In this episode, I traveled to my hometown of West Allis, Wisconsin to learn all about the brewery that opened after I moved away! Co-owner Kyle Ciske and Brewer Cameron Patterson welcomed me to Ope! and shared their story, alongside a flight of beer of course! Enjoy the music in the beginning and ending? Cheers to Kyle - a musician himself - for s…

In this episode I traveled back to my hometown of Milwaukee, WI and had the special privilege of speaking with Head Distiller Nate Newbrough and Bar Manager Brendan Cleary - at Great Lakes Distillery!! Back when we were still just doing audio, Great Lakes joined us on Episode 12 for what is still our most successful audio episode TO DATE! Now, we b…

In this episode I traveled to Washington DC and had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan Cotton, co-founder and distiller at the Cotton & Reed Rum Distillery! I'm so thankful for Jordan's hospitality and look forward to visiting again when I'm in the area! For more information: Follow: @cottonandreed on Instagram Visit: https://www.cottonandreed.co…

In this episode I traveled to Baltimore, MD and had the honor of speaking with the great Max Lents and Eli Brietburg-Smith. Both are Co-founders and distillers at Baltimore Spirits Co! I'm so thankful for Max and Eli's hospitality and look forward to visiting again when I'm in the area! For more information: Follow Baltimore Spirits Co.: @baltspiri…

In this episode I traveled to Middleburg, VA - a small rural town just about an hour west of Washington D.C. - and had the honor of speaking with the head distiller at Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery: Peter Ahlf! I'm so thankful for Peter's hospitality and time and can't wait to visit again when I'm in the area! For more information: Follow Mt. De…

In this episode I traveled to Kearneysville, WV - a small town just 20 min NW of Harpers Ferry - and had the pleasure of speaking with owner and operator of Devil's Due Distillery: Wylie McDade. I'm so thankful for Wylie's hospitality and friendship and can't wait to visit again when I'm in the area! For more information: Follow Devil's Due: @devil…

In this episode I traveled to Old Town Alexandria, VA - a beautiful historic town just minutes from Washington DC - and had the honor of speaking with Tom "Big T" Gale - the Director of Operations at one of the biggest bourbon bars and restaurants in the area, Virtue Feed & Grain! Tom is a Kentucky Colonel, Executive Bourbon Steward, king of one-li…

In this episode I traveled to Norristown, PA - just outside of Philadelphia - and had the honor of speaking with John George - founder and distiller of Five Saints Distilling! I'm so thankful for John's hospitality and can't wait to visit again when I'm in the Philly area! "Growing up in the Upstate New York countryside provided a childhood of outd…

In this episode I traveled to Evanston, IL - just outside of Chicago - and had the pleasure of speaking with Paul Hletko - founder and distillery of FEW Spirits! I'm so thankful for Paul's hospitality and can't wait to visit again when I'm in the Chicagoland area! "PAUL HLETKO, FOUNDER & DISTILLER, SAW THE POWER OF PEOPLE FOLLOWING THEIR DREAMS. HE…

In this episode I traveled to Indiana, PA and had the joy of interviewing Zach Morrow - owner and operator of Noble Stein Brewing Co, and Brewmaster Garrett Joiner! "It all started in a garage. We had both homebrewed before. Then, one day we brought all of our ideas and recipes together. We started out using home brew kits in a simple five-gallon k…

In this episode I traveled to Washington, PA and had the pleasure of speaking Jim Hough - owner and operator of Liberty Pole Spirits! Alongside his Wife and Sons, Jim honors the incredible history of Washington County, PA with one of the first American Industries: Whiskey! Liberty Pole Spirits celebrates the secret gathering in a meetinghouse near …

In this episode I traveled to El Paso, TX and had the pleasure of speaking with Sean Isassi of Prospect Spirits! The distillery itself is a work in progress in an old pizza shop, and the work they've done so far is really impressive! Makers of Free Range Vodka and Brindle Bourbon - among other delicious offerings, Prospect Spirits owns the space in…

In this episode I had the honor of sitting down with Steven Khoo - owner and operator of Static Line Brewing Co. in Sanford, North Carolina! Steven, alongside his wife Michelle, have only recently opened but already have a massive following and dedicate their space to the military community nearby at Fort Liberty (Bragg). Steven himself is retired …

In this episode I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark McLaughlin to discuss his journey from Navy to Distillery and everything in-between at Old Line Spirits in Baltimore, Maryland! visit www.oldlinespirits.com Follow @oldlinespirits If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate a follow and share on social media, subscribe to our YouTu…

In this episode I traveled to Colorado Springs, CO on the heels of the 2024 American Craft Spirits Association Convention in Denver! I've admired Blackhat from afar and am so grateful for the opportunity to stop by and talk to their head distiller Kim Immel. Visit https://www.blackhatdistillery.com/ Follow @blackhatdistillery If you enjoyed this ep…

