Craft Spirits Podcast

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.

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.

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. Episode Sponsor Bridgetown Brew Systems designs and builds high-quality distilling equipment, including pot, hybrid, and continuous column stills, tailored to your unique needs. From small-batch craft operations to large-scale production, they combine artisanal craftsmanship with modern engineering to deliver exceptional performance. The Bridgetown team works closely with you to provide custom solutions, expert guidance, and lifelong support, ensuring your distillery thrives. At Bridgetown Brew Systems, they're passionate about helping you craft extraordinary spirits and building a lasting legacy. Find Bridgetown Brew Systems at booth 908 at the ACSA convention, and you can also learn more at bridgetownbrew.com. Convention Sponsors ACSA would like to extend a special thanks to our convention sponsors, including: American Custom Distilling AnyRoad Lifetime Loyalty Axtra Blanc CF Napa Brand Design Gatto Rivera Branding Grandstand Lallemand Distilling / Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits Liquor Bottle Packaging International Monvera Glass Decoration Paychex Powell Junia Speyside Bourbon Cooperage Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. Top Shelf Logistics

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

William Goldberg is the co-founder and head distiller of Oak and Grist Distilling Co. in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The distillery is located in the devastating path that Hurricane Helene charted across Western North Carolina in late September. Fortunately, Oak and Grist was in large part spared of damage and all of its employees are safe. Goldberg, who is a graduate of nearby Warren Wilson College, recently joined Jon Page, who also lives in the area, to discuss his own experience in the storm, how Oak and Grist is helping the community in Helene's aftermath, the long road to recovery for Western North Carolina, and the future of the distillery. Help support Oak and Grist's staff: https://www.gofundme.com/f/aid-oak-grist-team-through-hurricane-recovery?qid=985e46050c8567fc9b5ba91d61aa5dbd Buy Oak and Grist products online: https://www.oakandgrist.com/spirits

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.

Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski are the co-founders of Lost Lantern, an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, Vermont. The company's tagline and mission are one in the same: shining a light on the independent spirit. Ganley-Roper has a background in wine and spirits retail, as well as working in operations for several startups. And before co-founding Lost Lantern, Polonski was a Senior Whisky Specialist at ​Whisky Advocate​. He's also a recent addition to ACSA's board of directors. Ganley-Roper and Polonski met in 2014 and left their jobs to go on a road trip that helped start their company in 2018. They launched their first product in 2020 and opened their tasting room in the fall of 2023. Along the way, they also got married. In this episode, they reminisce on that road trip, discuss their process, dive into their summer bourbon collection and much more.

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.

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.

Greg Eidam is the master distiller for Gatlinburg, Tennessee-based Sugarlands Distilling Co. and a recently elected member of the American Craft Spirits Association's Board of Directors. He oversees the production of Sugarlands Shine, Appalachian Sippin' Cream, High Rock Vodka and Roaming Man Whiskey, as well as Sugarlands research and development, and engineering projects. In this episode, Eidam discusses the distillery's growth; the inspiration behind the flavors for Sugarlands' moonshines and sippin' creams; the distillery's partnerships with celebrities like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and brands like Eggo Waffles; his background as a civil engineer; and more.

Our latest guests on The Craft Spirits Podcast are Aleks and Maks Zhdanov, twin brothers and co-founders of 3BR Distillery in Keyport, New Jersey. Drawing inspiration from their grandfather, who was a moonshiner in the Soviet Union, the distillery specializes in pea-based and other unusual spirits. In this episode, the brothers discuss the meaning behind the distillery's name and their heritage; the realities of operating a distillery in New Jersey; a new spirit; and more.

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.

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.

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.

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Murphy Quint of Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher, Iowa. As head distiller and director of operations, Murphy oversees the distillery, winery, vineyards, campus grounds and facilities. As Cedar Ridge is one of the few winery and distilleries in the United States, Murphy has gained a unique understanding of how the influence of wine can impact the flavor profile of whiskey. During his tenure at Cedar Ridge Distillery, Murphy has helped the distillery overcome legacy brands to become the number one selling bourbon in Iowa. ​​ In this episode, Murphy discusses the growth of American single malt whiskey; the success of Cedar Ridge's bourbon; the distillery's partnership with the band Slipknot; and much more.

