Bottles & Bites Without Borders

Send us a textBourbon has never been bigger—but is it on solid ground?In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob is joined once again by friend of the show Matt Carter to take a hard look at the current state of bourbon. From explosive growth and shifting consumer tastes to pricing fatigue, limited releases, and changing hype cycles, we break down where bourbon is right now—and where it may be headed next.We discuss the biggest trends we’re seeing in 2025, ask the uncomfortable question of whether a bourbon “collapse” is coming, and share our predictions for what the bourbon world could look like in 2026.Along the way, we crack open and taste three noteworthy releases:Old Grand-Dad 7 Year Bottled in BondOld Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled in BondJack Daniel’s Heritage ToastedIs age still king? Does Bottled in Bond still matter? And what does “premium” even mean anymore?Pour a glass and join us for an honest, no-hype conversation about bourbon’s past, present, and future.🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders Exploring the world of food, wine, and whiskey—one bottle and bite at a time.🌐 Website: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com 📸 Instagram: @bottles_bites_wb 🐦 X (Twitter): @foodwhiskey 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813 📧 Email: [email protected]#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee Support the show

Send us a textThe egg is everywhere—and for good reason. In this episode, we make the case that the egg is the greatest food and ingredient ever created. From over-easy and sunny side up to omelets and scrambled eggs, the egg shines as the star of breakfast. But it doesn’t stop there.Eggs elevate burgers, crown fried rice, finish enchiladas, and form the soul of iconic dishes like Pasta Carbonara. They’re essential in baking, foundational in fresh pasta, and quietly responsible for texture, richness, structure, and flavor across cuisines and cultures.This episode is a love letter to the egg—its versatility, its simplicity, and its unmatched ability to transform food.🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders Exploring the world of food, wine, and whiskey—one bottle and bite at a time.🌐 Website: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com 📸 Instagram: @bottles_bites_wb 🐦 X (Twitter): @foodwhiskey 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813 📧 Email: [email protected]#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee Support the show

Send us a textIn this warm and thoughtful episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob sits down with a very special guest—Jaime Deleon’s daughter, Ashley, a young wine enthusiast beginning her journey into the vast and fascinating world of wine. Together, they dive into the real questions that new wine drinkers often feel too intimidated to ask.She shares what excites her, what confuses her, and what sometimes feels overwhelming as she starts exploring bottles, regions, aromas, and flavor profiles. Rob & Jaime help break it all down—from understanding value and recognizing quality, to learning how to trust your palate, describe what you taste, and decide whether a wine is actually “worth it” for where you are in your own wine path.This episode is honest, educational, relatable, and full of encouragement. Whether you’re brand new to wine or mentoring someone who is, this conversation opens the door to a more approachable and enjoyable journey.🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders Exploring the world of food, wine, and whiskey—one bottle and bite at a time.🌐 Website: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com 📸 Instagram: @bottles_bites_wb 🐦 X (Twitter): @foodwhiskey 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813 📧 Email: [email protected]#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee Support the show

Send us a text2025 was the Year of Italy for Bottles & Bites Without Borders. From Tuscany to Piedmont, Sicily to Friuli, Rob dives back into all five Italian regions explored this year and breaks down the wines, the culture, the surprises, and the discoveries that left a mark.In this episode, Rob uncorks the highlights of the Italian series—what he loved, what challenged him, which grapes over-delivered, and why Italian wine continues to be one of the most rewarding deep dives for any wine lover. We revisit iconic styles like Chianti Classico, Barolo, and Etna Rosso, but also celebrate the under-the-radar gems that deserve more attention in 2026.Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned wine geek, this episode serves as a fun, fast, flavorful recap of Italy’s most exciting wine regions.🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders Exploring the world of food, wine, and whiskey—one bottle and bite at a time.🌐 Website: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com 📸 Instagram: @bottles_bites_wb 🐦 X (Twitter): @foodwhiskey 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813 📧 Email: [email protected]#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob sits down with wine expert and friend of the show, Jaime Deleon, to dive deep into the newly released Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025. We break down how many wines each country landed on the list—and whether we actually agree with the rankings.Rob and Jaime also share how they use the Top 100 list in their own wine journeys, and offer practical, no-nonsense advice for how you, the consumer, can make the most of it. Is it a shopping list? A discovery guide? A marketing tool? We’re talking about all of it.From the strengths and limitations of the 100-point scoring system, to the sometimes eyebrow-raising prices attached to these wines, to the trends this year’s list reveals across regions and styles—it’s all here, with plenty of insight, perspective, and laughs along the way.Pour a glass and join us for a fun, honest, and informative breakdown of one of the wine world’s biggest annual releases.🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders Exploring the world of food, wine, and whiskey—one bottle and bite at a time.🌐 Website: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com 📸 Instagram: @bottles_bites_wb 🐦 X (Twitter): @foodwhiskey 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813 📧 Email: [email protected]#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee Support the show