In our first video episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mike and Dolly - founders of The Bar Book! They've created something special with a brand new app that helps you discover flavor profiles in products that fit you and your preference! The app went live in March 2024, and has tons of steam and TLC behind it. Mike and Dolly welcomed my w…

Our last audio only episode is here! I had an absolute blast talking to owner and operator, Jeff Harner, about his quaint and unique distillery in Hyattsville, Maryland. Sang•Froid Distilling is one of the smallest yet most impressive operations I've had the pleasure of visiting and I can't thank Jeff enough for having me! visit online at https://w…

In this episode, I again traveled to Frederick, Maryland to visit McClintock Distilling and speak with owner and operator Braeden Bumpers! Braeden graciously welcomed me into the distillery and gave a wonderfully detailed tour showcasing their beautiful space and I certainly can't wait to return! Visit them online at https://mcclintockdistilling.co…

In this episode I traveled to Frederick, Maryland to visit Puerto Rico Distillery and speak with owner and operator Angel Rivera. Originally from Puerto Rico, Agnel prides himself on sharing a slice of his culture with the American spirits market and often hosts events in the area to share a bit of his delicious Pitorro – or Puerto Rican Moonshine.…

In this episode I traveled to Benson, North Carolina to visit Broadslab Distillery and speak with the man behind it all, Jeremy Norris. Broadslab is just a short drive away from where I frequently visit in North Carolina and I’m glad I finally had the opportunity to take a tour and visit the beautiful farm. This is one I am excited to bring to vide…

In this episode I traveled to Beltsville, Maryland to visit Shmidt Spirits and talk with master distiller, Brian Roan. The small distillery is owned and operated by Arthur Shmidt – an engineer from the College Park, Maryland area who’s desire to make better spirits than what’s on the market emboldened his blending of engineering and his love of fin…

In this episode I traveled to Northern Pennsylvania to visit the Keir Family Distillery located in the small town of Warren Center. The distillery sits on a farm just 5 miles south of the New York/Pennsylvania state border and is only about an hour from where I spend my time drilling for the Army National Guard. I had the pleasure of speaking with …

In this episode, I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful veteran owned Tobacco Barn Distillery in Hollywood, Maryland and sat down with the trio behind it all: Dan, Sean, and Scott! Tobacco Barn is a true ground to glass distillery, growing the corn used in their whiskey right there on the farm. Ground to glass recently paid off when in 2023, …

In this episode, I traveled to Smyrna, Delaware to visit Painted Stave Distilling and speak to one of their owners - Michael Rassmusen. The most unique thing about this craft distillery is the building's history! It was originally opened as the Smyrna Theatre back in 1948 and Painted Stave maintained much of the original aspects of the theater insi…

In this episode, Allan sits down with Dan Morello of Tenth Ward Distilling Co. in Frederick, Maryland. Dan is one of the main distillers and graciously sat down to talk about his background and the awesome story behind Tenth Ward. Proudly woman owned and operated since 2016 by owner Monica Pearce in what used to be the Tenth Ward of downtown Freder…

In this episode I traveled to Weston, West Virginia to visit the MannCave Distillery and had the pleasure of speaking to the family behind it all! Father and Daughter duo Stephen and Kelly Mann joined me for a conversation discussing their business and the unique character a small craft distillery imparts on distillation out there in the sticks of …

In this episode I traveled to Culpeper, Virginia to visit the Belmont Farm Distillery and speak with famous moonshiner, Chuck Miller! The word legend isn’t enough to describe Chuck’s influence on the craft spirits industry, and his expertise is showcased in several episodes of Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners”. In fact, while at the distillery, vis…

In this episode I traveled to Manassas, Virginia to visit KO Distilling and had the pleasure of sitting down with Peter Mowery, the distillery’s Director of Sales. "Upon retiring early, the question became, “what next?” Neither one satisfied with sitting idle, in 2013 Bill and John set off to create craft spirits with local ingredients, high-qualit…

In this Episode, Allan sits down with Owen King from Ironclad Distillery Co. located in Newport News, Virginia. Ironclad is a family run craft distillery reveling in the rich Civil War history of the area. In 1862, one year into the American Civil War, the first ships to be armored in iron engaged in the waters off the Port of Newport News, Virgini…

In this episode, Allan sits down with Co-Founder Jim Larkin and Head Distiller Kevin Szady from Murlarkey Distilled Spirits, located in Bristow, Virginia Jim and Kevin discuss their proud support for local farms and showcase their unique offerings that set Murlarkey apart from other craft distilleries. visit Murlarkey at their website: https://murl…

In this episode Allan sits down with Michael & Lorenzo Paluzzi of Falls Church Distillers - located in Falls Church, Virginia! A father and son team, taking on the challenge of craft spirits and making uniquely delicious whiskey, gin, and vodka - including their incredibly successful Ready-to-drink canned cocktails! Learn more about them at http://…

