EmbellishPod

In this episode of EmbellishPod, I sit down with Phil, co-founder of Pour More, a unique subscription service that curates and delivers full bottles of whiskey and other spirits to your doorstep. We delve into the origins of Pour More, the challenges and rewards of running a subscription service in the spirits industry, and the meticulous process behind selecting the perfect bottle for their subscribers each month.
Phil shares the story of how he and his partner, both bankers at the time, turned their passion for bourbon into a business. They started Pour More almost seven years ago to help whiskey enthusiasts explore new and unique spirits.
Pour More offers various subscription tiers, ranging from introductory $50 bottles to premium selections. They also provide options for other spirits like rum, tequila, mezcal, and scotch. Phil explains how they aim to push subscribers out of their comfort zones by offering diverse and sometimes risky selections.
Phil discusses the intricate process of selecting bottles for their subscribers. This includes direct relationships with distillers, exploring new and interesting spirits, and sometimes even purchasing entire barrels for exclusive offerings.
Each shipment includes tasting notes and a cocktail recipe to help subscribers fully appreciate and explore the spirit. This educational aspect caters to both whiskey novices and seasoned enthusiasts.
Father's Day Special: Pour More is running a special Father's Day promotion, including a giveaway of a Blue Run bottle and special three-bottle and six-bottle gift sets. These sets are curated to provide a diverse and interesting selection for any whiskey lover.
Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or just starting your journey, this conversation with Phil from Pour More is sure to inspire you to explore new flavors and expand your palate.
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to EmbellishPod on your favorite podcast platform or visit www.embellishpod.com. You can also follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @embellishpod.
 
For more information about Pour More and to enter their Father's Day giveaway, visit their website at www.pourmore.comhttps://www.instagram.com/official_pourmorehttps://www.facebook.com/officialpourmore/
 

Expansion to Acquisition: Penelope's Journey
Join us in this engaging episode of our podcast as we catch up with Mike and Danny from Penelope Bourbon. It's been a whirlwind couple of years for Penelope, and we dive deep into the changes, challenges, and innovations that have shaped the company. From expanding markets and increasing the age of their barrels to being acquired by Luxco, Mike and Danny share their journey and the ethos behind building a brand that stands the test of time.
We also explore their approach to new product development, including the exciting releases under their Cooper series and the meticulous process behind blending and finishing. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or just curious about the business of spirits, this episode offers valuable insights into the passion and strategy behind Penelope Bourbon.
🥃 What we discussed:
The acquisition by Luxco and its impact on Penelope
The philosophy behind building and selling a brand
Innovations and product development at Penelope
Insights into their core expressions and special releases like Rio and Havana
The challenges and rewards of blending and finishing unique whiskeys
Pour yourself a glass and tune in to learn more about the craft and business of whiskey from two of the industry's insightful minds.
🔔 Subscribe for more discussions with the movers and shakers of the whiskey world.
 
Connect with Penelope Bourbon:
Website: https://penelopebourbon.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penelopebourbon/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PenelopeBourbon
Listen and follow us for more episodes on the intricacies of the whiskey industry and beyond!

Join us in this fascinating episode of the EmbellishPod as we dive deep into the craft spirits industry with Brandon, the Director of Barrel Projects for High and Wicked and the Director of Education for Altamar Brands. From his early days growing up in a bar and restaurant environment in Kansas City to becoming a key figure in the craft cocktail scene, Brandon shares his journey through the world of fine wines, award-winning bars, and ultimately, into the heart of spirit education and production.
In this episode, we cover:
Brandon's unique background in the bar and restaurant industry.
His transition from bartending to playing a pivotal role in launching one of the first craft cocktail bars in Kansas City.
The inception and evolution of High and Wicked, and how it fits within the Altamar Brands portfolio.
Insight into the meticulous process of blending and creating unique whiskey profiles.
Exciting collaborations and the future of High and Wicked, including ventures into Irish and possibly Scottish whiskies.
Whether you're a spirits aficionado or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of spirit production and branding, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and intriguing stories. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights from industry experts and enthusiasts alike! 🔗 Stay Connected with High n' Wicked:
Website: https://www.highnwicked.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highnwicked/
Website: https://altamarbrands.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altamarbrands/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltamarBrands/
 
