The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G

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

Vodka Made from Milk? Scaling Sustainable Spirits w/ Mark Simmons

Why The "Vodka of Tomorrow" is Made from Whey (w/ Mark Simmons)
Description: Is the future of vodka sustainable? We sit down with Mark Simmons, the Master Blender behind Broken Shed Vodka, to discuss how they are changing the game using New Zealand’s natural resources.
Mark shares his transition from flavor chemist to master blender and reveals the science behind creating a premium vodka distilled from whey (a dairy byproduct) and pristine aquifer water. We also cover the brand's incredible journey from a literal broken shed to winning "Best In Show" at the 2025 Tag Global Spirits Awards.
If you’re interested in the business of spirits, sustainable distilling, or just want to know what the "Vodka of Tomorrow" tastes like, this episode is for you.
In this episode, we cover: ✅ How Broken Shed uses whey to create a cleaner spirit. ✅ The challenges of breaking into the competitive US Market. ✅ Why New Zealand is becoming a powerhouse for new world spirits. ✅ The story behind winning Best In Show at the 2025 TAG Awards.
CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction: The Vodka of Tomorrow 01:49 - The Rise of New Zealand’s Spirits Industry 03:46 - From Flavor Chemist to Vodka Innovation 05:04 - The Science: Distilling Whey & Water 08:44 - Perfecting the Blend for a Smooth Taste 21:24 - The Legend of the Broken Shed 23:07 - Scaling Up: From Shed to Global Brand 24:07 - Breaking into the US Market 26:11 - Winning Best In Show (TAG Awards 2025) 26:45 - Why Quality Beats Marketing 31:07 - Future Trends in the Vodka Category 34:19 - Lessons Learned in the Industry 38:33 - Final Thoughts
#BrokenShedVodka #Vodka #Distilling #SpiritsIndustry #NewZealandSpirits #SustainableSpirits #LastCallPodcast #MarkSimmons

Inside Ardbeg: From Wee Beastie to Limited Editions with National Ambassador Travis Tidwell

🥃 Is Ardbeg the ultimate Islay Scotch?
In this episode of the Last Call podcast, host Arthur Gatton sits down with Travis Tidwell, the National Ambassador for Ardbeg Scotch Whisky. We dive deep into the peat-filled world of one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries.
Travis shares his journey from culinary school to whisky expert, revealing the secrets behind Ardbeg’s distinct smoky flavor and the science of peat. We discuss everything from the revival of the distillery and sustainable practices to their wildest marketing stunts—including sending whisky to the International Space Station!
Whether you are a seasoned peat-head or just starting your Scotch journey, this episode is packed with history, tasting notes, and expert advice.
🔥 IN THIS EPISODE:
The History: How Ardbeg survived near-closure to become a cult favorite.
The Science: Understanding Peat and how it defines the Islay profile.
The Bottles: A deep look at the "Wee Beastie" and limited edition releases.
The Future: Sustainability on Islay and the Ardbeg Hotel experience.
👇 SUBSCRIBE TO THE LAST CALL PODCAST [Insert Link To Subscribe Here]
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & Host's Excitement 00:32 Meet Travis Tidwell: Ardbeg National Ambassador 01:28 From Culinary School to Scotch Whisky 05:33 What Makes Ardbeg Unique? 10:08 Deep Dive: Peat & Its Role in Scotch 19:15 The Cult of Ardbeg: The Committee 24:55 The Great Revival of the Distillery 27:46 Review: The Wee Beastie (5 Years Old) 33:11 Limited Editions & Innovation 34:13 Unique Maturation Methods 35:08 Tasting Notes & First Impressions 39:04 Sustainability & Community on Islay 41:06 The Ardbeg Hotel Experience 46:23 Sending Whisky to Space & Marketing 51:48 Top Recommendations & Fun Questions 56:31 Closing Remarks
#Ardbeg #ScotchWhisky #WhiskyPodcast #LastCallPodcast #IslayScotch #WhiskyTasting #TravisTidwell #PeatedWhisky
🔗 CONNECT WITH US
Follow Arthur Gatton: @lastcallwitharthur
Follow Ardbeg: @ardbeg & @ardbegusa
Website: https://www.ardbeg.com/homepage.html 
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: Please drink responsibly. Content intended for audiences of legal drinking age.

Dr. Megan Ford Part 2: Horror Obsessions, Fitness & Mental Health

Welcome back for Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Megan Ford! 🥃
In the conclusion of this special two-part series, we trade the bedside manner for the boogeyman. We dive deep into Dr. Ford's obsession with horror movies (including her thoughts on IT), how she navigates ADHD and OCD, and the reality of staying fit while balancing a medical career and burlesque.
From psychological thrillers to the journey of self-love and body positivity, this episode gets real, raw, and spooky.
In this episode, we cover:
🎬 Horror & Pop Culture: Why we love being scared, Star Wars fandom, and the gore vs. psychological thriller debate.
🧠 Mental Health: Navigating life and creativity with ADHD and OCD.
💪 Body Positivity: The pressure of performance, finding an accountability partner, and the journey to self-love.
💍 Life Updates: A sneak peek into her upcoming nuptials!
CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome Back to Part Two 00:41 Star Wars & Pop Culture Obsessions 02:19 Horror Movie Fixations 03:42 Graphic Gore vs. Psychological Thrillers 05:18 Paranormal & Supernatural Fears 11:28 Craft Cocktails & Creative Techniques 16:49 Social Media Algorithms & Fixations 18:14 Dr. Ford’s Favorite Performances of the Year 35:45 The Exhaustion of Social Obligations 36:09 Reflecting on Personal Growth (ADHD/OCD) 38:05 The Journey of Self-Love & Body Positivity 40:13 Balancing Fitness & Performance Art 46:20 The Importance of Accountability 49:09 Struggles & Triumphs in Fitness 01:05:57 Upcoming Shows & Final Thoughts
🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCAST The Last Call Podcast explores the stories behind the spirits, the people in the industry, and the cocktails that bring us together.

Dr. Megan Ford: Medicine, Burlesque & The Perfect Banana Mai Tai

Doctor by Day, Burlesque by Night | 
Welcome back to the Last Call Podcast! 🥃
In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring Dr. Megan Ford to see where life has taken her one year after her last appearance on the show. We dive deep into the fascinating duality of her life—navigating the high-pressure world of healthcare while pursuing her creative passion for Burlesque performance art.
We also geek out over Star Wars, debate the best coffee spots, and, of course, mix up something special at the bar. Stick around for the Banana Mai Tai recipe!
In this episode, we cover:
🏥 Healthcare Realities: The importance of bedside manner and battling imposter syndrome.
💃 The Art of Burlesque: How Megan balances her medical career with professional dance.
🍹 Cocktail Hour: A step-by-step guide to the Banana Mai Tai.
☕ Coffee Wars: Dutch Bros vs. Starbucks and the importance of Sunday rituals.
📝 Featured Cocktail: Banana Mai Tai (Check the video at 01:06:19 for the full build!)
[Optional: Paste the ingredients here if you have them handy, otherwise leave this line out]
CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome Back to the Show 00:27 Reflecting on Past Episodes 00:49 Lighthearted Banter & AI Jokes 02:36 Drink of the Day Introduction 05:57 Dr. Ford’s Career Updates 07:51 Deep Dive: The World of Burlesque 17:26 The Journey of Whitney Wolf 31:43 Bedside Manner & Healthcare Challenges 34:29 Pursuing Creative Passions 37:58 Navigating Imposter Syndrome 40:18 The Creative Process in Performance Art 51:25 Nutrition & Busy Schedules 56:56 Coffee Wars: Preferences & Routines 01:01:14 The Coffee Shop Incident 01:06:19 RECIPE: Banana Mai Tai 01:13:11 Star Wars Fandom Discussion 01:19:20 Conclusion