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Blindfolds, cocktails, and murder – what more could you want from a dinner party? Creator Jill Bell joins us to reveal the story behind "Murder on the Rocks," the cocktail party murder mystery game that's completely reinventing game night.

With a PhD in cybersecurity and experience as a firefighter, Jill never expected to become a game designer. Yet her creation just funded at an astonishing 985% on Kickstarter, proving there's serious thirst for innovative party games that combine adult beverages with clever gameplay mechanics. What makes this game special? Unlike traditional one-and-done mystery boxes, Murder on the Rocks features beautifully illustrated clue cards designed for multiple interpretations, making every playthrough a unique experience.

The game works brilliantly in its simplicity: players attend a masquerade party at Whiskey Ridge Manor, don blindfolds during a "dance party" phase, and the designated murderer secretly "poisons" someone's drink – typically with grenadine to simulate blood. The victim then receives cryptic clue cards that may or may not point to the killer's identity. As Jill explains, "It's all about strategy... do you want to try and spread out the game?" The murderer walks a delicate line between misleading other players while avoiding suspicion themselves.

We explore the stunning artwork created by illustrator Zoe Almond-Job, the character-themed signature cocktails, and even get a sneak peek at Jill's next project – "Shots at Sundown," a Wild West-themed drinking game where your cocktail serves as ammunition in gunslinging duels. Whether you're a murder podcast enthusiast or simply looking for your next game night obsession, this conversation will have you reaching for both the cocktail shaker and your detective hat.

Murder on the Rocks will be available in 2024, with late pledges still open on Kickstarter. Visit MisfitMixers.com to learn more about this killer combination of mystery and mixology!

https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

August Gitschlag @rawgusto

Merch www.WearingFunny.com

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Dive into a cocktail experiment gone hilariously wrong as we tackle the Kalimotxo—an unusual Spanish drink that mixes red wine with Coca-Cola. This strange combination dates back to the 1920s when festival organizers in Spain discovered their wine was terrible and desperately needed a fix. Their solution? Mask it with Coca-Cola, creating what we dub "the original Fyre Festival of cocktails."

We explore the Tempranillo wine used in our experiment, discussing the rich characteristics of this Spanish grape variety known for its full body and deep ruby color. Despite our best efforts (and even adding bitters and lemon), the verdict is unanimous—some cocktails exist more as cautionary tales than recommendations. As Matt perfectly puts it, it's "like a mistake that you just drink."

The episode takes an exciting turn when we unbox "Murder on the Rocks," a cocktail-themed murder mystery game featuring characters like Ginny Tonic and Absinthe Abby. Get a sneak peek at our upcoming game night where we'll be joined by the game's creator to solve mysteries while mixing drinks.

Between sips and laughs, we share plenty of dad jokes (including one that August has been saving for 42 years), discuss Pride Month celebrations, and preview our packed schedule of upcoming episodes.

Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast curious about unusual drink combinations or simply enjoy our brand of spirited conversation, this episode offers plenty of laughs, lessons about what NOT to mix, and a reminder that sometimes the best discoveries come from trying something new—even when the results aren't what you expected!

https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

August Gitschlag @rawgusto

Merch www.WearingFunny.com

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What happens when three whiskey enthusiasts decide to pair fine spirits with jelly beans? Pure chaotic deliciousness! This episode takes you on a flavorful journey through unexpected combinations as Jamie, Matt, and August explore the intersection of childhood nostalgia and adult beverages.

The adventure begins with a sample of Willett Small Batch Family Estate Straight Rye Whiskey, setting the stage for our sweet experiments. We then dive into Jelly Belly's cocktail-inspired beans, identifying unique flavors like mojito, moscow mule, and gin and tonic before creating our own whiskey pairings. Watch as our toasted marshmallow beans meet Basil Hayden's Toasted Bourbon in a "toast on toast" combination, and witness the colorful transformation when red apple jellies soak in Yellowstone Bourbon.

Beyond the tasting experiments, we share personal jelly bean preferences (August loves black licorice while Jamie can't resist lemon-lime) and nostalgic candy memories. Did you know Jelly Belly makes over 100 different flavors? Or that Mountain Dew was originally created as a whiskey mixer? These fascinating tidbits pepper our conversation as we sample Writer's Tears Irish Whiskey, Eagle Rare, and Sazerac Rye alongside various beans.

The episode wraps with exciting news about our upcoming appearance judging smoked cocktails at Whiskey Taco Foxtrot and an invitation to our listeners. Have a man cave, tiki bar, boat, or unique space you'd like us to broadcast from? Reach out—we're compiling locations for future episodes and would love to bring the show to you!

Whether you're a whiskey aficionado looking for unconventional pairings or simply enjoy listening to friends having a great time, this sweet-meets-spirits episode delivers plenty of laughs, insights, and inspiration for your next tasting adventure. Subscribe now and join our growing community of spirit enthusiasts!

https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

August Gitschlag @rawgusto

Merch www.WearingFunny.com