Let’s explore the stories around products, places and people that make them inherently interesting. Stories full of drama and passion. Stories filled with history. New stories. True stories. Less than true stories. We’ll mostly talk about bourbon and wh
An Irish Whiskey Sour for people who don’t want green beer
I don't know enough about jazz to pretend at a dinner party. But I will.
YOU DON'T KNOW WHO SHIPS YOUR BOTTLE
From Berlin cocktail bars to building an international whiskey brand, one conversation about finding your lane
Eight Cocktails. Three Sessions. One Recipe Worth Making.
Lowland & Campbeltown: Elegance & Rarity
History Repeats itself
What happens when a Detroit bartender who helped open America’s first fragrance bar joins one of bourbon’s most innovative distilleries?
Sometimes you get an idea and just start running with it.
Finding the Signal Through the Noise
There’s something deeply uncomfortable about blind tastings if you’ve spent years developing preferences in whiskey.
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival Identity Crisis
Western Kentucky Distilling, though new to the scene, brings seasoned expertise through Master Distiller Jacob Call.
MB Roland’s experimental fill-your-own bottle program yielded this unique single barrel selection.
Golden Sheaf, under David Mark Young’s guidance, crafts intentionally blended whiskeys that aim to capture historical flavor profiles.
This special release from Casey Jones represents their first five-year four-grain wheated single barrel program.
High ‘n Wicked represents an intentional approach to whiskey making, with their straight rye offering demonstrating their commitment to quality.
Boulder’s entry into the American Single Malt category brings a peated expression that bridges Scottish tradition with American innovation.
Blue Note’s return to rye whiskey production marks an interesting evolution for the brand.
New Riff’s 8-year bourbon represents an important milestone for this relatively young distillery.
Barrel Bourbon Company’s Mizunara Cask Finish represents their exploration into Japanese oak finishing.
Is the Kentucky Bourbon Festival broken, or are attendees just doing it wrong?
Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angels Envy, joins EmbellishPod to discuss the unique challenge of stewarding a bourbon brand through time.
Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angels Envy, joins EmbellishPod to discuss the unique challenge of stewarding a bourbon brand through time. From honoring Lincoln Henderson's pioneering legacy of cask finishing to innovating with new grain bills and experimental finishes, Owen reveals what it's like to simultaneously preserve tradition, manage current production, and lay the groundwork for releases that won't see bottles for years to come. In this candid conversation, we explore Owen's journey from Scottish distilleries to American single malt at Stranahan's, and ultimately to Angels Envy where he's pushing the boundaries of what cask-finished bourbon can be. Learn about the innovative barrel-aged water project, the complexities of sourcing finishing casks from around the world, and how Angels Envy is expanding beyond their classic port-finished bourbon into international markets with unique expressions. Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, a whiskey nerd, or simply curious about the craft behind the bottle, this episode offers an insider's look at the art and science of modern bourbon making. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction 00:52 - Meet Owen Martin: The Elevator Pitch 02:21 - From Scotland to Stranahan's: An Unconventional Path 05:02 - Why Angels Envy? The Cask Finishing Connection 08:48 - What is Cask Finishing and Why Does It Matter? 12:07 - Defining "Mature Whiskey" for Finishing 14:31 - Sourcing and Selecting Finishing Casks 16:45 - Keeping Innovation in Check: The ADHD Question 19:05 - Small Scale vs. Large Scale Trials 20:25 - Working Within the Bacardi Portfolio 22:25 - The Barrel-Aged Water Experiment 28:33 - Innovation Grain Bills: Beyond 72-18-10 32:36 - Exploring New Small Grains and Malts 36:07 - The Challenge of the Three Acts 39:03 - Sourced vs. Own Distillate: The Evolution 42:39 - The Blender's Philosophy 45:53 - Owen's Vision: Act Three for Angels Envy 49:23 - Recent Releases: Cask Strength 10 and More 52:44 - Age Statements and Brand Maturity 54:20 - Final Thoughts and Thanks CONNECT WITH US:
Join us as we sit down with Denny Potter and Jane Bowie, the founders of Potter Jane Distilling in Washington County, Kentucky.
