The Distillery Nation Podcast
Business & Finance
About
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!
Episodes
- The Whiskey Writer Who Became a Maker: Jay West on Provenance Bourbon, Patience in Production & Blending at Scale
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 wit…
- Inside America's Whiskey Powerhouse: Ian Stirsman (Ross and Squibb/MGP) on Remus Bourbon, Distillery Innovation & Quality at Scale
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 rebr…
- Inside Four Roses with Master Distiller Brent Elliott: Craft, Innovation and Industry Wisdom
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 craf…
- The Master Blender's Path: Jesse Parker's Journey Building Doc Swinson's
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 he…
- From Pears to Single Malt: Caitlin Bartlemay on Clear Creek's Distilling Legacy
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 in…
- Beyond the Still: Creating a Destination Tasting Room for Your Distillery
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 help…
- Heritage in a Glass: How Tomas Nava is Revolutionizing Mexican Whiskey with Heirloom Corn
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 commitmen…
- Crafting the Perfect Tasting Room: Insights from Bar Owner Chall Gray
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 O…
- Building Million-Dollar Spirits Brands: Inside Top Shelf Ventures with Noah Friedman
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Noah Friedman, co-founder of Top Shelf Ventures , to explore the fascinating world of spirits investment and brand building. If you've ever wondered how certain spirits bra…
- Distillery Nation 2024 Year in Review: 11 Game-Changing Conversations in Craft Spirits
The craft spirits industry continues to evolve, and this year's Distillery Nation Podcast interviews have unveiled invaluable wisdom from some of the most innovative minds in distilling. As we wrap up 2024, we're reflecting on the profound…
- Building a Heritage: Jennifer and Justin Stiefiel's Journey from Local Distillers to Industry Innovators
In this month's episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer and Justin Stiefiel, the visionary co-founders of Heritage Distilling Company , who share their remarkable journey from craft distilling dreamers to NASDAQ…
- Art Meets Spirits: How Seth Watson's Distillery Of Modern Art Blends Creativity and Craft
In this month's episode of Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Seth Watson, the visionary founder behind the Distillery of Modern Art . This conversation reveals how Watson has revolutionized the traditional distillery model by cre…
- From Oyster Shells to Shelves: Distillery 98's Sustainable Vodka Journey
In this latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Harrison Holditch, co-founder of Distillery 98 , the makers of Half Shell Vodka. Our conversation took a deep dive into their journey of craft…
- Elevating Your Tasting Room: Insights with A Bar Above's Chris Tunstall
In the latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Chris Tunstall, co-founder of A Bar Above ! Chris has been a driving force in the world of cocktails and bar education, with a mission to elevate…
- Navigating the Headwinds: Insights from Mark Beres on the Craft Spirits Landscape (Part 2)
We're excited to bring you the second part of our insightful series with Mark Beres, co-founder and CEO of Flying Leap Vineyards and Distillery, on the Distillery Nation Podcast. After exploring the significant headwinds in the craft spiri…
- Navigating the Headwinds: Insights from Mark Beres on the Craft Spirits Landscape (Part 1)
We are thrilled to announce a special two-part episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast featuring Mark Beres, the President and CEO of Flying Leap Vineyards and Distillery. In part one of our discussion, Mark and I explore the significant…
- Crafting Success: Lessons from James Bay Distillers' Co-Founder
In the latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Ernie Troth, co-founder and distiller at James Bay Distillers . Based in the Pacific Northwest, James Bay Distillers is celebrated for its excepti…
- Mastering Distillery Equipment: Insights with Kris Bohm of Distillery Now Consulting
In our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we dive deep into the world of distillery equipment with none other than Kris Bohm, the owner of Distillery Now Consulting . Kris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making th…
- Mastering Distillery Equipment: Insights with Kris Bohm of Distillery Now Consulting
In our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we dive deep into the world of distillery equipment with none other than Kris Bohm, the owner of Distillery Now Consulting . Kris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making th…
- No Shortcuts: Exploring Heirloom Grains with Al Laws
Step into the world of whiskey craftsmanship with our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, where we had the privilege of chatting with Al Laws, the Founder and President of Laws Whiskey House. Our conversation delved deep into…
- Crafting Creativity: Inside 3BR Distillery's Innovative Spirits
This month on Distillery Nation, we had the privilege of delving into the world of craft distilling with Aleks Zhdanov, the mastermind behind 3BR Distillery nestled in the heart of New Jersey. Our conversation was a spirited exploration of…
- Bonus Episode: Puddles, Pond, Lakes, Oceans: how to master the basics: From Distilling to Selling Bottles
A special two-part bonus episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast of a recent interview I did with Chris Maffeo of the Maffeo Drinks Podcasts. In Episode 050 I had the pleasure of chatting with Ilias Mastrogiannis. He is the founder of the…
- Adapting to Uncertainty: How Quartz Mountain Distillers Thrived
In this months episode I have the pleasure of sharing the story of Quartz Mountain Distillers , a family-owned venture led by Darin and Randy Kyle, exemplifies this truth. Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this father-son duo…
- Potatoes, Wheat, and Craft Alchemy with Matt Howell of Chuckanut Bay Distillery
Dive into the world of distillation with our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, where I had the pleasure of chatting with the insightful Matt Howell, the mastermind behind Chuckanut Bay Distillery . In this captivating episod…
- Distillery Nation's Top Insights from 2023: A Year in Review
A very special podcast to wrap up the end of the year. For the third year I decided to go back, listen and re-listen to all the great interviews that happened in the last year and pick some of my favorite pieces and add commentary on why t…
- Sipping Success: Exploring Artisanal Spirits with Nicholas Palazzi
