In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Dixon Dedman from 2XO and David Mark Young from Golden Sheaf. These two whiskey aficionados share their insights, experiences, and a whole lot of laughs as they dive into the world of whiskey blending, brand building, and the future of the spirits industry. Episode Highlights: Introduction: Meet our guests Dixon Dedman and David Mark Young. Whiskey Blending: The art and science behind creating the perfect blend. Brand Building: The challenges and t...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 138
In this episode of the EmbellishPod, Geoff from Club Kokomo Spirits joins the host to discuss the journey of creating rum and the unique aspects of rum production. Jeff shares insights into the different types of rum, including Barbadian, Jamaican, and Puerto Rican rums, and the importance of transparency in the rum industry. The conversation delves into the development of Club Kokomo's rum line, including the Barrel Finish rum, which won a double gold medal in San Francisco. Jeff explains the p...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 137
Hey bourbon enthusiasts! In this episode of the EmbellishPod, we dive into the world of distilling with Jacob and Clayton from Hemingway Whiskey and West Kentucky Distilling. Join us as we explore their family's eighth-generation legacy in the distilling space and their journey in the industry. From rebuilding old distilleries to creating innovative whiskey blends, these gentlemen share their experiences and plans for the future. Discover the story behind Hemingway Rye the Hemingway family and t...
Jul 23, 2024•52 min•Ep. 136
Hey folks! Welcome to a special mid-year check-in episode of the EmbellishPod. This episode is a bit different and a whole lot shorter, but packed with exciting updates and whiskey adventures. Episode Highlights: Whiskey Travels: Join me as I recount my recent whiskey travels, including a visit to the "This Is My Bourbon Weekend" podcast meet-up, a tour of the Jim Beam distillery, and a fantastic meal with tiki drinks. Distillery Tours: Discover the picturesque Augusta Distillery and Old Pogue, ...
Jul 17, 2024•18 min•Ep. 135
Welcome to another exciting episode of the EmbellishPod! In this episode, we sit down with Karen, the National Brand Ambassador for Green River Distillery. Join us as we dive into the rich history of Green River, their latest releases, and the unique experiences they offer. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Subscribe 00:38 - Meet Karen from Green River Distillery 01:10 - Barbecue and Barrels Event Recap 02:32 - Karen's Journey to Green River 05:06 - From Florida to Kentucky: Karen's Story 07:...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 134
Join us for an engaging conversation with Caitlin Bartlemay, the newly appointed Master Distiller at Hood River Distillers. In this episode, we dive deep into Caitlin's journey from a farm in Eastern Oregon to becoming a master distiller, her experiences in the distilling industry, and the challenges and triumphs she has faced along the way. Topics Covered: Caitlin's initial reaction to becoming a Master Distiller The evolution of her role from head distiller to master distiller The impact of th...
Jul 02, 2024•59 min•Ep. 133
Hey whiskey enthusiasts! In this episode of the EmbellishPod, Molly and Jay from New Riff Distilling join host John to discuss the exciting happenings at New Riff. From Molly's transition from the wine industry to the world of spirits to Jay's insights on the ethos of New Riff, this conversation delves into the unique approach of this family-owned distillery. Discover the story behind New Riff's commitment to quality, their innovative approach to single barrel selections, and the significance of...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 132
Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we sit down with Kevin Aslan from Hotaling & Co. Kevin shares his unique journey from being a filmmaker to becoming an innovation distiller, working with renowned brands like Old Potrero, Junipero Gin, and Hirsch Whiskey. In this episode, we dive deep into: Kevin's transition from the film industry to the world of brewing and distilling. The artistry and science behind brewing and distilling. The history and craftsmanship of Old Potrero ...
Jun 18, 2024•58 min•Ep. 131
Join us for an exciting episode of EmbellishPod as we sit down with Brandy and Victoria from Boss Molly! 🎙️ In this episode, we dive deep into the story behind Boss Molly, a unique bourbon brand born out of a women's poker group. Discover how these passionate women are challenging industry norms and bringing female representation to the forefront of the bourbon world. From their meticulous process of creating a weeded mash bill to their innovative brandy stave finishing, Brandy and Victoria sha...
Jun 11, 2024•53 min•Ep. 130
Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we sit down with Paul Tomaszewski from MB Roland Distillery! Located in the heart of Western Kentucky, MB Roland is known for its unique, pre-Prohibition style spirits and its commitment to local ingredients. In this episode, Paul shares the fascinating story behind the distillery, the inspiration for its name, and the journey of starting one of the first craft distilleries in Kentucky. Topics Covered: -The origin and ethos of MB Roland Dist...
