Sipping Social Podcast

Episode 92 of Sipping Social featured our friend Jeff Huber joining us for a fun and slightly geeky whiskey tasting. We sampled four value-priced whiskeys, all under $30, and compared notes to see which bottles delivered the best bang for the buck. Great conversation, plenty of laughs, and some surprisingly good pours made for a fantastic episode.

On episode 91 of the sipping social we caught up on the industry, the yearly industry ebb and flow, Grange House and the fun nuances of running a late night bar. We drank a couple delicious Half Acre Beers and some fantastic whiskey from Woodford Reserve. Thanks for joining us and the first two that mention the podcast to Mike at GH gets a hat!

Listen up, drink up, and lets goooooo!!!

On episode 90 of the sipping social we caught up after being away for two months. We talked about opening Grange House and finally starting to free up some time after the chaos of the launch. The episode covered both the tough moments and the rewarding parts of getting the restaurant open and running. After we got that off our chest, we sipped on some delicious Doc Swinson's whiskey from Garrett’s collection and enjoyed Half Acre Light while breaking it all down. Thanks for joining us and first one to come see us at GH gets a hat!

Listen up, drink up, and lets goooooo!!!

On episode 89 of the sipping social we reminisced about St Paddy's day shenanigans and wild customers, teased some information about the new restaurant Grange House, and drank two single barrels from Heaven Hill. The single barrels were the Elijah Craig Toasted Bourbon Barrel Strength and the Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond, both super tasty. 

Listen up, drink up, and lets goooooo!!!

In Episode 88 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we welcome friend and industry compatriot Jesse Able for a laid-back yet insight-filled conversation centered around craft beer and shared experience in the industry. 

We kicked things off with a delicious Penrose Goofy Boots, a delicious local hazy IPA. After that we tried Riggs Brewing Hefeweizen, appreciating its classic wheat beer profile—smooth, refreshing, and expressive with traditional yeast-driven notes. To round out the tasting, we poured Belle Meade Cask Strength Bourbon, unpacking its bold proof, rich depth, and layered finish.

Listen up, drink up, and lets goooooo!!!

On Episode 87 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we dive into how technology is shaping the modern restaurant industry and break down the local economic impact of the Super Bowl. We drank some a standout beer from Noon Whistle Brewing in the Gummy series and sipped on Rare Character single barrel cask strength bourbon. Good drinks, good cheer, good peeps.

On Episode 86 of the Sipping Social Podcast, we caught up on all the latest industry buzz, said a heartfelt goodbye to Proof No. 5, and raised a glass to some big moments. We cracked open a fantastic Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery-only release, sipped on Torch THC Seltzers, and wrapped it all up by congratulating our giveaway winners. Listen up, drink up, and let's go!

We’re finally back! The last time we recorded was way back in August, which feels like a lifetime ago, and we couldn’t be more excited to jump back on the mic. In this episode, we kick things off with a long-overdue industry catch-up, talk Dry January realities, and pour one out for a Chicago classic—RIP McCormick & Schmick’s in the city.

We also dive into what’s new in Wheaton, including stops at Bien Trucha, The Guild, and Dough, plus break down what we’re drinking: an EH Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon and the Blind Corner Two911 beer collab.

Grab a drink and catch up with us—it’s good to be back.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: The first four listeners who text us or DM us on Instagram to let us know they listened will score an SSP hat and shirt—plus we tease an even bigger giveaway coming soon.

In this episode, we catch up on the past couple of months and everything that’s been happening in the industry. We review the classic Yuengling, which is a newer addition to the area, and also give our thoughts on Eagle Rare 12-Year — a new and incredibly tasty bourbon. The customer of the month didn’t disappoint but it never does!! Thanks for joining us for this special episode!

In this episode, we dive into the latest hot topics in the beverage world. We start with the buzz around the 200% wine tariff—what does it mean for your favorite bottles and the industry at large? Then, we shift gears to celebrate the return of some seriously delicious food at Burger Social.

Next up, we highlight Maize + Mash’s Dive Bar Night—an event you won’t want to miss! We also discuss the booming trend of non-alcoholic beverages, with NA wine, liquor, and beer reporting massive sales.

