Reviving Heirloom Grains: Highwire Distilling’s Impact on the Craft Spirits Industry with Ann Marshal

In this episode of the Proof University Show, host Justin Obey sits down with Ann Marshall, co-founder of High Wire Distilling Co., a Charleston-based distillery known for its dedication to local ingredients and innovative craft spirits. Ann takes us on a journey from her and her husband Scott’s beginnings in craft brewing to founding a celebrated distillery in 2012. Together, Ann and Justin explore High Wire's commitment to reviving the heritage Jimmy Red corn, working alongside renowned experts like master distiller Dave Pickerel, and balancing the demands of a family-run business. They also dive into the challenges of navigating e-commerce in the whiskey world, the importance of community engagement, and how High Wire blends tradition with a forward-thinking approach to craft distilling. This episode offers a rich exploration of building a brand that respects Southern culture and history while staying at the cutting edge of the spirits industry. Ann also gives a sneak peek into their exciting upcoming whiskey releases and discusses the broader trends shaping the future of natural products. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado, a fan of craft spirits, or curious about the business behind the bottle, this conversation is full of insights into the art and innovation of distilling. Listen now to hear Ann’s inspiring story and learn more about High Wire Distilling Co., only on the Proof University Show. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! Key Takeaways: The story of transitioning from craft brewing to distilling. The importance of using local ingredients and reviving heirloom crops. Challenges and rewards of running a family-owned business. How staying true to your roots can lead to long-term success. An exclusive look into High Wire’s upcoming whiskey releases and their exciting future. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:58 The Beginnings of High Wire Distilling 02:39 Transition from Brewing to Distilling 03:33 Choosing Craft Spirits Over Brewing 03:59 Establishing the Distillery in Charleston 06:12 Commitment to Craft and Local Sourcing 14:37 The Jimmy Red Corn Story 19:40 Building the Brand and Overcoming Challenges 23:12 The Long Journey to Success 25:56 The Power of Authenticity in Small Business 26:53 The Importance of Patience and Longevity 27:57 Navigating Economic Challenges 29:12 Creating a Community Experience 34:22 The Role of E-commerce in Growth 38:17 Building a Strong Brand Community 44:34 Balancing Business and Personal Life 50:10 Exciting New Developments 52:42 Reflecting on the Journey 55:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 👋 Hey! I'm Justin Obey and I'm the founder of Obey Creative. We help adult beverage brands pull off the shelf and build communities of raving fans without competing on price. Ask me about our latest offer: The Social Advantage Blueprint. Within 30 days, you'll go from your love hate relationship with social to pure love with a strategy that will help you build an iconic brand. 👉 ⁠⁠Follow Justin Obey on ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠Follow Justin Obey on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠Follow Justin Obey on ⁠⁠Youtube⁠