The Truth About Liquor Distribution | Tyree Williams Interview Part 2 | The Liquor Connoisseur

Distribution is the hardest part of launching a liquor brand — and Tyree Williams breaks down exactly why.Whether you're a new spirits founder or dreaming of shelf space, this episode will change how you approach the industry. 🥃📉📈In Part 2 of our exclusive interview with Tyree Williams — a 25-year industry veteran and spirits consultant — we dive deep into the complexities of alcohol distribution, compliance laws, and the real cost of getting your brand onto shelves.What you’ll learn in this episode:🔹 Why distribution is the most difficult piece of the 3-tier system🔹 How shelf space is a competitive war — even for major brands like Diageo🔹 Strategic tips to stand out at retail and in bars🔹 How laws vary by state and sales channel — and why ignorance can cost you $$$🔹 What it really takes to go to market: cost breakdown, legal needs, and scaling🔹 Why the spirits industry still lacks diversity — and the opportunity that creates📌 Tyree doesn’t sugarcoat it — but he gives real tools and strategies to help you survive and thrive in this game.👉 Watch Part 1 if you missed it! https://youtu.be/ZvI_O0I7XM4?si=PQnUPBk4bATT67GW👉 Stay tuned for Part 3, where we get personal about Tyree’s journey and the global reach of liquor brands.🕓 Chapters00:00 – Intro: Why distribution is the hardest part00:20 – Competing with the big brands for shelf space01:05 – How to design a distribution strategy02:15 – Retail training, point-of-sale, and activations03:10 – Strategy vs. Execution: Why both matter04:00 – Controlled states, law changes, and costly legal mistakes06:00 – Startup costs: What it really takes to launch07:40 – Industry diversity and barriers for Black entrepreneurs08:30 – Global scale & brand ownership in the spirits world10:00 – The truth about shelf space and agave spirits’ rise