Best Cooperage Podcasts (2026)

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My Cooperage Chat with Mark Quick 1:08:25

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18d ago1:08:25

1:08:25

Join me for My Cooperage Chat with Mark Quick. Mark is the Managing Sales Director for Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Cooperage in Newbridge, Co Kildare. KBB is one of two commercial cooperages in the Republic that services the drinks industry with barrels, advice and repair works. Mark and the team of coopers and technicians deliver seriously quality woo…

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My Church of Oak Distillery Chat with Greg McEntee, Head Distiller 1:33:15

4h ago1:33:15

1:33:15

Join me for My Church of Oak Distillery Chat with Greg McEntee, Head Distiller. The Church of Oak distillery in Monasterevin, Co Kildare started operations in 2022 and they have been quietly producing multigrain whiskey and maturing it in the best of cask from the Casknolia Cooperage in Spain. The distillery was built around the old Ballykelly mill…

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Episode 14 - The Cooper’s Hand: The Critical Role of Toasting in Barrel Making with Master Cooper Quinn Roberts 16:24

22d ago16:24

16:24

In this episode of The Oak Effect, Master Cooper Quinn Roberts explores one of the most influential steps in barrel making: the toasting process. Quinn explains how toasting developed into a critical craft, why it matters more today than ever, and how subtle choices in heat, timing, movement, and technique shape the sensory profile of a finished wi…

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Yarnslingers Brings Personal Stories to Life: A Conversation with Bizzy Coy & Teresa Tulipano 26:05

27d ago26:05

26:05

In this episode, we’re talking with Bizzy Coy and Teresa Tulipano from Yarnslingers — a Sullivan County showcase where writers perform powerful, memory-based stories drawn from their own lives.By Greg Triggs

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Episode 13 - From Oak to Aromas: The Transformative Journey from Wood to Flavor with Gus Zhu, MW 10:11

1M ago10:11

10:11

Gus Zhu, MW, breaks down the science of oak flavor in plain language. Starting with the basic building blocks of wood, he explains how hemicellulose produces compounds like furfural during heating, contributing nutty, toasty notes, and how lignin transforms into hallmark molecules such as vanillin, eugenol, and guaiacol that impart vanilla, clove, …

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Episode 12 : The Human Touch in Barrel Making: How Coopers Define Quality with Quinn Roberts 23:21

2M ago23:21

23:21

In this episode of The Oak Effect, Master Cooper Quinn Roberts of Tonnellerie O takes listeners deep inside the world of traditional barrel craftsmanship. From the forest to the cooperage, Quinn explains how the senses — sight, touch, and smell — still play a vital role in determining wood quality, stave selection, and toasting precision. Even as t…

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My Rum Chat with Mike Gilmore & Jason Kidd 2:01:02

2M ago2:01:02

2:01:02

Join me for My Rum Chat with Mike Gilmore & Jason Kidd. Mike Gilmore is an ex-cop from California, who moved to rural Wyoming and opened a liquor store. But he developed a fascination for flavour and founded an Independent bottling company called Roaming Roads Spirits, where he seeks out amazing spirits, including amazing rums, from all over the wo…

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My Live Chat with Ger Buckley, Midleton's Master Cooper 1:16:01

3M ago1:16:01

1:16:01

Join me for My Live Chat with Ger Buckley, Midleton's Master Cooper. I was asked to host a whiskey event at the Cork on a Fork food festival in Cork city in Aug 2025. I decided to do a Live Podcast episode in the iconic Hi-B bar in the heart of Cork city. The Hi-B notoriously doesn't allow mobile phones and encourages people actually talking to eac…

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Episode 11 - Sweet, Spicy, and Smoky: Why Cultures Favor Different Oak Flavors with Gus Zhu, MW 7:41

3M ago7:41

7:41

In this sensory-driven episode of The Oak Effect, host Gus Zhu explores how cultural tastes shape the way we perceive oak flavors. From the preference for less sweetness in China and Japan to the love of vanilla, caramel, and nutty notes in Western cultures, oak aromas connect to culinary traditions around the globe. Gus also unpacks how spice-driv…

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Megan Offner 21:24

3M ago21:24

21:24

Let’s take a cue from the trees. In this episode, we meet Megan Offner—entrepreneur, designer, and co-founder of New York Heartwoods (NYH), a Hudson Valley circular wood products consultancy. With over 25 years in the design/build world, Megan has turned her passion for nature into a mission: helping architects, artists, and landowners transform fa…

