Episode Overview
Can a world-class spirit erase 30 years of bad memories? In Episode 05 of From Bottle to Bar, host Dino braves the Northeast Ohio cold to discover why Western Reserve Distillers is converting even the most skeptical bourbon drinkers to the world of agave.
We start in Lakewood at Western Reserve Distillers, where owners Ann and Kevin bring a European “drink local” philosophy to Ohio. By using organic grains from West Salem and aging their agave spirits in wet bourbon barrels, they’ve created a Reposado with a fruit-forward, candy-like nose that has to be tasted to be believed.
The journey continues to Pizzeria DiLauro in Chagrin Falls, a former pizza trailer turned permanent neighborhood staple. Dino explores the science of their four-hour fermented dough before diving into “The Luca” pizza and a signature margarita. It’s an episode about family-owned businesses supporting one another and the perfect recipe for a winter night: great spirits, great food, and The Godfather (Parts I and II only, of course).
Episode Features
Western Reserve Distillers is a family owned Organic Craft Distillery producing award winning world class spirits in Lakewood, Ohio, which is just a few miles from downtown Cleveland. All of our products are handcrafted in small batches with grains from Ohio farms within 150 miles of our distillery.
Pizzeria DiLauro brings East Coast-inspired pizza and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere to Chagrin Falls. Known for its handcrafted New York-style pies, fresh ingredients, and laid-back dining experience, the family-owned pizzeria has become a local favorite for casual dinners, drinks, and gathering with friends and family.
The Full Bottle
Pizzeria DiLauro
In this episode of The Full Bottle, Dino sits down with the team behind Pizza DiLauro to talk dough science, family business, and what it really takes to build something lasting in your community. From their fermented dough process to “The Luca” pizza and a perfectly crafted margarita, this stop delivers comfort in every sense of the word.
Learn the Build
Featured Cocktail
Western Reserve Reposado Margarita
The cocktail that brought Dino back to the fold. Built with Western Reserve Distillers Reposado—which is aged in “wet” bourbon barrels for a smooth, candy-like finish with hints of apple—and a house-made lime sour. It’s a perfectly balanced, bright, and sophisticated take on a classic that proves high-quality ingredients make all the difference.
1.5 oz Western Reserve Reposado
1 oz Homemade Lime Sour Mix
0.5 oz Orange Liqueur (Cointreau)
1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
Lime wheel/wedge
Garnish rim with salt, sugar, lime zest