Episodios

  • Murder and Cocktails: A Game Designer's Journey
    Jul 3 2025

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    Blindfolds, cocktails, and murder – what more could you want from a dinner party? Creator Jill Bell joins us to reveal the story behind "Murder on the Rocks," the cocktail party murder mystery game that's completely reinventing game night.

    With a PhD in cybersecurity and experience as a firefighter, Jill never expected to become a game designer. Yet her creation just funded at an astonishing 985% on Kickstarter, proving there's serious thirst for innovative party games that combine adult beverages with clever gameplay mechanics. What makes this game special? Unlike traditional one-and-done mystery boxes, Murder on the Rocks features beautifully illustrated clue cards designed for multiple interpretations, making every playthrough a unique experience.

    The game works brilliantly in its simplicity: players attend a masquerade party at Whiskey Ridge Manor, don blindfolds during a "dance party" phase, and the designated murderer secretly "poisons" someone's drink – typically with grenadine to simulate blood. The victim then receives cryptic clue cards that may or may not point to the killer's identity. As Jill explains, "It's all about strategy... do you want to try and spread out the game?" The murderer walks a delicate line between misleading other players while avoiding suspicion themselves.

    We explore the stunning artwork created by illustrator Zoe Almond-Job, the character-themed signature cocktails, and even get a sneak peek at Jill's next project – "Shots at Sundown," a Wild West-themed drinking game where your cocktail serves as ammunition in gunslinging duels. Whether you're a murder podcast enthusiast or simply looking for your next game night obsession, this conversation will have you reaching for both the cocktail shaker and your detective hat.

    Murder on the Rocks will be available in 2024, with late pledges still open on Kickstarter. Visit MisfitMixers.com to learn more about this killer combination of mystery and mixology!

    https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

    www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

    Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

    Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

    August Gitschlag @rawgusto

    Merch www.WearingFunny.com


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    59 m
  • "Kalimotxo: The Cocktail You Didn't See Coming"
    Jun 23 2025

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    Dive into a cocktail experiment gone hilariously wrong as we tackle the Kalimotxo—an unusual Spanish drink that mixes red wine with Coca-Cola. This strange combination dates back to the 1920s when festival organizers in Spain discovered their wine was terrible and desperately needed a fix. Their solution? Mask it with Coca-Cola, creating what we dub "the original Fyre Festival of cocktails."

    We explore the Tempranillo wine used in our experiment, discussing the rich characteristics of this Spanish grape variety known for its full body and deep ruby color. Despite our best efforts (and even adding bitters and lemon), the verdict is unanimous—some cocktails exist more as cautionary tales than recommendations. As Matt perfectly puts it, it's "like a mistake that you just drink."

    The episode takes an exciting turn when we unbox "Murder on the Rocks," a cocktail-themed murder mystery game featuring characters like Ginny Tonic and Absinthe Abby. Get a sneak peek at our upcoming game night where we'll be joined by the game's creator to solve mysteries while mixing drinks.

    Between sips and laughs, we share plenty of dad jokes (including one that August has been saving for 42 years), discuss Pride Month celebrations, and preview our packed schedule of upcoming episodes.

    Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast curious about unusual drink combinations or simply enjoy our brand of spirited conversation, this episode offers plenty of laughs, lessons about what NOT to mix, and a reminder that sometimes the best discoveries come from trying something new—even when the results aren't what you expected!

    https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

    www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

    Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

    Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

    August Gitschlag @rawgusto

    Merch www.WearingFunny.com


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    31 m
  • Diabetic Dreams: A Journey Through Whiskey and Jelly Bean Pairings
    Jun 17 2025

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    What happens when three whiskey enthusiasts decide to pair fine spirits with jelly beans? Pure chaotic deliciousness! This episode takes you on a flavorful journey through unexpected combinations as Jamie, Matt, and August explore the intersection of childhood nostalgia and adult beverages.

    The adventure begins with a sample of Willett Small Batch Family Estate Straight Rye Whiskey, setting the stage for our sweet experiments. We then dive into Jelly Belly's cocktail-inspired beans, identifying unique flavors like mojito, moscow mule, and gin and tonic before creating our own whiskey pairings. Watch as our toasted marshmallow beans meet Basil Hayden's Toasted Bourbon in a "toast on toast" combination, and witness the colorful transformation when red apple jellies soak in Yellowstone Bourbon.

    Beyond the tasting experiments, we share personal jelly bean preferences (August loves black licorice while Jamie can't resist lemon-lime) and nostalgic candy memories. Did you know Jelly Belly makes over 100 different flavors? Or that Mountain Dew was originally created as a whiskey mixer? These fascinating tidbits pepper our conversation as we sample Writer's Tears Irish Whiskey, Eagle Rare, and Sazerac Rye alongside various beans.

    The episode wraps with exciting news about our upcoming appearance judging smoked cocktails at Whiskey Taco Foxtrot and an invitation to our listeners. Have a man cave, tiki bar, boat, or unique space you'd like us to broadcast from? Reach out—we're compiling locations for future episodes and would love to bring the show to you!

