Episodit
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Episode 40 - Legacy
Today the Still Magic podcast heads to the Australian state of Victoria to visit Four Pillars Gin, home of world class award-winning gins, internationally acclaimed collaborations and the International Wine and Spirits Competition’s Best Global Gin business in 2019 and 2020.
With a pedigree like that, it’s great to see that Australia has a domestic and international craft spirits powerhouse without peer.
And it is here that I speak with Four Pillars co-founder and distiller Cameron Mackenzie; father of 3 wonderful girls, loving husband, self-confessed kebab-loving larrikin and 1996 Atlanta Olympian.
Cameron’s story and that of Four Pillars, is another Hero’s Journey
Often referred to as ‘the one that makes the gin’ Cameron’s partnership with Stuart Gregor – ‘the one that makes the noise’ – was forged in the wine industry by happenstance. Cameron loved the physical work that his wine-making career demanded. However, his leaders were concerned that without change, the physicality of the role would impact training for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. A few days a week in a marketing role with Stuart Gregor would be just the balance required. And the rest, as they say is history, and with it, an idea that would ultimately become history in the making.
Cameron found himself on a successful career path in wine. But it took him away from the physical side of the industry, the part he loved. Then one day, it was time for a change; the pursuit for an Australian tonic was on. Or so they thought. After taking a good hard look at themselves, followed by a fateful 3am text message, tonic was off the table, but gin was most definitely on; one that reflected Australia, and its place in Asia. A research expedition to the US meant settling on a still from Carl GmbH, mentorship from Dr. Klaus Hagmann, a new found respect for lavender, and a clandestine ‘Breaking Bad’ style venture, using a glass still named Walter
A finer story would be hard to script. So grab yourself a gin and tonic, sit back and join Cameron Mackenzie and I on another craft spirits adventure.
00:33 Showreel –
03:25 Respect –
06:08 Making Gin, Noise and Sense –
10:58 Business success 101 –
11:49 Cash drivers –
12:38 Focus –
15:29 Fantastic distributor –
19:00 Craft with scale –
24:04 Breaking Bad and Sergeant Stu –
31:04 Rare Dry Gin –
34:09 Dr. Klaus Hagmann –
40:01 Bloody Shiraz –
49:09 Prolific high-quality NPD –
51:55 Olive Leaf Gin –
56:36 Expansion plans –
1:03:50 Community –
1:08:34 The ’96 Olympian –
1:13:38 Life influences 1: Stuart Gregor –
1:15:23 Life influences 2: Cathy Freeman –
1:17:04 ’96 Olympic pep talks –
1:21::01 Partnership with Lion –
1:29:18 Craft personified
1:32:38 10Sixty
1:35:32 5 tips for starters
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s create a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Host: Marcel Thompson
@stillmagicway [email protected]
Still Magic website
Four Pillars Gin website
Guest contributor: Cameron MacKenzie
Voiceovers: Jules Brooke.
Contact here Jules Brooke
Editor: Dave Stokes.
Contact here Author2Audio
All Rights Reserved
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Episode 39 - Guardianship
Today the Still Magic podcast heads to the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, to visit Reefton Distilling Co., home of Little Biddy Gin and Wild Rain Vodka
And it is here that we meet Beth Scott, born and raised in nearby Fox Glacier village (formerly Weheka, pop. 249), but now very much at home in the big smoke that is Reefton (pop. 927) "up north".
Beth took up the distilling reins after a very interesting career odyssey around the South Island, and a short stint overseas. A graduate in Food science and marketing from Otago University, Beth developed a professional interest in food quality, and new product development, coupled with interests in aromatherapy.
As is often the case, it was an unlikely set of circumstances that brought Beth full circle to Reefton. Beth had heard about an initiative to start a distillery in Reefton around 2017, and decided to invest in the venture. Nick Secker, a fellow university graduate and local, was plucked from relative obscurity in the UK, had the best distilling induction ever, and was then offered the distilling role in the fledgling company. Nick invited Beth and a few other friends to visit Reefton, and magic unfolded after Beth’s discussion with CEO and founder Patsy Bass. Serendipity writ large yet again.
Experience in food science. New product development. Aromatherapy. Marketing. Energy. Enthusiasm. And a strong sense of guardianship.
A finer array of skills, tailor-made for a craft spirits operation would be hard to find.
And the rest as they say is history… that is, history in the making.
So grab yourself a gin and tonic, sit back and join Beth Scott and I on another craft spirits adventure.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s create a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Host: Marcel Thompson
@stillmagicway [email protected]
Still Magic website
Reefton Distilling Co. website
Guest contributor: Beth Scott
Voiceovers: Jules Brooke.
Contact here Jules Brooke
Editor: Dave Stokes.
Contact here Author2Audio
All Rights Reserved
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Puuttuva jakso?
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Episode 38 - Guardianship & Legacy
This podcast describes an epic call to adventure; an absolute must-listen for anyone considering a future in craft spirits.
Patsy Bass is the founder and CEO of Reefton Distilling Co. located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, in Patsy's hometown of Reefton, population ~ 1,000 ... on a good day.
Despite a family move to Christchurch, in efforts to take on opportunities there, one thing was truly clear to Patsy from the age of 16; you can never take Reefton out of the lass. After all, Reefton is her turangawaewae, a place to stand.
