The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G

Inside the "Masquerade of the Red Death" | Burlesque, Edgar Allan Poe & Cocktail Chaos

Welcome back to The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G! Today we are joined by two incredible burlesque performers, Aurora Fable and the newly married Whitney Wolfe, for an episode full of theater secrets, book talk, and cocktail chaos.
With the award-winning “The Masquerade of the Red Death” returning for Fringe (May 12–25), we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring Edgar Allan Poe’s dark concepts to the stage. Aurora shares her panic-mode preparation schedule, while Whitney discusses the pressure and creative freedom of stepping into the role of the new Green Room.
Beyond the stage, we’re diving into smut reads, romantasy books, the logistics of casting partners in burlesque acts, and a hilarious game of Dracula: F***, Marry, Kill.
🥃 What We’re Drinking:To match the Green Room theme, we’re pouring up a fantastic Green Chartreuse "Last Word" variation, alongside a refreshing Gin, Lemon, and Hibiscus cocktail.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
Episode Chapters:00:00 - Meet Aurora Fable & Whitney Wolfe03:45 - Orlando Fringe Prep & "The Masquerade of the Red Death"06:05 - Big Bang Boom Collective’s "Tour de Force"10:07 - Whitney Joins the Cast: The New Green Room14:18 - Drink of the Day: Hibiscus Gin & A "Last Word" Variation17:53 - Translating Poe into Burlesque28:53 - The Colored Rooms of Death Explained43:36 - Podcast Side Quests & Audience Stats48:04 - Smut Reads, Galatea, & Romantasy Books55:39 - Casting Partners in Acts & Beetlejuice Ideas01:02:17 - Rapid Fire & Dracula FMK01:09:05 - Where to Find the Guests01:14:12 - Final Thanks & Sponsor
Links & Resources:
Sponsor: Protect your home with Byrne Termite and Pest Control! https://www.byrnepest.com/
Catch the Show: Get your tickets for “The Masquerade of the Red Death” at Fringe (May 12–25) here: https://www.orlandofringe.org/
Tour de Force: Grab tickets for Big Bang Boom Collective at the Me Theater on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/big-bang-boom-collective-69152612363
Take a Class: Join Whitney’s Wednesday burlesque class at Exchange Dance Academy: https://www.exchangedance.com/
Follow Aurora Fable: aurorafable
Follow Whitney Wolfe: misswhitneywolfe
Follow Arthur G: @lastcallwitharthur on Instagram and TikTok

The Dark Side of the Mezcal Boom | Fabiola Santiago of Mi Oaxaca

Show Notes:
Episode Overview: Who really profits from the global obsession with mezcal? In this episode of The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G, Arthur sits down with Fabiola Santiago—public health expert, advocate, and the founder/executive director of Mi Oaxaca. Born in the "world capital of mezcal," Santiago Matatlán, and raised in Los Angeles, Fabiola brings a vital perspective to the spirits industry.
Fabiola unpacks the harsh realities often hidden behind slick marketing campaigns, challenging the idea that mezcal is synonymous with all of Mexico. She dives into the anti-Indigenous bias and power imbalances regarding brand ownership, exposes the loopholes in Denomination of Origin laws, and explains how terms like “artisanal” and “ancestral” came to be. From discussing her advocacy work against wage theft to highlighting ethical ways to enjoy agave spirits, this episode is a must-listen for any cocktail enthusiast or hospitality professional who wants to understand what is actually in their glass.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
The Mission of Mi Oaxaca: How the nonprofit is fighting for cultural preservation and economic equity in the mezcal industry.
The Wage Theft Wake-Up Call: How a high-profile case involving an upscale Mexican restaurant sparked Fabiola’s focus on exploitation in food and spirits.
Label Loopholes: The truth behind Denomination of Origin and what "artisanal" or "ancestral" really means.
Celebrity Brands & Gentrification: The disconnect between the mezcal boom and the reality on the ground in Oaxaca.
Expert Bottle Picks: Fabiola’s top ethical and authentic mezcal recommendations, including Siete Misterios, Real Minero, and Mezcal Vago.
Connect with Fabiola & Mi Oaxaca:
Website: https://www.mioaxaca.org/
Instagram: @oaxacthetalk
Connect with The Last Call Podcast:
Instagram: @lastcallwitharthur
YouTube: @lastcallpod

