March 11 marks the one year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a global pandemic. While the pandemic did force many distilleries to permanently shut their doors, startup distilleries forged ahead. One of those is Dog and Shrub Distillery of Lake Mills, Wisconsin. The stills showed up in early February of 2020 and the distillery opened in June. Rob Campbell—a former chemistry and physics teacher who co-founded the distillery with his wife, Kim—joined senior editor Jon Page to discuss the challenges of starting up during a shutdown.

8: Rob Campbell of Dog and Shrub Distillery

Abby Titcomb is the vice president and head distiller of 3 Floyds Distilling Co. in Munster, Indiana. In this episode, Titcomb spoke to editor in chief Jeff Cioletti about her journey from brewing to distilling; the distillery's lineup of gin, aquavit, and more; and whether or not legal cannabis is affecting alcohol sales.

9: Abby Titcomb of 3 Floyds Distilling Co.

Brooklyn Gin founders Emil Jättne and Joe Santos explore the dynamics of the American craft gin category and share the secret behind the brand's award-winning bottle design.

10: Emil Jättne And Joe Santos Of Brooklyn Gin

Vowing to make organic spirits from scratch, Sonat Birnecker Hart and her husband, Robert Birnecker, left academic careers to establish KOVAL Distillery in Chicago in 2008. Today the distillery’s products are available across the nation and in 55 export markets. As president, Birnecker Hart spearheads product development, distribution and marketing. 

She recently joined Jeff Cioletti for a wide-ranging conversation, which includes her thoughts on the benefits of exporting spirits and how starting up the distillery during the subprime mortgage crisis helped KOVAL navigate the pandemic. They also go beyond KOVAL’s whiskey and gin to discuss liqueurs and brandy.

13: Sonat Birnecker Hart of KOVAL Distillery

Our latest guests are Johnny Jeffery of Bently Heritage Estate Distillery and John McKee of Headframe Spirits. They’re also a part of Good Deeds Spirits, a passionate collective of distillers and friends committed to supporting causes that lead to positive change. 

The group recently unveiled its first release, Good Deeds Malt Whiskey, which is available at seelbachs.com. It’s a blend from nine craft whiskey producers, with 100% of proceeds benefiting ACSA’s STEPUP Foundation. 

At ACSA’s 8th Annual Distillers’ Convention and Vendor Trade Show, Jeffery and McKee joined CRAFT SPIRITS magazine editor in chief Jeff Cioletti and senior editor Jon Page to discuss how Good Deeds Malt Whiskey came about.

Click below to buy a bottle of Good Deeds Malt Whiskey.

https://seelbachs.com/products/good-deeds-malt-whiskey?_pos=1&_sid=c110c77a7&_ss=r

21: Johnny Jeffery and John McKee of Good Deeds Spirits

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is David Weglarz, the owner and head distiller at St. Louis-based StilL 630, which celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year. In this episode, Weglarz discusses the genesis of the distillery; all of the hidden meaning in the name and logo for StilL 630; his claim to fame of likely being the first distillery to open in a former fast food restaurant; experimenting with whiskey barrels and gin; and much more.

29: David Weglarz of StilL 630

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 Thomas Mooney, ACSA’s inaugural president, and a founder and CEO of Portland, Oregon-based Westward Whiskey. Tom has led the company through an extended period of growth, expansion and transition, previously as House Spirits Distillery—which was a founding member of ACSA—and more recently as Westward Whiskey. Under his leadership, the company transformed its original flagship product, Aviation American Gin, from a beloved regional brand into a leading American craft gin before selling it to Davos Brands in 2016.
In this episode, Tom discusses his path to becoming ACSA’s first president, as well as the past, present and future of Westward Whiskey.

33: Thomas Mooney Of Westward Whiskey

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Gina Holman, the president of the American Craft Spirits Association. She is also a founding partner of J. Carver Distillery in Waconia, Minnesota; an ISG certified sommelier; and the vice president of the Minnesota Distillers Guild.

In this episode, Holman discusses her start in the spirits industry, the origins of J. Carver Distillery, the evolution of American craft spirits, her priorities as president of ACSA, what drives her to volunteer, and much more.

40: Gina Holman of J. Carver Distillery

Our latest guests on The Craft Spirits Podcast are Mollie Lewis and Hannah Lowen of New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky. In June, the distillery announced that next spring, founder and CEO Ken Lewis will retire, and Mollie (Ken’s daughter), Lowen and Denny Gorman will assume leadership. Lowen, who currently serves as vice president of operations, will become CEO. Mollie, currently the sales director, will become president. And Gorman will transition from director of engineering and logistics to COO.

