What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn

On this episode, Dan waxes nostalgic about Zima, which was for one brief shining moment in the 1990s, a sparkling sensation on the adult beverage scene. For those of you too young to remember, or who may have repressed the memory due to trauma, Zima was a clear, lightly carbonated alcoholic beverage that the Coors Brewing Company burped out in 1993. Basically, Zima was training wheels for people who thought beer was too, y’know, beer-y. Also, Dan chats with one of the world’s most revered master blenders, Rachel Barrie, who oversees the whisky-making for three iconic Scotch brands- Benriach, GlenGlassaugh and Glendronach. And finally, a special "Drinks of the Week" segment for those who love a good, ready-to-drink espresso martini.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's Springtime, friends! That enchanting spell when Mother Nature peels off her chilly garb and dons a more revealing ensemble. It's that golden slice of the calendar when the globe stretches out, groggily murmurs, "How about we uncork a bottle?", and honestly, who are we to decline? As flowers burst into a riot of hues and trees deck themselves out in lush finery, there’s simply no grander stage for a delightful pour of wine. The air’s balmy, the days stretch lazily longer, and the wine? It’s as if a spring zephyr turned liquid—crisp, invigorating, and with a playful whisper of "let’s revel."In this second installment of our two-part Spring Wine Celebration, Dan is thrilled to welcome back fan-favorite and vino virtuoso, Claire Coppi. On today’s tasting menu are some exquisite picks: Hampton Water 2022 Rose, Rodney Strong 2023 Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir, Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Babich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022, The Better Half 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, and 2021 Waypoint Fort Ross Pinot Noir. So, lift your glass and let's toast to the splendors of spring. Cheers!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ah, Springtime! That magical season when Mother Nature shakes off her frosty duds and slips into something a little more comfortable. It's the time of year when the world seems to be stretching its limbs and saying, "Hey, how about a glass of wine?" And who are we to argue? As the flowers put on their Technicolor dreamcoat and the trees get all leafy, there's no better backdrop for a bit of vino. The air is warmer, the days are longer, and the wine? Well, it's like the liquid equivalent of a spring breeze—light, refreshing, and with a hint of "let's party."On this first installment of our two-part Spring Wine Celebration, Dan is joined by one of our favorite regular guests, wine expert Claire Coppi. The wines sampled include Freemark Abbey 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay and 2023 Sauvignon Blanc; Davis Bynum 2022 River West Vineyard Chardonnay and 2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; and Three Sticks 2021 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay and Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir. So raise your glass and drink in the beauty of spring. Cheers!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Imagine, if you will, a cocktail that stares back from the abyss with a frothy grin, daring you to dive into its depths. That, my friends, is the Death Flip. A concoction born of tequila's fire, Chartreuse's mystic herbal whispers, and a velvety curtain of egg white, this libation is not for the faint of heart. With a dash of sugar to sweeten the deal, it flips death on its head, offering a sip of the sublime. It's a ride on the wild side, a toast to the audacious, a testament to the bartender's dark arts. So, here's to the Death Flip, a cocktail that doesn't just knock on the door of the great beyond but kicks it down with a wink and a smile.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ah, day drinking, that glorious bastion of hedonism where time ceases to hold sway, and societal norms take a well-deserved nap. It's the art of declaring, "To hell with productivity!" before noon has a chance to turn its judgmental gaze upon us. There’s a certain je ne sais quoi to sipping something spirited as the sun gallivants across the sky, a brazen act of rebellion against the nine-to-five grind. Day drinking whispers sweet nothings of freedom, promising adventures that the night, with all its crowded expectations, can never truly deliver. It’s the pursuit of happiness with a twist of lime, a cheeky middle finger to the concept of "appropriate times" for adult beverages. Whether it’s a languid beer on a lazy beach, a clandestine cocktail at a quiet café, or a solitary whiskey with a side of introspection, day drinking elevates the mundane to the magical. So, here’s to the sun worshippers and the rule breakers, may your glasses always be as full as your hearts, and may the daylight always find you ready for one more round.