Episode 585: Exploring the Art of Distilling with Chand Harlow of Wonderbird Spirits

Summary

In this episode, Wil speaks with Chand Harlow, co-creator and owner of Wonderbird Spirits, a distillery in Mississippi. They discuss Chand's journey from finance to the world of hospitality and distilling, emphasizing the importance of a grain to glass philosophy. Chand shares insights into the unique process of crafting gin using Jasmine rice, the challenges of starting a distillery, and the blend of art and science in creating high-quality spirits. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricate process of producing rice-based gin, discussing the unique methods and ingredients involved. They explore the challenges of funding and growing a distillery business, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation also highlights the competitive landscape of the spirits market and the importance of building a strong brand identity to educate consumers about their unique product. The speakers share insights on marketing strategies, distribution challenges, and the evolving preferences of consumers in the alcohol industry.

Takeaways

• Chand Harlow's background in hospitality stems from his parents' love for entertaining.
• He transitioned from finance to distilling to pursue his passion for food and beverage.
• Wonderbird Spirits was founded in 2017, focusing on grain to glass production.
• The distillery uses Jasmine rice from a local Mississippi farm for its gin.
• Chand emphasizes the importance of controlling the entire distillation process.
• Grain to glass means producing alcohol from raw ingredients to finished product.
• Most distilleries use neutral grain spirits rather than producing their own alcohol.
• Chand's approach combines both art and science in crafting spirits.
• The entrepreneurial journey involves trial and error and learning from mistakes.
• Chand's unique gin is one of the few rice-based gins in the world. Rice-based gin production is more complex and costly than corn-based.
• Koji kin is essential for creating umami flavors in gin.
• The distillation process involves multiple stages to achieve desired alcohol content.
• Individual botanical distillation enhances flavor quality in gin.
• COVID-19 presented unique challenges for new alcohol brands.
• Hand sanitizer production became a temporary pivot during the pandemic.
• Expanding the distillery was necessary for meeting growing demand.
• Brand ambassadors play a crucial role in market education.
• Navigating state regulations is complex for alcohol distribution.
• Awards and recognition help validate the quality of the product.