CS&D Podcast Episode 1: Hosts Sydney Jones and Molly Troupe Share Their Favorite Distilling Techniques

In this launch episode of the Craft Spirits & Distilling Podcast, hosts Sydney Jones of FEW Spirits and Molly Troupe of Freeland Spirits introduce the podcast and each other with a dive into their favorite distilling techniques.

Sydney Jones , Molly Troupe Mar 5, 2024 - 3 min read

CS&D Podcast Episode 1: Hosts Sydney Jones and Molly Troupe Share Their Favorite Distilling Techniques Primary Image

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Welcome to Episode 1 of the Craft Spirits & Distilling Podcast, featuring hosts Sydney Jones, head distiller for FEW Spirits in Chicago, and Molly Troupe, master distiller for Freeland Spirits in Portland, Oregon. Recorded live at the ACSA trade show and convention in Denver, this conversation introduces the podcast and the hosts via a deep dive into their favorite distilling techniques.

Along the way, they discuss:

  • distilling fresh ingredients at lower temperatures with a rotovap
  • navigating the TTB GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list
  • proofing with liquids other than water
  • barrel maturation in hot climates
  • enzyme protocols for difficult grains
  • whiskey-blending strategies
  • purposeful yeast selection, for more characterful whiskey fermentations
  • the flavor impacts of different factors in whiskey cask aging

And more.



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Sydney Jones is the Head Distiller for FEW Spirits in Evanston, IL, and has been working in the distilled spirits industry since 2016. Sydney is also a regular contributor to Artisan Spirit Magazine and American Craft Spirits Association publications, including the newly released e-book, “The ACSA Guide to Starting and Operating a Distillery.”

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