🔗 Stay Connected with EmbellishPod:
 
Website: www.embellishpod.com
Instagram & TikTok: @embellishpod YouTube:  @embellishpodcast 
📧 Contact Us: Email: embellishpod@gmail.com
 
Enjoy the episode and immerse yourself in the art and science of distillation and blending with one of the industry's most passionate professionals.

Welcome to another episode of the EmbellishPod, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of whiskey. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Logan Welk from Blue Note join us to share his journey from the finance sector to the whiskey industry, and the innovative strides Blue Note is making in the bourbon world.
🥃 What to Expect in This Episode:
Logan's transition from finance to bourbon.
The growth and strategy behind Blue Note Distilling.
Insights into Blue Note's product lines and what sets them apart in the competitive whiskey market.
A discussion on the impact of market trends on product development and inventory management.
Exciting new releases and future plans for Blue Note.
Blue Note's partnership with Major League Pickleball.
Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or curious about the business aspects of distilling, this episode offers valuable insights and exciting stories from the heart of Memphis, Tennessee.
🔔 Subscribe for more: Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more discussions about whiskey, industry insights, and interviews with key players in the field.
📩 Reach out: Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Email us at embellishpod@gmail.com or drop a comment below!
🌐 Find us online: Visit our website at www.embellishpod.com for more information, episode details, and links to our social media platforms.
Enjoy the episode and keep sipping responsibly!
Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and welcome01:30 - Logan Welk's background and entry into the whiskey industry10:05 - Discussing Blue Note Distilling's approach and products20:00 - Market trends and their impact on the whiskey industry30:00 - Blue Note's partnership with Major League Pickleball40:00 - Upcoming releases and future plans for Blue Note
https://www.bluenotebourbon.com/https://www.facebook.com/bluenotebourbon/https://www.instagram.com/bluenotebourbon/
 
Connect with us:
Instagram & TikTok: @embellishpod
YouTube: @embellishpodcast
Email: embellishpod@gmail.com
Visit our website: www.embellishpod.com
#WhiskeyPodcast #BlueNoteDistilling #Bourbon #BusinessOfBourbon #EmbellishPod

Join us in this flavorful journey as we dive into the heart of Owensboro, Kentucky, with Dave from Visit Owensboro. In this episode, we explore the fusion of spirits and smoky goodness at the Barbecue & Barrels event. Discover the city's rich history in bourbon and its unique take on barbecue, including the famous mutton. Learn about the event's intimate bourbon tasting sessions, featuring distilleries like Green River and Bardstown Bourbon Company, and get a sneak peek into the educational classes offered. Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or a barbecue aficionado, this episode serves up a feast for your ears. So, fire up your senses and tune in for a taste of Kentucky's festival city!
Ticket Info and Event Details:https://bbqandbarrels.com/
Visit Evansville Details:https://visitowensboro.com/
Distilleries Mentioned:https://greenriverwhiskey.com/https://bardstownbourbon.com/https://heavenhilldistillery.com/🔔 Subscribe to EmbellishPod for more episodes on the finer things in life: https://www.youtube.com/c/EmbellishPod
📧 For inquiries or to suggest a podcasting platform where you can't find us, email: embellishpod@gmail.com
📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for updates and more content: @embellishpod
🌐 Visit our website for episode details, links, and more: www.embellishpod.com
🎧 Also available on your favorite podcasting platforms!
#EmbellishPod #BarbecueAndBarrels #OwensboroKentucky #Bourbon #BBQ #KentuckyEvents #FoodAndDrink #Podcast #Subscribe

