The Spirits Business Podcast

39. International Women's Day 2026: Give to gain – the power of mentorships in the drinks industry

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:08:05 GMT

For this episode of The Spirits Business Podcast we’re sharing a special recording from our International Women’s Day panel discussion in March, which was a conversation centred on the role mentorship plays in the spirits world. We explore mentorship from both sides of the relationship, looking at what mentors gain, how mentees can make the most of mentoring opportunities, and why meaningful mentorship doesn’t always happen through formal programmes. Sometimes, the most impactful support begins with a simple conversation with someone you look up to and trust. There’s also lots of advice shared about fundraising to grow your business, climbing the career ladder, and learning how to be your strongest advocate. So, whether you’re seeking a mentor, considering becoming one, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is a reminder that support and opportunities can come in many different forms.

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

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38. Jon Carson: how the historic site of Witchmark Distillery is influencing the future of English whisky

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:41:11 GMT

Nestled in the English countryside in Wiltshire, is Witchmark Distillery. A whisky distillery first and foremost, the distillery is also creating award-winning gins and vodka – and it’s even bottled its new make spirit – as it waits patiently for the first casks of its whisky to reach three years old. I headed to Witchmark Distillery in December to see the historic site the distillery calls home, and to chat with Jon Carson, co-founder and commercial director of Witchmark, who shares his whisky journey, why sustainability was a complete non-negotiable for the B Corp-certified company, the challenges and exciting opportunities that come with building a new whisky distillery from the ground up, and the longer-term vision for Witchmark.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

37. Brian Kinsman: we chat Scotch, prestige, affordability, and fast cars with Glenfiddich's malt master

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:03:19 GMT

With close to 30 years in the whisky business to his name, Brian Kinsman perhaps needs no introduction. The malt master for William Grant & Sons is renowned for leading the whisky development of some of the most beloved Scotch whisky brands, including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Monkey Shoulder, Grant’s and, more recently, The Famous Grouse. Brian is always incredibly generous in sharing his story, knowledge, insights and advice. On this episode, he is no different, reflecting back to the early days of his career and weighing in on important topics regarding whisky, such as single malts versus blends, and prestige versus more affordable, premium products. And for any Formula One fans among our listeners, we also take a deep dive into the global Glenfiddich and Aston Martin Formula One partnership from Brian’s perspective.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

36. Maya Pistola: how Rakshay Dhariwal built India's first aged, 100% agave spirit after a fire nearly destroyed it all

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Agave spirits have been a particularly hot commodity over the last decade. And in the last couple of years, countries outside of Mexico have looked to utilise their nations' agave supplies and create their own takes on agave spirits. Leading the charge in India is Maya Pistola, India’s first aged 100% agave spirit, which was founded by Rakshay Dhariwal, who’s originally a restaurateur by trade. However, Maya Pistola’s story very nearly ended before it had even begun when a fire destroyed its original distillery on the cusp of the brand’s launch. But Rakshay decided to take this test he’d been given, and double down on his belief that he was onto something really special. He tells me more about his journey, the development of what he’s calling ‘agavepura’, and his outlook for the future of the non-Mexican agave category.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35. Everglow Spirits: a deep dive into the first UK Distilling Census with Olivier Ward

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:31:17 GMT

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Is there anything in spirits Olivier Ward has yet to turn his hand to? Possibly yes, possibly no – but goodness, he’s done a lot. From co-founding and being editor of Gin Foundry, to establishing Spirits Beacon for Enotria, and then founding Everglow Spirits in 2024, his experience is vast. Everglow Spirits offers everything from free editorial resources on spirits categories, to advanced courses on distillery operations, and how to build distilleries. When he’s not travelling the world consulting on new distillery builds, Olivier is a fierce champion of spirits knowledge, and noticed a gap in the market for more data and information on distilling in the UK – particularly for craft producers. Earlier this year, he launched Spirit of the Nation, a UK Distilling Census and an important step in curating more information about the UK’s vast distilling landscape. In this episode, we talk through his career and insights in detail, as well as some of the key findings from the UK Distilling Census results. And no matter the size of your distillery, or spirits business, this is an episode that’s not to be missed.

