In this special episode I returned to Mount Vernon, Virginia to visit one of the coolest places on the planet. George Washington needs no introduction, but did you know he made whiskey and the distillery at Mount Vernon is fully operational? Head distiller Steve Bashore gives me a quick tour and sits down with me for a fantastic conversation. I can…

In this episode I traveled to the small town of St. Michaels, Maryland to visit one of the best people in the business! Jaime Windon jubilantly crafts American Rum at Windon Distilling with their flagship product: Lyon Rum. Her creativity and service on small business boards knows no bounds! I can't thank Jaime enough for her willingness to sit dow…

In this episode I traveled to Mt. Pleasant, NC and visited one of the most unique distilleries I've ever been to! Southern Grace Distilleries resides in an old North Carolina State Prison and they sure do embrace every ounce of history! I can't thank owner Thomas Thacker enough for his willingness to sit down with me and share his story and his gra…

In this episode I traveled to Sanford, NC and visited one of my favorite spots: Hugger Mugger Brewing Company! Owner Tim Emmert joined me to share his story in craft brewing and the story of Hugger Mugger!I can't thank Tim enough for his gracious welcome and willingness to sit down with me. Can't wait to be back at Hugger Mugger for a pint soon!For…

In this episode I traveled back to Benson, NC and revisited our friends at Broadslab Distillery! Owner Jeremy Norris joined me to catch up on all things Flue Cured Whiskey and the Agricultural side of distillation! I can't thank Jeremy enough for his warm welcome and willingness to sit down with me again, but this time on video! Truly appreciate hi…

In this episode I traveled to Cambridge, WI and had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Nick Maas - owner and operator of Dancing Goat Distillery! Nick's family story weaves through the halls of alcohol history from moonshining, creating RumChata, and all the way to Charlie Berens' Brandy and cementing themselves as one of Wisconsin's larges…

In this episode I traveled back to Milwaukee, WI and revisited my good friends at Central Standard Craft Distillery! Owner Evan Hughes and Chief Commercial Officer Jim Kanter sat down to catch up on all things Central Standard and showcased some of their newest product! I can't thank Evan and Jim enough for their warm welcome and willingness to sit…

In this episode I traveled to Pittston, PA and had a fantastic conversation with Fred Maier - owner and operator of Susquehanna Brewing Company! Honoring is family's heritage from Germany, 6 generations of beer makers later Fred is making some fantastic craft product just south of Scranton, PA. I'm grateful for his and SBC's warm hospitality and lo…

In this episode I traveled to Sheboygan, Wisconsin and had was welcomed by 3 Sheeps Brewing's own Grant Pauly! As owner and operator, Grant has created something special up in Sheboygan, WI with classic beer recipes alongside different experiments and a really unique barrel aging program! I'm incredibly grateful for his hospitality while onsite! Fo…

In this episode I traveled to Fon du Lac, Wisconsin and had the pleasure of sitting down with Bryce Retzer, the head distiller of Ledgerock Distillery! The Retzer Family has been distilling since 2018 and farming for even longer! Ledgerock takes grain to glass very seriously and is making some fantastic products! For more information: Be sure to fo…

In this episode, I traveled to my hometown and beer capital of the world: Milwaukee, Wisconsin! I had the unique privilege of sitting down with Owner Russ Klisch and Brand Manager Michael Stodola to hear their individual stories of getting into craft beer and the story of Lakefront itself.This episode was recorded at the end of July and unfortunate…

In this episode, I traveled to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to learn the store of the only distillery in town: Sturgeon Spirits. Owner and distillery Karl Loewenstein graciously sat down with me to discuss all the things he's infusing, his small business, and his background as a Russian History Teacher!They have some fantastic products and I can't wait to vi…

In this episode, I traveled to Dane, Wisconsin - just north of Madison - to learn all about J. Henry & Sons and their incredible family story. Master Blender Joe Z. Henry - the oldest of the Henry sons - sat down with me to discuss all things Bourbon and Rye centered around their family farm. They have some fantastic products and I can't wait to vi…

