Laid Back Lush

Bad Alcohols: Trying The Cheapest Grocery Store Wines

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

A lot of people think that price is indicative of the quality and enjoy-ability of a wine. While we have tried to challenge this notion in the past, today we're trying the lowest priced red, white, and rose we could find at Food Lion to see what we find. The results might not surprise you, but they are still entertaining nonetheless.

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The Rum Runners of the Prohibition

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 22:00:26 GMT

Bootleggers are one of the most discussed groups from the Prohibition era in the United States. These alcohol smugglers rightfully deserve a spotlight, but what about those who supplied the booze? Today we'll be looking into these suppliers, the Rum Runners, and how they fit into the criminal underworld of illegal alcohol distribution.

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How Does the Alcohol Industry Work?

Sat, 13 May 2023 22:00:00 GMT

As alcohol consumers, we normally only see the customer facing side of the industry. The simplicity of a purchase makes it easy to think that alcohol goes from production to market to sell, but the reality here in the United States is a little more complicated than that. Here we have what is called the "3-Tier System". Today we are examining how this system functions, and as usual, providing some of our own insights and opinions as to whether this system works as intended.

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Will ChatGPT Steal Our Jobs?

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 22:00:23 GMT

AI has become a hot topic across the internet. One of the biggest questions being asked is will AI programs like ChatGPT be able to replace humans? While we can't speak for every job, after asking ChatGPT some questions we aren't too worried about AI taking over the wine industry. Why is that? Well, you'll have to tune in to find out...

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The History of Guinness

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 22:00:24 GMT

Happy National Beer Day! Ok, we are a day late, but it's the thought that counts, right? Regardless, today we wanted to talk about one of the oldest and most famous beer brands around today. Guinness has an extensive history as not only a beer company, but also as a symbol of philanthropy and national identity. All these traits go back the founder of the company, Arthur Guinness, and his entrepreneurial spirit. We'll be going through his life and how he built Guinness as well as how the company came to be a behemoth of growth that is still expanding to this day. We hope you enjoy!

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Sweet Wines And Dessert Wines: What's The Difference?

Sat, 25 Mar 2023 22:00:06 GMT

There is a common misconception among wine drinkers that all wines that are noticeably sweet can be used interchangeably with dessert wines. Although this is an understandable assumption, dessert wines are a distinct classification under sweet wines used for very specific purposes. In this episode, we're exploring the differences between the two from production methods to how they are used in food pairings. Tune in to satisfy that sweet tooth!

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An Overview of Wine & Food Pairing

Sat, 18 Mar 2023 22:00:00 GMT

A wine and food pairing can make or break your dinner party, and we're here to help make sure it's a hit. The art of wine pairing does take time to perfect, but the basic principles are simpler than many people think. Today we will be examining how certain flavors profiles interact with each other in order to make sure you and your guests are satisfied!

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So What Exactly Is Terroir?

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 23:00:17 GMT

Terroir, or a unique signature imparted to wines within a region, is a much debated term in the world of wine. What constitutes the terroir of a wine seems to vary widely, even among professionals. Is it the soil, the weather, the people making it, or something else entirely? In this episode, we're throwing our hats into the ring to clarify what forms terroir so that you can better understand the complexity and artistry that forms at the intersection of nature and human ingenuity.

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Wine 101: Basic Wine Terms

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Often in the wine world, newcomers will encounter a lot of terms being thrown around regarding wine with no clear definition given. While often unintentional, this experience can be confusing for novice drinkers seeking to learn more. In this episode we'll be going over the terms we've seen go unexplained as well as clarifying some misconceptions regarding them. We hope this helps you to have more confidence in your discovery process!

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Exploring Priorat And Its Wines

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Priorat is a highly regarding wine producing region located in Catalonia, Spain. The practice of wine making dates back to the 12th century with Carthusian monks discovering the unique terroir in this area. As the region has developed it's production techniques, it has started to produce world-class red blends. The long history of wine making combined with the dedication to high-quality wines in Priorat makes for a fascinating study, and we're excited to share our findings!

