A couple years ago, shortly before my book Bars, Taverns and Dives New Yorkers Love came out, I had the pleasure to yak it up with Brooklyn barman and iced tea enthusiast Damon Boelte on his podcast The Speakeasy. (Listen here, y’all.)

All in all, it was a pretty enjoyable day, especially after I steeled myself with a cup of coffee and an Old Fashioned cocktail at Roberta’s pizza joint downstairs. When you’re nervous as hell but need to be on your game, it’s an unbeatable combo, assuming your stomach doesn’t rebel. (Mine did not.)

We yimmer-yammered for a little over 30 minutes, touching on such scintillating subjects as Wherefore Bars? and Community: Who Needs It?, as well as Books: Are They Any Good If They Don’t Have a Hundred Drink Recipes In Them?

Mr. Damon Boelte had the questions, and at times, the answers as well. Good thing someone did. Sure, I could toss the bull around like a pro, and occasionally spit out a pithy and/or worthwhile response, but Damon, boy… that feller is fun to listen to.

Anyway, The Speakeasy is a well-produced podcast with a playful and quirky Brooklyn POV, and if you’re into the world of “exciting liquids,” you should dip into their archives.

From The Speakeasy homepage:

Hosts Damon Boelte, Sother Teague, and Greg Benson sit down to talk cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, tea, coffee, and all the other exciting liquids in the universe. With each episode, learn from some of the world’s experts in mixology, bar history, distillation, and brewing. Bringing on guests ranging from bartenders and brewers, alchemists and ambassadors, roasters and regulars, and every expert and enthusiast in between, The Speakeasy introduces listeners to all the unique ways we enjoy imbibing today.

PS: here’s my drawing of Damon’s bar Grand Army (available as a print), featured in my book.