In this episode we had the pleasure talking with Mel Heim. Mel is the VP of Operations, distiller and blender for Eastside Distilling located in Portland Oregon. They are famous for the vodka, series of whiskies and rum. In this episode we talked about putting a plan around your SKUs and sales of those SKUs, early days of making Rum, the canning operation side of the business for the Ready to Drink (RTDs), and of course how awesome is to have a publicly traded distillery that you can actually lo...
Feb 28, 2019•40 min
In this episode we had the pleasure talking with Jennifer Solberg Katzman. Jennifer is the co-founder and distiller behind Rhine Hall Distillery located in Chicago IL. They are best know for their brandies. We did a deep dive into Rhine Hall and how it got its start, how to staying in your lane and being true to what you do best is how trully things become succesful. We talked about the 3-Tier system versus Direct to Consumer. We also talked about her view on the brandy demand in the US, and how...
Jan 31, 2019•44 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we had the pleasure of talking to Mark Beres of Flying Leap Vineyard and Distillery. Not only was this one of the longest podcasts I have done, but Mark brought the heat. Take notes as Mark did not hold back, providing feedback on funding a business (BTW they are a winery as well). We talked about naming your company and suggestions around that, his biggest mistake when he was starting the distillery, water recirculation and usage for the winery a...
Dec 31, 2018•1 hr 39 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we had the pleasure of talking to Bill Lark of Lark Distillery. Bill is considered as the Godfather of Australian Whisky, was inducated in the Whisky Hall of Fame and his whisky claimed the ultimate prize and was named the world’s best single malt. Among others we chat about his core belief to help other distilleries, his favorite whisky pairing, worst distillery momement and of course favorite books. I hope you enjoy this and find value. If you d...
Nov 30, 2018•55 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we chat with Jaz Jarzewiak. Jaz is the distillery behind Hope Springs Distillery located in Georgia, and in this episode, we did a deep dive into absinthe production, maceration techniques, favorite books and tools, finding balance on a spirits and you can go about formulating an absinthe recipe. I hope you enjoy this and find value. If you do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, we read every single one and they help the podcast grow. Plea...
Oct 30, 2018•38 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we chat with Joanna and Nic Merrill of Kalamazoo StillHouse. As with every episode we talk about favorite books, how different backgrounds can help build your distillery and why its important to consider all options including purchasing instead of leasing. We chat about righ-sizing your equipment, favorite drinks and so much more in a packed interview with Joanna. I hope you enjoy this and find value. If you do please leave us a review on Apple Po...
Sep 30, 2018•38 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we chat with Tom and Lianne Herbruck of Tom's Foolery Disitllery located in Burton Ohio. They have been specilizing over the last 10 years in the production of AppleJack, Bourbon and Rye. We chat about their begginings, how they are currently on their 5th generation still, favorite books and advice to craft distilleries and how to stay true to your original plan. I hope you enjoy this and find value. If you do please leave us a review on Apple Pod...
Aug 31, 2018•46 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we chat with Karen Hoskin co-founder of Montanya Distillery, located in Crested Butte, Colorado. They are best known for their rums and in this episode we talk about women in disitlling, Karen's history into the craft spirits world, favorite books and drinks, going carbon free at their disitllery and packaging and so much more. I hope you enjoy this and find value. If you do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, we read every single one and ...
Jul 29, 2018•57 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we chat with Stephanie and James from Hye Rum, a craft distillery located in Hye Texas, focusing on the producing of French and Caribbean rums. We chat about their backgrounds, how they decided on a distillery and specifically Rum. Stephanie discusses the importance of marketing, while James the importance of a good pot distilled rum. In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we chat with Stephanie and James from Hye Rum, a craft distillery...
Jun 29, 2018•38 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we chat with Bryan Davis. Bryan is the founder of Lost Spirits, a distillery located in Los Angeles California and they are best known for their Rum and the Theo One aging reactor. We chat about Bryan's start into distilling, his idea for the Theo One, favorite drinks and publications, how he actually went about financing his distillery during the early years, and why you should always make products that you love to drink. I hope you enjoy this an...
May 30, 2018•38 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we chat with Mark Shilling, its a wide range conversation including ACSA, Revolution Spirits, the Federal Excice Tax and so much more. Mark at the time of the recording was the President of the ACSA, helped co-found Revolution Spirits and recently helping distilleries via his consulting business. I hope you enjoy this and find value. If you do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, we read every single one and they help the podcast grow. Plea...
Apr 30, 2018•1 hr 10 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we chat with Maureen Downey. Maureen has been featured on the Netflix documentary Sour Grapes. She has been named the Sherlock Holmes of wine, and among many other achievements she has build a career helping people verify and certify their wine and spirits. In this episode we chat about blockchain, wine fraud and the cost, spirits, favorite drinks and her role in the Netflix documentary Sour Grapes. I hope you enjoy this and find value. If you do ...
Mar 30, 2018•41 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation podcast we chat with Paul Hughes. Paul holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry, an expert in beer and distillery operation specifically around taste, botanical flavors and performance along with accelerated methods of maturation. We discuss everything from botanical flavors and compounds to fermentation and enzymes to maturation of spirits, favorite books and advice for small distilleries. I hope you enjoy this and find value. If you do please leave us a review ...
Feb 28, 2018•1 hr 4 min
For our first episode of 2018, we decided to reverse the microphone and have Andrew a podcast listener and a big help during the 2017 harvest ask the normal questions I use for guests. We talk on how I started the distillery, favorite books, strengths and weaknesses and everything in between. I hope you enjoy this and find value. If you do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, we read every single one and they help the podcast grow. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation....
