John Leonard & The Soju Bomb

John Leonard’s 34‑year career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Customs Service culminated in his role as Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Trade at CBP Headquarters in Washington, DC.  In this episode, John looks back on that journey reflecting on the broad portfolio of trade enforcement, security, and facilitation he led, and sharing how those experiences ultimately carried him to the opposite side of the globe, where he continues tackling many of the same challenges from the private‑sector perspective.   And for a second time, our guest took over the cocktail segment, this time introducing us to the Soju Bomb.  Known in Korea as somaek (a blend of soju and maekju, or beer) or poktanju, it’s a popular Korean beer cocktail created by dropping a shot of soju into a glass of beer. The classic “golden ratio” three parts soju to seven parts beer which produces a smooth, effervescent drink that softens the beer’s bitterness while mellowing the sharp edge of the spirit.