Podcast appearances and mentions of scott rosenbaum

It's not a fun time to work in the alcohol business. Demand is down in almost every segment and in almost every geography. Costs are rising. And most every category is in some state of oversupply. How on earth did we get here?  Erica Duecy and Scott Rosenbaum, hosts of the Business of Drinks podcast, join the RaboResearch team to debate what is driving the recent declines in the alcohol industry using our favorite debate format: a draft!  Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm, or a story to tell? Reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@rabobank.com Check out the rest of our written research: Rabobank.com/knowledge Check out Business of Drinks on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. Business of Drinks is not a part of Rabobank Group. Please read our disclaimer here:  https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011410028/disclaimer  

Welcome to a very special edition of Business of Drinks. In this episode, co-hosts Erica Duecy and Scott Rosenbaum team up with Rabobank's Liquid Assets podcast hosts — VP of Beverage Research Bourcard Nesin and Senior Beverage Analyst Jim Watson — for the first-ever Bev-Alc Debate Club.Today's topic? The question that's haunting boardrooms and bottling lines across the country: What's wrong with the alcohol industry?To unpack it, we went head-to-head in a spirited draft format. Each of us chose what we believe is the biggest force behind Bev-Alc's current decline — and then we debated the heck out of it.What followed was a lively, insightful, and at times contrarian conversation that spanned:

Ben Branson is one of the most creative minds in beverages today. As the founder of Seedlip — the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit — he didn't just launch a product, he pioneered an entire category. That category, once niche and unproven, is now valued at more than $11 billion, and Seedlip was acquired by Diageo in 2019, just five years after its launch.Now, Ben's back with a new venture: Pollen Projects, a drinks innovation studio creating a range of unconventional non-alcoholic products. The two early standouts? Sylva — a non-alcoholic sipping spirit distilled and matured from trees (yes, trees!) — and Seasn, a duo of cocktail bitters designed to flavor everything from seltzer to cocktails.In this conversation, Ben takes us inside his product development process — from cold-calling 500 top bars to obsessively studying 17th-century distillation texts — to assess white space for Seedlip. He also shares what's next for Sylva, including a new distillery in upstate New York to make spirits from American trees. That operation will accompany Sylva's existing UK distillery, which is already producing spirits made from British Hazel and African Padauk wood.In this conversation, Ben shares the research, philosophy, and creative rigor behind his brands — and what he's doing differently this time around. You'll hear about the early days of Seedlip, how Sylva's distillation and aging process borrows from perfumery and traditional spirits, and why simplicity — not trend-chasing — is the secret to building lasting brands.We discuss:Why Ben isn't just making non-alc alternatives, but rather inventing a new class of liquidsHis methodical, data-driven approach to product innovationThe surprising reason he chose to launch Seedlip into high-end, on-premise accounts rather than DTCThe innovative techniques used to produce Sylva's non-alcoholic sipping spiritsWhy Ben emphasizes clarity above all — whether in product design or brand strategyWhat he learned from early product missteps — and how he's applying those lessons to Sylva and SeasnWhy Ben doesn't build brands for himself — he builds them to meet real consumer needs with standout experiencesLast Call:In this Last Call update, we reconnect with Issamu Kamide, co-founder of Wonderwerk, to hear what's driving growth for one of the most innovative brands in wine.We first featured Wonderwerk last fall in Ep. 36 Since that time, Wonderwerk has grown its revenue 30%. We discuss:

While much of the wine industry is softening, Treasury Wine Estates — home to brands like DAOU, Penfolds, Frank Family, Matua, and 19 Crimes — is experiencing double-digit gains. In this episode, we speak with Ben Dollard, President of Treasury Americas, who shares “the how” behind one of the wine world's most compelling growth stories.Under Ben's leadership, Treasury Americas grew net revenue more than 22% in 2024, scaling to 6 million cases annually across North and South America. That growth has been powered by a two-pronged strategy: One focused on culture-forward, accessible brands like 19 Crimes (with partnerships like Snoop Dogg and the UFC), and another dedicated to luxury, estate-driven wines like DAOU and Penfolds.In this episode, Ben shares:Why DAOU has become the #1 U.S. luxury wine brand — and what makes it stand out in a sea of premium competitorsHow Treasury successfully integrates acquired brands without losing their magicWhy the company is leaning into consumer experience at the tasting room level — not just as a sales tool, but as a source of insightHow Treasury is using AI to tell brand stories and simplify wine discovery in a fragmented retail environmentWhat other drinks entrepreneurs can learn from building brand pillars and maintaining authenticity at scaleBen also talks about how he's future-proofing the company through a focus on innovation and team culture. Treasury Americas was recently named a finalist in Fast Company's “Best Workplaces for Innovators,” and Ben shares how that same creative energy is helping build a more connected, purpose-led portfolio.If you're looking to build a brand that can scale across channels, price points, and countries — without losing its soul — this episode is packed with insights that matter now.Last Call:In this Last Call segment, your Business of Drinks co-hosts spill on the most jaw-dropping drink they've had this year.Caroline found a tiny importer sourcing neoclassical French & Italian wines with pure electricityScott discovered a Negroni remix in Denver that left him speechlessErica brought a rare Cretan wine to a collector dinner — and stole the showDon't miss our next episode, dropping on June 11.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Portfolio Development Director at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

What does it take to build a breakout non-alcoholic beverage brand in today's ultra-competitive drinks market? For George Youmans, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Hiyo, it starts with a crystal-clear brand promise: a stress-relieving, mood-boosting sensation they call “the float.”In just three years, Hiyo has grown into a category leader, selling over 500,000 cases annually, with +212% year-over-year retail sales growth — making it the #1 contributor to growth in the functional-other beverage category, according to SPINS. With its USDA Organic formulation, a national rollout in 946 Target stores, and a recent minority investment from Constellation Brands, Hiyo is cementing its place as a top player in the fast-rising functional non-alc space.In this episode, George shares:How Hiyo went from a bootstrapped pandemic idea to tripling retail revenue last yearThe role of e-commerce in Hiyo's early success, including a 10X sales leap in year two and 3X in year threeWhy the “floaty feeling” — not just functional ingredients — became the emotional core of the brandHow the team leverages its 500K+ DTC customer base to drive velocity at retail with targeted geo campaignsWhy Hiyo prioritizes rate of sale over door count, aiming for sustainable growth over splashy expansionHow packaging design — based on Californian sunset palettes — became a brand differentiatorThe importance of staying operationally lean while growing fast — and what George learned from early forecasting mistakesHow event partnerships with EDC, HARD Summer, and Breakaway Music Festival support liquid-to-lips trial with over 300,000 festivalgoersWhy George believes Hiyo can be for hard seltzers and RTDs what Athletic Brewing is for beerLast Call: On Last Call, we dive into a new per-capita wine consumption map from Visual Capitalist and the NIAAA — and what it reveals about:Why wine consumption is lowest in the Midwest and SouthHow D.C. became the nation's most wine-loving "state"The surprising disconnect between income, control states, and wine salesWhy tasting room visitation may be dropping in California — but rising in states like Michigan and VirginiaDon't miss our next episode, dropping on June 4.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Portfolio Development Director at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

In a wine retail landscape where most businesses are flat or declining, Benchmark Wine Group continues to post steady growth — reaching $45 million in revenue in 2024, up more than 12% from $40 million a year prior. And they're tracking to break that record in 2025! So how are they doing it?! Benchmark is more than a high-end wine shop. Under the leadership of CEO/Owner David Parker, the company has evolved into a multi-pronged wine and spirits ecosystem, with a data and tech backbone that rivals Silicon Valley startups.Benchmark is setting a new standard for what a modern drinks retailer can look like, with operations spanning from BenchmarkWine.com, to Brentwood Auctions, Benchmark Wine & Spirits in Washington, D.C., Wine Spectrum in Napa, and a powerful technology division — First Growth Technologies, which powers Wine Market Journal and Spirits Market Journal.In this episode, David shares:How Benchmark's rare wine focus, data infrastructure, and high-touch customer service helped it thrive while others contractedWhy the company built five complementary businesses and how each arm — from tech to retail to auctions — supports the othersHow First Growth Technologies' data fuels pricing strategy, inventory decisions, and trade relationships in real timeWhy Benchmark's customer base is rapidly diversifying, with 30% of sales now coming from millennial collectors (!!)How the company sources inventory from well-documented private cellars, and what goes into its renowned “provenance guarantee”What's behind the rise in interest for rare spirits, and why Benchmark's D.C. location has become a critical growth engineHow automation, APIs, and AI-driven personalization are shaping the next phase of digital growth — and giving customers better tools to discover and collectWhy David says the company is constantly optimizing for efficiency, trust, and staying power in a complex regulatory and logistical environmentLast Call:This week, we're talking AI, automation, and a radically smarter sales funnel. Alexis Beechen, founder of agave wine brand Ola Sol, is reimagining drinks industry sales using tech tactics that feel more Silicon Valley than traditional beverage. She shares: How AI is helping qualify leads before her sales team walks in the door — with off-the-shelf tools that built a 51% email open rate and 10% meeting conversion. Don't miss our next episode, dropping on May 28.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

What does it take to create a spirits brand that's irresistible to both consumers and potential acquirers? For Elwyn Gladstone, the answer lies in big ideas, bold packaging, and global hustle. Elwyn is the founder of Biggar & Leith, the spirits company behind hits like Malfy Gin, acquired by Pernod Ricard in just four years, and Shanky's Whip, a black Irish whiskey liqueur now sold in 80+ countries and tracking toward 130,000 cases in 2025.In this episode, Elwyn unpacks his approach to building globally resonant brands — from his roots on the teams that launched Hendrick's Gin and Kraken Rum, to creating one of the most original and fastest-scaling brands in Irish whiskey today. With no outside capital and a lean team, he's showing just how far smart storytelling and standout design can take a brand.Elwyn shares:Why differentiation is everything — from liquid to packaging to positioningHow Malfy Gin was built to stand out at shelf with color, Italian provenance, and flavor innovation — and why “lemon gin from Italy” worked everywhereHow Shanky's Whip won over skeptics with a unique flavor (vanilla + caramel + Irish whiskey) and a product story that was fun, not intimidatingWhy Biggar & Leith ignored the “go deep before wide” rule — and built brands in dozens of countries from Day OneHow the team uses a plug-and-play playbook for each market, with toolkits, pricing, and targeted channel strategiesHow Elwyn keeps his team lean (fewer than 10 FT hires), yet executes in 80+ countriesWhat most drinks founders misunderstand about scale, distributor relationships, and brand-building prioritiesLast Call:On Last Call, we're commemorating the 20th anniversary of Granholm, which was decided on May 16, 2005. On Last Call, we're joined by Sean O'Leary of O'Leary Group, one of the country's leading liquor lawyers, to break it all down:Why Granholm helped wineries — but left retailers and spirits brands behindThe legal trends that could reshape shipping againWhere producers are still blocked — and what states to watchWhat smart founders should know about future DTC expansionDon't miss our next episode, dropping on May 21.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