Patsy's formative years and a successful project delivery career were anchored in Christchurch, but the unfulfilled yearning for Reefton – one shared with her siblings – never wavered. The question then became how do I return home?
Patsy and her husband Shane Thrower found themselves planning and considering a few business ideas to support their return. These included ventures with gold, mountain biking and as a bit of a throw-away giggle, a distillery. And this, from a tee-totaller born on a former brewery site.
The word “serendipity” is often used to describe how a chance meeting can influence one’s journey through life. And so it was for Patsy, via a casual chat with local legends Steffan and Nigel MacKay on Broadway, Reefton’s main street.
This prompted Patsy to forgo all ideas in favour of a distillery and crafting a business case. An effusive business case review from a long-term mentor led to Patsy taking a flight to Auckland, New Zealand’s most populous city.
A meeting with some interested parties took place and Patsy received directions that would change her life, her family’s life and the lives of an entire town.
Think Bigger
The impact was so profound, the long-time tee-totaller felt compelled to have a tipple. And the rest, as you will see, is history. That is, history in the making.
Reefton Distilling Co. are noted for their award-winning gin range, inspired by mining legend Bridget Goodwin – aka Little Biddy – and Wild Rain Vodka inspired by rain that falls at night. There are plans for a whiskey too, one that pays homage to another local legend, George Fairweather Moonlight.
Join me and meet the most fabulous Patsy Bass, a craft spirits leader with an unrivalled sense of purpose, and a 100-year vision to revitalise a town at a pace and scale unseen in decades.
Patsy epitomises the Still Magic ethos superbly thus:
Be bold. Enjoy yourselves. Create your spirits narrative
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Additional Podcast Reference Links
Reefton Distilling Co. website
Little Biddy Gin website
Instagram
Facebook
Host: Marcel Thompson
@stillmagicway
Still Magic website
Guest contributor: Patsy Bass
Voiceovers: Jules Brooke.
Contact here Jules Brooke
Editor: Dave Stokes.
Contact here Author2Audio
All Rights Reserved
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Episode 37 – Guardianship
Today the Still Magic podcast ventures to South Australia for a chat with Marcelle McEwan and Greg Nunan from SA Distilling; creators of Heaps Good Gin
Their partnership in life and business is a classic example of complementary skills and playing to one’s strengths.
Who knew that years as a chef and debt recovery, coupled with a skillset in digital marketing could manifest itself as a foray into craft distilling?
Proof positive that today’s craft spirits makers can take confidence in the fact that skills garnered from parenthood and working lives, provide an excellent grounding for a new adventure.
00:00 – Welcome –
00:34 – Show reel –
03:35 – Marcelle the cook –
04:33 – Greg the sous chef –
07:12 – Greg the digital marketer –
13:07 – South Australia’s craft spirits community –
17:44 – A leap of faith hatched during COVID –
23:30 – The power of partnerships –
26:08 – Paying it forward –
30:27 – Partnership models –
38:43 – A long and distinguished to do list –
40:56 – Supporting local –
47:06 – Broad education is a must –
53:47 – Marcelle and Greg’s 5 tips –
1:00:36 – 10Sixty
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s create a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Additional Podcast Reference Links
Heaps Good Gin website
Heaps Good Gin on Instagram
Heaps Good Gin contact
Prohibition Liquor Co
Host: Marcel Thompson
@stillmagicway [email protected]
Guest contributor: Marcelle MacEwan & Greg Noonan
Voiceovers: Jules Brooke.
Contact here Jules Brooke
Editor: Dave Stokes.
Contact here Author2Audio
All Rights Reserved
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Episode 36 – Guardianship
Today we visit the Alembics Workshop and Apothecary located on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf, situated in Tamaki Makarau rau (Auckland), Aotearoa / New Zealand to speak with founder Jill Mulvaney.
Easily of one of the most fascinating conversations I’ve had to date
Jill’s passion for plants and their natural characteristics has been a lifelong adventure, starting with her, the perfect springboard into distilling hydrosols and alcohol based extracts.
Her approach to sensory description is earthy and colourful, delivered with a refreshing no-nonsense sense of practicality.
“Because of the really visceral nature of life, it's not all about roses and flowers, is it?” Or banana cake as you will soon learn.
Jill speaks about her craft, the botacnical cocktail, services she has provided to distilling enthusiasts for over a decade, the great partnerships she has with the folks that create her still and exciting plans for the future.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy my chat with one of Aotearoa’s finest; the incomparable Jill Mulvaney
00:00 - Welcome -
00:43 – Show reel -
04:10 – Jill has got lots of stuff –
08:18 – The experiential learning process –
19:00 – Hydrosols and their history –
23:00 – Alembics NZ’s sustainability ethos –
26:00 – Quintessences and their value –
29:30 – Expectations for zero ABV drinks –
33:00 – The nose has it –
37:18 – Unwinding and The Third Space –
45:00 – Reflux stills are on the way! –
57:33 – Jill’s 10 Sixty
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s create a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Additional Podcast Reference Links
Alembics Workshop and Apothecary website
Jill Mulvaney.contact
The Third Space, by Dr Adam Fraser: YouTube Preview
Alchemy Tonic
Host: Marcel Thompson
@stillmagicway [email protected]
Guest contributor: Jill Mulvaney
Voiceovers: Jules Brooke.
