# Tasting on The No Agenda Show

Tasting comes up in 26 chapters across 26 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from December 2007 to October 2026.

- **Chapters:** 26
- **Episodes:** 26
- **Discussed:** December 2007 – October 2026
- **Related topics:** [Pg Tips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pg-tips.md), [Bordeaux](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bordeaux.md), [Dana Brunetti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dana-brunetti.md), [Healdsburg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healdsburg.md), [Kim Jong-il](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kim-jong-il.md), [North Korea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-korea.md), [San Francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [Yorkshire Tea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yorkshire-tea.md), [Black Hat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/black-hat.md), [Bourbon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bourbon.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 26

### Dana Brunetti's Relationship with John C. Dvorak

- **Episode:** [1915: Off The Rails](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1915-off-the-rails.md)
- **Published:** 2026-10-25
- **Time:** 31:58–36:21
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1915-off-the-rails/chapter/dana-brunetti-s-relationship-with-john-c-dvorak.md

Dana Brunetti describes how he first met John C. Dvorak after Dvorak looked up his address on Zillow following a donation. Brunetti recounts a wine-tasting trip to Verite Winery where Dvorak berated the winemaker, telling him the wine would "make good vinegar one day." He notes that Dvorak always insisted on picking the most expensive restaurants and ordering from the bottom of the wine list.

Keywords: [dana brunetti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dana-brunetti.md), [john c dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [zillow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zillow.md), [wine tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-tasting.md), [verite winery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/verite-winery.md)

### Dvorak's Wine Palate and Costco Recommendations

- **Episode:** [1888: In The Mourning](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-24
- **Time:** 47:08–51:36
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning/chapter/dvorak-s-wine-palate-and-costco-recommendations.md

The discussion turns to Dvorak's legendary status as a wine connoisseur and his promotion of affordable "Kirkland crate" Bordeaux from Costco. Will Hearst and Dana Brunetti share conflicting stories of Dvorak's wine habits—ranging from seeking $10 bargains to running up $8,500 bills at the Bellagio. Dvorak's background as a taster for Bon Appetit is noted as the source of his extensive knowledge.

Keywords: [bordeaux](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bordeaux.md), [costco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/costco.md), [kirkland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kirkland.md), kermit lynch, [wine tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-tasting.md)

### Tip of the Day, Crow 86 and Spirit Tasting

- **Episode:** [1810: golfball](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1810-golfball.md)
- **Published:** 2025-10-23
- **Time:** 3:25:03–3:32:13
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1810-golfball/chapter/tip-of-the-day-crow-86-and-spirit-tasting.md

John C. Dvorak recommends Crow 86 bourbon as a good cheap drink and offers tasting advice about not swirling spirits like wine. The segment ends with a reminder to support the show, a teaser for end-of-show mixes, and a farewell before the closing music.

Keywords: crow 86, [jim beam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jim-beam.md), [bourbon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bourbon.md), spirits, [tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tasting.md)

### Umami Lexicon, Cooking Show Trends

- **Episode:** [1769: Mr. Umami](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1769-mr-umami.md)
- **Published:** 2025-06-01
- **Time:** 4:09
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1769-mr-umami/chapter/umami-lexicon-cooking-show-trends.md

The term umami has seen a surge in popular usage since the early 2000s, largely driven by professional chefs on television cooking programs. An Ngram search indicates the word was virtually non-existent in common English parlance prior to this period. While often described as a savory or meaty taste, the term is frequently used as a modern euphemism for the flavor profile associated with monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Keywords: [umami](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/umami.md), [msg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msg.md), google ngram, [cooking shows](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cooking-shows.md), savory taste

### Hot Sauce Tasting, Ghost Pepper, Small Batch

- **Episode:** [1746: Bedtime Hygiene](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1746-bedtime-hygiene.md)
- **Published:** 2025-03-13
- **Time:** 2:40:38–2:44:19
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1746-bedtime-hygiene/chapter/hot-sauce-tasting-ghost-pepper-small-batch.md

One of the hosts performs a live tasting of the "Oli Ghost" pepper sauce during the broadcast. They describe the heat level and lingering effects of the small-batch product. The segment concludes with a final thank you to the associate executive producers for the episode.

