The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G

Glenmorangie’s Harrison Ford Edition, “A Tale Of” Series & The Science of Fruity Whisky (with Glenmo Dan)

Dive deep into the world of single malt scotch with returning guest Daniel Crowel (“Glenmo Dan”), Glenmorangie’s National Brand Ambassador!
In this episode, host Arthur G sits down with Dan to explore the cutting edge of Glenmorangie's whisky experimentation. We taste the highly anticipated Harrison Ford limited edition (finished in re-toasted Portuguese red wine casks) and discuss how the Hollywood legend actually helped refine the final profile. Plus, we pull back the curtain on Dr. Bill Lumsden’s fearless creative process, the evolution from the Private Editions to the new “A Tale Of” series, and the fascinating science behind Glenmorangie’s signature ester-driven, fruity style.
In this episode, we cover:
The Harrison Ford Partnership: A tasting and breakdown of the new 46.5% ABV, non-chill filtered limited release.
Behind the Barrel: Dr. Bill Lumsden’s massive library of simultaneous whisky experiments.
Fermentation Science: How Glenmorangie’s hard, mineral-rich spring water dictates yeast nutrition and flavor.
"Once Upon a Time in Scotland": Spotlighting the actual distillery workers behind your favorite drams.
Chapter Markers:00:00 Welcome Back Glenmo Dan aka Daniel Crowel 01:23 Fans Ask: Experimental Bottles02:44 Private Editions And “A Tale Of”04:51 Meet Dr. Bill Lumsden07:01 How Experiments Run In Parallel09:37 Why Time Cannot Be Rushed11:06 Harrison Ford Limited Edition14:33 Celebrity Endorsement Done Right19:14 Cask Recipe And Tasting Notes25:43 Once Upon A Time In Scotland28:03 The People Behind The Whisky31:24 Spirits, Music, And Memory32:36 Whiskey Memories and Music35:05 Distillery Pride and Joy37:20 Hard Water Fermentation Science42:07 Against Whiskey Marketing Bias44:53 Whiskey Speed Dating Events48:07 Dr. Bill’s Fearless Creativity52:36 Experimental Releases Explained55:35 Musician Collab Dream Cask01:01:23 Where to Find Dan01:02:51 Final Thanks and Sign Off01:04:39 Sponsor: Mosquito Control
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Keepers of the Quaich & The Art of Blending with Dewar’s Gabriel Cardarella

Does blended Scotch truly get the respect it deserves? We dive deep into the technical craft and history of blending to find out.
On this episode of The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G, we sit down with Gabriel Cardarella, North American Brand Ambassador for Dewar’s. We are breaking down the intricate details of Dewar’s double aging process, the persistent myths surrounding blended scotch, and how Master Blender Stephanie McLeod is spearheading massive innovation across their portfolio.
Gabe also shares his wildly unconventional career path—transitioning from managing tours for the Jackass crew to becoming a highly respected whiskey educator inducted into the Keepers of the Quaich. We explore the philosophy behind experimental releases like the Stone Toasted series, discuss Dewar’s role as the official Scotch of the US Open, and conduct a focused tasting of Dewar’s 12 (featuring a first-fill unrinsed bourbon cask finish sourced from Angel’s Envy) and Dewar’s 15.
Grab a glass and join us as we explore how whiskey connects people through time, place, and memory.
In this episode, we cover:
The truth about age statements and why they don’t automatically equal quality.
The technical mechanics of Dewar’s double aging and cask finishing.
Gabe's journey into the Keepers of the Quaich in 2024.
Tasting notes on Dewar's 12 (Bourbon Finish) and Dewar's 15.
Modern bar culture, the Highball soda hack, and frozen Penicillin ideas.
Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to the Dewar's Deep Dive02:01 - Gabe’s People-First Philosophy05:06 - Beyond the Script: Authentic Whiskey Talk09:51 - Dewar's Heritage and Innovation15:12 - Why Blends Deserve Respect17:29 - Age Statements and Time Capsules20:41 - Meet the Makers Behind the Whisky22:25 - From Jackass Tours to Scotch27:16 - Keepers of the Quaich Explained31:10 - Proving Credibility in Scotch34:14 - Golf, the 19th Hole, and US Open Limited Releases36:33 - Hyper-Local Cask Finishes40:44 - The Discovery Mindset in Whiskey42:05 - Blends vs. Single Malts43:03 - Dewar's 12 Bourbon Finish45:12 - Tasting Notes & Storytime50:50 - Single Malts Worth Exploring54:20 - The Stone Toasted Challenge56:57 - How Dewar's 12 Drinks59:07 - Scotch in Modern Cocktails01:01:13 - The Highball Soda Hack01:02:51 - Frozen Penicillin Ideas01:08:13 - Desert Island Dram01:10:29 - Deathbed Drink Choice01:13:06 - Dewar's 15 Deep Dive01:15:13 - Media-Inspired Cocktails01:19:54 - Wrap Up & Where to Find Gabe

Bonus: Luna La Volpe as Death in Orlando Fringe’s 'Masquerade of the Red Death'

🎟️ See Masquerade of the Red Death at Orlando Fringe (May 12–25): Get tickets at orlandofringe.org
Arthur G. and Aurora Fable host a special bonus episode of The Last Call Podcast with performer Luna La Volpe, who is taking the stage as Death in Masquerade of the Red Death at the Orlando Fringe Festival.
Luna shares the evolution of her performance career, spanning two decades of teaching dance, character work, and theme park entertainment. She discusses how Miss Foxy DeVill brought her into the world of burlesque, and why finding a home base at The Collective helped her heal from negative experiences in the entertainment industry.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Reality of Theater: What it truly requires to be a "swing" and how producers encouraged Luna to build her own androgynous interpretation of Death.
Community & Boundaries: Navigating direct communication, setting boundaries, and building a supportive community outside of an echo chamber.
Orlando Fringe Survival Guide: Exploring "The Lawn," navigating the loss of state arts funding, and breaking down ticket pricing—including the $6 Monday shows for service industry workers!
Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Bonus Episode Intro01:15 - Meet Our Guest: Luna La Volpe01:37 - Origin Story: From Theme Parks to Burlesque07:54 - Why the Burlesque Community Matters16:51 - Straight Talk vs. Tact & Setting Boundaries25:21 - "Resting Rage Face" Stories38:37 - Categorizing Friendships & Accountability52:05 - Stepping into the Role of Death54:10 - The Importance of Swings in Theater01:01:31 - The Orlando Fringe Funding Pitch & What is "The Lawn"?01:10:02 - Fringe Ticket Costs & Industry Monday Discounts01:17:51 - Finding Death's Androgyny01:35:58 - Final Plugs and Fringe Dates01:42:24 - Sponsor: Burn Pest Control

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