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This episode features Lyndon Smith of Botanist and Barrel. Lyndon and his wife Amie Fields have an extensive natural wine background.  They also have a wonderful family heritage of being wine producers.  Grandpa Abe even produced bathtub tropical hooch.  A defunct blueberry farm came for sale nearby where Lyndon grew up.  This farm now grows a wide variety of fruits including blueberries, apples, pears, aw well ask botanical.  This is where Botanist and Barrel was born.  They create delicious nuanced natural ciders and wines.    32 Broadway St Suite 110, Asheville NC 28801 - (828) 338-9516- www.BotanistandBarrel.com - Facebook Highlights From our Discussion: Défi Wines Good Food Guild Eda Rhyne DeAngelo Williams Artifact Cider Project Enlightenment Wines Meadery Graft Cidery Crooked Run Fermentation

This episode features Mark Breen-Klein of Independent Spirits Distillery. Kerry, Mark's mother, was trying to decide a business to go into as her children were leaving home to explore their lives.  Without any experience or knowledge the decision was made to start a distillery.  Mark brought his biomedical engineering degree background into the family business.  His attention to detail and a focus on a uniform product takes their spirits to a new level.  There are quite a few expressions to be proud of which are all unique, creative and full of flavor.  These are expressions that pay homage to the local farmers of South Jersey that surround this family craft distillery.   131 Davidson Rd, Woolwich Township, NJ 08085 - (609) 202-5458- www.ISDistillery.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Two Bridges Wine, Beer and Spirits Trail Rabbit Hill Farms Mood's Farm Market Tito's Vodka

This episode features Mike Contreras of 2SP Brewing Company. 2SP was conceived in 2015.  Mike is the director of sales and marketing.  While he was working at Dogfish Head Brewing, the owner of 2 Stones Pub, Mike Stiglitz gave him a call.  He shared that he was thinking about starting a brewery.  He was already filling out his team with Bob Barrar, who at the time was already a highly decorated brewer.  It was an easy decision for Mike to come on board.  The focus has been to build a nice regional brewery that provides local beer for the community that they can be proud of.  Today, 2SP is the 10th largest brewery in PA, providing wonderful, flavourful, complex beer.   120 Concord Rd #101-103, Aston, PA 19014 - (484) 483-7860- www.2SPBrewing.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Dogfish Head Brewery Iron Hill Brewery Rogue Brewery Evolution Craft Brewing Wawa Herman's Coffee Little Goat Coffee Roasting Co. Rebecca Newman Great American Beerfest

We reflect back on an amazing 2022 while sampling Wandering Bard Meadery's Oaked Black Cherry.   Highlights From our Discussion: Bar Convent Brooklyn Cidercon 2022 MeadCon 2022 Duck Butts Meadery

This episode features Amanda Beckwith of Virginia Distillery Company. Dr. George G. Moore was an Irishman who came to the United States in the 1970's.  He loved collecting and drinking single malt whisky's.  In 2011 the dream of a distillery began to become a reality.  In 2013 George's son Gareth took over the reigns when his father passed away.  Today, Virginia Distillery Company has been distilling and aging for over seven years.  Amanda came on board in 2015 to launch the tour and tasting program.  Her knowledge of whisky making quickly grew.  Amanda discovered that she had an amazing ability to  nose and taste whisky.  Today, as master blender, she has taken the lead on their single malt "Courage & Conviction" release.  We got to share Amanda's perspective on the juice that the team is producing.  We have to say that what they are producing is sensational.  Their New American Single Malt is a feast for the senses. 299 Eades Ln, Lovingston, VA 22949 - (434) 285-2900 - www.VADistillery.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Harry Cockburn Dr. Jim Swan Nancy Fraley George Washington's Mount Vernon Distillery Murphy & Rude Malting Company Brown Forman Bar Convent Brooklyn

This episode features Tetsuro Mayazaki of Iichiko Shochu. Shochu is the original Japanese craft distilled spirit.  It is more popular than sake and Japanese whisky.  This delicious spirit is a newcomer to the American market.  All of these years it has been unique to Japan and its restaurants.  Iichiko Shochu is distilled from barley.  In 1979 Iichiko was launched.  Today it is the number one consumed shochu in Japan.  After tasting these exceptional expressions we can fully understand why.  We loved learning from Tetsuro about shochu and its origins.   www.iichiko.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Bar Convent Brooklyn Tiffanie Barriere Koji Umami Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits Tales of the Cocktail

This episode features Matt Simon of Good intent Cider. For Adam Redding, cidermaking began as a hobby.  He took cider making classes at Cornell University.  Growing up in Gettysburg, he was exposed to the amazing apples produced in Adams County.  Matt joined Good Intent almost 6 years ago.  He studied food science at Penn State.  Matt reached out to Adam as graduation approached.  Adam shared all his experience and it wasn't long before Matt was putting his own personality into the cider being produced.  Good Intent is producing flavorful and complex cider.  This is a must stop for cider fans and new to be cider lovers.   167 S Potter St, Bellefonte, PA 16823 - (814) 355-1654 - www.GoodintentCider.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Mason Dixon Distillery A. Smith Bowman Distillery Gettysburg, PA Bellefonte, PA  Ciderfest of PA

This episode features Luca Missaglia of Amaro Santoni. Luca is driven by passion.  Amaro Santoni, an Italian Apartivo comes from the heart.  He also has a love of cocktails and brand building.  His focus is to help bartenders get out of their comfort zone.  Luca grew up in Milan. Very early on he discovered that the zest for amaro was in his DNA.  Amaro Santoni is a traditional recipe made by Gabriello Santoni.  It's produced with Rhubarb Root,  Iris Flower and Olive Leaf.  It takes your drinking experience into the third dimension.  If you love amaro, this is a must have on your bar.   www.amarosantoni.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Bar Convent Brooklyn The Art of Shaking Nomad Hotel

This episode features Laura Fields of The Delaware Valley Fields Foundation. Nothing ever stops in farming.  In 2015 they started out with five ounces of Keystone Rosen Rye grain.  Today there are over 400 acres that have been planted.  This project was created for distillers to purchase direct from farmers.  Currently, there are nine farming partners growing the Rosen Rye.  October 28, 2022, Dick Still would have celebrated his 89th birthday.  Dick was a featured guest of the podcast in Episode 14.  Check out that episode for more insight into this Master Distillers experiences.  Laura and I delve into the history of whiskey.  Especially as it relates to rye and Pennsylvanias imprint on this wonderful grain.    Highlights From our Conversation: American Whiskey History Seed Spark Project Michters Dick Stoll Stoll And Wolfe Distillery Penn State Agriculture Dancing Star Farms American Whiskey Convention Moonshiners Liberty Pole Spirits  Dave Pickerell Ethan Smith Leopold Brothers Sagamore Spirits

This episode features Stephen, Karen and Steve Zolnay of Invertase Brewing Company. When Stephen was 14 he bought his dad a homebrew kit for Father's Day.  Their first collaboration as father and son was a terrible pale ale that they made on the kitchen stove.  That beginning experience got them hooked on making beer together.  They graduated into making their own recipes, reading the books and talking shop with fellow homebrewers.  They even grew their own hops in the backyard.  It wasn't long before the idea of starting their own brewery was conceived.  This is a gem of a brewery that makes exceptional beer.  It most certainly needs to be on your brewery bucket list.  Just don't ask Stephen what's coming up next.  The beer will tell him when it is ready.   51 N Broad St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 - (908) 954-2022 - www.InvertaseBrewing.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Weyerbacher Brewing Company Tree House Brewing Company Samuel Adams Cicerone Manoff Market Victory Brewing Company The Big Fuss Catoctin Creek Distilling Company Pork Roll Palooza

This episode features Philip Search and Don Benedetto of Canary Cocktails and Spirits. Philip has been in the beverage industry for a long time.  He's been involved with the coffee industry, managing bars and restaurants and helping to set up bar programs.  When Covid hit and impacted the bars in the area he was more then ready to roll up his sleeves and dive right in to help.  Don's background as an attorney has helped to navigate the in's and out's of getting the business up and running.  Not to mention his skill at putting labels onto cans.  Canary Cocktails is producing first rate amazing ready to drink cocktails.  Their experience has helped to create a true high end cocktail in a can.  They source the finest spirits and ingredients.  You'll be hooked on the first sip.  From there you'll be a raving fan of the brand and their craft cocktails.   214 N Aberdeen Ave, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 - (610) 392-3203 - www.CanarySpirits.com - Instagram Highlights from our discussion: Widow Jane Spring House Spirits Method Spirits Eda Rhyne Distilling Company Amtrak

This episode features Chris Demars, Randy Litwin and Jenn Litwin of Spring House Spirits. Sixty years ago Chris's grandmother taught him how to distill spirits, make wine and brew beer.  Chris worked as a nuclear engineer which is kind of like being a distiller.  He longed to come back to the family farm and get back to his distilling roots.  He pays homage to his grandmothers background by bringing several grains together in the mash bill.  This bespoke farm distillery is creating amazing spirits that are full of character and flavor.  Each bottle highlights the quality of the process, the local grains, and the connection to the history of the surrounding Chester County community.     25 Martin Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320 - (610)593-7348 - www.SpringHouseSpirits.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: St. Malachi Church M & D Staves Zook Molasses Company Grey Goose Vodka Deer Creek Malthouse

This episode features Matt Serra of Kenwood Original. Matt was working for Victory Brewing when the seed for a light beer option was planted.  Looking at the craft beer landscape he believed there was void for a light beer.  The idea for a Philly brand was born.  His experience in sales and marketing is helping to launch a light beer that is packed with flavor.  Kenwood Original is named for the street that Matt lived on for the first 15 years of his life.  From the first iteration of the brand they knew they had something special.   www.KenwoodBeer.com - Instagram Highlights from our discussion: Pints in the Square Victory Brewing Company Wrong Crowed Beer Drexel Hill, PA Sara Blakely Doylestown Brewing Company Mainstay Brewing Slyfox Beer Paulie Gees

This episode features Mead Maker Allen Martin. About five years ago Allen went to a beer bottle share with his wife.  He met Carver Wilson who Allen considers to be "The Home Mead Making Extraordinaire".  Up until that time Allen had never tried mead.  After twenty minutes of enjoying the mead, Alan proclaimed, "that he was going to start making this stuff".  That began a rabbit hole journey into mead making.  Since then he has honed his craft and has been awarded the coveted title of Mead maker of the Year.   Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Golden Monkey Modern Mead Makers Mazer Cup Crockett Honey Company Meadcon 2022 American Mead Makers Association Obscurity Mead Hall and Cidery

This episode features Todd Collins and Alan Pfizenmayer of HMK Insurance. HMK Insurance is located in Bethlehem, PA.  The inception goes all of the way back to 1914.  In the mid 1990's they began to focus their attention on craft beverages.  Tim Kurtz brought on a few local breweries.  Today they have clients spread out across the United States.  As insurance agents they help their clients and potential clients to be well informed about insurance.   610-868-8507 - tcollins@hmk-ins.com - Apfizenmayer@hmk-ins.com - www.hmk.aleragroup.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Meadcon2020 Brewers Association Black Viking Brewing Republic Restoratives Funk Brewing Company Hijinx Brewing Company Five Maidens Craft Cider Red Balloon The Ferm Meadery

This episode features Gabe DiSaverio of The Spicy Shark. Spicy Shark was born in 2018 by Gabe by combining his two favorite things in life... Hot Sauces and Sharks.  Five years ago he left behind the beer business and went pro.  After spending 17 years with the Boston beer company, he decided to follow his passion.  He grew up trying diverse ethnic food.  This included spicy food.  He turned his attention to consuming craft hot sauces.  This led him to develop recipes for his own sauces.  The line up has expanded now to include hot honey and hot maple syrup.  Everything in their shark tank is pure hot sauce deliciousness.  www.TheSpicyShark.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Bowers Chili Pepper Festival The Boston Beer Company Curry in A Hurry Greenport Fire Louisiana Pepper Exchange Jaws JawsFest Peter Benchley Shark Savers Shark Week SharkCon Joe Romeiro Shark Stewards New England Hot Sauce Fest Blue Ocean Society Seacoast Science Center Smuttynose Brewing Co Johnson & Wales University Spicy Mike's Hot Sauce Puckerbutt  Pepper Co

This episode features Corey Fitzsimmons of Method Spirits. Corey was a bartender in New York City for over a decade.  He had the honor of being the head bartender at the new location for the Union Square Cafe.  He quickly discovered the he was not able to source local vermouth that would work for classic cocktails.  He began working on a vermouth using his own recipes and exploring opportunities.  This took him to going out on his own to develop Method Spirits.  He and his partners spent 2 years developing the recipe for their sweet vermouth.  We have to share that it is delicious and complex.  It gives wonderful depth and character to cocktails and it stands on its own neat or with a little club soda.  Keep an eye out for the dry vermouth that they have created.   www.MethodSpirits.com - Instagram Highlights from our discussion: Bar Convent Brooklyn Union Square Cafe Swedish Hill Vineyard & Winery Finger Lakes Distilling Danny Meyer

This episode features Luke Goucher and Carson Souza of Obscurity Mead Hall & Cidery. Obscurity started with friends getting together and having a passion for beer.  Carson had already been in the brewing industry for 10 years as a commercial brewer at a vegan brewery.  Luke and Carson decided to get a little wild and play with mead as well.  A adventure was born in the cornfields of the far west suburbs of Chicago.  Mead was a challenge for Carson so he jumped right in.  Luke and Carson flew around the country to check out some of the best mead makers and learn from their successes.  This episode is a master class on brewing, fermenting and business.  Obscurity is creating many tremendous expressions.  Enjoy as we sample through their story.   21 S Main St, Elburn, IL 60119 - 630-320-2255 - www.drinkobscurity.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Meadcon 2022 Braggot Viking Braggot Company Rabbits Foot Meadery B. Nektar Meadery National Honey Board Charm City Meadworks

This episode features Dave Schmier of Proof and Wood Ventures. Dave co-founded Redemption Rye in 2010.  In 2015 he sold the company and within a short time he started Proof and Wood.  Presently he doesn't distill, however, he does source some incredible whiskey and barrel aged spirits.  A huge part of what they do is blending of whiskey.  The have recently added rum to the mix.  Dave's been developing boutique craft brands for over 20 years.  The Proof and Wood library includes international whisky too.   Dave's experience in the beverage industry and working in bars shines through on the expressions that he has created.    www.ProofandWood.com - Instagram Highlights from our discussion: Redemption Rye Whiskey MGP Seagram's Distillery Bar Convent Brooklyn Widow Jane Sidney Frank Leopold Bros Distillery Dad's Hat Rye American Craft Spirits Association Indie Spirits Expo

This episode features Lauren Patz of Redwood Empire Whiskey. The story begins not with whiskey but, with wine.  Derek Benham started a wine company over 20 years ago.  He built the brand and sold it in 2013.  He then set his sights on starting a distillery.  White spirits flowed from the still and they began laying down barrels in 2015.  Redwood Empire is located in the heart of Sonoma, California.  Lauren grew up in a wine making family.  Her journey into distilling started with the study of history (Not the history of spirits)  and she learned how to make candy while in Japan.  It was when she was pairing chocolate and spirits that it opened her world to spirits.  Learn more about the amazing whiskeys that Redwood is producing and we are certain that you're sure to become a huge fan too.  It will be love at first sip.   www.RedwoodEmpireWhiskey.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Trees For The Future Adams Grain Admiral Maltings Spirit Works Distillery Chuao Chocolatier Benham's Gin Mark West Wines Bar Convent Brooklyn