The Whisky Warrior Podcast

This episode goes beyond bourbon. Levin Woodall from Weldon Mills Distillery joins me for a conversation that dives into identity, authenticity, and what it really takes to build a brand in today’s spirits market. From navigating the complexities of the North Carolina ABC system to building relationships that actually drive sales, Levin shares a grounded, real-world perspective on the industry. Key themes include: Authenticity vs “playing the role” in business The power of story in selling premium spirits Why local-first thinking is reshaping distillery growth The future of bourbon and craft spirits This is less about whisky… and more about how you build something that actually lasts. Connect with Levin Website: https://weldonmills.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weldon.mills/ e-mail: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levin-w-a64b442b3/ Connect With Glen:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlenLKPalmer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskywealthmastery/ X: https://x.com/GlenPInvest TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskywealthmastery?lang=en If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.

In this powerful episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, host Glen Palmer is joined by Chris Greta of Still Life Stories and Bill McHenry, founder of McHenry Distillery in Tasmania. This is not just a conversation about whisky. It is a story about legacy, loss, patience, place, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in one of the most remote distilling locations in the world. Bill shares the deeply personal journey behind McHenry Distillery — from corporate uncertainty to building a family legacy on the southern edge of Tasmania. Chris brings his storyteller’s eye to the conversation, revealing what makes small, independent distilleries so special and why the best whisky stories are often hidden in inconvenient places. Together, they explore terroir, Tasmanian spring water, slow maturation, cask ownership, family, resilience, and the emotional weight behind every bottle. Connect with Bill website: https://mchenrydistillery.com.au Connect with Chris website: https://thestilllifestories.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgreta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisGreta Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.greta/ Connect With Glen:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlenLKPalmer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskywealthmastery/ X: https://x.com/GlenPInvest TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskywealthmastery?lang=en If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.  

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior podcast, host Glen Palmer speaks with alternative investment specialist Sandhya Seshadri, who works across oil & gas, real estate syndications, and private credit to help investors diversify beyond traditional markets. Sandhya shares a deep dive into how experienced investors think about risk, liquidity, tax efficiency, and long-term wealth building in today’s volatile market conditions. The conversation explores the trade-offs between short-term income and long-term appreciation, and how alternative assets can play a powerful role in building a resilient portfolio. From oil & gas tax advantages to real estate cycles, private credit, and even whisky as a legacy investment, this episode breaks down what actually matters when allocating capital. If you’re serious about thinking beyond stocks and building long-term wealth intelligently, this is one to listen to. Connect with Sandhya: 🌐 https://engineeredcapital.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/engineered-capital/   Connect with Glen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, host Glen Palmer sits down with Kelley Duggan, founder of Bewilder Bewilder — a truly unique brand pushing the boundaries of what whisky can be. Kelley shares her journey from hospitality and business development into launching one of the most unconventional whisky concepts out there: a wild forest mushroom-infused whisky. This isn’t just about flavour — it’s about experience, creativity, and redefining how we connect with what we drink. The conversation dives into the inspiration behind the brand, the science and experimentation involved in mushroom infusion, and the challenges of building something completely new in a traditional, male-dominated industry. Kelley also opens up about the realities of starting from scratch, navigating distribution, and turning a bold idea into a growing business. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in whisky innovation, brand building, or thinking differently about opportunity in the spirits industry. To find out more about Kelley and Bewilder Bewilder: Website: https://www.bewilderbewilder.com e-mail: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bewilderbewilder Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bewilderbewilderwhiskey   And to explore how whisky can play a role in long-term wealth strategies: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior podcast, host Glen Palmer sits down with Ryan Provost, co-founder and CEO of BoozBox — a premium ready-to-drink cocktail brand bringing bar-quality drinks into a convenient, scalable format. Ryan shares his journey from producing content for major platforms like Forbes and Vice, to building a drinks brand born during the uncertainty of the 2020 pandemic. What started as an idea around a kitchen table has evolved into a fast-growing brand now operating across multiple US markets.  The conversation dives into: Turning a simple idea into a fully launched product The realities of building a drinks brand from scratch Why storytelling and content are a competitive advantage The challenges of breaking perception around boxed drinks Pricing strategy, margins, and scaling in the RTD market Targeting the next generation of consumers Ryan also shares how BoozBox is positioning itself in a crowded RTD space, balancing quality, convenience, and affordability to drive repeat purchases and long-term growth. This episode is ideal for entrepreneurs, brand builders, and investors looking to understand what it really takes to launch and scale a modern drinks brand. Connect with Ryan: BoozBox Website: https://www.drinkboozbox.com Ryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanprovostofficial/ BoozBox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boozbox/ BoozBox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boozbox/ Connect with Glen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.  

