Black & Spirited Podcast
77 episodes - English - Latest episode: 30 days ago - ★★★★★ - 13 ratingsWelcome to the Black & Spirited Podcast where our mission is to share spirits knowledge, maximize the Black dollar promoting substance over hype and facilitating brands to reinvest into the Black community. Each week you'll hear from a group of brothers and sisters around the table chopping it up about bourbon & whiskey, cognac, rum, etc.
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Episodes
S03E30 Black & Spirited and Finished Whiskeys Part II
March 30, 2024 13:46 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBThe Crew is back again to dive deeper into the art of the barrel finish for whiskeys around the world. We also lean specifically into whether finished bourbon is still "bourbon" and if you add staves or sacks of honey, is it still the same product. Join in on the Spirited discussion, and share in some of our favorite finished pours. @blackandspirited @bourboninblack @cedricsummerall @boss_ladyvs @so_dramgood @bourbon_griot
S03E29 Black & Spirited Irish Whiskey: Beyond Jameson
March 15, 2024 17:00 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBProhibition almost killed the most sought-after whiskey in the world at the time, and it's taken a hundred years to get back solidly on top of the world stage. The Black & Spirited Crew takes on the #2 malt whiskey in the world, and helps you step up your understanding of why it's so special. Green beer is just fine for Paddy's Day, but you want to have a really good time? Grab some Irish whiskey!
S03E28 Black & Spirited Glassware Considerations or "The Fat Bottom Episode"
March 12, 2024 05:44 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBThey say a fine drink is like a fine man or woman--it's meant to be appreciated--looked at, caressed, and finally tasted… The Black & Spirited Crew gets a little nasty talking about how to bring the MOST out of your tasting experience--be it beer, wine, spirits or cocktails. We get hot and heavy in this episode quickly, while educating you on the appropriate glassware for whatever you're toasting with this evening. So let get it started!
S03E27 Black & Spirited and Finished Whiskeys Part I
March 01, 2024 19:36 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBIf you put new bourbon into a used wine or rum cask, is it still bourbon? If you finish a bad whiskey in a honey barrel, can you turn it good? The Black & Spirited Crew answers these questions and more, and debates the purpose of secondary barreling in the spirits industry--all while sharing some of our favorites! Join the conversation!
S03E26 Black & Spirited with Tequila & All Things Agave
February 23, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBThe Black & Spirited Crew takes you to the land of blue Weber agave--the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico! Learn what got Cedric off bourbon for the last year, and why good tequila is getting more and more expensive these days. You're in for a great journey on this one as we drink some of the hottest spirits from south of the border. Prepare to be educated and avoid the hype!
S03E25 Black & Spirited Dive in Islay Scotch!!!
February 16, 2024 18:00 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBThe Black & Spirit Crew hit all the notes on arguably the world's most hated spirit--Islay Scotch! If you want to know why whisky connoisseurs from all over love peaty, smoky malts, we'll be breaking it down for you in this episode. Find out our favorite go-to products from Islay, as well as the ones we shy away from. Most of all, you'll get all the details and lore begin these huge flavor bombs that may leave you rethinking your take on the whole category. Come get this smoke!
S03E24 Black & Spirited: Neat vs Water vs Ice?
December 29, 2023 18:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBThere's nothing like a large ice ball to cool down the perfect glass of whiskey. Or is it…? There's always people who try to tell you how to drink your bourbon, or your rum, or any other drink that you've paid your good money for. Well, the Black & Spirited Crew has our opinions, too. Tune in to this deep dive into chemistry, thermodynamics, and most of all, FUN on this episode of the podcast!
S03E23 Black & Spirited Cocktails Holidays Edition
December 22, 2023 18:00 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBIt's the MOST wonderful time of the year! The Black & Spirited Crew is here to share secrets to great holiday cocktails--whether you're hosting at home, or gifting to others--whether you're shooting for classic or bougie! As always, we've got your back for Christmas and New Year's celebrations this season for building lovely cocktails for all comers.
S03E22 Black & Spirited Tips to Starting a Spirits Library
October 20, 2023 17:00 - 54 minutes - 50.5 MBCheck your library card expiration date because on this episode, the Black & Spirited Crew dives into building a true spirits library at home for your drinking pleasure! First, what IS a spirits library, and where do you to start? Don't worry, we'll take care of you--whether you've already got a home bar, or maybe some collectable bottles already on the shelf--there's a difference. Ready? Let's go!!!
