EmbellishPod

Welcome to the Embellished Podcast! In this episode, host John takes you on a captivating journey through the rich and complex history of Japanese whiskey. From its humble beginnings in the 1920s to its current status as a globally revered spirit, we explore the cultural and historical contexts that shaped this unique beverage. Discover the influence of the Meiji period, the pioneering efforts of Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Takatsuru, and the evolution of whiskey consumption in Japan. We'll also highlight some of the most innovative distilleries currently shaping the Japanese whiskey market, including Nikka, Kaio, Ohishi, Fukano, and Hakata. As we delve into the challenges faced by the industry during the economic downturn of the late 1980s and 1990s, we’ll celebrate the remarkable renaissance that followed, leading to international acclaim for Japanese whiskeys. Join us as we discuss current trends, the future of Japanese whiskey, and the importance of sustainability and transparency in the industry. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Japanese whiskey, there's something for everyone in this episode! Don't forget to subscribe to the Embellished Podcast for more fascinating explorations of spirits from around the globe. Follow us on social media at @embellishpod on Instagram and TikTok, and visit our website at www.embellishpod.com for more details and links. Cheers! 🥃

Join us in this episode of the Embellish Pod as we embark on a fascinating journey through the evolution of whiskey in India! From ancient fermented rice beverages to world-class single malts, we explore how India has emerged as a significant player in the global whiskey scene. In this episode, we delve into: The historical roots of fermentation in ancient India, including traditional drinks like sura, Zutho, Apong, and Lugadi. The impact of colonialism on India's drinking culture and the rise of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL). The pioneering efforts of distilleries like Amrut and Rampur in creating premium single malts. The unique characteristics of Indian whiskey, including the use of six-row barley and the influence of India's climate on maturation. The challenges faced by Indian whiskey producers in the domestic and international markets. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or just curious about the rich tapestry of Indian spirits, this episode is packed with insights and stories that bridge tradition and innovation. Don't forget to subscribe to the Embellish Pod for more episodes exploring cultures and traditions from around the globe! Links: Website: www.embellishpod.com Instagram: @embellishpod TikTok: @embellishpod If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share your thoughts in the comments! Cheers!

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Embellish Pod! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of bourbon with our special guest, Cordell, who joins us on behalf of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Cordell has an extensive background in the bourbon industry, having worked with renowned brands like Maker's Mark, Southern Comfort, Jack Daniels, Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Peerless, and now Eastern Light. In this episode, we discuss:      Cordell's journey in the bourbon industry and his various roles.      The history and evolution of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.      The unique experiences and offerings at this year's festival.      The impact of bourbon tourism on Kentucky's economy.      Exciting new features like the double-decker tent and the People's      Choice Award.      The importance of digital marketing in promoting the festival.      Insights into the future of the festival and the bourbon industry. Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or just curious about the festival, this episode is packed with valuable information and insights. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @embellishpod for more updates! Links: Email: embellishpod@gmail.com Website: www.embellishpod.com Instagram: @embellishpod TikTok: @embellishpod Kentucky Bourbon Festival: www.kybourbonfestival.com Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:56 - Cordell's Background in the Bourbon Industry 00:05:19 - Cordell's Role in the Kentucky Bourbon Festival 00:09:59 - Ticket Sales and Attendance Growth 00:14:39 - Expansion and New Features at the Festival 00:20:49 - Unique Expressions and Offerings 00:29:58 - Educational Opportunities at the Festival 00:33:23 - Evolution of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival 00:38:02 - Planning and Logistics 00:44:21 - Transportation and Shuttle Services Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!Welcome to another exciting episode of the Embellish Pod!

In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Dixon Dedman from 2XO and David Mark Young from Golden Sheaf. These two whiskey aficionados share their insights, experiences, and a whole lot of laughs as they dive into the world of whiskey blending, brand building, and the future of the spirits industry. Episode Highlights: Introduction: Meet our guests Dixon Dedman and David Mark Young. Whiskey Blending: The art and science behind creating the perfect blend. Brand Building: The challenges and triumphs of building a whiskey brand from the ground up. AI in Whiskey Production: David discusses the innovative use of data science and AI in the spirits industry. Sneakerhead Blend: Dixon gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming 2XO release. Travel Tales: The highs and lows of traveling for brand promotion. Connect with Us: Email: embellishpod@gmail.com Instagram: @embellishpod TikTok: @embellishpod Website: www.embellishpod.com   Special Thanks: A big thank you to Dixon Dedman and David Mark Young for joining us and sharing their incredible stories and expertise. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest episodes! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:46 - Meet Dixon and David 02:47 - Whiskey Blending Insights 05:25 - Brand Building Challenges 10:36 - AI in Whiskey Production 16:12 - Sneakerhead Blend Preview 21:15 - Travel Tales 27:39 - Closing Thoughts #Whiskey #Podcast #BlendingBourbon #2XO #GoldenSheaf #AIinWhiskey #SneakerheadBlend #WhiskeyTravel #BrandBuilding #TheEmbellishPod

