Building a Heritage: Jennifer and Justin Stiefiel's Journey from Local Distillers to Industry Innovators
Release Date: 11/30/2024
From Pears to Single Malt: Caitlin Bartlemay on Clear Creek's Distilling Legacy
The Distillery Nation Podcast
In our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Caitlin Bartlemay, Master Distiller at , to explore one of America's most innovative craft distilling stories. From her early steps into the industry to mastering the art of fruit brandy production, Caitlin's journey reflects the passion and precision that have made Clear Creek a standout in American spirits. Clear Creek Distillery has been focused on brandy production since its founding, with a particular expertise in pear brandy that sets them apart from other American distilleries. Their famous pear-in-bottle offering...
info_outline
Beyond the Still: Creating a Destination Tasting Room for Your Distillery
The Distillery Nation Podcast
In this month's solo episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my journey creating our flagship tasting room in North Bend. I start with the practical foundation—my 16-page feasibility document that helped determine if this venture could actually succeed. I share how I worked with the economic development department to find the perfect property and leveraged ARC GIS data to understand consumer patterns in the area. You'll hear about the seven essential books that guided my tasting room development and my experiences with bar design—comparing Krowne and...
info_outline
Heritage in a Glass: How Tomas Nava is Revolutionizing Mexican Whiskey with Heirloom Corn
The Distillery Nation Podcast
In the evolving landscape of global spirits, one visionary stands at the forefront of a quiet revolution. Tomas Nava, owner and distiller at , is redefining what Mexican whiskey can be through his passionate commitment to heritage and innovation. Nava's journey began behind the bar, where he pioneered his town's first mezcal establishment. This immersion in Mexico's traditional spirits sparked a curiosity that would later flourish into full-scale production. After exploring gin-making with a distinctive Prickly Pear base, Nava found his true calling in whiskey—but with a uniquely...
info_outline
Crafting the Perfect Tasting Room: Insights from Bar Owner Chall Gray
The Distillery Nation Podcast
In this month's episode of The Distillery Nation Podcast, we dive into the world of tasting rooms and hospitality with acclaimed bar owner and author . Known for his practical guidebook r, Chall brings years of hands-on experience in creating exceptional guest experiences. For distillers looking to expand their brand presence through a tasting room, this conversation offers invaluable insights. Chall and I explore the critical importance of location selection—examining foot traffic patterns, neighborhood dynamics, and how your space should reflect your brand identity. We discuss how a...
info_outline
Building Million-Dollar Spirits Brands: Inside Top Shelf Ventures with Noah Friedman
The Distillery Nation Podcast
In this episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Noah Friedman, co-founder of , to explore the fascinating world of spirits investment and brand building. If you've ever wondered how certain spirits brands rise to prominence while others struggle to gain traction, this conversation offers some compelling answers. Noah shares the story behind Top Shelf Ventures and walks us through their approach to identifying promising alcohol brands. With the spirits industry facing new challenges and shifting consumer preferences, his insights on navigating these changes while...
info_outline
Distillery Nation 2024 Year in Review: 11 Game-Changing Conversations in Craft Spirits
The Distillery Nation Podcast
The craft spirits industry continues to evolve, and this year's Distillery Nation Podcast interviews have unveiled invaluable wisdom from some of the most innovative minds in distilling. As we wrap up 2024, we're reflecting on the profound insights shared by industry leaders who've helped shape the craft spirits landscape. Industry Innovation & Identity Matt Howell of Chuckanut Bay Distillery emphasized the critical importance of establishing a distinct market identity, while Aleks Zhdanov from 3BR Distillery showcased the power of innovation through unconventional approaches, including...
info_outline
Building a Heritage: Jennifer and Justin Stiefiel's Journey from Local Distillers to Industry Innovators
The Distillery Nation Podcast
In this month's episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer and Justin Stiefiel, the visionary co-founders of , who share their remarkable journey from craft distilling dreamers to NASDAQ-listed industry innovators. The Stiefiels take us back to their humble beginnings, revealing how their passion for craft spirits and commitment to excellence laid the foundation for what would become one of the most dynamic distilleries in the United States. Their story is a masterclass in combining traditional distilling practices with innovative business approaches. One of...
info_outline
Art Meets Spirits: How Seth Watson's Distillery Of Modern Art Blends Creativity and Craft
The Distillery Nation Podcast
In this month's episode of Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Seth Watson, the visionary founder behind the . This conversation reveals how Watson has revolutionized the traditional distillery model by creating a unique space where craft spirits meet artistic expression and hospitality excellence. Watson takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, sharing the challenges and triumphs of the early years. His innovative approach wasn't just about producing exceptional spirits – it was about creating an immersive experience that would resonate with both spirit enthusiasts and art...
info_outline
From Oyster Shells to Shelves: Distillery 98's Sustainable Vodka Journey
The Distillery Nation Podcast
In this latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Harrison Holditch, co-founder of , the makers of Half Shell Vodka. Our conversation took a deep dive into their journey of crafting one of the most unique vodkas on the market, all while prioritizing sustainability. Harrison shared the story behind Half Shell Vodka, which is not just a name but a nod to their innovative approach to filtering vodka through oyster shells. This fascinating process aligns with their mission to reduce waste and stay connected to the coastal community they call...
info_outline
Elevating Your Tasting Room: Insights with A Bar Above's Chris Tunstall
The Distillery Nation Podcast
In the latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Chris Tunstall, co-founder of ! Chris has been a driving force in the world of cocktails and bar education, with a mission to elevate the bar experience for both professionals and enthusiasts alike. In this episode, Chris shares his deep knowledge and expertise on a range of topics that are invaluable for distillers and bar owners. We dive into the art of cocktail creation and how distilleries can maximize their tasting room experience to engage customers and create memorable moments. Chris also...
info_outlineIn this month's episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer and Justin Stiefiel, the visionary co-founders of Heritage Distilling Company, who share their remarkable journey from craft distilling dreamers to NASDAQ-listed industry innovators.
The Stiefiels take us back to their humble beginnings, revealing how their passion for craft spirits and commitment to excellence laid the foundation for what would become one of the most dynamic distilleries in the United States. Their story is a masterclass in combining traditional distilling practices with innovative business approaches.
One of Heritage's most successful innovations is their Cask Club membership program, which has revolutionized how consumers engage with craft spirits. This unique initiative allows members to be part of the distilling process, creating a deeply personal connection between the distillery and its community.
The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Jennifer and Justin discuss their groundbreaking Tribal Network Partnership, demonstrating their commitment to inclusive business practices and community development. This innovative approach to partnership has not only expanded their reach but has also created meaningful economic opportunities for tribal communities.
Perhaps most notably, Heritage Distilling Company has achieved what few craft distilleries have: going public on NASDAQ. The Stiefiels share insights into this transformative process and how it has positioned them for future growth while maintaining their commitment to craft quality and community values.
Throughout the episode, their dedication to giving back shines through, showing how success in the spirits industry can be about more than just producing great products – it's about creating lasting positive impact in the communities they serve.
Join us for this inspiring conversation that proves how vision, innovation, and community focus can transform a craft distillery into an industry leader while staying true to its roots.