Glenmorangie Single Malt Deep Dive: Signet, Tall Stills & Cask Mastery w/ Dan Crowell

Welcome to The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G! Pour yourself a dram and settle in as we take a deep dive into the world of single malt Scotch with Dan Crowell, the U.S. Brand Ambassador for Glenmorangie.
In this episode, Dan shares his unconventional journey from music school and drumming to becoming a leading voice in hospitality and spirits education. We break down what it actually takes to master Scotch, focusing on genuine passion, empathetic education, and the intensive blind tasting required to train your palate and manage bias.
🥃 What We Pour Into In This Episode:
The Glenmorangie Difference: How their famous “giraffe” tall stills and copper reflux create an elegant, signature flavor profile.
Cask Management Masterclass: The logistics of shipping sherry casks, preventing spoilage, and why the flagship expression evolved from a 10-year to a 12-year.
Tasting & Deconstructing: We taste and break down the Triple Cask Reserve, the Lasanta 15’s shift to first-fill Oloroso, and the complex, high-roast chocolate malt secrets behind the coveted Signet.
Experimental Releases: Exploring the limited “Tale” series (Tale of the Forest & Tokyo Oak) and getting a few hints about their upcoming May 4th launch.
Whether you're a seasoned Scotch enthusiast or just starting your whisky journey, this episode is packed with industry insights and expert knowledge.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and let us know your favorite Glenmorangie expression!
Episode Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:55 Spirits as Universal Language03:03 From Music to Hospitality09:27 Empathy and Education Mindset11:53 Scotch Aha Moment16:41 Passion That Resonates20:00 Master of Scotch Journey24:26 Mentorship and Rigorous Exams28:12 Training Your Palate32:17 Life on the Road as Ambassador36:28 What Makes Glenmorangie Unique37:09 Giraffe Stills and Copper Reflux39:06 Reflux and Flavor Style40:11 Hard Water Fermentation Boost40:44 Giraffe Still Explained41:33 Features vs Benefits Marketing45:06 Cask Timing and Spoilage49:57 Bourbon Barrels and Ardbeg Contrast52:52 Signet Origins and Secret Recipe54:53 Roasted Malt Production Challenges58:02 Signet Blending and Price01:01:14 Original 12 Replaces 1001:02:30 Why the Flagship Evolved01:09:57 15 Year Return to Oloroso01:13:22 Tasting Notes and Blind Approach01:14:27 Cinnamon Sherry Notes01:16:05 Triple Cask Explained01:19:04 Tales Series Origins01:19:58 Tale of the Forest01:25:21 Tale of Tokyo Oak01:28:20 Whiskey Music Pairing01:31:47 Movie Cocktail Build01:34:11 Where to Find Dan01:36:35 Wrap Up and Sponsor

Cosmic Horror & Cursed Cocktails: A drink with Author Robbie Dorman

Can a book really be cursed? Prolific horror author Robbie Dorman joins Arthur G to discuss the intersection of faith trauma, Southern Gothic horror, and the art of the drink. Whether you're a writer looking to sharpen your craft through "intentional conversations" or a cocktail nerd looking for the perfect Green Chartreuse substitute, this episode has a seat for you at the bar.
 
📍 Timestamps (Optimized for Engagement)
00:00 Welcome to The Last Call
01:04 Mixing the "Eldritch Abyss" (Cosmic Horror Cocktail)
07:07 The Origins of a Horror Obsession
16:53 Income Diversification: Teaching & Writing Seminars
25:14 The "Antifreeze" & The Dark Shape of God: Horror at Home
34:20 The Great Green Chartreuse Hunt (Substitutes & Alternatives)
37:46 Faith Trauma and Southern Gothic Hurdles
49:34 How to Read Like a Writer
57:32 "Do the Weird Thing": Advice for Creators
01:16:05 Video Games vs. Worldbuilding (Resident Evil to Disco Elysium)
01:29:57 Integrating Cocktails into Fiction
01:32:33 The Deathbed Drink Pick
01:33:58 Where to find Robbie Dorman