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An Introduction to Ouzo

Sat, 04 Feb 2023 23:00:47 GMT

Ouzo hails from the nation of Greece and is easily its most prominent liquor. This anise-heavy drink is still a prominent part of the local culture, particularly where food is concerned, but how did it come about? Tune in to find out Ouzo's history, production methods, and more in this episode!

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The Philosophy of Expertise: Separating Snobs from Professionals

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 23:00:10 GMT

What is wine expertise? Well, it seems to depend on who you ask. To some it's the height of sophistication, for others it's complete nonsense. In this episode, we'll be discussing the philosophical implications of what influences wine expertise, how it manifests itself in the industry, and why the perception of this expertise matters. Perhaps both sides of the argument could learn a thing or two from each other....

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Did Adam Ruin Everything? | The Science of Wine Expertise

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 12:00:09 GMT

Are wine experts full of it? Adam Ruins Everything seems to think so, but we have some doubts about that claim. In this episode, we're diving into the science of wine tasting to see if the world of wine is really built on as shaky a foundation as many claim it is. While we do understand that yes, there are many people in and out of the industry that make claims beyond their ability, the science of wine tasting presents a much more nuanced reality to the ability of the brain to discern a wine's character. The science is fascinating, and we're very excited to share it with you!

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Wine Tasting Revisited: The Definitive LBL Tasting Regimen

Sat, 07 Jan 2023 12:00:12 GMT

Remember when we did an episode on wine tasting at the start of this podcast? We hope not because it was bad. Listen to this one instead, it's much better, we promise. This go around we'll be walking you through how we taste and analyze wine. It's not all smells and flavors, there's also structural elements in wine that greatly affect the enjoyment you'll get from it. We hope this episode gives you the tools to analyze them all and further your journey into wine discovery!

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It Came From The Internet Part 2: Trendy, Pretty, & Misinformed

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 18:50:54 GMT

We're back with even more analysis of the effect of social media on the perceptions and opinions of wine on the internet. In this episode, we're looking towards the trend-driven marketing that gets fueled by algorithms and how this can trick some into forming opinions on wine that don't necessarily reflect reality. From the flashy images of Instagram to the game of telephone we discovered is being played on Vivino, we discovered that social media tends to become a feedback loop between algorithms and marketing when it comes to wine information. We hope this episode helps you see past the curtain, so to speak, of the pretty language and images of social media reviews and provides you with the tools to find accurate information on the wines you're curious about!

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It Came From The Internet Part 1: Wine Hot Takes

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 16:27:28 GMT

The world wide web is home to the largest collection of information man has ever known. How did man decide to utilize this? By giving controvercial opinions and clout chasing on social media, of course. In this episode, we delve into some of the hot takes on wine we're come across and try to disprove some of the myths about wine that seem to be popular on these apps. Hopefully we can make sense of this brave new frontier...

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Exploring Virginia Craft Beer

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 20:07:50 GMT

Welcome back! In today's episode we're exploring the diverse world of craft brewing here in the commonwealth of Virginia. Virginia has an extensive history of beer brewing that predates even the founding of the United States, and we're excited to share this unique story. It's a tale of trial and error, something still found in the industry today, but thankfully innovation always seems to triumph. We hope you enjoy (hopefully with a unique brew in hand) our exploration!

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Exploring Virginia Wines

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 20:29:08 GMT

This episode has certainly been a long time coming! We have been itching to talk about the state of the rapidly growing wine industry here in our home state, Virginia, for quite a while now, and we're excited to finally broach the subject. From our challenging climate to the producers we like the most, we hope to give a comprehensive introduction of Virginia wines to any curious drinkers out there looking for something new to try. We hope this episode piques your curiosity!

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Returning To Bad Alcohols: Torturing Ourselves With 99

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 11:00:41 GMT

In our infinite wisdom, we have decided to return to our bad alcohols series. This time, we sought out the worst recommendations from our local ABC store clerks. The result was 99, a brand of 99 proof liqueurs that are sold at a frighteningly low price point. As always, this was a really bad idea. Tune in to find out just how bad it gets.