REBROADCAST Black & Spirited 30 Days of Bourbon
September 01, 2023 17:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MBSeptember is Bourbon Heritage Month, and the Black & Spirited Crew is taking the 30-day Bourbon Challenge. We're sharing the rules and our ideas for how YOU can survive drinking a different bourbon every day in the month! We'll help you map out your neat pours and/or cocktails to keep you in the game the smart way. But the Challenge is not only about spirits--but also wellness--and we've got a workout challenge, too. Let's get it in! For our tasting this episode, we're breaking down Ma...
S03E21 Black & Spirited Pours and Craft Beer Pairings
August 18, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MBHow did we go from a Boilermaker--a shot in a glass of beer--to today's evolution of drinking craft beers with fine (and not so fine) whiskies? All whiskey starts off as a beer, so this should be a natural pairing, right? The Black & Spirited Crew talks through some excellent methods of choosing your brewed beverage with your distilled spirit. And which one do you choose first? Let's have some fun!
S03E20 Black & Spirited Tennessee Bourbon (w/ Mike Frazier of Reverence Bourbon)
August 04, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 51 MBWe're sipping Tennessee bourbon with innovator and entrepreneur Mike Frazier of Reverence Bourbon. This Memphis native gives the Black & Spirited Crew the insiders' look into his journey from startup to selling out of a premier bourbon brand all over the country. So join us as we dive into what is truly a blender's delight and hear a great story from the man himself along the way. And check out www.ReverenceEnterprises.com
S03E19 Black & Spirited Distillery Gig Work
June 16, 2023 17:00 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBHave you ever thought about what it would take for you to get in on the production side of your favorite spirit? The Black & Spirited Crew shares current trends around what's going on in the spirits industry, and how you can jumpstart your career in the distilling, marketing, and administrative game. What does a site like ABVJobs.com bring to the table? Tune in to find out!
S03E18 A Black & Spirited Glamping Trip!!!
June 02, 2023 17:00 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MBWe went GLAMPING ya'll!!! The Black & Spirited Crew lets you in on our little vacation deep in East Texas woods. A bit of rain didn't hold us back to start off the trip, and it definitely didn't keep the grills from firing up or the pours from flowing! We'll dive into the variety of spirits that we "imported" to the campgrounds and the cocktails we mixed up along the way. Nature's calling!
S03E17 Black & Spirited and Rye!!!
May 19, 2023 17:00 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBRye whiskey keeps coming up in the podcast and our "The Finish" tastings, and it's about time it got its own episode! The Black & Spirited Crew gives you a little history of rye, how you can transition from bourbon and other spirits to rye, and some great rye cocktails for you to try. We'll also share our great bottom shelf bottles you can start off with for your home bar, or if you're out and about on the town. Tap in!
S03E16 Black & UNspirited Non-alcoholic Drinks & Cocktails
May 12, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 58 MBAre you "sober curious" or looking for some reason to go dry or low-proof with your spirits? Then THIS is the episode for you. The Black & Spirited Crew shares our "why's", talk about the benefits & pitfalls of going the non-alcoholic route, and some reasonable alternatives to help you bridge the gap between the Spirited & UNspirited realms. Buckle up, this is gonna be a good one, ya'll!
S03E15 Black & Spirited Whiskey in D.C. (w/ Troy Hughes of Mount Pleasant Club Whiskey)
April 28, 2023 17:00 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MBYou might think the story of our guest starts with a 110-year old whiskey bottle found in the attic of his new Washington, D.C, Mount Pleasant neighborhood home that kicked off not only a rejuvenated whiskey brand, but also a tremendous book on the history of distilling in DC. Troy Hughes talks about his research for "Whiskey Makers in Washington, D.C. - A Pre-Prohibition History" (available at all outlets), and the whiskey, vodka & AGAVE releases steadily pouring out under the Mount Pleas...
S03E14 A Black & Spirited Trip to New Orleans
April 14, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBWe've been talking about it for months, and now it's time for the Black & Spirited Crew to recap the 2023 New Orleans Bourbon Festival! We truly drank and ate our way through the French Quarter, Frenchman Street, the Warehouse District and beyond. Get information on the educational classes you missed during the day, and the grand tasting sessions that kept the party going at night! We also highlight the Black-owned restaurants that kept us full and the cocktail bars that had us toasty! ...
S03E13 Black & Spirited and Rum!!!
March 31, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBWhether you're mixing it, or drinking it straight, rum is one of the most versatile spirits out there, and it's truly produced around the globe. The Crew takes you on a journey from the overlooked bottom shelf bottles, through the overproof mid-levels, and all the way up to the best premium sipping rums. If you're looking for economy in your pours, or elevation in your cocktails, this is the episode for you!
