EmbellishPod

Hey folks! Welcome to a special mid-year check-in episode of the EmbellishPod. This episode is a bit different and a whole lot shorter, but packed with exciting updates and whiskey adventures.
Episode Highlights:
Whiskey Travels: Join me as I recount my recent whiskey travels, including a visit to the "This Is My Bourbon Weekend" podcast meet-up, a tour of the Jim Beam distillery, and a fantastic meal with tiki drinks.
Distillery Tours: Discover the picturesque Augusta Distillery and Old Pogue, and learn why these spots should be on your whiskey travel list.
Live Podcast Recording: Get the inside scoop on the live recording of "This Is My Bourbon Podcast" in Lexington, featuring brands like RD1, Pursuit Spirits, Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Dark Arts.
Guest Appearance: Hear about my recent guest appearance on the Chill Filtered podcast, where we discussed Michter's Ten Year Bourbon for 2024 and more.
Upcoming Content: Find out what to expect in the second half of the year, including tasting notes, informative episodes on rum, tequila, and various international whiskeys, and deep dives into unique barrel types like Amburana and Balsamo.
Behind-the-Scenes:
https://chillfiltered.podbean.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUT8G6kZ8P2cgnyu8q9rfaQhttps://www.instagram.com/chillfilteredpodcast/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3eJ2IGHD_o
Stay tuned after the main segment for behind-the-scenes excerpts from my episode with Cole from Chill Filtered. You'll get to hear the raw, uncut footage and enjoy some candid moments.
Connect with Me:
Email: embellishpod@gmail.com
Instagram:@embellishpod
TikTok:@embellishpod
Website: www.embellishpod.com
Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Your support means the world to me!
Thanks for stopping by today. Cheers!
Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch the video version on YouTube.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the EmbellishPod! In this episode, we sit down with Karen, the National Brand Ambassador for Green River Distillery. Join us as we dive into the rich history of Green River, their latest releases, and the unique experiences they offer.
Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Subscribe00:38 - Meet Karen from Green River Distillery01:10 - Barbecue and Barrels Event Recap02:32 - Karen's Journey to Green River05:06 - From Florida to Kentucky: Karen's Story07:11 - How Karen Started at Green River09:27 - Women in Bourbon: Breaking the Stigma12:33 - Green River's History and Legacy16:13 - The Only Active Distillery in Owensboro18:48 - Green River's Product Line and Releases22:44 - Future Releases and Innovations28:44 - Distillation Process and Rickhouses33:48 - Changes and Upgrades at Green River40:23 - Acquisition by Bardstown Bourbon Company44:57 - The Unique Blend of History and Innovation
Connect with Us:
Email: embellishpod@gmail.com
Instagram: @embellishpod
TikTok: @embellishpod
Website: www.embellishpod.com
Watch the Video Version:Catch the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exciting episodes!
Follow Green River Distillery:
Website: https://greenriverwhiskey.com/
Instagram: @greenriverdistillingco
About the Podcast:The EmbellishPod is your go-to source for in-depth conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, and insiders from the world of whiskey and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your journey, there's something here for everyone.
Subscribe and Stay Tuned:If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the EmbellishPod on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more fascinating stories and insights from the world of whiskey!
#Whiskey #Bourbon #GreenRiverDistillery #EmbellishPod #Podcast #WhiskeyLovers #BourbonHistory #DistilleryTour #CraftSpirits #KentuckyBourbon

