Distillers Talk

Jesse Tate and Grant Patterson from Vista Gin in Florida join Alan Bishop and Christi Atkinson to delve into their unique pot still gins. We discuss building flavor through production techniques and Grant's culinary background, as well as working with koji in making their whiskey.

Jolee Kasprzak of Old Homestead Distilling Co and Patoka Lake Winery joins Alan Bishop and Christi Atkinson this week. Jolee and Alan update on the progress so far at Old Homestead. We also talk about Sunshine, a line of sunflower moonshine spirits already being run at the distillery, as well peach brandy. Alan and Jolee discuss the distillery's terroir-focused approach to spirits and the homage to the region including trapping local yeast and growing a strain of wheat originally grown in the area. 

Irish whiskey historian and author Fionnán O'Connor returns to Distillers Talk with Alan Bishop and Christi Atkinson to discuss his upcoming new book, Créatúr. Fionnán speaks about his adventures and travels digging into the history of poitín and Irish pot still whiskey, and his journey to bring back (and even be a part of the distillation of) lost Irish mash bills with the help of others along the way. We also get into the temperance movement, past and present.

Erik Wolfe of Stoll & Wolfe Distillery joins Alan Bishop and Christi Atkinson to talk about his latest distilling adventures with Alan on the road at both Stoll & Wolfe and George Washington's Mount Vernon. We also catch up on another collaborative effort, the Historic Trades Workshop. There's several colorful stories along the way, including "dough balls of anger".

Al Laws of Laws Whiskey House in Colorado joins Alan Bishop and Christi Atkinson on all things grain and terroir. Al guides us through a tasting of their Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey, San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey, Centennial Straight Wheat Whiskey and Henry Road Straight Malt Whiskey. We also discuss production and their upcoming new tasting room. 

Alan Bishop and Christi Atkinson take on some controversial topics in the spirits industry right now and discuss the future of the market, as well as tips for brands and ancillary partners.

Seth Benheim and Nick Roady of Broken Barrel Whiskey Company join Alan Bishop and Christi Atkinson and discuss the importance of packaging and standing out in a market as a craft producer in a developed market. We also get into responsible distribution strategies and working with foreign markets while satisfying your home accounts, as well as upcoming plans and unique collaborative releases.

Ian Verno of Ten-030 Barrels joins Alan Bishop and Christi Atkinson to discuss his hybrid barrels

Distillers Talk goes to Yunnan Province, China this week! Evan Villarrubia of MB Distillery joins Alan Bishop and Christi Atkinson to discuss his start in the distilling industry in China, as well as the production of some of his products including sugar cane rum and rice based spirits. We’re also going to get into China’s multi-tier system and Chinese distilling culture. 

Check out our Facebook and Instagram on Monday, February 12th to weigh in on our poll with questions for Evan's next episode with us!

David McIntyre of West Fork Whiskey in Indianapolis joins Alan Bishop and Christi Atkinson this week. We discuss West Fork's beginnings under a small budget and the evolution of its production setup and product line, as well as struggles encountered along the way. This is a great episode for those looking to start up a distillery with a small investment!