Voices Of Distilling

Episode Overview At ADI’s 21st Craft Spirits Conference in Baltimore, host Ronnell Richards sits down with Crystal Rivera  — co‑founder of Puerto Rico Distillery (PRD) — to explore how a father‑daughter team turned cultural tradition into Maryland’s first dedicated pitorro distillery. From launching in March 2020 (the week COVID shut the world down) to expanding into a 12,000‑sq‑ft facility this y...

Episode Overview Fresh from claiming Best‑in‑Class Dark Rum at the 2025 ADI competition, Steve Julliar —founder of Evolved Distilling in Los Angeles County—joins host Ronnell Richards for a colorful chat about turning beer‑maker know‑how into medal‑winning spirits. From coffee liqueur to orange cello, Steve’s tiki‑worthy lineup channels Caribbean technique through Southern California terroir—provi...

Fresh off the ADI awards stage, Jon Hillgren —founder of Hernö Gin Distillery in Härnösand, Sweden—joins host Ronnell Richards to celebrate an unprecedented third-straight Best-in-Class win. From crafting organic botanicals 500 km north of Stockholm to breaking into U.S. markets via ADI’s International Spirits Competition, Jon explains how patience, precision, and purposeful marketing turned a sma...

Episode Overview In this episode of  Voices of Distilling ,  host Ronnell Richards  sits down with  Sarah Sergent , co-founder of  Alpine Distilling  in Park City, Utah. Whether she’s refining gin recipes, judging international spirits, or speaking at conferences around the globe, Sarah’s passion for botanical spirits has earned her a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking voices in the in...

Episode OverviewIn this episode of Voices of Distilling, hosted by Ronnell Richards and powered by the American Distilling Institute (ADI), we sit down with Alex Moser (COO) and Alex “Trask” (Production Manager) from Wigle Whiskey. Broadcasting from ADI’s 21st Conference in Baltimore, the two “Alexes” share Wiggle’s story as the first distillery in Pittsburgh since Prohibition, discuss how they ba...

In this episode of Voices of Distilling , powered by the American Distilling Institute (ADI), host Ronnell Richards sits down with Mark from 1879 Distilling in St. Louis. Mark shares how he and his partners revitalized a historic 1872 restaurant and barn, transforming them into a vibrant distillery, speakeasy, and event space—all while preserving local history and forging new traditions. From the...

In this episode of Voices of Distilling, powered by the American Distilling Institute (ADI), host Ronnell Richards sits down with Swedish distiller and consultant Henrik Molin, often referred to as “the most interesting man in distilling.” Recorded at ADI’s 21st National Conference in Baltimore, this lively conversation delves into Henrik’s unique journey in the spirits industry, his innovative ap...

🎙️ Episode Title: Sailor Guevara: Craft Advocacy, Perfect Whiskey Sours, and Diversity in Distilling 🥃 Episode Overview: In this episode of Voices of Distilling , host Ronnell Richards welcomes Sailor Guevara, a dedicated spirits advocate, educator, and recipient of ADI’s inaugural Influencer Award. Sailor shares her inspiring journey from hospitality to industry advocacy, highlights her passion...

🎙️ Episode Title: Jackie Summers: Trailblazing Liqueurs, Legacy, and Lessons from the Heart of Distilling 🥃 Episode Overview: In this episode of Voices of Distilling, host Ronnell Richards sits down with Jackie Summers, the creator of Sorel Liqueur and a true trailblazer in the distilling industry. From surviving life-changing challenges to preserving cultural heritage through a unique product, J...

🎙️ Episode Title: Exploring St. Augustine Distillery: A Heartfelt Journey with Mike Diaz and Rick 🥃 Episode Overview: In this episode of Voices of Distilling, host Ronnell Richards dives deep into the story of St. Augustine Distillery, this year’s Distillery of the Year and recipient of the coveted Bubble Cap Award. Join Mike Diaz, CFO and Co-Founder, and Rick, VP of Production, as they discuss t...

Episode 112 Chris Patrick 🥃 Episode Overview: In this enlightening episode of Voices of Distilling, Ronnell Richards converses with Chris Patrick, the Assistant Director of the Craft Brewing and Distilling Program at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC). They explore the innovative educational pathways offered by SPSCC in the craft beverage industry and Chris's transition from brewing...

