Episode 110 - Emily Arseneau

Dercy Cabrera is a polished student of mezcal and spirits. Her years in distribution and sales made her the perfect person to make Mezcal Rosaluna a household name. With a dedication to health, community, and constant evolution, she embodies hospitality. You are sure to find her waiting right around the corner to fill your copita with a splash of Rosaluna or with tender words of support. We chat bling, family, mourning, and more.

Whether in front of or behind the camera, crafting an elegant cocktail, or competing on a national stage, you'll soon be familiar with the work of Jesus Verde. Although his burgeoning hospitality career is relatively new, he is no stranger to long hours and unflinching work ethic. Originally from Venezuela, his educational voyage brought him to the states where he's cut his teeth with both tech and consumer goods companies alike. A fateful move to Austin to work for one of the biggest tech companies, shifted naturally into the world of hospitality. And now, you can find Jesus lifting others up with his directorial eye or crafting an instantly memorable cocktail at Austin's Here Nor There. We chat naps, divorce, the role of sleep, and more.

On a beautiful fall afternoon, we set out to San Isidro Guishe in Miahuatlán. A beautiful hotbed of mezcal production. The unique flavor of these mezcales are vibrant, stoney, and green. This is the interview with father and son maestros Antenogenes and Jose, two of the producers for Cinco Sentidos. A day that will be forever in my mind. The epitome of mezcal, hospitality, and learning about one another. Jason Paul Cox helps with translation and logistics. We chat about tradition, style, and the characteristics of the region.

On a beautiful fall afternoon, I took a trek to visit the palenque of maestro mezcalero Alberto Martinez. The awe inspiring view and perfect weather was accompanied by delicious food and mezcal. After settling in over a few drams, I had the privilege of interviewing Alberto. With the translation help of Jason Paul Cox of Cinco Sentidos, here is Alberto's story. You can taste the wisdom and skill in every sip of his clay distilled mezcal.

Roberto Núñez has traveled the world and the seven seas. His past studies in the seminary exposed him to many aspects of philosophy and cultural diversity. One day, things changed, and his journey into hospitality began to take form. With a litany of academic and cultural achievements, Roberto joined the team at Patrón Tequila after a fateful cocktail competition. His perspective on immigration and being an outsider in America offer a compelling narrative for those trying to make a life in the United States. We chat tequila, love, self exploration, and more.

A lovely live podcast recording in San Antonio for Bartender's Holiday. Chatting about challenging elements in producing Still Austin with Jordan Kaiser, Starward (Jake Hukee), and Blair Ault (Milam and Greene) Lots of indie rock in the conversation and amazing interactive tasting with folks at Blue Box. We chat emo bands, wine cask treatment, and constant observation of whiskey conditions.

Ardbeg's national brand ambassador Cameron George has a lush career in Seattle's hospitality industry. The transition from agave to Scotch whiskey was all so natural given a childhood connection with the country. With a focus on intellect, inclusion, and exploration of one's self, Cameron remains a mentor and positive influence on the world of whisky. We chat lyrics, journaling, the rock of Islay, and more.

Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr. Lyan) and his team are celebrating 10 years of bringing intrepid and bold bar concepts to the world. Starting with White Lyan, Ryan has redefined elements of hospitality and encourages patrons to think differently about flavors. What inspires him? What changes after a decade of creating? We chat below the Sea Containers hotel where the flagship Lyaness sits upstairs. Picasso, technology, and service just scrape the surface of this long-awaited (by me) chat.

Carlos Soto arrived in the United States at the age of 18 to pursue a college education. His art filled roots in Costa Rica set the perfect stage for his now 8 year journey in the hospitality industry. At first a rejected business idea in his college class, is now a flourishing business. Nosotros Tequila and Mezcal is expanding into multiple states and now Carlos is left to think- what's next? We chat John Mayer, influencers, strategy, and more.

Rachael Bloom Soto was destined to be in the hospitality industry. With a blend of food and nurturing, quite literally in her blood, she was destined to care. When a calculated move to Texas, for a different reason than you might think, ended up with her behind the bar at Rosewater She naturally transitioned into the brand role at Maker's Mark because after all, it was the only job she applied for. We chat Maker's blending components (as told through horror movies), motherhood, and robots.