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Phylloxera Part 2: The Near Eradication of Vitis Vinifera

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 22:19:57 GMT

Join us as we continue our exploration of Phylloxera, the great wine blight. In this episode, we will be delving into the history of how Phylloxera was discovered and nearly led to the eradication of the global wine industry. With the solutions hard to find and even harder to implement, this epidemic is a tragic and fascinating look at how science, collaboration, and ingenuity can overcome dire circumstances.

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Phylloxera: What Is It and Why Does The Wine World Hate It So Much?

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 12:00:47 GMT

Originally known as the Great Destroyer, Phylloxera has quite literally plagued the world of wine sine the 1860's. This aphid is perfectly designed to feed off of, and eventually kill, the grape vines we use for wine production in many parts of the world. But what actually is Phylloxera, and why is it such a concern for wine? In this episode, we will be diving into these questions to help explain why exactly this pest is so feared.

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An Overview of the Wines of Argentina

Sat, 17 Sep 2022 12:00:17 GMT

Join us today as we discuss the wines of Argentina! Argentina is famous for it's Malbec, but there's a lot more to the wine industry here than a single grape. There is an extensive wine making history in Argentina, and in this episode we'll be diving into everything from history to production regions. If you want to go beyond Mendoza, be sure to tune in!

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The Regions and Wine Laws of Chile

Sat, 13 Aug 2022 12:00:13 GMT

Continuing on from our last episode, we'll be diving more into the regions that make up the wonderfully diverse wine industry of Chile. In this episode, we discuss what makes these regions distinct from the grapes to the laws that govern winemaking. We hope you discover a new place with new wines to explore!

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An Overview of Chile & It's Wines

Sat, 06 Aug 2022 12:00:09 GMT

Join us today as we delve into the country of Chile. There are so many wonderful being produced here in the wide variety of climates that Chile offers, and we're very excited to discuss them from a macro-scale viewpoint. We'll be going over everything from history to grapes, and we hope you enjoy learning about this underrated country as much as we enjoy drinking their wines!

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The Beer Battle: IPA's vs. Lagers

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 12:00:11 GMT

In this episode, Michael and Gabe decided to have some lighthearted debate over which is the better style of beer: the IPA or the Lager. Which one will win? Honestly, probably neither.

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A Brief History of Burgundy

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 15:22:05 GMT

As a follow-up to our last episode, we will now be diving into the history of the wine industry in Burgundy. From being a small country conquered by Rome to one of the most prominent wine producing regions globally, how did Burgundy become so renowned? Tune in to find out how religion, nobility, trade, and a disloyal grape crafted this fascinating history!

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An Introduction to Burgundy

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 16:48:19 GMT

Burgundy is one of the most famous and expensive wine regions in the world, but why is this the case? In this episode, we're doing an overview of what makes Burgundy so special in the wine world. As the birthplace of the modern conception of terroir, this region has played an important role in the development of our understanding of viticulture and wine making. We'll be discussing a bird's-eye view of the soils, climate, grapes, and subregions of Burgundy so that you can know what's on a label should you desire to explore these wonderful wines.

You can find a labeled map of Burgundy here should you be curious to find out more of the individual villages and cru vineyards: https://vineyards.com/wine-map/france/burgundy

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An Introduction to Port

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 12:00:41 GMT

Hailing from the nation or Portugal, Port encompasses a rich and complex variety of dessert wines. Port is one of the oldest designated wine regions in the world, so there is a lot of history, production techniques, and labeling terms to cover. Our goal in this episode is to break down the complexity and give you a straight-forward guide to finding a bottle for yourself!

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An Introduction to Madeira

Sat, 28 May 2022 12:00:33 GMT

A nearly forgotten style of wine, Madeira is a truly special drink and one of Gabe's personal favorites (possibly one of Michael's as well after recording). There's a long history of sea voyages, trade, and even revolution behind Madeira. Over the course of this episode, we dive into the rich history and flavors of these wines in an effort to promote one of the lesser known yet most prestigious wines we know of. We hope you enjoy listening and are inspired to seek out a Madeira of your own!

