PODCAST · society
Crafted Conversations
by Allan Cogan
Host Allan Cogan tours the world talking to Master Distillers, Distillery Owners, Mixologists, Bar Owners, and more! Learn about whiskey and the people who make it! Welcome to Crafted Conversations! Cheers!
Episodes
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#83 - Why ADI? One Question, Everybody at ADI Miami 2026
Why ADI? I asked everybody who'd give me five minutes in Miami. Distillers, suppliers, a company doing its first show ever, a guy holding his third award in a row. Almost nobody led with the trade show floor. They led with the room. Full interviews, uncut. Recorded at the American Distilling...
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#82 - From 82nd Airborne to Distiller in Miami | Fernando Plata - Big Cypress Distillery
Fernando Plata and his cousin Mark just wanted to make their own booze. Ten years later, Big Cypress Distillery is one of Miami's most respected craft producers. In this episode, Fernando shares how an 82nd Airborne vet taught himself to distill gin from old perfumery books (29 versions to get…
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#81 - He Bet His Life Savings on a Distillery. Then the World Shut Down.
Allan sits down with Shane Faulkner at End of Days Distillery — housed in a restored WWII-era Quonset hut in Wilmington, North Carolina's Cargo District. Shane opened the doors just six weeks before COVID hit, and instead of shutting down, pivoted the entire operation to producing hand sanitizer,...
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#80 - He Bought the Stills. He Never Turned Them On. | Olde Raleigh Distillery
Allan sits down with Brandon McCraney — founder and master blender of Olde Raleigh Distillery in Zebulon, North Carolina. A former Air Force captain who emptied his 401(k) and opened during the pandemic, Brandon calls himself “the antithesis of a 300-year-old brand.” The twist: he’s a blender…
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#79 - Making Bourbon Five Lights from the French Quarter | Seven Three Distilling Co.
EPISODE #79 In this episode, Allan sits down with Luka at Seven Three Distilling Co. — a born-and-raised New Orleans operation making bourbon five lights from the French Quarter. We go inside the distillery during Mardi Gras week to talk mash bills, high rye bourbons, and what it means to build...
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#78 - From Moonshine to Craft | Matt Crittenden of Crittenden Distillery
Allan sits down with Matt Crittenden at Crittenden Distillery in Kiln, Mississippi — a one-man craft operation in the heart of the Gulf Coast's moonshine country. They go inside the distillery to talk mash bills, barrel finishing, and what it means to build something authentic in a market that...
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#77 - Building Jacksonville's Only Organic Distillery — Manifest Distilling
EPISODE #77In this episode, Allan sits down with Jim Webb at Manifest Distilling — Downtown Jacksonville's only full-scale organic distillery, located in the heart of the Sports District. We go inside the operation to talk craft, philosophy, and what it means to build something independently in…
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#76 - Exclusively Craft | Selling the Story, Not Just the Bottle
Beth Hurwitz spent 15 years selling bottles to distillers. She knew the product, she knew the people, and she knew the problem — the three-tier system was leaving incredible craft spirits with nowhere to go and no one to champion them at the retail level. Her answer was Craft Spirits Social in...
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#75 - Life is a Preez: Florida's Best Micro Distillery! | Ramon Perez
After 21 years in the U.S. Army, Ramon didn't take it easy in retirement — he opened a distillery. Preez Distillery in Largo, Florida started as a kitchen experiment in Alaska, grew through word of mouth during COVID, and is now one of the most unique craft spirits operations in the state. In…
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#74 - Whiskey Run: Building a Wisconsin Craft Distillery
Join me in New Glarus, WI with Todd Kuehl, founder of Whiskey Run, as we explore what it takes to build a small-town craft distillery from the ground up. From transitioning a winery to whiskey, to grain-to-glass production, distilling philosophy, and the challenges of launching a local spirits...
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#73 - Dan Carey on Building New Glarus Brewing and the Story of Spotted Cow
EPISODE #73 | The Story Behind Wisconsin’s Most Legendary Beer I traveled back home to Wisconsin to sit down with Dan Carey, owner and co-founder of New Glarus Brewing Company, to talk about how Spotted Cow became a state icon — and why the brewery chose to stay local. Recorded onsite at New…
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#72 - Vetus Distillery w/ Kate Kercheva
In this episode I traveled to Monroe, North Carolina to chat with Kate Kercheva, the wife of the fantastic husband and wife team behind Vetus Distillery who pride themselves on sharing their Bulgarian traditions and roots! I can't thank Kate enough for her generosity and hospitality and I can't...
