Explore every episode of the podcast Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services

Change is on the menu. Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, and Kathie Durbin, Director of Alcohol Beverage Services, unpack how consumer habits, global trade, and local policy are reshaping the drinks landscape. From falling overall alcohol use to surging curiosity about flavor, moderation, and convenience, guests examine the forces affecting your next purchase.

The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/18713030-navigating-change-in-the-spirits-industry/transcript

Wine Educator Robert Cavanaugh and Kensington Store Manager Preston James share smart, budget‑savvy ways to choose wines and spirits for holiday parties, stocking stuffers, and tasteful gifts. Get expert tips on dessert wines, eggnog, and global liquors. And learn how to score rare bourbons at great prices. Want a signature cocktail for your celebration? Try Robert’s variations on the Kir Royale or Preston’s overnight sangria.

The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/18245732-holiday-gift-guide/transcript

How do control systems balance great selection, fair pricing, and public health while still celebrating local flavor? Host Jocelyn Rawat set up in Bethesda at the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association's Administrators Conference with leaders from across the country to share what’s working—from smarter stores and faster delivery to regional spirits and traditions that tell a story. Guests reveal answers to some compelling questions, including: Does Prohibition still influence today's spirits? Which monsters make the best drinks? And who stole the huckleberries?

The transcript for this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/18151001-voices-from-control-systems-across-the-country/transcript

ABS Loss Prevention Manager Pete Schomburg and MCPD Sgt. Jesse Dickensheets discuss the partnership that helps keep prices down, fund essential services and deter crime. The approach has decreased shoplifting incidents in ABS retail stores, increased restitution orders from prosecuted cases, and improved product availability and prices.

The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/17868439-protecting-our-shelves-from-retail-theft/transcript

Your book club will love these novels served with their famous cocktails.

ABS Liquor Store Assistant Manager Mike Gantt and MCPL Librarian Nathan Chadwick join host Jocelyn Rawat to curate a list of a dozen books and their signature drinks that will keep readers entertained while they relax by the pool or plan a cocktail-themed book club. Guests share literary insights paired with bartending tips – like why James Bond’s preference for “shaken not stirred” results in a weaker drink or how some bars incorrectly make the tequila sunrise. 

The episode coincides with Montgomery County Public Libraries' second annual Color Our World Adult Summer Reading program.

The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/17378909-literature-s-most-famous-drinks/transcript

Can you guess the top ten best-selling beers, wines and spirits? ABS Communications Manager Melissa Romeo and Breakthru Beverage Division Sales Director Joe Giardina join host Jocelyn Rawat to reveal the ten most purchased products by category, the broad array of products available through the ABS warehouse, and how new products come to the Montgomery County market. Guests also recommend some popular mixed drinks you can make with the top-selling liquor.

The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/17281752-top-ten-bestselling-beers-wines-and-spirits/transcript

ABS Special Events Licensing Manager Roddy Aguirre and Parks Activation Director Mike Coppersmith join host Jocelyn Rawat to discuss upcoming Montgomery Parks festivals with alcohol, Parks rental facilities, and the ABS special events licensing program. Play along as guests take a quiz about which events need a license. Wedding reception? Block party? Concert? HOA meeting? Grand opening? The answers might surprise you.

The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/16805571-festivals-and-special-events/transcript

Discover the culture of Mexico and the nuanced flavors of premium sipping tequila.

ABS Community Business Engagement Specialist John Bowles and Clase Azul Mexico Global Brand Maestro Rubén Vargas join host Jocelyn Rawat to discuss tequila-making practices, tips for enjoying premium expressions, and traditional cocktail recipes. Guests examine tequila’s growth in popularity and how you can be the first to learn about masterclasses and other tasting events in  ABS retail stores.

The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/16372451-premium-sipping-tequila/transcript

Discover the distinctive winemaking regions in France, how to pair French wines with food, and the ways ABS helps its customers find the right wine for their needs.

ABS Retail Store Manager Abdul Jones and Adventure Wine founder Robert Cavanaugh join host Jocelyn Rawat to explore the ways different climates create unique flavors, how food and wine complement each other, and what customers can do to discover French wines in ABS retail stores. Guests recommend specific French wines to pair with seasonal dishes, local seafood, and dessert. They also highlight bottles that make great gifts. 

The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/16209885-selecting-french-wines/transcript

Learn how one local brewery incorporates history and artistry into its products, how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the hospitality industry, and why ABS supports small alcohol manufacturers. ABS Retail Operations Chief Sean Peters and Silver Branch Brewing Company’s Chief Operating Officer Brett Robison join host Jocelyn Rawat to explore how art, science and geography come together at Silver Branch Brewing Company to create Dr. Juicy IPA, Gnome for the Holidays saison, and Glass Castle pilsner, which are available in the brewery’s taproom and in ABS retail stores. Guests discuss the fast pace of change in the hospitality industry since 2020 and the ways ABS helps small businesses get a foothold in the competitive market.

The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/16020100-local-beer/transcript

Learn how Montgomery County employs young adults to make sure businesses are not selling or serving alcohol to minors. ABS Compliance Manager Joe Cannon and MCPD Sergeant Patrick Kepp join host Jocelyn Rawat to define the underage compliance check program and how it helps to keep the community safe. Guests discuss what a compliance check looks like, how businesses are succeeding, why preventing underage drinking matters, and how people aged 18-20 can apply for this unique job.

The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/15770303-underage-compliance-checks/transcript

Understand how Montgomery County and other jurisdictions function as control models for alcohol distribution. ABS Director Kathie Durbin and National Alcohol Beverage Control Association President/CEO Neal Insley join host Jocelyn Rawat to define the control model and its foundations of public health and safety, market fairness, and revenue that pours back into communities. Guests discuss how these systems inform the alcohol market with unbiased data, provide for equitable outlet density, and contribute to local economic development. Bonus in this episode: why supermarkets do not sell alcohol.

The transcript of this episode can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/15585580-control-model-for-alcohol-distribution/transcript

Discover the art and science of whiskey barrel picks. ABS Retail Operations Manager Jay Spiegel and co-founder of Old Line Spirits Mark McLaughlin join host Jocelyn Rawat to examine what makes barrel picks so special, including the types of barrels, distilling practices, and the barrel’s proof. Guests discuss how ABS’s size and scope allow for an excellent selection of local and national barrel picks and how you can sample these unique products.

The transcript of this episode can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/15585551-barrel-picks/transcript

Learn about ABS’s three main functions – wholesale operations, retail stores, and licensing and regulation. ABS Director Kathie Durbin and Communications Manager Melissa Romeo join host Jocelyn Rawat to introduce you to the new premium retail brand, Oak Barrel & Vine, as well as the Department’s extensive warehouse and the role of the liquor board. Guests discuss why ABS makes a difference for Montgomery County residents, whether or not you buy alcohol.

The transcript of this episode can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/15553175-welcome-to-alcohol-beverage-services/transcript