Allan sits down with Brandon McCraney — founder and master blender of Olde Raleigh Distillery in Zebulon, North Carolina. A former Air Force captain who emptied his 401(k) and opened during the pandemic, Brandon calls himself “the antithesis of a 300-year-old brand.”

The twist: he’s a blender, not a distiller. He bought the stills, never connected them, and instead built something rarer — sourcing from 11 distilleries across five states, finishing whiskey in everything from Spanish orange wine to a once-a-year “coffee bomb” born from a mistake, and releasing 181 distinct expressions a year without ever repeating a batch.

A conversation about mastering one craft, rolling with the punches, and the patience it takes to make today what the world will want five years from now.

Learn more at craftedconvos.com

Thank you to our sponsors:

Bridgetown Brew Systems

The Bar Book

Proud Media Partner of the American Distilling Institute.

EPISODE #79

In this episode, Allan sits down with Luka at Seven Three Distilling Co. — a born-and-raised New Orleans operation making bourbon five lights from the French Quarter. We go inside the distillery during Mardi Gras week to talk mash bills, high rye bourbons, and what it means to build something authentically local in a city that could easily sell out to tourism.

From a Croatian immigrant father who arrived in 1973 to a lineup that includes a wheated bourbon, a high rye, and a distillery philosophy rooted in the 73 neighborhoods that make up New Orleans — Seven Three is doing things their way. Pull up a stool in the tasting room and join the conversation.

🥃 Follow @seventhreedistilling on Instagram

📍 New Orleans, LA

🌐 seoventhreedistilling.com

Crafted Conversations is a proud member and partner of the American Distilling Institute

Learn more at www.distilling.com

#CraftDistillery #NewOrleansBourbon #CraftWhiskey #DistilleryTour #CraftSpirits #EntrepreneurStory #craftedconvos #AmericanWhiskey #SmallBusinessJourney #MardiGras #HighRyeBourbon #NewOrleans

Thank you to our sponsors! The Bar Book - https://thebarbook.appBridgetown Brew Systems - https://www.bridgetownbrew.com

Support Crafted Conversations

Everything you see and hear on this show — including travel — is funded out of pocket. If you believe in our mission of spotlighting the people and stories behind small businesses, you can support the show at: buymeacoffee.com/craftedconvos

Buy Me a Coffee allows for simple one-time donations or a monthly contribution. Every dollar goes directly into creating more episodes and giving breweries, distilleries, and makers the spotlight they deserve.

Stay ConnectedWebsite: www.craftedconvos.com

Follow: @craftedconvosmedia

Subscribe on YouTube: @craftedconvospod

Produced by: Allan Cogan, Grant Brown, Nick Post, and Andrew Sindall

Crafted Conversations Media LLC

Full video available on YouTube and SpotifyQuestions or inquiries: [email protected]

Music provided by Artlist.io (copyright information available upon request)Cheers!This episode features conversations about alcohol.

Please drink responsibly.

Allan sits down with Matt Crittenden at Crittenden Distillery in Kiln, Mississippi — a one-man craft operation in the heart of the Gulf Coast's moonshine country. They go inside the distillery to talk mash bills, barrel finishing, and what it means to build something authentic in a market that rewards conformity.

From Mississippi's long prohibition history to a lineup that includes a bottled-in-bond bourbon, a 7-year single barrel rye, and an imaginative cryptid series finished in everything from Laphroaig barrels to blackberry mead — Crittenden is doing things their way.

Crafted Conversations is a proud member and partner of the American Distilling Institute Learn more at www.distilling.com

—

Thank you to our sponsors!

The Bar Book — thebarbook.app Bridgetown Brew Systems — bridgetownbrew.com

—

Support Crafted Conversations

Everything you see and hear on this show — including travel — is funded out of pocket. If you believe in our mission of spotlighting the people and stories behind small businesses, you can support the show at buymeacoffee.com/craftedconvos

Every dollar goes directly into creating more episodes and giving breweries, distilleries, and makers the spotlight they deserve.

—

Stay Connected

Website: craftedconvos.com Follow: @craftedconvosmedia Watch on YouTube: @craftedconvospod

Produced by: Allan Cogan, Grant Brown, Nick Post, and Andrew Sindall Crafted Conversations Media LLC

Questions or inquiries: [email protected]

Music provided by Artlist.io

This episode features conversations about alcohol. Please drink responsibly.

