Fermented Adventure The Podcast

This episode features Yianni Barakos of Mason Dixon Distillery .   Yianni was 11 years old, when his grandfather shared how to make Tsipouro, which is Greek Moonshine, that is made from grapes.  He took Welch's Grape Juice and bread yeast and fired up the rudimentary still.  Thankfully he didn't burn the house down but a passion for making sensational spirits was born.  &n...

This episode features Mark Ganter of Little Water Distillery .   It all started when Mark and Eric gave their father a 5 gallon pot still.  They set their attention on distilling rum.  Mark shares his philosophy on branding and education about the distillery.  Mark said, "It's establishing an emotional connection with the consumer".  Their spirits are built around qua...

In this episode we sit down with Emily Lader of Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits .  Emily kicked off the podcast with a delicious cocktail.  The Jameson Coldbrew Coffee Colada.  Emily shares her experiences of learning spirits behind the bar and then working with the team at Manatawny Still Works.  We learn how important mentors are and having people believe in your gifts and...

This episode features John Granta of Jersey Spirits Distilling .   Serendipity took John and Susan to High West Distillery in Park City, Utah.  That was the spark for their Ahh Ha moment and they haven't looked back.  Today Jersey Spirits is all about flavor and highlighting the "Jersey Spirit".  They are crafting spirits like no other.  Full of character, creativity...

This episode features Tim Floros of Levante Brewing Company .   Levante... to rise up or elevate.  Tim Floros along with his incredible partners and staff have collaborated to create an amazing brewery.  A brewing company that continues to learn, create and innovate every step of the way.  Tim shares the beginnings of his home brewing education, the people that have impact...

This episode features Laura Valasakos of High Point Kombucha .   Laura shares her journey of discovering Kombucha.  We learn about Kobucha production and the vast array of all natural flavors that are being produced at High point.  Laura teaches us to "admire nature for what it is and feel small in the face of it. We're going to be better off."  There is passion and dedica...

This episode features Ed and Judy Belfoure of Red Pump Spirits .   Ed and Judy get to make people happy.  Ed's background in chemistry was the perfect transition into creating distilled spirits.  There is a rich history of amateur wine making in Ed's family and he likes getting his hands dirty.  This couple makes a fantastic team and is producing some first rate wonderful...

This episode features Jim Hough of Liberty Pole Spirits .   Jim started it all on his back deck as a "hobby distiller".  Jim made whiskey and experimented with different grains and recipes.  These have become the foundation of what goes into the barrels today.  Jim, Ellen and the entire family have come together to produce some incredible and creative whiskey.  They d...

This episode features Ethan Smith .  Ethan has a passion and curiosity for the old Bomberger's Distillery which was more recently Michter's in Pennsylvania.    The seed for Ethan's hunger to discover Michter's was planted in him when he was a kid.  Originating in a brochure rack.   It reappeared in an antiques store and since that fateful day he has been consumed...

This episode features Jason Harris of Stone & Key Cellars .   Jason and I discuss the experience of building Keystone Homebrew supply back in 1992.  At the time he was on the cutting edge of the homebrew industry.  We talk about the development of their amazing ciders and the growth of Stone & Key Cellars.  435 Doylestown Rd, Montgomeryville, PA 18936   2...

This episode features Matt Check and Brian Crew of Stone & Key Cellars .   Matt and Brian share their journeys on how they arrived at Stone and Key.  They discuss the process for creating their amazing wines.   435 Doylestown Rd, Montgomeryville, PA 18936   215-855-4567   - www.stoneandkeycellars.com -  On Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Spotted...

This episode features Canyon Shayer of Philadelphia Distilling .   Canyon shares the history of Philadelphia Distilling and we discuss the amazing rise to success of Bluecoat Gin .  They are leading the craft spirit revolution.  Canyon is one of the original bartenders at Philadelphia Distilling's current location.  He has an amazing knowledge and passion for cocktails and...

This episode features Bob Piano of Gallows Hill Spirits .   Bob's fascination of distilled spirits began when he was a kid.  He took an old pressure cooker and distilled a 6 pack of Budweiser.  Flash forward to today where the distillery is not just about spirits... It's about the connection to the Salem Witch Trials.  Gallows Hill is a gathering place for people to learn,...

