The Distillery Nation Podcast

Ilias Mastrogiannis
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The Distillery Nation Podcast

Distillery Nation is a podcast that takes you inside the story of starting a small craft distillery. Ilias Mastrogiannis talks about his own story on starting up a business. The struggles, regulations, cost and everything in between. In addition to real-world advice we interview some of your favorite craft distillers!

  1. JUN 1

    From Pears to Single Malt: Caitlin Bartlemay on Clear Creek's Distilling Legacy

    In our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Caitlin Bartlemay, Master Distiller at Clear Creek Distillery, to explore one of America's most innovative craft distilling stories. From her early steps into the industry to mastering the art of fruit brandy production, Caitlin's journey reflects the passion and precision that have made Clear Creek a standout in American spirits. Clear Creek Distillery has been focused on brandy production since its founding, with a particular expertise in pear brandy that sets them apart from other American distilleries. Their famous pear-in-bottle offering represents more than just a novelty—it's a testament to the patience and craftsmanship required in fruit brandy production. Caitlin walks us through the meticulous process of growing pears inside bottles, a technique that requires timing the attachment of bottles to pear trees at just the right moment in the growing season.

    1h 8m

  2. APR 30

    Beyond the Still: Creating a Destination Tasting Room for Your Distillery

    In this month's solo episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my journey creating our flagship tasting room in North Bend. I start with the practical foundation—my 16-page feasibility document that helped determine if this venture could actually succeed. I share how I worked with the economic development department to find the perfect property and leveraged ARC GIS data to understand consumer patterns in the area. You'll hear about the seven essential books that guided my tasting room development and my experiences with bar design—comparing Krowne and Glastender for UI mockups before ultimately partnering with a local restaurant supplier. This episode is packed with real-world advice, including how I found incredible deals on commercial equipment through Facebook Marketplace, like a nearly-new dishwasher that saved thousands. I also discuss the critical concept of "useful absurdity"—creating standout features that drive your marketing message tenfold, similar to a Texas bookstore that transformed an old fireplace into a photo-worthy book display that attracts customers daily.

    29 min

  3. MAR 31

    Heritage in a Glass: How Tomas Nava is Revolutionizing Mexican Whiskey with Heirloom Corn

    In the evolving landscape of global spirits, one visionary stands at the forefront of a quiet revolution. Tomas Nava, owner and distiller at Gran Tunal Destilería, is redefining what Mexican whiskey can be through his passionate commitment to heritage and innovation. Nava's journey began behind the bar, where he pioneered his town's first mezcal establishment. This immersion in Mexico's traditional spirits sparked a curiosity that would later flourish into full-scale production. After exploring gin-making with a distinctive Prickly Pear base, Nava found his true calling in whiskey—but with a uniquely Mexican identity. "The soul of whiskey is in its grain," Nava often says, and this philosophy drives Gran Tunal's most ambitious project. While most distillers worldwide rely on commercial corn varieties, Nava has turned to Mexico's rich agricultural heritage, sourcing indigenous heirloom corn varieties that pre-date European contact. These ancient grains—each with distinct flavor profiles, colors, and cultural significance—provide the foundation for whiskeys unlike any other in the world. The result is not merely a Mexican interpretation of Scottish or American traditions, but something genuinely new: expressions that capture Mexico's terroir and agricultural legacy in every sip. The production process honors both whiskey-making traditions and Mexican cultural practices. By combining careful distillation with these exceptional base ingredients, Gran Tunal creates spirits that speak eloquently of place and history. Industry experts have taken notice. As Mexican whiskey emerges as a category in its own right, Nava's creations stand as benchmarks of quality and innovation, earning recognition in international competitions and among discerning connoisseurs. For Tomas Nava, each bottle represents more than just a fine spirit—it's a preservation of agricultural biodiversity, a celebration of Mexican heritage, and a bold step forward in the global spirits conversation.

    1h 16m

  4. MAR 1

    Crafting the Perfect Tasting Room: Insights from Bar Owner Crafting the Perfect Tasting Room: Insights from Bar Owner Chall Gray

    In this month's episode of The Distillery Nation Podcast, we dive into the world of tasting rooms and hospitality with acclaimed bar owner and author Chall Gray. Known for his practical guidebook The Cocktail Bar: Notes for an Owner and Operator, Chall brings years of hands-on experience in creating exceptional guest experiences. For distillers looking to expand their brand presence through a tasting room, this conversation offers invaluable insights. Chall and I explore the critical importance of location selection—examining foot traffic patterns, neighborhood dynamics, and how your space should reflect your brand identity. We discuss how a thoughtfully designed tasting room can become your most powerful marketing tool, creating brand ambassadors with every visit.

    52 min

  5. FEB 1

    Building Million-Dollar Spirits Brands: Inside Top Shelf Ventures with Noah Friedman

    In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Noah Friedman, co-founder of Top Shelf Ventures, to explore the fascinating world of spirits investment and brand building. If you've ever wondered how certain spirits brands rise to prominence while others struggle to gain traction, this conversation offers some compelling answers. Noah shares the story behind Top Shelf Ventures and walks us through their approach to identifying promising alcohol brands. With the spirits industry facing new challenges and shifting consumer preferences, his insights on navigating these changes while building sustainable brands are particularly timely. During our chat, Noah breaks down what makes investors take notice of a spirits brand. He offers practical perspectives on brand building in today's market, mixing traditional industry wisdom with modern growth strategies. The conversation covers everything from initial brand positioning to scaling operations effectively. We also dive into the current media landscape around alcohol brands and how successful companies are adapting their strategies. Noah's experience provides valuable insights for both established distillers and newcomers to the industry, offering a realistic look at what it takes to succeed in today's competitive market. Whether you're running a craft distillery, planning to launch a spirits brand, or simply interested in the business of booze, this episode delivers practical insights and honest talk about building successful alcohol brands. Join us for a conversation that mixes industry expertise with real-world experience.