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

34. Bacardi: global senior vice-president Pedro Mendonça discusses the brand's profound impact on the rum category

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:43:42 GMT

Pedro Mendonça is almost a year into his into his role of global senior vice-president for Bacardi and rums. His experience is vast, spanning more than 30 years in the spirits industry, and working for the likes of Diageo, leading teams in Latin America, Asia Pacific and worldwide. As you’ll hear during our conversation, at Bacardi, Pedro’s focus is on building on the rum brand’s 163-year legacy. Pedro speaks with such honesty about his approach to purposeful brand growth – and it’s not solely about education; people, relationships, movement, and enjoyment are all just as important to the future success of the brand, and the rum category as a whole. We also cover the topic of rum’s premiumisation journey, the significance of the globally name-called Bacardi and Coke order, and exciting areas of opportunity for the category.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

33. Glendalough Distillery: how Geraldine Kavanagh turned her love of the outdoors into a full-time foraging career

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:13:57 GMT

While most of us are tied to computers, mobiles or any other form of technology for most of the working day – and let’s face it, probably in our spare time too – Geraldine Kavanagh’s experience is the polar opposite. Her passion for outdoors led her into foraging, which she has turned into a full-time career, creating award-winning gins at Ireland’s Glendalough Distillery. In this episode, Geraldine and I discuss her love of nature, the challenges and ease of sourcing botanicals in the wild, and tips for anyone eager to safely try their hand at foraging. I guarantee you will want to switch off from the digital world and head outside after hearing Geraldine’s story and words of wisdom in this episode.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

32. Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits: insights into the latest data and trends shaping the US

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:30:32 GMT

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is one of the most renowned distribution companies in the US. But what sets it apart? And what are the key challenges facing brands looking to expand their distribution footprint in the States at present? This week’s podcast guest is Zachary Poelma, who is Southern Glazer’s senior vice-president of commercial intelligence. During our conversation, Zach goes into detail about which categories are growing well at present, the trends he is seeing, and his outlook on the spirits market over the next couple of years.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31: May Fox Communications: how to harness the power of PR and turn your brand into a global success story

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:04:55 GMT

There’s good PR and there’s bad PR, and then there are those who truly excel in communications – and Emily Harris is one of the best. In 2012, Emily took her experience in both agency PR and in-house communications, and established her award-winning company, May Fox Communications. In this episode, I asked Emily about the key differences between working for an agency and being in-house, and what non-negotiable skills are needed to thrive in both environments. We also covered the rapidly evolving landscape of spirits PR, why spirits brands cannot overlook the power of good PR, and how to cultivate professional relationships between both clients and media professionals that last. And for any aspiring professionals new to PR and communications, or spirits brands looking to build their own PR and marketing strategies, Emily offers some great words of wisdom throughout the episode.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30. Beanie Espey: what it's like curating one of the world's rarest whisky auctions, The Distillers One of One

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:40:20 GMT

Beanie Espey has had such an interesting career. From the world of big beauty brands to spirits, from sales to marketing and even brand establishment, Beanie’s expertise is vast. In this episode, you’ll hear us chat about Beanie managing The Last Drop Distillers and working with her father, industry veteran James Espey, the highs and lows of launching a brand, and importantly her role with The Distillers Charity, curator of the One of One Distillers Charity auction, which has raised millions of pounds for charities that hare helping to improve the lives of young people across Scotland. And as you'll hear, curating one of the rarest whisky auctions in the world, and all for charity, is no mean feat – but a highly rewarding one that makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/

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Find us on Threads:

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29. Double Dutch: strategic growth lessons and why women-led start-ups need more VC support

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

It’s been 10 years since twin sisters Joyce and Raissa de Haas launched their acclaimed tonic and mixer brand Double Dutch, a brand that has been instrumental in shaping the premium mixer market. To mark the occasion, Double Dutch has undergone a significant rebrand this year, which we’ll cover later in this episode. We also discuss the business decisions and strategies that helped grow the brand into a global success story, how to remain creative, inspired and competitive, plus why we desperately need more VC funding for women-founded businesses.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28. Stock Spirits Group: mergers, acquisitions and creating value in a competitive spirits environment

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Stock Spirits Group CEO Jean-Christophe Coutures has his sights set firmly on growth in Europe. Where many are chasing super-premium-plus spirits sales, Jean-Christophe is confidently building a loyal audience with affordable, high-quality products. Following a few years of high-profile mergers and acquisitions for Stock Spirits Group, and heavy investment in categories such as Scotch whisky, Jean-Christophe believes the company is in good shape to weather the current challenging economic and geopolitical climate, and explains why the group’s sustainable practices will be equally as important to long-term financial success as new product innovation.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27. The Diplomat: the story behind Hong Kong's first Pinned bar

