In this episode of Talking Tokens, we’re joined by Tzvi Wiesel, co-founder and CEO of BAXUS — a Solana-powered marketplace for high-end wine and spirits.
We dive deep into how BAXUS is tackling inefficiencies in the alcohol market, from price mismatches and shady gray markets to turning whiskey collections into onchain collateral. Tzvi shares the journey from running whiskey festivals to running his own vaults, why Solana was the right chain, and how he’s unlocking global liquidity in a $2T+ industry.
This episode is a part of the Solana Sessions campaign that Token Relations and the Talking Tokens podcast are doing, diving into founders’ journeys and startups building on Solana.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) - From Whiskey Festivals to On-Chain Marketplaces
(01:26) - The Problem With Alcohol Pricing Globally
(03:39) - Arbitrage, Rare Bottles & Building a Marketplace
(07:44) - Why BAXUS Runs Its Own Vaults
(10:40) - Bringing Liquor On-Chain: Solana, UX & Gas
(16:03) - Credit Cards vs Stablecoins: Who's Really Buying
(21:04) - The Rise of Tokenized Booze Collateral (w/ Loopscale)
(27:00) - Turning Collections into Capital
(30:26) - Targeting the $2T Global Spirits Industry
(34:33) - Lending, Cask Financing & Economic Friction
(40:13) - Who's Selling: Collectors, Retailers, and Liquor Stores
(45:07) - How BAXUS Powers Brand Activations Like Wild Turkey
(48:52) - Going Global: Where Will BAXUS Vaults Pop Up Next?
(54:00) - The Future of Wine on Chain
(58:00) - Why Community Matters More Than Airdrops
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Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.
