The Dram Amateur

The Dram Amateur Podcast is your go-to show for exploring the fascinating world of bourbon, whiskey, rum, tequila, mezcal and everything in-between. Hosted by Jason, a passionate enthusiast and social media influencer, this podcast dives into the stories, history, and culture behind the spirits we love. From the thoughtful tastings and reviews to interviews with fellow influencers, industry experts, and aficionados, The Dram Amateur Podcast delivers insights for novices and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Whether you're here to find your next favorite bottle, learn about unique distilleries and brands, listen to stories, or simply enjoy spirited conversations this is your space to sip, savor, and celebrate the journey of a dram.

The Dram Amateur is a society podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 76 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Dram Amateur, a society show with 76 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #4

  Season 4 Ep. 4: Not Goodbye, Just a Pause

  Aug 11, 202630 minS4

  Tasting Notes: This episode is different. No guest. No bottle on the table. Not even the One More Pour Studio. Just me giving you an update on where I’ve been, what’s been happening over the last several weeks, and why I’ve made the difficult decision to officially put The Dram Amateur Podcast on pause. Since July 1st, I’ve been dealing with some unexplained health issues—episodes of blurred vision, headaches, brain fog, elevated heart rate, chest discomfort, and just feeling disconnected from myself. I’ve been to doctors, made a trip to the hospital, met with a cardiologist, and I still have more testing and appointments ahead. The good news? So far, the tests have looked good. The frustrating part? I still don’t have an answer. And until I do, I need to focus on the things that matter most: my health, my family, and being present. ⏸️ Why I’m Hitting Pause I love this podcast. I love sitting down with people, hearing their stories, sharing great pours, and getting to know this incredible spirits community. But I’ve always wanted to give this show everything I have. Right now, I can’t do that. I’ve stepped away from spirits and cigars while I work through what’s going on, and rather than force episodes just to keep the podcast moving, I’d rather pause, take care of myself, and hopefully come back when I can truly enjoy doing this again. More Than the Pour Looking back on the last three years, I keep coming back to one thing: This was never really about what was in the glass. It was about the people sitting around it. The friendships, conversations, ridiculous stories, shared bottles, new experiences, and people I probably never would have met if I hadn't decided to start this little podcast. That doesn’t disappear because I’m hitting pause. So please stay connected. Reach out. Send me a message. Grab my number. Invite me onto your podcast. Hell, if you need a co-host, give me a call. I'm still here. ❤️ Thank You To every guest who trusted me with their story, every person who listened or watched, every brand that supported the show, and especially every friendship that came from this crazy little idea: Thank you. I don’t know exactly what the next couple of months will bring. Hopefully, I get some answers, get myself back where I need to be, and eventually sit back down behind that microphone in the One More Pour Studio. Because this isn't goodbye. It's just a pause. Until we get to share one more pour together. Cheers.

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  Episode #3

  Season 4 Ep. 3: Three Years Later... This Is What It Was Really About

  Jul 28, 202656 minS4

  Tasting Notes: Three years ago, this podcast started with a microphone, a curiosity about great spirits, and the hope of creating something meaningful. Today, it's become something far bigger than I ever imagined. In this solo episode, I'm taking a step back to reflect on the journey—from recording audio-only episodes at my kitchen table to building the One More Pour Studio, launching video on YouTube, and connecting with listeners from around the world. More than anything, this episode is about gratitude for the incredible community that's grown around the Dram Amateur Podcast. But it's also a conversation about what kind of spirits community we should strive to be. After witnessing an unfortunate experience at a liquor store, I share why respect, encouragement, and community over competition will always be at the heart of this podcast. And of course... no episode would be complete without opening a few incredible bottles and sharing the stories behind them. What We're Pouring Into This Episode - Celebrating three years of the Dram Amateur Podcast and the start of Season 4. - How the podcast evolved from audio-only into the One More Pour Studio and YouTube. - The incredible growth of listeners from countries all over the world. - Why interviewing people—and hearing their stories—has become the heart of the show. - A candid discussion about gatekeeping in the spirits community and why kindness matters. - The unforgettable experience of finding a Fortaleza Winter Blend 2025 through an act of generosity. - First impressions of Rey Campero Ponche de Frutas, a mezcal that immediately became one of my favorites. - A look ahead at Season 4, returning guests, new ideas, and where the podcast is headed next. Key Moments ️ Looking back on where the podcast started—and how much it's grown. The surprise of building a worldwide audience through a shared love of spirits. ❤️ Why relationships matter far more than bottle hype. Community, not competition—and standing up for welcoming new enthusiasts. Uncorking some incredible pours and sharing the stories that make them memorable. A preview of what's coming in Season 4. Follow The Dram Amateur Instagram: @dram_amateur ▶️ YouTube: The Dram Amateur Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow whiskey, tequila, or spirits enthusiast and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Final Pour Sometimes it's easy to focus on bottles, ratings, or chasing the next release. This episode is a reminder that the best part of this hobby has never been what's in the glass—it's the people standing around it. Whether you've been here since Episode 1 or just recently found the podcast, thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to many more conversations, many more stories, and plenty more pours to share together.