In this episode, Allan had the pleasure of sitting down with Becky Harris, Chief Distiller of Catoctin Creek Distilling located in Purcellville, Virginia. She and her husband Scott opened with the intent of celebrating Virginia’s rich rye history and has become a favorite spot of mine to visit. Episode Thumb Photo credit: Alicia Bruce + Catoctin Cr…

In this episode, Allan sits down with Derek Anderson, the owner of The MacMillan Whisky Room located in the Mosaic District of Fairfax, Virginia. This place is one of Allan's favorite places to grab a cocktail and enjoy a meal, especially given their vast whiskey collection! "Come to the MacMillan Whisky Room and enjoy a dram of your favorite malt …

In this episode Allan sits down with Chris Roedl, the Founder of Hatch Distilling Co. - located in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. Door County is a top tourist destination in Wisconsin, and the small town of Egg Harbor offers some of the best spots - including this craft distillery. "Our founder, Chris, spent his formative years working in the commercial po…

In this episode Allan sits down with Evan Hughes, the co-owner of Central Standard Craft Distillery - located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "Central Standard is more than a name. It’s an idea. An idea to make better spirits, with locally sourced products, by hard-working local professionals who are passionate about what they create. We’ve been lucky eno…

In this Episode, Allan sits down with the head distiller, Nate Newbrough, of Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Great Lakes Distillery has called Wisconsin home since their founding by Guy Rehorst in 2004. Nestled in the heart of the vibrant city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the distillery stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment…

In this episode, Allan sits down with Alex Laufer, CEO and co-founder of District Made Spirits located in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington D.C. Recorded onsite at the distillery, Alex discusses the unique craft of distilling whiskey and other spirits in the Nation's Capital and the value he puts on community and using local products in the p…

In this episode, Allan sits down with Head Distiller Jake Walish of the Northern Waters Distillery located in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Recorded onsite, this space has a beautiful tasting room and has incredible lake views - a perfect spot to share some whiskey and learn more about the craft in the North Woods. Jake shares his own personal story and how…

In this episode, after taking Allan on a flight in his personal plane around Hartford, Wisconsin, Brad Schnell sits down to discuss some bourbons that he's has never tried, and tell Allan all about his professional wedding officiant business "I do" (https://idoofficiant.com/) and his aviation hobby. Brad is a self proclaimed bourbon man so a conver…

In this episode, Allan sits down with Master Distiller Steve Bashore at George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill on the Mount Vernon property. Steve shares his expertise on all things whiskey from the time of our first president and explains the 18th century distillation process. While discussing this incredible history, Steve shares the three ry…

In this short episode, Allan discusses the rise in craft distilleries in the past decade and their influence on the whiskey market and how it has opened the door for several celebrities to create their own lines of whiskey - for better or worse. Background music courtesy of the Blues Lounge YouTube channel. They are a band of musicians performing u…

Nathan Haug, a longtime friend since their college bowling days, joins Allan to sample 3 bottled-in-bond bourbons. Featured is Heaven HIll 7yr old Bonded, Old Grand Dad bonded, and Fainting Goat's C.B. Fishers Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. All three are very different, but very delicious! While enjoying these samples, Allan gets to know Nate better as t…

Philip Dannelly, an old friend from Army Basic Training joins Allan to sample 3 single malt whiskies, each with a unique flavor profile. Featured is the Door County Distillery's American Single Malt, Edradour 10yr old Scotch, and finally the Glenfarclas 25yr old scotch. While enjoying these samples, Allan gets to know Phil better as they discuss li…

Brad Lake joins Allan to enjoy some of the most well known peated scotches including Laphroaig 10, Talisker Storm, Ardbeg Uigeadail, Lagavulin 16, and Bruichladdich Octomore 13.3. Brad is a longtime friend and former co-worker of Allan's who has recently developed a taste for peated scotch rather than the usual sweetness of Bourbon. Amid sharing so…

Recorded back in the beginning of the year as a proof of concept for the new iteration of The Cogan Conversation, Grant Brown sits down with Allan to sample 3 offerings from The Balvenie Distillery in Scotland. While learning about Balvenie's history and wonderful whiskey, Grant discusses his roots and livelihood - a welcome shift in conversation f…

In this episode, I debunk some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding whiskey as well as defining certain terms and buzzwords often found on the bottle. Understanding what is what can help you confidently purchase a bottle to enjoy! The reality is that the whiskey industry is a business that sells product. In order to sell that product, they h…

Episode 1 is here! The question I hear most often is “How do I know what to buy, and if I’ll like it?” - It’s a fair question, and if I’m being honest, I learned by buying bottles of whiskey that looked interesting and trying them myself or with a group of close friends. I developed my palate and know what I like and dislike. However, I recognize t…

Crafted Conversations is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the craft of small businesses within the alcohol industry! In 2024, we plan to visit distilleries, breweries, wineries, and more and discuss their awesome products with them onsite and share it with you! "The Cogan Conversation" was always about engaging in meaningful conversations, but wit…