Keywords: ghost pepper, habanero, serrano, [hot sauce](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hot-sauce.md), [tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tasting.md)

### No Agenda Meetups, Oregon and Las Vegas Reports

- **Episode:** [1478: Flexitarianism](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1478-flexitarianism.md)
- **Published:** 2022-08-18
- **Time:** 3:03:47–3:08:06
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1478-flexitarianism/chapter/no-agenda-meetups-oregon-and-las-vegas-reports.md

Producers reported on recent meetups in Oregon, which featured a pomegranate mead tasting, and a gathering in Las Vegas during the Black Hat and Def Con conventions. Upcoming meetups are scheduled for Fort Worth, Jacksonville, and Dublin. These events are organized by listeners to foster community outside of mainstream media influence.

Keywords: [portland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/portland.md), [las vegas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/las-vegas.md), [black hat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/black-hat.md), [def con](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/def-con.md), mead tasting

### Becker Vineyards Report, Hill Country Winery Wednesday

- **Episode:** [1384: Code Red](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1384-code-red.md)
- **Published:** 2021-09-23
- **Time:** 2:43:38–2:47:18
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1384-code-red/chapter/becker-vineyards-report-hill-country-winery-wednesday.md

The hosts begin a new recurring segment called "Winery Wednesday," starting with a report on Becker Vineyards. They review the ambiance, the "rehearsed spiel" of the staff, and the quality of the charcuterie board. The 2018 Dolcetto Reserve is highlighted as the best wine tasted so far, despite a critique of its price point.

Keywords: becker vineyards, [texas hill country](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas-hill-country.md), [wine tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-tasting.md), [charcuterie](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charcuterie.md), dolcetto

### Dame Meowdison, Sonoma Wine Country and Verite

- **Episode:** [1308: Swiss Cheese Model](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1308-swiss-cheese-model.md)
- **Published:** 2021-01-10
- **Time:** 2:04:10–2:09:05
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1308-swiss-cheese-model/chapter/dame-meowdison-sonoma-wine-country-and-verite.md

Dame Meowdison and Dame Damey of Sonoma are recognized for their contributions. Dame Damey, who works at the Verite winery, describes an "off-the-rails" unscripted tasting experience with the hosts and plans a local meetup in Healdsburg.

Keywords: [orlando](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/orlando.md), [healdsburg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healdsburg.md), [sonoma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sonoma.md), verite, [wine tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-tasting.md)

### Dana Brunetti, Hollywood Producer Wine Tasting and Somali Pirates

- **Episode:** [1302: Mink Road](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1302-mink-road.md)
- **Published:** 2020-12-10
- **Time:** 9:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1302-mink-road/chapter/dana-brunetti-hollywood-producer-wine-tasting-and-somali-pirates.md

Hollywood producer Dana Brunetti visited a cult winery in Sonoma County for a high-end tasting involving 100-point wines. During the visit, Brunetti shared a story regarding the casting of the film Captain Phillips, noting that the Somali pirates were cast during a cattle call in Minnesota. One of the non-professional actors from that call eventually received an Academy Award nomination, while lead actor Tom Hanks did not.

Keywords: [dana brunetti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dana-brunetti.md), [hollywood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hollywood.md), [wine tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-tasting.md), [sonoma county](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sonoma-county.md), [captain phillips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/captain-phillips.md), [somali pirates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/somali-pirates.md), [tom hanks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tom-hanks.md)

### Amy Ekman Spradling and Veritas Winery

- **Episode:** [1297: Going Bananas](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1297-going-bananas.md)
- **Published:** 2020-11-26
- **Time:** 2:05:50–2:09:32
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1297-going-bananas/chapter/amy-ekman-spradling-and-veritas-winery.md

A donation from Amy Ekman Spradling leads to a discussion about her work at Veritas Winery in Healdsburg, California. The hosts reminisce about Adam Curry's MTV days and the social dynamics of "hitting people in the mouth" with No Agenda information.

