Spirited Advocate Podcast

With 40 years of experience under his belt, Eddie Russell knows a thing or two about bourbon, but is still jokingly referred to as the “new guy.” As the son of legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, and the third generation Russell to work at the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Russell has an unmatched pedigree in American Whiskey. On this week's episode, Chris and Eddie discu...

What is a "control state" and how do the laws relating to distilled spirits in these states differ from other states? New National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, Chairman Gregg Mineo shares his insights and how important it is to promote public health and responsibility in this space. With more than 40 years in the industry, Gregg knows a thing or two about distilled spirits. From...

This week, we welcome guest host Christine LoCascio, chief of public policy for DISCUS and special guest Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of public affairs for the National Restaurant Association. Sean talks about the devastating impact the pandemic has had on the restaurant industry and how the National Restaurant Association is helping to combat those unforeseen challenges. Christine and S...

Dynamic duo Connie Baker and Carey Shanks co-founded Marble Distilling Co. with the motto of "Drink Sustainably." Now, the happily married couple is sharing how they live out that motto by reducing their carbon footprint, sourcing locally and creating the same great products without a great big impact on the environment. From the economic benefits of environmentally friendly policies, to...

With decades of experience in the industry, Dan Leese, CEO of DISCUS Member company Hotaling & Co. discusses the most pressing issues affecting the spirits industry. How will COVID-19 adaptations like ready-to-drink cocktails, direct-to-consumer shipping and cocktails-to-go evolve as we enter the new normal? And where do the brands in Hotaling's portfolio fit into the equation? All this and mo...

With 14 years at Maker's Mark under her belt, Jane Bowie knows a thing or two about crafting a timeless bourbon and an iconic brand. Jane, director of innovation for Maker’s Mark and a Kentucky native, talks about the depth of possibilities for bourbon, how the iconic red wax drip on Maker's Mark bottles came to be (hint- think cognac) and her experience in a male-dominated industry. How did Maker...

Whiskey educator Tracie Franklin is on a mission to change the face of whiskey by adding her voice and showing how inclusive the whiskey industry can be. Her enthusiasm is contagious as she recalls her time in theater to her ambassadorship for Glenfiddich to becoming the first head distiller apprentice chosen for the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative. Tracie discusses the barriers to entry i...

Two of the three "Brough Brothers" discuss what it's like to create the first Black-owned bourbon brand in Kentucky, giving back to their community and making their mark in history among other Louisville greats like Muhammad Ali. From making a smooth bourbon loved by all drinkers to dealing with the challenges of starting a business amid a global pandemic, Victor and Chris Yarborough spe...

As owner of the only Black-owned distillery in Delaware, Ron Gomes is redefining the spirits industry and making great drinks along the way. His path to craft distiller is unlike any other and his background in science makes for an interesting perspective on how spirits should be made. Gomes speaks to the challenges he’s faced in starting Painted Stave Distillery to remaining viable during the pan...

John Ralph, CEO and founder of Intrepid Spirits, got his start in the spirits industry nearly 20 years ago and has worked in Ireland, China and now the U.S. From reviving old brands to building new ones, John covers his "digital first" approach during COVID times and what shifts in the market we can expect to see even after the end of the pandemic. From comparing different markets to des...

With more than 20 years of experience in the retail industry, Mat Dismore, managing partner of Wilbur's Total Beverage in Fort Collins, Colorado, joins the Spirited Advocate podcast to discuss how COVID flipped retail operations upside down, what changes he has seen in consumer habits and how to bring brands to life through cultivating relationships. Dismore also speaks to operating as a responsib...

Nick Buzzell, CEO and founder of Spirits Network, discusses how he came up with the idea for a shoppable entertainment platform specifically related to distilled spirits. With original series, mini-documentaries, and cocktail how-to videos, Spirits Network has a broad range of content for spirits enthusiast and novices alike. The platform is expanding the world of spirits into the homes of consume...