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:37:14 GMT

There are two parts to The Diplomat bar in Hong Kong; the first is akin to an American tavern, with high-counter seating, and low lighting. Then down a pink corridor is the exclusive Social Club, with a contrast of dark seating and pink stools, an impressive vinyl collection, and a DJ booth to really get the party started. American John Nugent shares his journey and the concept behind his bar, and how he and his team fuse flavours from the US and Hong Kong to make some truly killer cocktails, and how the bar’s efforts and ethos secured it Hong Kong’s first Pin from global bar recognition system The Pinnacle Guide, truly putting this speakeasy at the forefront of Asian hospitality.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26. Mangrove Global: finding growth and profitability in a challenging economic environment

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT

If you’re a brand owner, hospitality worker, distributor – or involved in any other facet of the spirits trade, and are feeling somewhat frustrated or concerned about the multiple headwinds and challenges facing the industry, then do not skip this episode. Our podcast host, Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business magazine, sat down with Nick Gillett from Mangrove Global to chat about the current state of the industry, covering inflation, tax increases, sustainability pressures, staff recruitment and retention, and market trends. Nick speaks incredibly candidly about the challenges – alongside many, many opportunities that still remain for growth and profitability. Plus, for any new brands or those just about to launch, he gives some very clear advice on how to gear yourselves up for the best chance of success.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25. Bar Leone: how Lorenzo Antinori founded Asia's best bar

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:57:21 GMT

Bar Leone in Hong Kong has gained an incredible reputation worldwide – and after visiting the venue first hand earlier this year, our podcast host Melita Kiely says it is easy to see why. Founder Lorenzo Antinori has brought a slice of Italian hospitality to Asia, where guests can expect approachable but delicious cocktails, satiating food offerings alongside, and a vibrant, warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s not hard to see why Bar Leone was voted the number one bar in Asia in 2024, and second globally. This episode explores how Lorenzo has achieved such dizzying heights of success, and what’s still to come – including a second Cuban-inspired bar opening in Hong Kong this summer.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/

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Find us on Threads:

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24. Bar Convent London: Jack Sotti chats taking risks, education and bartending advice

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:26:37 GMT

On today's podcast episode, our host Melita Kiely is speaking with Jack Sotti, who is the brand ambassador for Bar Convent London. The first Baar Convent London event will take place from the 30 June to 1 July. But even if you tune into this episode after these dates, do keep listening because Jack has had an incredible career and offers so much great advice during this episode.

Throughout the conversation, Jack delves into the emphasis on education at Bar Convent events, and why this isn't just a show for London, but an event to unite industry professionals around the UK. Plus, we go into detail about Jack's journey so far, from taking some serious risks in the early days of his career to opening his bar Archive & Myth in London, as well as the importance of parental support in the drinks industry.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

Follow along on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/spiritsbusiness/

Keep updated on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/

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Find us on Threads:

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23. Four Roses Bourbon: how high-end hospitality equipped Ilaria Carone for brand ambassadorship

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:06:07 GMT

Spend just a few minutes in the company of Ilaria Carone and it’s hard to believe that someone so vivacious and chatty moved from Italy to London a short seven years ago speaking next to no English. Armed with as much experience as she could gather in her home country, Ilaria headed to London to pursue her dream hospitality career. Not afraid to rise to the challenge, she secured her first position a few days in at a private members’ club – and her success has only grown from there.

Having worked for some of the most well-respected, high-end venues in London – including prestigious members’ club Annabel’s – Ilaria has a wealth of experience in creating tailored drinking experiences for her guests. Today, she is the UK brand ambassador for Four Roses Bourbon, and in this week’s episode, Ilaria tells us about her hospitality journey, why she is constantly seeking new challenges, opportunities and educational experiences, and also about her love of whiskey.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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Keep updated on LinkedIn:

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22. Claire Warner: taking risks, building a business, and bridging the gap between brands and bartenders

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Bartender, ambassador, brand co-founder, mentor, educator, public speaker – Claire Warner has a killer CV. With 25 years in the spirits industry, Claire has worked with some of the brightest minds in the business – and inspired many along the way, too. As head of luxury advocacy at Diageo, she is passionate about championing the on-trade, and building and supporting relationships between brands and bartenders.