In this episode, I traveled to my hometown of West Allis, Wisconsin to learn all about the brewery that opened after I moved away! Co-owner Kyle Ciske and Brewer Cameron Patterson welcomed me to Ope! and shared their story, alongside a flight of beer of course! Enjoy the music in the beginning and ending? Cheers to Kyle - a musician himself - for s…

In this episode I traveled back to my hometown of Milwaukee, WI and had the special privilege of speaking with Head Distiller Nate Newbrough and Bar Manager Brendan Cleary - at Great Lakes Distillery!! Back when we were still just doing audio, Great Lakes joined us on Episode 12 for what is still our most successful audio episode TO DATE! Now, we b…

In this episode I traveled to Washington DC and had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan Cotton, co-founder and distiller at the Cotton & Reed Rum Distillery! I'm so thankful for Jordan's hospitality and look forward to visiting again when I'm in the area! For more information: Follow: @cottonandreed on Instagram Visit: https://www.cottonandreed.co…

In this episode I traveled to Baltimore, MD and had the honor of speaking with the great Max Lents and Eli Brietburg-Smith. Both are Co-founders and distillers at Baltimore Spirits Co! I'm so thankful for Max and Eli's hospitality and look forward to visiting again when I'm in the area! For more information: Follow Baltimore Spirits Co.: @baltspiri…

In this episode I traveled to Middleburg, VA - a small rural town just about an hour west of Washington D.C. - and had the honor of speaking with the head distiller at Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery: Peter Ahlf! I'm so thankful for Peter's hospitality and time and can't wait to visit again when I'm in the area! For more information: Follow Mt. De…

In this episode I traveled to Kearneysville, WV - a small town just 20 min NW of Harpers Ferry - and had the pleasure of speaking with owner and operator of Devil's Due Distillery: Wylie McDade. I'm so thankful for Wylie's hospitality and friendship and can't wait to visit again when I'm in the area! For more information: Follow Devil's Due: @devil…

In this episode I traveled to Old Town Alexandria, VA - a beautiful historic town just minutes from Washington DC - and had the honor of speaking with Tom "Big T" Gale - the Director of Operations at one of the biggest bourbon bars and restaurants in the area, Virtue Feed & Grain! Tom is a Kentucky Colonel, Executive Bourbon Steward, king of one-li…

In this episode I traveled to Norristown, PA - just outside of Philadelphia - and had the honor of speaking with John George - founder and distiller of Five Saints Distilling! I'm so thankful for John's hospitality and can't wait to visit again when I'm in the Philly area! "Growing up in the Upstate New York countryside provided a childhood of outd…

In this episode I traveled to Evanston, IL - just outside of Chicago - and had the pleasure of speaking with Paul Hletko - founder and distillery of FEW Spirits! I'm so thankful for Paul's hospitality and can't wait to visit again when I'm in the Chicagoland area! "PAUL HLETKO, FOUNDER & DISTILLER, SAW THE POWER OF PEOPLE FOLLOWING THEIR DREAMS. HE…

In this episode I traveled to Indiana, PA and had the joy of interviewing Zach Morrow - owner and operator of Noble Stein Brewing Co, and Brewmaster Garrett Joiner! "It all started in a garage. We had both homebrewed before. Then, one day we brought all of our ideas and recipes together. We started out using home brew kits in a simple five-gallon k…

In this episode I traveled to Washington, PA and had the pleasure of speaking Jim Hough - owner and operator of Liberty Pole Spirits! Alongside his Wife and Sons, Jim honors the incredible history of Washington County, PA with one of the first American Industries: Whiskey! Liberty Pole Spirits celebrates the secret gathering in a meetinghouse near …