For whiskey lovers, we feature Wilderness Trail’s Single Barrel from BBH. Finally, we wrap up with our Customer of the Week, a fun pick from a fellow GM in the area.

In this episode, we were thrilled to welcome a listener of the Sipping Social Podcast, Dr. Mike Gontarek. A published author in Nutritional Perspectives, Dr. Gontarek is board certified in clinical nutrition and a member of the American Chiropractic Association Council on Nutrition. Mike brought a fresh perspective to the table, offering his thoughts and personal experiences as we dove into some exciting beverages: the highly anticipated Hop Butcher collaboration and Russell's single barrel pick.

In this episode, we recap our live show featuring fantastic guests Blind Corner Brewing and Laws Whiskey. We dive into their unique offerings and share some great moments from the event. We also have a little fun at the expense of a harsh online reviewer, “misfit,” who didn’t exactly love our expertise. It’s a laid-back, entertaining episode full of laughs, good company, and a bit of playful roasting.

In this episode we explore the latest happenings in the local food and drink scene, including the closure of Maypole in Wheaton and exciting new spots like an Italian concept replacing Wok n Fire and Mosaic Kitchen & Cocktails in Geneva. We also discuss Blind Corner Brewing’s distribution launch, the Graceful Ordinary concept in Aurora, and the Walrus Room’s move next to Barrel and Rye. Plus, we feature Go Brewery’s THC-infused Easy Man beer and revisit the whiskey selections at Bottle Exchange.

The Sipping Social Podcast shines a spotlight on the Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group's John J. Bowman Single Barrel Pick, a standout whiskey choice for the season. We also taste Great Lake Christmas Ale (7.5% ABV), the perfect brew to get into the holiday spirit. Amid the hustle of Christmas shoppers, kids home from school, and last-minute party bookings, the Bourbon Belly team navigates it all with ease and humor. We recap the latest Laws Whiskey episode and the memorable Fine Whiskey and cocktail pairing dinner at Proof No. 5, while also celebrating sponsors Blind Corner Brewing and Laws Whiskey ahead of the upcoming live SSP show.

In this episode, we’re joined by a true pioneer in the whiskey world—Al Laws, the founder and owner of Laws Whiskey House, a renowned Colorado-based distillery that’s making waves with its hand-crafted, small-batch spirits. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just someone curious about the art of distilling, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Let’s go!

This episodes highlights include the launch of the stylish New Sipping Social hats and exciting news for servers and bartenders: a potential tax exemption on tips is on the horizon. In legal news, Panera Bread has settled a lawsuit linked to its "charged" lemonade. For drink enthusiasts, we tasted the Hard Truth Single Barrel Rye whiskey and Half Acre’s BBH Collab Midnight Raid beer. Our customer of the week is the notorious complainer who voices concerns before even being seated.

In this episode we had a great opportunity to interview the founder of Journeyman Distillery, Bill Welter. We sat down with him at a bustling restaurant called Maize+Mash in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The whiskey was tasty, the conversation event more tasty. Listen up and drink up with us in this special episode.

In this episode, we got to try the amazing Michter’s Barrel Strength Toasted Rye. It got high reviews from all who tried it. The Daisy Cutter 15 year Celebration tropical pale ale coming in at 5.2% abv was crushable. You can currently find it at Binny’s and The Beer Cellar in Glen Ellyn. Our resident podcast studio cat Willie made an appearance as well.

In this episode, we caught up on some fun restaurant news for the burbs. For the whiskey review we tried the James E Pepper that we all really liked! We also brought another seltzer on the show and they keep doing well. Shout out to Solemn Oath for making the City Water line. Listen up, drink up, and let's goooooo!!!

In this episode, we recapped the last couple weeks we were gone and the Michter's dinner at Proof no. 5. Don’t miss the next one!  For the whiskey portion we tried the BBH single barrels from Elijah Craig that received some great reviews. They’re so freaking good you should buy some! We also brought the first ever seltz on the show and we loved it. Shout out to Penrose for the Lemon Seltz-up. Listen up, drink up, let's goooooo!!!