<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2105344/open_sms">Send us a text</a>This week 📢I talk🎙️w<a href='https://www.madampaletatequila.com/our-infused-tequila'>i</a>th <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-minucci-b7157633/'>Rob Minucci</a> CEO &amp; Co-Founder at <a href='https://www.talkencore.com/'>TalkHouse Encore</a> and we discuss how he has used his experience in operations to build out a CRM and win Accounts and Distributors! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁How do RTD brands actually scale? 🍺 Rob Minucci, CEO of TalkHouse Encore, breaks down data, operations, CRM, distributors &amp; real-world sales strategy for CPG growth. @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST  “Everything I’ve built is based around systems, processes, and procedures that are repeatable—with as little human intervention as possible.”  Rob MinucciWatch Here!  https://youtu.be/AeZl7vXfigoMost RTD brands chase hype. TalkHouse Encore built systems.In this episode, Jessie Ott sits down with Rob Minucci, CEO &amp; Co-Founder of TalkHouse Encore, to break down how operations, data, and distributor trust drive real growth in CPG and beverage.🔥 Key Takeaways:  • Why beer distributors outperform spirits distributors for RTDs  • How CRM + real-time data create sales accountability  • Building velocity before chasing expansion  • Why on-premise still matters (40% of sales!)  • How systems beat guesswork every time  • Using tastings + analytics to drive reordersThis is a masterclass in execution over noise.How Rob’s Team Actually Differentiates (and Why It Works)Most RTD brands compete on flavors, packaging, or hype.  Rob and the TalkHouse Encore team compete on execution.That difference shows up in a few very specific ways.They build systems before scale While many brands rush distribution, Rob’s team focused early on operational processes that remove friction. Sales, inventory, distributor activity, and account follow-ups are tracked in real time. Less guessing. More control.They designed a CRM for beverage reality Instead of forcing reps to live in bloated software, they built a CRM that works the way beverage teams actually work:<ul><li>Simple inputs</li><li>Shelf photos</li><li>Account scoring</li><li>Inventory flags</li><li>Route efficiency</li></ul>It’s not “data for reporting.”  It’s data that drives action in the field.They treat distributors like partners, not order takers Rob’s team doesn’t just hand off the brand and hope for the best. They create clarity for distributors by:<ul><li>Showing exactly where velocity is working</li><li>Identifying underperforming accounts early</li><li>Making it easier for reps to win</li></ul>That builds trust — and trust gets priority.They use focus as a competitive advantage Instead of chasing national presence, they went deep in hard markets. Fewer states. Better execution. Higher velocity. They win on-premise to pull through off-premise With roughly 40% of sales on-premise, TalkHouse uses bars and restaurants as marketing engines. Sampling, education, and activation create demand that shows up later in retail They remove ego from pricing and product decisions Pricing wasn’t set to “fit the shelf.” It was set to reflect quality, margin, and sustainability. The mixed vodNOW ON <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST'>YOUTUBE</a>!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST/'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://www.instagram.com/thirstythursdaysat3pmest/'>Instagram </a>or <a href='https://twitter.com/ThirstyThurs3PM'>Twitter</a>! Host Jessie Ott&apos;s Profile on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieott/'>LinkedIn</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2105344/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This week 📢I talk🎙️w&lt;a href='https://www.madampaletatequila.com/our-infused-tequila'&gt;i&lt;/a&gt;th &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-minucci-b7157633/'&gt;Rob Minucci&lt;/a&gt; CEO &amp;amp; Co-Founder at &lt;a href='https://www.talkencore.com/'&gt;TalkHouse Encore&lt;/a&gt; and we discuss how he has used his experience in operations to build out a CRM and win Accounts and Distributors! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;🥂 😁&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How do RTD brands actually scale? 🍺 Rob Minucci, CEO of TalkHouse Encore, breaks down data, operations, CRM, distributors &amp;amp; real-world sales strategy for CPG growth. @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; “Everything I’ve built is based around systems, processes, and procedures that are repeatable—with as little human intervention as possible.”  Rob Minucci&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Watch Here!  https://youtu.be/AeZl7vXfigo&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most RTD brands chase hype.&lt;br/&gt;TalkHouse Encore built systems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Jessie Ott sits down with Rob Minucci, CEO &amp;amp; Co-Founder of TalkHouse Encore, to break down how &lt;b&gt;operations, data, and distributor trust&lt;/b&gt; drive real growth in CPG and beverage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🔥 Key Takeaways:&lt;br/&gt; • Why beer distributors outperform spirits distributors for RTDs&lt;br/&gt; • How CRM + real-time data create sales accountability&lt;br/&gt; • Building velocity before chasing expansion&lt;br/&gt; • Why on-premise still matters (40% of sales!)