Reclaiming Tiki: Inside NYC’s Paradise Lost with Kitty & Alexandra Marilley

🌋 Paradise Lost: Redefining Tropical Cocktails & Spooky Hospitality in NYCWhat happens when you mix "demonic surf rock," Filipino heritage, and a "spooky rainforest cafe" aesthetic? You get Paradise Lost, one of the most innovative bars in New York City’s East Village.
As we close out International Women's Month, In this episode, host Arthur G sits down with Kitty (Beverage Director/Bar Manager) and Alexandra Marilley(Bartender at Paradise Lost & Bar Manager at HaSalon) to peel back the layers of this immersive escape. We dive deep into how they balance high-volume "club" energy with precision craft, and how they are actively dismantling the problematic history of "Tiki" through mindful, inclusive hospitality.
In this episode, we discuss:
Reclaiming the "Tiki" Label: How Kitty’s Filipino heritage shapes a respectful approach to tropical drinks.
The "Bar-Classroom": Their unique mentorship program turning barbacks into elite bartenders.
Low-Waste Innovations: The science behind their "Redeemed Fruit Cordial."
The Menu: The stories behind the spam-infused Shattered Conch and the Blood Pact.
Industry Identity: Navigating gender and equity behind the stick in NYC.
🕒 Timestamps:00:00 – Meet the Team from Paradise Lost01:38 – Defining the "Spooky Tiki" Aesthetic02:17 – Alexandra’s Journey to the Crew04:26 – Kitty’s Origin Story & Filipino Heritage06:11 – Reclaiming Culture: Rejecting Appropriation in Tropical Drinks11:35 – The Philosophy of Signature Cocktails12:41 – High-Volume Club Service vs. Controlled Craft15:38 – The Logistics of Bar Takeovers (Permanent Vacation)21:14 – Diving into the Menu: Spam & Blood Cocktails24:45 – Competition Culture & Nostalgia29:23 – What is Speed Rack?31:43 – Service Systems, Ice, and Efficiency36:44 – A Sustainable, Low-Waste Bar Philosophy41:12 – Tech Talk: Creating Redeemed Fruit Cordial44:53 – The NYC Bartender Community & Support49:54 – The Evolution of Women Behind the Bar54:30 – Identity, Access, and Equity in Hospitality01:06:27 – Mentorship: The Paradise Lost Training Program01:10:54 – Where NYC Bartenders Go to Unwind01:18:11 – The Most Underrated Tiki Ingredients01:21:30 – Deathbed Cocktails: The Final Round01:26:38 – Follow Paradise Lost & The Guests01:29:46 – Final Sign Off
 
🍹 Connect with the Guests:
Paradise Lost: [Insert Link/Handle]
Kitty: viddy_kitty
Alexandra Marilley: alexandramarilley on IG
✨ Support The Last Call Podcast:
Subscribe for more deep dives into the world of spirits and distilleries.
Follow Arthur G on IG: Lastcallwitharthur 
#TheLastCallPodcast #ParadiseLostNYC #TikiCulture #Mixology #NYCbars #Sustainability #HospitalityMentorship #CocktailChemistry #TropicalDrinks

