Ep.019 Cardinal Sin Distillery

Join us on location just off Main Street in St. Charles as we sit down with Steve Herberhold from Cardinal Sin Distillery. Have you ever wondered what happens when an aerospace engineer, an orthopedic surgeon, and a marketing executive are all neighbors who enjoy a drink together? In 2010, this trio turned a casual neighborhood hang-out into a partnership that blends mechanical aptitude with chemical precision.In this episode, we dive into the science behind their process and the unique challenges of jumping from day jobs to distillation. You’ll hear the story behind "Starka," a barrel-aged spirit so unique that it initially baffled federal regulators and sparked a debate over what to legally call it. Steve explains how a clear spirit can take on the soul of a whiskey and why the government refused to let them put certain words on the same line of the label.Tune in to discover how "Cardinal Sin" got its name, why they are currently facing "champagne problems" at their historic storefront, and how they manage to keep their friendship intact while navigating the complex world of craft spirits. Whether you are a vodka drinker or a die-hard bourbon fan, this conversation proves that sometimes the best business plans start in a neighbor's living room.Cardinal Sin DistillerySt. Charles Bourbon Society