Key In The Lake Whiskey Podcast

Hosted by Jake Hukee

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Episodes

300

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Two Chicagoans dedicated to everything whiskey. Join Jake Hukee and Wilson Torres as they thread the current identity of the whiskey industry to the principles of the past through conversations and interviews with industry leaders.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 18, 2026Episode 30934 min

309. Live From Kentucky Bourbon Fest

Live from Kentucky Bourbon Fest, John Chesney takes me around the festival as we revisit some his favorite pours. On Saturday of the event, John went on a magnificent run of trying 50 samples of whiskey from across the entire fest. So, on Sunday, John and I wander from craft distilleries to large legacy brands sampling some of the best whiskey Kentucky has to offer. Hosts: Jake Hukee and John Chesney Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake

September 4, 2026Episode 30823 min

308. 4Star Cocktails | Mel Hatch

Mel of Love Street shares her artistic approach to building cocktails in Lincoln Park’s best cocktail spot. Mel has bartended all over Chicago for more than decade and she combines her photography/fine art background to developing cocktails and engaging with customers. She’s one of the most fun bartenders to converse with from across the bar, so go pay her a visit! Guest: Mel Hatch Host: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake

August 19, 2026Episode 30719 min

307. 4Star Cocktails | Kobe Sargent

We take a trip to Wheaton, IL to hang at one of the best bars in Chicagoland, Subourbon. Kobe Sargent is the man behind the bar program at this historic whiskey, wine and cocktail establishment. Subourbon is membership-driven bar experience in an 150 year old building where members collect bottles, share stories and drink fantastic cocktails led by Kobe. Listen to Kobe’s story from a curious server to GM Subourbon. Guest: Kobe Sargent Host: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake

August 13, 2026Episode 30629 min

306. 4Star Cocktails | Garrett Turnquist

Garrett takes us through running the beverage program for one of the best restaurant groups in the Chicago suburbs, Bourbon. Belly. Recording from historic Glen Ellyn’s Maize + Mash, Garrett shakes a Check On Your Honey, a Farmer’s Gin based cocktail. Garrett shares his industry experience, his love for whiskey and best parts of working with a cohesive bar team. Guest: Garrett Turnquist Host: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake

August 6, 2026Episode 30531 min

305. 4Star Cocktails | Josue Mancero

Back to The Press Room but this time we chat with Managing Partner Josue Mancero. Josue is one the friendliest bartenders in Chicago and he gets right into shaking the Pineapple & Bark (rum sour riff). Josue shares his 20 years in hospitality—14 years behind the bar—and how his experience as a chef influences his cocktail menus. We also chat about Josue’s favorite Chicago food spots and how the hospitality industry is built different because of the city’s multi-cultural influence. Guest: Josue Mancero Host: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake

July 27, 2026Episode 30422 min

304. 4Star Cocktails | Jorge Vallejo

We head to one of my favorite Chicago cocktail spots, The Press Room to hang with Jorge Vallejo, Beverage Director/Managing Partner. Jorge shares his journey of moving from Ecuador to New York—where he began his hospitality career. After a decade in New York, Jorge moved to Chicago and he’s now recognized as one of the city’s best bartenders. Guest: Jorge Vallejo Host: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake

July 20, 2026Episode 30331 min

303. 4Star Cocktails | John Chesney

From lying about his resume to get his first bar job to now operating one of the best whiskey bars in America, John Chesney of Slightly Toasted shares his story of bartending. John stirs a delicious barrel-aged old-fashioned for this episode and highlights his curiosity for barrel-aging cocktails and blending whiskey. Guest: John Chesney Host: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake

July 13, 2026Episode 30236 min

302. 4Star Cocktails | Antonio Moreno (Copy)

Antonio and I get right into shaking up a cocktail with Song Cai Roselle Gin. Antonio runs the bar at Cultivate by Forbidden Root. His bar program and the restaurant are a couple of the best on the North Side of the city, but the Cultivate remains one of the hidden gems of Chicago’s food scene. Antonio shares his 17 years of experience in the restaurant industry and how he’s curated his bar program based on his culinary background. Guest: Antonio Moreno Hosts: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake

July 6, 2026Episode 30121 min

301. 4Star Cocktails | Sean "Gio" Giordano

Live from Pizz’Amici, Gio shares his two years behind the bar at this coveted pizza joint in West Town. Gio’s ran the bar at Pizz’Amici since they opened their doors. He’s brought his amusing infectious personality of hospitality and humility to the restaurant. Gio shakes us a couple Strawberry Last Words for this episode while we reflect on his career in bartending in Chicago. Guest: Sean "Gio" Giordano Hosts: Jake Hukee Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake

May 12, 2026Episode 3001 hr 16 min

300. The 300th

John Chesney and Matt Brown join me for a recap of 300 episodes. We look back on the landscape of whiskey when I first began the podcast seven years ago and to where whiskey and consumer are heading now. Hosts: Jake Hukee, Matt Brown and John Chesney Listen to more episodes and read stories at keyinthelake.com Key In The Lake