Good Morning! In case you missed it, I launched the pre-sale of the In Good Spirits Hoodie last week and we only have two more days before I close the pre-sale. If you want one of these hoodies, get one now before the pre-sale window closes. 

I also just posted this video in which I tasted and ranked over 100 Tequila Brands! This is a massive video that took a lot of work, so I hope you enjoy it!

Anyway! Lets Get On To this Week’s Newsletter

The Speakeasy Is Dead! Long Live The Speakeasy!

Let's cut to the chase: the speakeasy, as it was originally defined, is dead. Sure, Merriam-Webster calls it "a place where alcoholic beverages are illegally sold," but unless you're time-traveling back to the 1920s, that's not what you're walking into today. What we've got now is something entirely different—a modern spin that trades illegality for exclusivity and rebellion for nostalgia.

Jake Emen recently wrote an article for VinePair exploring the history of speakeasies and how they’ve evolved into the hidden bars we know today. It got us thinking: what makes these modern speakeasies so captivating, even though the original concept is long gone?

The big question is: if speakeasies are "dead," why do we keep coming back to them? Here in Boston, some of the best bars are speakeasy-style hidden gems like The Wig Shop, Equal Measure, Drink (RIP), BackBar, Offsuit, and Yvonne's (which actually has a hidden speakeasy inside their speakeasy!). These spots nail what makes hidden bars so irresistible: that thrill of discovery, feeling like you're in on a secret, and knowing you're in for something special.

Let's rewind a bit. During Prohibition (1920-1933), people didn't just stop drinking when the government said no—they went underground. Speakeasies popped up everywhere: basements, unmarked doors, even inside regular businesses like barber shops. These weren't just bars; they were acts of rebellion, complete with passwords and secret entrances.

Fast forward to today, and the modern speakeasy movement really kicked off in the early 2000s with places like Milk & Honey (now Attaboy) and PDT in New York City. These spots redefined everything—focusing on killer cocktails and intimate vibes rather than breaking the law.

But let's be honest: the "secret" isn't really a secret anymore. Thanks to Instagram, Yelp, and Google Maps, finding a hidden bar is about as challenging as locating your nearest Starbucks. As Jiří Mališ of Whisper Sister in Estonia perfectly puts it: "Holy f*ck, what do you mean you are a speakeasy if you're on Instagram?"

So why are we still obsessed with these spots? It boils down to three things:

• The thrill of discovery: There's still something magical about finding that hidden door.

• Pure nostalgia: We're all suckers for that Roaring Twenties glamour.

• Next-level drinks(usually): These places often serve cocktails you won't find anywhere else, using rare spirits and creative techniques that make every sip an experience.

What makes a hidden bar worth seeking out today? It's all about attention to detail—from the vintage décor to the antique glassware—and creating an atmosphere that transports you somewhere special. Take Francis Hall in Alexandria, Virginia: they avoid the term "speakeasy" altogether, focusing instead on creating an incredible cocktail lounge that doesn't need secret knocks to feel special.

The speakeasy may be dead, but hidden bars seem to be here to stay. These spots aren't dying—they're evolving, getting more creative, and focusing on giving you an experience that's about way more than just finding a secret entrance.

So the next time you're hunting down an unmarked door or whispering a password, remember: you're not walking into a real speakeasy. You're stepping into something new—a place that's taken the best parts of that old-school mystique and turned it into something that's all about the experience, not the illegality.

The Best Rums for Mixing & Sipping

Whether you're a seasoned bartender or just starting your rum journey, choosing the right bottle can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—I’ve rounded up the best rums to take your cocktails to the next level. Here are my top rum recommendations to elevate your mixing game.

1. Hamilton 86 (Demerara Rum)

Why It’s Great:

• Origin: Guyana

• Price: ~$18–19

• Flavor: Rich caramel, butterscotch, and barrel-aged depth

• Best For: Tiki drinks needing a bold base

Why I Love It: Affordable, versatile, and sugar-free— it’s a bartender’s dream. Even tiki legend Beach Bum Berry swears by it.
Pro Tip: Use it in a Mai Tai, or Navy Grog.

2. Appleton Estate Signature (Jamaican Rum)

Why It’s Great:

• Origin: Jamaica

• Price: ~$17

• Flavor: Apricot, molasses, and signature Jamaican “funk”

• Best For: Jungle Bird & aged Jamaican rum cocktails

Why I Love It: It’s available everywhere with amazing quality at a budget-friendly price — great for home bars or pros. Pro Tip: Want more funk? Try Smith & Cross ($30, 57% ABV) for an intense punch.

3. Probitas (Lightly Aged Rum)

Why It’s Great:

• Origin: Barbados & Jamaica collab

• Price: ~$30–35

• Flavor: Banana, earthiness, light saline finish

• Best For: Daiquiris & refreshing cocktails

Why I Love It: Probitas is a perfect balance of Barbados smoothness and Jamaican funk. It’s created by rum legends at Four Square Distillery and designed for ultimate versatility. Pro Tip: Use in a Daiquiri, Ti’ Punch, or Mojito for a unique twist.

4. Santa Teresa 1796 (Aged Venezuelan Rum)

Why It’s Great:

• Origin: Venezuela

• Price: ~$40–50

• Flavor: Toffee, vanilla, cacao, complex and dry

• Best For: Sipping neat or stirred cocktails

Why I Love It: It’s aged and refined, perfect for a luxurious nightcap or a killer rum Manhattan.
Pro Tip: Serve neat or in an Old Fashioned for a sophisticated experience.

5. Privateer (Aged Rum)

Why It’s Great:

• Origin: Massachusetts, USA

• Price: ~$40+

• Flavor: Caramel, butterscotch, molasses

• Best For: Sipping or premium cocktails like the Old Cuban

Why I Love It: Privateer is a craft distillery dedicated to quality. Their white rum ($28) is also worth trying.
Pro Tip: For a bolder experience, go for their Navy Yard barrel-proof rum (60% ABV).

Final Thoughts

Rum’s diversity makes it perfect for any cocktail adventure. Here’s a quick guide:

• Start with Hamilton 86 for a bold, affordable mixer.

• Try Appleton Estate Signature for Jamaican funk at a great price.

• Upgrade your Daiquiris with Probitas for a complex, funky twist.

• Sip or stir Santa Teresa 1796 for a refined, dry experience.

• Try Privateer for a high-quality craft rum with a smooth, complex profile.

Want to dive deeper? Check out my full video on rum styles. Cheers! 🍹

Best Video I Saw This Week:

Admittedly this one is a few weeks old, but Leandro, The Educated Barfly, made this incredible video showcasing influencer cocktails and he featured drinks from some incredible creators. He features an original cocktail by @Bad_Birdy, @NotJustABartender, and @CocktailsByHawk

I always love Leandro’s videos but this one was especially dope, getting to watch him recreate some cocktails of friends and people I look up to.

Quick Hits:

• Eater posted an incredibly helpful Instagram post with helpful tips about what to do if ICE enters your restaurant

• VinePair recently ran a piece on the most overrated whiskeys according to Bartenders

• Kaitlyn Stewart, @LikeableCocktails, recently got interviewed on the legendary Bartender At Large podcast by Erick Castro, definitely worth the listen!