Top Shelf Discussions
Top Shelf Discussions
Keith Neill
Beverage Alcohol Industry veterans Keith Neill and Jim DeMartino have over 60 years of combined industry experience and are putting it out there. The goal of the podcast is to discuss aspects and insights of the industry from Suppliers, Distributors and Retailers in the Three tier system. They will infuse their unique stories of all that is beverage alcohol most of which is behind the scenes that most may not know. They discuss humorous stories along the way of their past experiences and may even rant on some current events. Their unique view on everyday life and miscellaneous topics will certainly be from their point of view and may have you agreeing with them or leave you wondering WTF!!
Episode 40: Heidi Scheid, Meet Sunny & Stupid Traditions
On TOp Shelf Discussions today we are joined by Heidi Scheid from Scheid Family Wines. We discuss her working at the namesake winery for many years and she is just now launching a cutting edge style of wines and first to market with Sunny with a Chance of Flowers. These delicious wines check alot boxes new wine consumers are looking for. 85 Calories, Zero Sugar, 9% Alc, Sustainably Grown and Gluten Free. That is a mouthful. Heidi explains it all to us and we are excited to have such a cutting edge brand and person come on the show. Jimmy gets mixed up talking about stupid traditions and we talk about FB and how August needs to “ego-less FB Month” Enjoy folks.Special Guest: Heidi Scheid.
Jul 23, 2020
36 min
Episode 39: Russ Kempton pt 2, Sleepwalkers & 867-5309 Jenny
On Top Shelf DIscussions we bring back Russ Kempton owner of Speaking of Grape and Grains and he takes us through Understanding Tequila with Sueno de Atzo Reposado and Milagro Barrel Reserve. We hit on Men’s health during the pandemic. Jimmy goes off on Sleepwalkers and we touch back on songs and lyrics and talk about the big 1982 hit 867-5309 Jenny and make a couple of phone calls. We end this with a brief discussion about the beatdown of F-ing WIndchimes and their uselessness. Enjoy!Special Guest: Russ Kempton.
Jul 16, 2020
36 min
Episode 38: Bacardi, Dogs & What’s Overrated
On Top Shelf Discussions we take down Bacardi Gold and talk about National Mojito Day and the proper way to make a great one. Jimmy goes deep into what is overrated to do as a family and a couple, think picnics. Keith talks about the top 10 Dog breeds and names for dogs. Bailey and Bella are top names? Jimmy hits the mail bag and we find out what is bothering him today. We end the show talking about bars and how people are letting their guard down right now. And of course we are still Sponsor-less. C’mon people help our show out!!
Jul 9, 2020
38 min
Episode 37: Tahwahkaro Whiskey, Art and Shuttlecocks
On today’s episode we talk about many things that are very timely. We take from The Top Shelf Tahwahkaro Whiskey (say what). A 100 % Grain to Glass Bourbon, not sourced, but actually made in Texas in Grapevine by some wonderful people. This whiskey is delicious. We Talk a little bit about Father’s Day, Art and its appreciation. We hit on the power trips of some HOA’s and the need for all of us to talk up Badminton again. A lost sport of shuttlecocks and fun. We end the show discussion Rejection in the industry. This is a must-listen episode.
Jun 25, 2020
37 min
Episode 36: The Bloody Buddy, Dentists, Ego’s & Brokers
On Top Shelf Discussions today we take down from the Top Shelf a wonderful RTD The Bloody Buddy - Bloody Mary. Damn that is good stuff. Great people behind the product and it tastes great. We tell their story and other interesting things. We talk about Zoo’s and are they really so cool. We hit on Dentists and if you really like to go to them. We hit on no fan Sports and talk about Ego’s and how you might not like someone before you even meet them. We end the show discussing Brokers for spirits/wines in 2020.
Jun 18, 2020
37 min
Episode 35: 14 Hands, Mysophobia & Some Fun
We take 14 Hand Hot to Trot Red Blend today down from the Top Shelf. We talk about folks that burn tires and what type of person does that. We hit on Mysophobia and whether it is a good time for them. Fender benders are touched on and the $45K red ant challenge (not good). We finally discuss some hot brands and categories still doing well during this time and the ultimate Hangover cure.
Jun 11, 2020
37 min
Episode 34: Cabo Wabo, Lyrics, Boating and Bumble
Off the Top Shelf today we discuss Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila and it is in your face lit. We also talk about lyrics no one understands and have some fun with that. Discuss Bumble a bit with Jimmy. We get into a talk about new products and how to get them to market.
Jun 5, 2020
44 min
Episode 33: Kirkland, The Match and The Future for Restaurants
On Top Shelf Discussions today we are doing a remote to Jim’s house and the main office.We talk a lot about Skrewball and how it is doing along with Kirkland and Trader Joe’s branded wines and their value and taste. Memorial Day is discussed and how people went nuts and had mass gatherings. We also discuss The Match with Tiger and Phil for Covid relief. We touch on the ESPN Documentary The Last Dance and i trip uo Jimmy with the word of the day and finish talking about the Future of Restaurants.
May 29, 2020
38 min
Episode 32: Service Industry, Paul Peterson and The Wellness Coach
On Top Shelf Discussions today we bring out some Justin Winery Cab Sauv 2017 from the hot region of Paso Robles. What a great cab for the price. We talk with service industry waiter Paul Peterson and some of the things that have happened to him over the last two months and the re-opening of Dee Lincoln’s Prime Steakhouse and what that looks like now. We get into the Dallas Cowboys which is always fun and we discuss Jimmy possibly being a Wellness Coach? We end it with a discussion about Las Vegas and how MGM could be opening 3 properties. soon.Special Guest: Paul Peterson.
May 21, 2020
44 min
Episode 31: Vicki Hartnett, Non Alc’s & Rodeo Clowns
Today we mix it up literally with a stay at home cocktail using REAL Blackberry syrup making Margarita’s. We talk with industry veteran Vicki Hartnett from American Beverage Marketers. She is the SW Regional Manager and she has some great stories to tell and explains all about her great lineup of Non Alcoholic goods and how the business is doing. We are still Social DIstancing and Jimmy gets into a discussion of Rodeo Clowns and the hiring process. We talk Drones and if they are a good thing or a bad thing. And we end it with a discussion on how folks in the industry should reach out to a few folks maybe they haven’t talked to in the last two months and to stay positive.Special Guest: Vicki Hartnett.
May 14, 2020
35 min
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