In this episode of the EmbellishPod, Geoff from Club Kokomo Spirits joins the host to discuss the journey of creating rum and the unique aspects of rum production. Jeff shares insights into the different types of rum, including Barbadian, Jamaican, and Puerto Rican rums, and the importance of transparency in the rum industry. The conversation delves into the development of Club Kokomo's rum line, including the Barrel Finish rum, which won a double gold medal in San Francisco. Jeff explains the process of blending aged rums from various islands and finishing them in high rye bourbon barrels to create a whiskey-forward flavor profile. Listeners will learn about the collaboration between Club Kokomo and the Beach Boys' Mike Love, leading to the creation of both canned cocktails and premium rums. Jeff emphasizes the brand's commitment to transparency and quality, ensuring that their products stand out in the market. Tune in to discover the unique flavors and cocktail recommendations for Club Kokomo's Barrel Finish rum, and explore the world of rum through the lens of a passionate distiller and rum advocate. https://clubkokomospirits.com/ https://www.facebook.com/clubkokomospirits https://www.instagram.com/clubkokomospirits/ https://www.tiktok.com/@clubkokomo

Hey bourbon enthusiasts! In this episode of the EmbellishPod, we dive into the world of distilling with Jacob and Clayton from Hemingway Whiskey and West Kentucky Distilling. Join us as we explore their family's eighth-generation legacy in the distilling space and their journey in the industry. From rebuilding old distilleries to creating innovative whiskey blends, these gentlemen share their experiences and plans for the future. Discover the story behind Hemingway Rye the Hemingway family and the Call family. Learn about their upcoming releases, including a special collector's edition at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Tune in to hear about their dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation in the world of bourbon and rye whiskey. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with two passionate distillers and their exciting plans for the future. Make sure to subscribe to the EmbellishPod for more fascinating episodes with industry experts and insiders. Stay updated on all things bourbon and whiskey by following us on Instagram, TikTok, and visiting our website at www.embellishpod.com. And if you're attending the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, be sure to stop by and meet Jacob, Clayton, and the Hemingway team in person! https://hemingwaywhiskeys.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hemingwaywhiskeys/ https://www.facebook.com/hemingwaywhiskeys/