Contact here Jules Brooke
Editor: Dave Stokes.
Contact here Author2Audio
All Rights Reserved
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Episode 35 – Legacy
Today we visit 1919 Distilling located in Tamaki Makarau rau, Aotearoa / New Zealand to speak with founder Soren Crabb
Soren’s early career comprised a navigator’s role with a cruise ship company, rotating 3 months on, 3 months off.
After an uneventful visit to Colorado during some well-earned leave, Soren encountered the notion of craft spirits for the first time. During the corresponding break a year later, Soren discovered that the number of distilleries, of all shapes and sizes, had ballooned from 3 to 33
With his interest piqued, and armed with a renewed sense of purpose, Soren took the decision to leave his job of 10 years, return to NZ, and embark on the epic adventure; craft spirits making.
He’s still very much a navigator at heart, plotting his course, looking ahead, at times going against the current, but always with a steady hand on the tiller.
4 years in, and the best is yet to come for one of Aotearoa's finest
Sit back, relax, and enjoy Soren describing his story and the 1919 Distilling narrative.
0:00 - Welcome -
0:42 – Show reel -
03:22 – Distillery visits are go -
10:00 – Selling the world’s smallest batch -
14:27 – Research and Development -
17:36 – Soren’s view of the 3 cash drivers -
19:47 – Darkest hour; NZ has shut down -
23:05 – Branding challenges and Distribution -
29:20 – 4 years in, biggest challenge -
34:32 – The Kiwiana range -
41:10 – Future plans -
44:36 – Plotting against the COVID tide
46:48 – Soren’s 5 tips
53:36 – Glamorous? Yeah …right…
55:07 – 10Sixty and closing remarks
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s create a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Additional Podcast Reference Links
1919 Distilling website
Soren Crabb contact
Host: Marcel Thompson
@stillmagicway [email protected]
Guest contributor: Soren Crabb
Voiceovers: Jules Brooke.
Contact here Jules Brooke
Editor: Dave Stokes.
Contact here Author2Audio
All Rights Reserved
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Episode 34 – Legacy
In today’s episode with my special guest Glenn McPhee – co-founder of the The Gin Boutique – we consider 2 superb gins from Aotearoa / New Zealand
Black Robin Gin @ 43.0% from Te Ika-a-Māui (the North Island)
Scapegrace Classic @ 42.2% from Te Waipounamu (the South Island)
Here’s what’s in store for today's episode
00:31 – Episode show reel -01:42 – Glenn and Marcel catch up -04:10 – Background story: Black Robin Gin -09:09 – Background story: Scapegrace Classic Gin -12:51 – Gins neat -18:33 – Gins with tonic -27:33 – Martinis -36:18 – Southsides -43:35 – Closing remarks -Each has contrasting delivery styles, complexity and differing spirit bases, expressing their respective makers' intent. Yet more ways to deliver delicious across the 4 formats.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Phil Clark and Mark Neill for your contributions to this episode of What Makes a Great Gin, and to you the audience for your continued support.
With fans as far afield as Norway, Anguilla and Peru, the Still Magic spirit is very much alive and well.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself.
Let’s creative a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Black Robin Gin website
Scapegrace Classic website
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway [email protected]
Guest contributor: Glenn McPhee
Voiceovers: Jules Brooke.
Contact here Jules Brooke
Editor: Dave Stokes. Contact here Author2Audio
All Rights Reserved
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Episode 33 – Guardianship
Today we visit Little Juniper Distilling in the Australian state of South Australia, to speak with founder Stuart Mackenzie
Stuart’s plan and passion for creating a distillery had been a long-term goal, one that remained latent for some time
Given Stuart’s successful career spanning the computer game industry, visual effects for Hollywood movies, marketing, advertising, and web design, this was an offbeat counterpoint in many ways.
And yet, as you will discover today, there was a sense of inevitability that a change was brewing. The first trigger was establishing an independent design business, but it was Stuart’s response to COVID-19 that catalysed his focus on sustainability and Little Juniper.
· 06:40 The Business Plan
· 10:42 It’s all about gin
· 12:15 That’s a garage?
· 16:37 The Little Juniper name
· 20:00 Little Juniper Gin’s story
· 25:56 The scalability challenge
· 30:52 COVID insights
· 38:45 Safety
· 42:44 Glamorous?
· 45:41 Prioritisation
· 51:15 The future
· 57:02 5 Tips
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the Little Juniper story
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s create a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies
available from your favourite online stores
Additional Podcast Reference Links
Contact Stuart Mackenzie
Little Juniper Distilling website
Ambleside Distillers website
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway [email protected]
Guest contributor: Stuart MacKenzie
Voiceovers: Jules Brooke.
Contact here Jules Brooke
Editor: Dave Stokes. Contact here Author2Audio
All Rights Reserved
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Episode 32 – Heritage
Today we visit the mouth of the Devil’s Wilderness in the Australian state of New South Wales. And it is here that we can find Karu Distillery, the home of Affinity Gin (44%) and Lightning Gin (57.5%).
Karu is a name steeped in heritage, and one that captures the spirit of its founders superbly. The story of Affinity's launch date seals this connection as well.