At a time when much of the wine industry is flat or in decline, Avaline — founded by Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power — is breaking sales records. In 2024, Avaline crossed 213,000 cases sold, generated $33.2 million in tracked retail sales, and saw 48.8% year-over-year growth.In this episode, we speak with Jen Purcell, Avaline's CEO, who has led the company to retail dominance. Under her leadership, Avaline has dialled in its retail strategy, becoming a top-selling wine at key retailers like Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Total Wine. They've expanded to all 50 U.S. states, and built a loyal DTC and affiliate customer base — all while disrupting wine norms with a transparent, health-conscious, and lifestyle-forward approach.In this episode, Jen shares:How Avaline built traction with consumers by emphasizing organic ingredients, clean labels, and simplicity over terroirWhy Avaline launched in retail first, grew DTC later, and is only now expanding into on-premiseThe thinking behind early SKUs like “White” and “Rosé,” and why the brand later expanded into varietals like Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon BlancHow the team grew an affiliate network of 700+ brand fans who drive sales through community-based storytellingWhy Avaline's marketing team is built with talent from fashion, beauty, and lifestyle — not wineWhat's working in paid ads, social, and influencer marketing — including a focus on UGC and lifestyle content over traditional product shotsLast Call:Do wine writers need formal wine certifications? That's the provocative question we're tackling on this week's Last Call on the Business of Drinks podcast — sparked by a viral Substack post from author Henry Jeffreys. With 134,000 people taking WSET exams in the past year alone, wine education is booming. But is it necessary to be a great communicator? We've got thoughts.Don't miss our next episode, dropping on May 14.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSORS: This episode is brought to you by eBev 2025 — the premier forum for beverage marketing leaders, happening May 28–30 at The Conrad in Indianapolis. Visit bevmarketing.org for more info.The next wave of beverage design is here! Check out Studio Garces at martigarces.es Reach out at hola@martigaces.es and mention Business of Drinks for a free 30 minute consultation. SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

In just five years, The Finnish Long Drink has grown from a quirky imported concept to one of the fastest-scaling RTD brands in the U.S.—crossing 2.7 million 9L cases in 2024, up from just 33,000 cases in 2019.In this episode, Evan Burns, co-founder and CEO, shares the story of how he and three Finnish co-founders turned a legacy Finnish beverage — originally invented for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics — into a U.S. juggernaut. With 52,000 retail doors across 46 states, investors like Jay-Z's Marcy Ventures, and a growing fanbase that spans demographics, Long Drink has become one of the biggest breakout hits in spirits-based RTDs.In this episode, Evan shares:How The Finnish Long Drink grew 50%+ year-over-year through focused execution and simple, consistent brandingWhy “availability and awareness” are the two metrics that drive every business decision — and how the team measures cold box placement, displays, and social tags dailyWhy Long Drink keeps it SKU set small — and why Evan believes "flavor isn't innovation"The origin and impact of viral marketing moments — like the #PantsDrunk campaign during COVID and $5 Venmo bar activationsHow organic celebrity interest from actor Miles Teller, DJ Kygo, and golfer Ricky Fowler led to authentic, long-term brand ambassadorshipWhy Long Drink turned down multiple VC offers and focused on velocity-driven growth with strategic capital partnersHow the team grew to 110 employees, prioritizing on-the-ground brand ambassadors and salespeople over corporate hiresThe real reason Evan says they'll never make a pumpkin spice Long DrinkLast Call: This week, we explore the overlooked (and often underestimated) world of fruit wines — and why smart wineries should be paying close attention. States like Michigan, New York, Virginia, and North Carolina are growing incredible fruit beyond grapes, and making some pretty compelling fruit wines. Should they lean into it? We discuss.Don't miss our next episode, dropping on May 7.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

While much of the wine industry is flat or declining, Archer Roose is bucking the trend in a big way. The canned wine brand, founded by Marian Leitner-Waldman, has more than tripled production since 2021, surpassed 100,000 9-liter case equivalents, and is on track to double again in 2025. With its distinct format, irreverent branding, and placement in non-traditional channels like JetBlue, Dave & Buster's, Vail Resorts, and Regal Cinemas, Archer Roose is proving that smart strategy and sharp storytelling can rewrite the wine sales playbook.In this episode, Marian shares how she built Archer Roose into one of the most innovative and fast-growing wine brands in the U.S. — a company that's not only thriving but helping reshape how, where, and why consumers enjoy wine today.Listen for these insights:How Marian built a premium wine brand that's grown every year since launch and now sells 70,000 cases annually on JetBlue aloneWhy partnering with beer distributors was the key to breaking into non-traditional channels like ski resorts, arcades, and movie theatersThe technical innovations that enabled Archer Roose to achieve a 2-year shelf life in cans, thanks to R&D with Cornell UniversityWhy Archer Roose focuses on 7 tightly curated SKUs and builds winemaker partnerships for each varietal and regionHow celebrity co-owner Elizabeth Banks became Chief Creative Officer and helped the brand go viral — while also keeping the focus on the end consumerHow controlled pours, waste reduction, and high-margin glass sales have made Archer Roose a profit-driving partner for on-premise operatorsWhy Marian structured her sales team like a tech company, with dedicated roles for business development, key accounts, and regional wholesale managementHow the brand uses humor and performance marketing to build mindshare across DTC, retail, and on-premise accountsLast Call: This week, we talk about seasonal selling. Are limited time offers or holiday promotions — like margaritas for Cinco de Mayo or Negroni Week in summer — good, bad, or indifferent? Caroline, Scott, and Erica share their perspectives.Don't miss our next episode, dropping on 4/30.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

In this episode of Business of Drinks, we sit down with Harmon Skurnik, president of Skurnik Wines & Spirits, one of the most influential importers and distributors in the U.S. With more than $200 million in annual revenue, a wholesale presence in nine states, and import reach across the nation, Skurnik has grown into a powerhouse while holding tight to its roots as a family-run, quality-first business.Unlike many peers, the Skurnik team has never chased scale for scale's sake. Instead, their approach has been defined by thoughtful, organic growth — expanding only when the opportunity was right. From rescuing a struggling Ohio distributor to launching what would become their top-selling brand, The Pinot Project, Harmon shares how Skurnik's strategy has delivered both scale and staying power. In fact, Skurnik's sales were up in 2024, while much of the wine industry contracted — a testament to their effective operations and strategic growth path.In this episode, Harmon shares:How Skurnik Wines & Spirits grew from a two-man operation in NYC to a national player with 270+ employeesWhy they still personally taste every wine and interview every employee — even with operations in nine statesThe story behind The Pinot Project, now their #1 SKU, selling 65,000 cases and $6 million annuallyHow the team turned around a failing Ohio distributor into a thriving business in Ohio, Kentucky, and IndianaWhy the company avoids expansion for expansion's sake, and only grows where it can add true valueHow Skurnik positions itself as a marketing partner, not just a logistics provider, for its suppliersWhat makes a good distributor in today's market — and why asking "how many reps do you have?" misses the pointLast Call: We dig into a provocative piece by cocktail historian and author David Wondrich: “Why Is My Drink So Damn Weird?” (via Punch). Erica, Scott, and Caroline debate:

If you want to understand how to build a breakout brand at warp speed, this is the episode for you.In just two years, Aaron Nosbisch, founder and CEO of BRĒZ, has scaled his functional THC beverage company from zero to a projected $50M+ in revenue for 2025. The results so far are remarkable: BRĒZ sold $28 million in product in 2024, largely DTC and via a quickly expanding retail footprint of some 2,000 retail doors nationwide — and the company was profitable after just 6 months.In this conversation, we unpack how BRĒZ became a rocket ship in the functional drinks space, combining hemp-derived THC, CBD, lion's mane mushrooms, and adaptogens to create a new class of social beverages that's resonating with audiences young and old.Even more remarkable? Aaron has built BRĒZ in public, posting monthly breakdowns of the company's financials, subscriber counts, customer acquisition costs, and more.In this episode, Aaron shares:Why BRĒZ is a functional platform, not just a THC beverage — and why that distinction mattersHow the brand scaled to 8 million cans and achieved $28M in revenue in less than 24 monthsWhy DTC was the launchpad — but retail is now the growth engineThe inside story behind BRĒZ's formulation, branding, and “ancient-future” designHow Aaron uses his background as founder of Lucyd, the largest cannabis advertising agency, to win on Meta, TikTok Shop, and AmazonWhy audience psychographics > demographics — and how BRĒZ appeals across generationsThe playbook behind Total Wine sellouts, 87% DTC revenue, and hitting 10,000+ subscribersLast Call: Join Caroline, Scott, and Erica as we dive into the Areni Global report, Rethinking Wine Education, to unpack the massive gap between what's taught in formal wine certifications — and what the modern wine industry actually needs.Don't miss our next episode, dropping on April 16.For the latest updates, follow us:For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

If you want a real-world blueprint for explosive growth in the drinks industry, look no further than Carbliss — an independently owned RTD brand that scaled from a home kitchen experiment to 2.7 million cases in 2024 — in just five years.In this episode, we sit down with Adam Kroener, co-founder and president of Carbliss, to break down how he's disrupting the RTD category with a product-first, regionally focused strategy. Rather than going national too soon, Adam and his team have taken a “narrow and deep” approach, flooding targeted markets with retail and on-premise placements to build velocity and pull-through demand — a playbook that's landed Carbliss among the fastest-growing RTD brands in America.In this episode, Adam shares:How Carbliss grew from 400K cases in 2022 to 2.7 million in 2024 — and why he's not in a rush to go nationalWhy flavor is everything — how Carbliss wins at “liquid-to-lips” and drives high velocity per outletThe brand's unique on/off-premise playbook — focusing 50% of the year on each channel for maximum impactHow they hold distributors accountable to performance targets before expanding into adjacent marketsHow Carbliss built a 35-person sales team to support deep regional distribution and prevent product from sitting on shelvesAdam's journey from cheese co-packer to beverage CEO, and why his lack of beverage industry experience turned out to be a competitive advantageHow a combination of bootstrapping, smart credit, and one key angel investor allowed them to scale without giving up controlWhy Carbliss appeals to a broad range of drinkers — from 21-year-olds to 80-year-olds at the VFW, and what that means for their brand strategyListen in to get Carbliss' growth playbook!Last Call: This week, we unpack an eye-opening chart from the American Association of Wine Economics. Did you know that one supplier controls a full third of the market? And the top 10? They're responsible for about 70% of total case volume. We break down what this means for the wine aisle, and how that's changed over time (we refer to a 2011 study). And we discuss why indie brands struggle to break through; how the biggest players keep growing; and the one strategy that's working for small brands right now.Don't miss our next episode, dropping on April 9.For the latest updates, follow us:For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

Co-writers Scott Rosenbaum, Glen Mazzara & Kurt Sutter, creator Shawn Ryan and consulting producer Jim Manos Jr.

