Episodes

  • Episode 34: Smoke & Mirrors
    Mar 5 2026

    After a years-long effort by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission American Single Malt has officially been ratified as the newest category of American Whiskey on December 18, 2024.

    Minden Mill Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan is a pioneer in the movement to make American Single Malt an official category of American Whiskey. Joe talks about apprenting under Steve McCarthy, the guy who’s generally considered the creator of American Single Malt in the 1990s.

    Joe explains what it takes to make American Single Malt entirely on a single estate, cultivating the distinctive terroir of Nevada’s High Desert region.

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    38 mins
  • Episode 33: Truth In Tequila
    Nov 13 2025
    Tracy embraces “punk rock” tequila! “Comisarios” upheld tradition in defiance of oppression, preserving the 2000 year history of tequila making during prohibition. Comisarios guarded natives clandestinely distilling tequila in the mountainous terrain of Los Altos of Jalisco. John Milstead of Stellar Spirits & Wine visits to talk about “Truth In Tequila”; specifically Tequila Comisario.
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    28 mins
  • Episode 32: Modesty Plays
    Sep 25 2025

    Scott Seales has logged more than 16 years of experience in the Hospitality industry, 12 of them in Las Vegas. His professional history includes almost every job in the food and beverage world, from line cook/dishwasher to senior management.

    Tracy and Scott met during his tenure as Craft and Import beer specialist for Johnson Brothers of Nevada.

    Scott’s adventures also include Able Baker, Anthem Country Club, Stoney’s Rockin’ Country … and now he’s preparing to introduce the Arts District of Las Vegas to Modest Brewing Company.

    “Modest Brewing Company is ready to bring delicious beer to the Las Vegas Valley. With a 10 bbl brewhouse, Modest will not only be serving your new favorite beer at our taproom, but you’ll be able to get it at your favorite local watering hole as well. We at Modest believe that modesty is the best policy. We’ll be serving up easy drinking, clean beer, perfect for the hot Las Vegas summers. But don’t fret, we can’t be modest all the time. That’s why we’ll have our ‘Un-Modest’ series, featuring delicious sours, classic European strong ales, and some other surprises.”

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    31 mins
  • Episode 31: Breakfast at Dino’s
    Sep 18 2025
    John “Griff” Griffith II started as a home brewer in 1992, and then joined Joyride Brewing in Edgewater, Colorado where he learned the finer points of the 10-barrel brewing system. He’s a nationally recognized BJCP beer judge, and travelled to compete at The Great America Beer Festival as a Pro/AM entrant with Joseph James Brewery… Read More »Episode 31: Breakfast at Dino’s
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    37 mins
  • Episode 30: Loudmouth Soup
    Aug 21 2025

    Get ready to tap into the mind of one of Las Vegas’s most accomplished brewers, Jeff Tewes. As he makes his way from the acclaimed Tenaya Creek/Beer Zombies, to Las Vegas Brewing Company (in the original Tenaya Creek building), Jeff has been a pivotal figure in elevating the local craft beer scene. He’s the mastermind behind a portfolio of exceptionally consistent and celebrated beers. Renowned for his meticulous technique and deep respect for brewing tradition, Jeff’s expertise has helped solidify Las Vegas as a destination for serious beer lovers.

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    52 mins
  • Episode 29: Dingle Dames
    Jul 31 2025
    Lauren Kennedy of Hotaling & Company returns to celebrate the second anniversary of the Thirst Trap Podcast. Just back from an adventure with Tracy to Dingle, the charming town on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Dingle is home to the Dingle Distillery, a craft operation that has quickly gained international acclaim. The distillery produces a range… Read More »Episode 29: Dingle Dames
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    25 mins
  • Episode 28: Dam Goodbye
    Jul 3 2025

    Las Vegas native Amanda Koeller, one of the only female head brewers in the state, shares the news that she’s leaving her hometown for a new opportunity at Last Best Place Brewing Company in Bozeman, Montana.

    Before joining Las Vegas Brewing Company in March 2023, Amanda held key brewing roles at local breweries—including assistant and lead brewer positions at Big Dog’s and Bad Beat Brewing.

    At Las Vegas Brewing, Amanda headed an all-women brew team alongside Becca Halpin, marking the only female-led brewing duo in Southern Nevada. She spearheaded the creation of a rotating series of beers, like the Set List Sour, IFYKYK IPA, and Dam Good Beer amber lager, embracing experimentation with yeast strains, hops, and grains.

    One of Amanda’s standout creations is Vegas Light, a sessionable American light lager brewed specifically for Las Vegas’ hot climate and sold in 19.2 oz cans, including at T‑Mobile Arena during Golden Knights games.She remains deeply committed to fostering a collaborative, diverse workplace and is proud to support gender equity in brewing; she even helped found the Las Vegas chapter of the Pink Boots Society, empowering women in fermentation industries.

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    46 mins
  • Episode 27: Roseade Rollercoaster
    Nov 7 2024
    It’s an “Anniversary” visit with the guy behind Roseade, Karl Zeigler. He shares some news about what’s on the horizon for Roseade, the growth of the ready-to-drink market, wine-spritzer competitors, and “better day-drinking” in general.
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    34 mins