    46 min

  6. 12/30/2024

    Distillery Nation 2024 Year in Review: 11 Game-Changing Conversations in Craft Spirits

    The craft spirits industry continues to evolve, and this year's Distillery Nation Podcast interviews have unveiled invaluable wisdom from some of the most innovative minds in distilling. As we wrap up 2024, we're reflecting on the profound insights shared by industry leaders who've helped shape the craft spirits landscape. Industry Innovation & Identity Matt Howell of Chuckanut Bay Distillery emphasized the critical importance of establishing a distinct market identity, while Aleks Zhdanov from 3BR Distillery showcased the power of innovation through unconventional approaches, including their groundbreaking work with pea-based vodka. Business Strategy & Growth The year's conversations revealed multiple perspectives on business success. Kris Bohm introduced the fundamental "Tripod" concept, highlighting the equal importance of production, sales, and marketing. Mark Beres of Flying Leap Vineyards and Distillery shared crucial insights on cost management during challenging economic times, while Seth Watson from the Distillery of Modern Art stressed the significance of diversifying revenue streams. Customer Experience & Brand Development Al Laws of Laws Whiskey House delivered compelling insights about the crucial role of tasting rooms in building brand loyalty. This customer-centric approach was further reinforced by Heritage Distilling Company's Jennifer and Justin Stiefiel, who shared their proven formula for brand success: Recipe, Price, and Position. Craft & Quality Industry veterans like Ernie Troth of James Bay Distillers reminded us that quality should never be compromised, while Chris Tunstall provided valuable perspectives on the importance of thoughtful bottle design and ergonomics in creating a premium product experience. Fresh Perspectives Randy Kyle from Quartz Mountain Distillers brought a refreshing viewpoint on embracing the unknown in entrepreneurship, while Harrison Holditch of Distillery 98 advocated for maintaining positivity and enjoyment in the craft spirits journey. These conversations reflect the dynamic nature of our industry and the innovative spirit that drives craft distilling forward. As we look ahead to 2025, these insights provide valuable guidance for both established distilleries and newcomers to the craft spirits community. A Year in Review was created with the hope everyone will find something to take away into the new year!

    29 min

  7. 11/30/2024

    Building a Heritage: Jennifer and Justin Stiefiel's Journey from Local Distillers to Industry Innovators

    In this month's episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer and Justin Stiefiel, the visionary co-founders of Heritage Distilling Company, who share their remarkable journey from craft distilling dreamers to NASDAQ-listed industry innovators. The Stiefiels take us back to their humble beginnings, revealing how their passion for craft spirits and commitment to excellence laid the foundation for what would become one of the most dynamic distilleries in the United States. Their story is a masterclass in combining traditional distilling practices with innovative business approaches. One of Heritage's most successful innovations is their Cask Club membership program, which has revolutionized how consumers engage with craft spirits. This unique initiative allows members to be part of the distilling process, creating a deeply personal connection between the distillery and its community. The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Jennifer and Justin discuss their groundbreaking Tribal Network Partnership, demonstrating their commitment to inclusive business practices and community development. This innovative approach to partnership has not only expanded their reach but has also created meaningful economic opportunities for tribal communities. Perhaps most notably, Heritage Distilling Company has achieved what few craft distilleries have: going public on NASDAQ. The Stiefiels share insights into this transformative process and how it has positioned them for future growth while maintaining their commitment to craft quality and community values. Throughout the episode, their dedication to giving back shines through, showing how success in the spirits industry can be about more than just producing great products – it's about creating lasting positive impact in the communities they serve. Join us for this inspiring conversation that proves how vision, innovation, and community focus can transform a craft distillery into an industry leader while staying true to its roots.

    1h 6m

  8. 10/30/2024

    Art Meets Spirits: How Seth Watson's Distillery Of Modern Art Blends Creativity and Craft

    In this month's episode of Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Seth Watson, the visionary founder behind the Distillery of Modern Art. This conversation reveals how Watson has revolutionized the traditional distillery model by creating a unique space where craft spirits meet artistic expression and hospitality excellence. Watson takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, sharing the challenges and triumphs of the early years. His innovative approach wasn't just about producing exceptional spirits – it was about creating an immersive experience that would resonate with both spirit enthusiasts and art lovers alike. One of the most fascinating aspects of Watson's business model is his commitment to supporting the arts community. The Distillery of Modern Art serves as both a production facility and an art gallery, providing local artists with a unique platform to showcase their work. This symbiotic relationship between spirits and art has created a distinctive atmosphere that sets the distillery apart in an increasingly competitive market. Throughout the interview, Watson emphasizes the importance of diversifying revenue streams in the modern distillery business. By incorporating art exhibitions, events, and focusing on hospitality, he's created a sustainable business model that doesn't solely rely on spirit sales. This forward-thinking approach has proven particularly valuable in navigating market fluctuations and building a more resilient business.

    45 min
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4.9
out of 5
87 Ratings

About

Distillery Nation is a podcast that takes you inside the story of starting a small craft distillery. Ilias Mastrogiannis talks about his own story on starting up a business. The struggles, regulations, cost and everything in between. In addition to real-world advice we interview some of your favorite craft distillers!

Information

  • Creator
    Ilias Mastrogiannis
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 - The Distillery Nation Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Distillery Nation Podcast

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