Bob Cutler hosts Matt Bolinder, owner of the Maine-based coffee roastery Speckled Ax, in this episode of Cocktails with Friends, to explore craft coffee and whiskey pairings. From wood-roasting techniques to the flavor intricacies of espresso martinis, Matt shares the origins of Speckled Ax, his passion for coffee, and details of the annual Advent Calendar featuring unique roasts each day, giving listeners a chance to refine their tasting skills. Together, they reflect on the art of brewing and the influences shaping coffee culture, making this episode a flavorful journey for coffee and whiskey enthusiasts alike.

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EPISODE INDEX

**(0:16)** Bob and Matt discuss the challenges of wood-roasting coffee and maintaining precise temperature curves to achieve the perfect roast.

**(1:01)** Matt highlights Speckled Ax’s partnerships, recommending a past conversation on Graining In that covers the roastery’s history in detail.

**(3:47)** Bob creates an espresso martini using Matt’s coffee, Macallan single malt, and a dash of brown sugar, crafting a unique cocktail that bridges coffee and whiskey flavors.

**(9:57)** Matt explains the Speckled Axe Advent Calendar, a popular holiday feature that offers 25 different coffee samples to help customers deepen their tasting knowledge.

**(19:48)** They reflect on Starbucks’ impact on coffee culture, recognizing its role in popularizing high-quality coffee while discussing the benefits of local roasting.

KEY TOPICS

1. **Craft Coffee and Wood-Roasting Techniques** – Matt describes the complex process of wood-roasting coffee with Maine hardwoods, a technique that sets Speckled Ax apart.

2. **Coffee and Whiskey Pairing** – The episode highlights a coffee-whiskey cocktail, showing how both beverages can enhance each other’s flavors.

3. **Evolution of Coffee Culture** – They discuss how major brands like Starbucks have changed consumer expectations and paved the way for specialty coffee shops.

INSIGHTS

**Wood-roasting coffee requires intense precision, as specific temperature curves bring out the best flavors in the beans.

**Trying diverse coffee types, such as those in the Speckled Ax Advent Calendar, can help enthusiasts build a deeper understanding of coffee’s complexities.

**Brands like Starbucks may have commercialized coffee, but local roasters provide a unique craft experience that emphasizes quality over quantity.

In this episode of Cocktails with Friends, host Bob Cutler shares humorous and insightful tales from his recent trip to Italy and France, where he explored the nuances of European cocktail culture and winemaking. From mixing his own old-fashioned on a flight to discovering the art of Aperol spritzes at French bistros, Bob’s adventures offer a lighthearted look at the differences in drink-making traditions abroad, with plenty of inspiration for listeners to bring a bit of European flair to their own cocktail experiences.

KEY TOPICS

Bob explores the differences in alcohol standards, drink recipes, and service styles in Italy and France, adding humor to his comparisons with U.S. customs.

He describes the unique conditions of the Piedmont region, especially the impact of weather on grape harvests, giving listeners a peek into winemaking challenges.

Bob reflects on how his passion for cocktails influences his travels, from critiquing restaurant service to crafting drinks on a plane.

INSIGHTS

Listeners will discover how Europe’s lower alcohol pours and ingredient choices create a distinct flavor profile in cocktails.

Bob’s story of Piedmont’s rain-drenched vineyards reveals the intricate relationship between nature and the flavors in each bottle of wine.

Bob reveals his habit of mixing his own drinks on flights when sharing a quirky travel tip that adds humor and encourages creativity in an unexpected place.

EPISODE INDEX

**(0:25)** Bob introduces the episode, describing it as a "grass ain't necessarily greener" edition, reflecting his lighthearted take on European drinking culture.

**(1:00)** He discusses the intense rains and early grape harvest in Italy's Piedmont region, noting how weather conditions can impact the taste of local wines.

-**(3:25)** Bob humorously recalls his experience with Italian cocktail "experts," sharing his surprise at the lower alcohol content in European cocktails compared to the U.S.

-**(8:11)** Shifting to France, Bob highlights an exceptional cocktail experience at the Parisian bar Dirty Lemon, known for unique drinks and Lebanese-inspired flavors.

**(12:24)** Bob describes his tradition of mixing old-fashioned cocktails mid-flight with his own bartending kit, adding a touch of travel-related humor to the episode.

In this episode of Cocktails with Friends, host Bob Cutler welcomes David Fleming, Executive Editor of Whisky Advocate, to talk all things whisky and give listeners a preview of the upcoming Whisky Fest in New York City. Together, they discuss must-try whiskies, insider tasting tips, and current trends shaping the whisky world. Whether you're a longtime whisky fan or just curious, this episode offers plenty of insights and advice for savoring and understanding the nuances of whisky.

You don’t want to miss WhiskyFest on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Tickets are still available at whiskyfest.com/newyork

• An overview of Whisky Fest NYC and what attendees can expect

• The evolution of Whisky Fest since 1998 and its highlights

• Masterclasses and exclusive pours: the VIP experience

• Trends in whisky: American single malts, Japanese whiskies, and Irish single pots

• Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 list and how they select the best each year

Daily Tasting Builds Your Palate: David shares why regular tasting is key for developing a refined palate and suggests starting with a sip a day.

Exclusive Access at Whisky Fest: VIP attendees get early access to rare whiskies like Hibiki 21, Michter’s 20 Year, Hakushu 12, and Elijah Craig 18, along with intimate masterclass sessions.

Trends to Watch: American single malts and Irish single pots are gaining traction and offer unique styles distinct from traditional Scotch and bourbon.

David Fleming is the executive editor at Whisky Advocate, where he oversees content for the leading industry magazine and helps bring Whisky Fest to life, one of the most prominent whisky events globally. Known for his expertise and enthusiasm, David gives listeners an inside look at whisky trends and tips for making the most of every tasting experience.

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Whisky Advocate and Whisky Fest NYC

[00:01:10] - Meet David Fleming, executive editor of Whisky Advocate

[00:01:50] - Details on Whisky Fest NYC: dates, tickets, and venue

[00:02:30] - Growth of Whisky Fest and whisky’s rise in popularity

[00:03:20] - Exploring global whiskies: Scotch, Japanese, and more

[00:05:40] - VIP benefits: early access and exclusive pours

[00:06:30] - Rare Japanese whiskies featured at Whisky Fest

[00:08:40] - Masterclass sessions and what attendees can expect

[00:09:50] - Whisky trends: American single malts and Irish single pots

[00:15:30] - Insights into Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 list selection process

[00:20:40] - Closing thoughts: whisky tasting tips and appreciation