Winebow Spirits Sessions

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Pablo and Red discuss the intricate world of mezcal, focusing on the Jimenez Mendez family and their legacy in the mezcal industry. They explore the importance of agave quality, the production process, and the family's dynamics in decision-making. The conversation also highlights the role of Winebow in expanding the brand's reach and the future plans for community engagement and product development.

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Redford "Red " Parker has been cultivating El Buho's premium mezcal brand, embracing the heritage and artistry of the Jimenez Mendez family since 2010.   Prior to El Buho, he spent a decade at Endicott Management Company, a boutique investment and advisory firm in New York, NY.  His educational background includes a degree in Russian Language and Applied Economics from Cornell University.  Additionally, Red spends his time making music and pursuing other entrepreneurial projects.    

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Follow Red and El Buho Mezcal on Instagram @elbuhomezcal and their website www.elbuhomezcal.com

Credits

Theme: Off The Path - Macabe & West End - Macabe

Production: Tyson Ellert

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Red talks about his journey into the mezcal industry, the founding of El Búho, and the cultural significance of mezcal. Red shares insights into the team behind the brand, the challenges of developing a brand, and the deep-rooted traditions associated with mezcal production. Red shares his journey into the world of mezcal, detailing his initial experiences in Oaxaca, the cultural differences he encountered, and the relationships he built with the Jimenez Mendez family.

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Redford "Red " Parker has been cultivating El Buho's premium mezcal brand, embracing the heritage and artistry of the Jimenez Mendez family since 2010.   Prior to El Buho, he spent a decade at Endicott Management Company, a boutique investment and advisory firm in New York, NY.  His educational background includes a degree in Russian Language and Applied Economics from Cornell University.  Additionally, Red spends his time making music and pursuing other entrepreneurial projects.    

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Follow Red and El Buho Mezcal on Instagram @elbuhomezcal and their website www.elbuhomezcal.com

Credits

Theme: Off The Path - Macabe & West End - Macabe

Production: Tyson Ellert

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In this episode Shawn and Pablo explore the PKGD portfolio. They have a well rounded offering of 'world class' spirits. Their current line up is comprised of G4 Tequila, Palomo Mezcal from Oaxaca, Ultramundo Mezcal from Durango and two Raicilla expressions from Jalisco. Dive deeper and find your favorite!

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Shawn M. Miller is the co-founder of PKGD Group, a U.S.-based import company specializing in authentic, producer-owned agave spirits. Known for his creative vision and deep industry knowledge, Shawn is a passionate advocate for transparency, quality, and traditional production methods. He works closely with distillers across Mexico, building strong relationships rooted in trust and shared values. Under his leadership, PKGD has become a key player in the growing U.S. market for tequila, mezcal, and raicilla. Shawn is also a dedicated educator and storyteller, helping consumers connect more deeply with the spirits they enjoy.

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Follow Shawn and The PKGD Group on Instagram @pkgdgroup their website www.pkgdgroup.com and their YouTube channel @PKGDGroup

Credits

Main theme: Off The Path - Macabe & West End - Macabe

Production: Tyson Ellert

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In this conversation, Shawn Miller shares his journey in the tequila business, detailing his partnership and long time friendship with Jeff Ernst and their experiences in marketing and brand advocacy. 

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Shawn M. Miller is the co-founder of PKGD Group, a U.S.-based import company specializing in authentic, producer-owned agave spirits. Known for his creative vision and deep industry knowledge, Shawn is a passionate advocate for transparency, quality, and traditional production methods. He works closely with distillers across Mexico, building strong relationships rooted in trust and shared values. Under his leadership, PKGD has become a key player in the growing U.S. market for tequila, mezcal, and raicilla. Shawn is also a dedicated educator and storyteller, helping consumers connect more deeply with the spirits they enjoy.

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Follow Shawn and The PKGD Group on Instagram @pkgdgroup their website www.pkgdgroup.com and their YouTube channel @PKGDGroup

Credits

Main theme: Off The Path - Macabe & West End - Macabe

Production: Tyson Ellert

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In this engaging conversation, Brandon Cummins shares his journey through the world of spirits, discussing his experiences with tequila and whiskey, the importance of traditional production methods, and the exciting developments at High N' Wicked. He emphasizes the significance of blending and finishing techniques, the challenges of navigating perceptions in the industry, and the future of his brands, including the anticipated release of new products.