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior podcast, host Glen Palmer sits down with Kevin Meller, CEO of Cali Beverages — a bold new ready-to-drink (RTD) brand aiming to shake up a crowded market with fresh thinking, real ingredients, and standout branding. Kevin shares how his background in hospitality, wine, and customer experience shaped his approach to building a drinks brand that prioritises fun, accessibility, and connection over industry pretension. The conversation explores: Why the RTD market is booming — and how to stand out The problem with traditional wine culture and how to break it Building a brand that creates emotion, experience, and “noise” The power of scent, packaging, and in-store experience Why partnerships and brand alignment matter more than ever Scaling strategies: deep vs wide market penetration Kevin also discusses the upcoming launch of Cali Beverages across Total Wine and BevMo stores in California, and how they plan to build strong local brand loyalty before expanding further.  This episode is ideal for entrepreneurs, drinks industry professionals, and investors looking to understand what it really takes to build and launch a standout brand in today’s competitive market.           Connect with Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mellor-59b6ab151/ Follow Cali Beverages (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/calibeverages/ Connect With Glen:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.  

In this episode of the Whiskey Wealth Warrior podcast, host Glen Palmer sits down with Benyea D Hurst, founder and CEO of Benny Red Vodka — a premium brand built from the ground up through persistence, vision, and real-world customer insight. From working behind the bar at Applebee’s to launching his own spirits brand, Benyea shares the journey, mindset, and challenges that shaped Benny Red into what it is today. The conversation dives into: The moment Benyea decided to build his own vodka brand Why distribution is the biggest early challenge in spirits How being “too early” can hold a brand back The power of customer experience over product alone What makes a premium spirits brand stand out in a crowded market Why consistency and persistence are the real keys to success Benyea also shares his perspective on where the spirits industry is heading, including the rise of RTDs (ready-to-drink) and the long-term opportunity within premium brands.  This episode is a must-listen for aspiring brand builders, entrepreneurs, and investors looking to understand the realities behind launching and scaling a spirits brand.   Connect with Benyea: Benny Red Vodka: https://www.benniereddvodka.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennyredofficial   Connect with Glen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.    

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior podcast, host Glen Palmer speaks with Eric Schinske, Co-Owner and CEO of EP Winters and a key force behind the growth of American Made beverages in the highly competitive Tampa Bay market. Eric shares his journey from fast-paced medical startups into the beverage industry, revealing the realities of launching and scaling a premium spirits brand from the ground up. The conversation dives into: What actually gets a beverage brand onto shelves Why local relationships and storytelling outperform big budgets The importance of distribution partnerships and “caring” in business How small bars and independent retailers can outperform large chains The balance between brand integrity, cost, and scaling decisions Common mistakes new spirits brands make in their early years This episode is especially valuable for whisky investors, independent bottlers, and entrepreneurs looking to build their own brand — offering a behind-the-scenes look at what truly drives success in the beverage industry.  Connect With Eric: Eric Schinske (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-schinske-msw-97039366/ American Made Beverages: https://americanmadebeverages.com Connect With Glen:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.  

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior podcast, host Glen Palmer speaks with Michael Waskewich Jr, retired US Army Sergeant Major turned tech founder and co-creator of The Bar Book — a flavour-first discovery platform designed to help consumers find their next favourite whisky without costly trial and error. Michael shares how his military leadership background shaped his entrepreneurial journey, why traditional spirit discovery is broken, and how flavour-driven algorithms are helping both consumers and craft producers level the playing field. The conversation explores: Why most whisky discovery methods overlook hidden gems How flavour-first algorithms improve bottle selection The role of data in whisky discovery and investing How craft brands can scale without huge marketing budgets The C.R.A.F.T initiative supporting veterans in the beverage industry How technology may reshape whisky collecting and investing Michael also discusses how consumer preference data could influence future production and why collaboration between data platforms and distilleries will be a major industry shift.  Links mentioned in this episode: The Bar Book App: https://thebarbook.app Support C.R.A.F.T: https://supportcraft.org Free Whisky Wealth Guide: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free Glen Palmer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/  