During our conversation we covered everything from the significance of cocktail competitions and the rise of the no-alcohol category, to the importance of helping hospitality and spirits professionals find balance and avoid reaching burnout, and how to tell when it’s the right time to make that all important career move.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21. Mount Gay Rum: Trudiann Branker is breaking barriers in science and spirits as Mount Gay's first female master blender

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:07:54 GMT

It’s no secret that the number of women pursuing STEM subjects and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields is woefully low compared to the number of men. But Trudiann Branker, the first woman master blender for Mount Gay Rum, is a shining example of the successful career trajectory that’s possible for women in STEM fields. Passionate about flavour and the science behind creating new profiles in rum, Trudiann is funding huge success and enjoyment from creating innovative rum blends for Mount Gay – and filling the barrels for future master blenders to come.

This episode spans the significance of Mount Gay Rum to Barbados, the importance of sustainability – particularly as an island producer – how we can bring even more women into the world of spirits, and career advice for aspiring blenders.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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Keep updated on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/

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Find us on Threads:

https://www.threads.net/@spiritsbusiness

Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20. Actions speak louder than words: engaging in meaningful change

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:03:24 GMT

This is our first live recording of a podcast episode – and we're delighted to share such an insightful and informative talk we held in March to mark International Women's Day. Titled 'Actions speak louder than words: engaging in meaningful change'. This was not a protest or an empty celebration of women; what’s always been at the core of these events is to share a conversation where women can attend, participate, and leave with actionable steps to further their professional development, and support other women along the way.

This year’s discussion centred on women in hospitality, with a powerful line-up of experienced voices: Alice Taraschi, manager of The Guard’s Bar & Lounge at Raffles London at The OWO; Hebe Richardson, owner of Soda & Friends; Siobhan Payne and Hannah Sharman-Cox, co-founders and directors of London Cocktail Week, HANDS London Consultancy, and The Pinnacle Guide; and Anna Sebastian, founder of a global hospitality agency and Celebrate Her. Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business, moderated the discussion, which took place at The Guard’s Bar & Lounge – a proudly Pinned bar.

From bartenders and bar owners to consultants, ambassadors and more, women in hospitality are flourishing. But how can we support, protect and celebrate them more effectively? We delve into all of this and more in this week's episode.

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

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19. Milam & Greene: why award-winning Marlene Holmes moved from corporate giant to small batch distillery

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Marlene Holmes has had quite the whiskey career. Starting in 1990, Marlene learned from some of the best whiskey makers in the business, including the legendary Booker Noe. Marlene is unquestionably a legend in her own right; after nearly three decades at Beam working in whiskey production, Marlene pursued a dream she had to switch the high-volume production of Beam for a small start-up, Milam & Greene. In this episode, we talk at length about her incredible whiskey career, what it takes to be a master distiller, and why newer producers like Milam & Greene are giving the big players a run for their money.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

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18. The Heart Cut: how Georgie Bell blended her love of whisky and wanderlust into success

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:42:02 GMT

Georgie Bell has had a whisky career many would covet. From bartending to becoming a global ambassador for multiple companies, Georgie spent years travelling the world sharing her passion for whisky. Today, she leads her own independent whisky bottling business, The Heart Cut, which she co-founded with her husband, Fabrizio Leoni. This episode covers a lot of ground, from what it was like 15 years ago as a young woman working in whisky to advice on finding balance as a global brand ambassador when you’re on the road for eight to nine months of the year, and how The Heart Cut is working to help whisky drinkers discover new and exciting distilleries from around the world.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17. Cotswolds Distillery: a deep dive into one of English whisky's biggest success stories

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Dan Szor swapped a career of finance and Wall Street to pursue a dream of owning his own whisky distillery in one of the most idyllic parts of England. The Cotswolds Distillery was one of the first English whisky producers on the scene and has been at the forefront of the category’s substantial growth. But what does it take to build a distillery from the ground up, and to grow it into into a global success story? Dan shares his experience in our latest podcast episode, which also touches on the recent GI development for English whisky, what it would mean for the category, and why Dan believes it won't have the detrimental impact on Scotch single malts that some claim.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16. Wine Paris: the spirits trends to watch

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:46:36 GMT

In February, podcast host Melita Kiely headed to France for the annual Wine Paris trade fair, one of the biggest trade shows in the spirits industry. The Be Spirits hall was packed with hundreds of spirits products, and of course the famous Infinite Bar – a 40-metre-long bar showcasing some of Europe’s finest bartenders, as they shake and stir cocktails throughout the event.