Actors Michael Jace & Catherine Dent, co-writer Scott Rosenbaum and creator Shawn Ryan

Actor Jay Karnes, writer Scott Rosenbaum, director D.J. Caruso and creator Shawn Ryan

In this episode, co-host Scott Rosenbaum sits down with Vishal Patel, CEO of James Gin, one of the fastest-growing and most unconventional spirits brands on the market. Founded in the UK by Top Gear's James May and master distiller Hugh Anderson, James Gin has already surpassed $2 million in revenue, with 50% of sales coming from the U.S. — a market not traditionally known for embracing gin.Vishal shares how the brand is flipping the traditional playbook on its head, building a media-first business with over 1 million followers across social platforms, and driving sales through digital-first, DTC strategies (!!). His insights are essential for any drinks entrepreneur navigating today's saturated and highly competitive landscape.In this episode, Vishal shares:How James Gin scaled past $2M in revenue while launching in both the UK and U.S. markets within its first four years.Why the team operates more like a content studio than a traditional spirits brand — and how its "anti-celebrity" tone sets it apart.The data-driven rationale behind going DTC-first in the U.S., and how James Gin expanded from 15 to nearly 40 Total Wine stores in California.The importance of conversion metrics, and how improving the site's 0.75% conversion rate is central to doubling the business.How the brand's flavor innovation and storytelling — with SKUs like Asian Parsnip, London Drizzle, and California Dreamgin' — create buzz and drive sales.Why 95% of James Gin's social media followers are male, but 40% of purchasers are women — and what they're doing to bridge that gap.Why Vishal believes founders must be clear about their end goal before taking investment, and how overextending can derail brand building.Last Call: We discuss the DISCUS 2024 Annual Economic Briefing report — quiz style! Scott challenges Erica and Caroline on the latest stats including which category grew the most in 2024; which category claimed the top market share spot; and, whether hospitality employment has really bounced back?Don't miss our next episode, dropping on 4/2.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

In a time when much of the wine industry is seeing declining sales, La Crema is growing its audience and strengthening its brand by tapping into new communities and leveraging data-driven marketing strategies. The 1.4 million-case winery, part of Jackson Family Wines, has become a case study in how to connect with modern consumers, thanks to bold marketing initiatives, strategic partnerships, and a long-term approach to brand building.Shilah Salmon, SVP of Marketing at Jackson Family Wines, joins us to break down the real data behind wine's challenges—and opportunities. She shares how La Crema continues to expand its reach, including through partnerships like the WNBA sponsorship, highly effective experiential marketing activations, and a focus on under-targeted audiences with real conversion potential.In this episode, Shilah shares:How La Crema has grown to 1.4 million cases annually and why it continues to resonate with consumersHow the brand is attracting younger, more diverse audiences through events, digital marketing, and non-traditional wine activationsThe "leaky bucket" problem in wine — why the industry is losing more drinkers than it gains, and how La Crema is countering this trendWhy marketing campaigns should be built over months and years — not weeks, and how brands that pivot too quickly risk losing their audienceWhat wine brands need to do to optimize digital marketing in the era of AI-powered search tools — ensuring SEO, earned media, and branding are working in syncWhy La Crema focuses on lifestyle moments rather than traditional wine-drinking occasions, and how this shift has driven growthLast Call: This week, we discuss a listener question: “Should a mid-sized wine distributor embrace non-alc, or stay focused on fine wine?”It's a BIG question, and one that many distributors are asking as non-alcoholic and THC beverages gain traction. Hear us talk through the pros and cons.Don't miss our next episode, dropping on March 26.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host:Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host:Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor:Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

What if you could get the buzz without the booze? That's the promise of Nowadays, a THC drinks brand whose growth has been off the charts. Co-founded by Justin Tidwell in 2023, Nowadays has already hit an estimated $15 million in revenue, and Justin says it's on track to double that in 2025. The brand started with a simple but radical idea: a THC-infused spirit that mimics vodka or tequila, giving people the ability to mix their own THC cocktails at home. Now, they're in 5,000 retail doors across 25 states, partnering with top alcohol distributors to bring THC drinks into bars, liquor stores, and even hotels.In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of how Nowadays went from a viral TikTok hit to a full-blown beverage powerhouse. Justin shares his playbook for launching a category-defining brand, scaling through social media without paid influencers, and tackling the unique challenges of building a THC drinks business in a world designed for alcohol.We discuss:- From zero to $1 million in 90 days: How a single TikTok post turned Nowadays into an overnight success.- Cracking the THC spirits market: The formula behind their best-selling 750-ml bottled spirit and its tiered dosing system (2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg THC).- Retail expansion: The strategy behind Nowadays' 400% growth in retail doors and why partnering with alcohol distributors is a game-changer.- Social media without paid influencers? Why Nowadays bets on organic content and lets consumers drive the conversation.- Funding and profitability: How they raised capital after proving demand and built a high-growth, profitable business at the same time.- The future of THC beverages: Justin's vision for making THC drinks as common as beer and wine in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.Last Call:Don't miss our next episode, dropping on March 12.A recent study from Oregon State University and researchers in New Zealand found that some consumers actually like the taste of smoke tainted wines. As you might expect, we have opinions about this! Listen in as we debate.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

The non-alcoholic cocktail space is booming, and Mocktail Club is one of the brands leading the charge. Founded by Pauline Idogho, Mocktail Club is redefining the way people experience sophisticated, alcohol-free drinks. Since launching in 2019, the brand has expanded into 1,300 retail locations, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kings, and Target, and is on track to produce 2 million cans this year.Pauline didn't come from the drinks world — her background is in investment banking and private equity, where she closed some $10 billion in transactions before pivoting to entrepreneurship. That financial acumen has fueled Mocktail Club's smart growth strategy, taking the brand from small-batch startup to a nationally recognized player in the rapidly expanding non-alcoholic beverage market.In this episode, Pauline shares: How a closing dinner while pregnant sparked the idea for Mocktail Club — and why she knew the market was underserved. Why she chose globally inspired flavors with ingredients like shrub bases, teas, and spices instead of mimicking classic cocktails. Her strategy for breaking into Whole Foods, scaling her retail footprint, and now moving into alcohol distribution channels. How she built Mocktail Club as a mission-driven brand, donating 1% of sales to Water for People and committing to sustainability. What it takes to fundraise successfully in the drinks industry, including how she secured investment from the incubator Pronghorn. Why the non-alc consumer is a cross-category buyer, and how retailers are finally recognizing this growing segment.Last Call:Every month, another celebrity launches a non-alc brand. But does it really work? In Last Call, we break down a Punch article by Hannah Walhout that asks: Are you even famous if you don't have a non-alc drink line?We debate:- Wellness or virtue signaling? – Are celebrities jumping into non-alc for health reasons—or just to boost their luxury image?- Social media marketing – A photo of Bella Hadid in Target holding Kin Euphorics works…but does it build long-term brand loyalty?- Authenticity vs. cash grab – Some celebs have stakes in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands. Does that send mixed messages?Don't miss our next episode, dropping on March 12.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host:Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host:Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor:Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

In this episode of Business of Drinks, we're diving into a new-to-world tequila product that's shaking up the industry: Quintaliza, the world's first coffee-aged tequila. Founder and CEO Michael Winters joins us to discuss how he took an unconventional idea — aging tequila in coffee-seasoned barrels — and turned it into a fast-growing brand that's gaining traction with both consumers and industry insiders.Michael isn't just another spirits industry veteran launching an agave brand — he's a serial entrepreneur who built Quintaliza from the ground up, first in his own kitchen and then with a world-class distillery in Jalisco. The brand has already won Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America's “Brand Battle” competition in 2024, and with a deep-not-wide distribution strategy, it's set to sell 12,000 bottles in 2025 across four key markets: Florida, New Jersey, Tennessee, and South Carolina.In this episode, Michael shares:- The origins of Quintaliza – How his background in restaurants, branding, and coffee shops led to the creation of the world's first coffee-aged tequila.- Building a brand from scratch – Why he didn't take the easy route of private labeling and instead developed a proprietary aging process in ex-bourbon and coffee-seasoned barrels.- Going deep, not wide – Why he turned down multi-state distribution deals in favor of a strategic approach focused on building strong relationships in a few key markets.- Winning over distributors and bartenders – The tactics he's using to build awareness and pull-through in a competitive spirits category.- The role of storytelling in brand-building – How Michael's authenticity and hands-on leadership help differentiate Quintaliza in a crowded tequila space.- Scaling smartly – Insights on when (and how) to expand without overextending resources or losing brand momentum.Last Call:The wine industry keeps saying “make wine more accessible” for younger consumers. But what if that's not what they want? Contributor Caroline Lamb brings on Eater's Southeast Regional Editor Henna Bakshi to discuss how private wine clubs in Atlanta are thriving with millennial members — who are paying up to $8K+ per year to join. Find out more about this emerging trend.Don't miss our next episode, dropping on March 5.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host:Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host:Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search, North America at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor:Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

In this episode, Ryan Malkin, principal attorney at Malkin Law, returns to Business of Drinks to answer listener questions on essential legal topics, like: How far can you go with functional claims? Who needs D&O insurance? What's happening with DTC spirits shipping? We discuss everything from THC beverages and functional ingredients to distribution contracts and risk management. With the beverage industry seeing rapid innovation, especially in functional and cannabis-infused drinks, Ryan's insights are invaluable for ensuring your brand stays compliant and competitive in 2025.In this episode, Ryan shares:- Functional ingredients and health claims – Learn why alcohol and THC brands should avoid making direct health claims about ingredients like ginger, probiotics, or adaptogens to prevent lawsuits — and how to communicate ingredient benefits without crossing legal lines.- The evolution of THC beverages – Ryan discusses the booming category, and explains the legal nuances between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived THC products and how brands can stay compliant as regulations evolve.- FDA vs. TTB oversight – Ryan clarifies when brands need to engage with the FDA (non-alc and functional ingredients) versus the TTB (alcohol formulations and labeling), and how to work with each agency.- Key contract considerations – From co-packing agreements to distribution contracts, Ryan highlights why clear legal contracts are your first line of defense, ensuring accountability when things go wrong and protecting founders and directors from litigation.- Emerging legal issues – Ryan discusses new regulations on standards of fill, direct-to-consumer shipping for craft distilleries, and why THC brands are creating their own distribution models instead of relying on big distributors.Last Call: Caroline Lamb interviews wine influencer Pilar Brito (@BarPilarr). Pilar's rapid rise to 140K+ followers on Instagram and TikTok in just over a year(!!) offers valuable lessons for wine brands looking to leverage influencer marketing. Pilar shares insights on creating engaging content, building community, and forming authentic partnerships.Don't miss our next episode, dropping on 2/26.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host:Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host:Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor:Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

This is an essential episode for any drinks brand founder looking to break through the noise and build something truly disruptive. Contributor Caroline Lamb sits down with Aaron Trotman, founder of NON, who has not only pioneered the non-alcoholic wine alternative category — he's redefining what premium non-alcoholic beverages can be. With a chef-driven approach, meticulous ingredient sourcing, and a relentless focus on quality, NON has earned a place on the menus of the world's top restaurants and is now scaling globally.In this episode, Aaron shares:Creating a new category – How NON was inspired by fine dining NA pairings and built with a culinary mindset, not as a wine mimic but as an entirely new premium experience.How to win over sommeliers – The strategy behind launching NON directly into top-tier restaurants before expanding into retail.Breaking into the U.S. market – The challenges and advantages of setting up NON as its own importer and signing a major distribution deal with Southern Glazer's.Why transparency matters – Aaron's commitment to using real, traceable ingredients, and how this transparency has helped build credibility in the natural wine space.Bootstrapping, then scaling – NON started as a self-funded project before raising investment capital to scale production to more than 500,000 bottles a year.Staying premium in a crowded category – NON refuses to chase volume at the expense of brand integrity, avoiding mass retail and instead focusing on independent and regional chains.Last Call:In this week's Last Call segment, co-hosts Scott Rosenbaum and Erica Duecy discuss new products on their radar, from non-alcoholic innovators like Van Sha and Winderton Citrus Aperitivo to unexpected entrants like Sango African Agave, an Tequila-like spirit from South Africa and Cheramie Rum, a new agricole-style cane spirit made in Louisiana.Don't miss our next episode, dropping on 2/19.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:LinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host:Erica Duecy is founder and co-host ofBusiness of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm ofBusiness of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host:Scott Rosenbaum is co-host ofBusiness of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor:Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor atBusiness of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineIf you enjoyed the conversation, followBusiness of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach more listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

