In the latest Drinking Partners release, Ed and Day welcome returning guest Ali Wyrostek, a beer rep for Rhinegeist, a Cincinnati-based brewery. To start the interview, the group drinks Cheetah Lager, a new offering that is, according to Day, “mad crushable” and discuss the latest beer trends: the surging support for local breweries and hazy IPAs. Ed veers off topic with a rant about Suburus before the trio talks about “shower beers.” The interaction that follows offers a perfect cocktail of the Drinking Partners – irreverent humor mixed with wit and beer. Continue listening to hear why Ed thinks he’ll be single once the episode airs. The latter half relaxes the rules of interviewing, and the conversation explodes into several branches of random and amusing thoughts. An exploration into what the Drinking Partners consider awaits listeners in this fun and festive episode. For more about Rhinegeist, visit www.rhinegeist.com
By now, listeners will be familiar with the Drinking Partners critiques of Pittsburgh cuisine, but Ed and Day giddily welcome the owners of Walter’s Southern Kitchen into the studio. Partners Joel and Chris are on the receiving end of the Drinking Partner’s energetic praise, as the interview opens with the duo reveling in the Lawrenceville restaurant’s offerings as they taste some of Walter’s favorites. Ed and Day are in a rare state of agreement as they sip and sample, and the conversation swings between the history of Walter’s (including an explanation of the name) and their plans for the future, one that focuses on food, culture, and community. Neither Joel nor Chris are willing to share the secrets of their syrup, yet they do share the extensive processes involved in using their custom-built smoker and explain the differences in angus cows. The end of the episode highlights what makes Walter’s Southern Kitchen unique as Chris delves into how the food is prepared. A must listen for foodies as Ed and Day unite in their gleaming review of Walter’s. Find out more here: www.walterspgh.com.
The Drinking Partners welcome Black Forge Coffee owners Ashley Corts and Nick Miller, who Ed introduces as, “the og’est of the OGs.” The duo stops by the studio to announce Black Forge’s expansion; after three years in the Allentown neighborhood, the metal-themed coffee shop will open an additional spot in McKees Rocks. The early minutes examine how Black Forge has welcomed art, comedy, and music, and now features live music several days per week. The interview flows with a smooth vibe, as Nick and Ashley speak on how they first met and what led them to ultimately open Black Forge. Hint: they both wanted to stop working for sh**y people. However, the podcast offers an invigorating and encouraging message, from how they crowd-funded for their second location to how they value their employees. And, of course, it gives Nick an, “excuse to get day drunk,” as they sip on a coffee-flavored mead that Black Forge collaborated on with Apis Wine and Meadery. As the hour progresses, the conversation becomes much more Drinking Partners-like, with hilarious results. In the closing minutes, Ed and Day continue a new Drinking Partners tradition and ask for Ashley and Nick to name their favorite potato. Stay tuned to hear their answers (and a NSFW admission from Ed). Find Black Forge Coffee House here: http://www.blackforgecoffee.com.