S&D Podcast 29: Devon Trevathan of Liba Spirits and Trovador Rum Distills Spirits with Stories

Whether she’s distilling in far-flung locales, blending beautiful spirits, or writing about others’ processes, Devon Trevathan crafts stories in both words and flavors.

By: Molly Troupe

Water: It’s More than Just Hs and Os

Water is an essential component to producing high-quality spirits. Knowing how it affects your mash is what can take your products from good to great.

By: Reade Huddleston

Fun with Fungi: Distillers Make Magic with Mushrooms

Mushrooms offer a range of characteristics that may appeal to consumers, whether they’re seeking flavor in spirits or function in NA beverages.

By: Courtney Iseman

Fundamentals

Rollers, Hammers, Mashers, and Cookers: The Gear to Know, from Milling through Cooking

A distillery’s goals tend to influence its choice of equipment, as different spirits call for different ways to process grain or other fermentables. Here’s a primer.

By: Gabe Toth

S&D Podcast Episode 28: Brett Steigerwaldt of Lyon Rum is Crafting Contemporary Expressions with Timeless Methods

Rum with distinctive character and refined expression is key for this Maryland distillery, and head distiller Brett Steigerwaldt doesn’t leave flavor up to fate.

By: Sydney Jones

Subscriber Exclusive

When It Comes to Barrel Entry Proof, Consider Your Budget and the Science

The available data around flavor impacts is unclear—even contradictory—but this much we know: Distilling a range of strengths for the barrels will give you a broader range of blending options.

By: Matt Strickland

Four Trailblazing Women Who Shaped Drinking Culture

For Women’s History Month, we mix up some cocktails in honor of those who pushed for a seat at the table and a place behind the bar.

By: Sailor Guevara

Fundamentals

Unlocking the Goodness Locked Up in Grain

Understanding the fundamentals of proper mashing or cooking can be essential to producing good spirits.

By: Gabe Toth

S&D Podcast Episode 27: Ashley Barnes of The Blending House Uses Data to Drive Better Blends

As a chemist with a background in pharmaceutical quality, Ashley Barnes developed scientific discipline and a data-driven approach. Now as master blender at the Blending House, she applies that same rigor to the subject of aging and blending spirits.

By: Molly Troupe

The Synergies of Brewstilleries

Adding a brewery to a distillery—or vice versa—can open up some options for makers, bringing new efficiencies and opportunities for creativity.

By: David Nilsen

Aquatically Aged Spirits: A Taste of the Past (with Modern Legal Hurdles)

Aging barrels on rivers and waterways offers distillers a unique profile—and an intriguing story—for their spirits. However, there are some legal and technical challenges to overcome.

By: Hollie Stephens

Experimenting with Different Cask Finishes for Rye Whiskey | Video Tip

R&D distiller Mitch Mahar describes the innovation program that helps WhistlePig choose single-cask finishes worth pursuing, as well as potential threads for their annual Boss Hog special release.

By: Liz Rhoades , Mitch Mahar

Fundamentals

Pots and Columns: Choosing the Right Type of Still

A distiller’s choice of still design can have a significant impact on their product lineup—and vice-versa.

By: Gabe Toth

S&D Podcast Episode 26: Caley Shoemaker of As Above, So Below Explores Character and Texture in Vodka Distillation

Character and expression in “simple” vodka distillations? Is it really possible? The cofounder and master distiller behind this Santa Fe, New Mexico, craft distillery not only thinks so, but she walks through her process of using atypical grains and other ingredients to produce vodka with spirit and verve.

By: Sydney Jones

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