The Spirits Business Podcast

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/Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spiritsbusiness/Keep updated on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/Follow along on X (formerly Twitter):https://x.com/spiritsbusinessFind us on Threads:https://www.threads.net/@spiritsbusinessTake a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazineThe 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.

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/Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spiritsbusiness/Keep updated on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/Follow along on X (formerly Twitter):https://x.com/spiritsbusinessFind us on Threads:https://www.threads.net/@spiritsbusinessTake a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazineThe 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.

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/Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spiritsbusiness/Keep updated on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/Follow along on X (formerly Twitter):https://x.com/spiritsbusinessFind us on Threads:https://www.threads.net/@spiritsbusinessTake a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazineThe 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.

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:https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spiritsbusiness/Keep updated on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/Follow along on X (formerly Twitter):https://x.com/spiritsbusinessFind us on Threads:https://www.threads.net/@spiritsbusinessTake a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazineThe 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.

Lorenzo Antinori, founder of Bar Leone in Hong Kong and a former lawyer turned bartender, shares his inspiring journey from the legal field to creating Asia's top bar. He discusses the importance of Italian hospitality in building community, the emotional journey of entrepreneurship, and his plans for a new Cuban-inspired bar, Montana. Lorenzo delves into innovative strategies that blend nostalgia with exceptional service, all while maintaining the essence of classic cocktails. His experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring bar owners navigating the dynamic hospitality landscape.

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/Follow along on X (formerly Twitter):https://x.com/spiritsbusinessFind us on Threads:https://www.threads.net/@spiritsbusinessTake a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazineThe 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.

Ilaria Carone, the spirited UK brand ambassador for Four Roses Bourbon, shares her incredible journey from Italy to London’s cocktail scene. She discusses overcoming language barriers and honing her craft in high-end bars. Ilaria emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and resilience amid industry challenges. She also dives into the nuances of the American whiskey market and how her role fosters authentic connections with bartenders. The conversation highlights her passion for creating unique experiences and her dreams of opening a bar in Italy.

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/Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spiritsbusiness/Keep updated on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/Follow along on X (formerly Twitter):https://x.com/spiritsbusinessFind us on Threads:https://www.threads.net/@spiritsbusinessTake a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazineThe 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.

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/Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spiritsbusiness/Keep updated on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/Follow along on X (formerly Twitter):https://x.com/spiritsbusinessFind us on Threads:https://www.threads.net/@spiritsbusinessTake a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazineThe 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.

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. 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/Follow along on X (formerly Twitter):https://x.com/spiritsbusinessFind us on Threads:https://www.threads.net/@spiritsbusinessTake a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazineThe 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.