&lt;br/&gt; • How systems beat guesswork every time&lt;br/&gt; • Using tastings + analytics to drive reorders&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is a masterclass in &lt;b&gt;execution over noise&lt;/b&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;How Rob’s Team Actually Differentiates (and Why It Works)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most RTD brands compete on flavors, packaging, or hype.&lt;br/&gt; Rob and the TalkHouse Encore team compete on &lt;b&gt;execution&lt;/b&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That difference shows up in a few very specific ways.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;They build systems before scale&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; While many brands rush distribution, Rob’s team focused early on operational processes that remove friction. Sales, inventory, distributor activity, and account follow-ups are tracked in real time. Less guessing. More control.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;They designed a CRM for beverage reality&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Instead of forcing reps to live in bloated software, they built a CRM that works the way beverage teams actually work:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Simple inputs&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Shelf photos&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Account scoring&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Inventory flags&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Route efficiency&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s not “data for reporting.”&lt;br/&gt; It’s data that drives action in the field.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;They treat distributors like partners, not order takers&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Rob’s team doesn’t just hand off the brand and hope for the best. They create clarity for distributors by:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Showing exactly where velocity is working&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Identifying underperforming accounts early&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Making it easier for reps to win&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;That builds trust — and trust gets priority.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;They use focus as a competitive advantage&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Instead of chasing national presence, they went deep in hard markets. Fewer states. Better execution. Higher velocity. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;They win on-premise to pull through off-premise&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; With roughly 40% of sales on-premise, TalkHouse uses bars and restaurants as marketing engines. Sampling, education, and activation create demand that shows up later in retail &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;They remove ego from pricing and product decisions&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Pricing wasn’t set to “fit the shelf.” It was set to reflect quality, margin, and sustainability. The mixed vod&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;NOW ON &lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST'&gt;&lt;b&gt;YOUTUBE&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST/'&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/thirstythursdaysat3pmest/'&gt;Instagram &lt;/a&gt;or &lt;a href='https://twitter.com/ThirstyThurs3PM'&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;! &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Host Jessie Ott&amp;apos;s Profile on &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieott/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text This week 📢I talk🎙️with Rob Minucci CEO &amp; Co-Founder at TalkHouse Encore and we discuss how he has used his experience in operations to build out a CRM and win Accounts and Distributors! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁 How do RTD brands actually scale? 🍺 Rob Minucci, CEO of TalkHouse Encore, breaks down data, operations, CRM, distributors &amp; real-world sales strategy for CPG growth. @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST   “Everything I’ve built is based around systems, processes, and proce...

How RTD Brands Really Scale 🍺 Data, Ops & Sales with Rob Minucci at TalkHouse Encore