S03E12 Black & Spirited Cocktails (w/ The Old Fashioned Barrister)
March 17, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBThe Black & Spirited Crew sit down with attorney, author and Executive Bourbon Steward, Brandi Lowery aka The Old Fashioned Barrister to talk cocktails and entrepreneurship! You know it's going to be a Spirited conversation as they talk about her brand's beginnings and the explosion she's had on social and news media. You can find her book "The Barrister's Book of Old Fashioneds & Other Cocktails" at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and her website, so grab it--you'll be glad you did!
REBROADCAST: Black & Spirited Paddy's Day Edition (w/ James Jones & Monica Miller)
March 16, 2023 17:00 - 39 minutes - 38.5 MBThe Crew dives into their St. Patrick's Day shenanigans from years past, and share their favorite drams and pints with you for the holiday! And Jeff & Monica talk about their time on the Emerald Isle and the love story that spawned from a Paddy's Day party. Of course, you'll want to know what bottles get pulled for the tasting session, so you definitely won't want to miss the end of the show. Slainté!
S03E11 Your Black & Spirited Wine & Whiskey Festival Guide
March 10, 2023 18:00 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBGoing to a whiskey festival soon? The Black & Spirited Crew shares their favorite events around the world that they like to attend to drink & be merry! You'll get your guide from your first steps into the door of the tasting hall, through all the educational sessions and sampling booths, and get you home safe at the end. And join in on the preview of the upcoming New Orleans Bourbon Festival!
S03E10 Black & Spirited Guide to Building Your Spirits Library
March 03, 2023 18:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBThere's levels to this thang! You've got the home wet bar, and there's the spirits "collection" where you've spilled over onto a dedicated cabinet. But then there's the whiskey or spirits library--way more than you can possibly drink in a lifetime. The Crew talks about the joys AND pitfalls of building a spirits library whether you're entertaining a lot, or just sipping solo. Trust us, there's good ways to invest your money, and we're here to look out for you. Let's get it!
S03E09 Black & Spirited and ABC (Armagnac, Brandy & Cognac)
February 17, 2023 18:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBThe Black & Spirited Crew dives deep into the fruit of the vine (or tree, or orchard) as we talk about the ABC's of fruit distilled spirits. Many of us had some type of experience with brandies of some sort at a young age, but times have changed. Ready to step your game up as we take you around the world for some of the oldest and finest spirits in the game???
S03E08 Black & Spirited "Best of" Lists; Best Pours of 2022
February 10, 2023 18:00 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBWe all have our favorite "Best of" lists that like to compare our tastes against--whether it be books, movies, cars, or SPIRITS! In this episode we dive into some of the "Best of" lists out there, and also recall our favorite pours over the last year. And, yes, it's been a LONG 12 months. So let's go!
S03E07 REBROADCAST: Black & Spirited Gift Giving!!!
December 12, 2022 18:00 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB"They" say it's better to give than to receive. As we continue the holiday season, the Black & Spirited Crew dives into how to give the perfect gift to friends and love ones. What to know how to avoid the side eyed "What were you thinking??" from your people? Or do you want to get ideas of bottles to send the Crew? Tune in to this episode!
S03E06 Black & Spirited Survival at a "Regular" Bar
October 13, 2022 17:00 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBFor those of you with "elevated" palates out there, a lot of times you can find yourself away from your home collection when out at a local dive or casual dining restaurant. We've all been there, but don't worry! The Black & Spirited Crew shares their tips & tricks to get by when you're sipping at a "regular" bar. Also, we're tasting the newly dropped Gold Spot Irish Whiskey this episode, so stay tuned through the end!
S03E05 Black & Spirited and Ready to Drink (RTDs)!!!
October 09, 2022 21:45 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBThe Black & Spirited Crew cut up a little bit talking about RTDs. Who actually enjoys Ready-to-Drink beverages anyway? Well, the market shows that lots of consumers are tipping just that way. Tired of making your own simple syrups? Need convenience when you're about to step out of the house? The crew breaks down their opinions plus or minus on RTDs and gives you all you need to know if you don't want to mix your own cocktails at home.
S03E04 Black & Spirited Bourbon Trail Trip Planning
October 02, 2022 17:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBA much requested episode!!! Jeff breaks down how he plans out his trips to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Great tidbits here on how many distilleries you can literally hit in one day in bourbon country, and how to responsibly survive to tell about it!