In this episode, Mollie and Hannah discuss the leadership transition and maintaining family ownership; how Mollie’s and Hannah’s backgrounds in wine and political organizing, respectively, help them in the whiskey business; new expressions and renovations at the distillery; and much more.

43: Mollie Lewis and Hannah Lowen of New Riff Distilling

Our latest guests on The Craft Spirits Podcast are Kallyn Romero and Laura Walters of Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse of Denver. Romero is the co-founder and a Colorado native and Walters is a head distiller who studied winemaking at Oregon State University and got her start in the spirits industry at Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey.

In this episode, Romero and Walters discuss the benefits of making craft spirits in Colorado; launching Ironton and crafting gin, whiskey and a wide range of spirits; their pride in being a women-owned and -distilled company; and much more.

44: Kallyn Romero and Laura Walters of Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse

Our latest guests on The Craft Spirits Podcast are Megan Campbell, Renée Newton and Sean W. Richards—the new owners of Montanya Distillers in Crested Butte, Colorado. 

In this episode, the trio talks about how they came together to join a partnership; their plans to honor the distillery’s past while also asserting their vision for its future; the current state and future of the American rum industry; and they also tease some upcoming products.

45: Megan Campbell, Renée Newton and Sean W. Richards of Montanya Distillers

Olivia Stewart is the president of Oxbow Rum Distillery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a recently elected member of the American Craft Spirits Association’s Board of Directors. 

Stewart grew up running through rows of sugarcane on her family’s farm and later pursued a career in the art world. But during the pandemic, she went back to her roots to run the family distillery. Stewart relaunched the brand as Oxbow Rum Distillery with new lines of premium craft rums made from their own fresh-pressed cane juice and high-grade molasses. 

In this episode, Stewart discusses farm life; her career path and assuming leadership at the distillery; how she and her dad nearly sold off the distillery; and the company’s recent gains and bright future.

48: Olivia Stewart of Oxbow Rum Distillery

Phil Steger is the founder and CEO of Minneapolis-based Brother Justus Whiskey Co., and a recently elected member of the American Craft Spirits Association’s Board of Directors. 

Before opening the distillery, Stegerl earned a law degree from the University of St. Thomas. He also has experience running humanitarian aid and preserving centuries-old manuscripts belonging to monasteries in conflict zones. Eventually, Steger channeled his loves and learnings into one big work: whiskey.

In this episode, Steger discusses his eureka moment for deciding to make whiskey; getting his law degree while making plans for the distillery; how he learned about the real Brother Justus; making cold-peated whiskey; and much more.

49: Phil Steger of Brother Justus Whiskey Co.

Mark McLaughlin is the co-founder of Baltimore-based Old Line Spirits. McLaughlin and distillery co-founder Arch Watkins met in the Navy flying EA-6B Prowlers. After more than a decade of service, they both happened to move to the same neighborhood in Baltimore and left their civilian careers to open Old Line Spirits in 2017.

In this episode, McLaughlin discusses his and Watkins’s time in the Navy; buying a distillery from another pair of veterans; their lineup of American single malt whiskey, including a Navy strength whiskey; and their relationship with Middle West Spirits. He also touches on the distillery’s rum and some upcoming special releases.

51: Mark McLaughlin of Old Line Spirits

Ryan Lang is the founding head distiller and CEO of Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 2008, Middle West Spirits combines a reverence for traditional whiskey-making techniques with innovative practices.
 
In this episode, Ryan discusses his path to starting Middle West Spirits and how his grandfather and some Irish distilleries provided some inspiration for the distillery; the role of Ohio agriculture in Middle West’s products; the company’s recent expansion; and some of the economic headwinds and market access challenges currently facing craft spirits producers.

53: Ryan Lang of Middle West Spirits

Tom Bard is the co-founder of The Bard Distillery in Graham, Kentucky. Together with his wife, Kim, Tom launched The Bard Distillery in 2019, repurposing a 100-year-old school campus—the very same school Tom attended as a child.

With a degree from the University of Kentucky, Tom brings a strong background in industrial quality control and continuous improvement, skills he honed over many years in motorsports, where he first met Kim. Just this year, Tom also joined the American Craft Spirits Association’s Board of Directors.

In this episode, Tom dives into his family’s deep connections to Bardstown; how his experience uniquely positions him for success as a distiller; the distillery’s flagship spirits and their exciting plans to further develop the property; and more.

54: Tom Bard of The Bard Distillery

Bonnie Boglioli-Randall and Nate Randall are the co-founders of Hinterhaus Distilling in Arnold, California. They founded the distillery in 2020 and Hinterhaus reflects the rugged mountainscape of its Sierra Nevada perch and benefits from high-quality local ingredients and fresh Sierra water.

