Send us a text In this conversation, Marc-Kwesi Farrell discusses the journey and philosophy behind Ten to One Rum, highlighting the unique blending process that creates their distinctive offerings. He elaborates on the core products, including the white and dark rums, and their appeal to both rum enthusiasts and whiskey drinkers. The discussion also covers the brand's innovative collaborations, international expansion, and future plans for product development, emphasizing the commitment to q...
Send us a text In this conversation, Marc-Kwesi Farrell, founder of Ten To One Rum, shares his journey from Trinidad and Tobago to launching a successful Rum brand. He discusses the cultural significance of Rum in Caribbean society, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the importance of community in building the brand. The conversation delves into the art of blending Rums from different origins and the intentionality behind the brand's name and identity. Marc emphasizes the need for ...
Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the rich tapestry of traditional Mexican spirits, exploring their cultural significance and the efforts to preserve these cherished traditions. David Suro shares insights into the historical and cultural roots of the brands in the Suro International portfolio. Discover the stories behind: Siembra SpiritsTequila CascahuinMezonte MezcalParanubes Ron AgricolaPajarote Ponches ArtesanalesDavid shares with Pablo how these fascinating projects star...
Send us a text Join us for an insightful conversation with David and Dan Suro, the dynamic father-son duo behind Tequilas and La Jefa in Philadelphia. Discover their journey from the early days of Mexican cuisine in the U.S. to becoming influential figures in the agave spirits industry. David shares his passion for preserving traditional methods and the cultural significance of agave spirits, while Dan discusses the evolution of their restaurant and bar programs. -----------------------------...
Send us a text 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. ---------------------------------------------------------- Redford "Red " Parke...
Send us a text 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! ---------------------------------------------------------- Shawn M. Miller is the co-founder of PKGD Group, a U.S.-based import company specializing in authentic, producer-own...
Send us a text 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. ---------------------------------------------------------- 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 a...
Send us a text 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 spiritou...
Send us a text 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 significan...
Send us a text 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 i...
Send us a text 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 intentiona...
Send us a text 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 possibil...
Send us a text 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 significa...
Send us a text In this conversation, Misty Kalkofen discusses her role at Suro Imports and the importance of education and conversation in the spirits industry. She also talks about her work at Liquid Productions and her involvement in the Bar 5 Day program. Misty emphasizes the need for transparency and protection of traditional practices in the agave spirits industry. She also mentions her recent articles on liquor.com, one about David Suro and Gary Nabhan's book and another about additives...
Send us a text In this conversation, Misty Kalkofen shares her journey in the hospitality industry and how she discovered her passion for cocktails. She talks about her early bartending experiences in Boston and the influence of her mentor, Brother Cleve and the moving to the B-side lounge. The conversation highlights the importance of classic cocktails and the connection between cocktails and their place of origin. Misty shares her experiences working at the B-side Lounge and Green St...
Send us a text This is the second part of my chat with Elena Urbani, the brand ambassador for Mancino Vermouth, Rinomato Aperitivo and Lucano Amaro. This time around. Elena shares her journey from bartending to becoming an ambassador. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, the importance of repetition in mastering presentations, and the need for self-care while traveling. Elena also reveals her love for champagne and her dream of participating in a grape harvest in Franc...
Send us a text In this conversation, I interview Elena Urbani, the brand ambassador for Mancino Vermouth, Rinomato Aperitivo and Lucano Amaro. We discuss the popularity of vermouth in Italy and its different styles, the misconceptions about vermouth, the resurgence of vermouth in the last 20 years, and Elena's journey into the hospitality industry. Elena shares her experience starting as a barista and eventually becoming a world trotting bartender, the importance of hospitality, and th...
Send us a text What are Richard and Pablo drinking? Is it green tea, whiskey, tequila, or both? They touch on the future of the industry, and the importance of staying ahead of trends. Richard shares insights on how Winebow is diversifying into spirits and the challenges of keeping salespeople engaged. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for innovation and adaptability in the beverage industry. Richard discusses the challenges and opportunities in the beverage ind...
Send us a text Richard Driscoll, head of Spirits Business Developments and former EVP of Spirits for Winebow National, discusses his journey in the spirits industry and the growth of Winebow's spirits portfolio from it's inception more than 30 years ago. He shares how Winebow became a player in the spirits business and the importance of family-owned brands in their portfolio. Richard also talks about the early days of the agave movement and the visionary people who helped shape Winebow's agav...
Send us a text In this conversation, Monique and Pablo discuss the importance of tasting and how to drink like a professional. They highlight the challenges of controlling consumption as port of the job and the need for responsible drinking at trade shows with emphasis on the value of education and the variety of activities offered at these types of events. They conclude by discussing the presence of non-alcoholic spirit at trade shows, the normalization of sober culture and strategies ...