Crafted Conversations

Beth Hurwitz spent 15 years selling bottles to distillers. She knew the product, she knew the people, and she knew the problem — the three-tier system was leaving incredible craft spirits with nowhere to go and no one to champion them at the retail level.

Her answer was Craft Spirits Social in Bonita Springs, Florida — a one-of-a-kind venue with over 400 curated craft spirits, a cocktail bar, regular tastings, distiller-in-residence...

After 21 years in the U.S. Army, Ramon didn't take it easy in retirement — he opened a distillery. Preez Distillery in Largo, Florida started as a kitchen experiment in Alaska, grew through word of mouth during COVID, and is now one of the most unique craft spirits operations in the state.

In this episode we sit down with Ramon for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really means to make something by hand, why he thinks th...

Join me in New Glarus, WI with Todd Kuehl, founder of Whiskey Run, as we explore what it takes to build a small-town craft distillery from the ground up.

From transitioning a winery to whiskey, to grain-to-glass production, distilling philosophy, and the challenges of launching a local spirits brand, this episode is packed with insights for craft spirits lovers, aspiring founders, and anyone curious about American whiskey.

Discover ...

• EPISODE #73 | The Story Behind Wisconsin’s Most Legendary Beer

I traveled back home to Wisconsin to sit down with Dan Carey, owner and co-founder of New Glarus Brewing Company, to talk about how Spotted Cow became a state icon — and why the brewery chose to stay local.

Recorded onsite at New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus, WI.

• Learn More

Instagram: @newglarusbrewing

Website: https://newglarusbrewing.com

• Suppor...

In this episode I traveled to Monroe, North Carolina to chat with Kate Kercheva, the wife of the fantastic husband and wife team behind Vetus Distillery who pride themselves on sharing their Bulgarian traditions and roots! I can't thank Kate enough for her generosity and hospitality and I can't wait to make it back to enjoy more of their delicious Rakia!For more information:Be sure to follow: @vetusdistillery on InstagramVi...

In this episode I traveled to Bostic, North Carolina in the Golden Valley to chat with Chris Simovich, Zach Shumway, & Rita Cheng - the fantastic team behind Defiant Whisky at Blue Ridge Distilling Company! I can't thank Chris and company enough for their generosity and hospitality and I can't wait to make it back to their beautiful spot in the mountains!For more information:Be sure to follow: @defiantwhisky on Instagra...

In this episode I traveled to Pittsboro, North Carolina to chat with Lyle Estill - the esteemed Lion Tamer of Fair Game Beverage Company!I can't thank Lyle and the Fair Game team enough for their generosity and hospitality and I can't wait to make it back! For more information:Be sure to follow: @fairgamebevco on InstagramVisit: https://www.fairgamebeverage.comRECORDED OCTOBER 13TH ONSITE AT FAIR GAME BEVERAGE COMPANY IN PI...

In this episode I traveled to Mount Holly, North Carolina to chat with Robbie Delaney, owner and operator of Muddy River Distillery!I can't thank Robbie and the Muddy River team enough for their generosity and hospitality and I can't wait to make it back! For more information:Be sure to follow: @muddyriverdistillery on InstagramVisit: https://www.muddyriverdistillery.comRECORDED SEPTEMBER 27TH ONSITE AT MUDDY RIVER DISTILLE...

In this episode I traveled to Purcellville, Virginia to pay a visit to our friends at Catoctin Creek! In our previous episode with Catoctin, we sat down with the great Becky Harris - but this time around we were joined by her other half, Scott Harris! I can't thank Scott and Becky enough for their generosity and hospitality and I can't wait to make it back! For more information:Be sure to follow: @catoctincreek on Instagram...

In this episode I traveled to Los Angeles, California to visit the great Lewis Harsanyi - a Hungarian immigrant making some delicious whiskey at Los Angeles Distillery! I can't thank Lewis enough for his generosity and hospitality and I can't wait to make it back! For more information:Be sure to follow: @losangelesdistillery on InstagramVisit: https://www.ladistillery.comRECORDED JULY 12TH ONSITE AT LOS ANGELES DISTILLERY IN LOS AN...

In this episode I traveled to Morristown, NJ to visit Dismal Harmony Distilling and sat down with the mastermind of liqueurs: Bob Dillon!

I can't thank Bob and the Dismal Harmony family enough for their hospitality and welcoming us into their space.For more information:Be sure to follow: @dismal.harmony on InstagramVisit: https://www.dismalharmony.comRECORDED JUNE 27TH ONSITE AT DISMAL HARMONY DISTILLING IN MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSE...

In this episode I traveled to Los Angeles, CA to visit The Obscure Distillery and sat down with the master of story telling through spirits and cocktails himself: Théron Regnier

I can't thank Théron and The Obscure family enough for their hospitality and welcoming us into their space. Also a special thank you to Pacific Legal Foundation for making this episode possible.

For more information:

Be sure to follow: @theobscuredistillery &...

In this episode I traveled to Statesville, NC to visit Southern Distilling Company and sat down with the legendary Pete Barger to chat all things whiskey, contract distilling, and more!

I can't thank Pete and the Southern Distilling family for their hospitality and willingness to sit down with me for this great episode. Also a special thank you to Erik Owens and the American Distilling Institute for making this episode possible...

In this episode I traveled to Durham, NC to visit Mystic Farm & Distillery with my good friends Logan and Andrew helping out on set! I was able to sit down with the great guys behind the operation: Michael Sinclair & Jonathon Blitz - and we had an awesome conversation!

I can't thank both Mike and Blitz enough for their willingness to sit down with me and their hospitality while visiting.

For more information:

- Be sure to fol...

In this episode I traveled to Tucson, AZ to visit Whiskey Del Bac during the American Craft Spirits Association Convention! With some last minute scheduling, Master Distiller Mark Vierthaler and I were able to sit down have this fantastic conversation!

Even more special about this episode is that our good friend and fellow podcaster Doug (DemiTastes as he's known on the internet) joined in on the conversation to help proctor so...

In this episode I traveled to Tucson, AZ to visit Barrio Brewing Co. and had the pleasure of sitting down with some of the great people behind the magic: Jaime Dickman and Gary Fritze! I had an awesome time learning their stories and the story of Barrio!

I can't thank them enough for their willingness to sit down with me and help make Barrio come to life!

For more information:

- Be sure to follow: @barriobrewing on Instagr...

In this special episode I returned to Mount Vernon, Virginia to visit one of the coolest places on the planet. George Washington needs no introduction, but did you know he made whiskey and the distillery at Mount Vernon is fully operational? Head distiller Steve Bashore gives me a quick tour and sits down with me for a fantastic conversation.

I can't thank Steve and the Mount Vernon Ladies Association enough for making this episode ...

In this episode I traveled to the small town of St. Michaels, Maryland to visit one of the best people in the business! Jaime Windon jubilantly crafts American Rum at Windon Distilling with their flagship product: Lyon Rum. Her creativity and service on small business boards knows no bounds!

I can't thank Jaime enough for her willingness to sit down with me and share her story. She has made me a bigger rum fan than I was before!

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In this episode I traveled to Mt. Pleasant, NC and visited one of the most unique distilleries I've ever been to! Southern Grace Distilleries resides in an old North Carolina State Prison and they sure do embrace every ounce of history!

I can't thank owner Thomas Thacker enough for his willingness to sit down with me and share his story and his graciousness as a host!

Special thank you to Andrew Sindall for his time and assistance ...