What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn

We took the show to Townhouse in Venice Beach for a live recording with the incomparable William H. Macy and, yeah, he more than delivered. Alongside Brad Japhe, we talk through Bill’s decades-spanning acting career, his involvement with Woody Creek Distillers, and the single best nugget of wisdom he ever got from David Mamet. As a bonus, Bill caps off the night with a few original tunes on the ukulele, because of course he does.

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In this episode of What We’re Drinking, Dan is joined by Colm O’Connor, Guinness Brewery Ambassador straight out of the legendary Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Together, they dive deep into all things Guinness—its rich history, the craft behind the perfect pour, enduring myths, and why it remains one of the most iconic beers on the planet. With St. Patrick’s Day upon us, Colm shares how the holiday is celebrated in Ireland versus the States, along with a few insider tips to help you drink Guinness the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

But it’s...

In this St. Patrick’s Day–themed episode, Dan is joined by esteemed spirits writer Brad Japhe for a deep dive into the rich history and remarkable resurgence of Irish whiskey. Tasting their way through five standout expressions—Jameson Triple Triple, Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy, Green Spot, and Powers Gold Label—the two explore what makes each bottle unique while unpacking the centuries-old traditions behind Ireland’s most iconic spirit. Along the way, they break down the origins of St. Patrick’s Day, share a few favorite Irish whiskey cocktails, and offer plenty of spirited com...

Jon Taffer is back, and this time he’s raising hell in honor of Season 10 of Bar Rescue. The hospitality hitman joins me to talk about a decade of blowups, breakdowns, and barstool breakthroughs, what still shocks him after all these years, and why so many owners keep screwing up the same fundamentals. We get into the psychology of failing bars, the art (and science) of turning them around under the glare of reality TV, and what this milestone season says about the state of the bar business in America.

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This week on What We’re Drinking with Dan Dunn, we welcome one of the true mad scientists of the spirits world: Alexandre Gabriel, founder and master blender of Maison Ferrand.

Our main focus is the release of Batch No. 2 of Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum, a bold, high-seas-inspired expression that channels the swagger, strength, and storytelling tradition of classic Navy rum. Alexandre walks us through his long-standing fascination with maritime rum history, from the British Royal Navy’s daily tot to the complex blending traditions that defined the category. What started as historical curiosity evolved into a fu...

National Margarita Day falls on February 22nd, and we’re celebrating accordingly at WWD Headquarters. On this special episode, Dan is joined by Margarita Time author Caroline Pardilla and spirits expert Brad Japhe for a deep dive into America’s most beloved tequila cocktail, and the agave spirits that make it all possible.

We break down why the Margarita remains endlessly popular, deceptively simple, and perpetually reinvented, then get into an in-depth assessment of standout agave spirits that shine in the glass. The tasting lineup includes four tequilas—Código 1530, Olmeca Altos, G4, and El Tesoro—alongside two mezca...

Essential Mardi Gras Cocktails is a spirited, history-soaked romp through New Orleans drinking culture, with Dan joined by WWD’s official roving correspondent Brad Japhe and Abigail Gullo, Bar Director at Loa and a James Beard Award semifinalist. Together, they trace the roots of Mardi Gras itself before diving deep into the cocktails that define the season and the city: the Hurricane, Ramos Gin Fizz, Sidecar, French 75, Vieux Carré, Sazerac, Bourbon Milk Punch and a new instant classic that Abigail created. Along the way, they unpack technique, lore, and evolution, spotlighting featured spirits including Rabbit Hole Distillery Bourbon and Rye...

Dan and roving correspondent Brad Japhe dive into The Wonders of Italian Wine, spotlighting standout pours from Luca Bosio Vineyards and Bel Colle, including a lineup of single-vineyard Barbaresco and Barolo. Along the way, they unpack what makes Bel Colle’s celebrated Monvigliero and Bussia Grand Cru holdings so special, and explore how Luca Bosio blends generations of vineyard know-how with modern, low-intervention winemaking to deliver wines defined by clarity, structure, and sense of place. Dan also weighs in on reports that Gen Z is drinking less, and what that might mean for the future of drinking culture.