Ally and Nick provide an engaging and thoughtful commentary of how they both went ‘all in’ to start their distillery.
Nick was working 90-hour weeks in the motion picture industry; Ally had a role that wasn’t quite where her heart yearned to be.
The lockdown laws that punctuated Sydney’s nightlife in 2016, catalysed their interest to share spirits with friends in their own bar.
And then a realisation; why don’t we make spirits ourselves ?
What follows is a remarkable story of industry, desire, and international accolades for their first two products at the highest level. Ally devotes quality time to innovative product ideas, which keep their business vibrant and relevant
Rum is the next product in the offing. Their stills - Ding and Calcifer - will have more adventures to share in good time, before their whiskey adventure begins.
And all of this against a backdrop of drought, bushfires, floods, a pandemic; and some of Australia’s deadliest fauna underfoot as well. Just for good measure.
Sit back, relax and learn how to #findyoursugar with Ally and Nick.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s create a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies
available from your favourite online stores
Additional Podcast Reference Links
Karu Distillery Shop
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway [email protected]
Guest contributors: Ally Ayres, Nick Ayres
Voiceovers: Jules Brooke.
Contact here Jules Brooke
Editor: Dave Stokes. Contact here Author2Audio
All Rights Reserved
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Episode 31 – Guardianship
Welcome to the Still Magic Podcast your one-click audio stop for all things gin. Be it gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin, drinking gin, steeping, and everything else in between.
In today’s episode with my special guest Glenn McPhee – co-founder of the The Gin Boutique – we consider 3 more superb products.
One is a classic gin whose lineage predates several British powerhouse brands.
The other two gins are at ‘crossroads’: contemporary expressions but paying homage to traditional styles. In musical terms, this reminds me of a young guitarist named Eric Clapton, responding to a clarion call from legendary bluesman Robert Johnson.
Xoriguer Mahon @ 38% from Menorca, Spain
Triple Juniper @ 43% from The Never Never Distlling Co, South Australia
Affinity Gin @ 44% from Karu Distillery, New South Wales
Here’s what in store for today's episode
01:01 – Background story: Xoriguer Mahon Gin05:00 – Background story: Triple Juniper Gin08:52 – Background story: Affinity Gin12:51 – Gins neat21:59 – Gins with tonic33:03 – Martinis47:14 – SouthsidesEach has contrasting delivery styles that clearly express their respective makers' intent. In short, delivering “delicious" in so many ways.
And the way they express this joy for life in these contemporary products, is proof positive that gin’s relevance and vibrancy is in good hands
Our heartfelt thanks go to Jana from Xoriguer Export, Sean Baxter from Never Never Distilling Co, and to Nick and Ally Ayres from Karu Distillery for your contributions to this episode of What Makes a Great Gin.
The best is yet to come so jump in, belt up and hang on.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself.
Let’s creative a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway
Gin Boutique gin links here:
Xoriguer Mahon - Triple Juniper - Affinity Gin
Guest contributor: Glenn McPhee
Contact the Gin Boutique
Voiceovers: @antipodeanharpie
Editor: @alexiepigot.
Click to book Alexie here
Alexie’s Website
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Episode 30 – Guardianship
Welcome to the Still Magic Podcast your one click audio stop for all things gin. Be it gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin, drinking gin, steeping, and everything else in between.
In today’s episode with my special guest Glenn McPhee – co-founder of the The Gin Boutique – we consider 3 superb products from different parts of Australia
Underground Spirits @ 40% from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Flowstate Brewers and Distillers @ 40% from The Surf Coast, Victoria
Taylor and Smith @ 46% from Hobart, Tasmania
Their gin stories share the common themes you would expect from bold people enjoying what they love to do.
Here’s what in store for in today's episode
00:00 – Introduction to Canberra Palooza07:28 – Underground Spirits’ background story11:43 – Flowstate Brewers and Distillers’ background story15:00 – Taylor and Smith’s background story19:43 – Gins neat31:34 – Gins with tonic43:48 – Martinis56:04 – SouthsidesEach has contrasting delivery styles that clearly express their respective makers' intent. In short, delivering “delicious" in so many ways.
And the way they express this joy for life in these contemporary products, is proof positive that gin’s relevance and vibrancy is in good hands
Our heartfelt thanks go to Claudia Roughley of Underground Spirits, Shaun Bridges from Flowstate Brewers and Distillers, and Natalie Taylor & Ben Smith for your contributions to this episode of What Makes a Great Gin.
The best is yet to come so jump in, belt up and hang on.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself.
Let’s creative a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway
Guest contributor: Glenn McPhee Contact the Gin Boutique
Voiceovers: @antipodeanharpie
Editor: @alexiepigot.
Click to book Alexie here
Alexie’s Website
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Episode 29 –Legacy
Today we visit the Surf Coast Shire region in the Australian state of Victoria.
And it is here that I speak with Leigh Bridges and his allegedly more handsome, albeit older looking younger brother Shaun, as co-founders of Flowstate Brewers and Distillers
Both gentlemen speak fondly of how their trade backgrounds – Leigh as an electrician, Shaun in landscaping and horticulture – have complemented their efforts to start a family business and produce a legacy that all can be proud of.