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2105344/open_sms">Send us a text</a>This week 📢I talk🎙️w<a href='https://www.madampaletatequila.com/our-infused-tequila'>i</a>th Jeanne M. Sullivan and we discuss the THC/CBD potential ban in 2026! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁👀📹 Watch here: 👉👉 [https://youtu.be/1MSPWwJeCwA]🚀✨🍹What’s really going on with the hemp beverage ban? 💥 Investor Jeanne Sullivan breaks it all down—laws, money, loopholes, and the path forward. 🚫🌿  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST  🧠 Summary and Takeaways: What started with a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill could end with a billion-dollar industry being banned in 2026. Jeanne Sullivan, veteran investor and cannabis industry expert, walks us through: 🌿 The origin of legal hemp beverages 🧃 The explosion of CBD/THC drinks in retail 🚫 The proposed 2026 ban slipped into HR 4121 💰 The economic impact on Total Wine, BevMo, and beyond 🧠 Why regulators don’t understand the category 📉 The alcohol industry’s evolving stance 🇪🇺 Why Europe is welcoming cannabis while the U.S. restricts it 💥 The consumer backlash that could turn the tide 🎯 CTA: Watch, share, and speak out. <a href='https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative'>Contact your representative</a> and help save the hemp beverage category before it disappears.I <a href='https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4121'>downloaded H.R. 4141</a> and had Chat GPT summarize it and here&apos;s the output told me:  &quot;This bill does not explicitly ban CBD or THC drinks — but it gives FDA the power to effectively eliminate hemp-derived THC beverages unless strict limits, age gates, and retail controls are adopted.&quot; Well, who&apos;s in charge of that? How do we make that happen? We need to be very vocal about this bill!!NOW ON <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST'>YOUTUBE</a>!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST/'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://www.instagram.com/thirstythursdaysat3pmest/'>Instagram </a>or <a href='https://twitter.com/ThirstyThurs3PM'>Twitter</a>! Host Jessie Ott&apos;s Profile on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieott/'>LinkedIn</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2105344/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This week 📢I talk🎙️w&lt;a href='https://www.madampaletatequila.com/our-infused-tequila'&gt;i&lt;/a&gt;th Jeanne M. Sullivan and we discuss the THC/CBD potential ban in 2026! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;🥂 😁&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;👀📹 &lt;b&gt;Watch here:&lt;/b&gt; 👉👉 [https://youtu.be/1MSPWwJeCwA]🚀✨🍹&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What’s really going on with the hemp beverage ban? 💥 Investor Jeanne Sullivan breaks it all down—laws, money, loopholes, and the path forward. 🚫🌿  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST  &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;🧠 Summary and Takeaways:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;What started with a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill could end with a billion-dollar industry being banned in 2026. Jeanne Sullivan, veteran investor and cannabis industry expert, walks us through:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;🌿 The origin of legal hemp beverages&lt;br/&gt;🧃 The explosion of CBD/THC drinks in retail&lt;br/&gt;🚫 The proposed 2026 ban slipped into HR 4121&lt;br/&gt;💰 The economic impact on Total Wine, BevMo, and beyond&lt;br/&gt;🧠 Why regulators don’t understand the category&lt;br/&gt;📉 The alcohol industry’s evolving stance&lt;br/&gt;🇪🇺 Why Europe is welcoming cannabis while the U.S. restricts it&lt;br/&gt;💥 The consumer backlash that could turn the tide&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;🎯 CTA: Watch, share, and speak out. &lt;a href='https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Contact your representative&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;and help save the hemp beverage category before it disappears.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I &lt;a href='https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4121'&gt;downloaded H.R. 4141&lt;/a&gt; and had Chat GPT summarize it and here&amp;apos;s the output told me:  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&amp;quot;This bill does not explicitly ban CBD or THC drinks — but it gives FDA the power to effectively eliminate hemp-derived THC beverages unless strict limits, age gates, and retail controls are adopted.&amp;quot;&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Well, who&amp;apos;s in charge of that? How do we make that happen? We need to be very vocal about this bill!!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;NOW ON &lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST'&gt;&lt;b&gt;YOUTUBE&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST/'&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/thirstythursdaysat3pmest/'&gt;Instagram &lt;/a&gt;or &lt;a href='https://twitter.com/ThirstyThurs3PM'&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;! &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Host Jessie Ott&amp;apos;s Profile on &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieott/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text This week 📢I talk🎙️with Jeanne M. Sullivan and we discuss the THC/CBD potential ban in 2026! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁 👀📹 Watch here: 👉👉 [https://youtu.be/1MSPWwJeCwA]🚀✨🍹 What’s really going on with the hemp beverage ban? 💥 Investor Jeanne Sullivan breaks it all down—laws, money, loopholes, and the path forward. 🚫🌿  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST    🧠 Summary and Takeaways:  What started with a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill could end with a billion-dollar industry being banned in 20...