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, host Glen Palmer speaks with Vikas Thakker, founder of Vintage Brewery UK Limited, about building a premium drinks brand from the ground up. Vikas shares the journey behind creating Barhi Mead, the world’s first sparkling date based mead designed to complement spice rich cuisines and elevate the dining experience. The conversation explores patience in entrepreneurship, the craftsmanship behind innovative beverages, and the parallels between building a mead brand and investing in premium whisky. And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to: Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, host Glen Palmer is joined by Octavio Arzate, CEO & Founder of Luhulaa Tradiciones de Mexico, CEO of Luhulaa Mezcal and Marlin Fish and Beer, alongside Miguel Cruz, Director of Operations at Luhulaa Tradiciones de México. They explore the deep cultural roots of mezcal, the differences between mezcal and tequila, and how Luhulaa Mezcal preserves ancestral production methods while building a sustainable, globally recognized premium spirits brand. The conversation highlights sustainability, storytelling, rare aged batches, and why mezcal may follow a similar path to premium whiskey as both a heritage product and a long-term collectible asset. And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to: Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

Glen Palmer sits down with Conor Begley, co-founder and president of Fathers Beer, to break down how he built an award-winning “clean beer” brand and scaled it at speed. Conor shares the playbook behind landing major retail distribution fast, raising over $1M from high-profile investors, and why transparency and taste are the real trust-builders in a crowded category. The conversation also draws parallels for whiskey cask investors looking to build their own brands the right way. And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to: Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

Host Glen Palmer sits down with Craig Potter, co-founder and CEO of Soda Jerk LLC, to break down what it really takes to launch and scale a spirits brand, from raising early capital to securing reliable distribution across 20+ states. Craig shares how an influencer-driven strategy created retail pull during COVID and how earning Walmart’s “Golden Ticket” in California reshaped the brand’s growth playbook. Along the way, he connects spirits, real estate, and entrepreneurship with a clear theme: build a strong foundation, deliver consistent value, and let trust turn selling into confirmation. And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to: Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

In this episode of Whisky Wealth Warrior, host Glen Palmer is joined by Alistair MacDonald, Founder of Barley Nectar and independent bottler behind Castle Bay, whose family has been in the whisky industry since the 1820s. Alistair shares candid insights into today’s cask market, the realities of independent bottling, and why clarity of purpose is essential before buying a whisky cask. The conversation also explores market corrections, regauging risks, long-term thinking, and how passion, not hype, should drive both collecting and investing in whisky. And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to: Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

In this episode of Whisky Wealth Warriors, host Glen Palmer sits down with Harry McKaig, CEO of Double Cross Vodka, to explore the evolving global spirits landscape and the commercial levers that drive billion dollar beverage brands. Harry shares insights from scaling CPG companies to over 1 billion in revenue, discussing premiumisation, pricing power, supply chain pressures, and how strategy shapes long term brand value. The conversation also dives into spirits as an alternative asset class, unpacking scarcity, aged stock, and why well positioned brands can offer compelling opportunities for both individual and institutional investors. And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to: Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

In this episode, Glen Palmer sits down with Nicholas Cain, a Houston based food service designer with deep roots in hospitality and the wine trade, to explore what draws people to whisky beyond the glass. They discuss storytelling, provenance, and how whisky culture compares to wine when it comes to collecting, enjoyment, and long term value. The conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on whisky as both a passion and a potential alternative asset for curious enthusiasts. And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to: Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, host Glen Palmer speaks with Cameron Jessiman, Director of CJ’s Cask Company, a whiskey cask broker with hands on experience inside bonded warehouses. Cameron shares what really happens to casks during maturation, the risks investors often overlook, and why wood quality, regauging, and trusted relationships matter. The conversation offers a practical, ground level view of whiskey as a long term asset, from warehouse realities to smarter cask selection.   And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to:   Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/   Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/