Join us as we sit down with Denny Potter and Jane Bowie, the founders of Potter Jane Distilling in Washington County, Kentucky. After decades of combined experience at Heaven Hill, Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, and other industry giants, these two bourbon veterans left their corporate careers to build something generational from the ground up.
Journey to Scotland's rugged maritime islands where isolation breeds innovation and tradition creates legendary whiskeys.
Journey to Scotland's rugged maritime islands where isolation breeds innovation and tradition creates legendary whiskeys. Host John Hughes explores how geographic challenges become competitive advantages in the world of island whiskey production. In This Episode: Discover the legendary tale of the SS Politician—a cargo ship carrying 264,000 bottles of premium Scotch that ran aground, sparking one of whiskey's most fascinating stories of island resourcefulness and community resilience. Explore Highland Park's Norse heritage and how Orkney's culture influences every aspect of their whiskey-making, from traditional floor maltings to hand-turned germinating barley that preserves irreplaceable flavors. Learn how Loch Lomond combines innovation with tradition, using different still types and unique maritime conditions to create diverse spirit styles that showcase island character. Understand how salt air, geographic isolation, and cultural heritage converge to produce some of the world's most distinctive whiskeys—spirits that are more than just drinks, they're liquid history. Perfect for: Whiskey enthusiasts, Scotch lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about how tradition and innovation shape the spirits we drink. Keywords: Scottish whiskey, island whiskey, Highland Park, Loch Lomond, SS Politician, Orkney whiskey, maritime whiskey, Scotch whiskey history, whiskey production, distillery tours, craft whiskey, traditional whiskey making, Norse heritage, whiskey podcast, Embellish Pod Subscribe to Embellish Pod for more immersive explorations of whiskey culture, history, and craftsmanship. Host: John Hughes Show: Embellish Pod Category: Food & Drink, History, Education
In this episode, John Hughes talks with Mike Fruge from JT Meleck about the journey from rice farming to crafting rice whiskey.
In this episode, John Hughes talks with Mike Fruge from JT Meleck about the journey from rice farming to crafting rice whiskey. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of distillation, the unique qualities of rice whiskey, and the importance of authenticity in the spirits industry. Takeaways Mike Fruge shares the transition from rice farming to distillation. The unique qualities of rice whiskey are explored. Mike emphasizes the importance of authenticity in their brand. Challenges in the whiskey market are discussed. The role of family heritage in JT Meleck's story. Insights into the distillation process and product development. The impact of market trends on rice whiskey. Mike's personal journey and learning experiences. The significance of blind tastings in overcoming market bias. Future plans for JT Meleck's whiskey offerings.
In this episode of the Embellish Pod, I sit down with Shawn from Bluegrass Bitters to explore the fascinating journey from a personal quest for the perfect old-fashioned to the creation of a unique brand. Discover how Shawn's passion for consistency and quality in cocktail bitters led to the development of Bluegrass Bitters, a brand that aims to complement Kentucky bourbon with precision and flair. Key talking points include: The inspiration behind Bluegrass Bitters and the quest for the perfect old-fashioned. The challenges and triumphs of entering a market dominated by established brands. Insights into the creative process of developing unique bitters flavors like Five Spice Orange and Black Walnut. The science and artistry behind crafting a smoky simple syrup that enhances cocktails without overpowering them. The dynamics of running a business with a partner, balancing personal and professional life. Future plans for Bluegrass Bitters, including new product lines and market expansion. Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or a cocktail connoisseur, this episode offers a deep dive into the world of bitters, blending, and the business of crafting exceptional cocktails.
In this episode of the Embellish Pod, I sit down with Shawn from Bluegrass Bitters to explore the fascinating journey from a personal quest for the perfect old-fashioned to the creation of a unique brand.
Join us in this episode as we delve into the world of Barrell Craft Spirits, exploring their innovative strategies and the challenges they face in the ever-evolving spirits industry. Host John Hughes sits down with Joe Beatrice and Nic Christansen to discuss market trends, the art of blending, and the unique processes that set Barrell Craft Spirits apart. Episode Highlights: [00:02:15] Introduction to Barrell Craft Spirits' new blending facility [00:10:30] Market shifts and consumer trends in the spirits industry [00:18:45] The art of blending: Creating unique products with Joe Beatrice [00:27:00] Nic Christansen on maintaining product consistency and innovation [00:35:20] Exploring new releases: Armagnac finish and French Oak bourbon [00:45:00] Future trends and the strategic vision for Barrell Craft Spirits Discover how they navigate market shifts, maintain product consistency, and continue to innovate with new releases. Don't miss this insightful conversation that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and creativity driving Barrell Craft Spirits. Subscribe for more episodes and stay updated on the latest in the spirits world!
