About Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services
Welcome to Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services, exploring alcohol products, trends, and policies in our community. Expand your understanding of premium whiskeys, fine wines, and craft beer. Discover new and innovative products. And learn how Alcohol Beverage Services contributes to making Montgomery County a great place to live, work, and play.
Episodes feature experts from within ABS and private industry to answer some of the most intriguing questions about alcohol sales and service as well as public health and safety. What does the liquor board do? How do the highly allocated lotteries work? Where does the revenue go? And why isn’t there alcohol in supermarkets? If you have a question or idea for a future episode, email abs.spiriteddiscussions@montgomerycountymd.gov (mailto:abs.spiriteddiscussions@montgomerycountymd.gov).
September is National Bourbon Heritage Month celebrating bourbon as a distinctive American product. Sazerac Company Brand Ambassador Matt Ray and ABS Retail Operations Manager join host Jocelyn Rawat to discuss Maryland's role in bourbon history, tips for a perfect old fashioned, seasonal bourbon cocktails, and how you can get highly sought-after bottles at the suggested retail price.
18 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT
Keeping Each Other Safe - From Prom to the Beach and the Road in Between
MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer, ABS Outreach Manager Roddy Aguirre, and Elise Bradley discuss community safety during summer's "hundred deadliest days" in this interview.
13 May 2026TRANSCRIPT
Growing Montgomery County Wine Country
Montgomery County is well known for its shopping, dining and culture. But did you know that in the Agricultural Reserve, it is also wine country? We sit down with Keith Miller, CEO of the Montgomery County Revenue Authority, and Angie Alvarez from ABS’s Seneca Meadows retail store to discuss how The Crossvines, ABS, and others are working toward economic development, agricultural tourism, and opportunity for local winemakers.
20 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
Navigating Change in the Spirits Industry
Chris Swonger and Kathie Durbin analyze evolving consumer habits, global trade, and local policies impacting the distilled spirits industry, revealing the forces shaping future alcohol purchases in this interview.
25 Nov 2025
Holiday Gift Guide
7 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT
Voices From Control Systems Across the Country
How do control systems balance great selection, fair pricing, and public health while still celebrating local flavor? Host Jocelyn Rawat set up in Bethesda at the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association's Administrators Conference with leaders from across the country to share what’s working—from smarter stores and faster delivery to regional spirits and traditions that tell a story. Guests reveal answers to some compelling questions, including: Does Prohibition still influence today's s...
23 Sept 2025TRANSCRIPT
Protecting Our Shelves from Retail Theft
26 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
Literature's Most Famous Drinks
Assistant Manager Mike Gantt and Librarian Nathan Chadwick explore famous literary drinks with host Jocelyn Rawat, offering insights into cocktail-themed book clubs and bartending techniques in this interview episode.
4 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
Top Ten Bestselling Beers, Wines and Sprits
Communications Manager Melissa Romeo and Sales Director Joe Giardina reveal the top ten best-selling beers, wines, and spirits with host Jocelyn Rawat in an interview.
17 Mar 2025TRANSCRIPT
Festivals and Special Events
ABS Special Events Licensing Manager Roddy Aguirre and Parks Activation Director Mike Coppersmith join host Jocelyn Rawat to discuss upcoming Montgomery Parks festivals with alcohol, Parks rental facilities, and the ABS special events licensing program. Play along as guests take a quiz about which events need a license. Wedding reception? Block party? Concert? HOA meeting? Grand opening? The answers might surprise you.
2 Jan 2025TRANSCRIPT
Premium Sipping Tequila
Discover the culture of Mexico and the nuanced flavors of premium sipping tequila.ABS Community Business Engagement Specialist John Bowles and Clase Azul Mexico Global Brand Maestro Rubén Vargas join host Jocelyn Rawat to discuss tequila-making practices, tips for enjoying premium expressions, and traditional cocktail recipes. Guests examine tequila’s growth in popularity and how you can be the first to learn about masterclasses and other tasting events in ABS retail stores.
2 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
Selecting French Wines
ABS Retail Store Manager Abdul Jones and Adventure Wine founder Robert Cavanaugh join Jocelyn Rawat to explore the unique flavors of French wines and how to pair them with food and seasonal dishes.
30 Oct 2024TRANSCRIPT
Local Beer
Learn how one local brewery incorporates history and artistry into its products, how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the hospitality industry, and why ABS supports small alcohol manufacturers. ABS Retail Operations Chief Sean Peters and Silver Branch Brewing Company’s Chief Operating Officer Brett Robison join host Jocelyn Rawat to explore how art, science and geography come together at Silver Branch Brewing Company to create Dr. Juicy IPA, Gnome for the Holidays saison, and Glass Castle pilsn...
18 Sept 2024
Underage Compliance Checks
Learn how Montgomery County employs young adults to make sure businesses are not selling or serving alcohol to minors. ABS Compliance Manager Joe Cannon and MCPD Sergeant Patrick Kepp join host Jocelyn Rawat to define the underage compliance check program and how it helps to keep the community safe. Guests discuss what a compliance check looks like, how businesses are succeeding, why preventing underage drinking matters, and how people aged 18-20 can apply for this unique job.
26 Aug 2024TRANSCRIPT
Control Model for Alcohol Distribution
Understand how Montgomery County and other jurisdictions function as control models for alcohol distribution. ABS Director Kathie Durbin and National Alcohol Beverage Control Association President/CEO Neal Insley join host Jocelyn Rawat to define the control model and its foundations of public health and safety, market fairness, and revenue that pours back into communities. Guests discuss how these systems inform the alcohol market with unbiased data, provide for equitable outlet density, and...
19 Aug 2024TRANSCRIPT
Barrel Picks
Discover the art and science of whiskey barrel picks. ABS Retail Operations Manager Jay Spiegel and co-founder of Old Line Spirits Mark McLaughlin join host Jocelyn Rawat to examine what makes barrel picks so special, including the types of barrels, distilling practices, and the barrel’s proof. Guests discuss how ABS’s size and scope allow for an excellent selection of local and national barrel picks and how you can sample these unique products.
9 Aug 2024TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to Alcohol Beverage Services
Learn about ABS’s three main functions – wholesale operations, retail stores, and licensing and regulation. ABS Director Kathie Durbin and Communications Manager Melissa Romeo join host Jocelyn Rawat to introduce you to the new premium retail brand, Oak Barrel & Vine, as well as the Department’s extensive warehouse and the role of the liquor board. Guests discuss why ABS makes a difference for Montgomery County residents, whether or not you buy alcohol.
Inside a recent episode
Celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month
Published 31 Aug 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Canada was making bourbon for a bit. Mexico was making controversial bourbon for a little bit. And in the 1960s, and specifically May 4, 1964... The U.S. Congress actually passed a law to protect bourbon as a uniquely American product. It was called a distinctive product of the United States of America. […]
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