In this episode of BizNinja Entrepreneur Radio, host Tyler Jorgenson sits down with Chris Buglisi, co-founder of Misunderstood Whiskey, to discuss the journey of innovating in the traditional world of whiskey. Chris shares how he and his business partner, JD, started their venture in their kitchen, experimenting with hundreds of whiskey recipes before landing on their signature ginger-infused whiskey. They aimed to create a whiskey that both seasoned drinkers and newcomers could enjoy, and Misunderstood Whiskey was born from this vision of accessibility and quality.

The conversation dives into the challenges of entrepreneurship, including trademark battles and the complexities of entering the liquor market. Chris highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability, sharing how setbacks like their first trademark dispute led to the brand’s ultimate success. He also discusses how their whiskey stood out at events, earning rave reviews from customers and helping the company quickly gain traction.

Towards the end, Chris introduces Oatrages, their new dairy-free bourbon cream line, which stems from their innovative Oatnog product. Misunderstood Whiskey and Oatrages continue to grow, catering to both whiskey enthusiasts and the dairy-free community. Chris emphasizes the importance of listening to customer feedback and staying ahead of industry trends, like the growing popularity of alternative milk products. Misunderstood Whiskey and Oatrages are not just about quality drinks but about creating a fun, inclusive experience for everyone.

Misunderstood Whiskey, known for its ginger-infused whiskey, continues to innovate with the launch of Oatrages, a dairy-free bourbon cream. For more about their journey and products, visit Misunderstood Whiskey.

Takeaways

1. Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Chris Buglisi highlights how Misunderstood Whiskey faced numerous challenges, including trademark disputes, but overcame them through persistence and creativity, turning obstacles into opportunities.
2. Customer-Centric Innovation: The success of Misunderstood Whiskey and Oatrages demonstrates the importance of listening to consumer feedback and responding to market trends, particularly in underserved categories like dairy-free alcoholic beverages.
3. Misunderstood Whiskey's Unique Approach: The brand seeks to bridge the gap between seasoned whiskey drinkers and newcomers by creating a whiskey that is both high-quality and approachable, redefining perceptions of flavored whiskey with their ginger-infused blend.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship in Whiskey

02:37 The Birth of Misunderstood Whiskey

06:32 Trademark Challenges and Resilience

08:54 First Signs of Success

12:30 Navigating Partnerships in Business

15:54 The Nine Must-Haves for Success

17:29 Innovating with Oatrages

21:37 Developing New Flavors and Products

24:29 Goals for Oatrages and Future Plans

27:50 Personal Aspirations Beyond Business