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My Snug Chat with Jim Arnoldt 1:06:02

3M ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Join me for My Snug Chat with Jim Arnoldt. I met up with Jim at Belfast Whiskey Week 2025 in the popular food market, the Common Market, at the Cocktail Takeover event. We sat outside the packed event, on the roadside tables and I had a ball chatting to Jim. Jim is one of the founders of the fabulous Irish bar, The Snug, in Irvington, Indianapolis.…

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Episode 10 - From Wine to Whiskey: How Oak Shapes the World’s Beverages with Gus Zhu, MW 9:18

4M ago9:18

9:18

In this episode of The Oak Effect, host Gus Zhu explores how different beverages, from wine to whiskey, interact with French and American oak. Gus breaks down the key differences in flavor, cost, and tradition, then dives into why winemakers often prefer the subtlety of French oak while distillers lean toward the bold character and practicality of …

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Pedro Boregaard 26:08

4M ago26:08

26:08

Join me as I talk with Pedro Boregaard, a master jeweler who worked with Tiffany before launching his own iconic brand. Now living with macular degeneration, he has embraced music as his form of self-expression. Together, we celebrate the release of his new EP, Traveling Light – as Pedro Travels with Triggs.…

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My Midleton Cooper Chat with Derek Cronin 43:39

4M ago43:39

43:39

Join me for My Midleton Cooper Chat with Derek Cronin. This is my second Chat with Derek, but the first since he qualified as a Cooper..! Derek is now a Cooper, a barrel maker, in Midleton Distillery. He can now proudly say he apprenticed under the legendary Master Cooper Ger Buckley. I joined Derek in Midleton Cooperage, where I caught up on how h…

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Episode 9 - Jupilles: Where Mist and Oak Meet with Quinn Roberts 11:41

5M ago11:41

11:41

In the third installment of our forest-focused series, Master Cooper Quinn Roberts journeys deep into the heart of Jupilles—one of France’s most storied oak forests and a crown jewel of coopering tradition. Known for its fine grain and serene, mist-covered woodlands, Jupilles oak brings a unique elegance to barrel aging that winemakers across the w…

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My Garden Chat with Dean Fitzgerald & Cathal O'Brien part 2 1:07:21

5M ago1:07:21

1:07:21

Join me for My Garden Chat with Dean Fitzgerald & Cathal O'Brien part 2. Dean Fitzgerald runs the Whiskey Appreciation Society pages on Social Media platforms. He does a great job bringing people along his whiskey journey and helping to promote Irish brands. I urge you to check out his profiles and give him a follow. Cathal O'Brien has been repping…

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My Stonewell Cider & Brandy Chat with Diarmuid Madden 1:10:14

5M ago1:10:14

1:10:14

Join me for My Stonewell Cider & Brandy Chat with Diarmuid Madden. Diarmuid is a Production Operator at Stonewell Cidery in Carrigaline, Cork. They produce an amzing array of quality ciders. Orr Apple Brandy is their new venture, their own cider distilled by a local distillery and Diarmuid has been spearheading this project since the start of 2025.…

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Tusten Social and the Cooperage Project 25:49

5M ago25:49

25:49

On this episode we talk about the need for collaborative teen, family and senior programming in rural communities with representatives from Tusten Social and the Cooperage Project. Learn more with Greta Knutsen, Amanda Masters and Ally Spaciano.By Greg Triggs

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Episode 8 - Oak Tannins vs. Wine Tannins with Gus Zhu, MW 10:33

6M ago10:33

10:33

In this episode of The Oak Effect, host and R&D scientist Gus Zhu tackles a question he's frequently asked: What’s the difference between oak tannins and wine tannins? Gus demystifies this complex subject in an engaging and accessible way, guiding listeners through how tannins affect mouthfeel, their role in wine aging, and why oak-derived tannins …

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My Garden Chat with Dean Fitzgerald & Cathal O'Brien pt 1 1:47:37

6M ago1:47:37

1:47:37

Join me for My Garden Chat with Dean & Cathal pt 1. Dean Fitzgerald runs the Whiskey Appreciation Society pages on Social Media platforms. He does a great job bringing people along hi journey with him and helping to promote Irish brands. I urge you to check out his profiles and give him a follow. Cathal O'Brien has been repping West Cork Distillers…