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we welcome Matthew Lillard, star of iconic films like "Scream," "Scooby Doo," and "Five Nights at Freddy's." Matt, a lifelong gamer, passionately believes in the magic of community in fandom. He's channeled this love into Find Familiar Spirits, a fantastic booze company he co-founded with screenwriter Justin Ware, known for "Bloodsucking Bastards." In this episode, Dan and Matt will be toasting to the release of QUEST'S END ROGUE, the second installment in their series of limited-edition, super-premium whiskeys crafted for fantasy and gaming enthusiasts. But that's not all. They'll also be diving into the enduring legacy of "Scream," belting out their favorite whiskey-drinking tunes, and sharing the rollercoaster ride of working in Hollywood. Grab your favorite glass and join the fun!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hold onto your shamrocks, because "Somebody Feed Phil" host Phil Rosenthal is back, teaming up with the hilariously talented Emmy-winner Tom Caltabiano for a deep dive into the amber waves of Irish whiskey. Just in time for St. Paddy's, they're uncorking the good stuff—Teeling, Natterjack, Tullamore D.E.W., Egan's, Bushmills, and Slane. Ah, Irish whiskey, that silky-smooth elixir with a storied past stretching back eons. Renowned for its triple-distilled finesse, this spirit dances on the palate, offering everything from delicate floral notes to robust peaty undertones. So, pour yourself a dram and let it transport you to the verdant landscapes of the Emerald Isle. But remember, savor it with the wisdom of a sage—responsibly, that is. Sláinte!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Oh Bloody Mary, why are you so bedeviling to the brunching masses? What makes you okay to drink before 11 am? Is the Bloody Mary really named after someone named Mary? In the time it takes to make toast (it is brunch, after all), Dan answers these and other questions about fortified tomato juice.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Barbecue and whiskey are a match made in heaven, or at least in the smoky depths of a pitmaster's dreams. The bold, robust flavors of barbecue, with its charred edges and succulent meats, find a perfect companion in the rich, complex notes of whiskey. It's a pairing that's as timeless as it is delicious. Recorded at the famed Baby Blues BBQ in Venice Beach, Dan is joined with the Yum Yum Foodie, Eddie Zamora, along with Baby Blues owner/pitmaster Rick McCarthy. They sample great food with some phenomenal spirits including Michter's, Barrell Bourbon, Cedar Ridge, Coit and Blue Note.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ah, the spirited history of U.S. Presidents and their beloved booze! George Washington, our founding father, ran a mean whiskey distillery at Mount Vernon. Thomas Jefferson, a true oenophile, had a wine collection that would make Bacchus blush. Honest Abe Lincoln, while not much of a drinker, did own a tavern in his younger days. Teddy Roosevelt, the Rough Rider, was partial to a mint julep, sipped with the vigor of a man charging up San Juan Hill. And let's not forget FDR, who mixed up a mean martini while steering the nation through Prohibition and the Great Depression. In honor of Presidents Day, WWD presents a brief history of presidential libations!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's time to learn a thing or two about the Hanky Panky cocktail, a bewitching concoction that whispers sweet nothings of gin and sweet vermouth, with a Fernet Branca flick that'll tickle your fancy like a feather in a magician's cap. Conjured up by Ada Coleman at London's Savoy Hotel in the early 20th century, it's the liquid equivalent of a sly wink across a crowded room. This potion's not just a drink; it's a spell of sophistication, a cheeky dance on your palate. Sip it, and presto! The night's alight with mischief.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Despite its name, the Long Island Iced Tea has about as much to do with tea as our host has with teetotalism. Indeed, there's not a single drop of Earl Grey or Darjeeling in this bad boy. It's a masterclass in misdirection, the Houdini of highballs, if you will. A boozy Trojan Horse masquerading as a refreshing summer sipper, only to unleash its spirited fury once inside the gates of your palate. And Dan is here to tell you all about its history and preparation... in roughly the amount of time it takes to find a window seat on the Long Island Railroad.