In this episode, David Nilsen talks with chocolate educator Kathryn Laverack of Cocoa Encounters and The Brown Cow pub proprietor Victoria Hopper to discuss cacao and chocolate cocktails, and chocolate and whiskey pairings.

Mixologist and pastry chef Michael George recently won the prestigious Black Manhattan Contest put on by the Black Bourbon Society with two cocktails that tell amazing stories and push the boundaries of flavor. One of those drinks—named the Blackest in the Forest—was made using cacao and chocolate from Ritual Chocolate, and tells the story of Michael’s roots—where they’ve been, where they are now, and where they’re going.