In this episode, Bonnie and Nate discuss their backgrounds and how they started the distillery amidst the pandemic; why they create vodka from wine; the vision behind their American single malt whiskey; the happy accident that led to Warming Hut, a holiday spirit which claimed the Innovation Award at the last American Craft Spirits Competition; market access challenges for distilleries in California; and much more.

55: Bonnie Boglioli-Randall and Nate Randall of Hinterhaus Distilling

Sara Sergent is the co-owner and master botanical distiller of Alpine Distilling in Park City, Utah. Sara manages the distillery’s botanical production and gin portfolio, which includes Elevated Gin, while her husband and co-founder Rob oversees the whiskey portfolio. The distillery has garnered numerous awards and accolades for its spirits, and earlier this year Sara was inducted into the Gin Guild as Warden Rectifier.

In this episode, Sara discusses how the distillery came about in Park City; how her grandmother sparked her appreciation for gin; the story behind Elevated Gin; the distillery’s sustainability efforts; additional offerings beyond spirits from Alpine Distilling; and more.

56: Sara Sergent of Alpine Distilling

James Donaldson is the co-owner and creative director of Chemist Spirits in Asheville, North Carolina.

The distillery was founded by Debbie Word, and was born of many hours of experimentation with Word’s daughter, Danielle Donaldson, an actual chemist. The distillery and its bar, Antidote, are located in Asheville’s South Slope district, which did not suffer severe damage when Hurricane Helene devastated the region in late September. However, Chemist also has a facility in historic Biltmore Village, which is located alongside the Swannanoa River and experienced flooding.

In this episode, James discusses the current state of things in Asheville a few months after Helene; the challenges of reinventing a historic building in a floodplain; how Chemist helped its community in the immediate aftermath of the storm; the story behind Chemist’s gin and whiskey; the potential for collaborations born out of the storm; and more.

57: James Donaldson of Chemist Spirits

Jordan Cotton is the co-founder and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based rum maker Cotton & Reed. He is also a member of ACSA’s board of directors and the chair of the American Craft Spirits Association's political action committee.

In this episode, recorded at Cotton & Reed’s new facility in D.C.’s Ivy City neighborhood, Cotton discusses the state of American rum and its potential for growth; the ongoing work of ACSA’s PAC; the potential effects of tariffs on craft spirits producers; the distillery’s rum lineup; and much more.

58: Jordan Cotton of Cotton & Reed

Jason Parker is the co-founder of Seattle-based Copperworks Distilling Co., which makes American single malt whiskey, a series of gins and vodka, all from malted barley. Parker led Copperworks to become a founding member of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. And he also serves on the board of directors of the Craft Maltsters Guild.

In this episode, Parker discusses his previous career as a brewer and what led him to distilling; the rise of American single malt whiskey; how Copperworks creates the base for its spirits; which of their whiskeys will be going on a permanent hiatus; and much more.

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59: Jason Parker of Copperworks Distilling Co.

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.

60: Erin Lee of FEW Spirits

Colin Spoelman is the co-founder and distiller at Kings County Distillery in Brooklyn, New York. He’s also a board member of the ACSA and an author, whose latest book is “The Bourbon Drinker’s Companion.”

In this episode, Spoelman discusses the new law allowing New York distilleries to ship directly to consumers and what it means for the future of craft spirits. He also shares his thoughts on Empire Rye, upcoming releases, his path to distilling, and his latest book.

61: Colin Spoelman of Kings County Distillery

Joseph O’Sullivan is the master distiller at Minden Mill Distilling in Minden, Nevada. O’Sullivan started his distilling career in 2005, and was previously the master distiller for Hood River, Oregon-based Clear Creek Distillery. At Minden Mill, O’Sullivan oversees production of the distillery’s estate-made spirits, which include bourbon, rye, and a recently released American single malt whiskey. 

For this episode, O’Sullivan sat down with CRAFT SPIRITS magazine editor in chief Jeff Cioletti at the 12th annual American Craft Spirits Convention & Expo this March in Tucson, Arizona. They discuss O’Sullivan’s move from Oregon to Nevada, his passion for sharing knowledge in the spirits industry, the concept of terroir in whiskey, the current and future state of no- and low-alcohol spirits, and much more.

62: Joseph O'Sullivan of Minden Mill Distilling

Sydney Jones is a supervisor and lead distillery technician at Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Previously, she served as head distiller for FEW Spirits in Evanston, Illinois, and has been working in the distilled spirits industry since 2016. She is also the co-host of the Spirits & Distilling Podcast.

