In Episode #20, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee chat with John McCarthy, a freelance writer for Men’s Health, Forbes, Gear Patrol and more. He is also the author of two books, “The Modern Gentleman” and the upcoming “Whiskey Rebels.”

John is co-founder of the John Barleycorn Awards, a spirits taste and marketing competition, and serves as its Director of Judging.

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Tune in to hear this spirited journalist share his thoughts on:

1. Why a story for Men’s Health is all about practical advice, whereas one for Forbes is business-focused and often driven by statistics.

2. Why the idea of “terroir” in spirits intrigues him, with impassioned distillers on both sides of the issue.

3. How the water source used to make whiskey has an enormous influence on the spirit’s ultimate flavor.

4. How he helped to create the John Barleycorn Awards and what sets them apart from other spirits competitions.

5. Why Islay in Scotland would be the first place he travels to once pandemic restrictions are lifted for its legendary, peated malt whiskies and rugged natural beauty.

6. How he managed to write his upcoming book, “Whiskey Rebels,” while in-person visits to distilleries were largely curtailed.

7. How his first book, “The Modern Gentleman,” is a breezy beginner’s guide that provides a deeper understanding of food and drink that are enjoyed every day.

John also answers a listener question from Harrison Kahn, VP of Marketing at Caledonia Spirits, which produces Barr Hill Gin. He asked what it will take for American gin to earn a leadership position in the global spirits landscape.

⁣Connect with John at @john_just_roams on IG and via email at johnmccarthy8628@gmail.com.

⁣⁣Follow “Hospitality Forward” Podcast hosts Hanna Lee at @hannaleeny, Michael Anstendig at @michaelanstendig and our agency at @hannaleepr on IG.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣⁣In this week’s “HLC Innovation Report,” we feature:⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

#1: What We Are Reading This Week - "Spirits of Latin America: A Celebration of Culture & Cocktails, with 100 Recipes” by Ivy Mix. Our agency celebrates book authors we admire through our #AskTheAuthor series. Check out @hlcbookmedia on Instagram for our full interview on how Ivy and Ten Speed Press brought her spirited book to life (https://www.instagram.com/hlcbookmedia/).

#2: Who We Are Honoring This Week - Kara Newman, a freelance writer and editor for Wine Enthusiast, Bloomberg and PUNCH and also the author of many beloved cocktail books, including “Cocktails with a Twist,” “Nightcap” and more. Kara’s inspiring quote is "If it was easy, everyone would do it." We celebrate pioneering women via our digital channels, so check out hannaleecommunications.com for more than 270 women’s words of wisdom (https://www.hannaleecommunications.com/inspiring-women).⁣⁣

#3: What We Are Celebrating This Week - Canned Cocktail Company. Kelly Levison, a 20-year industry expert, has helped over 100 bars in NYC and beyond by offering a cocktail canning service during these challenging times. Popular canned cocktails include Gin & Tonics, Negronis, Old-Fashioneds, Margaritas and more. Now drinks enthusiasts can enjoy these craft cocktails from their favorite bars at home (http://bit.ly/2LRP74U).

#4: What Podcast We Are Listening to This Week - “The Speakeasy.” Hosted by Sother Teague, Damon Boelte and Greg Benson, they recently interviewed Jordis Unga, the multi-talented General Manager of Katana Kitten in New York City. They talked about her Grammy Award-winning music career, how she caught the hospitality bug early on from her family and later pivoted from one kind of performing to another. Be sure to give it a listen to hear about her colorful career journey (http://bit.ly/3h9QNCt).

#5: Who Is Inspiring Us This Week - Miracle Manning. This beautiful little girl held a sign saying “Save My Daddy’s Business” at a recent rally in Times Square where she accompanied her dad, Chris Manning. Organized by the New York City Hospitality Alliance (https://www.thenycalliance.org/) and the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association (https://nysrbla.org/), the rally was a plea for Congress to pass the RESTAURANTS Act. We are keeping our fingers crossed.