Cheers!

EPISODE #77In this episode, Allan sits down with Jim Webb at Manifest Distilling — Downtown Jacksonville's only full-scale organic distillery, located in the heart of the Sports District.

We go inside the operation to talk craft, philosophy, and what it means to build something independently in the modern spirits landscape. From their commitment to taking only the "hearts" of each distillation to a diverse lineup that includes vodka, gin, rye whiskey, and even a single origin coffee liqueur — Manifest is doing things their way.

Pull up a stool in the Cocktail Room and join the conversation.

🥃 Learn more at manifestdistilling.com

Jacksonville, FL🌐 craftedconvos.com—#CraftDistillery #FloridaDistilling #craftwhiskey #DistilleryTour #CraftSpirits #EntrepreneurStory #craftedconvos #AmericanWhiskey #smallbusinessjourney Thank you to our sponsors! The Bar Book - https://thebarbook.appBridgetown Brew Systems - https://www.bridgetownbrew.comSupport Crafted ConversationsEverything you see and hear on this show — including travel — is funded out of pocket. If you believe in our mission of spotlighting the people and stories behind small businesses, you can support the show at:buymeacoffee.com/craftedconvosBuy Me a Coffee allows for simple one-time donations or a monthly contribution. Every dollar goes directly into creating more episodes and giving breweries, distilleries, and makers the spotlight they deserve.Stay ConnectedWebsite: www.craftedconvos.comFollow: @craftedconvosmediaSubscribe on YouTube: @craftedconvospodProduced by: Allan Cogan, Grant Brown, Nick Post, and Andrew SindallCrafted Conversations Media LLCFull video available on YouTube and SpotifyQuestions or inquiries: [email protected] provided by Artlist.io (copyright information available upon request)Cheers!This episode features conversations about alcohol. Please drink responsibly.

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 weekends, and a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform. Exclusively craft. No compromises.

In this conversation, Beth tells the story behind the concept, what it took to build it, and why she thinks the industry's biggest problem is also its biggest opportunity.

Thank you to our sponsors! The Bar Book — https://thebarbook.app Bridgetown Brew Systems — https://www.bridgetownbrew.com

Support Crafted Conversations Everything you see and hear on this show — including travel — is funded out of pocket. If you believe in our mission of spotlighting the people and stories behind small businesses, support the show at: buymeacoffee.com/craftedconvos

One-time or monthly — every dollar goes directly into creating more episodes and giving breweries, distilleries, and makers the spotlight they deserve.

Stay Connected Website: www.craftedconvos.com Follow: @craftedconvospod YouTube: @craftedconvospod Questions: [email protected]

Produced by Allan Cogan, Grant Brown, Nick Post, and Andrew Sindall Crafted Conversations Media LLC

Full video available on YouTube and Spotify. Music provided by Artlist.io. This episode features conversations about alcohol.

Please drink responsibly.

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 the word "craft" has been hijacked by the industry, and how he built a business around hospitality first and sales second. We also work through the full product lineup — a sugar-based vodka, a gin that converts gin haters, a strawberry vodka made from fresh Plant City strawberries, and more.

If you've ever thought about turning a passion into a business — or you just love a great spirits story — this one's for you.📍 Preez Distillery — Largo, Florida🌐 preezdistillery.com—#CraftDistillery #FloridaDistilling #craftwhiskey #DistilleryTour #CraftSpirits #EntrepreneurStory #floridalife #AmericanWhiskey #SmallBusinessJourneySupport Crafted ConversationsEverything you see and hear on this show — including travel — is funded out of pocket. If you believe in our mission of spotlighting the people and stories behind small businesses, you can support the show at:buymeacoffee.com/craftedconvosBuy Me a Coffee allows for simple one-time donations or a monthly contribution. Every dollar goes directly into creating more episodes and giving breweries, distilleries, and makers the spotlight they deserve.Stay ConnectedWebsite: www.craftedconvos.comFollow: @craftedconvospodSubscribe on YouTube: @craftedconvospodProduced by: Allan Cogan, Grant Brown, Nick Post, and Andrew SindallCrafted Conversations Media LLCFull video available on YouTube and SpotifyQuestions or inquiries: [email protected] provided by Artlist.io (copyright information available upon request)Cheers!This episode features conversations about alcohol. Please drink responsibly.