CEO of Pernod Ricard North America, Ann Mukherjee, joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast to discuss the many ventures the company is undertaking and how her leadership style is changing the game. From focusing on “Return on Responsibility” in addition to “Return on Investment,” to her personal drive to uphold high standards in the spirits industry, Mukherjee holds nothing back. She also covers findi...

With more than 30 years of high-level government experience and nearly two decades of work with the Distilled Spirits Council, the Alpine Group's Rhod Shaw dives into the election outcomes and what that means for the spirits industry moving forward. He covers why this election was unlike any others, and what's next for the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, tariffs and cannabis legal...

David Jabour, co-owner of Twin Liquors stores in Texas with his sister Margaret Jabour, talks about transforming a single, 700 square foot store into a retail empire he now operates with nearly 100 stores across the lone star state. He offers fresh perspective on brand building with a community focus coupled with expansion into the e-commerce space. From giving back to the community to upholding h...

Southern Glazer's John Wittig joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast to talk about their e-commerce platform, Proof. From ensuring retailers can quickly navigate the site and order customers exactly what they want to working to close the distribution gap, Wittig covers everything about operating in the digital marketplace. While the platform was put in place before the onset of COVID, Proof has grown...

Founder and CEO of American Revolution Vodka, Walter Kerpa, joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast to talk about what it means to be a veteran re-entering society and how important business opportunities, like those offered at Revolution Vodka, are to that effort. Kerpa also covers the serious issues plaguing the veteran community while delving into his family history and new plans for the future.

You've heard of Jack Daniel, but have you heard of Nearest Green - the man born into slavery who not only taught Jack how to make whiskey and all about the Lincoln County Process, but who is now known to be the first African-American master distiller ever recorded in the U.S.? This week's guest - Fawn Weaver (now CEO of Uncle Nearest Distillery) talks all about uncovering Nearest's story and how w...

Ever heard of product distribution without trucks, warehouses or salespeople? That's exactly what LibDib Founder and CEO Cheryl Murphy Durzy has created by using innovation (and the internet) to connect suppliers with retailers and get more brands in front of more consumers. She joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast along with Republic National Distributing Company's CEO Tom Cole to talk about their...

Host of his own podcast, The WhiskyCast, Mark Gillespie joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast to talk about his experiences diving into the world of whisky, some of his favorite (and most interesting) interviews over the last 15 years and what's on the horizon for the spirits industry post-COVID. WhiskyCast has a worldwide online community with listeners in more than 180 countries.

IWSR’s COO, Brandy Rand, has nearly two decades of experience in the spirits industry and joins host Chris Swonger to talk about how data should drive decision making. From building a brand online to the impacts of cannabis on the spirits industry – Rand eloquently depicts the evolving marketplace and gives insights into the future of spirits.

From Al Capone’s influence on the spirits industry to cosmopolitans in Sex and the City, Tom Maas, CEO of Agave Loco, shares what he’s learned over more than three decades in the distilled spirits industry. A self-proclaimed “bullish” entrepreneur, Maas dives into what it was like working for big names like Jim Beam and Jack Daniels and then going out on his own to start Agave Loco and RumChata. A...

Vice Chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group Danny Wirtz joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast to bring a wholesaler's perspective. He discusses how the spirits industry must maintain responsibility as the market evolves, his family-owned and operated business and his new role as the chairman of WSWA.

In one of her last interviews as president of Diageo North America, Deirdre Mahlan reflects on how the spirits industry has changed over the years and looks forward to all the great things to come. From trends in the marketplace to Deirdre's accomplishments and their favorite drinks, host Chris Swonger covers it all while toasting to a new chapter after Deirdre's retirement. (Note: Deirdre Mahlan...

Congressman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) – co-chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus – joins host Chris Swonger to talk all things bourbon, including its mystique and what "Bourbonism" means. The two also touch on the negative impacts of tariffs, the need for economic relief for craft distillers, and current events.