Episode Overview

Fresh from claiming Best‑in‑Class Dark Rum at the 2025 ADI competition, Steve Julliar—founder of Evolved Distilling in Los Angeles County—joins host Ronnell Richards for a colorful chat about turning beer‑maker know‑how into medal‑winning spirits. From coffee liqueur to orange cello, Steve’s tiki‑worthy lineup channels Caribbean technique through Southern California terroir—proving rum (and flamboyant linen shirts) belong far beyond the tropics.

1. From Brewhouse to Stillhouse

   • How distilling a Belgian Noël beer into schnapps convinced Steve to buy a dormant distillery and “evolve” it into a rum‑focused playground.

   • Translating award‑winning beer recipes into complex grain and cane spirits.

2. Crafting a California‑Caribbean Dark Rum

   • Molasses sourced via Louisiana, fermented for “funk,” then aged in ex‑bourbon barrels that previously held maple syrup.

   • Why patience (and 24‑hour-plus rests) coax out grassy, toffee, and candied‑fruit notes judges love.

3. Orange Cello & High‑Octane Mimosas

   • Hand‑peeled SoCal citrus macerated in neutral spirit, proofed with clarified orange juice for a crystal‑clear, juice‑forward liqueur.

   • Serving tip: skip the OJ—champagne + orange cello = instant brunch bliss.

4. Coffee Liqueur Crowd‑Pleaser

   • Why Evolved’s café‑rich bottle is the tasting‑room best‑seller and a bartender favorite.

   • Plans for direct‑to‑consumer shipping this year (sign up on the site for release alerts).

5. What’s Next: A Rum‑Meets‑Agave Experiment

   • Steve’s ADI‑floor connection to an agave supplier sparks an upcoming hybrid spirit fermented in 30‑gallon barrels.

6. Lessons for Aspiring Distillers

   • Visualize success, know your strengths, invite staff feedback, learn from mistakes, and celebrate local ingredients.

   • How ADI’s supplier network (and competition medals) accelerate product development and market reach.

• On Creativity & Joy
  “This industry lets you bottle a piece of yourself—seeing customers smile in the tasting room is the real win.” – Steve Julliar

• On Rum’s SoCal Potential
  “Caribbean‑style rum is under‑served in Southern California; we’re here to elevate and evangelize it.” – Steve Julliar

• On ADI’s Value
  “We met our molasses supplier at last year’s conference—and this year I found my agave hookup. ADI is where ideas turn into bottles.” – Steve Julliar

• Shop & Newsletter: Sign up at EvolvedDistilling.com for launch alerts on nationwide DTC shipping (coffee liqueur & orange cello drop first!).

• Visit the Tasting Room: Check the online calendar for live‑music evenings and new‑release parties.

• American Distilling Institute: Distilling.com – competitions, supplier network, and membership info.

1. Taste the Champ: Try Evolved Dark Rum neat—or floated on a Mai Tai, Steve’s desert‑island choice.

2. Brunch Upgrade: Swap your Sunday OJ for Orange Cello + bubbles and post that “high‑octane mimosa.”

3. Get Connected: Distillers—meet suppliers and buyers at the next ADI conference; enthusiasts—join ADI forums for insider spirits talk.

• Powered By: American Distilling Institute

• Host: Ronnell Richards

• Guest: Steve Julliar, Evolved Distilling

• Location: Recorded live at ADI National Conference, Baltimore

• Rate & Review: Help fellow spirits lovers discover Voices of Distilling.

• Subscribe: Never miss a new episode.

• Join ADI: Become part of the world’s largest craft‑distilling community → Distilling.com/membership.

Raise your glass—because every drop has a story, and every voice evolves the craft.

In This Episode, You’ll LearnKey QuotesAbout Evolved DistillingFounded2022 (reimagined from an older facility)LocationGardena, California (Greater LA)Flagship SpiritsDark Rum (Best‑in‑Class), White Rum, Coffee Liqueur, Orange Cello, “Persephone’s” Rye aged in Belgian‑quad barrelsExperiencesJazz & blues nights, cocktail workshops, on‑site tastingsWebsiteEvolvedDistilling.comResources & LinksAction ItemsEpisode CreditsEnjoyed the Show?