When covering beverages, it quickly becomes clear that the wine world and the cocktail/spirits world are two completely different beasts to deal with Robert Simonson, our guest today on The Speakeasy, chose the latter - and he couldn't be happier. Tune in as he and host Damon Boelte chat about the allure of the cocktail scene, the camaraderie of bartenders and mixologists working today and some of the emerging trends in the industry. Do trends deserve to die? What is the responsibility of a journalist? Find out on an informative and relaxed episode of The Speakeasy. This program was sponsored by Fairway Market. Music provided by Eula.

"Spirits and cocktail people are very different from wine people - and I decided I like the spirits and cocktail people more." [05:00]

"I worry about burning out good trends before they deserve to die." [21:00]

--Robert Simonson on The Speakeasy

Speed Rack is a national cocktail competition featuring top female bartenders in key cocktail markets, putting them head to head in round robin style timed and judged challenges. It is the first competition to highlight the up and coming generation of strong women in the spirits industry. 100% of the proceeds from the events they produce goes to breast cancer education, prevention and research. On this week's episode of In the Drink, tune in as Joe Campanale chats with the ladies behind the competition, Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero. Pastry Chef Johnny Iuzzini, who will be a judge at Speed Rack, also joins the show to explain how he will be critically tasting the drinks at the competition. Find out how Speed Rack started, what makes it so unique, and tune in for a special on-air cocktail! This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

"It was hard for a woman to become a 'mixologist' because we look stupid in suspenders and can't grow a mustache!" [18:00]

--Ivy Mix on In the Drink

We're gearing up for the Manhattan Cocktail Classic, and today we check in with bartender extraordinaire Jason Littrell of The Jaywalk and Analog. Jason has bartended at some of the best spots in NYC including Death & Co and Dram, and gives some insight into how he got started in the business and what he's working on now. Find out what's in store for his Single Malt Tour in Williamsburg and what advice he has for first-timers at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. This program was sponsored by Rt 11 Potato Chips.

"The reason I'm a bartender is because I was a sucky drummer" [2:45]

"The concept of complex being better is on its way out. People are focusing more and more on service rather than being obnoxiously creative." [7:45]

--Jason Littrell of The Jaywalk and Analog on HeritageRadioNetwork.org