But what were the biggest spirits trends evident from this year's event? We interviewed several exhibitors – from RTD founders and bar owners to an Asian spirits bottler – to hear their insights.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15. Copenhagen Distillery: challenging conventions to create distinctively Danish whisky

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 09:09:07 GMT

With a background in pharmaceutical science, Master distiller Lasse Öznek harnesses his background in pharmaceutical science to create distinctively Danish whisky – the kind of whisky he loves to drink. His vision is clear: to challenge conventions of whisky-making to push the boundaries of flavour, and be a leader in the Danish distilling scene. In this episode, we learn about Lasse's background, how he fell in love with whisky, the challenges of creating Danish whiskies that can stand up to more established whisky regions, plus the latest launch from the distillery.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14. Proof 8: how digitisation can build a more secure, transparent and prosperous spirits industry

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:06:20 GMT

When the global pandemic hit in 2020, it held a mirror to how behind the spirits industry was in its digital advancements – notably in regards to e-commerce. However, as Rob Hollands, CEO of Proof 8 (which rebranded from Proofworks shortly after this episode was recorded) reveals in this podcast episode, there are still many digital improvements the trade can embrace to improve efficiency, offer greater transparency, and protect transactions and ownership.

Rob tells us about how Proof 8 is working with spirits companies to digitise their operations for the better, key business challenges he's seen through his work, and why he believes investing to transform companies from 'analogue' to 'digital' means of working makes solid business sense.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13. ProWein/ProSpirits: insights into the future of spirits

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 09:57:01 GMT

In a first for The Spirits Business Podcast, we welcome a trio of guests for an insightful panel discussion. Hosted in partnership with global trade event ProSpirits, the distilled arm of ProWein, this episode includes: Dr Simone Loose, head of the Institute for Wine and Beverage Business Research at Geisenheim University and lead researcher on the inaugural ProSpirits Report; Sylvia Bernard, international marketing director at La Martiniquaise-Bardinet; and Nikša Pirović, founder and owner of Pacific & Lime.

The conversation covers a broad spectrum of topics, including the relevance of international trade shows in a post-pandemic world, how to build and maintain strong business relationships, and key findings from the ProSpirits Report 2025.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12. Uncle Nearest: how Fawn Weaver founded the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in history

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:35:34 GMT

Fawn Weaver is a highly successful entrepreneur, a New York Times best-selling author, and the founder and CEO of the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in US history, and best-selling African-American-founded spirit brand of all time – Uncle Nearest. Fawn’s personal journey intertwines with the storytelling of the man who taught Jack Daniel how to distil in her latest book, Love & Whiskey. This episode delves into hardships Fawn faced in her teens, her discovery of the enslaved Black man who inspired her company, insights into the wider American whiskey category, and future ambitions.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11. Origen X: building historic brands with long-lasting legacies

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:04:26 GMT

Introducing our first international podcast recording! Earlier this year, podcast host Melita Kiely enjoyed a whistle-stop trip to Ireland to meet this episode's guest: Zak Oganian, CEO of Origen X. His company is focused on acquiring heritage assets and rebuilding historic brands. So far, Origen X boasts an impressive portfolio that includes Kinahan's Irish whiskey, Ukrainian vodka Mikolasch, and Rhum Bouvil from Haiti.

This episodes covers everything from Zak's vision for Origen X, to the challenges that come with working in complex markets such as Ukraine and Haiti, bottling supply issues in the Republic of Ireland, and more.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10. Atom Brands: the value of independent whisky bottlers

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 13:35:19 GMT

In the final episode of the first season of The Spirits Business Podcast, Sam Simmons, head of whisky at Atom Brands – also known as Dr Whisky – takes us on a global exploration of the whisky category. Nothing is off the table in this conversation: from the pros and cons of being an independent whisky bottler, including the challenges cask investments are presenting to indie bottlers, to the importance of age statements for consumers, why Canadian whisky has arguably been overlooked, a special That Boutique-y Whisky Company tasting (including a 30-year-old blended grain), and a quick-fire question round. Pour yourself a dram, sit back, and we hope you enjoy.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Paul Machnicki.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9. Protectyourcask.com: how do you tackle whisky cask investment fraud?

