EmbellishPod

Breaking Tradition: Smokehead Whisky and the Power of Rebellion

In this episode of the EmbellishPod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Smokehead, a  Scotch whisky company. Smokehead is an Islay single malt that prides itself on being rebellious and innovative.
Iain, the brand director, explained that Smokehead is all about intelligent rebellion and turning tradition on its head. They aim to open up whisky to a wider audience by offering a unique and bold experience.
Elliot, a glass sculptor, joined the conversation to discuss his collaboration with Smokehead in designing a new whisky glass called the Smoke Mask. Elliot's artistic background and rebellious mindset made him the perfect partner for this project. He shared his creative process and the challenges he faced in designing a glass that would enhance the sensory experience of drinking Smokehead whisky.
We also delved into the characteristics of Smokehead whisky itself. Iain described it as a smoky, peaty Islay whisky with a touch of sweetness. He emphasized that Smokehead is not just for connoisseurs, but for anyone who enjoys a bold and unique whisky experience. We discussed the different variations of Smokehead, including the original, high voltage, and tequila finishes, and how they cater to different preferences and cocktail creations.
Throughout the episode, we explored the concept of rethinking drinking and breaking the rules when it comes to enjoying whisky.
🔗 Links: https://www.smokehead.com/ https://www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky/ https://www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky https://www.youtube.com/@smokeheadwhisky1350
 

From Hobby Distiller to Family-Owned Craft Distillery: The Story of Liberty Pole Spirits

In this episode, I interviews Jim from Liberty Pole Spirits, a family-owned craft whiskey distillery in Pennsylvania.  Jim discusses how Liberty Pole started as a hobby distillery, with him operating a 15-gallon backyard copper still. His two sons, who were science kids, joined him in the hobby. When Jim was winding down his career and not enjoying it anymore, he saw the rise of craft distilling and convinced his wife to start a distillery as a part-time operation. Eventually, his sons left their engineering careers to join the family business.
We discuss the significance of the Whiskey Rebellion in American history and the potential for a musical about it. We also talk about Liberty Pole's focus on pot-distilled whiskey and their recent expansion, including the construction of a rickhouse with a 3,600 barrel capacity.
Jim shares that Liberty Pole produces a variety of whiskeys, including bourbon, rye, corn whiskey, and peated bourbon and rye. They use a unique mash bill for their bourbon, incorporating bloody butcher corn, a non-GMO heirloom varietal. They also experiment with different finishes, such as rum and sherry barrels.
The conversation shifts to the distillery's cocktail program, which has been instrumental in gaining fans and ambassadors for their whiskey. Jim emphasizes the importance of offering a unique experience to visitors, including tours, tastings, and a themed tasting room cocktail bar.
 
🔗 Links:
https://www.libertypolespirits.com/https://www.instagram.com/libertypolespirits/https://www.facebook.com/Libertypolespirits/https://twitter.com/LibPoleSpiritshttps://www.youtube.com/@libertypolespirits8694

The Art of Barrel Finishing with Bill Straub from Four Gate Whiskey

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bill Straub from Four Gate Whiskey, a company that's been shaking up the American whiskey scene with their innovative barrel finishing techniques.
Bill gave us a deep dive into the origins of Four Gate, which started back in 2018 with the idea of bringing a wider spectrum of flavors to American whiskey, much like the variety found in world whiskeys. He explained how their partnership with Kelvin Cooperage, a key player in their whiskey-making process, allows them to experiment with a variety of used barrels from around the world, bringing unique flavors to their products.
We discussed their recent release, the Kelvin 60, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of Kelvin Cooperage. This release is a testament to the close relationship between Four Gate and the cooperage, highlighting the craftsmanship that goes into the barrels that shape the flavor of their whiskey.
Bill also touched on the challenges and considerations of running a whiskey brand that's both a critic and a producer. He shared his journey from a financial/data analyst to a whiskey brand owner, and how his passion for bourbon and writing led him to create Modern Thirst, a website that eventually paved the way for Four Gate.
Looking ahead, Bill shared some exciting news about their upcoming releases for 2024, including a triple oak whiskey and a rum-finished bourbon called Dearborn Pirates. He also mentioned their plans for a Madeira finish, something he's been eager to explore.
For those interested in the business side of things, Bill provided insights into their liquid strategy and how they project their growth and roadmap for the future. He emphasized the importance of not overcooking their whiskey with the finishing process, ensuring that the original spirit's character shines through.
Lastly, we discussed the current state of the whiskey market, the trend of barrel finishing, and how Four Gate is navigating the crowded space with their unique offerings.
It was an enlightening conversation with Bill, full of insights into the craft of whiskey making and the business acumen required to run a successful brand in today's market. If you're a whiskey enthusiast or just curious about the industry, this episode is a must-listen. Don't forget to check out Four Gate Whiskey's latest releases and keep an eye out for their future innovations.