In the latest episode of Business of Drinks, we sit down with David Duncan, second-generation proprietor and CEO of Silver Oak, one of Napa's most iconic and beloved wine brands. While many wine businesses have struggled, Silver Oak remains a category leader — balancing legacy with innovation, exclusivity with accessibility, and deep tradition with modern engagement. David shares how Silver Oak has grown its devoted following, cultivated multigenerational brand loyalty, and stayed relevant across evolving consumer preferences. Whether you're building a new beverage brand or strengthening an existing one, this conversation is filled with valuable insights on staying power, strategic growth, and community-building. In this episode, David shares: The power of trust and consistency – How Silver Oak has maintained a devoted customer base for more than 50 years by delivering a reliably high-quality product and never chasing trends. Cultivating brand loyalty through experience – From release-day celebrations that draw hundreds of superfans to exclusive partnerships with fashion designers and luxury luggage brands, Silver Oak has mastered the art of cross-category collaboration. The intersection of exclusivity and accessibility – How Silver Oak sells $1,000 limited-edition wine luggage while also maintaining a connected, engaged presence in social media spaces. How to successfully engage multiple generations – With 40% of its consumers now Gen X, followed by Boomers and Millennials, Silver Oak tailors its messaging and experiences to different audiences while remaining true to its core brand identity. Social media as a community-building tool – Silver Oak's Bottle Stories blog and interactive approach to social media create deep emotional connections with consumers, making them feel like part of the brand's extended family. How to build a business with staying power – David's best advice for drinks entrepreneurs, including why patience, brand authenticity, and long-term vision matter more than short-term pivots. Last Call: With the U.S. Surgeon General's new advisory warning linking alcohol consumption to cancer risk, many in the industry are asking: Is this a turning point for beverage alcohol? Erica and Scott unpack the implications of this advisory — and discuss why the sky is NOT falling for the alcohol industry. Don't miss our next episode, dropping on February 12. For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks: LinkedIn Instagram @bizofdrinks Erica Duecy, co-host:Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. LinkedIn Instagram @ericaduecy Scott Rosenbaum, co-host:Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor. LinkedIn Caroline Lamb, contributor:Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor. LinkedIn Instagram @borkaline If you enjoyed the conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach more listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

In this episode of Business of Drinks, Scott Rosenbaum sits down with Monique Huston, Vice President of the Spirits Portfolio at Winebow, one of the country's leading wine and spirits distributors. Monique has been leading the charge in the spirits world for over a decade, having quietly developed one of the most impressive spirits portfolios in the country, especially when it comes to agave spirits. Winebow represents brands like Fortaleza, David Suro's Simebra Spirits, ArteNom, El Buho, and Siete Leguas. Monique talks about how she's built a high-performing portfolio across multiple categories — and discusses how brands can work more effectively with their distributors. She shares the “dos” of landing and nurturing a distributor relationship, and perhaps more importantly, the “don'ts!” There are plenty of actionable insights and best practices in this episode — it's an essential listen for any brand looking to grow their wholesale business. In this episode, Monique shares: - The keys to building — and maintaining — a strong spirits portfolio and brand relationships. - Why brands should treat their distributor as a customer, fostering collaboration rather than friction. - How incentives have evolved post-COVID and why authentic relationships and educational investments are more impactful than cash incentives. - Why transparency and preparation are essential in pitching to distributors — don't just send an email without pricing, packaging, or a compelling story. - Why visiting markets and doing grassroots research is critical before launching a brand in a new region. - What comes next? The emerging sub-categories and trends that should be on your radar in the spirits space.  Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on Feb. 5.  Follow us!  Business of Drinks: LinkedIn Instagram @bizofdrinks Erica Duecy, co-host:Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. LinkedIn Instagram @ericaduecy Scott Rosenbaum, co-host:Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor. LinkedIn Caroline Lamb, contributor:Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor. LinkedIn Instagram @borkaline If you enjoyed today's episode, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

Who's up in a down wine market? Mary Taylor Wine — that's who! This brand is a quiet disruptor, having transformed how Americans discover and enjoy European wines over the past several years. Mary Taylor, founder of the eponymous brand, identified a unique opportunity in the market: bridging the gap between big brands and small growers.  By turning her import label into a trusted front-facing brand, Mary has made terroir-driven wines accessible, approachable, and affordable. In 2024, her brand achieved remarkable growth, up 16% to $20 million in global retail sales, bucking industry trends. In this episode, Mary shares: How Mary Taylor Wines simplifies European wine exploration with consistent, recognizable branding across 47 wine appellations Her innovative approach to offering terroir-forward, low-intervention wines in the $12-$18 retail price point  The key to developing long-lasting relationships with family-owned vineyards that practice organic and traditional winemaking methods Why staying lean, avoiding outside investment, and maintaining direct relationships with her growers have been critical to her success The strategic use of efficient logistics and creative marketing to operate sustainably and profitably  The growing role of trust in wine retail and how her brand serves as a safety net for wine-curious consumers overwhelmed by retail options Find out how Mary's bold strategies helped her thrive while others have struggled. Click to listen and discover how you can apply these principles to your brand. In today's Last Call:  Caroline, Scott, and Erica tackle drinks industry trends in a “two truths and a lie” quiz. What do drinks industry publications say they want to keep or kill in 2025? We take a wild guess. Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on January 29.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks: LinkedIn Instagram @bizofdrinks Erica Duecy, co-host:Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. LinkedIn Instagram @ericaduecy Scott Rosenbaum, co-host:Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor. LinkedIn Caroline Lamb, contributor:Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor. LinkedIn Instagram @borkaline If you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

In this episode of Business of Drinks, contributor Caroline Lamb interviews Jess Druey, founder of Whiny Baby, a wine brand that's helping to redefine wine culture for Gen Z and new wine drinkers. In a market often seen as intimidating and exclusive, Whiny Baby brings a fresh, playful, and inclusive perspective.  Since launching, Jess has scaled the brand to 6,000 cases in 2024, with plans to double production in 2025. Jess shares the story behind Whiny Baby, her bold approach to branding, and how she's meeting new consumers where they are. In this episode, Jess shares: The inspiration behind Whiny Baby: an awkward date and an overwhelming wine aisle experience led Jess to create a wine brand that's accessible and approachable for beginners. How naiveté can be a strength: Jess credits her lack of experience for allowing her to reimagine how things "should" be done in the wine industry, from branding to distribution. Breaking the wine mold: Whiny Baby features bold, sticker-inspired labels, crown caps, and playful bottle beads that resonate with Gen Z's nostalgic and irreverent aesthetic. How a strategic partnership enabled the brand to scale quickly: Jess's joint venture with the McBride Sisters Wine Company got Whiny Baby onto shelves in 27 states in just a couple of years. Viral growth through TikTok: Whiny Baby's success was boosted by early viral TikToks, helping Jess sell out her first batches of wine and reach a broad audience. Last Call: This week, we discuss brands that are cruising marketing. Join in as Scott, Caroline, and Erica talk about what they're seeing in the marketplace, from La Crema's inclusive activations to Fireball's viral stunt to Firestone Walker's mini-format beers.  Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on Jan. 22.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks: LinkedIn Instagram @bizofdrinks Erica Duecy, co-host:Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. LinkedIn Instagram @ericaduecy Scott Rosenbaum, co-host:Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor. LinkedIn Caroline Lamb, contributor:Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners. LinkedIn If you enjoyed the conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach more listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

In this episode of Business of Drinks, Erica interviews Rocco Lombardo, president of Wilson Daniels, a luxury wine importer and marketer. Despite formidable industry-wide headwinds, Wilson Daniels achieved over 6% revenue growth in 2024, expanding its sales to $250 million — while the broader wine market contracted.  How did Rocco and the Wilson Daniels team come out ahead?  In this episode, Rocco shares: Why Burgundy, Piemonte, Tuscany, and value sparkling wines are among the fastest-growing categories in the portfolio. Strategic initiatives that have fueled growth, building on the portfolio's strong foundation of family-run wineries, sustainable practices, and deep market discipline. How Wilson Daniels grew from a West Coast-focused company to a national powerhouse with a $350+ average case price for its brands at wholesale. How Wilson Daniels uses storytelling and authenticity to engage consumers with the rich histories behind its luxury wines. Rocco's insights into market challenges, including tariffs, shifting consumption trends, and competition from emerging categories like RTDs and cannabis. Last Call:And don't miss Last Call, where Scott, Caroline, and Erica discuss what they're drinking this winter — and why. The category-spanning selections might surprise you! Don't miss our next episode, dropping on January 15. For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks: LinkedIn Instagram @bizofdrinks Erica Duecy, co-host:Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. LinkedIn Instagram @ericaduecy Scott Rosenbaum, co-host:Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor. LinkedIn Caroline Lamb, contributor:Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners. LinkedIn If you enjoyed the conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach more listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

As we head into 2025, we're thrilled to bring you our annual drinks trends episode featuring Bryan Roth, director of insights for Sightlines and the consumer and market analyst for Feel Goods Company. Widely respected as one of the industry's top forecasters, Bryan shares his perspectives on what's shaping the future of beverages, from emerging categories to shifting consumer behaviors. In this episode, Bryan shares: Why the no- and low-alcohol segments are diverging and how each is evolving into distinct categories Insights into flavor trends, from bold Asian-inspired influences to the growing embrace of bitter and savory profiles Why young consumers demand both customization and immediacy in their drink choices How RTD beverages are becoming more sophisticated, catering to consumers' desire for flavor clarity and premiumization The untapped potential for draft beverages — beyond beer — as the on-premise market continues to rebound Bryan's insights highlight the key opportunities and challenges for drinks brands in 2025, offering actionable takeaways for founders, marketers, and innovators alike. To hear more of Bryan's drinks trend updates, subscribe to the Sightlines newsletter. Enter the code "DRINKS" on the signup page (https://www.sightlines.news/sign-up) for a free month of access. Last Call:On this week's Last Call, Scott quizzes Caroline and Erica on industry stats, such as: How many new bev alc producers were licensed by the TTB last year? How many new products came onto the market? Listen in for the answers you need to know!  Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on January 8.  For the latest updates, follow Business of Drinks LinkedIn Instagram Erica Duecy, co-host:Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. LinkedIn Instagram Scott Rosenbaum, co-host:Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor. LinkedIn Caroline Lamb, contributor:Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners. LinkedIn If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you!

