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Breaking Spirits

Every bottle contains a history, and Sofi and Vesta are going to get to the bottom of each, figuratively and literally. In this series we explore the cultural histories that spirits, liquors, distillers, and cocktails carry with them and into our own imbibing experiences. Why is Fernet the bartender’s shot? Why are Corpse Revivers #1-3 seemingly unrelated drinks? How does Campari secretly own everything? We don’t necessarily have the answers, but we’re going to BS about it and break some spirits.

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Recent Episodes

Nov. 8, 2024

The Rich Character of a Characterless Spirit (Part 2) - with Sam Luce…

This week, we are still joined by Sam Lucero as we continue our discussion the ubiquitous clear spirit, vodka! On this second half, we explore how vodka turned from a Eastern European staple to a worldwide phenomenon, the Vod...

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Oct. 30, 2024

The Rich Character of a Characterless Spirit (Part 1) - with Sam Luce…

This week, we are joined by the wonderful Sam Lucero as we begin a deep dive on the history of one of the world's most popular spirits- vodka! We look at how a clear, tasteless, odorless spirit became integral to …

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Oct. 18, 2024

Bar and Chain: Part 2 - With Amy Hateley and Jak Syn

This week, we are still with Amy Hateley and Jak Syn as we continue discussing the world of chain restaurants and their drinking culture! Join us as we talk about disco drinks, the surprising mixology of TGI Fridays, and the …

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Oct. 3, 2024

Bar and Chain: Part 1 - With Amy Hateley and Jak Syn

This week we are joined again by the wonderful Amy Hateley, and for the first time by Jak Syn, as we explore the wide world of chain restaurants, and the drinks that you can find there! In this first part, …

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Sept. 26, 2024

Past Rum Row: A History of California Rum (Part 2) - with Bryan Inman

This week, we're still with the Rum Champion, Bryan Inman, as we continue to explore the world of California rum! We move into California's modern history with rum, from the tiki boom to the craft spirits revolution. Join us ...

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Sept. 18, 2024

Past Rum Row: The History of California Rum (Part 1) - With Bryan Inm…

This week, we are joined by the Rum Champion himself, Bryan Inman, as we dive into the world of California rum! In this first part, we talk about the somewhat deceptively named Rum Row, how rum culture started in California, …

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Sept. 5, 2024

Changing Tastes Part 2 - With Jordan Paley and Chelsie

This week, we are still with the wonderful Jordan Paley and Chelsie,as we explore how to expand someone’s taste in spirits! Last week, we focused on some lighter notes, but we’re going fully spirit forwards this time. Find ou...

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Aug. 29, 2024

Changing Tastes Part 1 - With Jordan Paley and Chelsie

We are once again joined by the irrepressible Jordan Paley, and for the first time by the wonderful Chelsie, to discuss a bit of a contentious topic- how do you expand someone's palate into a spirit category that they don't …

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Aug. 21, 2024

The New Old World of Rice Whiskey: Part 2 - Feat. Nick

This week, we continue our conversation about the exciting world of rice whiskey with return guest Nick! We move from Japan to one of the other oldest producers of rice spirits - China. We also talk about how these ancient …

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Aug. 7, 2024

The New Old World of Rice Whisky - Feat. Nick

This week, we are once again joined by the wonderful Nick as we talk about the new old world of rice whiskey! In this first part, we discuss one of the oldest traditions of rice whiskey, and how exactly it …

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July 31, 2024

A Beautiful Bar For a Neighborhood: Part 2 - with Erin Hensley

This week, we're continuing our discussion of neighborhood bars with Erin Hensley! We talk about the revival of the neighborhood bar, their modern makeover, and their unlikely savior. Join us for all of this and more on this ...

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July 18, 2024

A Beautiful Bar For a Neighborhood: Part 1 - with Erin Hensley

This week, we're staying local with our topic and talking about neighborhood bars! We're joined by Erin Hensley as we discuss what separates true neighborhood bars from bars that just happen to be in a neighborhood. We also t...

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