218 - The Contract Bourbon Business with David Mandell, Co-Founder of Bardstown Bourbon Company

Some people thought it was crazy to build a business doing 100% contract distilling. David Mandell, Former President and CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Company, told us this back on Episode 019. Four years later, we catch up with him to see how the operation has tripled from its original plan. This podcast covers what it takes to be a client of Bardstown Bourbon Company and how they are making 40 different mash bills for them. From the business side, we talk about building a destination for visitors and what it takes to find the right talent pool and keep employee retention. We look into their recently launched bourbon line and what the future has in store for more collaborations. Show Notes: Barrell American Vatted Malt: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190827005179/en/Barrell-Craft-Spirits-Releases-First-Ever-American-Vatted NAWR post on 21 states violating the constitution for shipping laws: https://nawr.org/twenty-one-states-in-violation-of-constitution-after-tennessee-wine-supreme-court-case/ Bardstown Bourbon Company’s new CEO: https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2019/09/bardstown-bourbon-co-names-new-ceo/ Bardstown Bourbon Company new Visitor Experience: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bardstown-bourbon-company-opens-immersive-visitors-center-experience-300914083.html This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about glassware. What's been going on since the last time you were on the podcast? What is Bardstown Bourbon Company? What kind of brands do you work with? What technology have you implemented in the distilling process? Talk about building Bottled & Bond Kitchen. How did you find the right staff? Do you see an end of investing into the business? Tell us about your innovation. How did you decide to get into this business? How many locations did you scout? What do you do for employee retention? Tell us about your bourbon. What's the next phase for the Fusion line? What about your vintage whiskey? Where do you see the business going in the future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices