The Spirits Business Podcast

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: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.

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: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.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Simone Loose, head of research at Geisenheim University, Sylvia Bernard from La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, and Nikša Pirović of Pacific & Lime explore the evolving spirits industry. They delve into the importance of in-person trade shows, the rise of 'spiritainment', and the balancing act of sustainability in tequila production. The guests share key findings from the ProSpirits Report, discuss consumer trends, and emphasize the need for authentic storytelling to foster long-term business relationships.

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: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/spiritsbusinessThe 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.

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/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/spiritsbusinessThe 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.

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: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/spiritsbusinessThe 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.

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: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/spiritsbusinessThe Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: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/spiritsbusinessThe Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Burrell and Aaisha Dadral, co-founders of Equiano Rum, share their inspiring journey from music to spirits. They delve into rum's rich history, linking it to Olaudah Equiano's legacy, while discussing the innovative blend of African and Caribbean rums. The duo highlights the growing premiumization trend in the rum industry and the importance of quality in spiced rum. They also reflect on their entrepreneurial challenges and aspirations, emphasizing collaboration and transparency as key to establishing Equiano as an iconic brand.

"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: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/spiritsbusinessThe 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.