Chris Blatner & Eric Rosentreter pop back on for a 360 conversation on the whiskey industry. We discuss the decline of whiskey sales in this young year, the rise of layoffs, and where the category of the luxury products is heading. We also chat about the Beam’s continued method of innovation with excellent products, and large brands like Four Roses remaining firm on what they do best versus “trend chasing.” Guests: Chris Blatner,& Eric Rosentreter Host: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake ..read more

Cameron George, Ardbeg National Brand Ambassador , joins me for an enlightening and inspiring conversation on life and whisky. We explore the wanderous perks and loneliness of working on the road. Cameron shares how the beauty of Scotland was ingrained in him as a child and built a foundation for his pursuit of scotch and whisky as an adult. We also chat about how the nature of whisky is parallel with the growth and nature of a human beings life. Guest: Cameron George Host: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com ..read more

Zak Rye and Eric Rosentreter join me upstairs at Warehouse liquors in downtown Chicago. We discuss how bars are missing the mark on providing innovative experiences, and why the secondary market place driving up retails prices across the country. Guests: Zak Rye & Eric Rosentreter Host: Jake Hukee Shop at Warehouse Liquors here Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com ..read more

Brett Bauer and Steve Malloy join the show. We talk through the emergence of celebrity-backed spirits and the lack of integrity involved with such brands. We also forecast the trends of ’24; will premium priced bottles continue to sell? And, while sipping on single barrels, we build a Key In The LaKe whiskey portfolio. Guests: Brett Bauer & Steve Malloy Host: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake ..read more

Guest: Alex Brick Hosts: Jake Hukee & Matt Brown Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake ..read more

We finally got the whiskey power couple. The Rosentreters, Eric and Susan, joined us at Delilah’s to chat about a variety of topics. They reminisce about working and meeting at Delilah’s, and how working at such a coveted whiskey bar developed their skillsets of educating and developing brands. Susan shares her 20 years of working in a male-dominated industry, and how she’s earned the respect of buyers, consumers with her passion and commitment to whiskey. And we get into Old Elk’s Wheat Whiskey single barrel available at Slightly Toasted. Guests: Susan Rosentreter & Eric Rosentreter Hosts ..read more

Live from Malloy’s Finest, proprietor Steve Malloy shares his Rare Character Amburana Rye single barrel. Steve shares how he forged a relationship with RC to purchase the first Illinois single barrel from the company. Also, listen to the very, very end, you might be surprised. Guests: Steve Malloy & Eric Rosentreter Host: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake ..read more

John Chesney of Slightly Toasted shares their latest single barrel from Old Forester. John is always looking for the best whiskey he can find for their extensive single barrel program. As an operator of the on-premise, he and his business partners tussle with the idea of adding their single barrels to cocktails or serving them neat, but damn, this Old Forester can be enjoyed any way you desire. It’s high in proof, yet light in oak, and rich in flavor. Go buy it now. Guest: John Chesney Hosts: Jake Hukee & Matt Brown VISIT SLIGHTLY TOASTED HERE Listen to more episodes and read stories at ke ..read more

Our beloved brothers from Wiscy City, USA lead us off on the 12 Days of Barrel Picks this year. Matt Brown explains their single barrel approach and highlights a delicious, unique pick from Malloy’s Finest in Chicagoland. Guests: Matt Brown & John Chesney Hosts: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake ..read more

Alex recently became an ambassador for Teeling Whiskey. He shares a brief history of the acclaimed Irish distillery and how it relates to the history of whiskey produced in Ireland. Alex also explains how the roots of the distillery were involved in the revival of Teeling, and how they’re integrating an innovative approach to making modern Irish whiskey for their core collection and single barrel program. Guest: Alex Brick Hosts: Jake Hukee & Matt Brown Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake ..read more