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Thomas Cambridge 22:32

6M ago22:32

22:32

This week on Travel with Triggs, we journey beyond geography and into the heart of community. Host Triggs sits down with Thomas Cambridge, founder of Growing Old Together, a grassroots initiative reimagining what it means to age in place. From shared housing models to intergenerational support networks, Cambridge shares how his organization is help…

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My Midleton Micro Distillery Chat with Barrett Stapleton 1:46:51

6M ago1:46:51

1:46:51

Join me for My Midleton Micro Distillery Chat with Barrett Stapleton - Head Distiller in the Micro. Barrett originally hails from the US and has beat a really interesting path to his current position in Midleton Distillery. He came back to Ireland at the end of Covid, after studying in UCC in the early 00's, to start work distilling in Clonakilty D…

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My Stonewell Cidery Chat with Daniel Emerson 1:15:42

6M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Join me for My Stonewell Cidery Chat with Daniel Emerson. Founded by Daniel and Geraldine Emerson in 2009, Stonewell is a small family-run cider producer. Their story began with an old French press and apple mill from Geraldine's Loire Valley family before upgrading to a modern press at their Carrigaline Production facility. I joined Daniel in Carr…

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Episode 7 - Why Oak Loves Chardonnay (and Vice Versa) with Gus Zhu, MW 12:04

7M ago12:04

12:04

What makes Chardonnay such a perfect partner for oak? In this episode of The Oak Effect, Gus Zhu—R&D Scientist and Master of Wine—dives into the chemistry and artistry behind one of winemaking’s most iconic relationships. From the creamy, buttery textures that wine lovers crave to the vanilla and spice notes that elevate the experience, we’ll explo…

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My Spot Whiskey Chat with Robert Mitchell 52:47

7M ago52:47

52:47

Join me for My Spot Whiskey Chat with Robert Mitchell. Robert Mitchell is the 7th generation of his family to run Mitchell & Son Wine and Spirits Merchants in Dublin city centre. Mitchell's have left a huge legacy in their wake on Irish whiskey, as at one point in the late 20th century, the only shop in the world to sell Pot Still Irish whiskey was…

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Episode 6 - Fontainebleau: Where Forest Meets Fine Craft with Quinn Roberts 15:30

7M ago15:30

15:30

In the latest episode of The Oak Effect, Master Cooper Quinn Roberts shines a spotlight on the Forêt de Fontainebleau. This historic French forest is known for producing oak with elegance, finesse, and balance. We’ll explore what makes Fontainebleau oak unique, how its terroir influences the wood, and why it's a trusted choice for crafting barrels …

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Episode 5 - The Origin of Oak Aromas with Gus Zhu, MW 15:09

7M ago15:09

15:09

Join us for a deep dive into the fascinating world of oak aromas with sensory scientist, Gus Zhu. In this episode, Gus explores where the signature aroma compounds of oak originate and how factors like oak species, seasoning methods, and toasting processes shape the flavors we know and love in wine and spirits. Whether you're a winemaker, distiller…

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My Mourne Dew Distillery Chat with Donal Farrell 52:06

7M ago52:06

52:06

Join me for My Mourne Dew Distillery Chat with Donal Farrell. Mourne Dew was founded in 2017 by Donal Farrell, a former barrister and chartered accountant. His inspiration came from an unexpected place—a court case involving cold distillation for forensic DNA extraction. This sparked an idea: what if the same technology could be used to create ultr…

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Episode 4 - Tronçais & Tradition with Quinn Roberts 20:40

8M ago20:40

20:40

In this episode of The Oak Effect, Master Cooper Quinn Roberts guides us through the rich legacy of the Forêt de Tronçais, one of France’s most renowned oak forests. Known for producing some of the finest oak used in winemaking and coopering, Tronçais is steeped in history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. Quinn shares insights into the forest’s …

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My Hinch Distillery Chat with Emma Millar 1:02:50

8M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

Join me for My Hinch Distillery Chat with Emma Millar. Emma Millar is a senior distiller since 2020, at the beautiful Hinch Distillery in Co. Down, founded by Dr Terry Cross in 2019. It is clearly a labour of love. The detail and scale of Hinch Distillery really impressed me as Emma showed me around. But all the shiny things don't really matter, un…