The episode opens with Dan getting candid about the weird emotional math of making a weekly podcast—and creative work in general—when the world feels like it’s perpetually on fire. He talks through the balancing act: staying engaged, staying human, and still showing up to do the job without pretending everything’s fine.

From there, Dan shifts gears to something grounding and familiar: his friend and frequent guest Maynard James Keenan, and his latest venture, a thoughtfully curated coffee club that combines quality beans with the same obsessive attention to detail Maynard brings to everything else he...

On this edition of What We’re Drinking with Dan Dunn, Dan sits down with writer, cultural agitator, and longtime professional pundit Joel Stein for a conversation that cuts straight through wine, journalism, mortality, and modern American weirdness.

Dan and Joel talk frankly about the sad, shrinking state of journalism. What it used to be, what it’s become, and why so many writers now find themselves operating outside the old institutions, whether they planned to or not. That leads naturally to a discussion of the recent death of Scott Adams, and Joel’s clear-eyed, unsentimental piece on Ada...

In this episode of 3-Minute Bartender, Dan turns his attention to one of winter’s most reliable coping mechanisms: a mug filled with something hot, boozy, and unapologetically indulgent. Cold weather is not his natural habitat, so when temperatures drop, the response is simple: build a drink designed to push back.

The Hot Buttered Rum is a cocktail that often gets dismissed before it’s properly understood. Dan explains why it works so well, tracing its roots to early American drinking culture, when rum was abundant, butter was a staple, and comfort mattered more than restraint. He brea...

Dan kicks off 2026 by lighting Dry January on fire and warming his hands over the flames. In this year-opening episode, he makes the case that voluntarily quitting booze for a month is less about “wellness” and more about public performance, misplaced guilt, and punishing yourself for having enjoyed December like a normal human.

Along the way, Dan digs into why Dry January culture has become weirdly smug, why mocktails are not a personality, and how the beverage industry somehow survived thousands of years without a wellness calendar telling it when to behave.

On the happier side...

To close out 2025 in proper holiday fashion, Dan wraps the year with a festive, slightly unhinged, and deeply drinkable finale. The episode opens with a Yuletide tale from Dan’s childhood that is equal parts nostalgia, family lore, and seasonal chaos, before welcoming one of the true legends of the bar world: Dale DeGroff.

The world-renowned barman joins Dan for an eggnog-themed extravaganza that proves this classic deserves far more respect than it usually gets. Dale walks through not one, not two, but three of his favorite eggnog recipes, breaking down technique, history, and why the drink st...

It’s that magical time of year when the lights twinkle, the relatives bicker, and the bottles pop. On this special holiday edition of WWD, Dan kicks things off by diving into the surprisingly chaotic history of sparkling wine — a tale involving accidental bubbles, chilly French cellars, and a certain monk named Dom Pérignon. Then it’s time to bring in reinforcements. WWD’s Official Roving Correspondent, Brad Japhe, joins Dan in-studio for a festive tasting flight. Together they work through three standout bubblies perfect for any holiday table or New Year’s Eve countdown: the bright, fruit-forward sparkle of...

Dan sits down with Greg Lambrecht, the brilliant mind behind Coravin, the revolutionary wine-by-the-glass system that forever changed how we drink, share, and hoard our favorite bottles. Greg walks us through the origin story: the early prototypes, the science, the skepticism, and the moment the wine world finally realized this wasn’t a gadget… it was a paradigm shift.

He also gives us a look at how Coravin has shaped modern wine culture, from restaurants to home cellars, and teases the latest innovations the company is rolling out for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone who likes to stretch a gr...

This week on What We’re Drinking, things get Philly, funky, and downright fantastic as Dan sits down with his old friend Garrett “G Love” Dutton, frontman of the legendary G Love & Special Sauce. It’s a reunion decades in the making, and the conversation hits all the sweet spots: the early days, the grind, the gigs, and the weird, wonderful road that took a couple of scrappy East Coast kids into the big wide world. G Love opens up about his long, genre-bending musical career, what keeps him inspired after all these years, and how he’s found a whole ne...