Jun 04, 2024•59 min•Ep. 129
In this episode of EmbellishPod, I sit down with Phil, co-founder of Pour More, a unique subscription service that curates and delivers full bottles of whiskey and other spirits to your doorstep. We delve into the origins of Pour More, the challenges and rewards of running a subscription service in the spirits industry, and the meticulous process behind selecting the perfect bottle for their subscribers each month. Phil shares the story of how he and his partner, both bankers at the time, turned...
May 28, 2024•55 min•Ep. 128
Expansion to Acquisition: Penelope's Journey Join us in this engaging episode of our podcast as we catch up with Mike and Danny from Penelope Bourbon. It's been a whirlwind couple of years for Penelope, and we dive deep into the changes, challenges, and innovations that have shaped the company. From expanding markets and increasing the age of their barrels to being acquired by Luxco, Mike and Danny share their journey and the ethos behind building a brand that stands the test of time. We also ex...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 127
Join us in this fascinating episode of the EmbellishPod as we dive deep into the craft spirits industry with Brandon, the Director of Barrel Projects for High and Wicked and the Director of Education for Altamar Brands. From his early days growing up in a bar and restaurant environment in Kansas City to becoming a key figure in the craft cocktail scene, Brandon shares his journey through the world of fine wines, award-winning bars, and ultimately, into the heart of spirit education and productio...
May 07, 2024•56 min•Ep. 126
Welcome to another episode of the EmbellishPod, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of whiskey. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Logan Welk from Blue Note join us to share his journey from the finance sector to the whiskey industry, and the innovative strides Blue Note is making in the bourbon world. 🥃 What to Expect in This Episode: Logan's transition from finance to bourbon. The growth and strategy behind Blue Note Distilling. Insights into Blue Note's product lines and what ...
May 01, 2024•59 min•Ep. 125
Join us in this flavorful journey as we dive into the heart of Owensboro, Kentucky, with Dave from Visit Owensboro. In this episode, we explore the fusion of spirits and smoky goodness at the Barbecue & Barrels event. Discover the city's rich history in bourbon and its unique take on barbecue, including the famous mutton. Learn about the event's intimate bourbon tasting sessions, featuring distilleries like Green River and Bardstown Bourbon Company, and get a sneak peek into the educational ...
Apr 15, 2024•56 min•Ep. 124
Join us in this captivating episode of our podcast as we sit down with Kyle, the master distiller at Holladay Distillery, home of Ben Holladay Bourbon. Kyle shares his journey from biofuel production to master distilling, his agricultural roots, and the intricate process of bourbon making. We delve into the rich history of Holladay Distillery, the oldest west of the Mississippi, and explore how they resurrected their bourbon production with a commitment to tradition and quality. Kyle gives us an...
Apr 09, 2024•55 min•Ep. 123
In this episode of the EmbellishPod, we delve into the intricacies of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, a beloved annual event for bourbon enthusiasts. I am joined by Randy, the driving force behind the festival's transformation and success. The conversation begins with a reflection on the festival's evolution, highlighting the shift towards a more bourbon-centric experience. Randy shares insights into the festival's history and the pivotal changes that were made to align with the needs of distille...
Apr 01, 2024•53 min•Ep. 122
Today I dive deep into the world of distilling and blending with Kate Douglas from Keeper's Heart. Kate shares her journey from studying fermentation science to becoming a skilled distiller. We start by learning about Kate's background and how she transitioned from a chemistry major to pursuing her passion for distilling. She shares insights into the unique triple pot distillation process, crafting classic Irish-style whiskey and innovative blends of Irish and American whiskeys. She delves into ...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 121
Join us in this captivating episode of EmbellishPod as we dive deep into the world of whiskey with a special focus on American Single Malt. Our guest(@miles_monroe), a master blender and global ambassador for Westward, shares his extensive knowledge and personal anecdotes from the industry. From the nuances of pairing Girl Scout cookies with whiskey to the complexities of blending and maturation techniques, this episode is a treasure trove for whiskey enthusiasts. We explore the significance of ...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 120
Join us in this episode of EmbellishPod as we dive into the world of whiskey with our special guest, Jack ( @HOODSOMMELIER ) As a seasoned whiskey influencer and a father with a passion for seeing women excel in the industry, Jack shares his insights on the latest trends shaking up the whiskey scene. From the rise of American single malts to the exciting emergence of whiskeys from unexpected corners of the globe, this episode is a treasure trove for enthusiasts looking to expand their palate. We...
