The Sound of Spirits

If you need a little inspiration in your downtime, check out these booze-inspired podcasts. Find them on most platforms where you can subscribe, support or download audio.

Life Behind Bars

Legendary booze writer Dave Wondrich and Daily Beast Half Full editor Noah Rothbaum shoot the breeze like two of your favourite regulars. They dip into the history of cocktails and spirits, interview spirits entrepreneurs and discuss what they’re drinking.

Spirits Distilled

This very in-depth, pro-level podcast from the London-based Wine and Spirits Education Trust talks to experts about topics from fermentation (“Beauty of the Yeast”) and maturation to adding flavour to spirits.

The Whisky Topic

For a Canadian point of view, open your ears to The Whisky Topic, hosted by author Mark Bylok and spirits expert Jamie Johnson. Product reviews, distiller and blender insights and eclectic offerings (from interviews with musicians to recipes for cooking with booze) keep it lively.

Bartender at Large

Erick Castro (proprietor of San Diago’s Polite Provisions and New York’s Boilermaker) hosts this long-running pocast that deep-dives into modern cocktails and the people who invent and make them. From canned cocktails to wellness and harassment on the job to almost any category of spirits you can name, you’ll find an episode about it.

Distillery Nation

Originally going behind the scenes of starting a small distillery, this series now talks to U.S. distillers and entrepreneurs about their brands, careers and innovations, like a recent episode with distiller Lance Winters of pioneering St. George Spirits.

WhiskyCast

Nerding out since 2005, this weekly podcast hosted by drinks journalist Mark Gillespie stirs up tasting notes, interviews and behind-the-scenes explainers (like recent episodes on the flavours imparted by different strains of rye and barley).

Bar Chat

The Bar Academy of spirits giant Diageo talks to international barkeeps and gives useful tools and advice on topics ranging from hospitality to cocktail trends and creating customer survey.