🚨 Hemp Ban in 2026 Jeanne Sullivan Explains 🌿

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2105344/open_sms">Send us a text</a>This week 📢I talk🎙️w<a href='https://www.madampaletatequila.com/our-infused-tequila'>i</a>th <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-jerkens-2589b83/'>Kate Jerkens</a> at <a href='https://unclenearest.com/'>Uncle Nearest</a> and <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlynlubell/'>Caitlyn LuBell</a> at <a href='https://www.boozebizllc.com/'>BoozeBiz</a> and we discuss the beverage industry in 2025 and 2026. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁👀📹 Watch here: 👉👉 [PASTE HERE]🚀✨🍹2025 was a reset year for beverage 🍷🍺🍹 RTDs surged, NA grew, costs spiked &amp; hiring shifted. We break down data, trends, distributor chaos &amp; what’s coming in 2026. 👀  👉 @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST2025 shook the beverage industry to its core 🍸📉. From RTD dominance and NA growth, to California distributor chaos, premium pricing pressure, and talent market stress, this episode breaks it all down—no fluff, just real talk.Key Takeaways 🔑<ul><li>📉 Growth slowed—but didn’t stop</li><li>🍹 RTDs are winning on convenience &amp; price</li><li>🚫 NA still struggles with sugar + shelf life</li><li>🏬 Distribution strategy &gt; national expansion</li><li>🧠 Storytelling + velocity matter more than ever</li><li>💼 Hiring is tighter, salaries pressured</li><li>🔄 2025 = reset | 2026 = change + growth</li></ul>🎯 Why this matters: If you’re building, selling, hiring, or distributing in beverage—this episode helps you see the chessboard, not just the pieces.Describe 2025 and 2026 in One WordJessie Ott 2025:<blockquote>“My word was to level up on the &quot;experience” of enjoying a cocktail.</blockquote>2026:<blockquote>&quot;My word is &quot;hopeful&quot;. I’m hoping that this is the new foundation of what’s to come.”</blockquote> Caitlyn LuBell 2025:<blockquote>“My word for 2025 was &quot;evolution.”</blockquote>2026:<blockquote>“My word for 2026 is &quot;growth&quot;… we can only go up from here.”</blockquote> Kate Jerkens 2025:<blockquote>“I think &quot;reset&quot; was a great word. I still think reset is applicable.”</blockquote>2026:<blockquote>“Mine is &quot;change&quot;… something’s got to change and I believe it will.”</blockquote> ⏱️ Chapter Descriptions<ul><li>0:00 Welcome + Why 2025 Was a Reset</li><li>1:02 Meet the Guests (BoozeBiz &amp; Uncle Nearest)</li><li>2:30 Who Really Holds the Money? Generational Wealth</li><li>5:22 Economic Signals: Growth, Inflation &amp; LEIs</li><li>7:18 Premiumization &amp; Consumer Behavior</li><li>9:40 Inventory Digestion &amp; Distributor Reality</li><li>11:30 California Distribution Chaos Explained</li><li>15:42 Smaller Distributors vs Big Houses</li><li>18:00 Pricing Wars &amp; National Market Impact</li><li>21:44 Military, Multi-Outlet &amp; Channel Performance</li><li>22:26 RTDs, NA Mixers &amp; Brand Winners</li><li>25:30 The Real Cost of $30 Cocktails</li><li>29:00 Why RTDs Win on Convenience &amp; Cost</li><li>33:55 Hiring Challenges &amp; Salary Compression</li><li>41:10 Tastings, Education &amp; Velocity</li><li>45:15 Why 2025 Was a Reset Year</li><li>50:07 Unemployment &amp; Workforce Mismatch</li><li>56:</li></ul>NOW ON <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST'>YOUTUBE</a>!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST/'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://www.instagram.com/thirstythursdaysat3pmest/'>Instagram </a>or <a href='https://twitter.com/ThirstyThurs3PM'>Twitter</a>! Host Jessie Ott&apos;s Profile on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieott/'>LinkedIn</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2105344/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This week 📢I talk🎙️w&lt;a href='https://www.madampaletatequila.com/our-infused-tequila'&gt;i&lt;/a&gt;th &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-jerkens-2589b83/'&gt;Kate Jerkens&lt;/a&gt; at &lt;a href='https://unclenearest.com/'&gt;Uncle Nearest&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlynlubell/'&gt;Caitlyn LuBell&lt;/a&gt; at &lt;a href='https://www.boozebizllc.com/'&gt;BoozeBiz&lt;/a&gt; and we discuss the beverage industry in 2025 and 2026. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;🥂 😁&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;👀📹 &lt;b&gt;Watch here:&lt;/b&gt; 👉👉 [PASTE HERE]🚀✨🍹&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2025 was a reset year for beverage 🍷🍺🍹 RTDs surged, NA grew, costs spiked &amp;amp; hiring shifted. We break down data, trends, distributor chaos &amp;amp; what’s coming in 2026. 👀  👉 @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2025 shook the beverage industry to its core 🍸📉. From &lt;b&gt;RTD dominance&lt;/b&gt; and &lt;b&gt;NA growth&lt;/b&gt;, to &lt;b&gt;California distributor chaos&lt;/b&gt;, &lt;b&gt;premium pricing pressure&lt;/b&gt;, and &lt;b&gt;talent market stress&lt;/b&gt;, this episode breaks it all down—no fluff, just real talk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Key Takeaways 🔑&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;📉 Growth slowed—but didn’t stop&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;🍹 RTDs are winning on convenience &amp;amp; price&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;🚫 NA still struggles with sugar + shelf life&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;🏬 Distribution strategy &amp;gt; national expansion&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;🧠 Storytelling + velocity matter more than ever&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;💼 Hiring is tighter, salaries pressured&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;🔄 2025 = reset | 2026 = change + growth&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎯 &lt;b&gt;Why this matters:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; If you’re building, selling, hiring, or distributing in beverage—this episode helps you &lt;b&gt;see the chessboard&lt;/b&gt;, not just the pieces.