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Donnis Todd, the master distiller for Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas. With Todd leading bourbon production and hand-selecting each barrel, Garrison Brothers has earned over 400 awards from around the world for its bourbon. That includes the distillery's vaunted Cowboy Bourbon, an annual release that comes from Todd's and founder Dan Garrison's favorite barrels. Garrison Brothers will release this year's 140.9 proof expression this Saturday at a special event at the distillery. In this episode, Todd discusses the latest release of Cowboy; how his grandfather got him excited about distilling; seeking out local spirits while on deployments in the Air Force; his earliest memories of Garrison Brothers; and much more.

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.

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Kelly Woodcock of Westward Whiskey in Portland, Oregon. She is a partner and serves as vice president, guest experiences & Whiskey Club, in which she oversees all direct-to-consumer sales programs for the state of Oregon while running Westward's hospitality program and operations for the whiskey company's four tasting rooms. And earlier this year, she was elected as the vice president of ACSA's board of directors. In this episode, Woodcock discusses her road to Westward, launching the distillery's airport tasting rooms, running the whiskey club, seeking parity for direct-to-consumer shipping of spirits and much more.

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Bruce Tyler, the co-founder of Weldon Mills Distillery in Weldon, North Carolina. Tyler is a former active duty member of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps who opened the distillery with his friend and business partner Michael Hinderliter at the start of the pandemic in 2020. One year later, the distillery's corn whiskey, Rockfish, claimed best in show at the Heartland Whiskey Competition. In this episode, Tyler—who is also the vice president of the North Carolina Distillers Association—discusses the surprise of that Heartland honor; the distillery's bourbon and other products; a second location in Durham; plans for a bed & breakfast near the distillery; an upcoming North Carolina bourbon and spirits festival; and more.

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Jamie Hunt of Fast Penny Spirits, a Seattle-based company that makes amaro. In this episode, Hunt discusses her love of amaro and how her former experience as a vp of digital strategy helped her launch Fast Penny during the pandemic. She also shares details about the company's Pretty Penny giveback program and becoming a Certified B Corporation. Click below to read more about Fast Penny Spirits in a recent issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine. https://issuu.com/americancraftspirits/docs/craftspirits_marapr2023/52

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Lucy Farber, the operations manager for St. George Spirits in Alameda, California. She's also a board member for the American Craft Spirits Association and one of the tri-chairs for ACSA's education committee. In March, Lucy chatted about her early days at the distillery; being a part of a reinvention when ownership transitioned from founder Jörg Rupf to Lance Winters; some of her biggest challenges throughout the years; her decision to run for ACSA's board; and her passion for education.

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 Nicole Austin, general manager and distiller of Cascade Hollow Distilling Co., the maker of Tennessee's George Dickel whiskies. Nicole has been a fierce advocate for the distilling industry. She was a founding board member of ACSA and previously served as co-chair of its Legislative, Convention and State Guild Committees. In this episode, Nicole shared her earliest memories of ACSA, including discussions about defining craft spirits and the road to permanent federal excise tax relief for craft distillers, as well as her move to Cascade Hollow.

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 Paul Hletko, the founder of Evanston, Illinois-based FEW Spirits. Since FEW is part of Samson & Surrey, which was acquired by Heaven Hill Brands in 2022, the distillery is now an alumni member of ACSA. FEW was also a founding member of ACSA, and Paul was on the association's first board and served as its second president. In this episode, he discusses his early memories of ACSA and FEW's future.

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.

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 ACSA's first vice president Ted Huber. Ted is the president and co-owner of Huber's Orchard, Winery and Vineyards in Borden, Indiana, where he's also the master distiller of Starlight Distillery and head winemaker for the winery. Ted represents the sixth generation of the family owned business that was founded in 1843. His sons Christian and Blake are carrying on the tradition, too. Distilling runs deep in the family's history, and Starlight was officially founded in 1998. In this episode, Ted reflects on early memories of ACSA and offers some insight into his family business.

Today's 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 Ralph Erenzo, who co-founded Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery in 2003 with Brian Lee and his son Gable Erenzo, who passed away in 2021. In this episode, Ralph reflects on the early days of ACSA, the fight for permanent federal excise tax relief, and his days in distilling.

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Mark A. Vierthaler, the head distiller at Tucson, Arizona-based Hamilton Distillers Group—producers of Whiskey Del Bac. He was also elected to ACSA's board of directors in 2022, and he has experience working at Tenth Ward Distillery and Boot Hill Distillery. In this episode, Mark discusses his journey from a distillery that dabbles in nearly all categories to one that focuses on American Single Malt, including his general path to distilling and much more.

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.