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Episode 3 - Classic Styles of Oak-Aged Wines with Gus Zhu, MW 24:32

9M ago24:32

24:32

In this episode, Gus explores the world of classic oaked wines, showcasing how oak aging shapes the iconic flavors we associate with some of the most renowned wine styles. From rich, full-bodied reds to elegant, oak-kissed whites, we’ll dive into the influence of oak on wine character and why, without it, these wines might not have their signature …

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My Ardara Distillery Chat with James Doherty 1:29:46

8M ago1:29:46

1:29:46

Join me for My Ardara Distillery Chat with James Doherty. James and Moira O'Doherty founded Sliabh Liag Distillers and began releasing their Silkie range of sourced smoky whiskeys, just as the covid lockdown hit, as well as An Dúlamán Irish Maritime gins. James and Moira returned to Ireland from their last pit-stop in Hong Kong, to pick up James's …

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My Chat with Tara Clarke from Dair Nua Cooperage 49:01

8M ago49:01

49:01

Join me for My Chat with Tara Clarke from Dair Nua Cooperage. Tara is the National Sales Manager at the cooperage. She is the conduit between the barrels they source, import, fix, care for and distribute to most of our favourite distilleries and brands throughout the island of Ireland. It is a very important and interesting role in the whiskey indu…

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My Master Cooper Chat with Darren Leonard 1:07:51

9M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

Join me for My Master Cooper Chat with Darren Leonard. Darren is a Master Cooper, not Head Cooper, above in Dair Nua Cooperage in Foxford, Co Mayo. He is a Master Cooper because he has successfully qualified an apprentice underneath him. He is passionate about the craft of coopering and retaining the Irish traditions of coopering that Ger Buckley, …

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My Palace Bar Chat with Stephen, Michael & Micháel 2:24:11

9M ago2:24:11

2:24:11

Join me for My Palace Bar Chat with Stephen Randles, Michael Cowman & Micháel O'Flaherty. We met up in The Palace Bar on Fleet St in Dublin city centre. Owner and publican Willie Ahern kindly allowed us to use the private Power's whiskey room, on the top floor, to record the podcast. He even dropped in at the start of the chat to say hello and find…

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Doug Wirth, President and CEO of Amida Care 24:13

9M ago24:13

24:13

Our guest for this episode is Doug Wirth, the President and CEO of Amida Care, a Medicaid managed care Special Needs Health Plan designed to deliver specialized care to people affected by HIV. This nonprofit organization has empowered thousands of New Yorkers to take control of their health and get on with living their lives productively and well. …

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Episode 2 - Breaking Down French & American Oak with Quinn Roberts 29:27

9M ago29:27

29:27

What makes French oak refined and elegant, while American oak delivers bold, expressive flavors? In this episode, Master Cooper Quinn Roberts takes us deep into the heart of oak, exploring the key differences in grain, structure, and impact on wine and spirits. From forests to flavor, we break down how each type of oak shapes the aging process—and …

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My Boann Distillery Chat with Pat Cooney 1:33:11

10M ago1:33:11

1:33:11

Join me for My Boann Distillery Chat with Pat Cooney. Pat Cooney is the Patriarch of Boann Distillery, having founded it in 2019, alongside his family. Pat has been in the drinks industry in Ireland since the 1970's. We discuss on the episode his previous companies and his path to Boann, very interesting. Boann Distillery have been innovating and a…

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My Achill Island Distillery Chat with Seán & Michael McKay 1:10:58

10M ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Join me for My Achill Island Distillery Chat with Seán & Michael McKay. I recently visited this picturesque island distillery in beautiful county Mayo, just off the west coast of Ireland, by bridge. Seán and Michael McKay are brothers. They are carrying on the legacy of their father who founded the distillery originally and they are genuinely doing…

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Episode 1 - The Aroma Chemistry of Oak with Gus Zhu, MW 29:14

10M ago29:14

29:14

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of oak aroma chemistry! In this session, we’ll explore the major types of aromas found in oak, how they interact with wine, and even how they appear in our daily lives. Whether you're a winemaker, a wine enthusiast, or just curious about the science behind flavor, this is a conversation you won’t want t…

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My Lough Mask Distillery Chat with Andrew Bourke-Hastings 51:06