This episode features Chris Flowers of Reading Distilling Guild .  Chris got his start in the back of the house as a chef and soon realized that the front of the house was where he was supposed to be.  He bartended at lots of restaurants and on many beaches to hone his craft.  He knocked it out of the park winning a bronze medal for his White Rum on the first run they ever produced....

This episode features Risa McKenzie and Kerry McKenzie of Hale & True Cider Company.  The Cider company got it's start from a love of all things fermented.  Risa and Kerry fell in love with the science behind fermentation and the process.  Once they tried a local hard cider it changed the trajectory of their lives and they have not looked back.   613 S 7th Street, Philadelp...

We had a fabulous time talking with J'nelle Lawrence of Bubbles and Brews Philly .  For J'nelle and her husband Ty it all began with their wedding day.  Since that day they have not looked back.  They are taking the mobile bar scene by storm.  email:  Philly@getcozybars.com    phone:  484-437-5955 .   www.getcozybars.com Highlights from our discuss...

This episode features Matt McKay of Bimber Distillery .  Matt is responsible for public relations and marketing, as well as, helping out with production.  Dariusz Plazewski and Ewelina Chruszczyk co-founded Bimber in North-West London in 2015.  This Micro-Distillery is quickly making a mark in the Whiskey community being recognized by Whisky Magazine as Craft Producer of the Year 20...

It's been a year since we visited with Jeffrey Cheskin and Terri Sorantino.  We thought that we would check in and see what they have been up to at THE LAB.  We discuss their ever growing and extensive barrel program, as well as, the creative ingredients that they have been using in their Meads and Ciders. Liquid Alchemy 28 Brookside Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804 Highlights from our discus...

This episode features Caitlin Bagenstose of Eight Oaks Farm Distillery .  Caitlin is the Production Planner and a Distiller . The distillery owned by Chad Butters is Veteran Owned, Family Run and Farm Grown.  What comes out of our discussion is that family and community are important.  They are a very creative group that highlights the farmland and surrounding Lehigh Valley Are...

This episode features Anthony Brichta and Ryan Everett of County Seat Spirits .  Anthony Brichta and John Rowe are the founders and owners of County Seat Spirits.   The main distillery and tasting room is located in Allentown, PA . The Easton location features a craft cocktail bar and tasting room.   - www.countyseatspirits.com -  On Facebook Highlights from our discussion...

This episode features Jim Pappas of Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure .  It was recorded at the Peacock Room .  We enjoyed 2 great cheesesteaks in the Cheesesteak Adventure style and paired them with Philadelphia Brewing beers and Commonwealth Cider .  Jim started his adventure of cheesesteak goodness at Claymont Steaks Shop in Delaware .  Driving Uber and Lyft he got to talk...

This episode features Booze Dancing .  G-Lo and Mike bring you onto their back yard deck with lively banter and an incredible knowledge of all things booze related.  We learn how it all got started, from their humble beginnings in 2010, and sample some whiskey in the booze dancing style.  Great conversation... Hanging out... Having a good time.  Check out their website: It's Ju...

This episode features Jason Fogg of Pop's McCann Whiskey .  Jason is the founder, owner and president.  Pop's McCann Pre-Prohibition Style Whiskey is a Triple Distilled Single Grain Whiskey finished in American Oak Bourbon barrels.  The Whiskey origin is from Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland then brought to America via olde trading routes through Quebec and the rest of...

This episode features Whiskey Smash at West Overton Village . 109 W Overton Rd, Scottdale, PA 15683 (724) 887-7910 info@westovertonvillage.org - www.westovertonvillage.org -  On Facebook We had the pleasure of interviewing: Aaron Hollis - Director of Education at West Overton Village Rob Hough from Liberty Pole Spirits  Aleasha Monroe - Head Distiller at West Overton Distilling Sam Komle...

This episode features Adam Flatt of Social Still .  Adam and Kate Flatt are the founders and owners of Social Still.   The distillery is located in a building that was once a bank.  It features an incredible restaurant which compliments the spirits perfectly.   They use Pennsylvania grains.  Highlighting local corn, local wheat, local rye, barley, and other grain...