Exploring the World of Found North: A Conversation with Nick Taylor

In this episode of the EmbellishPod, the I welcome Nick Taylor from Found North to discuss their unique approach to making Canadian whiskey.
Found North is a group of American guys who are taking advantage of the blending freedom in Canadian whisky to create a style that is more suited to the American market. They focus on bigger flavors, more wood, cast strength, and no additives.
We discuss the challenges and opportunities of working with Canadian whisky, including the ability to age the whiskey for longer periods without it becoming over-oaked. We also touch on the difference between grain ratio and mash bill in Canadian whisky, and how it allows for more flexibility in flavor creation.
We also talk about the changing perception of Canadian whisky in the US market and the growing interest in rye whisky. We discuss the importance of consumer openness to trying new flavors and the role of smaller brands in expanding the whisky palate.
I also touch on the importance of storytelling and context in the whisky world. Overall, the episode provides an interesting insight into the world of Canadian whiskey and the unique approach of Found North.
 
🔗 Links: https://www.foundnorthwhisky.com/ https://www.instagram.com/foundnorthwhisky/ https://www.facebook.com/foundnorthwhisky
 
🎧 Listen to the full episode to get an insider's look at the craft of whiskey making, the importance of barrel selection, and the future of the whiskey industry from the perspective of a brand owner. Don't forget to subscribe for more industry insights!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts on barrel finishing and the evolution of the whiskey industry. Cheers! 🥃✨ Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more whiskey conversations and deep dives into this timeless spirit.

Transparency, Innovation, and Success: The Journey of Barrell Craft Spirits

Hey folks, in this episode of The Embellish Pod, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lindsey from Barrell Craft Spirits. We covered a lot of ground, discussing the exciting developments happening at Barrell, including the opening of their blending facility and the launch of their new bottom price product, the Foundation series. Lindsey also shared insights into their New Year series and the upcoming release of a Mizunara cask finish bourbon.
We started off by talking about the new facility and Lindsey mentioned the speakeasy area that they have, which sounds like a hidden gem for barrel picks and special tastings. She also mentioned that they are building out a retail store within the facility, where they will offer exclusive batches and special sales.
Next, we delved into the recent recognition that Barrell has received, with their rye batch four and bourbon batch 35 making it onto Fred Minnick's top 100 list. Lindsey expressed her excitement about the recognition and highlighted the unique characteristics of these blends.
We then shifted our focus to the new addition to Barrell's lineup, the Foundation series. Lindsey explained that this is a five-year, 100 proof bourbon that is designed to be more accessible and versatile for both neat sipping and cocktail mixing. She emphasized that despite its age statement, the Foundation bourbon drinks much older and offers a rich and balanced flavor profile.
Moving on, we discussed the New Year series, which features a blend of bourbons from eight different states. Lindsey highlighted the complexity and fruit-forward nature of this blend, which is aged between five and 15 years. She also mentioned that Barrell plans to release two batches and two cask finish bourbons each year, with the upcoming release being a Mizunara cask finish.
We wrapped up the conversation by reflecting on the success of Barrell in the past year and the direction they are heading. Lindsey expressed her satisfaction with the growth and maturity of the brand, as well as their commitment to transparency and innovation.
Overall, it was a fantastic conversation with Lindsey, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for Barrell Craft Spirits. Make sure to check out their new releases and keep an eye out for their upcoming projects. Cheers!
 
🔗 Links:
https://www.barrellbourbon.com/http://www.facebook.com/barrellbourbonhttp://instagram.com/barrellbourbonhttps://www.youtube.com/c/barrellbourbonhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/barrell-craft-spirits
 
🎧 Listen to the full episode to get an insider's look at the craft of whiskey making, the importance of barrel selection, and the future of the whiskey industry from the perspective of a brand owner. Don't forget to subscribe for more industry insights!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts on barrel finishing and the evolution of the whiskey industry. Cheers! 🥃✨ Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more whiskey conversations and deep dives into this timeless spirit.
 

Waterford Whisky and their Unique Approach to Flavor

I welcome Mark from Waterford Whisky, an Irish whiskey brand known for their focus on terroir, traceability, and sustainability. The conversation delves into the unique approach of Waterford Whisky, which emphasizes the importance of barley as the origin of whiskey's flavor. Mark explains that Waterford is located in the southern coast of Ireland, where the best barley in the world grows.
Mark also shares his background as a cereal brand creator and revivalist, having previously worked at Bruichladdich and revived the brand's focus on cereal and barley. He discusses his frustration at having to sell Bruichladdich before he was ready and how Waterford Whisky is his chance to do things properly with the right logistics and systems in place.
The conversation then turns to the concept of terroir and its significance in whiskey production. Mark clarifies the true definition of terroir, which refers to what happens to a plant, in this case barley, due to the microclimate, soil, and topography of its growing environment. He emphasizes that terroir is not about the distillery or the brewery, but about the flavors derived from the barley itself.
The host and Mark discuss the industrialization of the whiskey industry and the recent trend towards smaller, more attached-to-the-land offerings. They also touch on the complexity of terroir in whiskey compared to wine and the need for a new term to describe terroir in the whiskey context.
Mark then explains the unique practices and technologies employed by Waterford Whiskey, such as the hydro mill, incremental mash converter, and mash filter. These techniques allow for total terroir extraction, barley-forward flavors, and the preservation of barley aroma. Mark also highlights the importance of extended fermentation and the use of different types of wood in the aging process.
The conversation concludes with a discussion on Waterford's cuvée concept, inspired by the practices of winemakers in Champagne and Bordeaux. Mark explains that the cuvées bring together the terroir-defined flavors of the single farm origins to create a multi-layered and complex whiskey experience. He emphasizes that Waterford Whisky is meant to be savored and enjoyed over time, and encourages listeners to explore the different cuvées and single farm offerings.
Overall, this episode provides a deep dive into the philosophy and practices of Waterford Whiskey, highlighting their commitment to terroir, sustainability, and the pursuit of natural flavors in whiskey production.
🔗 Links:
https://waterfordwhisky.com/ https://www.instagram.com/waterforddistillery/ https://www.facebook.com/waterforddistillery/ https://www.youtube.com/@WaterfordWhisky
🎧 Listen to the full episode to get an insider's look at the craft of whiskey making, the importance of barrel selection, and the future of the whiskey industry from the perspective of a brand owner. Don't forget to subscribe for more industry insights!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts on barrel finishing and the evolution of the whiskey industry. Cheers! 🥃✨ Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more whiskey conversations and deep dives into this timeless spirit.
 

From Scotch to Bourbon: Maureen Robinson’s Whiskey Journey to Kentucky Owl

In today's show, we had the incredible honor of speaking with Maureen Robinson, the new master blender at Kentucky Owl. Maureen has an impressive 45-year history in the Scotch whisky industry and has recently come out of retirement to join the bourbon world.
Maureen shared her journey from studying to be a pharmacist to becoming a master blender, a transition fueled by her passion for the science of whisky. She discussed the similarities and differences between blending Scotch and bourbon, emphasizing the importance of balance and the excitement of learning about bourbon's unique charring levels and mash bills.
We delved into the creation of Kentucky Owl's Maester, a bourbon crafted in a Scotch style, and Maureen walked us through the flavor journey of this special blend. She also touched on the importance of maintaining consistency in core products like Kentucky Owl Confiscated and Wiseman, and the role of new distillate in the blending process.
Looking ahead, Maureen hinted at the potential for Kentucky Owl to explore new innovations, global expansion, and possibly even American single malts. She also discussed the brand's approach to barrel finishing and the potential for single cask releases.
Maureen's dedication to her craft is evident, and she's already thinking about training a successor to continue the legacy of quality blending at Kentucky Owl. Her story is a testament to the evolving world of whisky, where tradition meets innovation.
 
🔗 Links:
https://kentuckyowlbourbon.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyowl/
https://www.facebook.com/kentuckyowl/
 
🎧 Listen to the full episode to get an insider's look at the craft of whiskey making, the importance of barrel selection, and the future of the whiskey industry from the perspective of a brand owner. Don't forget to subscribe for more industry insights!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts on barrel finishing and the evolution of the whiskey industry. Cheers! 🥃✨ Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more whiskey conversations and deep dives into this timeless spirit.
 
 

Crafting Excellence: A Conversation with Mark from Old Line Spirits

I had the pleasure of chatting with Mark, one of the co-founders of Old Line Spirits, a distillery based in Baltimore, Maryland. Mark and his business partner, Arch Watkins, started Old Line almost a decade ago with the goal of producing bourbon and rye whiskey. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when they had the opportunity to learn from two gentlemen on the West Coast who were making exceptional American single malt whiskey.
Mark shares the story of how they fell in love with the American single malt produced by these gentlemen and eventually took over their business, relocating it to Baltimore. He describes the logistics of moving the distillery equipment, including their small 60-gallon still, in a U-Haul across the country. They have since expanded their operation and now have a 25,000 square foot facility in Baltimore.
Old Line Spirits focuses heavily on American single malt whiskey, using new charred oak barrels for aging. Mark explains that their decision to use virgin oak barrels was influenced by their love for American whiskey and the flavors it imparts. They aim to deliver the flavors that bourbon drinkers love but in a different package.
We also discuss the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission and the proposed definition for American single malt whiskey. Mark expresses his satisfaction with the definition and how it allows for innovation while still protecting the category. He mentions a discussion around the use of artificial coloring, but he doesn't recall the final decision.
Mark shares details about Old Line Spirits' distribution, which currently includes Maryland, DC, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Colorado. They have recently updated their website to integrate an e-commerce platform, allowing customers to purchase their products online and ship to 42 states.
We delve into the process of building blends at Old Line Spirits. Mark explains that they blend four, five, six, and seven-year-old barrels to achieve their desired flavor profile. They maintain consistency by always keeping a portion of the previous batch in their blending tank. Mark emphasizes the importance of hand-holding and tasting samples to ensure the desired flavor profile is achieved.
Towards the end of the episode, Mark introduces the Ohana Blend, a 50-50 blend of their American single malt finished in cognac and armagnac casks. He explains that the name Ohana means family and shares the story of how they partnered with a rowing team to raise funds for children's cancer research and Canines for Warriors. They will be releasing a rye whiskey in the future, which will be a limited, recurring offering.
Overall, this episode provides a fascinating insight into the world of Old Line Spirits and their dedication to producing exceptional American single malt whiskey. Mark's passion for their products and the industry shines through, making for an engaging and informative conversation.
🔗 Links:
https://www.oldlinespirits.com/ https://www.facebook.com/OldLineSpirits/ https://www.instagram.com/oldlinespirits/
🎧 Listen to the full episode to get an insider's look at the craft of whiskey making, the importance of barrel selection, and the future of the whiskey industry from the perspective of a brand owner. Don't forget to subscribe for more industry insights!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts on barrel finishing and the evolution of the whiskey industry. Cheers! 🥃✨ Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more whiskey conversations and deep dives into this timeless spirit.
 
 

Talking Influencers with @thatoneduderyan and @alildabofbourbon

Back at the @kybourbonfestival there was an influencer panel that was 30 minutes long and had some really interesting topics.  I knew the moment it closed that the conversation needed to be about three times as long and I wanted to see what I could do to recreate it.  Luckily Chrissy and Ryan were willing to hop on with me and continue the conversation ranging from whiskey, to being a woman in the industry as well as Pork Roll/Taylor Ham.  It was a fun conversation so be prepared for a couple of great hours of content.  

The Power of Storytelling in the Whiskey Industry: A Conversation with David Thomas Tao

In this episode of The EmbellishPod, I had the pleasure of interviewing David Thomas Tao, a media entrepreneur, television and movie producer, and spirits reviewer and writer. David shared his journey from growing up in rural Kentucky to attending Harvard and eventually settling in New York City. He discussed his passion for whiskey and how he became involved in the spirits industry, including his role as a reviewer and writer for Vine Pair. We also delved into the topic of Bardstown's fight to remain the bourbon capital of the world, with David emphasizing the importance of investing in accommodations to attract visitors. We touched on the storytelling aspect of distilleries, with David highlighting Makers Mark as a brand that excels in incorporating their brand story into their products. We also discussed the exciting developments in the craft whiskey scene and how they are pushing the boundaries of flavor. Overall, it was a fascinating conversation that shed light on David's experiences and insights in the whiskey industry.
Connect with David Thomas Tao:
Instagram: David Thomas Tao
Twitter: D_Tao
VinePair: David Tao
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