🎙️ Episode 109 Jay Harman 🥃 Episode Overview: Dive into an enlightening conversation with Jay Harman, President of Triple 8 Distillery, on this episode of Voices of Distilling, hosted by Ronnell Richards. Broadcasting live from the American Distilling Institute's 20th anniversary conference in Las Vegas, this episode explores the evolution of Triple 8 Distillery from its beginnings in winemak...

🎙️Episode 106 🥃 Episode Overview: Join us as we sit down with Kenny Coleman, co-founder of Pursuit Spirits and host of the Bourbon Pursuit podcast. In this engaging conversation, Kenny will delve into his journey in the bourbon industry, the story behind Pursuit Spirits, and his experiences as a bourbon enthusiast and podcaster. Get ready for a deep dive into the world of bourbon from one of its...

🎙️Episode 105🥃 Episode Overview: Malcolm McClellan, a key figure in the creation of the renowned Mermaid Gin, joins us in this episode to share insights into the world of artisanal gin crafting. Based in the Isle of Wight, Malcolm's journey with the Isle of Wight Distillery is a fascinating story of passion, innovation, and dedication to sustainability. Discover the unique process behind Merm...

🎙️Episode 104  🥃 Episode Overview:   Garrison Brother's success stems from their strong core values.  Faith, Family, Country, and Friendship.  In this episode, we sit down with Dan and Nancy Garrison to celebrate their acknowledgment as American Distilling Institute Distiller of the Year.  This charming couple leads a brand that has literally changed the landscape of American Whiskey and put...

🥃 Episode Overview:   Suy Dinh and Tien Ngo friends of 40 years started SuTi Distillery to bring a piece of the culture of Vietnam to America.  This is truly a one of a kind distillery and story.  In this episode Tien Ngo and Morgan Tran of SuTi sit down with use to share their amazing story or courage creativity and craftsmanship.  🎤 Today's Guests:  - Morgan Tran & Tien Ngo - SuTi Dist...

🎙️Episode 102  🥃 Episode Overview:   Brad Abramson is one of the recipients of 2023’s Discovery Research Grant.  In this week's bonus episode, Brad shares his journey from the Great Lakes of Michigan to San Diego and his revolutionary ideas for the use of ocean water in distilling. 🎤 Today's Guest:  - Brad Abramson - Chief Science Officer - New Tides Distillery - https://newtidesdistille...

🎙️Bonus Episode  🥃 Episode Overview:   Bill Owens had the vision to see what this industry could become 20 years ago.  In this week's bonus episode, sit down with ADI Founder Bill Owens as he shares his story in his own words.  What was the vision for ADI, and what was the first conference like?  These are just some of the questions that will be answered in the casual, candid conversation wit...

🎙️ Episode 101 🥃 Episode Overview:   Erik Owens joins Ronnell live from ADI’s 20th-anniversary conference in Las Vegas.  Erik talks about his vision for the future of the industry and the role the ADI will play in the community.  Erik talks about what you can expect from ADI in 2024 and makes a surprise announcement. 🎤 Today's Guest:  - Erik Owens - President - American Distilling Institute...

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Elle Rhodes is head of Global Sale for Du Nord Distilling.  She is breaking barriers in the distilling world and paving the way for the next generation through her non-profit organization. https://dunordsocialspirits.com/ https://www.businessandbourbon.live/ https://distilling.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellerhodesnelson/

Vanessa Braxton is a force of nature; she has literally accomplished something no one else on the whole planet has done, and she isn't finished.  The CEO/President of Black Momma Vodka is churning out accolades and racking up accomplishments with no end in sight.  She is setting the bar of excellence and continually raising it.  Good luck to those trying to catch her. About US (blac...

Victoria Eady-Butler is distilling royalty.  She can trace her family's involvement in distilling for generations.  The role her family has played in Amerian Whiskey Distilling is second to none.  As the back-to-back winner of Master Blender of the Year, she is proudly continuing the legacy of Nearest Green and creating her own standard of excellence. www.businessandbourbon.live www...

Lee Hedgemon is changing the game as a brewer, distiller and drum roll.... Bee Keeper?  Yes, you heard right.   https://www.thebarreledbee.com/ Join our community https://www.businessandbourbon.live/ American Distilling Institute https://distilling.com/

Our first episode features Dr. Ron Gomes of Painted Stave Distillery https://www.paintedstave.com/ Join our community https://www.businessandbourbon.live/ American Distilling Institute https://distilling.com/