The Truth About Ice, Water & Booze with Camper English

·48 min·4 clips

Camper English reveals the hidden complexities of Cognac production that most houses keep secret.

The episode begins with host Shawn Soole introducing Camper English, highlighting his expertise in Cognac and his role as a writer and journalist. Camper recounts how he transitioned from software engineering to writing about drinks, starting with bar reviews before the cocktail Renaissance. He discusses his deep research approach, which led to projects like Cocktail Safe, a website created to educate on ingredient safety, funded by a grant from Tailors.com. The conversation shifts to institutionalized knowledge, with Camper noting the post-pandemic exodus of mid-career bartenders, leaving a gap in training for younger staff. He emphasizes the dangers of unsafe ingredients, such as tobacco and certain flowers, and the influence of social media on risky practices. Camper details his discovery of directional freezing for clear ice, a process he developed through trial and error, and mentions his ice book that gained attention during the pandemic. They explore current cocktail trends, with Camper expressing a desire for simpler, juicier drinks and critiquing the overuse of batching that dulls flavors. He also touches on the state of drinks journalism, noting financial constraints and the threat of AI. The episode concludes with deep questions, where Camper shares his philosophy on learning, success defined by impact, and his legacy tied to clear ice innovation. Throughout, personal anecdotes, like a meet-up at an airport bar, add a reflective tone to the discussion.

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