Kick back with Brian and Scott as they celebrate Scott’s birthday week, craft unique cocktails, and explore the rich traditions of the Kentucky Derby. Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, a horse racing novice, or just love good company, this episode offers a lively mix of storytelling, drink recipes, and race-day planning.

Main topics:

• Creative cocktails and the art of stirring vs. shaking
• The tradition and history of the Kentucky Derby
• Favorite race-day foods and hosting tips
• Unique ways to incorporate fun scales like mintness or Spiced Schofield ratings
• Insights on horse racing, betting fun, and Derby party traditions

Key insights:

• Scott shows off his espresso old fashioned recipe, emphasizing stirred over shaken
• A tongue-in-cheek "mint scosity" scale is proposed during Derby preparations
• The long history of the Kentucky Derby as the oldest consecutive annual sporting event in the U.S.
• The debate over infield vs grandstand Derby experiences
• Favorite Derby-inspired foods like ham biscuits and pizza on the grill
• The significance of dress-up contests and themed parties for Derby celebrations
• The fun of watching obscure horse races worldwide, from dolphins to chariots
• Tips on tracking down sushi grade fish at Costco and making homemade sushi
• Imaginary album club idea inspired by Derby week with Kentucky-based artist Sturgill Simpson
• Lighthearted commentary about horse betting, scratch horses, and unexpected Derby surprises

In this episode, special guest Christian Puccio shares the remarkable journey of building a culinary empire rooted in community, craftsmanship, and a passion for quality. Discover the secrets behind his restaurant's rapid success, the art of menu-tinkering, and how staying true to your vision can lead to becoming a local legend.

Key topics:

• Christian’s 24-year journey from opening delis to high-volume restaurants in DC
• The story behind the creation of Oak and Ember in Loudoun County
• Challenges and strategies during the 45-day restaurant turnaround
• The importance of local ingredients, farm partnerships, and menu flexibility
• Building a vibrant restaurant culture and lasting relationships
• Behind-the-scenes of crafting a seamless guest experience
• Curating a cocktail menu that reflects personality and creativity
• Notable whiskey experiences including barrel picks at Wild Turkey and Makers Mark
• The role of timing, location, and community support in restaurant success
• Tips on menu management, seasonal updates, and handling supply chain uncertainties
• Christian’s favorite customer stories and industry insights
• Speed round: favorite cocktail ingredient, home recipes, and walk-up songs

http://oakandemberr.com

http://instagram.com/oakandemberr

## About Christian Puccio

Christian Puccio is not just a restaurant owner; he's a community builder. With over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has honed his skills from running delis to managing high-volume restaurants in Washington D.C. His journey has been marked by a commitment to creating memorable dining experiences, which is evident in his latest venture, Oak and Ember.

Get ready for a lively chat about travel adventures, family vacations, favorite drinks, and the joys (and chaos) of parenting. Brian and Scott share personal stories, travel tips, and reminisces that’ll inspire your next trip or family activity.

Key topics:

• Unique spring-themed cocktails: "A Tree Onta" and cherry-forward Old Forester drink
• Inside look at family vacations — cruises, resorts, and kid-friendly activities
• Travel planning tips, including points hacking and budget-friendly strategies
• Memorable travel experiences: space launches, music festivals, and road trips
• Parenting on the go: managing luggage, kids' activities, and airport hacks
• Reflections on current music festivals and how tastes have evolved over the years
• Friendly banter and personal anecdotes about family, sports, and life

In this episode, Brian and Scott kick back with drinks, sharing their thoughts on classic albums, baseball frustrations, and personal stories. Their candid banter offers insights into music legends, sports rivalries, and the importance of friendship—all wrapped in a relaxed, humorous tone.

Main Topics Covered:

• The influence and ranking of classic albums from Rolling Stone’s top 500 list
• The cultural and personal significance of iconic artists like The Beatles, Nirvana, and Stevie Wonder
• The challenges of watching baseball in the digital age, especially concerning the Nationals and Orioles
• The appreciation of music and albums that shaped their lives and current favorites
• Light-hearted banter about cocktails, merchandise, and their own musical journeys

Key Insights:

• Exploring the impact of albums like Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys and Thriller by Michael Jackson, with debates on their top-tier status
• Personal reflections on music discovery, including the influence of streaming and old-school services like Columbia House
• The ongoing rivalry and history behind The Beatles’ studio work and the rise of grunge with Nirvana
• The significance of “standing the test of time” for albums and how contemporary works like Taylor Swift’s Folklore might fit into future rankings
• Frustration over televised baseball and the challenges of streaming rights affecting fan experience

In this heartfelt episode, Brian and Scott share personal stories about loss, family, and cherishing life's moments. They discuss their recent experiences with their pets, the importance of living in the present, and the value of friendship and family connections.

Key topics

• Dealing with the loss of a pet
• The importance of cherishing moments with loved ones
• Lessons on grief and acceptance
• The role of friendship and family support
• Living life intentionally and without delay

In this episode of the Two Old Fashioned podcast, Brian and Scott share their love for old fashion cocktails while diving into various topics including the significance of Bottled and Bond Day, the art of grilling and smoking meat, NASCAR experiences, and reflections on aging and sports. They also touch on March Madness and fantasy football, creating a light-hearted and engaging conversation that resonates with listeners.

Join Brian and Scott in this lively episode as they sip their favorite drinks, share stories, and dive into all things whiskey, cocktails, and life. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just enjoy a good chat, there's something here for everyone. Cheers!

Key Topics Covered:

• The art and science of bitters: flavors, taste tests, and their impact on cocktails
• Personal whiskey stories: first memories, favorite types, and tasting tips
• Inside baseball on whiskey tasting: how to identify bourbon vs. rye by smell
• The fun and chaos of whiskey taste tests and bottle sharing adventures
• The modern whiskey industry: trends, collector habits, and industry challenges
• Humorous banter about podcast naming struggles and potential rebranding
• The idea of "whiskey slippers" and the quirkiest footwear for drinkers
• Favorite cocktail recipes, such as bourbon old-fashioneds and experiments with styles
• Light-hearted stories about caffeine overload and coffee adventures

In this episode of the Two Old Fashioned podcast, Brian and Scott catch up over drinks and dive into their shared love for music, discussing summer concerts, memorable first concerts, and their experiences at music festivals. They explore the lineup for the upcoming Bourbon and Beyond festival, sharing excitement for various artists and reminiscing about their musical journeys. The conversation highlights the importance of music in their lives and the joy of sharing these experiences with family and friends.