This episode dives deep into the non-alcoholic cocktail space, featuring Megan Klein, founder of Little Saints. From its beginnings as an experimental product during the pandemic to its current $9 million annual revenue, Little Saints is a brand that's forging new territory in the drinks space with its functional beverages featuring lion's mane and reishi mushrooms. Whether you're a founder in the drinks industry or simply a curious consumer, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. In this episode, Megan shares: Her journey from corporate lawyer to beverage entrepreneur and how her love for nature inspired Little Saints. How Little Saints uses adaptogens like reishi and lion's mane mushrooms to offer unique effects, from relaxation to cognitive "magnetism." The challenges of pivoting Little Saints' business model, including abandoning costly PR and marketing for direct-to-consumer advertising. A behind-the-scenes look at Megan's appearance on Shark Tank, where she confidently walked away from undervalued offers. Why Little Saints' branding and consumer focus have shifted to attract a broader, gender-neutral audience. As Megan shares in the episode, Little Saints is more than a non-alcoholic beverage brand — it's a movement toward mindful drinking and better living. Learn how she's connecting with customers around the country, and forging a community of superfans who share her vision. And on Last Call, we discuss our “Cocktail Mt. Rushmore” — the top four cocktails each of us would happily subsist on if all other cocktails disappeared. Did the Manhattan, Espresso Martini, and Last Word ascend the peaks of cocktail greatness? Find out. Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on January 1.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you!

It's the episode you didn't know you needed! We sit down with Steve Riboli, president and CEO of Riboli Family Wines, to unpack the incredible journey of Stella Rosa, the #1 import brand in the U.S. and a pioneer in flavored, semi-sparkling wines. Discover how this family-owned brand has become a powerhouse, scaling to 4.1 million cases in 2023, a 5% YOY gain, per Impact Databank, while the broader wine industry has faced declines. In this episode, Steve shares: How Stella Rosa's low-ABV, flavor-forward wines are redefining the category and attracting new, younger drinkers. The story behind the bestselling Pineapple & Chili wine, which turned heads as 2023's #1 new wine SKU in America, per Nielsen. Insights into the multicultural and millennial appeal that has driven Stella Rosa's sustained growth. The challenges of scaling a brand while staying true to its roots in tradition and innovation. Why retail activations and authentic storytelling are central to Stella Rosa's success. With over 3,000 tasting activations annually(!!), a commitment to consumer connection, and a clear vision for the future, Stella Rosa is not just growing its market share — it's growing the wine category itself. Whether you're a wine aficionado or a founder in the drinks space, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights. And on Last Call, we discuss the article “Does a Decline in Humanities Majors Have Anything to Do With the Declining Interest in Wine From Younger Consumers,” in David Driscoll's Two-Nineteen blog. Don't miss it!  Link: https://www.two-nineteen.com/blog/does-a-decline-in-humanities-majors-have-anything-to-do-with-the-declining-interest-in-wine-from-younger-generations Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on Dec. 11.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you!

In this episode, we talk with Tom Baker, co-founder of Mr Black, America's best-selling premium coffee liqueur. Tom shares the serendipitous beginnings of his company, the divine intervention of the "coffee gods" that led him to his co-founder, and how Mr Black carved an unexpected niche in the spirits industry. We track the brand's rise from a small Australian startup to a multi-million dollar company, diving into the challenges Tom faced in the early days, launching a coffee liqueur as craft spirits and coffee culture were both emerging. We also explore how Mr Black differentiated itself from competitors like Kahlua with a product that truly tastes like coffee, and how the brand helped shape the Espresso Martini's renaissance. (The Espresso Martini is now the Top 4 best-selling cocktail in America, just two years after hitting the Top 10 list, per Nielsen data!) You'll hear how Mr Black leveraged crowdfunding to gain early traction, the importance of building strong distributor relationships, and how the brand scaled globally. Tom also shares his insights on managing the operational complexities of growing a business, the role of Diageo's acquisition, and why staying focused on a singular vision helped the brand achieve sustained success. And don't miss Last Call, where our on-air team weighs in with the trends they're seeing in their respective markets. We hear from Caroline in Detroit, Scott in the Washington D.C., and Erica in NYC. From the resurgence of aquavit and savory cocktails to a fresh crop of hybrid drinking spaces, find out what's on our radar! LINKS:  The Four Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, Jim Huling Brand Mysticism by Steven Grasse and Aaron Goldfarb The Right It by Alberto Savoia Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on Nov. 27.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you!

Today we're diving into a topic that's not just about sipping whiskey but about legacy, innovation, and breaking barriers in the beverage industry. We're thrilled to welcome Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Fawn Weaver is no ordinary founder. She's a trailblazer who's not only resurrecting the legacy of Nearest Green, the first known African-American master distiller, but she's also shaking up the whiskey world in a big way. Under her leadership, Uncle Nearest has become a symbol of quality and inclusivity, earning accolades and a devoted fanbase. And it's officially hit unicorn status with a valuation topping $1 billion.  Uncle Nearest is also the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history, the best-selling Black American-founded spirit brand of all time, and the most award-winning Bourbon every year from 2019 to 2023. It has earned more than 1,200 awards and was named "World's Best" two years in a row. This is a tale you need to hear to believe. Fawn's story is a masterclass in how vision, determination, and authentic storytelling can disrupt even a centuries-old industry like American whiskey.  We discuss: The No. 1 most important skill for a drinks brand founder to nail How Fawn navigated the roadblocks she faced as a Black woman founder in whiskey How Uncle Nearest raised $225 million in funding from private investors How to build a mission-driven brand – and the advantages of doing so Fawn's iconoclastic approach to brand storytelling And much, much more! Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on Nov. 13.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you!

In this episode, we're joined by Brandon Joldersma, CEO of Surely and Arlow, two exciting players in the non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wine space. Brandon brings a wealth of experience from the beverage industry, having worked in restaurants, hard cider, and whiskey before taking the reins at Surely. We discuss Surely's origin story, its growth strategies, and its transition from direct-to-consumer to national retail on the path to racking up $20 million in sales over the past three years.  Then we dive into the recent launch of Arlow, a groundbreaking low-alcohol brand, offering wines at 6.5% ABV. Low-alcohol wines are an area of anticipated growth for the wine category in the coming years, with volumes predicted to grow at a CAGR of +14% between now and 2027, according to IWSR. Arlow is leveraging a first-mover advantage to build sales and brand recognition for its growing audience of affluent, health-conscious Millennial consumers. Some key takeaways: • The non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wine market is growing rapidly, driven by consumers seeking to moderate their alcohol consumption. • Creating a new category (like truly low-alcohol wine) can provide a first-mover advantage, but also requires significant consumer education. • Transitioning from direct-to-consumer (DTC) to retail distribution can significantly boost revenue, but requires careful planning and execution. • Product development in the non-alcoholic wine space is especially challenging, requiring innovative approaches to replicate the taste and experience of traditional wine. • Transparency in ingredient labeling and a focus on health and wellness can be key differentiators in the market. • The target demographic for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines tends to be affluent millennials who are health-conscious but still enjoy drinking occasionally. • Influencer marketing and in-person tastings ("liquid to lips") are crucial strategies for building brand awareness and trust. • Securing national retail accounts can provide substantial growth opportunities, but these partnerships take time and strategic pitching. • Also, one KEY MISTAKE not to make when launching a drinks brand. Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on Oct. 30. LINKS: Is the bev-alc slump part of a cyclical slowdown? See what Time magazine had to say, way back in 1986! https://time.com/archive/6706878/blithe-spirits-for-the-sober-set/ And join the debate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/erica-duecy-4a35844_ready-for-a-mind-blowing-moment-would-activity-7234563401622900737-hR8Y?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes.

Welcome to the Business of Drinks podcast. Today we're joined by Erik Segelbaum, founding partner of SWIG Partners, to discuss the complex world of beverage alcohol distribution in the United States.  Erik brings over 20 years of industry experience, having worked his way up from chef to sommelier overseeing $100 million in annual beverage sales across 42 restaurants. Now, as a leading beverage consultant and co-founder of SWIG Partners, he helps brands navigate the challenging three-tier distribution system in the U.S. But before we get too far, a declaration of conflict of interest. SWIG Partners will be coming on as a sponsor for future episodes of Business of Drinks. Just to be clear, though, this episode was BOD's idea, and was in the works before that agreement. In this episode, we explore: The inspiration behind launching SWIG Partners and the gap it fills in the marketplace. Current trends and issues in the distribution landscape. Challenges brands face when attempting cold outreach to distributors. The best regional markets to target for launching new brands. The state of the three-tier system — and whether there's truly a bottleneck in distribution. What distributors are looking for in the brands they're picking up. Why focusing on relationships — not transactions — is the key to long-term success. The growing demand for low- and no-alcohol products in distributor portfolios. Erik shares invaluable insights on what distributors and importers are looking for in brand partnerships, common pitfalls to avoid, and how SWIG acts as a matchmaker between brands and distributors.  Whether you're a foreign brand looking to enter the U.S. market or a domestic producer seeking wider distribution, this episode offers a ton of insights on strategically growing your brand's presence.  SPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their service fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on October 16.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you

 Looking to raise funds? You're in luck. Today we're talking with Kat Weaver, co-founder of Power To Pitch. She's a top pitching coach who's helped hundreds of startups raise capital.  Kat was able to scale and sell her first company she started out of her college dorm room. After winning 22 of 23 pitches she entered, she founded Power To Pitch to help founders build a winning pitch, deck, and fundraising strategy to help them get funded faster. To date, Power To Pitch has helped founders raise over $25 million in grants and venture capital. As we discuss, there are so many mistakes founders make when raising funds — from failing to discuss monetization to pitching investors as if they were potential customers. Understanding what's important to investors is key to Power to Pitch's program. Kat and her business partner Katie Dunn help bridge the gap by helping startups learn the art and science of pitching.  Get a leg up on the competition with these key insights! We discuss:  How to approach storytelling and craft a compelling narrative Maintaining a consistent core message while tailoring pitches to different investors The most important metrics to include in your investor deck Best practices for preparing for your pitch How to handle tough questions The role of product samples in investor meetings How to follow up effectively after a pitch How to create a connection and build rapport with investors What to expect when you're pitching different types of investors How to approach potential new investors And Power To Pitch has extended a discount code for Business of Drinks listeners: For $50 off the Grant Program that shares over 200+ grants per month: https://www.powertopitch.com/offers/TogBrmEa?coupon_code=BIZOFDRINKS50 For $250 off the Investor Prep Program, apply here: https://www.powertopitch.com/apply Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on Oct. 2.  Show links: https://www.numerator.com/resources/blog/non-alcoholic-beverage-trends/ For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.   https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you!

