CS&D Podcast Episode 13: Widow Jane Head Distiller and Blender Sienna Jevremov Directs the Delicate Dance of Urban Distilling and Blending

Producing smaller volumes of craft spirits typically means a location closer to potential customers, but distilling in high-density urban environments is both work-intensive and expensive. Brooklyn’s Widow Jane has found an artful way to create distinct spirits despite—or maybe because of—the challenges they face distilling, aging, and blending in New York City.

Sydney Jones Aug 20, 2024 - 3 min read

CS&D Podcast Episode 13: Widow Jane Head Distiller and Blender Sienna Jevremov Directs the Delicate Dance of Urban Distilling and Blending   Primary Image

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New York City’s Widow Jane Distillery may be one of the better known craft-spirits brands, with a relatively wide distribution footprint earned through the incredible reputation built by former distillers such as Lisa Wicker (hear her perspective on Episode 3). Now, under the guidance of head distiller and blender Sienna Jevremov, the distillery continues to grow despite the functional challenge of producing spirits in tight urban spaces, and the results of their work capture a certain artful tension and energy.

In this episode, Jevremov and host Sydney Jones explore the challenges Widow Jane faces and the creative solutions those necessitate. Along the way, they discuss:

  • The challenges of distilling in an urban environment where the distilling and blending process takes place across five different addresses
  • Predicting the future of white-dog whiskey flavors and testing predictions against aged batches
  • Finding harmony in distillate from different sites
  • Making bourbon with a hybrid of two heirloom corn varieties
  • Articulating the hand of the distiller in column distillation
  • Creative approaches to blending while identifying personalities within the blending team
  • Using woods such as applewood and amburana for aging while testing and predicting its effects over time

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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