For today’s episode, we traveled to Woodinville, Washington and sat down with Brett Carlile, Co-Founder, Distiller, and Lead Hose Dragger of Woodinville Whiskey Co. Brett gives an inside look at how him and his best friend, Orlin Sorensen, built one on of the most explosive craft brands on the market. It starts with an idea, enlisting late great Dave Pickerell to provide guidance, and good luck. Their whiskey began turning heads and led to an acquisition by Moet Hennessy. Get insights into their production process and their aging facility, which is a few hours away from the distillery and has a Kentucky-like climate.
Show Notes:
- Du Nord Benefit Discussion Panel: https://youtu.be/-fuH8aSQVhw
- Du Nord Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/minnesota-poc-business-support?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet
- Distilling Research Grants: https://distillingresearch.org/research/
- Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Whiskey: https://www.barrellbourbon.com/privatereleasewhiskey
- This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about how the world needs a drink.
- How did you get into whiskey?
- How did you decide to start the distillery?
- Where did you learn to produce whiskey?
- Tell us about working with Dave Pickerell.
- What was your first distillate like?
- Why Woodinville?
- Where did you get your mash bill?
- Was it a success out of the gate or did you run into issues?
- How long did it take to be successful in Washington?
- What is the whiskey scene like in Washington?
- How long did it take to bottle your product?
- When did you realize you had good juice?
- Tell us about the whiskey.
- Why 90 proof?
- Talk about your barrels.
- Where are your warehouses located?
- Tell us about your rye whiskey.
- Talk about getting purchased by Moet Hennessy.
- What has the partnership meant to you all?
- What markets are you expanding to?
- What are your plans for distillery expansion?
- What are you trying to accomplish with the port finish product?
- How much of the product is lost to evaporation?
- How do you store the barrels?
- What do you admire about your partner?
- Any plans to make an older product?
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