Join us in this captivating episode of our podcast as we sit down with Kyle, the master distiller at Holladay Distillery, home of Ben Holladay Bourbon. Kyle shares his journey from biofuel production to master distilling, his agricultural roots, and the intricate process of bourbon making. We delve into the rich history of Holladay Distillery, the oldest west of the Mississippi, and explore how they resurrected their bourbon production with a commitment to tradition and quality.
Kyle gives us an insider's look at the art of blending, the significance of bottled-in-bond, and the importance of transparency in the bourbon industry. We also discuss the unique challenges and rewards of waiting six years to release their first bourbon, the nuances of selecting barrels for their one barrel program, and the excitement behind their recent Bourbon Lure blend release.
Whether you're a bourbon aficionado or simply curious about the science and stories behind distilling, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and anecdotes from the heart of bourbon country.
🥃 Episode Highlights:
Kyle's transition from biofuel to bourbon
The revival of Holladay Distillery's bourbon production
The science and strategy behind blending bourbon
The significance of bottled-in-bond designation
The process of creating the Bourbon Lore blend
The importance of music in the blending process
 
#Bourbon #Distilling #MasterDistiller #HolidayDistillery #BenHolidayBourbon #BottledInBond #WhiskeyPodcast #BourbonLure #BourbonHistory #CraftSpirits

In this episode of the EmbellishPod, we delve into the intricacies of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, a beloved annual event for bourbon enthusiasts. I am joined by Randy, the driving force behind the festival's transformation and success.
The conversation begins with a reflection on the festival's evolution, highlighting the shift towards a more bourbon-centric experience. Randy shares insights into the festival's history and the pivotal changes that were made to align with the needs of distilleries and bourbon enthusiasts. The focus on distilleries as the primary customer is emphasized, showcasing the festival's commitment to showcasing and celebrating the bourbon industry.
Randy and I  discuss the various enhancements and improvements made to the festival over the years, including the expansion of distillery participation, the introduction of craft distilleries, and the emphasis on creating a unique and engaging experience for attendees. The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation, ensuring that the festival continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Key highlights of the upcoming festival are revealed, such as the addition of a People's Choice Award for distillery setups, the expansion of food truck offerings, and the introduction of an expanded VIP experience with enhanced amenities. We also discuss the significance of cocktails at the festival.
The episode concludes with details on the festival dates, ticket availability, and the importance of subscribing to the festival's e-marketing newsletter for exclusive access to ticket sales. The host expresses excitement for the upcoming festival and the opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the world of bourbon while enjoying the vibrant community of Bardstown.kybourbonfestival.com

Today I dive deep into the world of distilling and blending with Kate Douglas from Keeper's Heart. Kate shares her journey from studying fermentation science to becoming a skilled distiller.
 
We start by learning about Kate's background and how she transitioned from a chemistry major to pursuing her passion for distilling. She shares insights into the unique triple pot distillation process, crafting classic Irish-style whiskey and innovative blends of Irish and American whiskeys.
 
She delves into her experiences with blending different spirits, emphasizing the artistry and precision required to create harmonious flavor profiles.
 
The conversation shifts to the educational aspect of blending, with Kate explaining how Keeper's Heart offers blending classes to help consumers understand the components of their whiskeys. She also touches on the experimental side of distilling, including barrel finishes and unique collaborations with other beverages.
 
We explore the award-winning 10-year Irish single malt, a tribute to Brian's decision to move to Minneapolis. Kate shares the intricate flavors of this whiskey, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship behind Keeper's Heart products.
 
As the episode wraps up, we ponder the possibility of an advanced age Irish plus American blend, hinting at potential future innovations from Keeper's Heart. Join us on this insightful journey through the world of distilling and blending with Kate Douglas from Keeper's Heart. Cheers to the art of crafting exceptional spirits!
 