In the latest episode of The Distillery Nation Podcast, featuring none other than Nicholas Palazzi, the mastermind behind Brooklyn-based PM Spirits . As the owner, importer, and wholesaler of some of the most exquisite spirits in the marke…
- Elevating Your Beverage Alcohol Brand with Matt McGinnis of Big Thirst
Welcome back, fellow spirits enthusiasts, to another captivating episode of Distillery Nation Podcast! In the latest of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Matt McGinnis, the President and Founder of Big Thirst Marketing, a ful…
- Distilling Excellence Inside Purity Distillery with Mathias Tonnesson
Welcome back, fellow spirits enthusiasts, to another captivating episode of Distillery Nation Podcast! In the latest captivating episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we were treated to an enlightening conversation with Mathias Tonness…
- Exploring New Zealand's Corn-Based Spirits with Tom Finn of Herrick Creek Distillery
Welcome back, fellow spirits enthusiasts, to another captivating episode of Distillery Nation Podcast! In this week's episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the mastermind behind Herrick Creek Distillery all the way from…
- Revolutionizing the Craft Beverage Market: A Conversation with Ohanafy CEO, Ian Padrick
Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ian Padrick, the CEO of Ohanafy, a technology-based company that specializes in serving the craft beverage mark…
- Exploring the Art of High-Altitude Distillation with Lee Wood of Wood's High Mountain Distillery
Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast! In today's episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Lee Wood, the co-founder and owner of Wood's High Mountain Distillery. Our conversation took us on a ca…
- Unveiling Tennessee High Malt: Inside Chattanooga Whiskey with Grant McCracken
Welcome to another captivating episode of Distillery Nation! In this interview, we had the pleasure of chatting with Grant McCracken, the Chief Product Officer of Chattanooga Whiskey. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Chatta…
- Crafting Unique Australian Whisky with Dave Vitale, Founder of Starward Whisky
Welcome to another episode of Distillery Nation, the podcast where we explore the world of craft distilling and speak to the people behind the spirits. Today, we had the pleasure talking with Dave Vitale, founder of Starward Whisky, an Aus…
- From Dreams to Success, the Inspiring Story of Cotswolds Distillery with Dan Szor
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Daniel Szor. Dan is founder and owner of Cotswolds Distillery, located in Cotswolds England and best known for their English Single Malt and Gin.…
- Sonat Birnecker Hart on Giving Up Tenure For a New Life As a Distiller
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Sonat Birnecker Hart. Sonat is the President of Koval Distillery. A craft distillery located in Chicago and best known for the line of Rye whiske…
- Grain to Glass Vodka Production with Sean Anger of Fox and Seeker
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Sean Anger. Sean is the co-founder and distiller behind Fox & Seeker, a craft distillery specializing in Vodka and Gin from Houston Texas. And wh…
- Favorite Podcast Moments of 2022
A very special podcast to wrap up the end of the year. For the second year I decided to go back, listen and re-listen to all the great interviews that happened in the last year and pick some of my favorite pieces and add commentary on why…
- Build Your Drinks Brand from the Bottom Up with Expert Chris Maffeo
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Chris Maffeo. Chris is a drinks industry adviser and founder of Maffeo Drinks. Chris has vast experience and knowledge on how to build brands fro…
- Diversifying Your Distillery's Income Streams with Jeff Wuslich of Cardinal Spirits.
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Jeff Wuslich. Jeff is the co-founder of Cardinal Spirits from Bloomington Indiana, a craft distillery known best for its line of vodkas, gin, and…
- How Jackie Summers Turned Adversity into Award-Winning Sorel Liqueur
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Jackie Summers. Jackie is a James Beard Finalist, speaker, and creator of the award-winning Sorel Liqueur! And what an interview, we talked about…
- Why You Should Not Ignore How Word Of Mouth Drives Business, Focusing On Product Over Process.
In this special episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, Ilias is sitting down and unpacking some of the lessons learned over the last seven years running the podcast and being a distiller and business owner. From how word of mouth drives…
- DNP 099: Alex Myers - Big Gin
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Alex Myers. Alex is the distiller behind Big Gin, and what a better way for episode 99 of the podcast than to go back and check on Big Gin, which…
- DNP 098: Maria Pearman
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Maria Pearman. Maria is a CPA with over 15 years of deep operational accounting experience. She recently published Distillery Finance , so this w…
- DNP 097: Becky and Scott Harris - Catoctin Creek Distilling
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Becky and Scott Harris. Becky and Scott are owners and distillers behind Catoctin Creek , a craft Rye whiskey distillery located in Purcellville…
- DNP 096: Amy and Steve Bohner - Alchemy Distillery
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Amy and Steve Bohner. Amy and Steve are the owners and distillers behind Alchemy Distillery a craft distillery located in Arcata California and b…
- DNP 095: Renee Bemis - Driftless Glen
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure talking with Renee Bemis. Renee is the co-founder of Driftless Glen, a craft distillery located in Baraboo Wisconsin and producers of grain-to-glass whiskey, vod…
- DNP 094: Ben Salisbury
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure talking with Ben Salisbury. Ben is the founder and president of Salisbury Creative Group. With over 30 years of experience in the beverage industry, including be…
- DNP 093: Robin Thieme
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of having Robin Thieme. Robin is the CEO and founder of KBS CFO, a company that provides strategic guidance and system-based solutions for entrepreneurs includin…
- DNP 092: Year In Review
A very special podcast to wrap up the end of the year. This time I decided to go back, listen and re-listen to all the great interviews that happened in the last year and pick some of my favorite pieces and add commentary on why that piece…
- DNP 091: Rogue Spirits and Ales - Jake Holshue
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of having Jake Holshue. Jake is the head distiller behind Rogue Ales & Spirits located in Newport Oregon and best known for their line of whiskeys. Jake is on th…