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Liquors Vs. Liqueurs: What's the Difference?

Sun, 22 May 2022 16:53:15 GMT

Spirits is a big heading, and the two primary distinctions within this category are liquors and liqueurs. Does this distinction matter? Actually, yes! Tune in to find out what the distinction is as well as a list of our staple liqueurs should you desire to have some on hand for an at-home cocktail bar.

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Exploring Natural Wines Part 2: Listen to Us Rant About Natural Wine

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:55:34 GMT

And we're back! In this episode, we'll be continuing our discussion about natural wines. This time, however, we will be discussing our own opinions and viewpoints (both positive and negative) about the movement. There's a lot to love about natural wines, but as with all things, there are things we don't love so much as well. Tune in to find out what our true thoughts are...

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Exploring Natural Wines Part 1: What is Natural Wine?

Sat, 07 May 2022 20:46:03 GMT

The Natural Wine phenomenon has been a small but growing force pushing for a fundamental shift in how the wine industry operates. For a few decades now, with the onset of climate change interrupting vineyard operations combined with a desire for more diversity in the profiles of wine on the whole, enthusiasts have been calling for a more terroir-based and sustainable shift in the wine industry. Join us today as we explore what the core tennants of Natural Wine are as well as what you can (roughly) expect from the bottles of this genre that you might come across in your wine explorations.

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An Introduction to Tequila

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 21:16:46 GMT

Today's episode brings us back to Mexico to discuss a specific sub-type of Mezcal. Ironically enough, Tequila has dwarfed Mezcal's fame and become the most ubiquitous agave based spirit on the market. Tequila has developed its own personality as a spirit, however, and there is something to be said for how much it has been able to distinguish itself from being merely another Mezcal variety. From shots to cocktails, join us as we delve into the development and production of Tequila!

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An Introduction to Bordeaux

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 22:45:26 GMT

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Bordeaux! As one of the most famous wine regions (and also expensive), there is a lot of ground to cover here. We'll be going through history, sub-regions, and more to make sure you're well equipped to find and explore all the delicious options Bordeaux has to offer. Does this region still deserve it's fame? Tune in to find out...

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Examining Wine Scores: Does This Episode Get 100 Points?

Sat, 02 Apr 2022 12:00:31 GMT

Why do so many bottles in your wine shop have that little sticker with 90 points on it? In this episode, we're looking into what makes up the wine scores given by some of the major wine reviewing publications as well as the history behind the metric. Is the 100 point scale accurate, does it communicate effectively, and are there other alternatives? Today we're seeking to dive into these questions and hopefully give you some constructive answers!

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$15 and Under: Our Budget Wine Recommendations

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Join us today as we share some of our favorite wines at affordable price points. We do love fine wines, don't get us wrong, but sometimes you just want something easy and delicious to sip with dinner. We hope this list helps you find a new, affordable wine that you enjoy!

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Winemaking Revisited: Red and Rosé Wines

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 19:00:00 GMT

In today's episode, we're finishing our do-over of winemaking with red and rosé wines. While the basics are the same, there are some substantial differences between the productions of red and white wines. Tune in to find out what these differences are!

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Winemaking Revisited: White Wines

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 19:00:00 GMT

Ok guys, here's the deal. Our first winemaking episode was a mess and we don't like it anymore. Therefore, we want to correct our past mistakes and give you a more thorough overview of how wines are made. In this episode, we'll be discussing the primary winemaking steps and major style choices that go into white wines. We hope this provides a better and more complete picture for you as to why certain techniques are used for white wines. These decisions will impact the final wine that ends up in your glass, and hopefully after listening you'll be able to tell what decisions were made for yourself!

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An Overview of Rum

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 03:00:00 GMT

We're back everyone! In today's episode, we're going over the history and various production methods of rum. With roots in the East and a storied past, we're excited to share our research with you. The world of rum contains a lot of diversity, much more than the average person has likely tried, and we hope that we can help you find a new style to try!