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 119
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing David Mark Young, the owner and master blender of Golden Sheaf Whiskey Company. We delved into his varied past, including his military background and his journey to becoming a whiskey brand owner. David shared his passion for whiskey and how it evolved from a hobby to a full-blown obsession. He discussed the allure of the whiskey lifestyle and his love for the history and backstories behind different brands. We also explored the concept of blen...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 118
In this episode of the Embellish podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jesse Parker, the master blender and one of the founders of Doc Swinson's. Jesse shared his journey into the world of whiskey blending, the challenges of creating unique flavor profiles, and the philosophy behind Doc Swinson's approach to whiskey. Jesse recounted the origins of Doc Swinson's, which started as a pet project within Distillers Way. The team's passion for brown spirits and their encounters with variou...
Feb 12, 2024•59 min•Ep. 117
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cody Turner from Casey Jones Distillery, located in western Kentucky. We delved into the history and ethos of the brand, as well as their unique approach to crafting bourbon. Cody shared the fascinating story of Casey Jones, the namesake of the distillery, who was a still builder during Prohibition. Casey's claim to fame was his ability to create unique square pot stills, which eventually led to his arrest. However, the federal government later...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 116
In this episode I am joined by Macaulay Minton, the master blender, chief alchemist, and president of Dark Arts Whiskey House. Macaulay shares his journey in the whiskey industry, starting from his days studying brewing and distillation in college to his various roles at a distillery. He emphasizes the importance of blending and the role of the master blender in creating exceptional whiskey. Macaulay also discusses the concept behind Dark Arts Whiskey House, which honors the process of alchemy a...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 115
In this episode I share my recommendations and highlights from the whiskey world for the year 2024. Discussing the growing trend of creating top drink lists and worst drink lists, expressing my dislike for these types of rankings. Instead, I offer suggestions and brands to watch out for in the coming year. I recommend attending whiskey events and meetups to broaden one's palate and understanding of the marketplace. I also mention the Kentucky Bourbon Festival as a must-visit event in September 2...
Jan 23, 2024•54 min•Ep. 114
In this episode of the EmbellishPod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Smokehead, a Scotch whisky company. Smokehead is an Islay single malt that prides itself on being rebellious and innovative. Iain, the brand director, explained that Smokehead is all about intelligent rebellion and turning tradition on its head. They aim to open up whisky to a wider audience by offering a unique and bold experience. Elliot, a glass sculptor, joined the conversation to discuss his collaboration with Smokehea...
Jan 19, 2024•57 min•Ep. 113
In this episode, I interviews Jim from Liberty Pole Spirits, a family-owned craft whiskey distillery in Pennsylvania. Jim discusses how Liberty Pole started as a hobby distillery, with him operating a 15-gallon backyard copper still. His two sons, who were science kids, joined him in the hobby. When Jim was winding down his career and not enjoying it anymore, he saw the rise of craft distilling and convinced his wife to start a distillery as a part-time operation. Eventually, his sons left their...
Jan 10, 2024•56 min•Ep. 112
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bill Straub from Four Gate Whiskey, a company that's been shaking up the American whiskey scene with their innovative barrel finishing techniques. Bill gave us a deep dive into the origins of Four Gate, which started back in 2018 with the idea of bringing a wider spectrum of flavors to American whiskey, much like the variety found in world whiskeys. He explained how their partnership with Kelvin Cooperage, a key player in their whiskey-making process, allo...
Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 111
In this episode of the EmbellishPod, the I welcome Nick Taylor from Found North to discuss their unique approach to making Canadian whiskey. Found North is a group of American guys who are taking advantage of the blending freedom in Canadian whisky to create a style that is more suited to the American market. They focus on bigger flavors, more wood, cast strength, and no additives. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of working with Canadian whisky, including the ability to age the whisk...
Dec 26, 2023•3 hr 9 min•Ep. 110
Hey folks, in this episode of The Embellish Pod, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lindsey from Barrell Craft Spirits. We covered a lot of ground, discussing the exciting developments happening at Barrell, including the opening of their blending facility and the launch of their new bottom price product, the Foundation series. Lindsey also shared insights into their New Year series and the upcoming release of a Mizunara cask finish bourbon. We started off by talking about the new facility and L...
Dec 18, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 109