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Describe 2025 &lt;/b&gt;and &lt;b&gt;2026 &lt;/b&gt;in &lt;b&gt;One Word&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Jessie Ott&lt;br/&gt;2025:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;“My word was to &lt;b&gt;level up on the &amp;quot;experience&lt;/b&gt;” of enjoying a cocktail.&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;2026:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&amp;quot;My word is &amp;quot;&lt;b&gt;hopeful&amp;quot;&lt;/b&gt;. I’m hoping that this is the new &lt;b&gt;foundation&lt;/b&gt; of what’s to come.”&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Caitlyn LuBell&lt;br/&gt;2025:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;“My word for 2025 was &amp;quot;&lt;b&gt;evolution&lt;/b&gt;.”&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;2026:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;“My word for 2026 is &amp;quot;&lt;b&gt;growth&amp;quot;&lt;/b&gt;… we can only go up from here.”&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Kate Jerkens&lt;br/&gt;2025:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;“I think &amp;quot;&lt;b&gt;reset&amp;quot;&lt;/b&gt; was a great word. I still think reset is applicable.”&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;2026:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;“Mine is &amp;quot;&lt;b&gt;change&amp;quot;&lt;/b&gt;… something’s got to change and I believe it will.”&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;⏱️ &lt;b&gt;Chapter Descriptions&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;0:00&lt;/b&gt; Welcome + Why 2025 Was a Reset&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;1:02&lt;/b&gt; Meet the Guests (BoozeBiz &amp;amp; Uncle Nearest)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;2:30&lt;/b&gt; Who Really Holds the Money? Generational Wealth&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;5:22&lt;/b&gt; Economic Signals: Growth, Inflation &amp;amp; LEIs&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;7:18&lt;/b&gt; Premiumization &amp;amp; Consumer Behavior&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;9:40&lt;/b&gt; Inventory Digestion &amp;amp; Distributor Reality&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;11:30&lt;/b&gt; California Distribution Chaos Explained&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;15:42&lt;/b&gt; Smaller Distributors vs Big Houses&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;18:00&lt;/b&gt; Pricing Wars &amp;amp; National Market Impact&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;21:44&lt;/b&gt; Military, Multi-Outlet &amp;amp; Channel Performance&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;22:26&lt;/b&gt; RTDs, NA Mixers &amp;amp; Brand Winners&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;25:30&lt;/b&gt; The Real Cost of $30 Cocktails&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;29:00&lt;/b&gt; Why RTDs Win on Convenience &amp;amp; Cost&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;33:55&lt;/b&gt; Hiring Challenges &amp;amp; Salary Compression&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;41:10&lt;/b&gt; Tastings, Education &amp;amp; Velocity&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;45:15&lt;/b&gt; Why 2025 Was a Reset Year&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;50:07&lt;/b&gt; Unemployment &amp;amp; Workforce Mismatch&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;56:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;NOW ON &lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST'&gt;&lt;b&gt;YOUTUBE&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST/'&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/thirstythursdaysat3pmest/'&gt;Instagram &lt;/a&gt;or &lt;a href='https://twitter.com/ThirstyThurs3PM'&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;! &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Host Jessie Ott&amp;apos;s Profile on &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieott/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text This week 📢I talk🎙️with Kate Jerkens at Uncle Nearest and Caitlyn LuBell at BoozeBiz and we discuss the beverage industry in 2025 and 2026. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁 👀📹 Watch here: 👉👉 [PASTE HERE]🚀✨🍹 2025 was a reset year for beverage 🍷🍺🍹 RTDs surged, NA grew, costs spiked &amp; hiring shifted. We break down data, trends, distributor chaos &amp; what’s coming in 2026. 👀  👉 @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST 2025 shook the beverage industry to its core 🍸📉. From RTD dominance and NA growth, to ...