In this episode I traveled to El Paso, TX and had the pleasure of speaking with Sean Isassi of Prospect Spirits! The distillery itself is a work in progress in an old pizza shop, and the work they've done so far is really impressive! Makers of Free Range Vodka and Brindle Bourbon - among other delicious offerings, Prospect Spirits owns the space in…

In this episode I had the honor of sitting down with Steven Khoo - owner and operator of Static Line Brewing Co. in Sanford, North Carolina! Steven, alongside his wife Michelle, have only recently opened but already have a massive following and dedicate their space to the military community nearby at Fort Liberty (Bragg). Steven himself is retired …

In this episode I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark McLaughlin to discuss his journey from Navy to Distillery and everything in-between at Old Line Spirits in Baltimore, Maryland! visit www.oldlinespirits.com Follow @oldlinespirits If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate a follow and share on social media, subscribe to our YouTu…

In this episode I traveled to Colorado Springs, CO on the heels of the 2024 American Craft Spirits Association Convention in Denver! I've admired Blackhat from afar and am so grateful for the opportunity to stop by and talk to their head distiller Kim Immel. Visit https://www.blackhatdistillery.com/ Follow @blackhatdistillery If you enjoyed this ep…

In our first video episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mike and Dolly - founders of The Bar Book! They've created something special with a brand new app that helps you discover flavor profiles in products that fit you and your preference! The app went live in March 2024, and has tons of steam and TLC behind it. Mike and Dolly welcomed my w…

Our last audio only episode is here! I had an absolute blast talking to owner and operator, Jeff Harner, about his quaint and unique distillery in Hyattsville, Maryland. Sang•Froid Distilling is one of the smallest yet most impressive operations I've had the pleasure of visiting and I can't thank Jeff enough for having me! visit online at https://w…

In this episode, I again traveled to Frederick, Maryland to visit McClintock Distilling and speak with owner and operator Braeden Bumpers! Braeden graciously welcomed me into the distillery and gave a wonderfully detailed tour showcasing their beautiful space and I certainly can't wait to return! Visit them online at https://mcclintockdistilling.co…

In this episode I traveled to Frederick, Maryland to visit Puerto Rico Distillery and speak with owner and operator Angel Rivera. Originally from Puerto Rico, Agnel prides himself on sharing a slice of his culture with the American spirits market and often hosts events in the area to share a bit of his delicious Pitorro – or Puerto Rican Moonshine.…

In this episode I traveled to Benson, North Carolina to visit Broadslab Distillery and speak with the man behind it all, Jeremy Norris. Broadslab is just a short drive away from where I frequently visit in North Carolina and I’m glad I finally had the opportunity to take a tour and visit the beautiful farm. This is one I am excited to bring to vide…

In this episode I traveled to Beltsville, Maryland to visit Shmidt Spirits and talk with master distiller, Brian Roan. The small distillery is owned and operated by Arthur Shmidt – an engineer from the College Park, Maryland area who’s desire to make better spirits than what’s on the market emboldened his blending of engineering and his love of fin…

In this episode I traveled to Northern Pennsylvania to visit the Keir Family Distillery located in the small town of Warren Center. The distillery sits on a farm just 5 miles south of the New York/Pennsylvania state border and is only about an hour from where I spend my time drilling for the Army National Guard. I had the pleasure of speaking with …

In this episode, I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful veteran owned Tobacco Barn Distillery in Hollywood, Maryland and sat down with the trio behind it all: Dan, Sean, and Scott! Tobacco Barn is a true ground to glass distillery, growing the corn used in their whiskey right there on the farm. Ground to glass recently paid off when in 2023, …

In this episode, I traveled to Smyrna, Delaware to visit Painted Stave Distilling and speak to one of their owners - Michael Rassmusen. The most unique thing about this craft distillery is the building's history! It was originally opened as the Smyrna Theatre back in 1948 and Painted Stave maintained much of the original aspects of the theater insi…

