The Whiskey Ring Podcast

Ep. 153: AJ Schreiner Spirits with Ken Schreiner

Embracing Your Heritage: Ken Schreiner's Journey from Real Estate to Artisanal Whiskey and Gin
In this riveting episode, we explore Ken Schreiner's inspiring transition from a religious upbringing that shunned alcohol to reviving his family's historic whiskey brand. Ken discusses cherished old distilling notebooks as he navigates the labyrinth of "labeling hell" to breathe new life into spirits named after his great-great-grandfather AJ Schreiner, a master distiller from Louisville, Kentucky, and how these historical roots inspired him to embrace his heritage.
We delve into the Prohibition era, uncovering the gritty realities of both legal and illicit distilling. Ken offers fascinating insights into dating historical records, maintaining proprietary yeast strains, and understanding distillation techniques from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Alongside master distiller Alan Bishop (a great friend of the podcast!), Ken's transition from real estate to whiskey-making unfolds as a passionate pursuit infused with historical accuracy and artisanal craftsmanship. His journey emphasizes the importance of honesty in the whiskey industry, even when faced with the many challenges of recreating a bygone era.
Beyond the craft of whiskey, Ken shares his poignant personal story of dealing with PTSD from his time in emergency services. Whiskey became more than a passion; like it was for me, for him, it became a grounding activity that helped him navigate mental health challenges. Through this episode, we advocate for responsible consumption and mental health support for first responders and high-stress professions.
Stay tuned to hear about Ken's plans for the future of AJ Schreiner Spirits, including a new/old gin distillation technique that blends tradition with modern craft. This episode is a heartfelt blend of history, authenticity, and personal connection, celebrating the rich legacy of the Schreiner family spirits.
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ken 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 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
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. 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
AJ Schreiner Spirits
AJ Schreiner Spirits Website
AJ Schreiner Spirits Instagram
AJ Schreiner Spirits Facebook

Ep. 152: Reviving a Region - The Cabrach Trust and Distillery with Jonathan Christie

Reviving The Cabrach: The Whiskey-Powered Renaissance of a Storied Scottish Region
Imagine a region renowned for its whisky, considered a birthplace of it, with quality competing with big, old names like Glenlivet and Glenfarclas. Then imagine this region, once a thriving center of production, loses its population, falling below 100 people for an entire region, its legal and illicit distilling history lost to the landscape. 
This is The Cabrach, a beautiful space between Aberdeenshire, Speyside, and Dufftown in the north of Scotland. Since 2013, The Cabrach Trust has been reviving the region's storied history. From the very beginning, that whisky history was part and parcel of the revitalization, and a distillery was always in the cards. Now, that part of the dream is being realized.  
Listen to my interview with The Cabrach Trust Chief Executive Jonathan Christie to hear how detailed research and archaeological efforts are bringing to light the region's rich history of illicit whisky production. Understand why establishing a new distillery is not just about whiskey but also about fostering economic regeneration, preserving traditional methods, and creating sustainable practices that harmonize with the natural environment.
Finally, immerse yourself in the broader community efforts that make this project truly unique. From nature trails and rural skills workshops to the intriguing idea of aging whiskey casks in a Cold War-era bunker, this episode paints a vivid picture of the blend of tradition and creativity driving Cabrach's revitalization.
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Jonathan 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! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
BAXUS on Twitter/X
BAXUS on LinkedIn
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
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. 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
The Cabrach Trust
The Cabrach Trust Website
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The Cabrach Trust Twiiter/X
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The Cabrach Distillery
The Cabrach Distillery Website
The Cabrach Distillery Instagram
The Cabrach Distillery Facebook
The Cabrach Distillery Twiiter/X
The Cabrach Distillery LinkedIn

Ep. 151: From Intern to Minister of Time: Johnathan Page's Unique Path with Bhakta Spirits

Journey Through Time: JP's Adventures in the Spirits Industry and the Art of Armagnac
What happens when you drive a German Shepherd and a minivan from Florida to Vermont for an internship that changes your life? My guest, Johnathan Page, fondly known as JP and the Minister of Time at Bhakta Spirits, shares his serendipitous journey into the spirits industry. Starting as an intern at Whistlepig in 2017, JP's story is filled with unexpected twists and turns riding shotgun with Raj Bhakta, the founder of Whistlepig and Bhakta Spirits and a force of nature in the spirits world. 
JP was alongside Raj as he left Whistlepig, as he took time to find his next venture, and as he discovered the wonders of armagnac. Directing Raj and his partner Leo Gibson from place to place around Tenareze (including some good-natured joking), JP went from a trusted associate to a key figure in Bhakta Spirits' development.
He - by his own admission - didn't see himself in the spirits industry. Yet hearing him talk both in person and in this interview, the passion shines. He loves telling stories and meeting new people, introducing them to spirits they never thought they'd try let alone hear about. Plus, his stories about Raj are chef's kiss. 
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to JP 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! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
BAXUS on Twitter/X
BAXUS on LinkedIn
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
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. 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
Bhakta Spirits
Bhakta Spirits Website
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Bhakta Spirits Facebook
Bhakta Spirits YouTube
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Bonus Episode: Whiskeyland and Fire, Water, & Grain with The Balas Brothers

