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Raise your glasses and wax those mustaches – it's time to talk charity, cider, and community support on this episode of Man Cave Happy Hour!

Jamie, Matt, and August dive into a tasting of Blake's Cider seasonal offerings while unveiling the backstory of their beloved Magnum 12 charity event. What started as friends challenging each other to wear tracksuits to a bar has evolved into a 12-year tradition of Hawaiian shirts, mustaches, and heartfelt community giving. The guys share candid (and sometimes hilarious) reviews of Blake's Cider Mill Donut and Salted Caramel Apple flavors – with a surprise call to Blake's representative Mike Didio providing insider details about the upcoming event.

The conversation takes us through the evolution of their charity events, from rotating causes to finding their perfect charitable match with the Hero Foundation, which supports families affected by cancer during difficult times. We get the scoop on this year's venue at the tiki-themed Eastern Palace Club and hear about the tremendous outpouring of support from local businesses donating gift cards for auction baskets. Between sips and laughs, the guys share stories of gift card mishaps, podcast award nominations, and August's struggles with his mandatory Magnum PI mustache.

Whether you're planning to attend Magnum 12 or simply enjoy hearing about community-driven charity work done with heart and humor, this episode showcases why the Man Cave Happy Hour has become a beloved fixture in Detroit's podcast scene. Grab your favorite cider, tune in, and consider how you might support families impacted by cancer through the Hero Foundation.

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

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August Gitschlag @rawgusto

Merch www.WearingFunny.com

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Grab a pint and join us for a deep dive into soccer culture as we explore the beautiful game through the lens of traditional English pub ales and Detroit's thriving soccer community.

What happens when you mix the world's most popular sport with Detroit's gritty character and authentic beer culture? Pure magic. Our guest Matt Conti breaks down the intricacies of fantasy Premier League soccer, explaining how this global phenomenon differs dramatically from American fantasy sports with its salary cap structure and unique scoring system.

We take you on a tour of Detroit's vibrant soccer scene, from the passionate supporters of Detroit City FC who march from local bars to Keyworth Stadium, to the dedicated pubs where fans gather at dawn to watch their favorite European teams. Thomas McGee's for Liverpool supporters, The Dog and Pony Show for Tottenham Hotspur fans – every major club has found its Detroit home.

While sampling traditional English pub ales like Boddingtons (aptly nicknamed "the blonde Guinness") and discussing the art of cask conditioning, we explore how these brewing traditions create the perfect complement to match day experiences. Our conversation weaves through personal stories of attending matches in England and Italy, the cultural differences between European soccer leagues and American sports, and how global stars like Messi are transforming soccer's popularity across the United States.

Whether you're a dedicated supporter who knows every chant or someone curious about why people wake up at 7am on weekends to watch matches, this episode captures the community, traditions, and pure joy that make soccer the world's game. Listen, learn, and perhaps discover your own team to support in the premierist of all leagues.

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

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August Gitschlag @rawgusto

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Nothing brings friends together quite like celebrating life's victories over a good glass of bourbon. In this episode, we're joined by special guest David, the Motor City Hypnotist, as we crack open some long-neglected "orphan bottles" and share stories that range from triumphant to heartwarming.

The spotlight first falls on Matt's incredible achievement - his first-ever hole-in-one after 17 years of golfing. The pure, unfiltered joy captured in the moment when his 5-iron shot disappeared into the cup on a 185-yard par 3 is something every golfer dreams about. "They call me Ace now," Matt jokes, still riding the high of that perfect shot at Westbourne Golf Club. The story sparks a larger conversation about our varied golfing experiences, from Jamie's childhood lessons with his father to Dave's relatively recent entry into the sport.

Our whiskey journey centers around a bottle with its own story to tell - New Holland's Beer Barrel Bourbon. Sent to us nearly seven years ago, this 80-proof bourbon aged in American white oak and finished for three months in Dragon's Milk stout barrels had been sitting untouched on our shelf after plans for a distillery interview fell through. We finally give this orphaned spirit its moment, discovering notes of stone fruit, a distinct beer finish on the palate, and contemplating how it might perform in cocktails compared to our welcome drink - a robust 110-proof Russell's Reserve private barrel selection.

Between sips, Dave shares his excitement about welcoming a new puppy into his home after losing his beloved Pippin two years ago, while Jamie recounts tales of his 19-year-old cat Kirby and newly adopted rescue dog Raina who's developed a particular fondness for ice cubes (or "water cookies" as Jamie affectionately calls them).

Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, a golfer chasing that perfect shot, or simply enjoy genuine conversation among friends, this episode captures what Man Cave Happy Hour is all about - celebrating life's moments together, one glass at a time. Join us for the next round at mancavehappyhour.com or anywhere you find your favorite podcasts.

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

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Step into the heart of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, where an unassuming bar houses a breathtaking treasury of over 1,450 different whiskeys. At the Butter Run Saloon, owner Dave Harden has created more than just a drinking establishment—he's built a whiskey lover's sanctuary that draws enthusiasts from across the Midwest.