Join us in this episode as we delve into the world of Barrell Craft Spirits, exploring their innovative strategies and the challenges they face in the ever-evolving spirits industry.
Welcome to another exciting episode of The Embellished Pod! In this episode, we dive deep into the story behind Four Branches Bourbon, a unique spirits brand founded by veterans from four different branches of the U.S. military. Join us as we chat with Mike Trott and Greg Snyder about their journey from concept to a top-performing brand, their commitment to quality, and their mission to give back to the veteran community. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Info 00:35 - Meet the Founders: Mike Trott and Greg Snyder 01:16 - The Unique Story of Four Branches Bourbon 02:15 - How Four Veterans Came Together to Create a Brand 07:09 - The Importance of Drinking Honorably 10:03 - The Journey from Concept to Market 14:05 - The Role of Quality in Building a Brand 18:08 - The Future of Four Branches Bourbon 21:00 - The Importance of Storytelling in Bourbon 24:17 - Greg Snyder's Journey and Why He Joined Four Branches 27:18 - Charitable Giving and Supporting Veterans 28:26 - Current and Future SKUs 33:23 - Looking Ahead: The Future of Four Branches Bourbon 35:48 - Upcoming Events and Where to Find Four Branches Bourbon 37:08 - Closing Remarks Key Takeaways: Four Branches Bourbon is the only spirits company founded by veterans from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines. The brand emphasizes drinking honorably and giving back to the veteran community. Quality and storytelling are at the heart of their brand, ensuring a premium experience for their consumers. The founders have raised nearly half a million dollars for veteran organizations and continue to support various charitable causes. Connect with Us: Email: embellishpod@gmail.com Instagram:@embellishpod TikTok:@embellishpod Website:www.embellishpod.com Listen to the Podcast: Available on all major podcasting platforms. If you can't find us, send an email, and we'll get it sorted! Watch the Video Version: Available on YouTube. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Support Four Branches Bourbon: Visit their website: Four Branches Bourbon Follow them on social media for updates and events. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your friends! Thanks for tuning in, and we'll see you in the next episode of The Embellished Pod!
Welcome to another exciting episode of The Embellished Pod!
Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we dive deep into the world of Puerto Rican rum with two incredible guests from Don Q! In this episode, we chat with Sylvia Santiago, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, and Liza Cordero, Master Blender, to uncover the secrets behind Don Q's exceptional rum. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Don Q: Learn about the origins of the brand and why it was named after Don Quixote. The Importance of Water: Discover how the Rio Inuban's water contributes to Don Q's distinctive rum character. Fermentation and Distillation: Understand the role of proprietary yeast and the meticulous process of fermentation and distillation. Molasses Selection: Get insights into how Don Q selects the perfect sugarcane molasses for their rum. Aging and Blending: Explore the art of aging and blending rum, and how Don Q maintains its high standards. Innovation and Tradition: Hear about Don Q's approach to balancing traditional methods with innovative techniques. Solera System: Learn about the unique Solera system used in aging some of Don Q's finest rums. Climate Impact: Discuss the effects of climate change on rum aging and how Don Q adapts to these changes. Product Line: Get a sneak peek into Don Q's current and upcoming products, including the highly anticipated Pedro Jimenez double-aged rum. Connect with Us: Email: embellishpod@gmail.com Instagram: @embellishpod TikTok: @embellishpod Website: www.embellishpod.com Don't forget to subscribe to the EmbellishPod on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on YouTube. If you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review and share it with your friends! #PuertoRicanRum #DonQRum #RumMaking #Podcast #EmbellishPod #Spirits #Distillation #AgingRum #RumBlending #CraftSpirits #RumLovers
Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we dive deep into the world of Puerto Rican rum with two incredible guests from Don Q!
Welcome to another exciting episode of The Embellish Pod!
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