Sustainability in Scotch with Annabel Thomas

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of sustainable Scotch whisky with Annabel Thomas, the founder of Nc'nean Distillery. In this episode, Annabel takes us on her journey from the corporate world to the remote west coast of Scotland, where her family's farm became the birthplace of a visionary, sustainability-focused line of whisky.

Hear about the pivotal moments that inspired her to transition from strategy consulting to whisky distilling, including a life-changing sabbatical and an enlightening trip to Islay that sparked her passion for creating an eco-friendly and innovative distillery. We delve into the unique aspects of Nc'nean's sustainability initiatives, from using organic barley to experimenting with different yeasts and fermentation techniques. Annabel shares insights on the challenges and benefits of organic farming practices, and how these choices align with her vision for a responsible and forward-thinking business. Listen as she recounts the influence of industry legends like Jim Swan and the importance of maintaining traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern innovations.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Annabel for entering the Whiskey Ring!

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up!

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Nc'nean Distillery

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Whisky Secrets from Cumbria: A Journey with Kirsty Taylor

What makes English whisky stand out in a crowded global market? Kirsty Taylor, the commercial director at the Lakes Distillery, shares the secrets behind their award-winning single malts and the innovative spirit driving England's whisky renaissance. We delve into the fascinating journey of the Lakes Distillery over the past decade, uncovering how they’ve managed to produce some of the world's best whiskies while maintaining a low media profile. Kirsty also sheds light on the broader English whisky industry, revealing how its bold new approaches are shaking up traditional notions of what whisky can be.

Join us as we explore the unique approaches of English whisky makers, free from the constraints of historical traditions. From the sophisticated sherry-matured style of the Whisky Makers Reserve series to the innovative maturation techniques inspired by the cognac industry, we break down how distilleries like the Lakes are redefining excellence. You'll hear about the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each bottle, the strategic decisions behind their numbered bottlings, and the rich, complex flavors that set their spirits apart from the rest.

We also venture into the challenges and triumphs of being part of this emerging whisky region. Discover how the Lakes Distillery has become an economic cornerstone for its rural community and the exciting journey of Sarah Burgess, a seasoned Scotch whiskey expert, as she transitions into this new world. From unique wood types and yeast strains to the creative freedom and storytelling that define English whisky, this episode is packed with engaging insights and intriguing stories. Tune in for an in-depth look at what makes English whisky a rising star on the global stage.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Kirsty for entering the Whiskey Ring!

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up!

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Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery

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The Lakes Distillery

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From Wall Street to Whiskey: The Revival of Hudson House Distillery

Get ready for an inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of entrepreneurship! In our latest episode, I sit down with Charles Ferri, the co-founder and CEO of Hudson House Distillery. Charles shares his incredible journey from the high-flying world of Wall Street to the picturesque Hudson Valley, where he faced and overcame countless challenges to build a world-class distillery.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

✨ How Charles transitioned from finance to the world of spirits.

✨ The emotional and financial rollercoaster of transforming a near-ruinous building into a boutique hotel, restaurant, bar, event space, and craft distillery.

✨ The importance of quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship in launching Hudson House Distillery's own vodka and whiskey brands.

✨ Touching stories of key contributors like Gable Lorenzo, whose passion left a lasting mark on the project.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Charles for entering the Whiskey Ring!

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Hudson House Distillery

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Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

Baxus is the world's leading collectible spirits marketplace, with user-friendly options for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking to vault their collections. Use my link below to visit the BAXUS.CO website and sign up!

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Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery

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Barley, Fortnum & Mason, and a 10th Anniversary Celebration

What if the land itself could tell the story of your whiskey? This part-two episode brings you the conclusion of our in-depth conversation with Dan Szor, founder and former CEO of Cotswolds Distilling, as he reveals how the unique terroir of the Cotswolds shapes their exceptional spirits. We draw parallels with the Bruichladdich model and discuss how the natural beauty and traditional malting barley of this region contribute to creating a whiskey that truly embodies its essence.