Follow Brandon's spiritous adventures by checking out their Instagram @brandon.altamar and @altamarbrands. 

Brandon's YouTube channel is full of amazing educational bits @AltamarBrands

Main theme: Off The Path by Macabe
Intro theme: West End by Macade

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In this engaging conversation, Brandon Cummins and I explore the world of spirits, blending, and the personal journeys that led us to our current roles in the industry. We discuss  Brandon's emotional connections to his brands, and the impact of family and upbringing on his career. Brandon shares his experiences as the head of High N Wicked at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and a near-death experience in Mexico, among other things. The conversation highlights the significance of relationships in the spirits industry and the passion that drives individuals to create meaningful experiences for others.

Follow Brandon's spiritous adventures by checking out their Instagram @brandon.altamar and @altamarbrands. 

Brandon's YouTube channel is full of amazing educational bits @AltamarBrands

Main theme: Off The Path by Macabe
Intro theme: West End by Macade

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In this conversation, Mhairi delves into the story behind Brovo Spirits name and creative philosophy; emphasizing the importance of collaboration, creativity, and advocacy in the distilling industry. We talk about the personalities that became the core foundation of Brovo's bartender partnering ethos, which acts as a guiding star to creating products for the lineup. The discussion also touches on personal growth, achievements, and the launch of a new podcast that explores the intersection of creativity and craft.

Follow Mhairi @brovospirits

Music by Andrew Macabe @macabemusic

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Mhair Volsgen, founder of Brovo Spirits shares her background and journey from architecture to the spirits industry. She discusses the most pivotal moments in her career and the moment she decided to start a distillery. Mhairi emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the soul of a place in the creation of spirits. 

Pablo talks journey from working at a distillery to becoming a Spirits Specialist for Winebow, highlighting the importance of craftsmanship and intentionality in creating spirits. They both talk about the underrated nature of vodka and the shift towards embracing flavor and authenticity in the industry. 

Mhairi also shares the story of how she started her distillery and the early struggles and successes she experienced. The collaboration with bartenders and the creation of unique Amaro flavors became a turning point for the business. It is through passion and never giving up that Brovo has cemented themselves as a staple in bars across America.

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In this conversation, Jacopo Poli discusses the evolution of grappa production at the Poli Distillerie, combining traditional methods with modern technology. The distillery now uses three different technologies to distill grappa, allowing for experimentation and the creation of different spirits. Jacopo emphasizes the importance of using fresh ingredients and capturing the essence of fruit and flowers in grappa. He also discusses the future of grappa production and the possibilities that technology brings. As a bonus, Jacopo shares stories from his childhood, where he served customers at a young age among others. 

Follow Jacopo's adventures in grappa and take a look at the gorgeous distillery by checking out their Instagram @poli_grappa

Main theme: Off The Path by Macabe
Intro theme: West End by Macade

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In this special episode, I get a rare opportunity to talk with Jacopo Poli in person. Jacopo shares the history of his family's distillery and the tradition of grappa production in Bassano de Grappa. He discusses the challenges faced by artisan distilleries in the face of industrial competition and the importance of quality and craftsmanship in producing grappa. Jacopo also reflects on his personal journey and decision to continue the family business, highlighting the significance of family values and the deep connection between grappa and Italian culture.

Grappa is a traditional Italian spirit produced through the distillation of grape marc. Artisan distilleries face challenges from industrial competition, but they prioritize quality and craftsmanship. More so in the past than today but there are certainly challenges to a family operation of their size. 

The Poli family has been producing grappa since 1898 and has a deep connection to the history and culture of Bassano de Grappa. As we discover, Jacopo Poli made the personal decision to continue the family business and values the importance of family and long-lasting relationships.

Follow Jacopo's adventures in grappa and take a look at the gorgeous distillery by checking out their Instagram @poli_grappa

Main theme: Off The Path by Macabe
Intro theme: West End by Macade