    Whether you're a whiskey aficionado looking for unconventional pairings or simply enjoy listening to friends having a great time, this sweet-meets-spirits episode delivers plenty of laughs, insights, and inspiration for your next tasting adventure. Subscribe now and join our growing community of spirit enthusiasts!

    https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

    www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

    Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

    Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

    August Gitschlag @rawgusto

    Merch www.WearingFunny.com


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    50 m
  • What's in the Bag, Dad? Old Fitzgerald 7-Year: Heaven Hill's Latest Bourbon Treasure
    Jun 11 2025

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    Bourbon lovers, listen up! We're diving deep into a brand new release that's generating serious buzz - Heaven Hill's Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled in Bond bourbon. Unlike its limited-edition decanter siblings, this new expression promises to be a regular shelf staple (if you're lucky enough to find it).

    The episode kicks off with a Father's Day-themed New York Sour cocktail featuring Elijah Craig bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a red wine float that sets the perfect tone for our whiskey adventure. As we crack open the fresh bottle of Old Fitzgerald, we explore the rich history behind both the brand (dating back to 1870) and the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 that established bourbon's gold standard for quality and authenticity.

    Our tasting reveals a robust, full-flavored bourbon with subtle cherry notes and a lingering finish that makes its 100-proof strength known without overwhelming the palate. At around $60 (when found at MSRP), we debate whether this bourbon represents excellent value in today's premium market and if it's worthy of gifting to the bourbon enthusiast in your life. The consensus? This is definitely a "marry" rather than just a "screw" in our bourbon relationship terminology.

    Between sips, we share laughs over AI-generated photos transforming us into Rat Pack-style characters, discuss the challenges of finding popular bourbons as the Tigers baseball season heats up, and offer our best advice for securing limited releases (hint: make friends with your local liquor store owner).

    Whether you're a seasoned bourbon collector or just beginning your whiskey journey, this episode offers valuable insights, entertaining stories, and practical tips for enjoying one of America's finest spirit traditions. Join us at the Man Cave Happy Hour, where every pour comes with a side of camaraderie and whiskey wisdom.

    https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

    www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

    Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

    Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

    August Gitschlag @rawgusto

    Merch www.WearingFunny.com


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    54 m
  • Booze Cruising: From Widow Jane to Chartreuse with Mickey Lyons (It's not easy being green)
    May 29 2025

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    The Man Cave Happy Hour crew welcomes Detroit writer Mickey Lyons for an evening of spirit exploration and storytelling. After sampling the underwhelming Widow Jane bourbon (dubbed "aggressively mediocre" by the hosts), the conversation transforms when August introduces a rare bottle of green Chartreuse.
    https://www.mickeylyons.com/


    This legendary liqueur, crafted by Carthusian monks according to a 1770 secret recipe featuring 130+ botanicals, captivates everyone with its complex flavor profile. As the group savors notes of cardamom, anise, and countless herbs, Mickey explains why this spirit has become nearly impossible to find – the monks have drastically reduced production to focus on their meditative lifestyle rather than meeting skyrocketing demand.

    The evening peaks with the creation of a "Last Word" cocktail, a Detroit Athletic Club classic from 1916 featuring equal parts Chartreuse, gin, Luxardo cherry liqueur, and lime juice. Mickey, whose writing celebrates Michigan's rich drinking culture, shares details about her upcoming adventure as a "Lake Lorien" (lecturer) on Great Lakes cruise ships, where she'll spend two months sharing regional history with passengers.

    Between sips, the conversation weaves through Detroit's historic bar scene, from the legendary Stonehouse to the Prohibition-era establishments that shaped the city's character. These stories remind us how deeply spirits are intertwined with local heritage and community connection.

    Whether you're a spirits enthusiast, Michigan history buff, or simply appreciate good storytelling among friends, join us for this spirited journey through rare liqueurs, regional history, and the captivating stories behind what we drink.


    https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

    www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

    Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

    Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

    August Gitschlag @rawgusto

    Merch www.WearingFunny.com


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    50 m
  • A Journey Through Spanish Vineyards: Wines, Culture, and Exploration
    May 13 2025

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    Raise a glass and journey with us through the captivating wine regions of northwestern Spain as we explore the distinctive character of Spanish wines while previewing an upcoming adventure to this remarkable destination.

    Our conversation uncorks with a lively tasting of traditional Spanish Cava, that crisp, refreshing alternative to Champagne that sets the stage perfectly for our vinous exploration. We delve into the heart of Rias Baixas, where the Albariño grape reigns supreme, producing wines of remarkable brightness and minerality that capture the essence of this Atlantic-influenced region.

    The tasting progresses through varying expressions from Gran Bazán winery, showcasing how the same grape can yield dramatically different results when handled with different techniques. From the lighter Verde bottling to the slightly creamier Ámbar expression, these wines reveal the versatility that makes Spanish whites so compelling. As we transition to reds, we discover the surprising elegance and approachability of northwestern Spanish red blends that challenge preconceptions about Spanish wine styles.