In this episode, Allan sits down with Dan Morello of Tenth Ward Distilling Co. in Frederick, Maryland. Dan is one of the main distillers and graciously sat down to talk about his background and the awesome story behind Tenth Ward. Proudly woman owned and operated since 2016 by owner Monica Pearce in what used to be the Tenth Ward of downtown Freder…

In this episode I traveled to Weston, West Virginia to visit the MannCave Distillery and had the pleasure of speaking to the family behind it all! Father and Daughter duo Stephen and Kelly Mann joined me for a conversation discussing their business and the unique character a small craft distillery imparts on distillation out there in the sticks of …

In this episode I traveled to Culpeper, Virginia to visit the Belmont Farm Distillery and speak with famous moonshiner, Chuck Miller! The word legend isn’t enough to describe Chuck’s influence on the craft spirits industry, and his expertise is showcased in several episodes of Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners”. In fact, while at the distillery, vis…

In this episode I traveled to Manassas, Virginia to visit KO Distilling and had the pleasure of sitting down with Peter Mowery, the distillery’s Director of Sales. "Upon retiring early, the question became, “what next?” Neither one satisfied with sitting idle, in 2013 Bill and John set off to create craft spirits with local ingredients, high-qualit…

In this Episode, Allan sits down with Owen King from Ironclad Distillery Co. located in Newport News, Virginia. Ironclad is a family run craft distillery reveling in the rich Civil War history of the area. In 1862, one year into the American Civil War, the first ships to be armored in iron engaged in the waters off the Port of Newport News, Virgini…

In this episode, Allan sits down with Co-Founder Jim Larkin and Head Distiller Kevin Szady from Murlarkey Distilled Spirits, located in Bristow, Virginia Jim and Kevin discuss their proud support for local farms and showcase their unique offerings that set Murlarkey apart from other craft distilleries. visit Murlarkey at their website: https://murl…

In this episode Allan sits down with Michael & Lorenzo Paluzzi of Falls Church Distillers - located in Falls Church, Virginia! A father and son team, taking on the challenge of craft spirits and making uniquely delicious whiskey, gin, and vodka - including their incredibly successful Ready-to-drink canned cocktails! Learn more about them at http://…

In this episode, Allan had the pleasure of sitting down with Becky Harris, Chief Distiller of Catoctin Creek Distilling located in Purcellville, Virginia. She and her husband Scott opened with the intent of celebrating Virginia’s rich rye history and has become a favorite spot of mine to visit. Episode Thumb Photo credit: Alicia Bruce + Catoctin Cr…

In this episode, Allan sits down with Derek Anderson, the owner of The MacMillan Whisky Room located in the Mosaic District of Fairfax, Virginia. This place is one of Allan's favorite places to grab a cocktail and enjoy a meal, especially given their vast whiskey collection! "Come to the MacMillan Whisky Room and enjoy a dram of your favorite malt …

In this episode Allan sits down with Chris Roedl, the Founder of Hatch Distilling Co. - located in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. Door County is a top tourist destination in Wisconsin, and the small town of Egg Harbor offers some of the best spots - including this craft distillery. "Our founder, Chris, spent his formative years working in the commercial po…

In this episode Allan sits down with Evan Hughes, the co-owner of Central Standard Craft Distillery - located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "Central Standard is more than a name. It’s an idea. An idea to make better spirits, with locally sourced products, by hard-working local professionals who are passionate about what they create. We’ve been lucky eno…

In this Episode, Allan sits down with the head distiller, Nate Newbrough, of Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Great Lakes Distillery has called Wisconsin home since their founding by Guy Rehorst in 2004. Nestled in the heart of the vibrant city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the distillery stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment…

In this episode, Allan sits down with Alex Laufer, CEO and co-founder of District Made Spirits located in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington D.C. Recorded onsite at the distillery, Alex discusses the unique craft of distilling whiskey and other spirits in the Nation's Capital and the value he puts on community and using local products in the p…