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Our One year Anniversary

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:00:00 GMT

A whole year has passed since we launched Laid Back Lush! We wanted to sit down and talk through what we've learned, the difficulties of starting a podcast not knowing what we were doing, and what we are looking forward to in the future. None of this would have been possible without you guys and the support you have shown us: thank you all so much! We look forward to another year exploring the world of wine and spirits with you.

Editor's note: you can find the link to the Wine Grapes Pedigrees diagrams Gabe mentioned in this episode below.
https://winegrapes.org/perfect-pedigrees/

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The History of Wine Part 3: Wine in the New World

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 21:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the final installment of our History of Wine series! In this episode we document the spread of wine through the new world by European settlers and the resulting wine industries that arose. With the rise of these industries came both economic development as well as the issues inherent to colonialism. Join us as we seek to explore the benefits of these industries while recognizing that the history involved is complex and nuanced.

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The Christmas Episode: Celebrating the Holidays with Buzzballz

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 03:00:00 GMT

Well guys, it's that time of the year and we wanted to have a fun episode drinking some moderately bad alcohol from a strange brand. Little did we know how bad it could get. Listen at your own risk. Or perhaps sadistic entertainment...

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The History of Wine Part 2: Rome Through The Middle Ages

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 22:00:00 GMT

With the advent of the Roman empire came many advancements in wine making and viticulture. Unfortunately, with the advent of the Middle Ages came many steps backwards. Join us as we examine the impact of trade, politics, and local taste in wine through the ups and downs of the Roman empire and it's subsequent fall. While the history of this time period is complex and at times inconsistent, there is still much to learn about the through lines that connect it to the wines we drink today. Tune in to find out what they are!

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The History of Wine Part 1: Wine in the Ancient World

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Welcome back, we're starting a new series! We'll be discussing the development and history of wine from our earliest records through the modern day. In this episode, we're tackling the early history of wine from the ancient world. The cultural spread and development surrounding wine was highly esteemed in the major cultural centers as well as trade, and we're excited to share our research with you!

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Intro to Gin

Sat, 04 Dec 2021 22:00:00 GMT

In today's episode, we're diving into the history gin and how it's production has developed over several centuries. Originally a medicinal tonic, this aromatic liquor has become a staple in many famous cocktails. Join us as we take a journey through the juniper-ridden world of gin!

We also have tastings of Boodles London Dry Gin as well a surprise gin that Gabe wanted to introduce Michael to. Tune in to find out what we thought.

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A Guide to Wine Flaws

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Join us today as we discuss the major flaws and their causes that you might encounter on your wine journey. From sweat to boiled cabbage, there's a lot of yuckiness out there you might encounter and we want to make sure you know when to NOT drink a wine (for once).

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A Guide to the Kinds of Beer Glassware

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 21:00:00 GMT

What's in a shape? Well, hopefully we can answer that question for you today!

We'll be discussing the various kinds of glasses, what they do for beer, and what kinds of beers to drink from them. We also have a tasting of a local brew, the Midnight Brewery Rockville Red. Tune in to find out what we thought of it!

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The Wines of East Asia: An Overview of China and Japan

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the emerging markets of Chinese and Japanese wines! Today we're exploring the major styles, grapes, and regions coming out of East Asia and why they're been gaining some international attention. There's a lot of interesting trends coming out of these countries and we're excited to share them with you!

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Spanish and Portuguese Wine Laws and Labelling Terms

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 17:00:00 GMT

We're concluding out Old World Wine Laws series with Spain and Portugal! Tune in to find out how to navigate the quality and aging indicators of these countries. It might seem a little complex at first, but we both think they're some of the best wine laws in the EU for you to know what's in your bottles.

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Italian Wine Laws and Labelling Terms

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Today we are continuing our wine laws series and moving to the vast and rugged region of Italy. There's a lot of gems to find in this vast market, but there might also be some trouble in paradise...

Join us as we discuss the laws and quality indicators you can find on your bottles. Hopefully you can find some pointers on how to navigate the Italy section of your local shop!