Today, we're talking with Justin Fenchel, a co-founder and the CEO of BeatBox Beverages. For those unfamiliar with the brand, it's an 11% ABV, wine-based RTD party punch in flavors like Blue Razzberry, Pink Lemonade, and Fruit Punch. Sound like fun? Well, fun — and fun flavors — are its main selling points, and this brand is on fire, especially with Millennial and Gen Z audiences. BeatBox did more than $100 Million in sales last year, and is on track to double that again this year.  The brand first made headlines in 2014 for getting one of the biggest investments on Shark Tank's history, with a $1 Million dollar investment from Mark Cuban. But lest you think it was smooth sailing from there on, that wasn't the case. BeatBox toiled away for years, with sales flatlining as the brand tweaked its product and systems in real time, changing formats (moving from 5L bag-in-box to single serve) and distributor networks ( moving from liquor/wine to beer distributors). With dedication, the team kept pushing, until it landed on the winning formula that unlocked exponential growth.  Now, a decade after that first Shark Tank appearance, BeatBox is running on a few years of +100% sales growth. Justin shares his hard-won insights on how to persevere despite product-market fit issues and funding challenges. And then, how to support hockey-stick growth from strategic, operational, and human resources standpoints.   We discuss: The market whitespace BeatBox identified and built its product on Landing on fun and flavor as key differentiators Early audience growth insights Building a brand — and company culture — with staying power How to leverage media appearances (like Shark Tank) to attract investment and retail placements Maintaining adaptability in challenging times Keys to building strong relationships with distributors and retailers Why BeatBox ultimately switched from liquor/wine to beer distribution channels How to engage consumers authentically through experiences and word of mouth Marketing strategies to build a community of superfans  How to incorporate sustainable practices into a winning business model Links:  Episode 33: Fundraising Masterclass with Giuseppe Infusino (with Last Call discussion of Dan Petroski / Massican Wine) Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on Sept. 18.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.   https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you!

Today we're talking with Issamu Kamide, co-founder of the LA-based Wonderwerk House of Fermentation. What the heck is that, you might ask? "We are primarily a flavor-forward, progressive wine company," Issamu explains.  Wonderwerk is innovating with new-to-world wine products by focusing on flavor and occasion. In doing so, they're making wine more accessible and appealing to younger consumers, who are less concerned with traditional markers like appellation, vintage, and varietal. In fact, most of Wonderwerk's audience is Gen Z and Millennials. Wonderwerk's breakout hits include Lite Werk, a line of 7% alcohol sparkling wines flavored with yuzu, hibiscus, and lemons; and Marinara, a lively red with a label sporting a big bowl of pasta. The latter is a fantastic example of a product that clearly articulates “here's how and when to drink this wine.”  And they're one of wine's latest success stories, bucking the trend of sales decline among smaller independent producers. Wonderwerk has shown the opposite: 50% YOY sales growth for the past two years running, now at 11K cases and distribution in 23 states. Wonderwerk's biggest challenge? Keeping up with demand. In this interview, we discuss: How traditional wine brands are struggling due to changing consumer preferences What Millennials and Gen Z are looking for in wine How innovation products and natural wine positioning are key to Wonderwerk's success Why easy-to-understand labels are crucial for attracting new wine drinkers The brand's laser focus on flavor-forward and occasion-based wine design How the self-funded company is planning to expand in a forthcoming capital raise The founders' unconventional CPG and distiller backgrounds that unlocked product innovation Why IRL events and direct consumer engagement are essential for brand awareness and sales growth Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on 9/4.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a sales representative at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/

Today we've got a true innovator in the house. We're talking with Britt West, executive vice president and general manager of Spirit of Gallo. If you're not familiar with Gallo's spirits division, it has quietly become one of the most formidable portfolios in bev alc. Over the past 6 years, Britt led the division up the ranks from the No. 8 spirits supplier by volume to No. 3. And that's largely due to its innovation program, with products like High Noon.  As many listeners will know, High Noon is now the top-selling spirits brand by volume in America, just 4 years after its launch. And that's rounded out by Gallo's other innovation products like New Amsterdam Vodka, Pink Whitney, and Camarena Tequila, all of which have new-to-category angles. Add to that Gallo's investment and acquisition brands like Condesa Gin and Don Fulano Tequila, to further fuel the flames. Britt is a rare talent in the spirits biz, with a broad yet super focussed background. He has a Master's in Hospitality from Cornell and an MBA — as well as a background managing nightclubs. He was a successful entrepreneur who created a brand, Eppa Sangria, which got acquired; now he looks for brands to acquire. Today at Gallo, he makes multi-billion dollar decisions but still visits bottle shops in Brooklyn and bars in Mexico City to keep his finger on the pulse of trends.    This unique background has helped him instill a creative and entrepreneurial ethos at Spirit of Gallo, where the team is encouraged to take big swings and fail. Importantly, we discuss why failure matters. As Britt says, “When you know what not to do, it becomes clear what to do." Key takeaways: Innovation and Consumer Insights >> Quickly market test and get real-time consumer feedback — not focus group feedback. Embrace Failure >> Celebrate and learn from failure to innovate and make better decisions. Family-Owned Competitive Advantage >> Gallo's team can focus on growth and innovation free from the pressures of quarterly financial reporting. Organizational Focus >> Leveraging Gallo's strong salesforce has been instrumental in turning new products into market leaders. Consumer-Centric Approach >> Product development and acquisition decisions are driven by understanding consumer needs and behaviors.  Target Specific Consumer Segments >> Gallo's launch of brands like VMC and Condesa Gin reflects a targeted approach towards specific demographics, such as the growing Hispanic population in the U.S. Adaptability and Market Awareness >> Stay adaptable and aware of market trends, like the recent rise of Soju among diverse consumer groups. Stay tuned for our next episode on 8/21.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.   https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a sales representative at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/

Ready for a meteoric growth story?! Today we talk with Clement Pappas, co-founder and CEO of Stateside Brands, the maker of Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka, and Stateside Vodka and Stateside Vodka Sodas.  For listeners who are not on the East Coast, this brand is suddenly everywhere. Last year, the Surfside line alone grew by 1 million cases to 1.3 million cases. And they've already surpassed that amount this year — by mid summer!  In fact, year-to-date Surfside is the No. 1 fastest-growing spirits RTD brand in the U.S. with top velocity rates and dollar share gains (via BWC data). This story illustrates the transformative effects an RTD line extension can have for an alcohol brand. In this case, the core brand was Stateside Vodka, which launched in 2015 as a local Philly alternative to Tito's Vodka. During the pandemic, Clem and team identified that consumers were hitting seltzer fatigue and looking for alternatives — i.e. an emerging white space for premium, vodka-based hard teas and lemonades. Stateside was an early mover, building up a strong core market in Philadelphia, and expanding throughout the mid-Atlantic before exploding onto the national stage.  They leaned into label transparency — positioning their products at the 100 calorie per can level with 2 grams of sugar and 3 grams of carbs. And they developed fun and cheeky marketing, positioning the brand as a “0 bubbles” alternative to hard seltzer. And it turns out that these things resonate with younger consumers!  Key Takeaways -What led Stateside to identify an innovative new white space in RTDs -The thought process that went into developing two hit RTD lines — carbonated and non-carbonated -How Surfside landed on its simple, effective branding and messaging strategy -The extensive flavor and formulation process that yielded a line of crisp, sessionable — and craveable — RTDs -How Stateside leveraged Covid restrictions to double its volumes -Local partnerships (baseball teams!) that drove early brand awareness and growth -How Stateside partnered with NJ distributor Fedway to build out the distribution and marketing plan that enabled exponential growth -How Stateside quickly scaled its sales and marketing machine  -The brand's most successful accounts (think stadiums and golf clubs!) -The demographic that's consuming the most Stateside products -How Surfside's on-premise sales strategy is driving high velocity  -How the brand is fueling growth from an investment perspective Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on Aug. 7.  Episode Links: Caroline + Scott's Last Call playlist: ​​https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AB1nSC0OVoy6LNa5VizT1?si=25659372344e43de For the latest updates, follow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a sales representative at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. Thank you!

Is your beverage brand in fundraising mode? If so, this is the episode for you! We talk with Giuseppe Infusino, a partner and the chief investment officer at InvestBev, a private equity firm that deploys growth capital to drinks brands. He leads InvestBev's investment sourcing, diligence, and structuring processes, and partners with portfolio companies to increase their likelihood of success. In this masterclass, Giuseppe shares his proprietary, 4-part framework for fundraising success — Plan, Path, Pitch, and Process. By the end of the episode you'll have answers to these questions:  In the PLAN stage: How should I frame my product, and the opportunity it represents, to investors? What do investors want to know about my company's infrastructure? What should I be prepared to share about my customers and GTM strategy? In the PATH stage: What are the different types of funding I should be aware of? How can I find potential funding sources? How should I approach potential funders? At the PITCH stage: How should I think about my pitch deck? What is the most essential information I need in that deck? How can I improve my chances of success?  In the PROCESS stage: What happens after the pitch? How can I effectively support the process?  What else should I be thinking about? If you want an edge on pitching to investors in today's challenging fundraising climate, listen in.  Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on 7/24.  Links: Ep 22: Cann's Jake Bullock on Growing a THC Beverage Brand: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/business-of-drinks/episodes/22-How-THC-Drinks-Brand-Cann-Grew-to-36-Million-in-Sales--with-CEO-Jake-Bullock---Business-of-Drinks-e2g5r00/a-ab0ba9k Ep 7: InvestBev's Brian Rosen on Fractional Sales: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/business-of-drinks/episodes/07-Beverage-Alcohol-Sales-Strategies-with-Brian-Rosen---Business-of-Drinks-e25ljjj/a-ab64i9u Resilient Wine by Stevie Stacionis: https://resilientwine.substack.com/ Massican Wine: https://www.massican.com/ For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a sales representative at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you!

Today we're talking with Allison Luvera, co-founder and CEO of Juliet, a wine company that's reshaping the narrative around boxed wine.  Allison has a really interesting background having worked in fashion advertising for Vogue and InStyle magazines, then later as director of Pernod Ricard's luxury marketing division, as brand marketing lead for Perrier-Jouet Champagne, Martell Cognac, Tequila Avion, Absolut Elyx, The Glenlivet, and Chivas. Juliet is an interesting product because it forged new territory in the boxed wine category, with very stylish branding and packaging. It's a cylindrical carton with a velvet rope handle, and really stands out on the shelf as a premium pick.  Juliet is having phenomenal traction in hospitality venues — it's now being served poolside at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and several Auberge resorts. Customers are ordering the whole box and perching it on tables to keep refilling their own glasses. And at retail, the brand has defined itself as a go-to for gatherings, from bachelorette parties to PTA meetings. We discuss how Allison and co-founder Lauren DeNiro identified the whitespace in the boxed wine category, and pursued a solution — and a specific customer — with laser-like focus. Juliet has now raised more than $5 million in funding, and has surpassed 10,000 cases of 1.5 L cartons.  Some key takeaways from the episode:  Why boxed wine is a predicted to be a bright spot in the wine category in the coming years How Juliet closed a new round (in a tough fundraising environment!) to bring its fundraising total to $5 million Why Juliet is moving from a predominantly DTC model to a wholesale model How public relations and paid social campaigns drove growth in the early days Why “customers are the new influencers” – and how to engage and incentivize informal brand ambassadors Why on-premise partnerships in prestige accounts are crucial for discovery and brand-building Links Referenced in Show Juliet Wine: https://drinkjuliet.com/  IWSR's ​​Key trends for the US wine market in 2024: https://www.theiwsr.com/key-trends-for-the-us-wine-market-in-2024/#:~:text=IWSR%20forecasts%20that%20US%20wine,2022%20falling%20by%20%2D3%25  Future Market Insights' Wine Box Market Outlook: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/wine-box-market  1,000 True Fans: https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/  The ‘Drinks of Summer' that Never Were (Vinepair): https://vinepair.com/articles/drinks-of-the-summer-that-never-were/ Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on July 10.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.   https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a sales representative at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you!

