From Peach Farms to Peated Whiskey, Adam Bachman’s Legal Adventures in Booze

Today on Consuming the Craft, I welcomed Adam Bachman, the head production distiller and manager at The Chemist. We dove deep into the craft of distilling, from Adam’s 11+ years of commercial experience in the industry to the evolution of American single malt whiskey. Adam shared stories from his early days building stills (legally for essential oils!), his academic path through biochemistry at Clemson, and how he transitioned through South Carolina’s changing landscape of craft distilleries. We tasted some truly unique spirits and beers, including a locally smoked single malt and an oat whiskey, while discussing the challenges and creative opportunities in the world of craft distillation.

Adam Bachman is recognized for his hands-on expertise in distilling whiskey, gin, and liqueurs, with a strong background in biochemistry and a minor in chemistry. He spent six years at 6 and 20 Distillery before moving to Asheville to join The Chemist, where he’s helped ramp up whiskey programs, develop new recipes like the limited-edition rye, and recently barrel a small batch peated whiskey. Adam approaches distilling as both art and science, with a passion for experimenting with malts, grains, and local ingredients, and a deep appreciation for how changing techniques shape the identity of each spirit.

"Getting second opinions is huge. I always try to get second opinions from the other guys working with us." ~Adam Bachman

Today on Consuming the Craft:

·     Adam has over a decade of legal, commercial distilling experience and is responsible for spirit production at The Chemist. 

·     His background in biochemistry directly informs his craft, providing unique perspectives and technical skills in distilling. 

·     The Chemist uses traditional copper pot stills with direct flame; the techniques and nuances are vastly different from hybrid steam systems. 

·     Chemist has evolved from a primarily gin-focused operation to a distillery with robust whiskey and rye programs, with Adam leading recipe development. 

·     Adam’s approach to whiskey includes blending different grains and experimenting with malts to create spirits with depth and complexity, notably in their limited rye and upcoming peated whiskey. 

·     Tasting and understanding barrel-aging is a skill built over years, requiring constant monitoring, collaboration, and experience. 

·     The growth of American single malt whiskey is opening up new creative possibilities; it's a rapidly growing category with endless flavor options. 

·     Adam is also exploring non-alcoholic spirit development, navigating the unique sensory and shelf-life challenges in that emerging market.

 

Connect with Adam: 

·     The Chemist Spirits: https://www.chemistspirits.com/

·     Instagram: @chemistspirits

Resources Mentioned: 

·     Oak & Grist (peach wood single malt): https://oakandgrist.com/

·     Riverbend Malt House (local malt supplier): https://riverbendmalt.com/

·     Brevard Brewing Company (Dunkel): http://www.brevard-brewing.com  

·     Ginger’s Revenge (collaboration partner): https://www.gingersrevenge.com/

·     Seedlip (non-alcoholic spirits): https://www.seedlipdrinks.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.chemistspirits.com/

 

 

This episode is brought to you by…

 

McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms website to learn more about our seasonal inventory and the delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

 

Consuming the Craft

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Consuming the Craft Podcast episode, brought to you by AB Tech’s Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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