Keywords: amy ekman spradling, veritas winery, [healdsburg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healdsburg.md), barrel tasting, [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md)

### COVID-19 Recovery Experience and Loss of Taste

- **Episode:** [1285: Davos Douche](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1285-davos-douche.md)
- **Published:** 2020-10-15
- **Time:** 1:05:11–1:07:33
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1285-davos-douche/chapter/covid-19-recovery-experience-and-loss-of-taste.md

A 55-year-old male producer shared his family's experience recovering from COVID-19, describing it as a mild flu with unique joint pain and extreme fatigue. The most notable symptom was a near-total loss of smell and taste for two days, which differed from standard congestion-related muting. The family recovered fully within a week, leading to questions about the necessity of national lockdowns for moderate viruses.

Keywords: covid-19 symptoms, loss of taste, [fatigue](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fatigue.md), malic acid, virus recovery

### Vitamin D, Zinc, and the Loss of Taste

- **Episode:** [1245: Mask Up!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1245-mask-up.md)
- **Published:** 2020-05-31
- **Time:** 1:36:38–1:39:41
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1245-mask-up/chapter/vitamin-d-zinc-and-the-loss-of-taste.md

Vitamin D is identified as a crucial factor in upregulating enzymes like Cystatin-D, which helps protect the respiratory system. The loss of taste and smell in COVID-19 patients is linked to deficiencies in these nutrients. Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai is mentioned as a proponent of using high-dose Vitamin D and zinc to support the immune system during the pandemic.

Keywords: [vitamin d](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vitamin-d.md), [zinc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zinc.md), shiva ayyadurai, cystatin-d, loss of taste

### Replica Wine Lab and Molecular Sommelier Scams

- **Episode:** [1063: Furternity](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1063-furternity.md)
- **Published:** 2018-08-30
- **Time:** 2:46:13–2:51:24
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1063-furternity/chapter/replica-wine-lab-and-molecular-sommelier-scams.md

A Denver-based company called Replica claims to use laboratory analysis to recreate expensive wines at a lower price point. John C. Dvorak, a professional wine judge, deconstructs the claim as a marketing scam, explaining that the complexity of yeast and fermentation makes it impossible to chemically map and perfectly replicate high-end wine.

Keywords: replica wine, [molecular gastronomy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/molecular-gastronomy.md), [denver](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/denver.md), [sommelier](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sommelier.md), [wine tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-tasting.md)

### Knighting Ceremony, Sorghum Cooking Report

- **Episode:** [1003: Doomsday Sandwich](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1003-doomsday-sandwich.md)
- **Published:** 2018-01-28
- **Time:** 2:27:10–2:29:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1003-doomsday-sandwich/chapter/knighting-ceremony-sorghum-cooking-report.md

New knights and dames were inducted into the No Agenda Round Table, including Sir Loud Pipes, Dame Firecracker, and Sir Racha. John Dvorak announced he would be cooking sorghum for the first time, describing a simple preparation with butter and salt. He also mentioned an upcoming wine report following a large tasting event.

Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [sorghum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sorghum.md), [wine tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-tasting.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [culinary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/culinary.md)

### Robert Mondavi Wine Report, Dilution Technique

- **Episode:** [853: ISO Day](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/853-iso-day.md)
- **Published:** 2016-08-21
- **Time:** 1:36:21–1:39:15
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/853-iso-day/chapter/robert-mondavi-wine-report-dilution-technique.md

A review of the 2012 Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon describes it as a heavy, high-quality wine priced at approximately $35. An unconventional tasting technique was shared, involving diluting the wine 50/50 with cold water, which reportedly enhanced the flavor profile. This method is also suggested as a way to appear to be drinking more at cocktail parties while remaining sober.