Our latest guests on The Craft Spirits Podcast are Christian and Blake Huber of Starlight Distillery and Huber's Orchard and Winery. The brothers are seventh-generation members of their family farm in Borden, Indiana. In July, the distillery's Carl T. Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey earned best of whiskey and best in show at ACSA's 9th annual judging of craft spirits. In this episode, Christian and Blake discuss Starlight's single barrel program; how making wine influences Starlight's whiskey production; and growing up around the craft spirits industry.

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Randy Prasse, the president and COO of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which is scheduled for September 16-18 in Bardstown, Kentucky. Prasse has more than 30 years of experience in festival production, destination marketing, and economic development. He recently joined editor in chief Jeff Cioletti to discuss all things bourbon and the evolution of the festival. To learn more about the festival and to buy tickets, visit kybourbonfestival.com.

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Matt Vogl, the executive director and co-founder of the National Mental Health Innovation Center at the University of Colorado, and the keynote speaker at ACSA's 9th Annual Distillers' Convention and Vendor Trade Show in New Orleans this July 21. The title for his keynote is Distilling Better Mental Health & Crafting Support in Volatile Times. Matt brings a unique perspective to the address. He's also a comedian, and he nearly lost his life to a suicide attempt 20 years ago. He eventually decided to tackle the stigma by talking publicly about his struggles with bipolar disorder and attempted suicide. His address will be humor-driven and tailored specifically to the unique realities and challenges facing the craft spirits industry. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss how he's preparing for the keynote; his return to stand up comedy and how he sees a parallel between comics and distillers; and simple advice for distillers to consider when it comes to mental health. Visit americancraftspirits.org/programs/convention/ to register for the convention and see Matt's keynote address.

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Michael Myers, the founder and owner of 291 Colorado Whiskey in Colorado Springs. At ACSA's convention in Louisville, Kentucky, last December, he joined Jeff Cioletti and Jon Page for a wide-ranging conversation about his path to making whiskey. A former fashion and beauty photographer who was in New York on 911, Michael launched 291 in 2011. He also discusses the distillery's distribution footprint; the ins and outs of copyrighting a cocktail; what it's like to see his bottles on TV shows; and the distillery's new space.

In the latest episode of The Craft Spirits Podcast, we focus on the STEPUP Foundation, a nonprofit spirits training and entrepreneurship program for underrepresented professionals in the spirits industry. Our guests include Erin Lee and Yakntoro “Yaki” Udoumoh—the program's inaugural interns—and Margie Lehrman, the CEO of the American Craft Spirits Association and the president of STEPUP.  Lehrman discusses the foundation's development, while Lee and Udoumoh talk about their individual journeys to the world of spirits, and share some stories from their initial placements at Westward Whiskey and Eight Oaks Farm Distillery. You can learn more about STEPUP at stepupinternship.org. And if you're interested in applying for an internship, stay tuned, as the application period for the next round will open in early summer.

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Heather Greene, CEO of Milam & Greene Whiskey in Blanco, Texas. She's also a world-leading spirits expert and the author of “Whiskey Distilled: A Populist Guide to the Water of Life.” She recently joined us to discuss her journey to Milam & Greene and how being a writer helps her as a CEO. But we started with the distillery's Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Casks, which earned Best of Whiskey and Best in Show honors in ACSA's 2021 Judging of Craft Spirits.

Our latest guests on The Craft Spirits Podcast are Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman of Honkaku Spirits, which is devoted to bringing intensely artisanal Japanese spirits to discerning American customers with a particular focus on koji-based spirits. Pellegrini is Honkaku's founder, Lyman is their ambassador, and both of them are writers. Pellegrini published the first ever English language guide to shochu and awamori, "The Shochu Handbook." He also contributed to "The Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails." Lyman is the author of the James Beard Award-nominated "The Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks." Recently, they joined editor in chief Jeff Cioletti at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C., to talk about their love of shochu, the origins of Honkaku and more.

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

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Brian Facquet of Do Good Spirits. "Do good everyday," was part of a toast in 2016 made by a friend of Facquet, who founded Prohibition Spirits in 2009. “Do good” was the last thing his friend ever said to him. Today, those words are the core mission of the Roscoe, New York-based distillery, which recently rebranded as Do Good Spirits. Back in August, Facquet spoke to editor in chief Jeff Cioletti in person at neighborhood bar Thief when they were both in town for Bar Convent Brooklyn. They discussed gin, vodka, bourbon, trends in the world of craft spirits and that name change.