Join us for an engaging conversation with Caitlin Bartlemay, the newly appointed Master Distiller at Hood River Distillers. In this episode, we dive deep into Caitlin's journey from a farm in Eastern Oregon to becoming a master distiller, her experiences in the distilling industry, and the challenges and triumphs she has faced along the way.
Topics Covered:
Caitlin's initial reaction to becoming a Master Distiller
The evolution of her role from head distiller to master distiller
The impact of the pandemic on the distilling industry
The history and significance of Hood River Distillers
Caitlin's favorite and least favorite products to work on
The importance of separating personal taste from professional responsibilities
The role of sensory perception in distilling
Key Moments:
00:00:03: Introduction and podcast details
00:01:06: Caitlin's reaction to her new title
00:04:10: Differences between head distiller and master distiller roles
00:15:03: The impact of the pandemic on distilling
00:20:06: History of Hood River Distillers
00:32:14: Caitlin's journey and career path
00:38:14: Balancing personal taste with professional duties
Connect with Caitlin:
Instagram: @the_bartlemay
Instagram: @hoodriverdistillers
Website: www.hrdspirits.com
Connect with Us:
Email: embellishpod@gmail.com
Instagram:@embellishpod
TikTok:@embellishpod
Website:www.embellishpod.com
Watch the Video Version:
Catch the video version of this podcast on our YouTube Channel.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes!
Listen on Your Favorite Platform:
Find us on all major podcasting platforms. If you can't find us, send an email to embellishpod@gmail.com, and we'll get it sorted!
Special Thanks:
A huge thank you to Caitlin Bartlemay for sharing her incredible journey and insights with us. Be sure to check out Hood River Distillers and their amazing range of products.
#Distilling #MasterDistiller #HoodRiverDistillers #Podcast #EmbellishPod #CaitlinBartlemay #CraftSpirits #DistilleryLife #Whiskey #Brandy #SpiritsIndustry

Hey whiskey enthusiasts! In this episode of the EmbellishPod, Molly and Jay from New Riff Distilling join host John to discuss the exciting happenings at New Riff. From Molly's transition from the wine industry to the world of spirits to Jay's insights on the ethos of New Riff, this conversation delves into the unique approach of this family-owned distillery.
Discover the story behind New Riff's commitment to quality, their innovative approach to single barrel selections, and the significance of their aquifer water source. Learn about their recent release of an eight-year bourbon and the process behind their private barrel selections.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of New Riff's dedication to crafting exceptional whiskey and their vision for the future. Don't miss out on this insightful and engaging discussion with the minds behind one of Kentucky's rising distilleries. Cheers! 🥃
Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction to EmbellishPod00:05:30 - Transitioning from Wine to Spirits00:09:00 - Succession Planning and Family Ownership00:13:00 - Maintaining Family Ownership00:17:00 - New Riff's Ethos and Innovation00:23:00 - Blending Whiskey and Wine Enthusiasts00:29:00 - Bottled-in-Bond Tradition00:34:00 - Selling the OKI Brand00:39:00 - The Aquifer and Whiskey Library00:44:00 - Private Barrel Selection Process00:47:00 - New Riff's Eight-Year Bourbon Release
Links:https://www.newriffdistilling.com/https://www.instagram.com/newriff/https://www.facebook.com/NewRiffDistilling/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2daJzmcWHGr6o-FNyKxWjw/videos

Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we sit down with Kevin Aslan from Hotaling & Co. Kevin shares his unique journey from being a filmmaker to becoming an innovation distiller, working with renowned brands like Old Potrero, Junipero Gin, and Hirsch Whiskey.
In this episode, we dive deep into:
Kevin's transition from the film industry to the world of brewing and distilling.
The artistry and science behind brewing and distilling.
The history and craftsmanship of Old Potrero Rye Whiskey.
The resurrection and modern innovation of the Hirsch Whiskey brand.
The unique qualities of 100% malted rye and its impact on flavor.
The story behind Junipero Gin and its place in the market.
Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast, a gin lover, or just curious about the distilling process, this episode is packed with insights and stories that you won't want to miss!
Follow Kevin Aslan and Hodling & Co.:
https://www.hotalingandco.com/
https://oldpotrero.com/
https://juniperogin.com/
https://www.hirschwhiskey.com/
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and fellow spirit enthusiasts. Cheers! 🥃🍸