    Between sips, Mrs. Vino shares details about her upcoming wine tour through this captivating region - a November journey featuring six distinctive wineries, including historic estates dating back to the 12th century. Picture cruising along the Sil River with vineyards cascading dramatically down hillsides, exploring the pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela, and enjoying the region's renowned cuisine that pairs so perfectly with local wines.

    Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or simply wine-curious, this episode offers a taste of authentic Spanish wine culture that extends far beyond the bottle. The interplay of history, geography, and tradition creates wines of remarkable character at surprisingly accessible price points. Discover why this often-overlooked region deserves your attention, and perhaps consider joining Mrs. Vino for an unforgettable Spanish wine adventure this November. Find all the details at MrsVino.com/Spain.

    https://mrsvino.com/

    https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

    www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

    Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

    Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

    August Gitschlag @rawgusto

    Merch www.WearingFunny.com


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    57 m
  • Community, Characters, and Cold Beer: Tales from a Detroit Neighborhood Bar - Donovan's Pub
    May 6 2025

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    Step through the intentionally squeaky door of Donovan's Pub, and you'll immediately understand what makes neighborhood bars the backbone of Detroit. Owner Shannon Lowell keeps that door noisy for a reason - when it creaks, everyone glances up to size newcomers within 30 seconds.

    Located in what Shannon calls "the cracks between Corktown and Mexicantown," this neighborhood institution has weathered decades of Detroit's changing landscape. From its origins as Patton's Bar in the mid-60s to its rebirth after a fire, Donovan's embodies the resilience that defines the city. Shannon shares fascinating stories of his childhood in the bar, meeting characters like Marlene the numbers runner who kept folded cash visibly bulging from her tight jeans pockets - both as a display of status and a warning not to touch.

    The walls themselves tell stories - from bullet holes courtesy of an angry patron who shot a Playboy centerfold on the wall to the permanent Halloween decorations that stayed put after removing one damaged the finish. Perhaps most treasured is the rescued Alvin's Detroit Bar clock, preserved from a legendary Cass Corridor venue and now sparking conversations about Detroit's rich musical history.

    Donovan's has hosted everyone from Detroit Tigers players like Aurelio Lopez to famed crime novelist Elmore Leonard, who arrived with an entourage while researching a book. But beyond celebrity encounters, it's the sense of community that defines the place. In tougher times, the bar served as a neighborhood financial institution - cashing checks on Fridays and collecting money for funeral expenses when tragedy struck.

    While trendy establishments come and go, Donovan's remains steadfast in its mission: creating a sustainable, affordable place where people can connect authentically. As Shannon puts it, "I always want to make a bar that I would want to go to and I could afford to go to." In an age of $20 appetizers and $50 drinks, there's something revolutionary about a place that prioritizes conversation over cocktail artistry and community over profit margins.

    Come discover why places like Donovan's matter - where the squeaky door welcomes you, the stories captivate you, and the spirit of Detroit's resilient neighborhoods lives on in every cold beer served.

    https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

    www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

    Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

    Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

    August Gitschlag @rawgusto

    Merch www.WearingFunny.com


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    1 h y 3 m
  • Redwood Empire: Whiskey with Purpose
    Apr 30 2025

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    From spreadsheet wizard to master distiller, Jeff Duckhorn's journey from corporate accountant to craft spirits pioneer embodies the adventurous spirit of Redwood Empire Whiskey. With infectious passion, Jeff shares how his home brewing hobby and creative drive helped transform a wine company's side project into a flourishing whiskey brand celebrating Northern California's iconic trees.

    Each bottle in the Redwood Empire lineup tells a story – from Pipe Dream Bourbon's complex blend of whiskeys from eight distilleries across four states to Emerald Giant Rye's bold 90% rye expression softened with a touch of wheat. Most fascinating is Lost Monarch, a "sneaky rye" that masterfully blends bourbon and rye whiskeys to create an approachable gateway for bourbon drinkers to explore spicier profiles.

    What truly distinguishes Redwood Empire is their environmental commitment. Their Cocktails for a Cause program has planted over 1.7 million trees, with 100,000 more during Earth Month alone. This sustainability focus extends to their production, where they use specialty floor malts from a local maltster and emphasize quality ingredients that reflect their California roots.

    The excitement builds as Jeff reveals their expansion to a new distillery on Mare Island – a former naval base with rich history now becoming home to increased production and a forthcoming tasting experience. With bottles priced accessibly around $35 and aged whiskeys up to 14 years in their blends, Redwood Empire makes exceptional craft spirits both affordable and purpose-driven.

    Ready to explore whiskeys that taste good and do good? Grab a bottle of Redwood Empire, plant a tree with your sip, and discover why this growing brand has whiskey enthusiasts buzzing coast to coast.

    https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

    www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

    Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

    Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

    August Gitschlag @rawgusto

    Merch www.WearingFunny.com


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    1 h y 5 m