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Our Fall Wine Recommendations

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Today we're taking a break from the wine laws series to go over our favorite wine picks for autumn. We'll be discussing both the popular wines as well as our personal choices for a cozy night in (or possibly by a fire pit). Hopefully you can find a good pick for your holiday dinner!

We are also tasting a Barbera d'Alba that took us in a direction we were not expecting. Tune in to find out what happened...

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French Wine Laws and Labelling Terms

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 01:00:00 GMT

French wine is a large and complex topic, so today we're trying to simplify things for you so you can know what's in those bottles. We'll be discussing quality indicators and popular labelling terms so that you can be more confident in your purchases.

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German Wine Laws and Labeling Terms

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 22:00:00 GMT

Curious about how to navigate the German section of your local shop? German wine laws can be confusing for many people, so in today's episode we're seeking to answer any questions you might have. Tune in to find out what styles and qualities you can look for in German bottles!

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Lets Discuss New World Wine Labels

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Ever wonder the laws that govern wine labels (or lack thereof) outside of Europe? Join us as we seek to help you understand the labels and terms associated with wines from the new world. And yes, we will explain what new world and old world mean as well.

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Wine Tasting Revisited

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 11:00:00 GMT

After much deliberation, we decided that our original wine tasting episode is no longer up to our rigorous and exacting standards, so we decided to redo it! Hopefully this time is much more approachable and concise instead of us rambling about wines for an hour. We hope you enjoy!

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Intro to Mezcal

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 02:00:00 GMT

Mezcal has quickly become the liquor of choice among trendy drinkers, but what about it has captured people's attention? Is it just tequila? Join us today as we discuss the long-standing methods of production that give this liquor so much character. We'll also be doing a tasting, so stick around to find out our thoughts on the Del Maguey Vida.

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Our Summer Wine Recommendations

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Today we're discussing our (highly opinionated) summer wine recommendations. Tune in to see what we like, why we like it, and some wines you can try to stay cool this summer.

We'll also be doing a tasting of a blast from the past, I wonder what it could be...

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An Overview of Sherry

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Sherry is considered one of the great fortified wines of the world, but what exactly is it and how is it made? What sets it apart from the other fortified wines of the world? What are the different styles of Sherry? In today's episode we will answer these questions and more. We will also be doing a wine and cheese tasting with a Manzanilla we bought at a wonderful new wine shop in the area. Tune in to find out how it went!

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Intro to Whiskey

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Today we are diving into whiskey production! We both love a good whiskey and are stoked to share an overview of the production process as well as the major styles you'll find if you decide to explore this spirit. From mash bills to what distinguishes a Bourbon from a Scotch, we'll be giving you a guide to navigate the world of whiskey.

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Orange Wines or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Skin Contact

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Orange wine has swept through the wine world and riled many feathers along the way. Join us as we discuss how these wines are made, what makes them different from a standard white wine, and why they have become so controversial. We will also be diving into our own individual views on what orange wine reveals about the wine industry and the trends that flow through it.

We will also be trying an orange wine from Virginia's own Stinson Vineyards, the Wilkat. Tune in to find out how we liked it!

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Intro to Dessert Wines

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 11:00:00 GMT

This week we will be looking at the wide world of dessert wines! In today's episode we will be giving a brief overview of he primary styles of sweet wines from around the world. From fortification to noble rot, there's many varieties and styles to explore, and we hope you find something in this episode that piques your interest.

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Bad Alcohols: Trying Gas Station Wines

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 11:00:00 GMT

This was a terrible idea, we don't know why we did this. Give this a listen to find out how bad it got.

We do go over some wine making theory so there is something to learn in here, we promise.

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Wine Tips and Tricks Part 2: A Night In

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Today's episode is all about tips for drinking wine during a cozy night in. From decanting to common wine flaws, we'll be covering the bases for making the most out of the bottles you bring home.