Join us for an exciting episode of EmbellishPod as we sit down with Brandy and Victoria from Boss Molly! 🎙️
In this episode, we dive deep into the story behind Boss Molly, a unique bourbon brand born out of a women's poker group. Discover how these passionate women are challenging industry norms and bringing female representation to the forefront of the bourbon world. From their meticulous process of creating a weeded mash bill to their innovative brandy stave finishing, Brandy and Victoria share their journey of crafting a bourbon that appeals to all genders.
Topics Covered:
The origin story of Boss Molly
The significance of female representation in the bourbon industry
The art and science behind their unique bourbon-making process
The challenges and triumphs of launching a new bourbon brand
Future plans for Boss Molly, including potential new finishes and single barrel programs
Don't miss this insightful conversation with the trailblazing women behind Boss Molly! 🍀🥃
Connect with Boss Molly:
Website: https://www.bossmolly.com/
Email: embellishpod@gmail.com
Instagram: @bossmollybourbon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bossmollybourbon
Watch the video version on YouTube and don't forget to subscribe for more episodes!
Timestamps:00:00:02 - Introduction00:00:33 - Meet Brandy and Victoria from Boss Molly00:01:15 - The inspiration behind Boss Molly00:02:00 - The journey from idea to brand00:03:11 - Marketing to women in the bourbon industry00:05:08 - The poker analogy: intuition, emotion, and calculation00:06:10 - The inclusive nature of the whiskey industry00:07:01 - The importance of a strong brand story00:09:47 - Crafting the Boss Molly image and packaging00:13:35 - The role of women in bourbon history00:15:02 - Developing the flavor profile and finishing process00:19:56 - The unique pre-proofing process00:27:45 - Future plans for Boss Molly00:36:10 - Current distribution and online presence00:37:53 - Exploring new finishes and single barrel programs00:46:00 - The commitment to growing Boss Molly
 
#Bourbon #Whiskey #BossMolly #WomenInWhiskey #Podcast #EmbellishPod #CraftBourbon #WhiskeyIndustry #FemaleEntrepreneurs

Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we sit down with Paul Tomaszewski from MB Roland Distillery! Located in the heart of Western Kentucky, MB Roland is known for its unique, pre-Prohibition style spirits and its commitment to local ingredients. In this episode, Paul shares the fascinating story behind the distillery, the inspiration for its name, and the journey of starting one of the first craft distilleries in Kentucky.
Topics Covered:
-The origin and ethos of MB Roland Distillery-The challenges and rewards of starting a craft distillery in 2009-The unique process behind their dark-fired bourbon-The variety of mash bills and products offered by MB Roland-The story behind their stunning mural and new entrance-Upcoming events and tours at the distillery
Insights into their Kentucky Azul agave spirit and experimental products
Key Highlights:
00:00:02 - Introduction and housekeeping00:01:32 - Paul Tomaszewski introduces MB Roland and its origins00:05:23 - The early days of MB Roland and the craft distillery movement00:08:51 - Bridging the gap before aged whiskey is ready00:13:58 - Organic growth and innovation at MB Roland00:20:22 - The challenges of changing the distillery's physical address00:25:15 - The State Line Whiskey Tour and its unique appeal00:27:04 - Tour opportunities and special experiences at MB Roland00:33:00 - The unique dark-fired bourbon process00:39:00 - The story behind Kentucky Azul agave spirit00:43:02 - Experimenting with hemp whiskey00:45:51 - Single barrel selections and the blending process
Connect with MB Roland:
Website: https://mbroland.com/
Instagram: @mbrolanddistillery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBRolandDistillery
Follow EmbellishPod:
Instagram: @embellishpod
TikTok: @embellishpod
Website: EmbellishPod.com
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and leave us a review. Your support helps us bring more exciting content to you!
#Whiskey #CraftDistillery #MBRoland #Bourbon #Kentucky #Podcast #EmbellishPod #DarkFiredBourbon #AgaveSpirit #SingleBarrel #WhiskeyTour

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.