Ya'll join us for John Bentz's Grand Opening of Firehouse shine Co.

Cal Larson is the founder and owner of Soluble Oak, an innovative beverage-industry company based in Spokane, Washington.

Background and Origins

With a professional background rooted in the international lumber business, Cal spent years working closely with white oak. His familiarity with the wood eventually sparked a core question: What if you could extract the desirable flavor characteristics of oak without needing to use an entire barrel?

This curiosity led him to spend years developing a proprietary, patent-pending extraction method.

The Innovation: Soluble Oak

Cal developed an all-natural liquid oak extract (often referred to as "Oak + Nothing") that captures over 200 organic compounds found in American and French white oak—such as vanillins, oak lactones, and tannins.

Instead of waiting months or years for barrel aging, craft beverage makers (for beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails) can use Cal's precision liquid format post-fermentation to:

• Instantly add mouthfeel, polish, and complexity.
• Dial in exact flavor profiles (like vanilla, coconut, and spice) through small batch-testing.
• Simulate barrel-aged characteristics with high consistency.

Environmental Stewardship

A major driving force behind Cal's work is sustainability. Traditional barrel aging requires vast amounts of timber, cooperage resources, and storage space. Soluble Oak’s extraction method uses up to 80% less oak than traditional barrels, drastically reducing waste and environmental impact while streamlining production for modern beverage makers.

steel valley home distiller small batch distiller the agave prince.

Justin Meredith is an American distiller and artisan spirits competitor from Benton County, Iowa (growing up in the Garrison area and living near Mount Auburn) who rose to national prominence as a winner on Discovery Channel's hit series Moonshiners: Master Distiller.

He captured attention and won his episode—titled the "Chef-Distiller Showdown"—presided over by celebrity guest judge and chef Robert Irvine. His winning performance showcased his deep expertise in culinary flavor profiles and high-proof distillation. During the episode's intense challenges, he successfully engineered three distinct moonshines designed to taste like a full "meal in a jar," which included:

• An appetizer moonshine featuring a complex fruit salad flavor profile.
• A main course moonshine built around a rich, savory brisket flavor.
• A dessert moonshine highlighting a strawberry rhubarb cheesecake profile.

Meredith earned widespread praise from the judges for his bold, expertly balanced flavors and precise proofing, combining a traditional passion for home-brewing and distillation with professional-grade culinary creativity.

rod from drop zone distillery and ronnie from blood stripe brewery

We're just talking likker and busting balls

Ohio Shine Co. is a locally owned craft distillery in downtown Mansfield, Ohio, specializing in small-batch moonshine and a house vodka. It focuses on handcrafted spirits that highlight Ohio ingredients and traditional moonshine-making with a modern approach.

Key details:

• Location: 126 N. Franklin Ave., Mansfield, OH 44902.
• What they make: A core lineup of traditional clear moonshine, flavored moonshines (including fruit and dessert-inspired varieties), and Cold Spring Vodka, their premium unflavored vodka.
• Experience: The distillery operates a tasting room where visitors can sample spirits before purchasing bottles to take home. Under its Ohio distillery license, it is not a traditional bar—its focus is tastings and retail bottle sales.
• Atmosphere: Ohio Shine Co. aims to provide a welcoming experience for both moonshine enthusiasts and first-time visitors while contributing to the revitalization of downtown Mansfield's food and beverage scene.
• Hours: According to current business listings, it is open Fridays from 4:00–8:00 PM and Saturdays from 12:00–7:00 PM. Hours may change seasonally.

Jon Umstead is an American business executive, consultant, author, and educator with over 30 years of leadership experience spanning private sector operations, IT services, and executive leadership. self taught moonshiner. check out Against the Grain on amazon or www/champaignshine.com

Mary Kutter is an American country music singer and songwriter originally from Springfield, Kentucky. Known for her raw, gritty, and deeply honest storytelling, her music fuses classic country roots with rock influences.

Key Accomplishments & Career Shifts

• Prolific Songwriter: Before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, Kutter built a major reputation behind the scenes in Nashville. She co-wrote several massive hits for major country artists, including Bailey Zimmerman’s "Never Leave" and "These Nights," as well as Nate Smith’s "Wreckage" and "Sleep". Her work as a songwriter has also been featured in Netflix movies, television shows, and national commercials.
• Viral Solo Success: She successfully transitioned to a solo career after sharing an unfinished clip of her music on TikTok. Her breakout track, "Devil's Money"—a song inspired by the true story of her bootlegger great-grandfather—went viral, racking up over 30 million views.
• Record Deal & Releases: Her relentless work ethic and songwriting success caught the attention of major labels. She is signed to a publishing deal with Reservoir Media and officially signed a major record deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Her singles include "Devil's Money," "The Devil Wore a Lab Coat," and her 2026 release, "Bed of Roses".

The distiller you are looking for is Alan Bishop (often preferring the title "Head Alchemist").

A highly respected and colorful figure in the craft spirits industry, Bishop is renowned for his deep knowledge of pre-prohibition style distilling, historical spirits (like authentic absinthe), and his roots in southern Indiana's illicit distilling heritage.

Career & Old Homestead Connection

• Spirits of French Lick: Before his time at Old Homestead, Bishop spent eight highly acclaimed years as the Head Alchemist at Spirits of French Lick in southern Indiana, where he built a major reputation for innovative whiskeys and brandies.
• Old Homestead Distilling Co.: In April 2024, Bishop left French Lick to become the Head Distiller and partner at the newly unveiled Old Homestead Distilling Co. in Birdseye, Indiana (located in the Patoka Lake / "Alcohol Acres" area).
• The "Alchemist" Style: At Old Homestead, he leaned heavily into historical and terroir-focused spirits. He gained particular attention there for creating "Sunshine Spirits"—a unique, moonshine-style spirit crafted from malted and roasted sunflower seeds rather than standard grains.
• Current Ventures: True to his restless and independent spirit, Bishop eventually parted ways with the daily operations at Old Homestead to continue contract distilling, consulting, and launching independent spirit lines