Some exciting news to share! The Business of Drinks podcast is growing by leaps and bounds, and with it — some new voices are coming onto the airwaves.  First up, Scott Rosenbaum is joining as the show's new co-host. If you're not yet acquainted with Scott, he's a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. Currently, he is the North America search manager at Distill Ventures, the world's first drinks industry accelerator. He was formerly vice president at T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor. While there, Scott created T. Edward's craft spirits portfolio, which represented over two dozen distilleries, including Arette Tequila, High Wire Distilling Co., La Gritona Tequila, and others.  And next up, Caroline Lamb joins as producer and on-air talent overseeing the newly revamped Last Call segment. Caroline is a sales representative at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, based in Detroit, Michigan. She has worked in myriad beverage roles, from bartender to wine cellar assistant.  Scott and Caroline bring an exciting new dimension to the podcast, with their cross-functional, cross-generational — and even cross-country — perspectives. With these additions, Business of Drinks is becoming even more of a ‘must-listen' for leaders and stakeholders from throughout the drinks industry. In this debut episode, Erica and Scott discuss mid-year drinks trends. They take a data-backed approach to discuss how fears around the “end of alcohol” are overblown. Then, they dive into the emerging trends of non-carbonated alcohol waters and its counterpart — the OG and new wave of hard tea and hard lemonades. Finally, they move on to discuss the emergence of spicy drinks across categories — including new spicy wine brands (yes, you read that right!). Caroline wraps us up in Last Call, hopping into a lively debate with the team about gender-based marketing — yay or nay? Plus, which brands are doing it well, and which are falling flat. Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on 6/26.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.  https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. Scott was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor. While there, he created their craft spirits portfolio which represented over two dozen distilleries including Arette Tequila, High Wire Distilling Co., and La Gritona Tequila, among others. https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a sales representative at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, based in Detroit, Michigan.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you!

Welcome, thirsty listener. This is episode 6 of the Business of Drinks podcast. Today's show is called “Brand Accelerators” and in this episode, we sit down with Scott Rosenbaum, the Search Manager for Distill Ventures, North America.  Scott likens his role to a talent scout for booze, where he goes searching for brands with the potential to break out. In this conversation Scott defines what a drinks accelerator does, outlining the difference between how an accelerator can help your brand grow vs. what an investment giant like Diageo is looking to achieve. He also explains what a brand accelerator will look for when considering new clients, and discusses the trends happening in today's drinks business market.   Show concept: This season, we're following a canned cocktail line called Hamlet Hound, from launch to growth. We've found that people (and brands) don't like to talk about how they become profitable, so we're pulling the band-aid off and delving into actual dollars and cents. You'll get an inside look at what works, and what doesn't. Want to know how to build a successful alcohol brand? Tune in as we investigate!   About Scott Rosenbaum, guest: Scott Rosenbaum is the Search Manager for Distill Ventures, North America. Distill Ventures provides investment and support for spirits startups and entrepreneurs who want to create the global drinks brands of the future.   Scott was previously the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor. While there, he created their craft spirits portfolio which represented over two dozen brands including La Gritona Tequila, Wigle Whiskey, Lágrimas de Dolores Mezcal, Far North Spirits, and Arette Tequila.   Learn more about Scott Rosenbaum: https://internationalwinecenter.com/instructor/scott-rosenbaum/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ ahsoinsights.com  https://www.distillventures.com/ https://twitter.com/distillventures   About Erica Duecy, host: Erica Duecy is co-founder of Business of Drinks, a podcast and content consultancy, and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. She also has led digital editorial teams at Architectural Digest and Saveur magazines. Her content, podcast, and video programs have won more than 40 digital and editorial awards. She is a WSET Advanced-certified wine and spirits communicator, and author of the cocktail book Storied Sips (Random House), about the real-life stories behind the world's most famous cocktails.    To learn more about Erica Duecy: https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ https://twitter.com/ericaduecy   About Felicity Carter, host: Felicity Carter is a well-known journalist and editor based in Europe. She is co-founder of Business of Drinks, the Editorial Director of ARENI Global in London, International Editor of Star Wine List in Sweden, and a contributing editor to The New Wine Review. Formerly, she was founding Executive Editor for The Drop, and Editor-in-Chief of Meininger's Wine Business International, a trade magazine she built into a global must-read, with subscribers in 38 countries. She has consulted to the Dutch government and to Liv-ex, and been the keynote speaker at the wine industry's biggest conferences and events, from New York and Sydney to Hong Kong.    To learn more about Felicity Carter: https://twitter.com/felicitycarter https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicity-carter-a5754380/ https://www.instagram.com/carter.felicity/ https://www.facebook.com/felicity.carter.104/ Cheers!

SPLIT SECOND MELTDOWN is the hard-hitting project by acclaimed East Coast rock multi-instrumentalist Rob Clores (The Black Crowes, Charli XCX, Jesse Malin). Building on the release of last year's EP, SSM today (November 10) has released the video for “Big Game Hunting,” an energetic, action-packed sonic rollercoaster with the rawness of Rage Against The Machine and lyrically trippy imagery of Pink Floyd. Watch the video here. “Big Game Hunting” is available now and will be included on SSM's full-length debut album in 2022. The “Big Game Hunting” video was premiered yesterday (November 9) by Glide Magazine which hailed the song as “rapturous and mysterious.” Glide also noted that CLOREShas “a music flavor worth digging into. Clores helms a new project titled Split Second Meltdown which delivers a Foo Fighters arena rock immediacy mixed with the psych rock mysterious elements of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.” The video is a combination of performance footage (shot in black-and-white at the NYC venue East Berlin) and outdoor concept scenes filmed in color in Melville on Long Island, New York. It was directed by Scott Rosenbaum of Red Hawk Films who has many films and videos to his credit including the award-winning feature length documentary Sidemen: the Long Road To Glory (2018) The Perfect Age of Rock (2011). Betterhelp : https://www.betterhelp.com/sipod for 10% off Mack Weldon: https://www.mackweldon.com/suckit Promo Code "SUCKIT" for 20% off! Everyplate: https://www.everyplate.com Code "suckit179" for $1.99 Meals! https://www.theblackrosemedia.com Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/theblackrosemedia https://www.instagram.com/suckitpodcast https://www.facebook.com/suckitpodcast https://www.facebook.com/TheBlkRoseMedia --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thedarksideofmusic/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thedarksideofmusic/support

The Law of Vibration is the most important Law of the Universe as it attracts to us what we really want.  Learn how to incorporate the Law of Vibration to increase your profits in professional selling. The Law of Vibration impacts all businesses and relationships. https://www.chezvalerie.us     http://lifemasteryinstitute.com/go/aff.php?p=vahail&w=IYG_EVG_VSL-EM   Scott Rosenbaum recently wrote an article that discusses the new world order of sales professionals.  The old way of casual drop in, not setting appointments and being an order taker are GONE. Ah so insights Scott Rosenbaum https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-future-of-the-wine-and-spirits-sales-rep-role/   Sign up for an annual subscription- the best $54 deal Kundalini Yoga- This Sikh introduces a kriya to stop our mental fears.  Bob Proctor relates to us that fear comes from doubt and worry - two emotions that cause disease and illness https://youtu.be/ky7vv3PTR5I The kundalini yoga Sikh shares that fear is in our DNA- it can come from our grandparents, our parents, our siblings.  Learn how to kick fear, doubt and worry to the curb. I wanted to provide "male energy" to my virtual kundalini links and this Sikh is the best.. Wine - to highlight Scott Rosenbaum's salient points, the new way of professional selling is to incorporate: Adaptability, Client Understanding, Digital Know-How and Business Savvy. Ah so insights Scott Rosenbaum https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-future-of-the-wine-and-spirits-sales-rep-role/ www.ahsoinsights.com my new blog ROSE' wines on Sedona Pies website http://sedonapies.com/2021/07/26/that-summer-is-for-rose

In the fourth episode of the redux series Drew and Libby cover the Scott Rosenbaum home run episode "Partners".   Twitter: @ShieldShattered E-mail: TheShatteredShieldPod@gmail.com All audio clips from "The Shield" are owned by Fx Networks. All rights reserved.

Economist Noreena Hertz believes we're living in ‘The Lonely Century'. Loneliness is fuelling extremism, poor workplace productivity and a booming industry of goods designed to help us feel less alone. So, how should leaders help a disconnected planet come together in a post-COVID world? On the Sky News Daily podcast, host Dermot Murnaghan speaks to Noreena about people-watching in Euston Station, and why public libraries could be a solution to the loneliness epidemic. Plus, Scott Rosenbaum explains why his 'Rent A Friend' website is becoming so popular.

This episode is an amazing interview with filmmaker Scott Rosenbaum about his award winning documentary, Sidemen-Long Road to Glory. Scott and I discuss everything from the Kickstarter campaign that got the film off his hard drive and onto the big screens, to what he was working on at the time of the interview. Scott explains the origins of Sidemen while working on his 2009 film The Perfect Age of Rock and Roll and how those 3 legends, Pinetop Perkins, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, and Hubert Sumlin, came to be the center of his documentary. The film is now available on iTunes and through a variety of retailers including amazon. Follow Scott at his website to stay up to date on all his projects. Visit my sponsor Pure Mountain Coffee and enter coupon taitc and receive 15% off on all orders over $25. Follow my photography at Black Cat Bone Productions on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/artinsidethecraft/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/artinsidethecraft/support

The crew comes together once more to discuss one of the most unique episodes The Shield has to offer in "Kavanaugh". What does Panda think of Forest Whitaker? Would Dutch be a good IAD agent? Find out on this brand new episode! Also, Drew speaks to writer Scott Rosenbaum about his time on The Shield and his experience writing this episode! Twitter: @ShieldShattered Gmail: TheShatteredShieldPod@gmail.com All audio clips from The Shield are owned by Fx Networks. All rights reserved.

19 + Scott Rosenbaum / Spirits Portfolio: Taste, place and the market Quarantine remote podcasting continues with our guest Scott Rosenbaum, Vice President of T. Edward Wine and Spirits. In addition to developing an exceptional spirits portfolio, he also teaches at the IWC and at NYU. If you’ve been listening for a while you might remember that T. Edward’s agave portfolio includes Lagrimas de Dolores and Cinco Sentidos. We have hosted podcasts with both brand owners: German Gutierrez Gamboa of Lagrimas and Jason Paul Cox of Cinco Sentidos. The conversation we had with Scott provides context to how the role of importer and distributor functions between the brand and the market and ultimately how they cultivate that relationship. It also offers aspiring spirits specialists an opportunity to learn about how Scott got started in his career and the paths he took, including weathering the 2008 financial crisis.  We made our first attempt to discuss terroir in agave spirits, a subject we hope to explore more in future episodes. The concept of terroir is fantastically complicated and imperfect when compared with wine, however, it does allow for a structure with which to talk about the different elements that make each spirit special and unique to the place the plants were grown and where the spirit was made. Check out T. Edward's live morning show on IG! They feature producers from around the world. You get an up-close tour of their vineyards, distilleries and best of all you get to hear directly from them:) Stay Positive and Sip Mezcal!   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

What if you were called in to run a show that had just aired its first four episodes, and was put on hold? That happened to former Chuckwriter/co-executive producer Scott Rosenbaum, and it he accepted the challenge!It wasn’t easy, but Scott steered the show V into new waters, and it has gotten stronger and stronger ever since.You’ll be fascinated to hear how Scott lost his writing staff due to production delays, and had to deliver the last two episodes and the pitch for season 2 by himself, with just the studio as a sounding board!Hear also how he selected the season 2 writing staff, his advice for writing spec scripts, how to properly prepare for a staffing interview, and how a chance meeting ended up securing an actor for one of the most important new characters in season 2.We also include an interview Gray had with Scott back in March 2010, just before his first V episodes started to air. In this interview he shares his career path, from how he got started as a writer to his work on Chuck, including insight on why “bottle episodes” often end up being the strongest.Buy Gray’s book for only $4.99! Look for it on Amazon – How To Break In To TV Writing: Insider Interviews.Didn’t get your questions asked? Make sure you follow Gray on Twitter (@GrayJones) so you can get the scoop on who is being interviewed and how to get your questions in. Also check out our TV Writer Twitter Database to find Twitter addresses for over 1,000 TV writers. Find our previous episodes and other resources at www.tvwriterpodcast.comor on Gray’s YouTube channel.First published January 2, 2011.