Jan 30, 2018•50 min
In our last episode for 2017, we had the pleasure of talking with Jon Good from Green Door Distilling located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jon had an incredible story and he shares with us his early years into the business, making booze, favorite books, habits and everything in between. A truly excellent episode to finish the year strong and continue into January 2018. I hope you enjoy this and find value. Happy New Year, and kick ass in 2018! Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation....
Dec 29, 2017•39 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I chatted with Will Maschmeier from 3 Howls distillery, and although my accent gets into the way of pronunciating 3 Howls, Will is doing great things! You can see from the very few moments of talking with him, his passition for quality spirits and process optimization. We talk everything from restructuring his business, to favorite books and adive to growing a distillery. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all o...
Nov 29, 2017•25 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I had a chat with Yannis Chandolias, owner and distiller of Argo distillery. Argo distillery is a producer of mastic liqueur and soon the first whisky of Greece. Located in Athens Greece, Yannis has a long family history in the trade of spirits and now with his own company producing an authentic spirit and soon something new for the region. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all of today's show notes.
Oct 31, 2017•37 min
September 15 2015 marks when I first released the first few episodes. The goal was simple to document and share what it takes open a small craft distillery. The podcast idea started a few months earlier when I was very serious about starting a distillery to produce Grappa. After a few conversations with fellow podcasters I decided it was time to do a interview style podcast where I try to answer as many questions that not only helps the audience but myself in 35 minutes or less. So since last ye...
Sep 27, 2017•23 min
A very special episode. I had the privilege of sitting down with my brother and dad and recorded my dad's perspective around wine, how he started into this business, preference between red or white grapes, his favorite drink and so much more! At 80 years old, he's still going strong, and he has been the inspiration for a lot of things including the distillery and a lot of my current processes around fermentation, wine making and distilling. Please visit this podcast at https://www.distillerynati...
Aug 30, 2017•55 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I had a chat with John Emrick from Sea Bishop distillery. Sea Bishop is located in Black Diamond WA and specilizing in Gin. John talked everything from issues with finding the right location, to distribution to streamlining his production process. An episode full of good solid advice and details around small craft Gin production! Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all of today's show notes.
Jul 29, 2017•40 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I chatted with Tim Girvin. Tim has over 40 years’ experience in the design space and has helped brands develop a strategy and story around their core and ideas. In this episode, we chatted about the things you need to include, how to tell your story and his advice for running a successful business. One tip, go check out Tim's handwriting on Youtube, its amazing. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all of today's ...
Jun 29, 2017•50 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I chatted with David Dunbar. Dave has over forty years of “hands-on” experience with the federal laws and regulations that govern beverage alcohol of all types, so we talk all things distillery regulation and compliance. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all of today's show notes.
May 30, 2017•1 hr 13 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I chatted with Brian Defoe. Brian is a Seattle based attorney specializing in distilled spirits law. He's been featured in the Whiskey Reviewer and Artisian Spirits maganize and you can also found him over at hoochlaw.com where he often blogs all things hooch! Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all of today's show notes.
Apr 27, 2017•1 hr
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I chatted with Stuart Gregor of Four Pillars Distillery. Stuart is one of the co-founders behind the distillery and we honestly learned so much talking with him. Thing like how important food and spirit are in today's world, why the number eight is so important to them and some really cool releases they have coming up in the United States. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all of today's show notes.
Apr 05, 2017•39 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I chatted with Dianna Connelly, an insurance agent located in Washington state. Dianna recently helped me consolidate and review my insurance needs for 2017, I ask her some of my own questions and we talk everything from bonds to earthquake insurance. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all of today's show notes.
Feb 27, 2017•44 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I chatted with Kirby Kallas-Lewis from OOLA Distillery, this is our first podcast for 2017 and we where super excited to feature Kirby and OOLA Distillery. We started the conversation with Kirby's background into art and how he crossed over to distilling. Why he choose distilling, being honest and transparent and what he would change in his first year of operation. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all of today...
Jan 30, 2017•35 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I talk with AJ Temple. We talk about location issues, how his initial design cost paid in the long term and why getting the right mix of botanicals is not that easy to scale. We also bring up the references to why his bottles reference books and his future plans for the distillery. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all of today's show notes.
Dec 30, 2016•27 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I talk with Jake Soule of Admiralty Distillers in Port Townsend WA. Jake has been distilling brandy for the last years producing amazing products and flavors. We talk about his start, why he chose to make brandy and why it’s important to source locally ingredients. Jake has recently won the 2016 ADI Best of Category for his grappa, so give it a listen and learn how this brandy produce makes it happen. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distil...
Nov 28, 2016•38 min
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast I talk with Adam Szymkow owner of Polonee Distillery. We jumped right into the issues with Adam and brought up issues with his custom bottles, and getting licensed in Canada to his approach to vodka with his four ingredients and his very accurate still. I had a blast talking with him and I do hope you enjoy this interview with Adam. Please visit this podcast at http://www.distillerynation.com/ and view all of today's show notes.
Oct 30, 2016•40 min
The Distillery Nation Podcast is celebrating its one year. I started this project on September 15, 2015 and here we are a year later and going strong. I wanted to keep this month episode short and with a quick overview of where I'm at in terms of the distillery. I also have links to the newly shop that went live along with tips for doing a small launch. In this episode I talk about some of the mistakes I did recently, the Ouzo, and what's coming next. Please visit this podcast at http://www.dist...
Sep 30, 2016•19 min
