What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn

This week we welcome one of the most influential figures in the rum world: Ian Burrell, founder of UK RumFest, the world's first international rum festival, and the man known throughout the spirits industry as the Global Rum Ambassador. For nearly two decades, Ian has been on a mission to elevate rum's reputation, introducing millions of people to the depth, diversity, and history of one of the world's most misunderstood spirits.

Most recently, Ian teamed up with master blender Cairbry Hill and The Rolling Stones to co-create Crossfire Hurricane Rum, a premium Jamaican rum inspired by the band's deep connection to Jamaica and the island's legendary rum-making tradition. We talk about the fascinating story behind the collaboration, Jamaica's enormous influence on music and rum, where the category is headed, and, of course, we taste some exceptional juice along the way.

Plus, in this week's Booze News, we raise a glass to an 82-year-old Minnesota woman who refused to accept a ban on alcohol at her retirement community... and won. If there's a more inspiring story about aging gracefully (with a cocktail in hand), we haven't heard it.

So pour yourself something rum-licious and join us for another spirited conversation on What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Dan welcomes acclaimed screenwriter and novelist Cliff Dorfman, whose riveting new crime novel, Crime Family, is already turning heads. Cliff shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time writing on Entourage, co-writing the acclaimed film Warrior, and making the leap from Hollywood to the world of crime fiction. Along the way, the conversation dives into storytelling, organized crime, the realities of the entertainment business, and the creative process, all while sipping tropical frozen cocktails made with Malibu Rum, bananas, strawberries, and orange juice.

Also on this episode, Dan serves up another installment of "History at Work and in the Making," presented by Warbringer Bourbon. This time, he explores the fascinating history of Bottled in Bond—why the designation was created, what standards a whiskey must meet to earn it, and how the Bottled-in-Bond Act forever changed the American whiskey industry.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

National Tequila Day calls for something special, and this year we're celebrating with one of the category's most knowledgeable ambassadors. Joining Dan is Jaime Salas, Head of Legacy & Advocacy for Proximo Spirits' agave portfolio in the U.S., for a deep dive into all things tequila, from the traditions and craftsmanship behind Mexico's most iconic spirit to the innovations shaping its future.

The conversation shines a spotlight on the latest release from Maestro Dobel, a brand long known for pushing the boundaries of tequila while honoring centuries of tequila-making tradition. Whether you're a seasoned agave aficionado or just looking for an excuse to pour yourself a margarita, this episode is packed with stories, insights, tasting notes, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass. Salud!
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It started as a birthday celebration. It turned into the biggest episode in What We're Drinking history.

For Dan Dunn's Birthday Boozapalooza—and the landmark 350th episode—Dan is joined by WWD's Official Roving Correspondent, Brad Japhe, along with an all-star lineup of friends from some of the most respected names in the spirits world. Dropping by to raise a glass are Joe Beatrice (Barrell Craft Spirits), Jennifer Lane Oakley (Del Maguey Mezcal), Alexandre and Debbie Gabriel (Maison Ferrand), Haley Traub (Absolut Vodka), Jasmin Goldstein (Martell Cognac), Lillie Pierson (Michter's), and Guillermo Sauza (Fortaleza Tequila).

Together, they toast Dan's birthday, celebrate 350 episodes of What We're Drinking, swap stories, share laughs, talk about what's new with their brands, and reflect on the friendships that have grown alongside the show over the past seven years. It's a star-studded, booze-filled celebration unlike anything we've ever done, and a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who's helped make What We're Drinking what it is today.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this tropical edition of What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn, we're raising a frosty glass to one of the most beloved and misunderstood cocktails of all time: the mighty piña colada.

Joining Dan for the festivities is Haley Traub, National Mixologist for Pernod Ricard and one of the most respected bartenders in America, whose résumé includes legendary New York cocktail institutions Attaboy and Dutch Kills. Together, they dive into the history of Puerto Rico's national drink, debate its origin story, and explore why the piña colada has endured for more than seven decades while countless cocktail trends have come and gone.

Along the way, Dan offers an impassioned defense of Rupert Holmes' immortal Escape (The Piña Colada Song), arguing that it belongs in the pantheon of great songwriting, despite its decidedly questionable moral framework. There's also a spirited round of "Piña Colada Song Lyric or Line from a Bad Romance Novel," because frankly, the line between the two is thinner than you'd think.

Haley shares her expert take on what separates a good piña colada from a great one, whether the drink has finally shed its unfair reputation as a "guilty pleasure," why tropical cocktails thrive during stressful times, and what today's drinking trends reveal about our collective desire for escapism. They also discuss the evolution of Malibu, the resurgence of frozen cocktails, the future of rum, and the cocktail trends Haley wishes she'd never see again.

Whether you prefer your piña colada blended, shaken, or served with a side of infidelity, this episode is your perfect summertime escape.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.