Our latest guests on The Craft Spirits Podcast are Chris Montana and Maria Kustritz of Minneapolis-based Du Nord Craft Spirits. Kustritz is the distillery's production manager. Montana, who is also ACSA's immediate past president, founded the distillery in 2013 with his wife, Shanelle. During the unrest of the George Floyd protests in late May of 2020, rioters broke into Du Nord's warehouse and set fires. While the sprinkler system prevented the fire from destroying the building, the damage was vast. Fortunately, insurance covered most of the damage, and numerous fundraisers—including one started by the American Craft Spirits Association—helped lead to the formation of the Du Nord Foundation, which addresses racial inequities in the Twin Cities through numerous initiatives. One of those efforts in 2020 disbursed nearly $500,000 in emergency funds to dozens of local businesses. Editor-in-chief Jeff Cioletti spoke to Montana and Kustritz this summer in Louisville, Kentucky, when they were in town for the Heartland Whiskey Competition. They looked back on a dramatic year for the country, Minneapolis and the distillery. They also discussed the dynamics of the team at Du Nord, what it was like for Montana to speak virtually before congress this summer, and some updates about ACSA's STEPUP Foundation.

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Ashby Marshall of Spirit Works Distillery. For more than a decade, Ashby and her husband, Timo, worked for environmental nonprofits, which included plenty of time at sea. But they eventually grounded themselves, and they later launched Spirit Works Distillery in Sebastopol, California, in 2012. With a commitment to making spirits from grain to glass, Spirit Works produces several whiskies, vodka and gin—including a sloe gin that's a nod to Timo's upbringing in southwest England. In this episode, Ashby talks about the distillery's products, Spirit Works' mostly female distilling team, and how her background in environmental work prepared her and Timo for running a craft distillery.

A growing number of American craft distillers are exploring a whiskey category that is not (yet) officially recognized by the federal government. The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, which is more than 170 distilleries strong, hopes to change that. The group has proposed a standard of identity for the category, and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) recently announced that the matter will be addressed in its upcoming spring unified agenda. Steve Hawley of Westland Distillery in Seattle is one of the commission's founders and its president. In the latest episode of The Craft Spirits Podcast, Hawley discussed the commission's efforts to establish and protect the category across the globe. He also talked about common misconceptions about the category, as well as future opportunities for craft distillers making American single malt.

It's fair to say that wine took Mississippi native Phillip Ladner around the world, but distilling brought him home. Just out of college, he worked in a wine shop in New York, which he parlayed into a production gig in New Zealand, followed by jobs at well-respected wineries in California. But he eventually found his way to distilling, and a chance meeting with Richard Patrick and Austin Evans—the founders of Mississippi's first legal distillery—led him back to his home state, where he's the distiller for Cathead Distillery in Jackson. In the latest episode of The Craft Spirits Podcast, Ladner talks about how winemaking prepared him for a career in distilling, Cathead's mission to support live music and creating spirits that evoke the South.

Lew Bryson has been writing about beer and spirits full-time since 1995. He was the longtime managing editor of Whisky Advocate and he currently writes for outlets like the Daily Beast, WhiskeyWash.com and CRAFT SPIRITS magazine (check out his latest column here). He's also the author of “Tasting Whiskey," “Whiskey Master Class" and four regional brewery guidebooks. Bryson recently joined CRAFT SPIRITS magazine editor in chief Jeff Cioletti for a conversation about writing and recent trends in spirits and beer.

After starting his career in production and manufacturing positions, Jason Ericson found his way to distilling as a production assistant at Portland, Oregon-based Eastside Distilling in 2014. He was promoted to head distiller in January of 2020. In the latest episode of The Craft Spirits Podcast, the Portland native chatted about his road to distilling; Eastside's new award-winning limited-edition collection of spirits; the benefits of aging in Oregon oak; the rise of Portland's craft spirits scene; and more.

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.

Unemployed after the Enron scandal of 2001 bankrupted the software company where he worked, Dan Garrison started writing a business plan during a tour of Kentucky distilleries. Today, his bourbon is available in 32 states and eight countries and Garrison Brothers Distillery has won numerous awards and honors for its bourbon lineup and developed a loyal fan base. In this episode, Garrison discusses the many lessons learned from becoming the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas. He also shares thoughts on distribution of craft spirits, upcoming projects from the distillery and Good Bourbon For A Good Cause, the distillery's charitable arm that has raised more than $500,000 for veterans, hospitality workers, parks and more.

Rhonda Kallman of Boston Harbor Distillery chats about the origins of her distillery, how Boston Harbor distinguishes itself in the growing American single malt whiskey category, and lessons learned from a career dedicated to craft beverages.