On this week’s episode, Dan finally claws his way out of the novel-writing fog long enough to pour a drink and have an honest-to-God conversation with someone who isn’t a fictional character. Fortunately, that someone is Danielle Frank, author of the hilarious and sharply observed new book A Wine Lover’s Guide to Parenting.

Danielle and Dan get into it: wine, love, parenting… though not necessarily in that order, because nothing in parenting (or podcasting) ever goes in the intended order. They swap stories, compare emotional scar tissue, and break down the fine line between “a well-des...

In this hilariously enlightening episode, Dan lays down The 10 Rules of Day Drinking, a guide to mastering the fine art of daytime debauchery without completely ruining your afternoon (or your life). From choosing the right setting (“sunlight forgives”) to knowing when to stop giving drunken TED Talks about friendship, Dan walks listeners through the unspoken commandments of responsible irresponsibility. Along the way, expect sharp wit, real-world wisdom, and a few stories from the trenches that prove Dan has done the research, so you don’t have to.

Perfect for brunch warriors, beach bar philosophers, and anyone who’s ever j...

In this delightfully indulgent episode of What We’re Drinking, Dan is joined by WWD's Official Roving Correspondent, Brad Japhe, for a spirited deep dive into the world of cordials, those sweetened, flavored liqueurs that make life (and cocktails) a little more delicious. From nutty to citrusy, herbal to creamy, Dan and Brad explore what defines a cordial, how they’re made, and why they’ve been charming drinkers for centuries.

Along the way, they raise a glass (or several) to some of the world’s most beloved brands: Disaronno, Luxardo, Kahlúa, Italicus, and Lillet Blanc. Expect a...

In this Halloween special edition of 3-Minute Bartender, Dan unearths one of mixology’s most delightfully macabre creations, the Corpse Reviver #2. Equal parts gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and a dash of absinthe, this zesty elixir was first prescribed to jolt the dead (or at least the deeply hungover) back to life.

Dan digs into the drink’s spooky origins from the Savoy Cocktail Book, unpacks the legendary warning that “four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again,” and explains why this bright, citrusy potion is the perfect antidote to a night of unhol...

On this episode, Dan sits down with Charles Braastad, ninth-generation member of the Delamain family and Cellar Master for Delamain Cognac, one of the oldest and most revered houses in the region. They dig into the intricate relationship between time and quality in Cognac, why Delamain works exclusively with Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, and how climate change is reshaping the ripening curve and acid balance of the Ugni Blanc grapes that form Cognac’s foundation.

Also on the show, Dan shares a few of his all-time favorite celebrity quotes—some hilarious, some profound—and closes the episode with a read...

On this episode of What We’re Drinking with Dan Dunn, comedian Jonas Garvin drops by to promote his new stand-up special, Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Things go hilariously sideways as Dan and Jonas go “Full Old Man Mode,” griping and laughing their way through a boozy grab bag of topics, from the rise of non-alcoholic beer and outrageous drink prices to the plague of QR code menus, the overuse of pumpkin spice, and the unwritten rules of airport drinking.

Plus, Dan takes a detour into the inexplicable, enduring charm of Tony Orlando & Dawn, and we roll out a...

It’s a feast for the senses on this week’s What We’re Drinking, as Dan uncorks a true liquid treasure, Cognac. He takes listeners through the rolling vineyards of western France to uncover how this legendary brandy is born, from grape to glass. Expect equal parts history, craft, and hedonism as we explore what makes Cognac one of the world’s most revered spirits.

Joining the conversation are three heavy hitters from the Cognac pantheon: Nicolas Nexon of Hine, who reveals how time and terroir shape their famously delicate house style; Jasmin Goldstein of Martell, who brea...

In this episode of What We’re Drinking, we say goodbye to the fruity porch-pounders of summer and raise a glass to the cozy, soul-warming bottles that feel like a fireplace in liquid form. It’s the season of sweaters, roasted meats, and stuffing, and the wines we’re diving into are built for exactly that.

We feature standout bottles from six stellar American wineries—Stonestreet Estate Vineyards, Gran Moraine, Matanzas Creek Winery, Siduri, Kendall-Jackson, and Bootleg—each bringing its own unique flavor to the autumn table.

Along the way, Dan breaks down what makes a wine fee...