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#71 - Blue Ridge Distilling Co. w/ Chris Simovich, Zach Shumway, & Rita Cheng
In this episode I traveled to Bostic, North Carolina in the Golden Valley to chat with Chris Simovich, Zach Shumway, & Rita Cheng - the fantastic team behind Defiant Whisky at Blue Ridge Distilling Company! I can't thank Chris and company enough for their generosity and hospitality and I can't…
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#70 - Fair Game Beverage Co. w/ Lyle Estill
In this episode I traveled to Pittsboro, North Carolina to chat with Lyle Estill - the esteemed Lion Tamer of Fair Game Beverage Company!I can't thank Lyle and the Fair Game team enough for their generosity and hospitality and I can't wait to make it back! For more information:Be sure to follow:...
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#69 - Muddy River Distillery w/ Robbie Delaney
In this episode I traveled to Mount Holly, North Carolina to chat with Robbie Delaney, owner and operator of Muddy River Distillery!I can't thank Robbie and the Muddy River team enough for their generosity and hospitality and I can't wait to make it back! For more information:Be sure to follow:...
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#68 - Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. w/ Scott Harris
In this episode I traveled to Purcellville, Virginia to pay a visit to our friends at Catoctin Creek! In our previous episode with Catoctin, we sat down with the great Becky Harris - but this time around we were joined by her other half, Scott Harris! I can't thank Scott and Becky enough for…
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#67 - Los Angeles Distillery w/ Lewis Harsanyi
In this episode I traveled to Los Angeles, California to visit the great Lewis Harsanyi - a Hungarian immigrant making some delicious whiskey at Los Angeles Distillery! I can't thank Lewis enough for his generosity and hospitality and I can't wait to make it back! For more information:Be sure to...
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#66 - Dismal Harmony Distilling w/ Bob Dillon
In this episode I traveled to Morristown, NJ to visit Dismal Harmony Distilling and sat down with the mastermind of liqueurs: Bob Dillon! I can't thank Bob and the Dismal Harmony family enough for their hospitality and welcoming us into their space.For more information:Be sure to follow:...
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#65 - The Obscure Distillery w/ Théron Regnier
In this episode I traveled to Los Angeles, CA to visit The Obscure Distillery and sat down with the master of story telling through spirits and cocktails himself: Théron Regnier I can't thank Théron and The Obscure family enough for their hospitality and welcoming us into their space. Also a...
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#64 - Southern Distilling Company w/ Pete Barger
In this episode I traveled to Statesville, NC to visit Southern Distilling Company and sat down with the legendary Pete Barger to chat all things whiskey, contract distilling, and more! I can't thank Pete and the Southern Distilling family for their hospitality and willingness to sit down with me...
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#63 - Mystic Farm & Distillery w/ Mike Sinclair & Jonathan Blitz
In this episode I traveled to Durham, NC to visit Mystic Farm & Distillery with my good friends Logan and Andrew helping out on set! I was able to sit down with the great guys behind the operation: Michael Sinclair & Jonathon Blitz - and we had an awesome conversation! I can't thank both Mike and...
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#62 - Whiskey Del Bac w/ Mark Vierthaler
In this episode I traveled to Tucson, AZ to visit Whiskey Del Bac during the American Craft Spirits Association Convention! With some last minute scheduling, Master Distiller Mark Vierthaler and I were able to sit down have this fantastic conversation! Even more special about this episode is that...
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#61 - Barrio Brewing Co. w/ Jaime Dickman & Gary Fritze
In this episode I traveled to Tucson, AZ to visit Barrio Brewing Co. and had the pleasure of sitting down with some of the great people behind the magic: Jaime Dickman and Gary Fritze! I had an awesome time learning their stories and the story of Barrio! I can't thank them enough for their...
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#60 - George Washington's Distillery w/ Steve Bashore
In this special episode I returned to Mount Vernon, Virginia to visit one of the coolest places on the planet. George Washington needs no introduction, but did you know he made whiskey and the distillery at Mount Vernon is fully operational? Head distiller Steve Bashore gives me a quick tour and...
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#59 - Lyon Rum w/ Jaime Windon
In this episode I traveled to the small town of St. Michaels, Maryland to visit one of the best people in the business! Jaime Windon jubilantly crafts American Rum at Windon Distilling with their flagship product: Lyon Rum. Her creativity and service on small business boards knows no bounds! I...
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#58 - Southern Grace Distilleries w/ Thomas Thacker
In this episode I traveled to Mt. Pleasant, NC and visited one of the most unique distilleries I've ever been to! Southern Grace Distilleries resides in an old North Carolina State Prison and they sure do embrace every ounce of history! I can't thank owner Thomas Thacker enough for his…
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#57 - Hugger Mugger Brewing Co. w/ Tim Emmert
In this episode I traveled to Sanford, NC and visited one of my favorite spots: Hugger Mugger Brewing Company! Owner Tim Emmert joined me to share his story in craft brewing and the story of Hugger Mugger!I can't thank Tim enough for his gracious welcome and willingness to sit down with me. Can't...
