It's been said that it's always wine o'clock in the summertime, and that's certainly the case on this episode, featuring a bunch of great wine and a pair of vino experts in Claire Coppi and Austin Melrose... oh, and Dan too! The wines sampled include Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc, FitVine Aluminum Chillable Red Blend, Diatom Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, Stag’s Leap Winery Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Loveblock Organic Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne Lanson Le Green Label and Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Recorded on location at Melrose Umbrella Co. in West Hollywood, CA.

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Dan imparts hard-earned wisdom gleaned from years spent perched upon barstools the world over. For instance, did you know that if you multiply the number of whiskies drank in a session by ten, subtract from your body weight, divide by four, add one for every decade you’ve been alive, you get the precise number of hours you’ll be hungover the next day? Try it. Works every time. Also, we hand out our annual bar industry awards in oft-overlooked categories such as Best Bartender Tattoo, World’s Worst Bar, and Best Guy To Pick A Fight With In A Dive Bar. And finally, we showcase a new rye from Wild Turkey in our wildly popular "Drinks of the Week" segment.

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Dan pays tribute his brother Brian on the 14th anniversary of his passing,

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Harvey Wallbanger does indeed sound more like a lawyer you'd call after a fender bender than a cocktail you'd order at a swanky soirée. Whipped up in the psychedelic whirlwind of the '60s, this groovy concoction blends the slick, cool vibe of vodka with the bright, cheery optimism of orange juice, topped off with a mysterious float of Galliano. Donning a golden hue and a stature that rivals any lava lamp, this drink is as much a throwback to its era as shag carpets and bell bottoms, yet it's infinitely more delectable and significantly less of a fire hazard. Cheers to that!

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Raise your glasses high, folks—it's our 5th Anniversary Bash! To celebrate, we're uncorking a lineup of liquid legends with two hilariously high-spirited guests. Dan's chilling with Phil Rosenthal, the globe-trotting gourmand from 'Somebody Feed Phil,' and Emmy-winner Tom Caltabiano, a man who knows his way around a joke as well as a jigger. Join us as we sip, savor, and dissect a tantalizing array of top-shelf treasures, from the agave-kissed brilliance of Tequila Ocho to the cool Icelandic charms of Reyka Vodka, the botanical beat of Ford's Gin, the South American warmth of Santa Teresa Rum, the smooth sophistication of Michter's Sour Mash Whiskey, and the smoky secrets of Bunnahabhain Scotch. Here's to five years of spirited shenanigans!

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In the time it takes to walk an old dog, Dan reveals all about the Amaro Shakerato. It's like your wild Italian cousin who studied mixology instead of law. It's a frothy fiesta of bittersweet flavors that demands a shake more vigorous than a salsa dance off. This cocktail's a dark, mysterious concoction that's both bitter and sweet, kind of like most of Dan's exes. Shaken, not stirred, because apparently, that’s how we deal with our feelings now. It's the perfect drink to sip while pondering where you went wrong with your barista. Cheers, or as the Italians say, "Aiuto!"

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Recorded at the legendary The Belmont bar in West Hollywood, Dan goes all in on some Tequila Fortaleza while hanging out with the creative and star-studded trio behind the new film "Last Night on Earth" — writer-director Marcos Efron and stars Dee Wallace and Shane West.

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Dan kicks off a rollicking episode by inviting bar-industry heavyweights Jimmy Yeager and Sean Kenyon to dive into the world of Woody Creek Distillers, a Colorado gem that's all about that farm-to-bottle magic. Their top-notch spirits have turned heads with their quality and eco-friendly swagger, serving up a true Rocky Mountain high. Get ready for some spirited banter as the gang tackles the hot topic of auto-gratuities in bars, with opinions flying as fast as shakers at happy hour. Also on tap, Dan gives the scoop on a rockin' new rum from the Rolling Stones, plus a cheeky breakdown of what your frozen drink choice might just be whispering about you. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride!

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Dan is joined by Mike Love, the eternal Beach Boy; the high priest of Good Vibrations, holding court over summer anthems and gorgeous sunsets. With a voice that can summon the spirit of the sixties and a cap that has never known defeat, Mike has serenaded generations with tales of surf, sand, and teenage dreams. With Club Kokomo Spirits, Mike and his son Brian, who's also on the show, have bottled the essence of endless summers and sunlit surf. It's a lineup of laid-back ready-to-drink libations and premium rums, each sip a first-class ticket to "Fun, Fun, Fun," transporting beachcombers straight to the shores of paradise with every sip. Also, Dan answers listener voicemails, and showcases some "Drinks of the Week."

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In Iceland's icy grip, Reyka Vodka stands out like a Norse god at a cocktail party, distilled amidst volcanic fervor and the soft murmurs of elfin lore. This boutique spirit, clearer than a polar gale, is lovingly wrought from glacial waters, offering a taste so disarmingly smooth, it might just mediate a Viking truce. Joining Dan is Reyka's stalwart National Ambassador, Jeff Naples, to delve deep into this top-tier tipple. And don’t miss another fiery episode of "Driving Me to Drink," where Dan skewers the ever-growing sensationalism festering within the New York Times.

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Sipping on a budget means your cocktail might occasionally taste like paint thinner—but hey, it's all part of the adventure! Imbibing low-budget cocktails is an art form perfected by thrifty tipplers and college students worldwide. Picture this: a dimly lit kitchen, a motley crew of friends gathered around, each clutching a plastic cup filled with something vaguely alcoholic. The ingredients? Whatever's on sale—off-brand cola, no-name rum, and if you're feeling fancy, a splash of fruit punch from a carton that's definitely been in the fridge too long. It's not about the taste; it's about the memories. Or perhaps, it's about forgetting. Cheers to budget-friendly bad decisions!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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