On this episode, Dan is joined by Silver Oak CEO David Duncan, who takes us deep into the world of wine. David shares how he and his family built Silver Oak into one of the most iconic names in Napa and Sonoma, and what it takes to maintain excellence across generations. From vineyards to cooperages, from cellar decisions to family traditions, this is a fascinating peek behind the label of one of America’s most beloved wineries.

But we don’t just stop at wine. Dan takes a little detour to unpack why entertainers — actors, musicians, comedians, direct...

Renowned cocktail historian David Wondrich joins the show to talk about his brand-new book, The Comic Book History of the Cocktail: Five Centuries of Mixing Drinks and Carrying On. We dig into the myths that refuse to die, the bartending legends, past and present, who shaped the craft, and the painstaking research process that’s made Wondrich the industry’s most trusted voice. Along the way, he reflects on his long, colorful career chronicling the evolution of booze culture, and why the history of the cocktail is really the history of us.

On this week’s edition of “3-Minute Bartender," we take a decadent detour into dessert-cocktail territory with the Irish Mudslide. Legend has it the original Mudslide was born in the 1970s at the Wreck Bar on Grand Cayman, when a bartender swapped Baileys Irish Cream into a White Russian after running out of cream. A happy accident, and history was made.

Dan spins the tale forward with his Irish twist: ditch the vodka, bring in a proper Irish whiskey—his pick is Egan’s Bonder’s Blend, which layers in spice, butter, coconut, and a whiff of clove. Blend...

On this episode, Dan welcomes two whiskey powerhouses and adds his own poetic flair to the mix. First up is Noah Rothbaum, acclaimed spirits authority and author of The Whiskey Bible: A Complete Guide to the World’s Greatest Spirit. Noah breaks down why whiskey remains a global obsession, offering insights, history, and a few surprising stories you won’t find anywhere else.

Then, Dan sits down with Blake Johns, the man behind Smokeye Hill, an exciting new whiskey brand that’s already turning heads. Blake shares the vision, passion, and flavor profile that set Smokeye Hill apart i...

Recorded on-site at Baby Blues BBQ in Venice Beach, this episode of What We’re Drinking—titled “The Audible: Calling Smarter Game Day Pours”—focuses on the art of tailgating done right. Host Dan Dunn is joined by actor Oliver Cooper, Baby Blues pitmaster Rick McCarthy, spirits expert Joe Brooke, and wine authority Geoff Whitman for a lively roundtable that covers everything from perfect barbecue to smart drink choices for game day.

Featured pours include Old Forester Bourbon, Prescription Vineyards Wine, Deep Eddy Vodka, Smokeye Hill Whiskey, Bubba’s Secret Stills, and Tequila Corralejo, each bringing its own character to the...

On this episode of What We’re Drinking, Dan shares the story of getting called in for jury duty and, let’s just say, not exactly rising to the occasion. We’ve also got a brand-new installment of our enormously entertaining and egregiously neglected segment What’ll It Be, featuring a major Hollywood star as the guest in our bar—served, of course, by Lloyd, the creepy bartender from The Shining. And we wrap things up with a small announcement we think you’ll enjoy. Pour yourself a drink and settle in.

In this episode, Dan takes you inside one of the best dinners of his life—an omakase feast at Asakura in Los Angeles, where legendary chef Makoto Okamoto (La Bombance, Tokyo) was behind the counter. We dive into the artistry of omakase, the history of sake, and a remarkable story from brewmaster Takafumi Sumikawa, whose family’s Sumikawa Brewery nearly collapsed after a devastating flood in 2013, only to come back stronger than ever with their award-winning Toyo Bijin sake. Also, in "Drinks of the Week," we keep the good stuff flowing with a few bottles you’ll definitely want on you...

It’s hotter than the hinges on the gates of hell, so we’re cooling down with the neon, tropical legend that is the Blue Hawaii. Born in 1957 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village thanks to bartender Harry Yee and a bottle of Windex-colored booze, this drink became Hawaii’s unofficial liquid postcard. We’ll shake it up, spill some wild Elvis trivia (including questionable Hollywood casting choices and age gaps that would get you two disturbing Netflix docuseries today), and drop a few jokes that might get us banned from Waikiki. Grab your rum, your pineapple juice, and let’s Yee-haw i...

