May 29, 2024

7: Heaven Hill Master Distiller Conor O'Driscoll is Tackling New Product and Process Challenges in the Biggest Way Possible: Building a New Distillery

1 hour 6 minutes

While Sydney Jones’ last turn in the host chair was an exit interview of sorts, this episode is her entrance interview with new boss, Heaven Hill Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll, as she settles into her new role as supervisor and technical lead for the under-construction $150M distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. In this episode, O’Driscoll shares his insight gained from two decades of distilling for respected whiskey brands, and along the way touches on:

Whiskey fermentation philosophy with single yeast ferments

Using liquid yeast in the new distillery for more control

Rickhouse designs and their impact on aging whiskies with different age goals

How distillate recipes become finished whiskies while creating consistency in brands

Agricultural impacts on whiskey from ingredients to staves

Building within an idea of distillery “house style”

Technical and safety improvements he’s implemented through the years

And more.

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