Hey folks! Welcome to a special mid-year check-in episode of the EmbellishPod. This episode is a bit different and a whole lot shorter, but packed with exciting updates and whiskey adventures. Episode Highlights: Whiskey Travels: Join me as I recount my recent whiskey travels, including a visit to the "This Is My Bourbon Weekend" podcast meet-up, a tour of the Jim Beam distillery, and a fantastic meal with tiki drinks. Distillery Tours: Discover the picturesque Augusta Distillery and Old Pogue, and learn why these spots should be on your whiskey travel list. Live Podcast Recording: Get the inside scoop on the live recording of "This Is My Bourbon Podcast" in Lexington, featuring brands like RD1, Pursuit Spirits, Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Dark Arts. Guest Appearance: Hear about my recent guest appearance on the Chill Filtered podcast, where we discussed Michter's Ten Year Bourbon for 2024 and more. Upcoming Content: Find out what to expect in the second half of the year, including tasting notes, informative episodes on rum, tequila, and various international whiskeys, and deep dives into unique barrel types like Amburana and Balsamo. Behind-the-Scenes: https://chillfiltered.podbean.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUT8G6kZ8P2cgnyu8q9rfaQ https://www.instagram.com/chillfilteredpodcast/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3eJ2IGHD_o Stay tuned after the main segment for behind-the-scenes excerpts from my episode with Cole from Chill Filtered. You'll get to hear the raw, uncut footage and enjoy some candid moments. Connect with Me: Email: embellishpod@gmail.com Instagram:@embellishpod TikTok:@embellishpod Website: www.embellishpod.com Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Your support means the world to me! Thanks for stopping by today. Cheers! Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch the video version on YouTube.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the EmbellishPod! In this episode, we sit down with Karen, the National Brand Ambassador for Green River Distillery. Join us as we dive into the rich history of Green River, their latest releases, and the unique experiences they offer. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Subscribe 00:38 - Meet Karen from Green River Distillery 01:10 - Barbecue and Barrels Event Recap 02:32 - Karen's Journey to Green River 05:06 - From Florida to Kentucky: Karen's Story 07:11 - How Karen Started at Green River 09:27 - Women in Bourbon: Breaking the Stigma 12:33 - Green River's History and Legacy 16:13 - The Only Active Distillery in Owensboro 18:48 - Green River's Product Line and Releases 22:44 - Future Releases and Innovations 28:44 - Distillation Process and Rickhouses 33:48 - Changes and Upgrades at Green River 40:23 - Acquisition by Bardstown Bourbon Company 44:57 - The Unique Blend of History and Innovation Connect with Us: Email: embellishpod@gmail.com Instagram: @embellishpod TikTok: @embellishpod Website: www.embellishpod.com Watch the Video Version: Catch the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exciting episodes! Follow Green River Distillery: Website: https://greenriverwhiskey.com/ Instagram: @greenriverdistillingco About the Podcast: The EmbellishPod is your go-to source for in-depth conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, and insiders from the world of whiskey and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your journey, there's something here for everyone. Subscribe and Stay Tuned: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the EmbellishPod on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more fascinating stories and insights from the world of whiskey! #Whiskey #Bourbon #GreenRiverDistillery #EmbellishPod #Podcast #WhiskeyLovers #BourbonHistory #DistilleryTour #CraftSpirits #KentuckyBourbon

Join us for an engaging conversation with Caitlin Bartlemay, the newly appointed Master Distiller at Hood River Distillers. In this episode, we dive deep into Caitlin's journey from a farm in Eastern Oregon to becoming a master distiller, her experiences in the distilling industry, and the challenges and triumphs she has faced along the way. Topics Covered: Caitlin's initial reaction to becoming a Master Distiller The evolution of her role from head distiller to master distiller The impact of the pandemic on the distilling industry The history and significance of Hood River Distillers Caitlin's favorite and least favorite products to work on The importance of separating personal taste from professional responsibilities The role of sensory perception in distilling Key Moments: 00:00:03: Introduction and podcast details 00:01:06: Caitlin's reaction to her new title 00:04:10: Differences between head distiller and master distiller roles 00:15:03: The impact of the pandemic on distilling 00:20:06: History of Hood River Distillers 00:32:14: Caitlin's journey and career path 00:38:14: Balancing personal taste with professional duties Connect with Caitlin: Instagram: @the_bartlemay Instagram: @hoodriverdistillers Website: www.hrdspirits.com Connect with Us: Email: embellishpod@gmail.com Instagram:@embellishpod TikTok:@embellishpod Website:www.embellishpod.com Watch the Video Version: Catch the video version of this podcast on our YouTube Channel. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes! Listen on Your Favorite Platform: Find us on all major podcasting platforms. If you can't find us, send an email to embellishpod@gmail.com, and we'll get it sorted! Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Caitlin Bartlemay for sharing her incredible journey and insights with us. Be sure to check out Hood River Distillers and their amazing range of products. #Distilling #MasterDistiller #HoodRiverDistillers #Podcast #EmbellishPod #CaitlinBartlemay #CraftSpirits #DistilleryLife #Whiskey #Brandy #SpiritsIndustry

Hey whiskey enthusiasts! In this episode of the EmbellishPod, Molly and Jay from New Riff Distilling join host John to discuss the exciting happenings at New Riff. From Molly's transition from the wine industry to the world of spirits to Jay's insights on the ethos of New Riff, this conversation delves into the unique approach of this family-owned distillery. Discover the story behind New Riff's commitment to quality, their innovative approach to single barrel selections, and the significance of their aquifer water source. Learn about their recent release of an eight-year bourbon and the process behind their private barrel selections. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of New Riff's dedication to crafting exceptional whiskey and their vision for the future. Don't miss out on this insightful and engaging discussion with the minds behind one of Kentucky's rising distilleries. Cheers! 🥃 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to EmbellishPod 00:05:30 - Transitioning from Wine to Spirits 00:09:00 - Succession Planning and Family Ownership 00:13:00 - Maintaining Family Ownership 00:17:00 - New Riff's Ethos and Innovation 00:23:00 - Blending Whiskey and Wine Enthusiasts 00:29:00 - Bottled-in-Bond Tradition 00:34:00 - Selling the OKI Brand 00:39:00 - The Aquifer and Whiskey Library 00:44:00 - Private Barrel Selection Process 00:47:00 - New Riff's Eight-Year Bourbon Release Links: https://www.newriffdistilling.com/ https://www.instagram.com/newriff/ https://www.facebook.com/NewRiffDistilling/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2daJzmcWHGr6o-FNyKxWjw/videos

Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we sit down with Kevin Aslan from Hotaling & Co. Kevin shares his unique journey from being a filmmaker to becoming an innovation distiller, working with renowned brands like Old Potrero, Junipero Gin, and Hirsch Whiskey. In this episode, we dive deep into: Kevin's transition from the film industry to the world of brewing and distilling. The artistry and science behind brewing and distilling. The history and craftsmanship of Old Potrero Rye Whiskey. The resurrection and modern innovation of the Hirsch Whiskey brand. The unique qualities of 100% malted rye and its impact on flavor. The story behind Junipero Gin and its place in the market. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast, a gin lover, or just curious about the distilling process, this episode is packed with insights and stories that you won't want to miss! Follow Kevin Aslan and Hodling & Co.: https://www.hotalingandco.com/ https://oldpotrero.com/ https://juniperogin.com/ https://www.hirschwhiskey.com/ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and fellow spirit enthusiasts. Cheers! 🥃🍸

Join us for an exciting episode of EmbellishPod as we sit down with Brandy and Victoria from Boss Molly! 🎙️ In this episode, we dive deep into the story behind Boss Molly, a unique bourbon brand born out of a women's poker group. Discover how these passionate women are challenging industry norms and bringing female representation to the forefront of the bourbon world. From their meticulous process of creating a weeded mash bill to their innovative brandy stave finishing, Brandy and Victoria share their journey of crafting a bourbon that appeals to all genders. Topics Covered: The origin story of Boss Molly The significance of female representation in the bourbon industry The art and science behind their unique bourbon-making process The challenges and triumphs of launching a new bourbon brand Future plans for Boss Molly, including potential new finishes and single barrel programs Don't miss this insightful conversation with the trailblazing women behind Boss Molly! 🍀🥃 Connect with Boss Molly: Website: https://www.bossmolly.com/ Email: embellishpod@gmail.com Instagram: @bossmollybourbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bossmollybourbon Watch the video version on YouTube and don't forget to subscribe for more episodes! Timestamps: 00:00:02 - Introduction 00:00:33 - Meet Brandy and Victoria from Boss Molly 00:01:15 - The inspiration behind Boss Molly 00:02:00 - The journey from idea to brand 00:03:11 - Marketing to women in the bourbon industry 00:05:08 - The poker analogy: intuition, emotion, and calculation 00:06:10 - The inclusive nature of the whiskey industry 00:07:01 - The importance of a strong brand story 00:09:47 - Crafting the Boss Molly image and packaging 00:13:35 - The role of women in bourbon history 00:15:02 - Developing the flavor profile and finishing process 00:19:56 - The unique pre-proofing process 00:27:45 - Future plans for Boss Molly 00:36:10 - Current distribution and online presence 00:37:53 - Exploring new finishes and single barrel programs 00:46:00 - The commitment to growing Boss Molly   #Bourbon #Whiskey #BossMolly #WomenInWhiskey #Podcast #EmbellishPod #CraftBourbon #WhiskeyIndustry #FemaleEntrepreneurs

Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we sit down with Paul Tomaszewski from MB Roland Distillery! Located in the heart of Western Kentucky, MB Roland is known for its unique, pre-Prohibition style spirits and its commitment to local ingredients. In this episode, Paul shares the fascinating story behind the distillery, the inspiration for its name, and the journey of starting one of the first craft distilleries in Kentucky. Topics Covered: -The origin and ethos of MB Roland Distillery -The challenges and rewards of starting a craft distillery in 2009 -The unique process behind their dark-fired bourbon -The variety of mash bills and products offered by MB Roland -The story behind their stunning mural and new entrance -Upcoming events and tours at the distillery Insights into their Kentucky Azul agave spirit and experimental products Key Highlights: 00:00:02 - Introduction and housekeeping 00:01:32 - Paul Tomaszewski introduces MB Roland and its origins 00:05:23 - The early days of MB Roland and the craft distillery movement 00:08:51 - Bridging the gap before aged whiskey is ready 00:13:58 - Organic growth and innovation at MB Roland 00:20:22 - The challenges of changing the distillery's physical address 00:25:15 - The State Line Whiskey Tour and its unique appeal 00:27:04 - Tour opportunities and special experiences at MB Roland 00:33:00 - The unique dark-fired bourbon process 00:39:00 - The story behind Kentucky Azul agave spirit 00:43:02 - Experimenting with hemp whiskey 00:45:51 - Single barrel selections and the blending process Connect with MB Roland: Website: https://mbroland.com/ Instagram: @mbrolanddistillery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBRolandDistillery Follow EmbellishPod: Instagram: @embellishpod TikTok: @embellishpod Website: EmbellishPod.com Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and leave us a review. Your support helps us bring more exciting content to you! #Whiskey #CraftDistillery #MBRoland #Bourbon #Kentucky #Podcast #EmbellishPod #DarkFiredBourbon #AgaveSpirit #SingleBarrel #WhiskeyTour

In this episode of EmbellishPod, I sit down with Phil, co-founder of Pour More, a unique subscription service that curates and delivers full bottles of whiskey and other spirits to your doorstep. We delve into the origins of Pour More, the challenges and rewards of running a subscription service in the spirits industry, and the meticulous process behind selecting the perfect bottle for their subscribers each month. Phil shares the story of how he and his partner, both bankers at the time, turned their passion for bourbon into a business. They started Pour More almost seven years ago to help whiskey enthusiasts explore new and unique spirits. Pour More offers various subscription tiers, ranging from introductory $50 bottles to premium selections. They also provide options for other spirits like rum, tequila, mezcal, and scotch. Phil explains how they aim to push subscribers out of their comfort zones by offering diverse and sometimes risky selections. Phil discusses the intricate process of selecting bottles for their subscribers. This includes direct relationships with distillers, exploring new and interesting spirits, and sometimes even purchasing entire barrels for exclusive offerings. Each shipment includes tasting notes and a cocktail recipe to help subscribers fully appreciate and explore the spirit. This educational aspect caters to both whiskey novices and seasoned enthusiasts. Father's Day Special: Pour More is running a special Father's Day promotion, including a giveaway of a Blue Run bottle and special three-bottle and six-bottle gift sets. These sets are curated to provide a diverse and interesting selection for any whiskey lover. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or just starting your journey, this conversation with Phil from Pour More is sure to inspire you to explore new flavors and expand your palate.   If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to EmbellishPod on your favorite podcast platform or visit www.embellishpod.com. You can also follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @embellishpod.   For more information about Pour More and to enter their Father's Day giveaway, visit their website at www.pourmore.com https://www.instagram.com/official_pourmore https://www.facebook.com/officialpourmore/  

Expansion to Acquisition: Penelope's Journey Join us in this engaging episode of our podcast as we catch up with Mike and Danny from Penelope Bourbon. It's been a whirlwind couple of years for Penelope, and we dive deep into the changes, challenges, and innovations that have shaped the company. From expanding markets and increasing the age of their barrels to being acquired by Luxco, Mike and Danny share their journey and the ethos behind building a brand that stands the test of time. We also explore their approach to new product development, including the exciting releases under their Cooper series and the meticulous process behind blending and finishing. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or just curious about the business of spirits, this episode offers valuable insights into the passion and strategy behind Penelope Bourbon. 🥃 What we discussed: The acquisition by Luxco and its impact on Penelope The philosophy behind building and selling a brand Innovations and product development at Penelope Insights into their core expressions and special releases like Rio and Havana The challenges and rewards of blending and finishing unique whiskeys Pour yourself a glass and tune in to learn more about the craft and business of whiskey from two of the industry's insightful minds. 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions with the movers and shakers of the whiskey world.   Connect with Penelope Bourbon: Website: https://penelopebourbon.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penelopebourbon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PenelopeBourbon Listen and follow us for more episodes on the intricacies of the whiskey industry and beyond!