During our visit, Dave guides us through his personal barrel selection process, sharing samples of his Buffalo Trace, Old Forester, and Maker's Mark private picks. Each pour tells a story of meticulous tasting and selection, with Dave revealing his straightforward philosophy: "I strictly go on flavor and profile and what I like." The Buffalo Trace selection showcases a creamier, more flavorful profile than the standard offering, while the Old Forester barrel pick delivers complex notes despite its formidable 130.8 proof.

Dave's journey mirrors the evolution of American whiskey culture itself. When he opened nearly 13 years ago, "whiskey wasn't a thing yet," and distributors were practically begging him to take bottles that now command waiting lists and premium prices. This transformation has positioned Butter Run as a destination establishment that helps drive traffic to the entire St. Clair Shores community.

The conversation expands beyond whiskey into Dave's entrepreneurial vision, including his cocktail bar Caché and an ambitious project to transform a historic local theater into a restaurant and entertainment venue. His concept of bourbon lockers—secure storage for regulars' special bottles—promises to bring a new dimension to the area's drinking culture.

What emerges is a portrait of passion translated into hospitality excellence. As Dave succinctly puts it: "We have great food, great bourbon." Sometimes the simplest statements capture the most profound truths.

Join us for an intimate look at how one man's love for whiskey has helped transform a community's drinking and dining landscape. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just beginning your whiskey journey, this episode offers valuable insights into the culture, business, and pure enjoyment of America's native spirit.

Episode 19 was our first visit to the Butter Run.

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

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The old saying goes that Wild Turkey is just "country whiskey," but true bourbon lovers know better. This week, we're putting two expressions from this iconic Kentucky distillery head-to-head: the classic Wild Turkey 101 against the more elusive Wild Turkey 101.8.

What's the difference between these two nearly identical-proof bourbons? About two years minimum in the barrel and roughly $18 at retail. While the standard 101 blends spirits aged 6-8 years, the 101.8 contains only bourbons aged a minimum of 8 years. That time difference creates distinctly different drinking experiences despite sharing the same mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.

Our tasting reveals the standard 101 delivers that characteristic Wild Turkey spice right on the tip of the tongue, with that warming Kentucky hug following close behind. It's bold, assertive, and perfect for cocktails - especially old-fashioneds where its spice cuts beautifully through the sweetness. At around $27, it's a spectacular value that deserves a permanent place on your bar cart.

Meanwhile, the 101.8 shows its additional maturation through a creamier mouthfeel with pronounced caramel-vanilla notes that one taster describes as "vanilla cake frosting." The flavors linger longer on the mid-palate, making it an exceptional sipper for enjoying neat. Originally available only in Asian markets since 1992, this expression is now finding its way to American shelves at around $45.

Both expressions showcase the deep #4 char ("alligator char") that's signature to Wild Turkey, housed in new American oak barrels that impart distinctive vanilla and caramel notes. Whether you're mixing cocktails or sipping neat, these Wild Turkey offerings prove they're far more sophisticated than their reputation might suggest. Gobble gobble, indeed!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the wonderful world of whiskey. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite bourbon experiences with us!

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

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Dive into the refreshing world of authentic Finnish long drinks as we welcome the team behind Lancaro to the Man Cave Happy Hour. This eye-opening conversation reveals how a paralyzed founder's dream evolved into a mission-driven beverage company revolutionizing the ready-to-drink market with clean, natural flavors.

Discover the fascinating history behind Finland's national cocktail, born during the 1952 Olympics as an efficient way to serve refreshing gin drinks to thirsty visitors. You'll learn how Lancaro transformed this traditional recipe into something uniquely their own, tackling the notorious "cloying sweetness" problem that plagues most canned cocktails. The team's passionate flavor scientist breaks down their meticulous development process, explaining how they create drinks that maintain their aromatic qualities even over ice – a rarity in the RTD world.

What truly sets this brand apart is their Lumi line – completely unsweetened cocktails at just 96 calories that rely solely on sophisticated flavor development rather than sugar or artificial sweeteners. The founders challenge listeners to scrutinize labels and understand industry terminology tricks, highlighting how "no sugar" often means artificial ingredients are lurking inside. Through their transparent approach and commitment to quality, Lancaro offers everything from traditional grapefruit to innovative flavors like dragon fruit, pineapple, and white peach.

Beyond creating exceptional products, Lancaro supports Next Step Fitness, a non-profit organization founded by Yanni after his diving accident left him paralyzed. With locations across the US and internationally, Next Step provides specialized gym facilities helping those with paralysis regain mobility and hope. Try Lancaro yourself – now available at Kroger and experience how good intentions and meticulous craftsmanship create truly remarkable drinks.

https://loncaro.com/

Mrs.Vino

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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!

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

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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!

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Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

August Gitschlag @rawgusto

Merch www.WearingFunny.com