10M ago51:06

51:06

Join me for My Lough Mask Distillery Chat with Andrew Bourke-Hastings, Head Distiller. I recently visited this picturesque, yet industrial, distillery in beautiful county Mayo, surrounded on all sides by gorgeous lakes and mountains. Andrew started in Lough Mask as a brewer and is now their Head Distiller. They are nearing the point in their journe…

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My Micil Distillery Chat with Pádraic Ó'Griallais 1:19:06

11M ago1:19:06

1:19:06

Join me for My Micil Distillery Chat with Pádraic Ó'Griallais. I visited Micil Distillery, based out the back of the Oslo Bar, in the heart of Salthill just outside Galway city, in January 2024. This is a really charming, boutique distillery that I wanted to see for a long time. I wasn't disappointed. What couldn't come across on the podcast was th…

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My Midleton Distillery Garden Chat with Barry, Dan, Paul & Mark 1:33:00

11M ago1:33:00

1:33:00

Join me for My Midleton Distillery Garden Chat with Barry Chandler, Dan Pennington, Paul Costello and Mark Lonergan. I set up a marquee out my back garden over Xmas 2024. The lads called up, Dan was on BBQ duty, I made Belfast Coffees, we had a ball. I asked Midleton Master Blender Dave McCabe for a sample set from the Midleton blending lab. He ver…

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Todd Stephens 24:06

11M ago24:06

24:06

Todd Stephens (Swan Song, Another Gay Movie, Edge of Seventeen) as he dives into his career, passion for storytelling, and the power of queer identity. From his rebellious spirit to his unique approach to filmmaking, Todd shares insights into his filmography and teases upcoming projects. Don't miss this inspiring conversation, only on Travels With …

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My Eimverk Distillery Chat with Eva Sigurbjornsdottir in Iceland 1:04:46

11M ago1:04:46

1:04:46

Join me for My Eimverk Distillery Chat with Eva Sigurbjornsdottir, in Reykjavik, Iceland. Eimverk produce Floki Whisky, which is famous for their sheep dung smoked whisky and many other amazing spirits. My wife Sonya and I recently visited Eva for a look around their innovative distillery, where we discovered just how much effort that they put into…

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My Islay Garden Chat with Dan, Paulie, Matt & Aidan 1:17:45

12M ago1:17:45

1:17:45

Join me for My Islay Garden Chat with Dan Pennington, Paulie Costello, Matt Kelleher & Aidan McGovern. On a recent pilgrimage to the magical whisky island of Islay, off the coast of Scotland, with a couple of good buddies, we sat out the back of our rent-a-house on Bowmare High St, for a very honest chat about the trip so far. I hope this gives any…

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My Ardbeg Distillery Chat with Jackie Thomson 1:11:48

1y ago1:11:48

1:11:48

Join me for My Ardbeg Distillery Chat with Jackie Thomson, Visitor Centre Manager. On a recent pilgrimage to the magical whisky island of Islay, off the coast of Scotland, with a couple of good buddies - Dan, Paulie, Matt and Aidan, we visited Ardbeg Distillery. Here, I met up with Jackie Thomson, an absolute livewire of a lady and an enthusiatic w…

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My Chat with Derek Mather in The Laddie Snug at Artisan 59:46

1y ago59:46

59:46

Join me for My Chat with Derek Mather in The Laddie Snug at Artisan. On a recent pilgrimage to the magical whisky island of Islay, off the coast of Scotland with a couple of good buddies, we made an overnight detour to the small town of Wishaw, midway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, to the famous Artisan restaurant. Head chef, owner, curator and co-…

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Holiday playlists! 28:01

1y ago28:01

28:01

In the 1990s Greg started making holiday playlists as a stocking stuffer for his friends. Give some of this year's favorite tunes and enjoy a little Greg Nog.By Greg Triggs

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My Belfast Chat in The Friend at Hand with Jim, Mark & Séamus 2:10:01

1y ago2:10:01

2:10:01

Join me for My Belfast Chat in The Friend at Hand with Jim, Mark & Séamus. On this episode, I had 3 guests who joined me in a round-table chat in the spectacular tasting room in the back of The Friend at Hand whiskey shop and museum in the heart of Belfast city. . Jim Ingram who works in The FAH and has the YouTube Channel The Whiskey Novice. . Séa…