From craft distillers to visionary businesswomen, this season's Rackhouse Roundtable participants aren't afraid to give it to you straight. Conversations dive deep into industry issues, revealing the perspectives of a unique blend of voices. Stories will be told. Disagreements will be aired. And, exceptional spirits will be at the center of it all.
Chris Montana of Du Nord Social Spirits has had a love-hate relationship with sourced spirits. For Heather and Alex, some level of sourcing is integral to their business models. Together, the group debates what makes a quality spirit.
Everyone in the spirits industry must grapple with the difficulties of balancing craft and commerce, and Chris Montana is no exception. Chris, Fawn and the group discuss turning one's passion into profit.
Fawn Weaver founded Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey with ambitions to be in all 50 states by the brand's second year — and she succeeded. Fawn delivers some tough truths to the group about going big in the whiskey business.
Heather Manley of Crooked Water Spirits has a unique R&D process that ranges from double barreling and imported casks to experimenting with gin botanicals. She and the group reminisce about their most creative R&D endeavors.
After one year in business, Alex Lindsey of West Bottoms Whiskey Co. is ready to take the next step toward building his spirits legacy. What will the group say about Alex's vision and the future of the industry as a whole?
See how the Rackhouse Roundtable began. In this first episode, Season One guests discuss the value of spirits as a social lubricant.
Watch more Season 1 episodes ›
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Fawn Weaver is an American entrepreneur, historian, New York Times-bestselling author, CEO of Grant Sidney Inc. and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and is the founder of the Nearest Green Foundation. In 2016, Fawn learned the story of Nearest Green while doing research for a book project and was inspired to launch the Nearest Green Distillery and the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey brand. In just a few short years, the award-winning brand has become a nationwide success.
unclenearest.com
Heather started out creating high-quality seasonings and refining her tastes for unique blends. Since then, she’s helped create Crooked Water Spirits. As a trained whiskey sommelier, Heather has a unique perspective on blending due to her vast spirits knowledge and experienced palate.
crookedwaterspirits.com
Chris is the founder and owner of Du Nord Social Spirits, a first-of-a-kind black owned distillery with city vibes and rural soul. Known for producing and wholesaling several award-winning spirits, Chris is committed to improving and diversifying the craft alcohol community.
dunordsocialspirits.com
Homebrewer-turned-distiller Alex Lindsey opened West Bottoms Whiskey Co., in 2020. Despite the challenges of opening during a pandemic, Alex’s thirst for distilling experimentation has remained strong. His flagship whiskey, a blend of bourbon and wheat finished with sherry, is twice-distilled and aged in small barrels for faster flavor development.
westbottomswhiskey.co
“The greatest American whiskey hasn't been made yet. You might be the one to make it”