This week on What We’re Drinking, Dan heads to the heart of Napa Valley for a sit-down with Rob Lloyd, the powerhouse winemaker behind Lloyd Cellars. Recorded on location among the vines, the conversation covers Rob’s journey from UC Davis to becoming one of the most respected names in California Chardonnay, his winemaking philosophy, and why he thinks wine should be fun, not fussy. Plus, Dan gets into a few bottles (purely for research purposes) and tries to convince Rob to launch a canned wine called “Lloyd Rage.” Spoiler: it doesn’t go well. (Spoiler #2: Just kidding.) Cheers to g...

Dan is in Napa Valley with three heavy hitters: Braiden Albrecht of Mayacamas, Kristy Melton of Freemark Abbey, and Matt Crafton of Chateau Montelena. These wineries aren’t just legends, they helped put Napa on the map at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Nearly 50 years later, they’re still setting the standard for California wine. We talk history, tradition, and what it takes to keep making world-class juice in one of the most competitive wine regions on Earth. Grab a glass and join us.

It’s the dog days of summer, and Dan’s teaming up with drinks expert Brad Japhe to help you chill out in style. We’re talking frosty, flavor-packed cocktails like the Watermelon Mint Cooler and the Cucumber Basil Gimlet—perfect for turning any scorcher into a poolside paradise. That’s just the tip of the ice cube… there’s plenty more frozen magic waiting for you in this episode. Hit play, cool down, and let’s make summer taste better.

This is an encore presentation of “The 3-Minute Bartender,” because Dan is currently on vacation celebrating his birthday—and by vacation, we mean drinking professionally in a different zip code. In about the time it takes to jot down a grocery list or purge your social media feed, he’ll tell you everything you need to know about The Last Word, a classic, gin-based Prohibition-era cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is to drink way too many of. Dan will hit you with its backstory, a few fun facts, and maybe a joke or two, because learning is m...

On this episode of What We're Drinking, Dan unloads on the worst spirit he's ever tasted, calling it nothing short of “Chernobyl in a bottle.” We also debut a brand-new segment, History at Work, kicking things off with a deep dive into Rum Row, the floating lifeline that kept Americans buzzed during the buzzkill that was Prohibition. And in Drinks of the Week, we’re shouting out Kleos, the Greek spirit your summer absolutely needs.

In this festive installment of 3-Minute Bartender, we’re trading stars and stripes for a splash of green with a bold, Irish-inspired cocktail: the Shamrock Sour. Sure, it sounds like a St. Paddy’s Day special, but Dan makes the case for celebrating America’s birthday with a nod to the 33 million proud Irish-Americans who helped build (and booze up) this country.

Dan mixes up a modern riff on the classic whiskey sour using Egan’s Irish Whiskey—his go-to—plus lemon, simple syrup, a touch of green (crème de menthe or food coloring, your call), and the optio...

It’s a very special caffeinated edition of the show, as Dan turns his attention to his other liquid obsession: coffee. Joining him is none other than Maynard James Keenan. Yes, that Maynard—vocalist for bands you’ve definitely cranked up loud, and also the man behind Caduceus Cellars, Merkin Vineyards… and now, Queen Bee Vinyl Cafe, a kickass coffee roaster in Arizona.

But wait, there’s more: Dan also serves up hot takes on two of his go-to java brands, La Colombe and Free Rein. Along the way, there’s a story about Bruce Springsteen, a heartfelt tr...

On this installment of the Nobel Prize–snubbed (but emotionally validated) “3-Minute Bartender,” Dan dives headfirst into the Chuflay, Bolivia’s national cocktail and perhaps the only drink in history that sounds like a command to swat insects. That’s right, it’s Chuflay (pronounced “shoo-fly”). Our intrepid host was first introduced to this oddly named but downright delightful drink by none other than Academy Award–winning director Steven Soderbergh. You know, the guy behind Ocean’s 11, Magic Mike, and all those Oceans films. Soderbergh also happens to own a booze brand called Singani 63, the key ingredient in a proper Chuflay.