What if you were called in to run a show that had just aired its first four episodes, and was put on hold? That happened to former Chuckwriter/co-executive producer Scott Rosenbaum, and it he accepted the challenge! It wasn't easy, but Scott steered the show V into new waters, and it has gotten stronger and stronger ever since. You'll be fascinated to hear how Scott lost his writing staff due to production delays, and had to deliver the last two episodes and the pitch for season 2 by himself, with just the studio as a sounding board! Hear also how he selected the season 2 writing staff, his advice for writing spec scripts, how to properly prepare for a staffing interview, and how a chance meeting ended up securing an actor for one of the most important new characters in season 2. We also include an interview Gray had with Scott back in March 2010, just before his first V episodes started to air. In this interview he shares his career path, from how he got started as a writer to his work on Chuck, including insight on why “bottle episodes” often end up being the strongest. Buy Gray's book for only $4.99! Look for it on Amazon – How To Break In To TV Writing: Insider Interviews. Didn't get your questions asked? Make sure you follow Gray on Twitter (@GrayJones) so you can get the scoop on who is being interviewed and how to get your questions in. Also check out our TV Writer Twitter Database to find Twitter addresses for over 1,000 TV writers. Find our previous episodes and other resources at www.tvwriterpodcast.comor on Gray's YouTube channel. First published January 2, 2011.

The Sherman & Tingle Show - WDRV-FM Chicago

Wasting away again in MargaritavilleSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/Disgorgeous)

For this episode I had a chance to connect with Diana Pittet who, along with Scott Rosenbaum, is teaching “The History, Culture, and Politics of Drinking” as part of the Food Studies program at NYU. Before diving into some of the details around the class, Diana shared about her early interest and study of Latin, her trips to study the history of cheese, and getting to see the cocktail revolution unfold in New York City. I hope you all enjoy, cheers folks! Diana’s Cocktail Catering: https://www.nightowlhospitality.com/ Diana’s Instagram: @cheesediana Shots of History Instagram: @shotsofhistorypodcast Shots of History Website: http://shotsofhistory.com/  

This autumn, Asbury Park resident Diana Pittet, who grew up in Atlantic Highlands, is teaching a pioneering, one-of-a-kind graduate seminar at New York University on “The History, Culture, and Politics of Drinking,” from the Neolithic period to the present day. That’s a time span of over 9,000 years of humans intentionally (as opposed to accidentally) making and consuming alcohol--all the while, having mixed feelings about it. The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast

The boys are joined by Scott Rosenbaum, Spirits Manager of T. Edward Wines, to talk about Big Dick Energy, French Postmodernism, French Tucking, Phillip the Bold and sexy birds. Duck asks some hard hitting interview questions, Kevin breaks his own brain, Scott does trouble. Also, everyone settles down to discuss the worst Cru in beaujolais, Saint Amour. For the record, they are already regretting this dumb stunt. Please like and review the pod, tell a friend, and hit us up on patreon.com/disgorgeous// List/// Domain des billards (Barbet), Saint Amour, 2016// Domaine Michel Tete/Domaine du clos du fief, Saint Amour, "Les Capitans," 2016// Chateau des Rontets, Saint Amour, 2016// Barbeito, Sercial, 1992//Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/Disgorgeous)

Brothers Daniel and Jesse Reaux have been playing music since they were kids. After a couple of encouraging open mic sessions, they drew upon some of their musical influences from bluegrass, the blues, and outlaw country and partnered with some of their musician friends to form The Rayo Brothers.  In their current lineup, they have Jordan Ardoin on bass, Lance Kelehan on drums and mandolin, and Sarah Jayde Williams on the fiddle. Daniel plays the guitar and Jesse plays the banjo, and both of the brothers do the vocals. Since the band's inception they've played all across the South, including shows at SXSW, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Festival Internationale, House of Blues New Orleans, and Gilley's Dallas. They are scheduled to do another showcase for Jazz Fest this year on May 3rd. Some of the discussion topics include How the band got their start and developed their sound The appeal of old-time traditions and throwback styles How a distinct music video can help a band get noticed What other bands should keep in mind when shooting music videos Tips for filmmakers who want to shoot videos with bands Budgeting for music videos, tours, and album releases Building a fan base one show at a time At the end of the episode, you can hear the song "Red River Blues," which comes from the band's latest album, Take You For a Drive.  If you like exploring some of the music traditions that The Rayo Brothers reference in their music, you might appreciate this interview I did with Scott Rosenbaum, the filmmaker behind Sidemen, a documentary that premiered at SXSW in 2016 and tells the story of the Grammy-winning sidemen who played alongside legendary bluesmen Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf and developed their own musical voices along the way. Show notes for that episode are here: # Sponsor for this Episode nsavides productions – I make videos and tell stories. My new video portfolio is here!   Fable House and I are partnering together to produce distinguished music videos for bands who want to share their music in personable and unforgettable ways. # Based in Louisiana, Fable House is a production company that has produced millions of dollars worth of content. Their team has done effects work on Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Game of Thrones, and Star Trek: Into Darkness, and some of the recording artists they've worked with include Dr. John, Kendrick Lamar, and Jared Leto’s Thirty Seconds to Mars. # Let’s discuss how we can help your music stand out: podcast@nsavides.com # Related Things "Coronet" music video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx90tjA1-0E The Rayo Brothers website The band on  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube Their "Gunslinger" music video The line up for Jazz Fest 2018 on May 3rd, when the band will be playing The original Twitter announcement from @JazzFest Music for the show provided by Rob Costlow # Films & Shows Mentioned Bonnie & Clyde (2013) # Musicians Mentioned Bill Monroe Bob Dylan Chuck Berry Hank Williams Johnny Cash Mumford & Sons  Owl City  The Rayo Brothers # Other People Mentioned Alexander the Great  John Paul Summers, director of the "Gunslinger" music video Logan LeBlanc, cinematographer on "Gunslinger" Oracle of Delphi # If You Liked the Show Sign up for The nsavides Newsletter. Subscribe or leave an honest review: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Say hello on Twitter:  @nsavidesPRO Thank you for visiting!  

Host Paul Booth interviews Scott Rosenbaum Director of Sidemen: Long Road to Glory. Opening in New York August 18th and Los Angeles August 25th    Directed by:  Scott Rosenbaum   Narrated by: Marc Maron   Featuring: Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Gregg Allman, Joe Bonamassa, Shemekia Copeland, Warren Haynes, Robby Krieger, Joe Perry, Bonnie Raitt, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and Johnny Winter.

SIDEMEN - Long Road To Glory is an intimate look at the incredible lives and legacies of piano player Pinetop Perkins, drummer Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith and guitarist Hubert Sumlin, all Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf sidemen. Director Scott Rosenbaum, Writer Jasin Cadic and Musician Lance Lopez join us to discuss their documentary and how the project evolved from a simple concert video. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L40POQ9N42o More info: https://www.facebook.com/sidemenfilm https://www.instagram.com/sidemenfilm/ http://www.sidemenfilm.com/ Huge thank you to the team and sponsors at Southern Screen, the premiere film festival of Lafayette, LA. Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernScreen/ ABOUT US bckstry is an organization that provides youth mentorship and job training to aspiring filmmakers while supporting local artists (learn more at www.bckstry.org or checkout our Facebook: www.facebook.com/bckstry/) Our podcast is about films, pop culture, news, reviews and things interesting to creatives. Join us every week as Writer/Director, Ahmed Siddiqui, Producer, Adam Hensgens, and bckstry program mentee and aspiring cinematographer, Kate Rogers, sit down and talk about the things we love: film. Connect with us on: Website: bit.ly/bckstryweb Facebook: bit.ly/bckstryfb Twitter: bit.ly/bckstrytwit Instagram: bit.ly/bckstryinsta Linked In: bit.ly/bckstryLinkedIn Ahmed Siddiqui bit.ly/ahmedweb bit.ly/bckstrytwit bit.ly/bckstryinsta Adam Hensgens 404 Error. Kate Rogers bit.ly/kateinsta

Jimmy sat in on the round tables for V and chatted with series stars Morena Baccarin (Anna), Logan Huffman (Tyler Evans), Charles Mesure (Kyle Hobbes), Elizabeth Mitchell (Erica Evans), Laura Vandervoort (Lisa), and show producers Scott Rosenbaum & Steve Pearlman. Great stuff revealed. He was able to grab Laura Vandervoort for a quick solo interview as well and even mentioned her return to Smallville this year!

If a TV show isn't getting good ratings it goes "on the bubble."  So how do the writers cope with the threat of cancellation hanging over their heads, and what happens when the bubble pops? We talk with two TV producers Liz Heldens and Scott Rosenbaum, who know life on the bubble all too well. 

Scott Rosenbaum has moved on to become the showrunner of V, but he's left behind some of the best episodes of Chuck, including Chuck vs the Sizzling Shrimp, Chuck vs Santa Claus, and most recently Chuck vs the Beard. It was a pleasure to speak with him, and learn about his passion for Chuck and also for V. He also shares some cool stories about bringing Morgan into the spy world, and working with Zachary Levi as director. You can support Scott by watching V on Tuesdays at 10pm on ABC... and of course, please remember to watch Chuck live on Mondays at 8pm on NBC. Enjoy! Miss any episodes? You can find them all at chuckpodcast.blip.tv, and every time you watch it helps to support us! Also, if you like the show, please consider supporting us with a vote at Podcast Alley.

Scott Rosenbaum has moved on to become the showrunner of V, but he's left behind some of the best episodes of Chuck, including Chuck vs the Sizzling Shrimp, Chuck vs Santa Claus, and most recently Chuck vs the Beard. It was a pleasure to speak with him, and learn about his passion for Chuck and also for V. He also shares some cool stories about bringing Morgan into the spy world, and working with Zachary Levi as director. You can support Scott by watching V on Tuesdays at 10pm on ABC... and of course, please remember to watch Chuck live on Mondays at 8pm on NBC. Enjoy! Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates - @chucktvdotnet, @prlsoflizdom, and @GrayJones.