Balancing heritage and modernity, we delve into the complexities of managing barley varieties. Dan shares the success and challenges of using heritage barley like Plumage Archer and the economic realities of sourcing barley for production. Listen as we discuss the vital role of the local community in supporting the distillery and the intricate dance between maintaining product consistency and embracing agricultural heritage.

From Parisian adventures to impactful partnerships, we celebrate the distillery's journey and its innovative spirit. Learn about the significance of high-quality wood in whiskey aging, and the influence of industry veterans like Jim Swan. Reflecting on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dan shares market adaptations, production challenges, and future growth potential. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of building a lasting legacy in the distillery business, culminating in an invitation to join the 10th-anniversary celebration of Cotswolds Distilling.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Dan for entering the Whiskey Ring!

Key Highlights:

• The influence of Cotswolds' natural beauty and traditional malting barley on their whiskey
• Managing heritage barley varieties and economic realities of whiskey production
• The journey of maturation processes and their impact on whiskey profiles
• Collaboration with Fortnum & Mason and the significance of high-quality wood in aging
• Adaptations and growth during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Celebrating a decade of Cotswolds Distilling's achievements

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Cotswolds Distillery

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Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery

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Dan Szor is an expat, a native of New York City who has found a permanent home in the Cotswolds of England, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with rolling hills, flowers, and fruits. With a background in finance, Dan found whisky as a side passion, one he converted into a full-time role in the early 2010s by starting the Cotswolds Distillery.

In Part 1 of our conversation, Dan and I discuss his inspirations - the hedonistic time in Paris getting exposed to whisky through the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and La Maison du Whisky, the barley revelation, and meeting Jim McEwan, that wizard of whisky whose time at Bruichladdich inspired Dan long before a distillery was in the cards.

There's a lot to talk about on the Cotswolds, so we'll have a part two coming out next week to talk more about the distillery itself and the truly excellent single malts coming out.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Dan for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

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Cotswolds Distillery

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Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BAXUS

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Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery

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Sitting on the farthest spit of peninsula in Europe, Dingle Distillery is the first craft distillery in Ireland post-consolidation. From its place on the Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle set forth the path for the dozens of Irish distilleries that followed in the last decade-plus.

Managing Director and son of the founder Elliot Hughes joins me to talk through Dingle's history and four expressions: Dingle Single Malt, Samhain, Bealtaine, and La Le Bride. Embracing the culture of their (and County Kerry's) Gaeltacht region, Dingle leans heavily into Celtic lore (try pronouncing the distillery's Gaelic name...I'll wait).

We also talk about the significance of being the first craft distillery to open, joining the long-standing Midleton, Bushmills, and Cooley distilleries that pumped out all the Irish whiskey we drank for decades. It's more than just being the first, it's about setting an example, and they did.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Elliot for entering the Whiskey Ring!

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If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

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Dingle Distillery

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Reviews

• Dingle Distillery Single Malt Irish Whiskey Review
• Dingle Distillery Samhain Single Malt Irish Whiskey Review

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery

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On my first trip to Kentucky in 2022, I needed one more distillery to visit before heading down to Nashville for the Tennessee portion of my trip. I could've gone to a heritage distillery - still haven't been to Jim Beam or Buffalo Trace - but instead, I took a chance on a small distillery in Christian County near the state line: MB Roland.

I got to go on the first-ever Distiller's tour, led by Paul, where we got to fill our own bottles right out of the casks. From there, we went into a makeshift bar under the beautiful visitor's center and sampled many, many more products, from a rye and a single malt to Pink Lemonade Moonshine, a favorite of bachelorette parties (don't knock it - besides being a great revenue source, it does actually taste great!).

What became clear was that this small distillery, founded by a husband and wife team in 2009 in the earliest days of craft distilling in the backyard of the biggest bourbon producers in the world, was trying to do something different. Spirits using local white corn, experimental mashbills, playing around with cask sizes (though most are 53 gallons), and most of all doing what they wanted.

It's a great place to visit with many different whiskies and spirits to try. Take the drive off the beaten path, it's worth it.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Paul for entering the Whiskey Ring!

_________________________________________________________

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring

There are 2-3 more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level.

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MB Roland Distillery

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