From USC Football to Disrupting the Whiskey Industry: The Story of Blind Barrels

What do college athlete rights and craft whiskey have in common? In this episode, host Arthur sits down with Bobby DeMars—former USC football player, award-winning filmmaker, and founder of Blind Barrels. Bobby shares his incredible journey from growing up with an inventor father to directing The Business of Amateurs, a groundbreaking documentary that helped pave the way for college athletes’ NIL rights.
We also dive deep into his latest venture, Blind Barrels, a quarterly double-blind spirits subscription designed to highlight American craft distilleries and destroy brand bias. Discover how Bobby is navigating the hurdles of the three-tier alcohol distribution system to bring rare, undiscovered bottles straight to consumers.
In this episode, we cover:
🏈 The Fight for NIL: How The Business of Amateurs challenged the NCAA and helped change college sports history.
🥃 Building Blind Barrels: The COVID pivot that turned a passion for blind tastings into a disruptive business model.
🕶️ Combating Brand Bias: Why double-blind tastings are the ultimate way to discover local distillery gems and "unicorn" bottles over hyped brands.
📈 What's Next: Gamifying the tasting experience and plans to expand into tequila, rum, and hospitality.
Whether you're a documentary buff, an advocate for athlete rights, or a whiskey enthusiast hunting for your next favorite craft pour, this conversation is packed with insights on taking risks and disrupting the status quo.
🔗 Learn more about Blind Barrels: www.blindbarrels.com🎟️ Watch The Business of Amateurs: https://tubitv.com/movies/368742/the-business-of-amateurs
👇 Subscribe and follow for more spirit interviews & cocktail content:
Instagram: @lastcallwitharthur
YouTube: @lastcallpod
Timestamps (Chapters)00:00 - Welcome & Guest Intro: Meet Bobby DeMars01:14 - Early Life, Risk-Taking & Growing Up with an Inventor04:32 - Transitioning from USC Football to Film School06:08 - Corporate Disillusionment & Finding a Creative Path08:15 - Breaking Through in the Filmmaking Industry11:59 - The Business of Amateurs: Championing College Athlete Rights12:08 - Funding the Film: Kickstarter & Crisscrossing the Country16:24 - The History of Amateurism & Its Impact on NIL Rights21:05 - The COVID Pivot: Discovering the Magic of Blind Tastings23:22 - Founding Blind Barrels to Disrupt the Alcohol Industry27:15 - Inside the Box: How the Double-Blind Subscription Works29:48 - Gamifying the Tasting Experience with Unique Whiskeys33:26 - The Power of the Storytelling Team & Distillery Partnerships39:03 - Whiskey as a Tool for Connection & Community42:44 - Breaking Down Blind Tasting Bias44:06 - Why Discovery Always Beats Hype46:48 - The Taconic Surprise Find50:54 - Highlighting Local Distillery Gems55:03 - Uncovering the "Unicorn" Doc Holliday01:01:01 - Shelf Impact & Pivoting Strategies01:03:50 - Bobby’s Dream Blind Box Lineup01:06:54 - The Ultimate Deathbed Cocktail Pick01:10:24 - What’s Next: Expanding into Tequila, Rum & Hospitality01:12:18 - Community Lives & Exclusive Giveaways01:14:51 - Final Wrap-Up & Sponsor Message

The Secrets of Ron del Barrilito Rum | Eduardo J. Bacardi Interview

Discover the cognac-inspired roots and secret maceration process behind Puerto Rico’s oldest rum! In this episode, host Arthur sits down with Eduardo J. Bacardi, a sixth-generation Bacardi family member and the Sales & Marketing Director at Hacienda Santa Ana (home to Ron del Barrilito). Eduardo pulls back the curtain on this iconic Puerto Rican brand, tracing its origins back to 1880 under founder Pedro Fernandez.
Learn exactly what sets Ron del Barrilito apart from the rest of the rum world—from their unique pre-aging maceration process across 25+ wooden tanks to aging exclusively in 500L ex-sherry casks from Spain (with zero solera!).
In this episode, we cover:
🥃 The Star Lineup: A breakdown of the 2-star (3–5 years), flagship 3-star (6–10 years), 4-star (15–20 years), and the ultra-rare 5-star (up to 35 years).
🇵🇷 The 1942 Freedom Barrel: The legendary story behind the barrel waiting for Puerto Rico's independence.
👼 The Angel’s Share: How heavy evaporation in the Caribbean creates rare "unicorn barrels."
🌴 Hacienda Santa Ana: An inside look at the once-secret estate's visitor center, tasting tours, and mixology classes.
Whether you are a rum aficionado or a spirit-forward cocktail lover, this episode is packed with rich history and tasting insights.
 