Leigh had spent several years on the US West Coast, taking a particular interest in Craft Beer. Upon his return to Australia, armed with a new-found passion for brewed beverages and a thirst for learning, Leigh seized the opportunity to join the Little Creatures Geelong crew at their new plant.
An unofficial apprenticeship with a great brewery and a logical progression to distilled spirits, meant Leigh was in campaign mode: how do I convince Shaun to start a brewing and distilling business with me? You’ll get Shaun’s side of the story in the podcast.
A key plank in their narrative , driving their success to date, can be summarised in a single word; Partnerships
"Partnership" runs through their respective family lives, their business lives, and the collegiate links they have formed with like-minded distillers, brewers and restaurateurs in their local area.
Flowstate is also one of several distilling operations that will deliver tours as part of a broader tourism program for the region.
Leigh describes how Shaun’s passion for the coast, an unbridled interest in plants, and the formation of their partnership with Alchemy Distillers were key steps in making their flagship Flowstate Gin a commercial reality.
Their seemingly unorthodox approach to new product development has been extremely effective, evidenced by the array of delicious products they have today.
They have plans to release products for Christmas, and in early 2021 will commission a 300L hybrid still, emulating kit used to produce their flagship gin. Suffice to say, there are partnerships at the heart of these goals.
The notion of a flow state is one of full immersion, energy, focus and enjoyment. By the time you finish this podcast, I’m sure you’ll agree that this term sums up Leigh and Shaun Bridges superbly.
Sit back, relax and enjoy some great insights from 2 of Australia’s finest up and comers from Victoria
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s create a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Additional Podcast Reference Links
Little Creatures Geelong
Great Ocean Road Gin
Black Sheep Facebook page
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway [email protected]
Guest contributors: Leigh Bridges, Shaun Bridges
Voiceovers: @antipodeanharpie
Editor: @alexiepigot
Click to book Alexie here
Alexie’s Website
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Episode 28 – Guardianship and Legacy
Molly Troupe from Freeland Spirits takes the ‘pivoting’ notion to a whole new level. Molly was onto this idea long before it became part of the business lexicon gripping the world in 2020.
Molly’s story is a remarkable example of mastering ambiguity, managing the unknown, harnessing curiosity and finding a way to make things happen. Molly found herself at a cross-roads during her undergraduate studies in forensic chemistry, and did what every thoughtful student would do; think about the future and drink to that future. And it was an unassuming glass of whiskey that pique Molly’s curiosity no end.
Within a month, Molly emigrated to Scotland to complete an MSc in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University. Quite the leap of faith for someone whose longest journey to that point was to Reno, Nevada.
With an uncertain post-graduation future but with a clear objective, Molly returned to Oregon and the quest began, landing a quality assurance role in a distillery.
Interestingly, the idea of drinking to one’s future kicked in again, after a bourbon tasting, leading to a relocation to Bend, and a 3 year tenure at Oregon Spirit Distillers.
Molly now plays a pivotal role in the Freeland Spirits business; an opportunity of a lifetime and the key narrative in this podcast.
Founded by CEO Jill Kuehler, the Freeland name recognises the strong, loving relationship between Jill and her meemaw forged during formative years in Texas. After an initial meeting over lunch, it became clear that Molly and Jill shared the same vision and values, and a “let’s make it happen” approach.
This same energy and drive has led to great partnerships with local producers and suppliers. This is turn has helped Freeland turbo-charge the release of their delicious new products – distilled beverages and canned cocktails – against the difficult trading backdrop punctuating 2020.
And to top things off, Freeland launched their intern program in September of this year as well. A remarkable achievement by any measure.
Molly’s contributions include being one of the 9 Female Distillers You Should Know, recognition by Forbes 30 under 30, a board member for the American Craft Spirits Association, co-founder of Gin 2018, published author, speaker and educator.
Sit back, relax and enjoy my chat with one of America’s finest.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s creative a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Podcast Reference Links
Heriot Watt MSc. Brewing & Distilling
Freeland Spirits
Join the Freeland Spirits fanclub
French 75 canned cocktail
The Digital Guide
Chehalem Wines
Zenger Farm
Cory Carman at Carman Ranch
The Alps of Oregon
Meemaw
Molly’s Favourite Reference Book
Pink Boots Society
Oregon Spirit Distillers
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway [email protected]
Guest contributor: Molly Troupe
Editor: @alexiepigot
Click to book Alexie here
Alexie’s Website
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Episode 27 - Legacy
Welcome to the Still Magic Podcast your one click audio stop for all things gin. Be it gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin, drinking gin, steeping, and everything else in between.
The Still Magic jalopy makes its way to a village called Dala near Härnösand in Sweden.
And it is here that will find the magic that is Hernö Gin, the progeny of Jon Hillgren’s passion, and a still named Kierstin. The gin comprises a solid London Dry backbone, a product of Jon’s first interest in gin, no fewer than 20 years earlier during heady days in London. The gin’s traditional juniper and coriander undergo maceration for no fewer than 18 hours. The botanical listing also includes cassia, black pepper, lemon peel and vanilla. Expressing a sense of place comes to the fore as well, with lingonberries, and meadowsweet – a plant that grows prolifically around the distillery – rounding out the botanical line-up.
The Hernö story is a remarkable one, replete with global accolades for outstanding products (IWSC’s gin and tonic gin in 2016 and 2020), as a business (IWSC Gin Producer of the Year 2016, 2017) and for receiving no fewer than 106 gold medals. The most awarded gin in Europe.
