text Step into a world where mushrooms transform your drinking experience—without the alcohol. Megan Klein, founder and CEO of Little Saints, takes us on a fascinating journey through her line of non-alcoholic, mushroom-powered cocktails that deliver mood enhancement and cognitive benefits with zero sugar and only five calories. From her mint green vending trailer origins in Detroit to facing the Sharks on national television, Megan shares the remarkable story behind Little Saints'...
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