S03E03 Black & Spirited Packing for a Trip or Vacation (or Packing Bottles vs. Draws!)
September 22, 2022 13:41 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBWhether you on the road by bus, or traveling by private jet, there some good tips to keep your trip or vacation Spirited! The Crew shares their tips for transport, enjoying your drinks while you travel, or living off the land when you arrive at your destination.
S03E02 Black & Spirited 30 Days of Bourbon
September 01, 2022 14:01 - 34 minutes - 32 MBSeptember is Bourbon Heritage Month, and the Black & Spirited Crew is taking the 30-day Bourbon Challenge. We're sharing the rules and our ideas for how YOU can survive drinking a different bourbon every day in the month! We'll help you map out your neat pours and/or cocktails to keep you in the game the smart way. But the Challenge is not only about spirits--but also wellness--and we've got a workout challenge, too. Let's get it in! For our tasting this episode, we're breaking down Mak...
S03E01 A Black & Spirited Wedding!!! (w/ Brak Braxton)
August 28, 2022 05:47 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBWe're kicking off Season 3 recapping the Black & Spirited wedding of Jeff & Monica! Learn about the eccentricities of the pre-game spirits selections, keeping drinkers and non-drinkers live during a reception, AND selecting the right mix of bottles for an open bar. Most of all, you get to celebrate with the #UnderwoodsForGood. Hang around for a DEEP dive into Bourbon Excursions' latest Old Forester Single Barrel pick with owner Brak Braxton himself. You know we don’t pull punches!
S02E15 Black & Spirited Juneteenth
June 17, 2022 17:00 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBWhen you talk Juneteenth, you've got to talk about supporting Black owned businesses--in spirits and beyond. The Black & Spirited crew not only talks about how they celebrate the holiday with food, drink and service, but also gives a breakdown of the history & meaning of what's been called Black Independence Day. Lots of Black brands are name dropped during this episode, so sharpen your pencils and get ready to dive in!
S02E14 Black & Spirited Father's Day!!!
June 16, 2022 17:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBIs there anything better than getting a bottle for Father's Day? Maybe there is… Check out the Black & Spirited crew chopping it up over great and NOT-so-great gifts to give the dad or man in your life. And shout out to all the moms, mentors, teachers and coaches out there pouring into our kids every day. Who are you "pouring" into this holiday? Remember, you can't pour a pair of socks. Celebrate someone!
S02E13 Black & Spirited Whiskey Clubs OR The One Where 'Golden Girls' Meets the Trap
June 14, 2022 22:06 - 55 minutes - 50.8 MBAre you nurtured by your local club? Are you adding to the membership of your whiskey group? This week the crew talks about building engagement & trust within a group of like-minded people WHILE keeping up diversity goals. Stay tuned for the little love fest that the crew has toward the end of the convo, and of course, the tasting segment.
S02E12 Black & Spirited Barrel Picks, part II
June 03, 2022 17:00 - 54 minutes - 52.1 MBWhat are the must-haves when doing a barrel pick? The crew breaks down their experiences picking spirits for single barrel distribution and getting their secrets for getting that honey barrel back to your club or retail shelf. You'll also get a view of the differences in picking for a blended batch, and finally answer the ultimate question for tasting panels… "Do you spit??!!!"
S02E11 Black & Spirited What's the Next Hot Spirit? (w/ Tarel Washington)
April 29, 2022 12:49 - 34 minutes - 33.3 MBThe crew shares knowledge on what they believe are the spirits that are on the cusp of blowing up in the world landscape! Is it rum? Is it gin?? Is it spiked coffee?? Tune in this week to hear what's Hot and what's Not! Be a part of the podcast by sending an audio clip of your questions to [email protected]
S02E10 Black & Spirited Hype Train FOMO Edition (w/ Tarel Washington)
March 31, 2022 17:00 - 27 minutes - 26.9 MBSome of us rely on karma, and some of us like to hunt for our can't-miss bottles. Some of us stand in line, while some wait for the call from a connect at our favorite package store. Some don't have problem paying a extra on the secondary market, and some refuse to shell out more than retail. Check out the Black & Spirited crew's take on going after those whiskies that you just can't pass up!
S02E09 Black & Spirited Paddy's Day Edition (w/ James Jones & Monica Miller)
March 12, 2022 16:17 - 39 minutes - 38.5 MBThe crew dives into their St. Patrick's Day shenanigans from years past, and share their favorite drams and pints with you for the holiday! And Jeff & Monica talk about their time on the Emerald Isle and the love story that spawned from a Paddy's Day party. Of course, you'll want to know what bottles get pulled for the tasting session, so you definitely won't want to miss the end of the show. Slainté!