A commitment to quality, authenticity, care, and attention. It is easy to see what makes Hernö a great gin. In every sense Hernö gin is a dream come true.
Join myself, @antipodeanharpie and @nisholay as we put this European giant through its paces neat, and with various tonics during a LIVE tasting at the Social Isolation Party bar.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s creative a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway
Guest contributor: @antipodeanharpie @ nisholay
Editor: @alexiepigot.
Click to book Alexie here
Alexie’s Website
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Episode 26 - Guardianship
Welcome to the Still Magic Podcast your one click audio stop for all things gin. Be it gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin, drinking gin, steeping, and everything else in between.
Today’s episode takes the What Makes a Great Gin premise to a whole different level, by considering three gins from different parts of the gin firmament.
Wolf Lane Tropical Gin @ 42.5%, from Cairns, Australia
Reid + Reid Native Gin @ 42.0%, from Martinborough, New Zealand
Stockholms Bränneri Handcrafted Dry Gin @ 42.0%, from Södermalm, Sweden.
Research of this scale is very much a labour of love, and one worth sharing.
I’m delighted to have Glen McPhee – one of the co-founders of the The Gin Boutique – as my co-contributor on today’s episode.
Glenn gives a quick overview of his gin business journey before we launch headlong into putting these 3 magnificent gins through their paces. Each has contrasting delivery styles that clearly express their respective makers' intent. In short, “delicious" writ large in so many ways.
Their gin stories share the common themes you would expect from bold people enjoying what they love to do.
And the way they express this joy for life in these contemporary products, is proof positive that gin’s relevance and vibrancy is in good hands; the best is yet to come so jump in, belt up and hang on.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s creative a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway
Guest contributor: Glenn McPhee Contact the Gin Boutique
Voiceovers: @antipodeanharpie
Editor: @alexiepigot.
Click to book Alexie here
Alexie’s Website
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Episode 25 - Legacy
Welcome to the Still Magic Podcast your one click audio stop for all things gin. Be it gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin, drinking gin, steeping, and everything else in between.
If the Big 4 of metal and the Big 4 of classical music had a kindred spirit in London Dry Gin’s Big 4, then Gordon's London Dry Gin would take up its rightful position with Greenall’s Original London Dry Gin, Beefeater London Dry Gin and Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Such is its legacy and heritage, people still consume Gordon’s all over the world today; its distinctive packaging, colour scheme, the boar, the bottle shape – albeit altered over the years – are design elements that conspire to make it one of the world’s most recognisable gin brands.
Developed and produced by Scotsman Alexander Gordon in 1769 at a Southwark distillery, production relocated to Clerkenwell in 1786.
In 1898 Gordon & Co. amalgamated with Charles Tanqueray & Co. to form Tanqueray Gordon & Co. In 1987, I received the opportunity to join the Tanqueray Gordon & Co Gordon’s Gin narrative myself, appointed by another visionary Scotsman named Grainger Hannah, as an assistant distiller in Auckland, New Zealand.
Suffice to say, I will always have a soft spot for both Gordon’s Gin and Tanqueray Gin because of this rare appointment, and a genuine interest in history.
More than 30 years on from those heady days in New Zealand, it’s clear that our team did the right things at the right time for all the right reasons. It was great to play a modest part in a remarkable story of heritage, guardianship and legacy that endures today.
But how will this giant of the gin world fare in one of the toughest but fairest all-round assessments there is?
Join myself, @nisholay and @antipodeanharpie as we put the most classic London Dry Gin of them all, through its paces neat, with tonic, as a Martini, and as a Southside
The podcast invites you to check out the Antipodean Harpie’s Gin Cocktail choice for an absolutely delicious way to serve Gordon’s London Dry Gin. A modern twist on a fantastic story, perfect for the warmer months.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s creative a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Host: Marcel Thompson
@stillmagicway
Guest contributors: @nisholay, @antipodeanharpie
Editor: @alexiepigot, [email protected].
https://alexiepigot.com
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Episode 24 – Heritage, Guardianship and Legacy
Welcome to the Still Magic Podcast your one click audio stop for all things gin. Be it gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin, drinking gin, steeping, and everything else in between
There are pivotal moments in everyone’s career where you’re presented with known options, and on occasion, something completely unexpected. Such occasions may be summed up by what former 2-time US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld once famously refer to as “unknown unknowns”
Today's guest on the Distillers’ Voice came face to face with one such occasion in 2006
Jamie Baxter’s craft distilling foray was the product of remarkable circumstances and a willingness to take on something new, exciting, and most likely somewhat terrifying at the same time.
Tyrrells Chips owner Will Chase sought Jamie’s help to build a muesli factory at his Herefordshire farm location, in England’s West Midlands. Jamie procured the kit required to get things underway and then took a pre-arranged holiday with his family some 6 weeks later.
Upon his return to Herefordshire, Jamie had learnt that building a muesli plant was now off the table and the equipment orders he’d place were no longer required. But in true leadership fashion, Will Chase had other plans; he now wanted to build a distillery to make potato vodka and asked Jamie for help. An offer one would be unwise to refuse!
