This episode of The Craft Spirits Podcast is part of a special series of conversations with some of the founding members and first board members of the American Craft Spirits Association, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Our guest is Paul Hletko, the founder of Evanston, Illinois-based FEW Spirits. Since FEW is part of Samson & Surrey, which was acquired by Heaven Hill Brands in 2022, the distillery is now an alumni member of ACSA. FEW was also a founding member of ACSA, and Paul was on the association’s first board and served as its second president. In this episode, he discusses his early memories of ACSA and FEW’s future.

34: Paul Hletko Of FEW Spirits

Erin Lee is the head distiller at FEW Spirits in Evanston, Illinois. Lee became a certified tea sommelier in 2021 and quickly discovered a love for the tasting process. That passion led her into the world of whiskey, and soon after, she was selected for the inaugural class of interns for the STEPUP Foundation—an inclusion and equity program that aims to provide underserved and underrepresented individuals with training, encouragement and opportunities to enter the craft spirits community.

In this episode, Erin shares her journey to becoming head distiller at FEW, and how she’s blending her dual passions for spirits and tea—from the release of FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon to a recent presentation she gave on demystifying tea. She also offers insight into FEW’s core lineup and reflects on the pivotal role the STEPUP internship played in shaping her career.

New tracks tagged #FEW Spirits