Proof of Concept

Mezcal Vago Tasting - Rooted, Smoky, Complex

In this bonus episode of Proof of Concept, hosts Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz sit down for a guided tasting of Mezcal Vago — one of the most respected names in artisanal mezcal production. This conversation goes beyond the bottle and into the glass, breaking down the earthy, complex, and soulful character that has made Mezcal Vago a benchmark for the category. From smoke and terroir to the craft behind every batch, this tasting offers a deeper look at what sets truly exceptional mezcal apart. Whether you're a mezcal devotee or just agave-curious, this is your chance to experience the craft.

Guardians of Tradition: Mezcal Vago’s Global Journey

In this episode of Proof of Concept, hosts Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz speak with Judah Kuper, co-founder of Mezcal Vago, about the journey behind one of the world’s most respected artisanal mezcal brands. Built on deep relationships with generational mezcaleros, Mezcal Vago is known for radical transparency — crediting each batch to the maestro who made it and documenting every detail from agave species to fermentation and distillation methods. Judah shares how the brand’s philosophy, “Don’t kill the magic,” guides their approach to growth, sustainability, and sharing mezcal with a global audience while protecting its cultural roots. The conversation explores the delicate balance between tradition and scale, the pride and recognition that international awards have brought to Oaxaca’s palenques, and what it means to build a spirits brand that uplifts the people and communities behind the craft.

Brother’s Bond Tasting - Inviting, Approachable, and Decadent

In this bonus episode of Proof of Concept, hosts Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz sit down with Ian Somerhalder for a guided tasting of Brother’s Bond Bourbon. This conversation goes beyond the story and into the glass, breaking down flavor, balance, and the craftsmanship behind every sip. From notes and structure to the intention behind the blend, this tasting offers a deeper look at how quality shows up in the final product and what sets an award-winning bourbon apart. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just bourbon-curious, this is your chance to experience the craft.

Blending Bourbon with Purpose: Inside Brother’s Bond Bourbon

What does it take to turn a friendship into a Double Gold–winning bourbon? On this episode of Proof of Concept, presented by The Tasting Alliance, hosts Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz sit down with Ian Somerhalder, co-founder and Brand Guardian of Brothers Bond Bourbon. Ian shares how a shared vision, hands-on craftsmanship, and uncompromising standards helped build one of the fastest-growing and most awarded bourbon brands in the U.S. From blending and grain selection to sustainability and regenerative agriculture, this conversation explores what it takes to earn credibility, and Double Gold recognition, in a crowded spirits market. This is a story of proof: that purpose, partnership, and craft can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best bourbons.

Chinola Tasting - Rich, Fruity, and Vibrant

In this bonus episode of Proof of Concept, we sit down with Chinola CEO Andrew Merinoff for a guided tasting of the brand’s signature passion fruit liqueur. Andrew shares the story behind Chinola, the craft and sourcing that define the product, and what it takes to build a standout spirits brand from the ground up. From flavor to philosophy, this conversation offers a deeper look into the people and process behind the bottle along with the tasting notes that led the brand to Double Gold. Tune in for a taste of Chinola, and the vision driving it forward.