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  The Dram Amateur

  Season 4 Ep. 2: We Opened a Rare Mezcal... Then This Conversation Happened

  Jul 14, 20261h 4m

  Tasting Notes : Sometimes the best conversations aren't with industry insiders—they're with the friends who have been there for decades. In this episode, Jason welcomes his longtime friend Greg to the One More Pour Studio for an evening built around a newly opened bottle of Wild Common Cuishe Mezcal. What starts as a simple tasting quickly turns into a conversation about how a random online video game led to a friendship spanning more than 20 years. From late-night SOCOM sessions and unforgettable road trips to Bills vs. 49ers debates, Tree House beer, tequila, mezcal, and the memories that only longtime friends can share, this episode is less about reviewing a bottle and more about celebrating why we open them in the first place. If you've ever made lifelong friends over a shared drink—or even a shared hobby—this one's for you. 🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways 🥃 First Impressions of Wild Common Cuishe Mezcal Opening a brand-new bottle together Why quality mezcal is much more than just smoke How different agave varieties create completely different experiences Tasting the spirit neat before building cocktails 🍸 Why Great Spirits Deserve Great Cocktails Making a spicy mezcal margarita Why expensive bottles shouldn't be "too nice" to mix Balancing cocktails without overpowering the spirit Exploring mezcal beyond traditional sipping 🎮 The Friendship That Started It All Meeting over SOCOM more than two decades ago How online gaming friendships were different in the early 2000s Clan battles, late-night gaming, and lifelong memories Turning an online friendship into a real-world one ✈️ Road Trips, Sports & Shared Adventures Syracuse basketball memories Bills vs. 49ers rivalry Braves baseball and unforgettable moments Pub crawls, brewery visits, and years of traveling to see each other 🍺 Beer, Tequila & Chasing Great Drinks Why Tree House Brewing still sets the standard Favorite tequila discoveries Finding great liquor stores that focus on education The fun of constantly exploring new pours 🤝 The Real Reason We Collect Bottles Spirits as a reason to slow down with friends Why memories outlast expensive pours Community over collecting Celebrating friendships one glass at a time 📝 Memorable Moments The story of two strangers becoming lifelong friends. Greg opening his very first bottle of Wild Common Cuishe Mezcal live on the podcast. Jason sharing why great mezcal isn't defined by smoke alone. Memories from Syracuse pub crawls, Braves games, Bills games, and countless road trips. The realization that sometimes the best podcast episodes aren't interviews—they're simply conversations between friends. 🥃 Follow The Dram Amateur 📸 Instagram: @dram_amateur ▶️ YouTube: The Dram Amateur Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow whiskey, tequila, or spirits enthusiast and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. 🥃 Final Pour Every bottle has a story. Sometimes it's about where it was made. Sometimes it's about who made it. And sometimes it's simply about who you opened it with. This episode is a reminder that the best pours are rarely the most expensive—they're the ones shared with people who have been part of your story for years. Because every pour comes with a story. 🥃Cheers.

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  Episode #1

  Season 4 Ep. 1: The Secret Every Great Bartender Knows (Most Drinkers Don't) ft. @mariibar_nyc