00:00 - Welcome & Meet Eduardo J. Bacardi01:09 - Eduardo’s Role at Hacienda Santa Ana02:18 - Navigating the Bacardi Family Legacy03:59 - Why Ron del Barrilito Tastes Like Cognac05:57 - The Pre-Aging Maceration Secret09:07 - 100% Ex-Sherry Cask Aging (No Solera!)12:28 - Breaking Down the "Star" Lineup (2 to 5 Stars)16:48 - The Legend of the 1942 Freedom Barrel19:03 - Surviving the Angel’s Share & "Unicorn Barrels"25:12 - Sourcing Distillate & Maintaining Consistency27:17 - Marketing vs. Distilling in the Rum Industry28:07 - Honoring Family Roots & Tradition29:18 - Opening the Hacienda Santa Ana Visitor Center31:46 - What to Expect: Tours, Tastings & Mixology Classes33:47 - Crafting a Rotating Cocktail Menu36:47 - The Spirit-Forward Cocktail Philosophy38:14 - Eduardo’s Dream Sipping Companions40:07 - The Ultimate Deathbed Drink Pick41:50 - Exclusive Single Cask (PF) Releases46:07 - Where to Find Ron del Barrilito47:58 - Final Thoughts & Sign-Off48:39 - Sponsor Message

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Whiskey | Noah Rothbaum

Is there such a thing as a "Whiskey Bible"? Today on The Last Call Podcast, we sit down with James Beard Award-winning author and spirits authority Noah Rothbaum to discuss his massive new book, The Whiskey Bible: A Complete Guide to the World’s Greatest Spirit.
Whether you’re a bourbon beginner or a seasoned scotch collector, Noah breaks down the myths, the legends, and the actual history of whiskey that has been buried under decades of marketing. We dive into the "Whiskey Timeline," the surprising Jewish history of American spirits, and how to use this 600-page guide to elevate your own drinking experience.
🥃 Grab your copy of The Whiskey Bible: Available on Amazon🎙️ Subscribe for more spirit stories: https://www.youtube.com/@lastcallpod

Ari Sussman of Whiskey JYPSI: Cross-Category Blending & The Future of American Whiskey

Ari Sussman on Cross-Category Blending, The Declaration x Mount Vernon & Being an Outsider in American Whiskey
What happens when you combine Eric Church’s vision with a whiskey maker who approaches blending like a bartender? Ari Sussman of Whiskey JYPSI sits down to reveal why traditional mash bills and age statements might be holding American whiskey back.
In this episode of The Last Call Podcast, we dive deep into the art of cross-category blending with Ari Sussman. A former academic and head of spirits development at Michigan State University, Ari approaches whiskey creation like a chemistry experiment—sourcing rare, fully aged spirits globally to reconstruct complex flavor profiles.
We discuss everything from his culinary roots in Ann Arbor to working in a rural French vineyard, and how his time behind the bar shaped his philosophy on craft spirits. Ari also pulls back the curtain on Whiskey JYPSI—his self-funded venture with country music star Eric Church—and breaks down the incredible history and process behind their Legacy and Explorer series.
🥃 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The Whiskey JYPSI Philosophy: Why grain variety and yeast matter more than age statements, and why price rarely equals quality.
Cross-Category Blending: How to blend whiskey with the mindset of a bartender.
The Declaration (Legacy 003): The story of recreating George Washington’s historic Maryland-style rye mash bill for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Global Flavors: Why Indian single malt adds unmatched depth to American bourbon blends.
Wood Terroir: The profound impact of French Tronçais oak vs. Appalachian American oak.
⏱️ Episode Chapters:00:00 - Meet Ari Sussman: The ‘Whiskey Maker’ Behind Whiskey JYPSI01:25 - From Ann Arbor Roots to a Culinary Storytelling Mindset02:41 - A Detour Into Politics & a Life-Changing Move to France04:11 - Vineyard Work, Bartending & Michigan State’s Distilling Program05:19 - The Craft Spirits Boom & Building Full Portfolios07:43 - Bridging Wine, Bartending, and Whiskey’s Blind Spots11:49 - Age Statements, Mash Bills & The Myth of Price vs. Quality14:20 - Joining Whiskey JYPSI with Eric Church: Credibility vs. Celebrity16:30 - Cross-Category Blending: Bartender Logic at Whiskey Scale25:00 - ‘The Declaration’: George Washington, Maryland Rye & Apple Brandy Barrels32:21 - Why Indian Single Malt Works in Bourbon Blends (Legacy 002)37:16 - Terroir for Whiskey: Water, Grain, Climate & Flavor Notes38:17 - Commodity Corn & the Kentucky Bourbon Scale Machine39:52 - Unique Bartender Storytelling vs. Cookie-Cutter Whiskey42:51 - Explorer Series: Why Wood Matters (French vs. American Oak)44:08 - R&D Deep Dive: Forest-by-Forest Stave Experiments46:37 - Legacy Series Pricing: The $200 Risk on Rare Blends50:28 - Bottle as Art: Hand-Hammered Stills & The Deep Punt53:37 - The Outsider Advantage: Innovation Over Tradition56:44 - Rapid-Fire: Deathbed Cocktail & Sharing a Drink with George Washington
📱 Connect with The Last Call:If you enjoyed this deep dive into the spirits industry, please leave us a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts!
Follow Arthur on Instagram: @lastcallwitharthur
Watch the video version of this interview on YouTube: @lastcallpod