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Wine Tips and Tricks Part 1: Wine Out and About

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 18:00:00 GMT

In today's episode, we will be discussing some miscellaneous tips that we want to give to you for when you go out to buy or taste wine. Also, stick around to hear about our trip to Early Mountain vineyards! We had a blast and are excited to share our experience.

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An Overview of Sake Production

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:00:00 GMT

Curious as to how sake is made? You're in luck! In today's episode, we explore the steps of sake production from rice to bottle. Although this is an intensive and complex product to make, we have tried to break it down into an easily understandable format so you can get a clear grasp on the process.

We also have another tasting this episode: the Joto Junmai, aka "The Green One". Tune in to find out what we thought of it and if we give it a recommendation!

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A Guide to Buying Sake

Fri, 28 May 2021 18:00:00 GMT

The world of sake can be a little intimidating for the average consumer, and in this episode we want to help you learn how to navigate it. We will be discussing labeling terms and some basics of what these terms mean from a production standpoint so you can have a better idea of what you're getting in a bottle. We hope this episode motivates you to seek out some sake to try as we (ok, primarily Gabe) think this is a highly underrated drink.

We also wanted to give a shout out to the importer Joto. We discuss this company at the end of the episode, but in short, they are an importer seeking to bring high quality sakes to the United States. Gabe in particular has been very impressed with their products, and we recommend seeking them out if you can. You can go to www.jotosake.com to find out more about them!

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A Brief History of Champagne

Fri, 21 May 2021 20:00:00 GMT

The region of Champagne has become the global standard for high-quality sparkling wines, but how did this happen? Join us as we journey into the history of this prestigious region and the major figures that shaped it's wines.

*Credit to our very own Michael for this episode's artwork!

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The Sparkling Wine Episode

Tue, 11 May 2021 19:00:00 GMT

Are we really a wine podcast without an episode on sparkling wines?

Join us as we dive into the various production methods used to make everyone's favorite celebratory drink and how these methods lead to such a variety of styles of wine. We'll also be doing a tasting of one of Gabe's favorite Cavas, tune in to find out what it is!

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The Return of Beer

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 17:00:00 GMT

After Prohibition, the beer industry in the United States changed dramatically. From industrialization to marketing, the modernization of the industry is a marked difference to how it operated before Prohibition happened. Tune in to find out more about the development of beer from 1933 to the modern day!

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A Brief History of Prohibition

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Join us as we delve into a major era of US history: The Prohibition Era.

A dark and troubled time in the history of the United States, there is a lot more to this era than we initially thought going into this episode. Crime, corruption, and consumption define this period, but it's not the whole story. Stay tuned to find out more about this complicated subject.

We had a lot of fun researching this topic and look forward to sharing our findings on this complicated period of history with you!

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Intro to Beer Production and Styles

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Beer can be a big and confusing world to step into. If you're curious to learn about this vast industry, join us as we delve into a primer to navigate the production and styles of beer so you can know what's in your glass!

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Wine Climates, Terroir, and Our First Field Trip

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 19:00:00 GMT

Ever wonder how the climate wine grapes grow in affects what ends up in your glass? Let's find out! We also discuss the concept of terroir, a term widely used in the wine world but not always clearly defined for the average drinker.

In an effort to better understand our wine industry here in Virginia, we took a trip out to Reynard Florence Vineyard, a family owned winery in Barboursville . With a nice cozy atmosphere and delicious wines, we had a great time and want to share our experience!

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The Basics of Winemaking and the Primary Grapes

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 03:00:00 GMT

Join us as we discuss the bare essentials of wine making as well as going over the most popular wine grapes. Gabe will also be undergoing a blind tasting challenge from Michael, so stick around to find out if he succeeds...

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Intro To Wine Tasting

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 22:00:00 GMT

Join us as we try out a Sauvignon Blanc and a Malbec to see how we approach tasting. We'll discuss what goes into how a wine tastes beyond just flavors and aromas.

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Intro to Laid Back Lush: Glassware and Buying Wine

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 02:00:00 GMT

Meet Michael and Gabe! Find out who we are and why we love talking about wine. We discuss the bare essentials of where to start in your wine journey.

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