Introduction
In the latest episode of the Drink O’Clock podcast, host Rob Valincius welcomes a unique guest—Bum Wine Bob, the connoisseur of cheap booze and host of the “Bumming with Bobcat” podcast. The conversation between Rob and Bob is an intoxicating blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and a deep dive into the world of bum wines. Here’s a summary of their engaging chat.
Meeting of the Minds
The podcast kicks off with Rob and Bob expressing their excitement over finally collaborating. Both share a common love for drinking and have a fun exchange about their matching beards and hairstyles. Bob humorously reveals he’s pre-gaming with a mix of Southern Comfort and Mountain Dew to match Rob’s signature green background.
Rob’s COVID Experience
Rob, battling COVID for the second time, laments about losing his sense of taste, making his beloved old-fashioned cocktails less enjoyable. Despite the setback, he keeps the spirits high and toasts with Bob, adhering to the podcast’s unwritten rules of always drinking along with the guest.
Exploring Bum Wines
Bob dives into his persona and the origins of “Bum Wine Bob,” explaining his long-standing appreciation for inexpensive, fortified wines. The term “bum wine” refers to low-cost, high-alcohol wines that are often associated with a rough crowd due to their affordability and potency. Bob’s favorites include MD 2020 varieties like Blue Raspberry and Pineapple, which he describes as surprisingly tasty despite their cheap production.
Best and Worst Bum Wines
When asked about the best and worst bum wines, Bob highlights MD 2020 as the best-tasting option with its array of flavors. Conversely, he mentions Cisco, notorious for its misleading packaging and extreme potency, which led to it being dubbed “liquid crack” in the 90s. Bob advises caution with these drinks due to their high sugar content and strong effects.
Personal Stories and Hangovers
The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Rob and Bob share stories from their younger days. Rob recalls his dad sneaking them MD 2020, pocketing the extra cash, while Bob reminisces about wild nights ending with regrettable hangovers. Both agree that as they’ve aged, recovering from a heavy night of drinking has become much tougher.
What is Bum Wine?
For those unfamiliar, Bob breaks down the essence of bum wine. It’s essentially the cheapest form of fortified wine, made from low-quality ingredients and designed to deliver a quick, potent buzz. Popular brands include Night Train Express and Thunderbird, with alcohol content reaching up to 17.5%. Bob emphasizes that while these drinks can be fun in moderation, excessive consumption is harmful.
Closing Thoughts
The episode wraps up with Rob and Bob sharing a virtual toast, reflecting on their shared love for basic, unpretentious beverages. Bob, ever the expert, has a lineup of bum wines and beers at the ready, embodying his persona with authenticity and humor.
For anyone curious about the world of bottom-shelf booze, this episode of Drink O’Clock offers a fascinating and entertaining glimpse. Cheers to Bum Wine Bob for sharing his knowledge and stories, reminding us all that sometimes the simplest pleasures can be the most enjoyable.
Stay tuned for more episodes of Drink O’Clock, where Rob Valincius continues to bring you engaging conversations and unforgettable tales from the world of drinking.