  Jun 30, 20261h 36mS4

  Tasting Notes : Cocktails Are More Than a Recipe—They're Hospitality in a Glass. What separates a good cocktail from one you'll remember years later? In this episode, Jason sits down with Marielle (@mariibar_nyc)—bartender, cocktail creator, and hospitality professional—to explore the artistry, philosophy, and passion behind modern cocktails. From unexpectedly falling in love with bartending during COVID to now crafting drinks in one of New York City's most respected cocktail bars, Marielle shares why great cocktails aren't just about ingredients—they're about creating experiences. Along the way, Jason mixes two of Marielle's cocktail recipes posted on her Instagram, learns why ice matters more than most people realize, and discovers the small details that transform a drink into something unforgettable. Whether you're a whiskey drinker looking to branch out or someone who's always wondered what separates an average cocktail from an exceptional one, this episode is full of practical insights and fascinating stories. 🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways 🍸 Falling Into Bartending... and Finding a Passion - Why Marielle never planned to become a bartender - How stepping behind the bar during COVID changed everything - Discovering creativity through cocktails instead of simply serving drinks 🎨 Cocktails as an Art Form - Why presentation matters just as much as flavor - Designing drinks that create memorable experiences - The balance between aesthetics and functionality - Why egg white cocktails remain one of her favorite techniques 🧪 Creativity Behind Every Cocktail - Where inspiration actually comes from - Turning food experiences into cocktails - Experimentation, failures, and creating award-winning drinks - Why not every creative idea survives the tasting glass 🧊 The Details Most People Never Notice Jason gets a live masterclass on: - Why ice size changes a cocktail - Proper shaking techniques - Ingredient order while building drinks - Why fresh citrus is non-negotiable - How premium ingredients elevate every cocktail 🌎 California vs. New York Cocktail Culture Marielle compares two very different hospitality worlds: - Different guest expectations - Cocktail trends across the country - Why New York continues to push cocktail innovation - Building menus for different audiences ❤️ Hospitality Over Everything Perhaps the biggest takeaway of the episode: A memorable cocktail isn't always the most complicated one. It's the connection between bartender and guest that people remember long after the glass is empty. 📱 Building a Cocktail Community Online Marielle also discusses: Creating cocktail content on Instagram Learning videography while growing her audience Staying authentic on social media Why personality matters more than perfection 🥃 Jason's Live Cocktail Challenge Throughout the episode, Jason attempts to recreate two cocktails Marielle has posted on her Instagram account: 🍋 Paper Plane 🔥 Smoky Spicy Margarita ...while getting real-time coaching from a professional bartender. Needless to say, there are a few lessons learned along the way. 🥃 Connect with Marielle 📸 Instagram: @mariibar_nyc 🥃 Follow The Dram Amateur 📸 Instagram: @dram_amateur ▶️ YouTube: The Dram Amateur Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow whiskey, tequila, or spirits enthusiast and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Because every pour comes with a story. 🥃

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  Episode #24

  Season 3 Ep. 24: The Blind Bonanza Returns: Reposado Showdown Part 2 ft. @mr._given

  Jun 16, 20261h 27mS3

  Tasting Notes: What happens when two friends sit down with four mystery pours, zero preparation, and a shared love for great spirits? In this episode, Jason welcomes back fan-favorite guest John (@mr._given)—the king of Porch Pops and High-Proof Hikes—for another Blind Bonanza. This time, the focus shifts to Reposado tequila as the guys work through a lineup of mystery pours, attempting to identify distilleries, proofs, and flavor profiles completely blind. Along the way, the conversation wanders into everything from social media creativity and tequila collecting to side-by-sides, college tuition, Braves baseball, NFL Draft reactions, and why certain spirits become lifelong favorites. As always, the real fun isn't just what's in the glass—it's the stories that come with it. Key Topics & Takeaways 🥃 Blind Bonanza: Reposado Edition Four mystery Reposado tequilas tasted blind Guessing proofs, distilleries, and production styles Why proof doesn't always tell the whole story The surprising differences between Highland and Lowland tequilas How barrel influence can dramatically change a tequila's profile 🌄 Highlands vs. Lowlands Tequila What terroir means in tequila production Why Highland tequilas often showcase brighter citrus and fruit notes How volcanic soils influence Lowland tequila character Learning to identify regional characteristics through blind tasting And why some bottles become "repeat reaches" regardless of how many options sit on the shelf. 📸 Creativity, Community & Instagram How content creators develop their own style The inspiration behind Jason's "Repeat Reach" series Why authenticity matters more than chasing trends Building community through shared passions 🚜 Porch Pops, High-Proof Hikes & New Toys John talks about: Purchasing a Kawasaki Mule The origins of "Musings from the Mule" Why followers keep asking for merch The surprising ways social media catchphrases take on a life of their own ⚾ Sports Talk & Dad Life Braves baseball optimism Georgia Bulldogs baseball NFL Draft reactions Raising kids, preparing for college, and balancing hobbies with real life 🇲🇽 Falling Down the Agave Rabbit Hole The conversation explores: Why tequila continues to gain momentum among whiskey drinkers The appeal of additive-free tequila High-proof versus standard-proof expressions How tequila and mezcal reveal terroir in unique ways Why Mexico's culture, food, and hospitality continue to inspire Connect with John Follow John for Porch Pops, High-Proof Hikes, whiskey adventures, and plenty of good laughs: Instagram: @mr._given Connect with The Dram Amateur 📸 Instagram: @dram_amateur 🎥 YouTube: The Dram Amateur Podcast 📘 Facebook: The Dram Amateur Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow whiskey, tequila, or spirits enthusiast and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Because every pour comes with a story. 🥃

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