The Distillery Nation Podcast

When does the romance of the pot still stop making financial sense? For Kris Bohm, who has spent his career designing, installing, and running both batch and continuous systems, the answer comes down to a number and the honesty to act on it. On this episode of Distillery Nation, I sat down with Kris of Distillery Now Consulting to dig into a debate most of us argue with feeling instead of math. Kr...

What happens when a whiskey critic stops writing about great whiskey and starts making it? For Jay West, the answer is Provenance Bourbon and the journey in between is one worth hearing. On this episode of Distillery Nation, I sat down with Jay West, the principal whiskey maker behind 1787 Provenance Bourbon and Reverie's, both produced through Middleburg Barrel Company in Virginia. Jay's path to...

  In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, Ian Stirsman, the master distiller of Ross and Squibb (formerly MGP), shared his journey into the whiskey industry and discussed the evolution of the distillery from MGP to its current rebranded identity. Ian's path into whiskey was unexpected. He started as a process engineer at a paper mill before being recruited by MGP Distillery in Lawrencebu...

In the latest episode of Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Brent Elliott, the Master Distiller behind one of Kentucky's most beloved bourbon brands— Four Roses . Known for their distinctive high-rye mashbills and exceptional craftsmanship, Four Roses has earned its place as an iconic name in the bourbon world, and Elliott's expertise is a driving force behind that reputation. Elliott tak...

In our latest episode of The Distillery Nation Podcast, we dive into the remarkable transformation of Doc Swinson's Whiskey with Master Blender Jesse Parker. What makes this story particularly fascinating is how the company evolved from helping other businesses scale to becoming a premium whiskey brand themselves. Jesse's journey into master blending showcases the artistry behind exceptional whisk...

In our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Caitlin Bartlemay, Master Distiller at Clear Creek Distillery , to explore one of America's most innovative craft distilling stories. From her early steps into the industry to mastering the art of fruit brandy production, Caitlin's journey reflects the passion and precision that have made Clear Creek a standout in American sp...

In this month's solo episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my journey creating our flagship tasting room in North Bend. I start with the practical foundation—my 16-page feasibility document that helped determine if this venture could actually succeed. I share how I worked with the economic development department to find the perfect property and leveraged ARC...

In the evolving landscape of global spirits, one visionary stands at the forefront of a quiet revolution. Tomas Nava, owner and distiller at  Gran Tunal Destilería , is redefining what Mexican whiskey can be through his passionate commitment to heritage and innovation. Nava's journey began behind the bar, where he pioneered his town's first mezcal establishment. This immersion in Mexico's traditio...

In this month's episode of The Distillery Nation Podcast, we dive into the world of tasting rooms and hospitality with acclaimed bar owner and author Chall Gray . Known for his practical guidebook  The Cocktail Bar: Notes for an Owner and Operato r, Chall brings years of hands-on experience in creating exceptional guest experiences. For distillers looking to expand their brand presence through a t...

In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Noah Friedman, co-founder of  Top Shelf Ventures , to explore the fascinating world of spirits investment and brand building. If you've ever wondered how certain spirits brands rise to prominence while others struggle to gain traction, this conversation offers some compelling answers. Noah shares the story behind Top Shelf Ventures...

The craft spirits industry continues to evolve, and this year's Distillery Nation Podcast interviews have unveiled invaluable wisdom from some of the most innovative minds in distilling. As we wrap up 2024, we're reflecting on the profound insights shared by industry leaders who've helped shape the craft spirits landscape. Industry Innovation & Identity Matt Howell of Chuckanut Bay Distillery emph...

In this month's episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer and Justin Stiefiel, the visionary co-founders of  Heritage Distilling Company , who share their remarkable journey from craft distilling dreamers to NASDAQ-listed industry innovators. The Stiefiels take us back to their humble beginnings, revealing how their passion for craft spirits and commitment to excellence l...

In this month's episode of Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Seth Watson, the visionary founder behind the  Distillery of Modern Art . This conversation reveals how Watson has revolutionized the traditional distillery model by creating a unique space where craft spirits meet artistic expression and hospitality excellence. Watson takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, sharing the c...

In this latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Harrison Holditch, co-founder of  Distillery 98 , the makers of Half Shell Vodka. Our conversation took a deep dive into their journey of crafting one of the most unique vodkas on the market, all while prioritizing sustainability. Harrison shared the story behind Half Shell Vodka, which is not just a n...

In the latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Chris Tunstall, co-founder of  A Bar Above ! Chris has been a driving force in the world of cocktails and bar education, with a mission to elevate the bar experience for both professionals and enthusiasts alike. In this episode, Chris shares his deep knowledge and expertise on a range of topics that are in...

We're excited to bring you the second part of our insightful series with Mark Beres, co-founder and CEO of Flying Leap Vineyards and Distillery, on the Distillery Nation Podcast. After exploring the significant headwinds in the craft spirits space in part one, we now shift our focus to solutions. In this episode, Mark and I dive into practical strategies and actionable advice to tackle the challen...

We are thrilled to announce a special two-part episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast featuring Mark Beres, the President and CEO of Flying Leap Vineyards and Distillery. In part one of our discussion, Mark and I explore the significant challenges distillery owners face today. With production costs soaring, access to capital becoming increasingly restricted, rapid market growth presenting both o...

In the latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Ernie Troth, co-founder and distiller at  James Bay Distillers . Based in the Pacific Northwest, James Bay Distillers is celebrated for its exceptional craft whiskey, gin, and Scotch. Ernie provides an engaging and insightful look into the world of importing Scotch into the United States. He shares the uni...

In our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we dive deep into the world of distillery equipment with none other than Kris Bohm, the owner of  Distillery Now Consulting . Kris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the distilling industry. In this episode, Kris shares invaluable insights on various aspects of distillery operations. We...

In our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we dive deep into the world of distillery equipment with none other than Kris Bohm, the owner of  Distillery Now Consulting . Kris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the distilling industry. In this episode, Kris shares invaluable insights on various aspects of distillery operations. We...

Step into the world of whiskey craftsmanship with our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, where we had the privilege of chatting with Al Laws, the Founder and President of Laws Whiskey House. Our conversation delved deep into Al's journey into the art of distilling, offering listeners a firsthand glimpse into the passion and dedication that drive one of the industry's most respected f...

This month on Distillery Nation, we had the privilege of delving into the world of craft distilling with Aleks Zhdanov, the mastermind behind  3BR Distillery  nestled in the heart of New Jersey. Our conversation was a spirited exploration of innovation, collaboration, and passion for crafting exceptional spirits. At 3BR Distillery, creativity knows no bounds. Aleks shared insights into their signa...

A special two-part bonus episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast of a recent interview I did with Chris Maffeo of the Maffeo Drinks Podcasts. In Episode 050 I had the pleasure of chatting with Ilias Mastrogiannis. He is the founder of the Distillery Nation Podcast and Mastrogiannis Winery and Distillery, based in Washington State, inspired by Greek tradition. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time...

In this months episode I have the pleasure of sharing the story of  Quartz Mountain Distillers , a family-owned venture led by Darin and Randy Kyle, exemplifies this truth. Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this father-son duo turned adversity into opportunity, leveraging their skills to navigate the uncertain landscape of entrepreneurship. When the pandemic struck, disrupting indust...

Dive into the world of distillation with our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, where I had the pleasure of chatting with the insightful Matt Howell, the mastermind behind  Chuckanut Bay Distillery . In this captivating episode, we explored Matt's intriguing journey into the distilling realm, a path paved from his roots as a wine salesperson. Discover how this unique background shape...