From Empire Rye to Whiskeyland: The Balas Brothers' Journey in Storytelling and Whiskey
What is Whiskeyland? More importantly, what is your Whiskeyland? Is it visiting an up-and-coming blending house like Pursuit Spirits? Reviving a long-lost rye species (Rosen rye) with Mammoth? Representing the other Indiana distilleries with Hard Truth? Or just sipping with friends and family, whether your collection is 5 bottles or 500. 
Ryan and Alec Balas - who also made an incredible film on Empire Rye called Fire, Water, & Grain - join me to discuss the making of this new series. Whiskeyland Batch 1 is now out in its entirety, available on YouTube and featuring many distilleries, producers, and chefs whose stories are whiskey and whose whiskies are stories. 
Drawing inspiration from Anthony Bourdain to look at life through the lens of food and drink, Whiskeyland is a new look at the stories of people in the whiskey and how the strands of family and friends intertwine when a passion is discovered. Reviewing their journey from acting and editing to independent filmmaking (and, yes, content, though Ryan hates that word), we go through what drives the Balas Brothers to create and tell stories, the process of choosing which stories to feature and in which order, and why positive counter-programming can be an antidote to the ills and negativity we see every day. 
Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, New York - anywhere can be your Whiskeyland. 
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ryan and Alec 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! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
BAXUS on Twitter/X
BAXUS on LinkedIn
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
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. 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
The Balas Brothers
The Balas Brothers Website
The Balas Brothers Instagram
Whiskeyland TV

Ep. 150: Heather Greene, The Whiskey Authority

Music, Mashing, and Medals - The Whiskey Authority in Texas
Heather Greene is an undeniable superstar of the whiskey world. From her start with the Flatiron Room in New York City to working with William Grant & Sons to writing Whiskey Distilled, Heather has raced up the ranks of distillers and whiskey wunderkinds. Now the CEO of Milam & Greene Whiskey in Blanco, Texas, Heather joined me to talk about, well, many things other than Milam & Greene (for more about the brand itself, check out my episode with Blair Ault).
Heather is a businesswoman with roots in music and whose tastes are as eclectic as they get. We chat about the merits of different award shows, the tasting and sensory experiences that changed her process, the mentorship she's received from Dr. Rachel Barrie, and so much more in this exciting, fast-paced interview. 
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Heather 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! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
BAXUS on Twitter/X
BAXUS on LinkedIn
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
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. 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
Heather Greene
Heather Greene Website
Heather Greene Instagram
Heather Greene Facebook
Heather Greene LinkedIn

Ep. 149: Whiskey House of Kentucky with David Mandell

Revolutionary. Innovative. Technologically Unparalleled. Big. 
Join me for an insightful conversation with David Mandell as we discuss the exciting launch of Whiskey House of Kentucky. We explore the expansive 176-acre facility in Elizabethtown, designed for custom whiskey production with advanced technological setups. David shares the ambitious 10-year plan, highlighting the transformational impact and innovative nature of the project, emphasizing the importance of community support and the strategic decision to focus on custom contract customers, drawing from previous experiences at Bardstown Bourbon Company.
From the flexible facility design to strong partnerships and a specialized workforce, we discuss the blueprint for achieving unparalleled efficiency and customer satisfaction. Hear about their selective partnership approach, aimed at collaborating with established brands and promising startups alike, ensuring high-quality production.
All this while purpose-building a facility that isn't for public consumption in the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This is a totally new idea. It's mad. It's massive. And I have no doubt it's going to work. 
Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to David for returning to 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! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
BAXUS on Twitter/X
BAXUS on LinkedIn
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
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. 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
Whiskey House of Kentucky
Whiskey House of Kentucky Website
Whiskey House of Kentucky LinkedIn

Ep. 148: Nc'nean Distillery with Founder Annabel Thomas

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! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
BAXUS on Twitter/X
BAXUS on LinkedIn
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
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. 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
Nc'nean Distillery
Nc'nean Distillery Website
Nc'nean Distillery Instagram
Nc'nean Distillery Facebook
Nc'nean Distillery LinkedIn
Nc'nean Distillery YouTube

Ep. 147: The Lakes Distillery with Kirsty Taylor

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! 
BAXUS Website
BAXUS on Instagram
BAXUS on Facebook
BAXUS on Twitter/X
BAXUS on LinkedIn
Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, Black Button Distillery 
Black Button Distilling Website
Black Button Distilling on Facebook
Black Button Distilling on Instagram
_________________________________________________________
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. 
If you haven’t yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter on the website. 
The Lakes Distillery
The Lakes Distillery Website
The Lakes Distillery Instagram
The Lakes Distillery Facebook
The Lakes Distillery LinkedIn