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Ever wondered what goes into creating a cocktail that leaves an unforgettable impression? Join us as we sit down with Josh, a seasoned bartender from The Vault on First, to uncover the secrets behind the Gold Medal, an innovative twist on the classic old-fashioned. We promise you'll gain expert insights into the art of cocktail crafting, including the use of unique ingredients like herring cherry liqueur and fat-washed Maker's Mark, as Josh takes us through his journey from his early days at Ruby Tuesday to mastering his craft at The Vault.

Josh opens up about his personal and professional life, revealing how a move to Ohio and a failed relationship brought him back to his true passion: bartending. You'll hear tales from behind the bar, including Josh's aversion to overly complex cocktails and his dedication to proper beer pouring techniques, especially for Guinness. The Vault's impressive collection of over 240 bottles of spirits sets the stage for discussions about rare selections and Josh's philosophy on hospitality, influenced by his father's European winery customs.

As we wrap things up, get ready for a deep dive into the specifics of crafting the Gold Medal old-fashioned and the versatility of gin in cocktails like the French 75. We also touch on the importance of allergen awareness in restaurants and hear a few humorous stories, including a chaotic night at The Vault that ends in a laugh-out-loud moment. Tune in for a spirited conversation filled with lighthearted banter, expert tips, and a genuine passion for creating exceptional drinks. Cheers to good times and great conversations!

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

Merch www.WearingFunny.com

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Have you ever wondered how international drinking traditions could spice up your next party? Join Jamie Flanagan, Matt Fox, and August Gitschlag on the Man Cave Happy Hour for a rollicking ride through the world of fine whiskey, cigars, and quirky customs from around the globe. We kick off with the joy of the last day of school, sharing laughs and a lighthearted story from August about assembling a shed with his wife, highlighting the hilarious pitfalls of early marriage and the crucial role of teamwork.

Prepare to be entertained as we recount an amusing tale about updating voter rolls with a neighborhood wellness check, segueing into a deep dive into unique drinking traditions from Southern wedding customs to outlandish Eastern European rituals. Ever heard of drinking from the bride's shoe or hiding the bride in a village pub crawl? We’ve got those stories and more, along with our own humorous takes on how these customs might play out in your local small town or city.

Curious about bizarre drinking laws and unconventional alcoholic concoctions? From pineapple moonshine in Hawaii to Tanzanian mead made with honey wine and cow's blood, we explore some of the most unusual beverages and the stories behind them. We also discuss outlandish laws, like Kansas never fully ending prohibition and peculiar restrictions in Pennsylvania and Utah. Wrapping things up, we delve into the origins of bourbon barrel-aged beer, ethical dilemmas in journalism, and exciting plans brewing at Detroit City Distillery. This episode promises laughter, intriguing insights, and a toast to the unexpected!

https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

Merch www.WearingFunny.com

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly appreciate bourbon, or how to confidently navigate the intricate world of whiskey? You’re in for a treat as we welcome Kerri McBride, aka Harper Neat, to the Man Cave Happy Hour. Kerri takes us on a heartfelt journey from her childhood memories of her dad’s bourbon to writing her book "Bourbon Basics for Her," designed to empower women in the world of bourbon. Discover how the unique challenges of 2020 became the catalyst for her to share her wisdom and passion for this classic spirit.

https://www.facebook.com/HarperNeat01

Curious about transitioning from bourbon cocktails to savoring it straight? Learn about our personal experiences and tips that helped us evolve our bourbon palate, and how collecting quirky bourbon accessories enhances the journey. Get insights into making informed choices, from selecting high-quality bourbons on a budget to the essentials of great cocktail crafting at home. We discuss the art of mixology, revealing secrets behind perfect Manhattans, old-fashioneds, and even the smoky allure of using cherry wood.

Lastly, join us as we chat about the community of bourbon enthusiasts. From the camaraderie found in the Ladies Love Bourbon Facebook group to the dream of exploring the Bourbon Trail, the episode is filled with ideas and inspiration. We share practical tips for understanding your bourbon preferences, and recount fun stories from cocktail parties featuring expert mixologists. Whether you’re a bourbon newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, this episode promises a delightful exploration of bourbon’s rich world.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSMM2RH2?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_4DE2MAPC51B20E89YY6F&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0DXHaHaeceBQe9Kicgbrd3Cw8yUFyO3q8AhYp4RoQEDQJ02AeXU2MadeQ_aem_Q450McrqDcz_2v33YMUU5g

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

Merch www.WearingFunny.com

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Our Guest Today: Sara from A Flavor Journal.
We make the Paper Plane she has featured on her site.
https://aflavorjournal.com/paper-plane-cocktail/

Paper Plane Cocktail:
1oz. Bourbon (Buffalo Trace or Four Roses are good)
1oz. Amaro Nonino
1oz. Aperol
1oz. freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
Combine in shaker with ice and shake it up.

1. Swap rum for bourbon. (Then called a Paper Kamikaze).
2. Swap Campari for Aperol (if you like it extra bitter).
3. Swap Amaro Nonino for Grand Mariner (or Gran Gala), and add a dash or two of bitters.

Can a cocktail be deceptively potent and refreshingly delightful at the same time? Find out as we catch up in the Man Cave Happy Hour, with Jamie and Matt and where August shares the excitement of his new job and our recent adventures at a Tigers game. We’re loving the spring vibes and the sleek new bar setup in our podcast studio, courtesy of Firebird Tavern's glassware sponsorship. This episode features Sara from A Flavor Journal, who joins us to unravel the seemingly simple yet complex world of equal part cocktails, focusing on the beloved Paper Plane. Trust us, cocktail enthusiasts—this is a segment you won't want to miss.

Next, take a trip with us to the Wine Garden in Saint Clair Shores, where we meet the legendary Big Tony and score a unique bottle of Amaro Nonino. We dive deep into the caramel complexities of various Amaro spirits and their transformative impact on cocktails. From mixing tips to ingredient order, we share our insights and preferences, celebrating the joy of crafting and enjoying well-made drinks with friends. The communal spirit of cocktail creation comes alive as we experiment with a cocktail featuring equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice.

Closing out the episode, we explore the nuances of the New York Sour cocktail, including alternatives to egg whites and the fun of having a well-stocked bar. Sharing our aspirations for crafting recipes for brands and the challenges involved, we highlight our favorite recipes like buffalo chicken sliders with ranch slaw. Plus, get ready for our summer barbecue cook-off featuring bourbon-based sauces! This episode is packed with engaging conversations, useful tips, and plenty of laughs, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about cocktails and good company.

https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

Merch www.WearingFunny.com

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Traveller Whiskey - Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace.

Jamie, Matt and August are joined by George to talk about the amazing Traveller Whiskey from Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace.

https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

Merch www.WearingFunny.com

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Snacks, Drinks, Bourbon, Whiskey, Vodka and so much more. Some of our Michigan/Detroit Favorites.

August and Jamie Try Flying Ace Bourbon and more.

https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

Merch www.WearingFunny.com

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Manhattan (the cocktail) Project

Jamie, Matt, and August define the Manhattan Cocktail and try some variations of the classic.

https://www.acouplecooks.com/manhattan-cocktail/

https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

Merch www.WearingFunny.com

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Caribou Crossing - Single Barrel pick from the Wine Garden.

Know as the "Blanton's of the North" this fine Canadian Whiskey get event better as a Single Barrel pick from the "Brotherhood of the Barrel" and Big Tony at the Wine Garden.

https://www.facebook.com/TheWineGardenSCS

https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

Merch www.WearingFunny.com