In this episode, we are joined by George Koutsakis, the innovative mind behind Barrel Global. George shares his fascinating journey from managing a Brewdog bar in Tokyo to becoming a prominent figure in the whiskey industry. With a unique background that spans across Greece, Scotland, Japan, and now Mexico, George brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

George's Background: Discover how George's love for anime led him to Japan and eventually into the world of whiskey.

Writing and Whiskey: Learn about George's transition from writing for prestigious publications like Forbes and Food & Wine to creating his own whiskey brand, Coach Built.

Barrel Global: Understand the innovative approach of Barrel Global, which makes barrel ownership accessible to the average consumer and supports small distilleries.

Business Insights: Gain insights into the challenges and successes George faced while building his brands, and how his global experiences shaped his business strategies.

Future of Barrel Global: Explore the future plans for Barrel Global, including the launch of a barrel marketplace and expansion into international markets.

Key Highlights:

George's multicultural background and its influence on his business approach.

The importance of having a clear vision and identity for a brand.

How Barrel Global is filling a gap in the market by offering a unique barrel ownership experience.

The role of technology and customer service in overcoming barriers in the whiskey industry.

Connect with Us:

Email: embellishpod@gmail.com

Instagram: @embellishpod

TikTok: @embellishpod

Website: www.embellishpod.com

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes!

Listen to the full episode now and dive into the world of whiskey with George Koutsakis!

Join us for an exciting episode of the Embellish Pod as we dive into the world of Indiana whiskey with Dave McIntyre, co-founder of West Fork Whiskey Company and Old Hamer. In this episode, we explore the journey of West Fork Whiskey, from its humble beginnings to becoming a key player in the craft bourbon scene.

Discover how Dave and his childhood friends turned their passion for bourbon into a thriving business, the unique characteristics that set Indiana whiskey apart from its Kentucky counterparts, and the innovative approaches they take in their distilling process.

We'll also discuss the challenges and triumphs of running a distillery, including the impact of market dynamics, the importance of hospitality, and the exciting new developments at their 30,000 square foot facility in Westfield, Indiana.

Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or just curious about the craft distilling industry, this episode is packed with insights and stories that you won't want to miss!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction 00:42 - Meet Dave McIntyre 02:04 - The origins of West Fork Whiskey 06:57 - Indiana vs. Kentucky whiskey 08:21 - Unique characteristics of Indiana bourbon 14:10 - The evolution of West Fork's production 20:00 - The impact of market changes 30:41 - The new facility and hospitality offerings 42:10 - Food and cocktail pairings at West Fork 46:07 - Planning your visit to West Fork

Connect with West Fork:

Website: https://www.westforkwhiskey.com/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestForkWhiskey/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/westforkwhiskey Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@westforkwhiskey

Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes and check out our video content on YouTube! For more information, visit www.embellishpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok @embellishpod.

Join us for an exciting episode of the EmbellishPod as we sit down with the incredible Peggy Noe Stephens, a pioneer in the whiskey industry and the founder of the Bourbon Women Association. With nearly 30 years of experience, Peggy shares her journey from marketing to master tasting and her mission to create a community for female bourbon enthusiasts.

In this episode, we dive into the origins of Bourbon Women, the importance of mentorship, and how Peggy has helped elevate the role of women in the whiskey industry. We also discuss the evolution of the organization, the upcoming SIPosium conference, and the unique experiences that bring women together through their love of bourbon.

Whether you're a seasoned whiskey lover or just starting your journey, this conversation is packed with insights, inspiration, and a few surprises along the way. Don't miss out on Peggy's valuable advice and her passion for creating memorable experiences in the world of bourbon.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction 00:41 - Meet Peggy Noe Stephens 03:13 - The Birth of Bourbon Women 08:41 - The Evolution of Bourbon Women 12:07 - Is Bourbon Women Exclusive to Women? 15:00 - Member Demographics and Education 18:11 - Beyond Tasting: Unique Experiences 20:55 - Memorable Moments from SIPosium 22:01 - The Impact of Bourbon Women 25:24 - Day-to-Day Activities of Bourbon Women 29:04 - Virtual Events and Accessibility 30:14 - Future of SIPosium Events 32:48 - Becoming a Master Taster 42:02 - Mentorship and Advice for Women 44:08 - Closing Thoughts

Connect with Peggy:

Website: https://bourbonwomen.org/ Website: https://peggynoestevens.com/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/bourbonwomen Instagram: https://instagram.com/bourbonwomen

Connect with us:

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @embellishpod Visit our website: www.embellishpod.com Email: embellishpod@gmail.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your friends!