Welcome to another exciting episode of the EmbellishPod! In this episode, we sit down with Brett Connors from Castle & Key to delve into the fascinating world of whiskey, historic preservation, and innovative distilling practices.

Brett shares his journey from the hospitality industry to becoming a key player at Castle & Key, a distillery known for its unique blend of modern whiskey-making techniques and historic preservation. We discuss the challenges and rewards of reviving an old distillery site, the importance of maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation, and the meticulous process behind their latest releases, including the much-anticipated seven-year cask strength wheated bourbon.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and housekeeping 00:00:44 - Brett Connors' background and journey to Castle & Key 00:01:56 - The significance of the Castle & Key site and its history 00:03:13 - The process of reviving a historic distillery 00:07:56 - Balancing modern whiskey-making with historical preservation 00:12:43 - Measuring success and future goals for Castle & Key 00:20:14 - Launching new products and the importance of age statements 00:24:02 - The role of rye whiskey and experimental series at Castle & Key 00:31:11 - The philosophy behind barrel finishing and future releases

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#Podcast #Whiskey #CastleAndKey #HistoricPreservation #Innovation #Patience #NewEpisode

In this episode of the EmbellishPod, we dive deep into the world of whiskey with Ari Sussman from Outsider Spirits. Join us as we explore the innovative journey behind Whiskey JYPSI, a brand that defies the norms of celebrity spirits. Ari shares the fascinating story of how country musician Eric Church and serial entrepreneur Raj Elva came together to create a whiskey brand that truly stands out.

Topics Covered:

The inception of Outsider Spirits and the collaboration between Eric Church and Raj Elva.

The unique approach to creating Whiskey JYPSI, blending international whiskeys and exploring new whiskey categories.

The importance of quality and authenticity in celebrity spirits.

The innovative use of different woods and casks in the Explorer Series.

The significance of grain selection and the use of heritage grains in whiskey production.

Future plans for Whiskey Gypsy and the exciting releases to come.

Key Highlights:

00:00:07 - Introduction and how to connect with EmbellishPod.

00:01:00 - Ari introduces Outsider Spirits and the vision behind it.

00:03:41 - The challenge of creating high-quality celebrity spirits.

00:08:03 - Ari's background and his role in Whiskey JYPSI.

00:17:00 - The Explorer Series and the use of oak from the Troncais Forest.

00:27:10 - Future international spirits and blending possibilities.

00:33:33 - The importance of grain selection and heritage grains.

00:43:25 - Future plans for Whiskey JYPSI and upcoming releases.

Connect with Us:

Email: embellishpod@gmail.com

Instagram:@embellishpod

TikTok:@embellishpod

Website:www.embellishpod.com

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#WhiskeyJYPSI #OutsiderSpirits #EricChurch #CelebritySpirits #WhiskeyBlending #HeritageGrains #EmbellishPod #WhiskeyPodcast

In this episode of the Embellish Pod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jose Valdez, the Maestro Tequilero and guardian of quality at Tequila Partida. This episode is a deep dive into the world of tequila, exploring everything from the cultivation of agave plants to the intricate details of the distillation and aging processes.

The episode kicks off with a brief introduction about the podcast and where listeners can find it. I then introduce Jose Valdez, who provides a fascinating overview of his role at Tequila Partida and his journey into the tequila industry.

Jose shares his background, starting from his studies in industrial engineering to his initial work in the manufacturing electronic industry. Dissatisfied with his career, he sought a more fulfilling path and found his way into the tequila industry. He recounts meeting Gary Shasby, an American investor looking to create a new tequila brand that would compete with the likes of Patron and Don Julio but with a more authentic and natural approach.

Jose explains the concept of "additive-free" tequila, a cornerstone of Tequila Partida's philosophy. He elaborates on the Mexican laws that allow up to 1% of additives in tequila and how Tequila Partida chooses to go beyond these regulations to create a more natural product.

We delve into the detailed process of making tequila, starting with the cultivation of the Blue Tequilana Weber agave plant. Jose explains the importance of the plant's maturity, the harvesting process, and the subsequent steps of cooking, milling, fermentation, and distillation. He emphasizes the significance of using fresh agave and the unique volcanic water from Tequila Valley, which contributes to the distinct flavor profile of Tequila Partida.

Jose provides insights into the fermentation process, highlighting the use of natural yeast and the importance of fermentation time in developing the tequila's flavor. He also discusses the distillation process using pot stills, which helps in maintaining the quality and consistency of the final product.

We explore the aging process of tequila, where Jose explains the use of ex-bourbon barrels and the meticulous selection process for creating their aged products. He shares the challenges and intricacies of barrel aging, including the impact of climate and barrel position on the final flavor.

Jose introduces Tequila Partida's Single Barrel Añejo project, a special initiative to celebrate their 20th anniversary. He describes the rigorous selection process for these unique barrels and the opportunity for consumers to experience a one-of-a-kind tequila.

Towards the end of the episode, Jose shares his personal connection to tequila, recounting memories of his father enjoying tequila on Sundays and how this influenced his respect and passion for the spirit.

We wrap up the episode with a heartfelt thank you to Jose for sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for tequila. This episode offers a comprehensive look into the world of Tequila Partida and the dedication to quality that sets them apart in the industry.

Tune in to this episode to gain a deeper appreciation for tequila and the artistry behind Tequila Partida. Whether you're a tequila aficionado or a curious newcomer, this episode is packed with valuable insights and fascinating stories.

00:00:00 - Introduction and Subscription Request 00:00:32 - Guest Introduction: Jose from Tequila Partida 00:01:16 - Jose's Role and Title: Maestro Tequilero 00:02:17 - Jose's Background and Journey to Tequila Partida 00:05:10 - Authenticity and Additive-Free Tequila 00:07:09 - Overview of Tequila Production Process 00:12:07 - Challenges of Agave Cultivation and Sourcing 00:16:16 - Changes in the Tequila Industry and Consumer Trends 00:19:29 - Focus on Quality and Freshness in Agave Selection 00:21:03 - Cooking and Milling Process 00:25:20 - Importance of Water in Tequila Production 00:28:01 - Fermentation Process and Yeast Management 00:32:01 - Distillation Process and Consistency 00:36:03 - Deciding Between Blanco and Aged Tequila 00:38:14 - Aging Process and Barrel Selection 00:41:04 - Single Barrel Añejo Project 00:45:02 - Batching and Blending for Consistency 00:49:59 - Jose's Personal Connection to Tequila 00:53:41 - Conclusion and Appreciation