What do you get when you combine a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, humanitarian deminer, and wine importer? Meet Sam Lerman, CEO of Spirit Worldwide, whose life reads like a real-world spy thriller. In this episode of The Cocktail Guru Show, hosts Jonathan and Jeffrey Pogash sit down with Sam tohear how a mission in Ukraine led to the discovery of world-class wines — and how he’s now introducing them to the U.S.
➡️ Learn about rare Ukrainian varietals like Saperavi,the humanitarian mission behind the brand, and why Sam’s story is anything but ordinary.
🎧 Listen now and toast to a story of courage, compassion, and craft.

From Battlefield to Bottle: The Heroic Story of Sam Lerman (S4 E7)

In this spirited episode of Barrel Room Chronicles, host KerryMoynahan sits down with two trailblazing women who are reshaping the whiskey world—Women Who Whiskey founder Julia Ritz Toffoli and Kim Ohanneson, head of the Los Angeles chapter.

In This Episode:

·       The origin story of Women Who Whiskey

·       Julia’s first taste of whiskey—and how it changed everything

·       How Kim launched the LA chapter and grew it to 2,000+ members

·       The club’s motto: “Whiskey without mansplaining”

·       Whiskey + Poetry Salons, brand partnerships, and bottle releases

·       How to join or start a chapter in your city

·       Why whiskey is for everyone—novices, nerds, and everyone in between

·       Celebrating Chizuru Fukano with a special Fukano bottle collaboration

·       https://potomacwines.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=women%20who%20whiskey

Whiskey Without Mansplaining: The Story Behind Women Who Whiskey (S4 E5)

In this episode of Barrel Room Chronicles, host Kerry Moynahan heads to the University of Kentucky for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most innovative programs shaping the future of American whiskey. Her journey begins with a conversation with Dr. Janice Fernheimer, Professor and founding facultymember of the University’s Distillation, Wine & Brewing Studies program. They discuss her unique path from Jewish Studies into bourbon scholarship, the origins of the “Craft Writing” course, and her groundbreaking work on the Womenin Bourbon Oral History Project and the graphic novel America’s Chosen Spirit.

Later, Kerry tours the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits with Associate Director Ilka Balk. Together, they explore the Institute’s world-class research distillery and brand-new rickhouse, learning how students are gaining hands-on experience in production, fermentation, and aging. The episode highlights the intersection of education, heritage grains, sustainable practices, and real-world bourbon training — all happening on a dry campus. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast, a fan of fermentation science, or simply curiousabout how the next generation of distillers is being educated, this episode offers an inspiring and informative deep dive into the academic side of spirits.



To see the full show notes for this episode visit BarrelRoomChronicles.com BRC is a production of 1st Reel Entertainment.

From Craft Writing to Column Stills:   A Journey Through the   Beam Institute (S4 E4)

In this special Whiskey Whereabouts episode, Kerry Moynahan reconnects with Colby and Ashley Frey of Fray Ranch Distillery in Fallon, Nevada. Together, they dive deep into Fray Ranch’s latest release—100% unmalted barley whiskey—as Kerry tastes it live for the first time. The trio explores the significance of grain-forward distilling, the innovation behind smoked whiskeys using homemade peat bricks, and the resilience of Fray Ranch during market downturns.They also talk about the upcoming “First Harvest” release created in collaboration with blending legend Nancy Fraley, as well as the distillery’s involvement in the Estate Whiskey Alliance spearheaded by the University of Kentucky. From sustainability in crop rotation to pioneering transparency in whiskey terroir, this episode offers an intimate look at how Fray Ranch continues to grow—and distill—with intention.



Whiskey Whereabouts: Frey Ranch’s Grain-to-Glass Innovation (S4 E3)

Host Kerry Moynahan interviews Marcello Grande, from the San Francisco Whiskey Society, to discuss the origins, growth, and future of Fog City Social — San Francisco's premier whiskey and spirits festival. Plus a quick chat with Westland Distillery's Ana Hinz.

Fog City Social (BRC S4 E2)

Direct from Denver Part II: WSWA Access LIVE 2025 (S4 E6)

The Cocktail Guru Show: Live from Access Live Denver 2025

In this episode, I take a nostalgic trip to my hometown of San Jose, California, where I visit the 10th Street Distillery. I had the pleasure of touring the distillery with founders Virag Saksena and Vishal Gauri and learning about their award winning expressions.