S02E08 Black & Spirited Drinking Out Of Season
March 03, 2022 18:00 - 32 minutes - 31.1 MBHas anyone ever told you it's too hot outside for a high proof drink, or looked at you funny drinking a frozen margarita in the depth of winter? The Black & Spirited crew talks about how they get down in any and all seasons when it comes to beer, wine & spirits on this episode.
S02E07 Black & Spirited Valentine's Edition OR Love the One You're With
February 11, 2022 02:41 - 22 minutes - 22.2 MBTune in for Black & Spirited after dark for a peek into all the secrets that get the crew's juices flowing on Valentine's Day. Whether you've been married forever, single, or somewhere in between, check out how your favorite Spirited people wine & dine the "socks" off their partners, and what turns them on & OUT! Stay tuned to the end for some great red-themed drinks and cocktails to get your guy or lady RIGHT for the night (and morning after…)! Spicy!
S02E06 Black & Spirited Superbowl Special (feat. Pam Jasper)
February 03, 2022 18:00 - 34 minutes - 33.9 MBEverybody loves a party right??? Whether you're a sports fan or not, championship season is always a good time to gather friends or close family for a few bites and LOTS of drinks! The Black & Spirited crew dive into their big game pairings with food and whatever's gonna be in your glass, cup, or mug.
S02E05 Black & Spirited Barrel Picks OR The Filet-o-Fish Episode
January 28, 2022 23:11 - 43 minutes - 42.6 MBAre store and club picked single barrels from lesser stock than normal releases, or do we just not know how to appreciate the uniqueness of an "off-center" cask? The Black & Spirited crew breaks down their thoughts on the subject and share some of their favorite single barrel picks from recent memory. Looking for something out of the ordinary? Tune in to THIS episode!
S02E05 Black & Spirited Barrel Picks
January 28, 2022 23:11 - 43 minutes - 42.6 MBAre store and club picked single barrels from lesser stock than normal releases, or do we just not know how to appreciate the uniqueness of an "off-center" cask? The Black & Spirited crew breaks down their thoughts on the subject and share some of their favorite single barrel picks from recent memory. Looking for something out of the ordinary? Tune in to THIS episode!
S02E04 Black & Spirited Drinks with Different Generations
January 20, 2022 19:00 - 41 minutes - 38.6 MBWhat can a Black & Spirited person learn from drinking with their aunties, granddaddies, or CHILDREN anyway?? The Crew sits down and goes through the intricacies, the potential pitfalls, and the utter joy that can come from drinking with family and friends outside your age group! Also stay tuned to the end for our favorite old school whiskey and spirits brands that we still like to drink today!
S02E03 Black & Spirited Best Pours of 2021
January 16, 2022 17:00 - 36 minutes - 34.9 MBThe Black & Spirited crew takes a look back at the last year that was full of great pours, and even better comradery. Is that unicorn bottle that you are searching any good? What else besides spirits made in into our top drinks of 2021? Remember to check us out on social media and weigh in on YOUR best drams of the last 12 months!
S02 Black & Spirited Bonus - Jeff's Favorite Things…
January 12, 2022 18:00 - 4 minutes - 5.14 MBIs there anything better than hanging with the Black & Spirited crew every week? Well Jeff gives you a peek into his favorite things this time of year. Follow him on IG @BourboninBlack
S02 Black & Spirited Bonus - Robert's Favorite Things…
January 09, 2022 18:00 - 8 minutes - 8.37 MBThe "God of Spirits" invites us into the library and shares his favorite things. Some of these will blow your mind, folks! Follow Robert on IG @Bourbon_Griot
S02E02 Black & Spirited Trip to Bourbon Country
January 06, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 62.6 MBThe Black & Spirited Crew recounts their trip to Louisville for the most recent Bourbon & Benevolence Gala put on by Kentucky's Original Black Bourbon Enthusiasts (@502KOBBE). Also get a preview of Dallas Bourbon Club's latest single barrel pick from Old Forester, and learn about Jeff & Robert's successes on the bottle hunt deep in bourbon country!
S02 Black & Spirited Bonus - Cedric's Favorite Things…
December 31, 2021 18:00 - 5 minutes - 5.32 MBKang Cedric opens up the man cave and lets you in on some of his favorite things. Follow this brother on IG @SummerallCedric and @TheKangSociety