The Mexican Renaissance: Zomoz Mezcal with Diego de la Vega Fernandez

Discover the "Mexican Renaissance" of spirits with Diego de la Vega Fernandez, co-founder of Zomoz Mezcal. In this episode of The Last Call, we explore how Zomoz is redefining the agave category by balancing modern luxury with deep-rooted tradition.
Diego takes us inside the creation of Zomoz, a USDA organic-certified mezcal crafted to be approachable and removing the barrier of aggressive smokiness. We discuss the vital role of female head distiller Isabel Santiago, the challenges of achieving organic certification, and the "artistic reality" of modern Mexico.
From his transition from law school to the spirits industry to the mentors who shaped his path, Diego shares an honest look at what it takes to build a legacy brand. Pour yourself a drink and join us for this deep dive into the soul of Mezcal.
🥃 In this episode, we cover:
The Mexican Renaissance: How Zomoz is showcasing the modern, luxurious side of Mexican culture.
Approachable Mezcal: Creating a flavor profile that welcomes new drinkers without the "smoke bomb."
Production Secrets: Inside the process with head distiller Isabel Santiago.
Business of Spirits: The challenges of organic certification and scaling a brand without losing quality.
Personal Journey: Diego’s shift from law to liquid and the lessons learned along the way.
CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction & The Agave Spirit Excitement 01:34 Meet Diego de la Vega Fernandez: The Visionary Behind Zomoz 01:59 A Personal Journey with Mezcal 02:38 The Mezcal Experience: Honest Feedback & Cocktails 03:41 Diego's Background & Mezcal Market Insights 07:38 Defining The Mexican Renaissance & Modern Luxury 11:53 The Origin Story of Zomoz Mezcal 17:58 Production & Partnership with Distiller Isabel Santiago 22:31 Artisanal Mezcal: Tradition vs. Craftsmanship 29:21 Diego's Path to the Wine & Spirits Industry 30:49 Where the Journey Began 31:40 Starting a Spirits Brand: Challenges & Regrets 32:52 The Hard Road to USDA Organic Certification 35:01 Choosing Quality Over Quantity 37:18 Unique Stories & Mistakes Made Along the Way 40:25 Scaling Up While Maintaining Tradition 43:17 Mentors & Industry Influences 45:46 Exciting Projects & Future Plans 50:23 Final Thoughts
🔗 CONNECT WITH ZOMOZ MEZCAL:
Website: zomozmezcal.com
Instagram: zomozmezcal
🎙️ CONNECT WITH THE LAST CALL:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lastcallwitharthur/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastcallpod
#ZomozMezcal #Mezcal #TheLastCallPodcast #AgaveSpirits #MexicanRenaissance #CocktailCulture #SpiritsIndustry #DiegoDeLaVegaFernandez