In a wide-ranging discussion about whiskey and distilling, Jones shares details on Heaven Hill’s new distillery and portfolio, her passion for education in the whiskey world, and much more.

63: Sydney Jones of Heaven Hill Springs Distillery

Becky Harris, president and chief distiller at Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. and president of the American Craft Spirits Association, joins CRAFT SPIRITS magazine editor in chief Jeff Cioletti to discuss permanent federal excise tax relief and the challenging year ahead for distillers already impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

1: Becky Harris of Catoctin Creek Distilling Co.

P.T. Wood is the co-founder of Wood’s High Mountain Distillery, vice president of the American Craft Spirits Association and the mayor of Salida, Colorado. In the second episode of The Craft Spirits Podcast, Wood joins CRAFT SPIRITS magazine senior editor Jon Page to discuss his path to making craft spirits and the realities of running a distillery and a city.

2: P.T. Wood of Wood's High Mountain Distillery

Jeff Kanof is the vice president and co-owner of Seattle’s Copperworks Distilling Co. and an ACSA board member and secretary/treasurer. In this episode, Kanof discusses federal excise tax reform; his journey from law to distilling; a passion for beer that he shares with Copperworks co-founders Jason Parker and Micah Nutt; and some recent releases from the distillery, including Copperworks Washington Peated American Single Malt Whiskey. 

This episode of The Craft Spirits Podcast is brought to you by Anton Paar. Proofing can be hard, so let Anton Paar, the world leader in beverage analysis, help. Visit https://www.anton-paar.com/us-en/ to find out how you can get in touch with an Anton Paar expert who has worked with distilleries ranging from startups to the biggest producers on the planet.

3: Jeff Kanof of Copperworks Distilling Co.

Amber Pollock is the co-founder of Wyoming-based Backwards Distilling Co. and is extremely active in the distilling world and her local community. She serves on ACSA’s board of directors and she is the vice president of the Wyoming Distillers Guild and the president of ENGAGE, a grassroots organization of 18- to 35-year-olds aiming to strengthen the longevity of Wyoming. And in November, she was elected to a seat on the Casper City Council.

In this episode, Pollock spoke with editor in chief Jeff Cioletti via Zoom in mid December. Their conversation includes a look back at the early days of the pandemic, navigating uncertain waters for the hospitality industry, and some recent news from the distillery. But the discussion starts with that run for office, for which Amber says she filed at the last minute.

This episode of The Craft Spirits Podcast is brought to you by Anton Paar. Proofing can be hard, so let Anton Paar, the world leader in beverage analysis, help. Visit https://www.anton-paar.com/us-en/ to find out how you can get in touch with an Anton Paar expert who has worked with distilleries ranging from startups to the biggest producers on the planet.

4: Amber Pollock of Backwards Distilling Co.

Mark Shilling is a partner in Big Thirst Consulting, specializing in distillery startup operations and project management. After spending 20 years as a government and regulatory affairs professional (aka "lobbyist"), he founded Revolution Spirits Distilling Co. in 2013. He also helped establish the Texas Distilled Spirits Association in 2012, is a past president of ACSA, and is the ACSA Government Affairs Committee Chair.

Shilling is also one of the many people responsible for helping to make federal excise tax (FET) relief permanent for craft distillers. He recently joined CRAFT SPIRITS magazine editor in chief Jeff Cioletti via Zoom to discuss the journey to permanent FET relief.

5: Mark Shilling

Alex Castle is senior vice president and master distiller at Old Dominick Distillery in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the state’s first female head distiller, and last year she was elected as president of the Tennessee Distillers Guild. She also serves on the Craft Advisory Council for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and is on the board for The Spirit Hub Independent Distillery Preservation Fund.

In this episode, Castle spoke to senior editor Jon Page about her path to distilling (which took root in high school), her move to Memphis, and the product line at Old Dominick, which includes whiskey and gin.

6: Alex Castle of Old Dominick Distillery

Lance Winters is the master distiller and president of St. George Spirits in Alameda, California. In this episode of The Craft Spirits Podcast, Winters reflects on 25 years of distilling at St. George. The distillery was founded in 1982 by Jörg Rupf, considered by many to be the godfather of craft distilling in America, and Winters joined the team in 1996. What started as a distillery devoted to eau de vie eventually branched out to make Hangar One Vodka, absinthe, gin, whiskey and more. After the 2010 sale of Hangar One to Proximo Spirits, Rupf retired and Winters assumed majority ownership of St. George.

In early February, Winters spoke to editor in chief Jeff Cioletti when he was just shy of hitting his 25-year anniversary.

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