Phil Steger is the founder and CEO of Minneapolis-based Brother Justus Whiskey Co., and a recently elected member of the American Craft Spirits Association’s Board of Directors.

Before opening the distillery, Stegerl earned a law degree from the University of St. Thomas. He also has experience running humanitarian aid and preserving centuries-old manuscripts belonging to monasteries in conflict zones. Eventually, Steger channeled his loves and learnings into one big work: whiskey.

In this episode, Steger discusses his eureka moment for deciding to make whiskey; getting his law degree while making plans for the distillery; how he learned about the real Brother Justus; making cold-peated whiskey; and much more.