Chase Distillery
In 2006, the minimum size for a still was 1,800 litres and notion of craft distilling in its current form was illegal at that time. Interestingly, it became clear to both Jamie and Will that an 1,800 litre still with the supporting infrastructure required was not going to cut it, so they went big, very big; how about a beautifully crafted still with a 15m column and 42 bubble plates.
And the rest as they say, is history
Jamie and I chat about
· 3 other craft distilling pioneers from the “Class of 2006” and the industry impact they still have today
· What vodka, Jamie, Will Chase and rap legend P Diddy have in common
· The importance of provenance and how rural and urban settings present this in their narratives
· The Distillery of London and how its story reflects the area’s unrivalled gin heritage
· Gin education with BDES in the US and Brew School in the UK
· The phenomenon that is Pink Gin, and spirit definitions in the UK
· Jamie’s top 5 tips for success
So grab yourself a potato vodka or a gin with balanced citrus and enjoy today’s podcast with myself and The Artisan Distiller, Jamie Baxter
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s creative a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Host: Marcel Thompson
@stillmagicway
Guest contributor: Jamie Baxter
Voiceovers: @antipodeanharpie
Editor: @alexiepigot, [email protected].
https://alexiepigot.com
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Episode 23
Welcome to the Still Magic Podcast, your one-click audio stop for all things gin be it gin making, gin production, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin drinking, gin steeping and everything else in between.
Today my co-contributors @nisholay and @antipodeanharpdie are taking a trip to Tasmania, often referred to as Australia’s’ very own Apple Isle
https://www.lawrenny.com/our-spirits/highlands-gin/
The heart of Tasmania is the central highlands, a region noted for its scenery and dramatic environment.
With over 300 lakes connected by running rivers, the region captures the purity and excitement of Tasmania. The subject of today's gin is remarkable reflecting a strong sense of place.
Even more remarkable though, is the master distiller’s journey, resembling the title of a book written by JRR Tolkien's fictional character Bilbo Baggins entitled “There and back again”
Joe Dinsmoor may be in his 20s, but he is already one of Australia's most experienced distillers leading the development of multiple global award-winning gins vodkas and whiskies.
As a teenager, Joe started working at Lark Distillery, doing “all of those important things” like filling bottles and labelling them by hand. These are the jobs that distillers grow out of, and hopefully, never have to do ever again.
Picture your 16-year-old self. How cool would it be to work in a distillery? Moreover, how super cool would it be to work at Lark Distillery as an apprentice to Bill Lark – widely regaled as Australia’s godfather of distilling
In 2014 Joe took hold of an opportunity to leave his native Tasmania for Sydney, to take up the head distiller role at Archie Rose, and become their first employee. He went on to develop a range of distilled spirits, capturing numerous global awards. He also worked closely with bar people restauranteurs, and other distillers.
I first met Joe in 2015 at an Australian gin week event held in Surry Hills, a hip suburb in the Sydney CBD. His energy and enthusiasm there to see. Not long after that, Joe returned to Tasmania swapping life in the Big Smoke for the idyllic rural setting that is Lawrenny Estate
Joe’s ethos is simple.
“Distilling is an amazing platform in which to tell a story. The product itself has the power to create more stories as it reaches people. I want the products I make, to be a reflection not only of the environment that it is made, but the people who are part of making it. It should invite feeling or an experience and make you treat it like something special, not just another liquid in a glass”.
With a preamble like that let us take a look at the gin itself.
The intent was to create a sense of “crisp Highlands Air”
The secret sauce is conifer needles from the unique blue cypress
Joe's reasoning is sound.
“When you use too much Juniper, the gin will get too dry and kind of stick in the back of your palate”
This is the classic juniper forward London Dry gin effect, but now put to the sword.
By using conifer needles the gin delivers a fresh pine aroma with the classic dryness you would get from Juniper. The gin also has fresh mint, pink grapefruit, black pepper, and chamomile.
Grapefruit orange and buchu linger over the palate. The sweet earthiness of ginger, cubeb pepper, grains of paradise, come to the fore.
Another example where one is best to let the gin do the talking
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s create a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
https://www.amazon.com/Still-Magic-distillers-guide-beginners-ebook/dp/B07QZ4VFRV/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=still+magic&qid=1596545333&sr=8-1
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway
Guest contributors: @nisholay & @antipodeanharpie
Editor: @alexiepigot, [email protected]. https://alexiepigot.com
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Episode 22 - Guardianship and Legacy
Welcome to the Still Magic podcast, your one-click audio stop for all things gin. Be it gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin drinking, gin steeping, and everything else in between.
The distillers' lot is punctuated by problem solving, ingenuity and resourcefulness, with lashings of commitment for your craft thrown in for good measure.
When Gavin Hughes and Karen Touchie spent quality time visiting Victoria’s Yarra Valley with friends from Queensland, they could not have imagined the entrepreneurial roller-coaster that was about to unfold merely days later.
They both had full-time jobs that were taking a toll on their lives and limiting the time they could spend together.
That all changed one fateful evening when Karen's random property search on Google, set off a chain reaction prompting a major course correction for them both; leaving what was familiar - albeit exhausting and draining - to pursue a distilling dream in Bega, on the New South Wales Sapphire Coast.
https://www.northofeden.com.au/
Gavin had extensive experience in the distilling industry, running a cocktail bar and working as a consultant. Karen's skills were in government policy so it's fair to say that Karen was onto the notion of "pivoting" long before it took on the mainstream use of the term that we see today.