Special Edition Round Table Discussion 2025 Review and 2026 Outlook

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2105344/open_sms">Send us a text</a>This week 📢I talk🎙️w<a href='https://www.madampaletatequila.com/our-infused-tequila'>i</a>th <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencebremer/'>Lawrence Bremer</a> Founder of  <a href='https://stbuenavida.com/'>St. Buena Vida</a> Non-Alc Wine! Happy Dry January! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁What if Dry January actually felt like a celebration? 🍾 In this episode, Lawrence Bremer, founder of St. Buena Vida, shares how tech, taste, and logistics come together in one of the most innovative NA wines on the market. 🔥 Top Takeaways: • 🤰 The origin story: a pregnancy, a bottle, and a surprise sip • 🔬 Aroma capture tech that makes NA wine taste real • 🚛 Global supply chain: Spain ➝ Germany ➝ U.S. • 🥂 Crisp, clean bubbles with finish &amp; balance • 📈 Real sales data — not hype • 🧠 Analytics mindset meets wine innovation • 🧘 30 calories per glass = wellness crowd win 🎯 Whether you’re skipping booze or sipping smarter, this is a must-watch. 👇 Tap play and learn how NA wine is finally worth the pour.NOW ON <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST'>YOUTUBE</a>!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST/'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://www.instagram.com/thirstythursdaysat3pmest/'>Instagram </a>or <a href='https://twitter.com/ThirstyThurs3PM'>Twitter</a>! Host Jessie Ott&apos;s Profile on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieott/'>LinkedIn</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2105344/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This week 📢I talk🎙️w&lt;a href='https://www.madampaletatequila.com/our-infused-tequila'&gt;i&lt;/a&gt;th &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencebremer/'&gt;Lawrence Bremer&lt;/a&gt; Founder of  &lt;a href='https://stbuenavida.com/'&gt;St. Buena Vida&lt;/a&gt; Non-Alc Wine! Happy Dry January! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;🥂 😁&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What if Dry January actually felt like a celebration? 🍾&lt;br/&gt;In this episode, Lawrence Bremer, founder of St. Buena Vida, shares how tech, taste, and logistics come together in one of the most innovative NA wines on the market.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;🔥 Top Takeaways:&lt;br/&gt;• 🤰 The origin story: a pregnancy, a bottle, and a surprise sip&lt;br/&gt;• 🔬 Aroma capture tech that makes NA wine taste real&lt;br/&gt;• 🚛 Global supply chain: Spain ➝ Germany ➝ U.S.&lt;br/&gt;• 🥂 Crisp, clean bubbles with finish &amp;amp; balance&lt;br/&gt;• 📈 Real sales data — not hype&lt;br/&gt;• 🧠 Analytics mindset meets wine innovation&lt;br/&gt;• 🧘 30 calories per glass = wellness crowd win&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;🎯 Whether you’re skipping booze or sipping smarter, this is a must-watch.&lt;br/&gt;👇 Tap play and learn how NA wine is finally worth the pour.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;NOW ON &lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST'&gt;&lt;b&gt;YOUTUBE&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST/'&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/thirstythursdaysat3pmest/'&gt;Instagram &lt;/a&gt;or &lt;a href='https://twitter.com/ThirstyThurs3PM'&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;! &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Host Jessie Ott&amp;apos;s Profile on &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieott/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text This week 📢I talk🎙️with Lawrence Bremer Founder of  St. Buena Vida Non-Alc Wine! Happy Dry January! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁 What if Dry January actually felt like a celebration? 🍾 In this episode, Lawrence Bremer, founder of St. Buena Vida, shares how tech, taste, and logistics come together in one of the most innovative NA wines on the market.  🔥 Top Takeaways: • 🤰 The origin story: a pregnancy, a bottle, and a surprise sip • 🔬 Aroma capture tech that makes NA wine taste real • 🚛 ...

