Makers, Not Fakers: Phil Brandon on Craft Distilling in Little Rock, Arkansas

In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Phil Brandon, the founder and distiller of Rock Town Distillery in Little Rock, Arkansas. As the first legal distillery in the state since before Prohibition, Rock Town emphasizes the importance of local sourcing and building a distillery that reflects the character of Arkansas, despite the challenges of being a pioneer in a state not traditionally known for distilling.

We delve into the craft distilling renaissance and how the landscape has evolved since Rock Town's founding in 2010. Phil discusses the significance of their unofficial motto, "We're makers, not fakers," and the commitment to quality and authenticity that drives their production. He also highlights the historical context of distilling in Arkansas, the challenges of sourcing local ingredients, and the meticulous care that goes into their distillation process, including proofing and filtration techniques.

Finally, we explore Rock Town's future, including a collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company which began during the pandemic and has allowed Phil and the team to expand production while maintaining the integrity of the brand. He candidly addresses the differences in flavor profiles between the distillate produced in Little Rock and that made at Bardstown, emphasizing the creation of a separate product line to distinguish these offerings. This episode is a deep dive into the world of craft distilling, showcasing the Rock Town team's passion and commitment to quality in every bottle.

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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Rock Town Distillery

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Jimmy Red Corn And We Should All Care!

In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I welcome Scott Blackwell, co-founder of High Wire Distilling in Charleston, South Carolina. The conversation dives into Scott's diverse entrepreneurial background, which spans restaurants, coffee, and packaged foods, before transitioning into the spirits industry. Scott shares how his passion for flavor and culture led him to distilling, despite initially having little interest in spirits due to South Carolina's restrictive mini bottle laws. He emphasizes the importance of agriculture in crafting unique flavors, which ultimately shaped High Wire's identity.

The discussion then shifts to the distillery's signature grain, Jimmy Red corn, which has become synonymous with High Wire's brand. Scott recounts the journey of discovering Jimmy Red, a variety known for its rich flavor profile and historical significance as a moonshiner's corn. He explains how their initial experiments with heirloom white corn didn't yield the desired results, prompting a search for a more flavorful alternative. With the guidance of heirloom grain expert Glenn Roberts and Johnny Appleseed of American Distilling Dave Pickerell, Scott and his team found that Jimmy Red not only provided a unique taste but also contributed to a distinctive oil cap during fermentation, enhancing the overall flavor of their whiskey.

As the episode wraps up, Scott reflects on the challenges and rewards of crafting spirits that tell a story rooted in their local agriculture and culinary heritage. He discusses the potential for releasing a white whiskey made from Jimmy Red, highlighting the growing interest in showcasing the unique characteristics of this heirloom corn. The conversation underscores the importance of authenticity and quality in the craft spirits industry, as High Wire Distilling continues to carve out its niche in the competitive whiskey landscape.

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

There are no more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level, but you can email me if you're interested and I will let you know as soon as a spot opens!

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.

High Wire Distilling Co.

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The Monogram and the Wettest Block: Kansas City's Distilling Heritage

In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, we’re heading down to Kansas City, Missouri, to chat with Ryan Maybee, the co-founder of J. Rieger & Company. Ryan takes us on a journey from his early days as a bartender to the exciting revival of the historic J. Rieger brand, which originally flourished from 1887 until Prohibition put a stop to it all.

We kick things off by discussing how the focus of Ryan's interviews has shifted over the years—from cocktail culture to the innovative whiskeys now coming out of J. Rieger. He dives into the unique terroir of Kansas City and how it plays a crucial role in their whiskey production, including their straight bourbon, bottled-in-bond bourbon, bottled-in-bond rye, and the fascinating Monogram whiskey, which features sherry—a nod to the blending practices of yesteryear.

We also explore the rich whiskey history of Kansas City before Prohibition, the nuances of state laws affecting the spirits industry, and the distinction between Missouri bourbon and Kansas City whiskey. Ryan shares the story of how they navigated the TTB to establish Kansas City whiskey as a recognized category, highlighting their commitment to honoring the brand's roots while pushing the envelope in modern whiskey-making.

As we wrap up, Ryan gives us a peek into the production process at J. Rieger, their upcoming 10th anniversary celebration, and what the future holds for the brand. This episode is a captivating exploration of the intersection of history, innovation, and the craft of whiskey-making in Kansas City. So grab a glass, sit back, and enjoy the ride!

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

_________________________________________________________

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

There are no more spots available at the $25/month bottle share club level, but you can email me if you're interested and I will let you know as soon as a spot opens!

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.

J. Rieger & Co. Distillery

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• J. Rieger & Co. on YouTube