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In celebration of National Irish Coffee Week — ya, that's a real thing — Dan recounts a harrowing tale about one of several occasions in which he was nearly beaten to a pulp at a Dublin pub. Also, everything you ever needed to know about Irish Coffee, AND the funniest Karate Kid joke of all time, courtesy of one of Dan's comedic idols. Please be sure to check out Dan on Instagram @TheImbiber, and watch fun booze-related content on What We're Drinking's YouTube channel.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dan has spent years researching and experimenting various combinations of food and alcohol and has come to a single, earth-shattering conclusion: We could all learn a lot from the Japanese. There’s seemingly no esculent the Japanese find so repulsive that a little steamed rice and soy sauce won’t fix, and this appetite for disgusting extends to potables as well. This got Dan thinking about convenient food stuffs that could be improved by the addition of alcohol… and in this episode he shares his findings. Also, our first "Drinks of the Week" segment on 2024, and the ghost of Rodney Dangerfield swings by the WWD Lounge.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

So we all know about Dry January, right? It's the time of year people boast about 'detoxing' while secretly crying into their non-alcoholic beer. It's grown like a bad rumor, spreading worldwide with people bragging about better sleep and more cash, all while secretly dreaming of the moment February 1st arrives. Well, Dan has had enough, for a number reasons. And so he's kicking off the year by putting Dry January on blast.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dan says goodbye to 2023, but not before dishing on his most challenging interview of the year AND reviewing a brand new boozy product — the beverage equivalent of a unicorn wearing a sombrero... we're talking about Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit. Oh boy! Also, a Christmas poem and a special 3-Minute Bartender all about that most beloved holiday libation, Eggnog. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our annual Winter Wonderland of Wine continues with special guests Katia Dragotis and vino expert Kaitlyn Harrah. Wines featured on this episode include: Terlato Pinot Grigio 2022, Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Beronia Reserva Rioja 2018, Scaia 2020, Harveys Medium Dry Sherry and Dows' 2018 Late Bottled Vintage Port. Recorded on location at Dear Jane's in Marina Del Rey, California. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dan celebrates, evaluates and appreciates the wines of winter, 2023, long with Purple Banter Network's Katia Dragotis and Kaitlyn Harrah, wine director for the Citrin and Melissa Hospitality Group. Recorded on location at Dear Jane's in Marina Del Rey, California. Wines featured on this episode include Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio ($22), Landmark Vineyards Hop Kiln Estate 2021 Pinot Noir ($50), J.O. Sullivan Rutherford Estate Founders Reserve Merlot 2020 ($310), Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($35), Rodney Strong 2017 Symmetry ($70), Paso-D’Oro Cabernet Sauvignon ($30) and Graham's 10 Year Old tawny Port ($42). Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Alcohol was originally considered a medicine, Indeed, during Prohibition one of the most reliable places to get your hands on a bottle of liquor was the pharmacy. So with that — and everyone’s general health and well being in mind — we present the Penicillin. With fresh ginger, lemon and a healthy dose of Scotch, this little wonder, invented by Sam Ross in 2005, does indeed have an ineffable healing quality. And in the amount of time it takes sing an average Scottish folk song, Dan reveals all about the drink. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Everyone's favorite wine expert, Clair Coppi of SOMM TV, returns for a wide ranging exploration of the wonderful world of New Zealand wine. Among the many fun facts discussed: Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine-producing region, and Hawkes Bay is the oldest; winery growth in NZ really took off in the 1990s; and due to its location, its vineyards are the first on our planet to see the sun each day. Wines reviewed include Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle Brut NV, Mt. Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc, Jules Taylor Chardonnay, Villa Maria Taylor's Pass Pinot Noir, Te Awanga Wildsong Syrah, and Decibel Malbec. Recorded at Hatchet Hall, one of the most popular and well-regarded restaurants in Los Angeles. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy