Distillery Nation is a podcast that takes you inside the story of starting a small craft distillery. Ilias Mastrogiannis talks about his own story on starting up a business. The struggles, regulations, cost and everything in between. In addition to real-world advice we interview some of your favorite craft distillers!
Steven Beam, master distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone Bourbon, joins the show to talk about starting the distillery in 2008 with a self-funded, family-run 150-gallon pot still.
When does the romance of the pot still stop making financial sense? For Kris Bohm, who has spent his career designing, installing, and running both batch and continuous systems, the answer comes down to a number and the honesty to act on it. On this episode of Distillery Nation, I sat down with Kris of Distillery Now Consulting to dig into a debate most of us argue with feeling instead of math.…
What happens when a whiskey critic stops writing about great whiskey and starts making it? For Jay West, the answer is Provenance Bourbon and the journey in between is one worth hearing. On this episode of Distillery Nation, I sat down with Jay West, the principal whiskey maker behind 1787 Provenance Bourbon and Reverie's, both produced through Middleburg Barrel Company in Virginia. Jay's path to…
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, Ian Stirsman, the master distiller of Ross and Squibb (formerly MGP), shared his journey into the whiskey industry and discussed the evolution of the distillery from MGP to its current rebranded identity. Ian's path into whiskey was unexpected. He started as a process engineer at a paper mill before being recruited by MGP Distillery in…
In the latest episode of Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Brent Elliott, the Master Distiller behind one of Kentucky's most beloved bourbon brands— Four Roses . Known for their distinctive high-rye mashbills and exceptional craftsmanship, Four Roses has earned its place as an iconic name in the bourbon world, and Elliott's expertise is a driving force behind that reputation. Elliott…
In our latest episode of The Distillery Nation Podcast, we dive into the remarkable transformation of Doc Swinson's Whiskey with Master Blender Jesse Parker. What makes this story particularly fascinating is how the company evolved from helping other businesses scale to becoming a premium whiskey brand themselves. Jesse's journey into master blending showcases the artistry behind exceptional…
In our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Caitlin Bartlemay, Master Distiller at Clear Creek Distillery , to explore one of America's most innovative craft distilling stories. From her early steps into the industry to mastering the art of fruit brandy production, Caitlin's journey reflects the passion and precision that have made Clear Creek a standout in American…
In this month's solo episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my journey creating our flagship tasting room in North Bend. I start with the practical foundation—my 16-page feasibility document that helped determine if this venture could actually succeed. I share how I worked with the economic development department to find the perfect property and leveraged ARC…
In the evolving landscape of global spirits, one visionary stands at the forefront of a quiet revolution. Tomas Nava, owner and distiller at Gran Tunal Destilería , is redefining what Mexican whiskey can be through his passionate commitment to heritage and innovation. Nava's journey began behind the bar, where he pioneered his town's first mezcal establishment. This immersion in Mexico's…
In this month's episode of The Distillery Nation Podcast, we dive into the world of tasting rooms and hospitality with acclaimed bar owner and author Chall Gray . Known for his practical guidebook The Cocktail Bar: Notes for an Owner and Operato r, Chall brings years of hands-on experience in creating exceptional guest experiences. For distillers looking to expand their brand presence through a…