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#56 - re:Visit | Broadslab Distillery w/ Jeremy Norris
In this episode I traveled back to Benson, NC and revisited our friends at Broadslab Distillery! Owner Jeremy Norris joined me to catch up on all things Flue Cured Whiskey and the Agricultural side of distillation! I can't thank Jeremy enough for his warm welcome and willingness to sit down with…
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#55 - Dancing Goat Distillery w/ Nick Maas
In this episode I traveled to Cambridge, WI and had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Nick Maas - owner and operator of Dancing Goat Distillery! Nick's family story weaves through the halls of alcohol history from moonshining, creating RumChata, and all the way to Charlie Berens' Brandy...
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#54 - re:Visit | Central Standard w/ Evan Hughes & Jim Kanter
In this episode I traveled back to Milwaukee, WI and revisited my good friends at Central Standard Craft Distillery! Owner Evan Hughes and Chief Commercial Officer Jim Kanter sat down to catch up on all things Central Standard and showcased some of their newest product! I can't thank Evan and Jim...
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#53 - Susquehanna Brewing Co. w/ Fred Maier
In this episode I traveled to Pittston, PA and had a fantastic conversation with Fred Maier - owner and operator of Susquehanna Brewing Company! Honoring is family's heritage from Germany, 6 generations of beer makers later Fred is making some fantastic craft product just south of Scranton, PA.…
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#52 - 3 Sheeps Brewing w/ Grant Pauly
In this episode I traveled to Sheboygan, Wisconsin and had was welcomed by 3 Sheeps Brewing's own Grant Pauly! As owner and operator, Grant has created something special up in Sheboygan, WI with classic beer recipes alongside different experiments and a really unique barrel aging program! I'm...
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#51 - Ledgerock Distillery w/ Bryce Retzer
In this episode I traveled to Fon du Lac, Wisconsin and had the pleasure of sitting down with Bryce Retzer, the head distiller of Ledgerock Distillery! The Retzer Family has been distilling since 2018 and farming for even longer! Ledgerock takes grain to glass very seriously and is making some...
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#50 - Lakefront Brewery w/ Russ Klisch & Mike Stodola
In this episode, I traveled to my hometown and beer capital of the world: Milwaukee, Wisconsin! I had the unique privilege of sitting down with Owner Russ Klisch and Brand Manager Michael Stodola to hear their individual stories of getting into craft beer and the story of Lakefront itself. This...
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#49 - Sturgeon Spirits w/ Karl Loewenstein
In this episode, I traveled to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to learn the store of the only distillery in town: Sturgeon Spirits. Owner and distillery Karl Loewenstein graciously sat down with me to discuss all the things he's infusing, his small business, and his background as a Russian History Teacher!…
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#48 - J. Henry & Sons w/ Joe Z. Henry
In this episode, I traveled to Dane, Wisconsin - just north of Madison - to learn all about J. Henry & Sons and their incredible family story. Master Blender Joe Z. Henry - the oldest of the Henry sons - sat down with me to discuss all things Bourbon and Rye centered around their family farm.…
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#47 - Ope! Brewing Co. w/ Kyle Ciske & Cameron Patterson
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…
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#46 - re:Visit | Great Lakes Distillery w/ Nate Newbrough & Brendan Cleary
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...
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#45 - Cotton & Reed Distillery w/ Jordan Cotton
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:...
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#44 - Baltimore Spirit Co. w/ Max Lents & Eli Breitburg-Smith
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...
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#43 - Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery w/ Peter Ahlf
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...
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#42 - Devil's Due Distillery w/ Wylie McDade
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...
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#41 - Virtue Feed & Grain w/ Tom "Big T" Gale
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…
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#40 - Five Saints Distilling w/ John George
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...
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#39 - FEW Spirits w/ Paul Hletko
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 &…
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#38 - Noble Stein Brewing Co. w/ Zach Morrow & Garrett Joiner
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…
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#37 - Liberty Pole Spirits w/ Jim Hough
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...
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#36 - Prospect Spirits w/ Sean Isassi
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...
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#35 - Static Line Brewing Co. w/ Steve Khoo
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…
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#34 - Old Line Spirits w/ Mark McLaughlin
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...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Crafted Conversations have?
Crafted Conversations currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Crafted Conversations about?
Host Allan Cogan tours the world talking to Master Distillers, Distillery Owners, Mixologists, Bar Owners, and more! Learn about whiskey and the people who make it! Welcome to Crafted Conversations! Cheers!
How often does Crafted Conversations release new episodes?
Crafted Conversations has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Crafted Conversations?
You can listen to Crafted Conversations on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Crafted Conversations?
Crafted Conversations is created and hosted by Allan Cogan.
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