The Distillery Nation Podcast Ilias Mastrogiannis

In the latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Ernie Troth, co-founder and distiller at James Bay Distillers. Based in the Pacific Northwest, James Bay Distillers is celebrated for its exceptional craft whiskey, gin, and Scotch.
Ernie provides an engaging and insightful look into the world of importing Scotch into the United States. He shares the unique challenges and strategies involved in navigating the complex legal and logistical landscape of international spirits trade. From the regulatory hurdles to the best practices that ensure a smooth import process, Ernie’s experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in the business side of the spirits industry.
Our conversation also delves into the broader aspects of the distillery’s operations, including their approach to crafting top-notch whiskey and gin. Ernie recounts some of the key moments and decisions that have shaped James Bay Distillers, providing a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a successful craft distillery.
Whether you’re a seasoned distiller, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a spirits enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical advice, intriguing stories, and the kind of industry insights that can only come from someone who’s deeply immersed in the craft.
Tune in to discover the dedication and craftsmanship behind James Bay Distillers’ premium spirits and gain a new appreciation for the complexities of the distilling business.

In our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we dive deep into the world of distillery equipment with none other than Kris Bohm, the owner of Distillery Now Consulting. Kris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the distilling industry.
In this episode, Kris shares invaluable insights on various aspects of distillery operations. We kick things off by exploring the critical decision of equipment selection. Should you opt for continuous column distillation or pot distillation? Kris breaks down the pros and cons of each method, helping you make an informed choice for your distillery.
Site selection is another pivotal topic we cover. Kris offers expert advice on what to look for when choosing a location for your distillery. From zoning regulations to logistical considerations, his tips are essential for anyone planning to start or expand their distilling operations.

Step into the world of whiskey craftsmanship with our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, where we had the privilege of chatting with Al Laws, the Founder and President of Laws Whiskey House. Our conversation delved deep into Al's journey into the art of distilling, offering listeners a firsthand glimpse into the passion and dedication that drive one of the industry's most respected figures.
At the heart of our discussion was Al's unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. From his humble beginnings to establishing Laws Whiskey House as a beacon of excellence in the spirits world, Al shared insights into the values that have guided his every endeavor. Central to his philosophy is the belief in expressing terroir through the use of heirloom grains, a principle that lies at the core of Laws Whiskey House's distinctive flavor profile.
What sets Laws Whiskey House apart is not just their exceptional spirits, but also their steadfast adherence to tradition and craftsmanship. Al spoke passionately about taking no shortcuts in the distillation process, emphasizing the importance of patience and precision in creating spirits of unparalleled quality. It's this relentless pursuit of perfection that has earned Laws Whiskey House its well-deserved reputation as a purveyor of some of the finest whiskeys in the world.
From discussing the intricacies of grain selection to exploring the art of barrel aging, our conversation with Al Laws offered listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of Laws whiskey. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey aficionado or simply curious about the world of craft spirits, this episode is sure to captivate and inspire.

This month on Distillery Nation, we had the privilege of delving into the world of craft distilling with Aleks Zhdanov, the mastermind behind 3BR Distillery nestled in the heart of New Jersey. Our conversation was a spirited exploration of innovation, collaboration, and passion for crafting exceptional spirits.
At 3BR Distillery, creativity knows no bounds. Aleks shared insights into their signature spirits, notably their pioneering vodka distilled from peas. This unconventional approach not only yields a smooth and distinct flavor profile but also underscores their commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional distillation.
One of the highlights of our discussion was the emphasis on collaboration. Aleks emphasized the importance of working with local farmers and artisans, fostering a sense of community while sourcing high-quality ingredients. This collaborative ethos extends beyond the distillery walls, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of New Jersey's craft beverage scene.
In true Distillery Nation fashion, we introduced a fun twist to our conversation, asking Aleks about his favorite piece of distillery equipment. His response shed light on the symbiotic relationship between craftsmanship and technology, highlighting the integral role of equipment in shaping the distillation process, sanitizing! 

A special two-part bonus episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast of a recent interview I did with Chris Maffeo of the Maffeo Drinks Podcasts.
In Episode 050 I had the pleasure of chatting with Ilias Mastrogiannis. He is the founder of the Distillery Nation Podcast and Mastrogiannis Winery and Distillery, based in Washington State, inspired by Greek tradition. I hope you will enjoy our chat.
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
0:51 Ilias' Podcast
3:59 Building Demand
5:30 Starting Product
6:46 Traditional Vs Modern Occasions
10:38 Ring Road of Messaging
16:23 Event Driven Messaging
20:26 Event Specialized Products
24:25 Dusty Vs Vibrant Categories
28:22 Primacy of Cocktail List?
30:52 Outro
In Episode 051, I continued the conversation with Ilias Mastrogiannis from Episode 050 so feel free to listen to that as well. I hope you will enjoy our chat
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
0:15 Winning Large Retailers
5:28 Securing The Foundation
8:34 Non-Scalable Tasks
13:31 1% Better Everyday
17:57 The Necessity of Obsession
25:07 Wrap Up
27:24 Outro
 
Cheers,
-ilias

In this months episode I have the pleasure of sharing the story of Quartz Mountain Distillers, a family-owned venture led by Darin and Randy Kyle, exemplifies this truth. Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this father-son duo turned adversity into opportunity, leveraging their skills to navigate the uncertain landscape of entrepreneurship.
When the pandemic struck, disrupting industries worldwide, Darin and Randy saw an opportunity to pivot. With their distillery background, they began experimenting with hand sanitizer production, a vital commodity during the crisis. This not only served their community but also provided a testing ground for their craft. It was during this time that they honed their recipes and techniques, laying the groundwork for their future success.
What sets Quartz Mountain Distillers apart is their strategic approach to product development. Rather than narrowing their focus immediately, they opted to diversify their offerings, going wide with SKUs. This decision allowed them to explore various recipes and flavor profiles, gathering valuable feedback from customers along the way. As a result, they were able to fine-tune their offerings based on real-world preferences, leading to a lineup of award-winning spirits that resonate with consumers.
The journey of Quartz Mountain Distillers underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. By embracing change and seizing opportunities, Darin and Randy not only survived but thrived in an uncertain market. Their story serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to innovate, success is attainable even in the most challenging times.