Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services

16 episodes

Keeping Each Other Safe - From Prom to the Beach and the Road in Between
06/18/2026 | 27 mins.
Summer is made for patios, cookouts, beach drives, and maybe alcoholic drinks. But it also brings the “hundred deadliest days.” MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer, ABS Outreach Manager Roddy Aguirre, and essay contest winner Elise Bradley talk plainly about what keeps our community safe as we enjoy prom, graduation, road trips, and lazy days with family and friends. Plus, test your knowledge with Chrissy’s quiz.
Growing Montgomery County Wine Country
05/13/2026 | 23 mins.
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.
The transcript for this episode is available here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/19170747-growing-montgomery-county-wine-country/transcript
Navigating Change in the Spirits Industry
02/20/2026 | 38 mins.
Change is on the menu. Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, and Kathie Durbin, Director of Alcohol Beverage Services, unpack how consumer habits, global trade, and local policy are reshaping the drinks landscape. From falling overall alcohol use to surging curiosity about flavor, moderation, and convenience, guests examine the forces affecting your next purchase.
The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/18713030-navigating-change-in-the-spirits-industry/transcript
Holiday Gift Guide
11/25/2025 | 16 mins.
Wine Educator Robert Cavanaugh and Kensington Store Manager Preston James share smart, budget‑savvy ways to choose wines and spirits for holiday parties, stocking stuffers, and tasteful gifts. Get expert tips on dessert wines, eggnog, and global liquors. And learn how to score rare bourbons at great prices. Want a signature cocktail for your celebration? Try Robert’s variations on the Kir Royale or Preston’s overnight sangria.
The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/18245732-holiday-gift-guide/transcript
Voices From Control Systems Across the Country
11/07/2025 | 33 mins.
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 spirits? Which monsters make the best drinks? And who stole the huckleberries?

The transcript for this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/18151001-voices-from-control-systems-across-the-country/transcript

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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.

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