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 13:49:11 GMT

This episode's podcast guest, Felipe Schrieberg, is an award-winning journalist. He's also a musician, a whisky bottler, and importantly for our conversation today, passionate about uniting the whisky industry against fraudulent whisky cask investment schemes. Having recently launched Portectyourcask.com, a website dedicated to informing people about the potential pitfalls of whisky cask investments, we delve into the pros and cons of this complex subject.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8. Renais Gin: how family, terroir and sustainability shaped Alex and Emma Watson's brand

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:55:15 GMT

Inspired by their father’s passion for winemaking, sibling duo Alex and Emma Watson are adding to the family story with their own brand: Renais Gin. But this is more than just another celebrity spirit; Alex and Emma have poured their heart into this project, leaning on Alex's extensive experience in the alcohol beverage world and Emma's creative mind. In this episode, Alex shares the important role family has played in shaping the brand, what it was like creating a gin brand with his sister Emma, why a life in the spotlight wasn't for him, and his ultimate ambitions for Renais.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7. Equiano Rum: the past, present and future of rum

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:00:43 GMT

Meet Ian Burrell and Aaisha Dadral, two of the four co-founders of Equiano – the world's first African and Caribbean rum. From successful music careers working with some of the world's biggest artists, the pair have found a passion for brand-building, and have embarked on a journey sharing their love for rum with the world. This episode leaves no stone unturned as we discuss everything from the history of rum and its links to slavery to positive 21st-century developments, the rise of agricole, how to do spiced rum right, the challenges of starting your own business, and future ambitions for Equiano.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. Editing is by Paul Machnicki.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6. OurWhisky Foundation: championing women in whisky

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 10:27:49 GMT

"Do you even like whisky?" Becky Paskin, founder of the OurWhisky Foundation, has been asked this question all too frequently during her career – and a recent study showed many women in the industry have similar experiences to share. The OurWhisky Foundation works to promote gender equality in whisky, providing a free modern media library, a platform to share women's stories, and a global mentorship scheme to help women achieve their whisky-related goals. In this episode, Becky discusses how the OurWhisky Foundation came to be, the challenges women continue to face working in whisky – and also the positive changes she has seen across the sector.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. Editing is by Paul Machnicki.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5. Be Inclusive Hospitality: advancing racial equity in food and drink

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 03:05:44 GMT

How to find purpose in your work, the importance of boundaries and thoughts on cancel culture are all up for discussion in this week’s podcast episode with Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality. Multi-award-winning social entrepreneur Lorraine Copes founded Be Inclusive Hospitality four years ago at the height of the pandemic. Its aim is to advance racial quality across the hospitality, food and drink industries. From her time working across the drinks industry supply chain, Copes explains how she has noticed a constant underrepresentation of people of colour across the industry. But how can the industry work to improve this?

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. Editing is by Paul Machnicki.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4. The Pinnacle Guide: creating the ultimate guide to the world’s best bars

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:59:45 GMT

In our fourth episode, The Spirits Business editor Melita Kiely caught up with the three founders behind The Pinnacle Guide – Siobhan Payne, Hannah Sharman-Cox and Dan Dove – the day after the inaugural pinned bars were announced. A total of 37 bars were award one pin and two pins – but so far, no venue has met the requirements for that coveted three-pin status. Siobhan, Hannah and Dan talk us through the years-long journey to launching The Pinnacle Guide, the positive impact it has already had on helping bars improve their service, sustainability and staff welfare, and what comes next.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. Editing is by Paul Machnicki.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3. Sastrería Martinez: showcasing the best of Peruvian hospitality

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:27:47 GMT

How much do you know about Peru's hospitality scene? Well, this episode is set to change any preconceptions you may have had about the country's vibrant cocktail culture. Earlier this year, our editor, Melita Kiely, flew to Lima to spend a week exploring what the capital city's food and drinks scene has to offer. In this episode, Diego Macedo, founder of speakeasy bar Sastrería Martinez, discusses everything from his professional acting background to launching a bar in the midst of a pandemic, and how Peruvian flavours play an important role in his bar's offerings.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. Editing is by Paul Machnicki.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2. Equal Measures: improving inclusivity

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 07:59:55 GMT

Deano Moncrieffe is arguably one of the industry's most respected bartenders. Not only is he the founder of award-winning bar Hacha in London and bottled cocktail brand Mirror Margarita, but he is on a mission to create a more equitable hospitality industry for everyone through his non-profit Equal Measures. In episode two, Deano candidly opens up about his personal experiences of discrimination and racism, and why paving the way to a truly inclusive hospitality industry is imperative.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. Editing is by Paul Machnicki.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. Brother's Bond Bourbon: working towards a more sustainable whiskey world

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:26:31 GMT

Our guests today are actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, co-founders of the award-winning Brother's Bond Bourbon. It was while filming acclaimed TV series The Vampire Diaries that the pair discovered a shared love of Bourbon and embarked upon their own whiskey venture. In this first episode of The Spirits Business Podcast, we discuss everything from sipping Bourbon on set, blending, new releases from the brand and their passion for sustainable whiskey production.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. Editing is by Paul Machnicki.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.