Dry January Reimagined 🍾 w NA Wine Founder Lawrence Bremer

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2105344/open_sms">Send us a text</a>What are the 7 cocktails every drink is based on? 🍹 Dive into tiki, bitters, fire tricks &amp; cocktail history w/ bartender legend Dr. Cush! 🎙️@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMESTWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/azJZrXe5R2Q💡 What happens when a comedian turns into LA’s best bartender? You get <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@DrCush'>Dr. Cush’s Exotic Drinks</a> — a one-man show mixing cocktail science, bar wisdom &amp; some hilarious fire tricks 🔥🍊✨ Highlights from the episode:<ul><li>🍹 The 7 cocktails that rule all other cocktails</li><li>🔥 His signature drink: Dr. Cush’s Exotic Old Fashioned</li><li>📚 Why bartending is more books than booze</li><li>🍍 How pineapples became the symbol of hospitality</li><li>🧊 The lost art of ice (yes, really!)</li><li>🎭 From improv heel to hospitality hero</li><li>💻 Building an online bar community during COVID</li><li>💥 Flaming citrus, tiki wars, and cold pizza cocktails</li></ul>🎯 CTA: Subscribe for weekly food &amp; bev innovation talks 🎙️ — and try making the Hemingway Daiquiri or your own signature drink!0:00 Intro to Dr. Cush 🍸   1:00 From comedy to cocktails   5:00 The 7 cocktails theory explained   12:00 Punch vs daiquiri: tiki breakdown   17:00 Cocktail vs experience: why it matters   25:00 Building an online bar community   31:00 Hemingway Daiquiri tutorial 🍹   41:00 The Dr. Cush Exotic Old Fashioned (🔥)   50:00 Shelf-stable lime juice recipe   1:03:00 State of the booze industry   1:10:00 Signature drink + fire tricks   1:20:00 Cocktail nerd history tour   1:30:00 Outro &amp; cocktail class invite Mentors in Drinks and Tiki Steve the BartenderCreated Drinks Website: <a href='https://kindredcocktails.com/'>Kindred Cocktails</a>    Discovered: <a href='https://stevethebartender.com.au/pseudo-juice-calculator/'>Pseudo Juice Calculator</a>Dave Arnold - <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Intelligence-Science-Perfect-Cocktail/dp/0393089037'>Technique Liquid Intelligence</a><a href='https://beachbumberry.com/publications.html'>Jeffrey Beachbum Berry</a> Owns <a href='https://beachbumberry.com/latitude29.html'>Latitude 29</a> in New Orleans Martin &amp; Rebecca Cate own <a href='https://www.smugglerscovesf.com/'>Smuggler&apos;s Cove</a> in San FranciscoWrote James Beard Award-winning “<a href='https://www.amazon.com/Smugglers-Cove-Exotic-Cocktails-Cult/dp/1607747324'>Smuggler’s Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki</a><a href='https://www.eatmyglobe.com/season-8/davidwondrich'>David Wondrich</a> Drinks Historian and author, Link to his <a href='https://www.liquor.com/david-wondrich-4782223'>Books</a> and awards<a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ5FJFxje-A/?hl=en'>Sammy Ross</a> Best Bar Dudes of All Time NOW ON <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST'>YOUTUBE</a>!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST/'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://www.instagram.com/thirstythursdaysat3pmest/'>Instagram </a>or <a href='https://twitter.com/ThirstyThurs3PM'>Twitter</a>! Host Jessie Ott&apos;s Profile on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieott/'>LinkedIn</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2105344/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What are the 7 cocktails every drink is based on? 🍹 Dive into tiki, bitters, fire tricks &amp;amp; cocktail history w/ bartender legend Dr. Cush! 🎙️@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/azJZrXe5R2Q&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;💡&lt;/b&gt; What happens when a comedian turns into LA’s best bartender? You get &lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/@DrCush'&gt;&lt;em&gt;Dr. Cush’s Exotic Drinks&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt; — a one-man show mixing cocktail science, bar wisdom &amp;amp; some hilarious fire tricks 🔥🍊&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;✨ Highlights from the episode:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;🍹 The 7 cocktails that rule all other cocktails&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;🔥 His signature drink: Dr. Cush’s Exotic Old Fashioned&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;📚 Why bartending is more books than booze&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;🍍 How pineapples became the symbol of hospitality&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;🧊 The lost art of ice (yes, really!)