Connect with Keeper's Heart:
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepersheartwhiskey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/keepersheart
Instagram: https://instagram.com/keepersheartwhiskey
 
Connect with Kate Douglas
 
Instagram: https://instagram.com/distillingdouglas

Join us in this captivating episode of EmbellishPod as we dive deep into the world of whiskey with a special focus on American Single Malt. Our guest(@miles_monroe), a master blender and global ambassador for Westward, shares his extensive knowledge and personal anecdotes from the industry. From the nuances of pairing Girl Scout cookies with whiskey to the complexities of blending and maturation techniques, this episode is a treasure trove for whiskey enthusiasts.
We explore the significance of the Girl Scout cookie season in the whiskey world, the personal research into sweets paired with whiskey, and the impact of different whiskey varieties on these pairings. Our guest also opens up about the balance between his social professional life and his introverted personal preferences, including his love for punk music and vinyl records.
As we delve into the art of whiskey making, we discuss the philosophy behind Westward's approach, the importance of creativity in the American Single Malt category, and the exciting new release of Westward's Milestone series. Plus, we touch on the unique aspects of the Oregon Straight Malt and the significance of the phrase "verum factum" on their bottles.
Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just curious about the craft, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of Westward whiskey.
🥃 Featured Whiskeys:
Westward American Single Malt
Westward Milestone Series
Various Westward Cask Finishes
🎵 Music and Personal Interests:
Punk Music and Vinyl Records
Personal Anecdotes and Influences
📚 Mentioned Books:
Appreciating Whiskey
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more whiskey wisdom and insights from industry experts. Share your thoughts on the episode and let us know what you'd like to hear in future podcasts!
#WhiskeyPodcast #AmericanSingleMalt #WestwardWhiskey #GirlScoutCookies #MusicAndWhiskey #CraftDistilling #WhiskeyPairings #WhiskeyCulture #MilestoneSeries #OregonStraightMalt
Subscribe to our channel for more whiskey talks: @embellishpodFollow Westward on Instagram: @WestwardWhiskey

Join us in this episode of EmbellishPod as we dive into the world of whiskey with our special guest, Jack ( @HOODSOMMELIER  ) As a seasoned whiskey influencer and a father with a passion for seeing women excel in the industry, Jack shares his insights on the latest trends shaking up the whiskey scene. From the rise of American single malts to the exciting emergence of whiskeys from unexpected corners of the globe, this episode is a treasure trove for enthusiasts looking to expand their palate.
We also delve into the cultural fusion of whiskey with African cuisine, discussing Jack's Afrofusion events and his partnership with Heaven Hill. Jack's journey takes us from the heart of Kentucky to the potential of international whiskey experiences, highlighting the importance of diversity and exploration in the whiskey industry.
Whether you're a bourbon aficionado or a Scotch lover, this episode promises to broaden your horizons and introduce you to the multifaceted world of whiskey. So pour yourself a dram, sit back, and enjoy the ride as we traverse the globe through the lens of whiskey.
About Jack:https://hoodsom.com/https://www.facebook.com/hoodsommelier/https://www.instagram.com/hood_sommelier/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc5ic2XfHW4JHjnqWd1f9VA
Millennial entrepreneur, WSET ii Spirits expert, and content creative Toyi “Jack” Beguedou is building community through his spirited digital platform, the Hood Sommelier. Jack is a native of Togo in West Africa who currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska and is a proud “girl-dad” to his daughter Brennan.
Jack is the co-host of YouTube web series MONDAY SUCKS, founder of the trending, TRUTH IS BARREL PROOF PODCAST, SCOTCH SCHOOL education series, AFROFUSION food and spirits pairing series and owner of BEGUEDOU INSURANCE SERVICES LLC.
As a native French speaking immigrant, Jack resonates with the importance of creating community. His thoughtful and inspiring approach to content development focuses on humanizing the spirited consumer journey experience. Jack enjoys being an educational resource to both consumers and talent in the hospitality community. A community architect at heart, Jack bridges the gap between curious consumers at every level and brands through empowerment and engagement.