Man Cave Happy Hour

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Nothing brings friends together quite like celebrating life's victories over a good glass of bourbon. In this episode, we're joined by special guest David, the Motor City Hypnotist, as we crack open some long-neglected "orphan bottles" and share stories that range from triumphant to heartwarming.

The spotlight first falls on Matt's incredible achievement - his first-ever hole-in-one a...

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Step into the heart of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, where an unassuming bar houses a breathtaking treasury of over 1,450 different whiskeys. At the Butter Run Saloon, owner Dave Harden has created more than just a drinking establishment—he's built a whiskey lover's sanctuary that draws enthusiasts from across the Midwest.

During our visit, Dave guides us through his personal barrel selection process,...

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The old saying goes that Wild Turkey is just "country whiskey," but true bourbon lovers know better. This week, we're putting two expressions from this iconic Kentucky distillery head-to-head: the classic Wild Turkey 101 against the more elusive Wild Turkey 101.8.

What's the difference between these two nearly identical-proof bourbons? About two years minimum in the barrel and roughly $18 ...

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Dive into the refreshing world of authentic Finnish long drinks as we welcome the team behind Lancaro to the Man Cave Happy Hour. This eye-opening conversation reveals how a paralyzed founder's dream evolved into a mission-driven beverage company revolutionizing the ready-to-drink market with clean, natural flavors.

Discover the fascinating history behind Finland's national cocktail, born during the...

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Blindfolds, cocktails, and murder – what more could you want from a dinner party? Creator Jill Bell joins us to reveal the story behind "Murder on the Rocks," the cocktail party murder mystery game that's completely reinventing game night.

With a PhD in cybersecurity and experience as a firefighter, Jill never expected to become a game designer. Yet her creation just funded at an astonishing 98...

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Dive into a cocktail experiment gone hilariously wrong as we tackle the Kalimotxo—an unusual Spanish drink that mixes red wine with Coca-Cola. This strange combination dates back to the 1920s when festival organizers in Spain discovered their wine was terrible and desperately needed a fix. Their solution? Mask it with Coca-Cola, creating what we dub "the original Fyre Festival of cocktails."

We expl...

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What happens when three whiskey enthusiasts decide to pair fine spirits with jelly beans? Pure chaotic deliciousness! This episode takes you on a flavorful journey through unexpected combinations as Jamie, Matt, and August explore the intersection of childhood nostalgia and adult beverages.

The adventure begins with a sample of Willett Small Batch Family Estate Straight Rye Whiskey, setting the stage for our ...

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Bourbon lovers, listen up! We're diving deep into a brand new release that's generating serious buzz - Heaven Hill's Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled in Bond bourbon. Unlike its limited-edition decanter siblings, this new expression promises to be a regular shelf staple (if you're lucky enough to find it).

The episode kicks off with a Father's Day-themed New York Sour cocktail featuring ...

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The Man Cave Happy Hour crew welcomes Detroit writer Mickey Lyons for an evening of spirit exploration and storytelling. After sampling the underwhelming Widow Jane bourbon (dubbed "aggressively mediocre" by the hosts), the conversation transforms when August introduces a rare bottle of green Chartreuse.
https://www.mickeylyons.com/

This legendary liqueur, crafted by Carthusian monks according to a 1...

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Raise a glass and journey with us through the captivating wine regions of northwestern Spain as we explore the distinctive character of Spanish wines while previewing an upcoming adventure to this remarkable destination.

Our conversation uncorks with a lively tasting of traditional Spanish Cava, that crisp, refreshing alternative to Champagne that sets the stage perfectly for our vinous exploration. We delve ...

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Step through the intentionally squeaky door of Donovan's Pub, and you'll immediately understand what makes neighborhood bars the backbone of Detroit. Owner Shannon Lowell keeps that door noisy for a reason - when it creaks, everyone glances up to size newcomers within 30 seconds.

Located in what Shannon calls "the cracks between Corktown and Mexicantown," this neighborhood institution has ...

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From spreadsheet wizard to master distiller, Jeff Duckhorn's journey from corporate accountant to craft spirits pioneer embodies the adventurous spirit of Redwood Empire Whiskey. With infectious passion, Jeff shares how his home brewing hobby and creative drive helped transform a wine company's side project into a flourishing whiskey brand celebrating Northern California's iconic trees.

Each bo...

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Step into a slice of living history at Detroit's famed Cadieux Cafe, where authentic Belgian feather bowling lanes have been delighting visitors since 1933. Our conversation with owner John Rutherford reveals the fascinating journey of this east side crown jewel from its origins as a Belgian grocery store during Prohibition to its current status as America's only authentic feather bowling venue.

Joh...

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Step into a world where mushrooms transform your drinking experience—without the alcohol. Megan Klein, founder and CEO of Little Saints, takes us on a fascinating journey through her line of non-alcoholic, mushroom-powered cocktails that deliver mood enhancement and cognitive benefits with zero sugar and only five calories.

From her mint green vending trailer origins in Detroit to facing the Sharks on nationa...

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Do you have a bag of lemons and no idea what to do with them? Join us as we transform citrus into classic cocktails while unveiling our exciting new format that will take our show on the road!
When our guest brought an entire bag of lemons instead of just the two requested, it sparked an impromptu exploration of lemon-based cocktails. We kick things off with our "Limosa" (lemon mimosa) – a simple yet ref...

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Ever wondered which cocktails you should actually master for your home bar? When the Man Cave Happy Hour crew discovered a list of "13 Essential Cocktails Everyone Should Know How to Make," they couldn't resist putting these classics to the test.

Armed with bottles of Sazerac rye, absinthe, Campari, and a lemon that received perhaps too much attention, Jamie, August, Matt and guests Barry and M...

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Pouring the Perfect Pint: Inside Gus O'Connor's and Gus's Snug.

Raise a proper pint as we celebrate our 200th episode at Gus's Snug in downtown Clawson, Michigan! This milestone deserves something special, and our guest Dimitry Goyfman delivers with his fascinating journey from Moscow to becoming one of Michigan's premier Irish pub proprietors.

Born in Russia and fluent in the language...

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Have you ever wondered if smoking cocktails is more than just a bar trick? Join us for a spirited chat in the Man Cave Happy Hour, where Jamie Flanagan, sharing laughs and lively discussions alongside my co-hosts August Gitschlag and Matt Fox. We take on the smoky cocktail debate head-on, questioning whether this trend is a genuine flavor enhancer or simply a gimmick, akin to those party store signs claiming bourbon i...

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Ever wondered what happens when you blend whiskey, cigars, and a dash of 12 year old humor? Picture us, your Man Cave Happy Hour hosts, along with our delightful friend Kristen Carlson, trying to keep a straight face while exploring the aromatic profile of Bitter Lekker from Babylon Storen. Our latest minisode is a tapestry of stories that blur the lines between episodes, sparked by unforgettable whiskey events and a ...