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;🎭 From improv heel to hospitality hero&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;💻 Building an online bar community during COVID&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;💥 Flaming citrus, tiki wars, and cold pizza cocktails&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎯 &lt;b&gt;CTA:&lt;/b&gt; Subscribe for weekly food &amp;amp; bev innovation talks 🎙️ — and try making the Hemingway Daiquiri or your own signature drink!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;0:00 Intro to Dr. Cush 🍸  &lt;br/&gt;1:00 From comedy to cocktails  &lt;br/&gt;5:00 The 7 cocktails theory explained  &lt;br/&gt;12:00 Punch vs daiquiri: tiki breakdown  &lt;br/&gt;17:00 Cocktail vs experience: why it matters  &lt;br/&gt;25:00 Building an online bar community  &lt;br/&gt;31:00 Hemingway Daiquiri tutorial 🍹  &lt;br/&gt;41:00 The Dr. Cush Exotic Old Fashioned (🔥)  &lt;br/&gt;50:00 Shelf-stable lime juice recipe  &lt;br/&gt;1:03:00 State of the booze industry  &lt;br/&gt;1:10:00 Signature drink + fire tricks  &lt;br/&gt;1:20:00 Cocktail nerd history tour  &lt;br/&gt;1:30:00 Outro &amp;amp; cocktail class invite&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mentors in Drinks and Tiki &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Steve the Bartender&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Created Drinks Website: &lt;a href='https://kindredcocktails.com/'&gt;Kindred Cocktails&lt;/a&gt;    Discovered: &lt;a href='https://stevethebartender.com.au/pseudo-juice-calculator/'&gt;Pseudo Juice Calculator&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Dave Arnold&lt;/b&gt; - &lt;a href='https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Intelligence-Science-Perfect-Cocktail/dp/0393089037'&gt;Technique Liquid Intelligence&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://beachbumberry.com/publications.html'&gt;Jeffrey Beachbum Berry&lt;/a&gt; Owns &lt;a href='https://beachbumberry.com/latitude29.html'&gt;Latitude 29&lt;/a&gt; in New Orleans &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Martin &amp;amp; Rebecca Cate&lt;/b&gt; own &lt;a href='https://www.smugglerscovesf.com/'&gt;Smuggler&amp;apos;s Cove&lt;/a&gt; in San Francisco&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wrote James Beard Award-winning “&lt;a href='https://www.amazon.com/Smugglers-Cove-Exotic-Cocktails-Cult/dp/1607747324'&gt;Smuggler’s Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.eatmyglobe.com/season-8/davidwondrich'&gt;&lt;b&gt;David Wondrich&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Drinks Historian and author, Link to his &lt;a href='https://www.liquor.com/david-wondrich-4782223'&gt;Books&lt;/a&gt; and awards&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ5FJFxje-A/?hl=en'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Sammy Ross&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Best Bar Dudes of All Time &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;NOW ON &lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST'&gt;&lt;b&gt;YOUTUBE&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST/'&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/thirstythursdaysat3pmest/'&gt;Instagram &lt;/a&gt;or &lt;a href='https://twitter.com/ThirstyThurs3PM'&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;! &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Host Jessie Ott&amp;apos;s Profile on &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieott/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text What are the 7 cocktails every drink is based on? 🍹 Dive into tiki, bitters, fire tricks &amp; cocktail history w/ bartender legend Dr. Cush! 🎙️@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/azJZrXe5R2Q 💡 What happens when a comedian turns into LA’s best bartender? You get Dr. Cush’s Exotic Drinks — a one-man show mixing cocktail science, bar wisdom &amp; some hilarious fire tricks 🔥🍊 ✨ Highlights from the episode: 🍹 The 7 cocktails that rule all other cocktails🔥 ...

🔥 7 Cocktails That Rule the World 🍸 w/ Dr. Cush

I'm a 20+ year veteran in the wine and spirits industry who loves innovation. I'm interviewing those who are creating it from agriculture to glass. We will deep dive into their journey and provide insights to help yours. We will discuss their major industry pain points and outlook for the future. If my guest has an item to drink or eat we will try it throughout the podcast. Come on the journey with us! Now On YouTube!!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

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