Later in the show, I catch up with the legendary Dr. Rachel Berry at the Mermaid Bar in downtown Los Angeles. Dr. Barrie, known for her groundbreaking work in the whiskey industry, sharesher journey and insights into her current role with Brown Foreman's collection of single malt Scotch whiskeys. We discuss the unique characteristics of Glenglassaugh, Ben Riach, and Glendronach distilleries, and even taste the exquisite Glenglassaugh Sandend.

To read the full show notes for this episode or learn more about our guests, visit barrelroomchronicles.com.

Barrel Room Chronicles is a production of 1st Reel Entertainment and is available on Spotify, Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

 

Whiskey Wonders: California’s 10th St Distillery tour & Dr. Rachel Barrie’s Coastal Elixirs (S4 E1)

In this episode of the Cocktail Guru Show, Jeffrey and Jonathan Pogash, had the pleasure of interviewing Charlie Baum, the son of the legendary restaurateur Joe Baum. This episode was particularly special for Jeffrey, as he has had a personal connection with Joe Baum's work since he was a child.

The Episode begins by discussing Charlie's upbringing in a food-centric family, with his father Joe Baum being a significant influence in the restaurant industry. Charlie shared nostalgic memories of his early experiences in the hospitality world, including visits to his grandparents' hotel in Saratoga Springs and the iconic Newarker restaurant at Newark Airport.

The conversation then shifted to Joe Baum's groundbreaking contributions to the restaurant industry. We delved into his innovative projects such as the Newarker, the Forum of the Twelve Caesars, and the Four Seasons. Charlie highlighted how Joe's insistence on using American products and fresh ingredients was revolutionary for its time.

Also explored was Joe Baum's other notable ventures, including La Fonda del Sol, the original Brasserie, and the various dining establishments within the Pan Am Building. Charlie shared fascinating anecdotes about the extensive research and creativity that went into these projects, making them unique dining experiences.

All this and much more on this episode of The Cocktail Guru Show!

The Culinary Lifer with Charles Baum (S4 E4)

In this season finale of Barrel Room Chronicles, I, Kerry Moynahan, bring you an exciting episode filled with in-person coverage from the Summer Highland Games and Whiskey and Barrel Days in Pleasanton, California. Despite the delay due to the Southern California fires, we are thrilled to wrap up Season 3 with a bang and look forward to launching Season 4 soon.

During the Highland Games, I had the pleasure of speaking with numerous whiskey experts, including the newly confirmed Buchanan Clan Chief and his wife, as well as the Dave Sweet, one of the key organizers of the Whiskey and Barrel Nights events. Sadly, we also received the heartbreaking news of Dave Sweet's sudden passing during post-production. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife and partner, Barb.

We toasted to Dave's life and contributions to the whiskey community and then delved into some fascinating whiskey tastings. I sampled unique Japanese whiskeys from Fukano and Ohishi, and explored offerings from Bal Blair and Old Pulteney with brand ambassador Maurice Chevalier IV. I also had engaging conversations with Sam, the founding CEO of Impex, and Liam Johnson from 10th Street Distillery, who shared their latest award-winning expressions.

Additionally, I caught up with the founders of Copper and Malt, Ashley and Harparam Sandhu, who shared their journey of opening a unique liquor store in Emeryville, California. I also tasted some exceptional rye whiskey from Rod and Hammer's SLO Stills, a distillery based in San Luis Obispo.

Finally, I reconnected with Chief and Lady Buchanan, who shared insights about their new documentary, "Meet the Buchanans," and their experiences managing their historic estate. They also hinted at an exciting event, the Saltire Gathering, set to take place in Scotland next year.

Thank you for joining us for this season finale. Stay tuned for more whiskey adventures in Season 4, premiering soon!

A Toast To Dave Sweet: Celebrating Wiskey & Barrel Nights from the Pleasanton Highland Games (S3 Finale)

Welcome to the Barrel Room Chronicles, hosted by Kerry Moynahan. Kerry is a Certified Bourbon Steward, former bartender, media producer and all-around whiskey aficionado. Kerry has combined her love for whiskey into media projects which celebrate this great spirit. And for the last 20 years she has been helping others tell their stories though television, film and other media. But now it’s time for her to take her love for whiskey and her experience in the entertainment industry to uncover the fascinating stories of the water of life.

Barrel Room Chronicles 

Hosts Jonathan and Jeffrey Pogash talk food, drink, entertainment and all things delicious, luxurious, and fun on The Cocktail Guru Podcast.

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