282. Monica Casillas-Rios | Elske

286. The Beautiful and The Damned

Kevin, the founder of The Beautiful and The Damned, shares his adventurous decision to start a whiskey brand in 2023. He patiently approached building an American whiskey brand with quality of construction with sourced whiskey from MGP and steadily expanding in various markets across the country. We also discuss the economics of whiskey and the confidence and the intelligence it takes to construct a brand in the current climate of the industry.

284. Starward X Lagavulin Launch

To celebrate International Whisky Day, we go to New York with a live studio audience at Martiny’s for the launch of the collaboration between Starward X Lagavulin. Last March, I recorded a conversation with Starward founder David Vitale, Diego Master Blender Stuart Morrison and Whiskey Expert Noah Rothbaum. The three share the story of how this unprecedented collaboration developed over years of exploration to make a very special whisky.

282. Monica Casillas-Rios | Elske

Monica Casillas-Rios runs the bar program at the Michelin Star restaurant Elske. In 2023, she was awarded her own Star by winning the Michelin Guide Chicago, Exceptional Cocktail Award Winner. At her six-seat bar she strives to foster a home-like atmosphere for her guests. She’ll chit-chat about your personal life, guide you through the menu and find the best cocktail/other beverage to pair with your evening.

281. Hannah Thomas | Stauning

Hannah and I are launching a series of episodes highlighting women in the whiskey industry. We kick off this series by Hannah briefly sharing her experience of working for local and international distilleries in various markets; and introducing our future guests’ diverse backgrounds in spirits and whiskey. Guest: Hannah Thomas Host: Jake Hukee [https://www.instagram.com/jakehukee/] Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com [https://keyinthelake.com/] Key In The Lake [https://www.instagram.com/keyinthelake/]

280. Charity Bottle Raffle

Last week, we hosted a charity bottle raffle to donate money to Another Round Another Rally for their aid to the LA bars/restaurants affected by the LA fires. Brands from around the world donated bottles to be raffled at our live event with 50 guests at Slightly Toasted in Chicago. We interviewed master distillers, brand reps, retailers and whiskey clubs who donated products to raise more than $3,000. Guests: Hannah Thomas, Steve Malloy, Zalman Goldbloom, Eric Rosentreter, Kimio Yonezawa and Brett Bauer Hosts: Jake Hukee, Chris Blatner and Matthew Brown Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com [http://keyinthelake.com/] Key In The Lake