Keywords: robert mondavi, oakville, [cabernet sauvignon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cabernet-sauvignon.md), [wine tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-tasting.md), dilution

### Ritz Carlton San Francisco and Parallel 37 Restaurant Review

- **Episode:** [458: Punch a Puppy!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/458-punch-a-puppy.md)
- **Published:** 2012-11-04
- **Time:** 6:53–9:08
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/458-punch-a-puppy/chapter/ritz-carlton-san-francisco-and-parallel-37-restaurant-review.md

The hosts review their dining experience at Parallel 37, the restaurant inside the Ritz Carlton San Francisco. They critique the hotel's transition under Marriott ownership, noting a shift toward a "W Hotel" aesthetic to compete with the Four Seasons. While the tasting menu was considered decent, they express disappointment in the lack of a professional sommelier.

Keywords: [ritz carlton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ritz-carlton.md), parallel 37, [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [marriott](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marriott.md), tasting menu

### Kim Jong-il Movie Recommendations and Potential Wine Tasting

- **Episode:** [148: Adam Gets Kicked Out](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/148-adam-gets-kicked-out.md)
- **Published:** 2009-11-15
- **Time:** 6:13–10:10
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/148-adam-gets-kicked-out/chapter/kim-jong-il-movie-recommendations-and-potential-wine-tasting.md

Adam Curry recounts a conversation with his uncle, Don Curry, regarding his past correspondence with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. Don Curry reportedly sent movies such as The Patriot and Brothers in Arms to the Supreme Leader, who allegedly enjoyed them. The hosts propose sending a new list of DVDs to Kim Jong-il to facilitate a future wine tasting meeting for John C. Dvorak.

Keywords: [kim jong-il](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kim-jong-il.md), [north korea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-korea.md), don curry, the patriot, brothers in arms, [wine tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-tasting.md)

### Kim Jong-il, Bordeaux Wine Collection, North Korea Travel

- **Episode:** [102: Bizarre Sex Crime](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/102-bizarre-sex-crime.md)
- **Published:** 2009-06-07
- **Time:** 31:19–36:04
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/102-bizarre-sex-crime/chapter/kim-jong-il-bordeaux-wine-collection-north-korea-travel.md

John C. Dvorak proposes traveling to North Korea to help Kim Jong-il inventory his rumored collection of rare Bordeaux wines. The hosts discuss the social aspects of high-end wine collecting and the potential for "wine diplomacy." They reference North Korean humor as depicted in travel shows like Globe Trekker.

Keywords: [kim jong-il](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kim-jong-il.md), [bordeaux](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bordeaux.md), [wine tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-tasting.md), [north korea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-korea.md), globe trekker, [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md)

### Champagne Preferences and Henriot Tasting

- **Episode:** [95: We're All Terrorists Now](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/95-we-re-all-terrorists-now.md)
- **Published:** 2009-05-07
- **Time:** 43:05–44:26
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/95-we-re-all-terrorists-now/chapter/champagne-preferences-and-henriot-tasting.md

During a dinner with a guest from Holland, a debate arose regarding the quality of Henriot champagne. One host found it exceptionally smooth, while the guest preferred a "chalkier" style of champagne. The segment touches on different regional preferences for sparkling wine and the high cost of premium brands like Dom Perignon.

Keywords: [champagne](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/champagne.md), henriot, [dom perignon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dom-perignon.md), [tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tasting.md), wine style

### Gallo Wine, Manufactured Taste and Marketing Tricks

- **Episode:** [80: Al Gore: The Most Dangerous Man Alive!!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/80-al-gore-the-most-dangerous-man-alive.md)
- **Published:** 2009-03-15
- **Time:** 1:30:59–1:34:13
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/80-al-gore-the-most-dangerous-man-alive/chapter/gallo-wine-manufactured-taste-and-marketing-tricks.md

An anecdote about a professional wine tasting reveals the "manufactured taste" of high-end Gallo wines. The discussion covers marketing tricks used by large wineries to hook consumers with high-quality early vintages before reducing the quality of ingredients in later releases.

Keywords: gallo, [wine tasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-tasting.md), [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), [vintage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vintage.md), additives

[Next page](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tasting.md?offset=20)

---

This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`.

- [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt)
- [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md)
- [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md)
- [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md)
- [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)