As you will learn from this episode of the Distillers’ Voice, the term 'pivot' barely describes the journey Gavin and Karen have experienced.
Upon moving to their newly acquired property - Stony Creek Farm - in Bega, North of Eden, they learnt they'd bought a bed and breakfast.
And there were chickens. And cattle. And a vast array of fresh produce to consider.
Karen was a townie, now embracing the charms of rural New South Wales, where delegating out tedious tasks was replaced a need to master the mundane.
This occupied their energies for the best part of a year, curtailing their efforts to build the distillery.
Yet somewhere amongst all of that, they decided to shut down the bed and breakfast, commission their first still, release their first gin (an IWSC medallist no less) and built Australia's first gin school
This year alone, they’ve been led a merry dance by forces as diverse as bushfires, flood and THAT pandemic gripping the world. They describe this 'merry dance' clearly and succinctly, capturing the ethos, spirit, and courage they bring to their multi-award-winning gin portfolio and the contributions they've made to the Australian Craft Gin narrative.
They throw in their 5 tips for starting a gin business too, from perspectives that are as unique as they are compelling.
So, sit back, relax and enjoy some cracking yarns from two of Australia's finest up and coming distillers. And while you’re there, commit The Classic, The Connoisseur and The Admiral to memory as ‘must have’ gins when you find yourself in this part of the world.
Be Bold, Enjoy Yourself. Let's create the next gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
https://www.amazon.com/Still-Magic-distillers-guide-beginners-ebook/dp/B07QZ4VFRV/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=still+magic&qid=1596545333&sr=8-1
Host: Marcel Thompson
@stillmagicway
Guest contributors: Gavin
Hughes & Karen Touchie
https://www.northofeden.com.au/, @stonycreekfarmdistillery
Voiceovers: @antipodeanharpie
Editor: @alexiepigot, [email protected]. https://alexiepigot.com
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Episode 21 - Heritage | Guardianship | Legacy
Welcome to the Still Magic podcast, your one-click audio stop for all things gin. Be it gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin drinking, gin steeping, and everything else in between.
Here is a random question for the Still Magic podcast.
What is the perfect number between 1 and 10?
If you said the number 6, you would be correct
It’s a number that appears in areas as diverse as sport, nature and cult TV
For example,
A standard guitar has six stringsAn over in most forms of outdoor cricket comprises a set of 6 legal deliveriesThe minimum number of games required to win a set in tennis is 6A musical octave has 6 whole tonesPlayers change ends during a tennis tie-breaker after they complete 6 pointsThere are 6 players per team on the rink in an ice hockey matchA touchdown in the National Football League is worth 6 pointsThere are 6 colours in the RGB colour wheel (3 primary, 3 secondary)A goal in the Australian Football League is worth 6 pointsDice have 6 faces, with 6 as the highest valueThe honeycomb structure used by bees has cross-section with 6 sidesInsects have 6 legsAnd in the cult TV program, The Prisoner, the main character – played by Patrick McGoohan – was stripped of his name, and merely referred to as… Number 6
And today the perfect number 6 makes a truly spectacular appearance.
We need to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. Here, where we’ll find ourselves in Osaka, at the headquarters of a company comprising the merger of two iconic whiskey makers; Jim Beam and Suntory
Suntory has a long gin history releasing Hermes in 1936; their first gin product
The kaizen tradition of continuous improvement has punctuated their efforts during the intervening years.
The Suntory team developed a simple concept; to create a Japanese craft gin that would be welcome to consumers worldwide.
The unique product point captures the essence of the Four Seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter.
The word shun is a simple concept that refers to Peak Seasonality
Shun commands high value, driving the need for selecting and harvesting botanicals that are at their best for the peak season.
Sakura begin to bloom in late January, with the cherry blossom front moving north through each of the islands until April. This ornamental cherry is the spirit of Japan.
The delicate blossoms represent renewal and the brilliant nature of life.
The foundation botanicals are as follows; illustrating a classic example of the 3Bs described in my book Still Magic A Gin Distillers Guide for Beginners; the base is familiar yet nuanced
juniper,coriander seed,angelica root & angelica seed,cardamom,cinnamon,bitter orange peellemon peelThe Suntory team chose six botanicals, each of which is harvested in each of the four seasons; this is the shin concept writ large
Sakura flowers,Sakura leaf,Sencha tea,Gyokuro tea,Sansho pepper, and Yuzu, the quintessentially Japanese citrus fruitTo quote Koji Hirashama, the Global Strategy Brand Manager, for Suntory Spirits
“The fact that it's well balanced, I think that's a great gift from nature… “
With a strong base in play and a remarkable collection of botanicals, Roku demonstrates a wonderful union of east and west; a truly great gin
Today, is the perfect day for the Number 6.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s create a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
https://www.amazon.com/Still-Magic-distillers-guide-beginners-ebook/dp/B07QZ4VFRV/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=still+magic&qid=1596545333&sr=8-1
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway
Guest contributors: @nisholay, @antipodeanharpie
Editor: @alexiepigot,
alexiepigot.com
- Näytä enemmän