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 the stories, risks, and passion behind one of Wisconsin’s most exciting craft distilleries.

Connect & Learn More:
Website: craftedconvos.com
Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/craftedconvos
Follow Whiskey Run: @whiskeyrundistillingcompany | @baileysrunvineyardandwinery

Recorded onsite at Whiskey Run, New Glarus, WI – December 27th, 2025.

Copyright Crafted Conversations Media LLC

• 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

• Support Crafted Conversations

This show is funded out of pocket, including travel. If you believe in spotlighting the people and stories behind small businesses, you can support the show at:

buymeacoffee.com/craftedconvos

(One-time or monthly support — every dollar goes into making more episodes.)

• Stay Connected

Website: www.craftedconvos.com

Follow: @craftedconvospod

Subscribe on YouTube: @craftedconvospod

Produced by: Allan Cogan, Grant Brown, Nick Post, and Andrew Sindall

Crafted Conversations Media LLC

Full video available on YouTube and Spotify

Questions: [email protected]

Music: Artlist.io

This episode features conversations about alcohol. Please drink responsibly.

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 InstagramVisit: https://www.vetusdistillery.comRECORDED NOVEMBER 12TH ONSITE AT VETUS DISTILLERY IN MONROE, NC. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate a follow and share on social media, subscribe to our YouTube, and be sure to give us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform!Everything you see and hear is out of pocket for us, including travel. If you support our mission of showcasing the amazing stories behind these small businesses, do me a favor and head over to buymeacoffee.com/craftedconvosBuy Me a Coffee is an awesome way to help creators like me with simple one-time donations OR a monthly contribution. Every dime goes into giving these breweries, distilleries and more some much deserved limelight.Visit us online at www.craftedconvos.comFollow us on social media: ⁠@craftedconvospod⁠Subscribe to our YouTube at ⁠ ⁠@craftedconvospod ⁠Produced by Allan Cogan, Grant Brown, Nick Post, and Andrew Sindall - as a part of Crafted Conversations Media LLC⁠. Full video is exclusively on YouTube and Spotify! If you ever have any questions or concerns – please reach out: [email protected] music is provided by ⁠Artlist.io⁠ and copyright information can be provided upon request.Cheers!⁠⁠⁠#smallbusiness⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#craftdistilleries ⁠⁠⁠ #craftbreweries⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#craftedconvos⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#americanhistory ⁠⁠⁠⁠#northcarolina #cheers #whiskey #smallbusinesses ⁠⁠⁠⁠#brewery ⁠⁠⁠#craftspirits⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#distillery⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#brewery⁠⁠ ⁠#craftedconvos⁠ ⁠#agriculture ⁠ #stories #interview #history

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 InstagramVisit: https://blueridgedistilling.comRECORDED NOVEMBER 8TH ONSITE AT BLUE RIDGE DISTILLING COMPANY IN BOSTIC, NC. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate a follow and share on social media, subscribe to our YouTube, and be sure to give us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform!Everything you see and hear is out of pocket for us, including travel. If you support our mission of showcasing the amazing stories behind these small businesses, do me a favor and head over to buymeacoffee.com/craftedconvosBuy Me a Coffee is an awesome way to help creators like me with simple one-time donations OR a monthly contribution. Every dime goes into giving these breweries, distilleries and more some much deserved limelight.Visit us online at www.craftedconvos.comFollow us on social media: ⁠@craftedconvospod⁠Subscribe to our YouTube at ⁠ ⁠@craftedconvospod ⁠Produced by Allan Cogan, Grant Brown, Nick Post, and Andrew Sindall - as a part of Crafted Conversations Media LLC⁠. Full video is exclusively on YouTube and Spotify! If you ever have any questions or concerns – please reach out: [email protected] music is provided by ⁠Artlist.io⁠ and copyright information can be provided upon request.Cheers!⁠⁠⁠#smallbusiness⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#craftdistilleries ⁠⁠⁠ #craftbreweries⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#craftedconvos⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#americanhistory ⁠⁠⁠⁠#northcarolina #cheers #whiskey #smallbusinesses ⁠⁠⁠⁠#brewery ⁠⁠⁠#craftspirits⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#distillery⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#brewery⁠⁠ ⁠#craftedconvos⁠ ⁠#agriculture ⁠ #stories #interview #history