Voices Of Distilling

Meet trailblazers in the world of craft distilling. Host, Ronnell Richards, the founder of Business & Bourbon, introduces you to interesting and diverse voices in craft distilling. These American Distilling Institute members have the pulse of the industry and are willing to share their stories, insights, and advice with our community. Learn their story, learn about the industry. Presented by The American Distilling Institute "the heart of craft distilling"

Voices Of Distilling is a business podcast hosted by Ronnell Richards, with 116 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Ronnell Richards hosts Voices Of Distilling, a business show with 116 episodes published.

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  Voices Of Distilling

  Pitorro in Maryland: Crystal Rivera’s Mission to Share Puerto Rico’s Moonshine Rum

  May 20, 202520 minS0

  <p>Episode Overview</p><p>At ADI’s 21st Craft Spirits Conference in Baltimore, host Ronnell Richards sits down with Crystal Rivera — co‑founder of Puerto Rico Distillery (PRD) — to explore how a father‑daughter team turned cultural tradition into Maryland’s first dedicated pitorro distillery. From launching in March 2020 (the week COVID shut the world down) to expanding into a 12,000‑sq‑ft facility this year, Crystal explains why preserving island heritage, supporting local growers, and bootstrapping with family grit created a grassroots success story.</p><p>What Exactly Is Pitorro?</p><p>Puerto Rico’s centuries‑old “moonshine” rum: high‑proof, cane‑based, and traditiona...

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  Voices Of Distilling

  California Funk & Caribbean Soul: Steve Julliar’s Award‑Winning Rums at Evolved Distilling

  May 8, 202515 minS0

  <p>Episode Overview</p><p>Fresh from claiming Best‑in‑Class Dark Rum at the 2025 ADI competition, Steve Julliar—founder of Evolved Distilling in Los Angeles County—joins host Ronnell Richards for a colorful chat about turning beer‑maker know‑how into medal‑winning spirits. From coffee liqueur to orange cello, Steve’s tiki‑worthy lineup channels Caribbean technique through Southern California terroir—proving rum (and flamboyant linen shirts) belong far beyond the tropics.</p><p>From Brewhouse to Stillhouse</p><p>How distilling a Belgian Noël beer into schnapps convinced Steve to buy a dormant distillery and “evolve” it into a rum‑focused playground...

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  Episode #208

  Triple-Crown Gin: Jon Hillgren & Sweden’s Hernö Distillery Make ADI Histor

  Apr 24, 20257 minS2

  <p>Fresh off the ADI awards stage, Jon Hillgren—founder of Hernö Gin Distillery in Härnösand, Sweden—joins host Ronnell Richards to celebrate an unprecedented third-straight Best-in-Class win. From crafting organic botanicals 500 km north of Stockholm to breaking into U.S. markets via ADI’s International Spirits Competition, Jon explains how patience, precision, and purposeful marketing turned a small Nordic gin house into a global sensation.</p><p>Winning Three Years Running</p><p>Why Hernö’s London Dry, Navy Strength, and Old Tom gins each captured ADI’s top honor in consecutive years.</p><p>How consistent medal wins tra...

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  Episode #207

  Botanical Brilliance: A Conversation with Sarah Sergent of Alpine Distilling

  Mar 27, 202515 minS2

  <p>Episode Overview</p><p>In this episode of Voices of Distilling, host Ronnell Richards sits down with Sarah Sergent, co-founder of Alpine Distilling in Park City, Utah. Whether she’s refining gin recipes, judging international spirits, or speaking at conferences around the globe, Sarah’s passion for botanical spirits has earned her a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking voices in the industry. Recorded at the American Distilling Institute’s National Conference, this lively conversation explores Sarah’s distilling philosophy, her dedication to community stewardship, and the art of transforming local landscapes into extraordinary flavors.</p><p>Behind-the-Scenes of Spirits Jud...

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  Episode #206

  Reviving Pittsburgh’s Whiskey Heritage: A Conversation with Wigle Whiskey’s Alex & Alex

  Mar 14, 202525 minS2

  <p>Episode OverviewIn this episode of Voices of Distilling, hosted by Ronnell Richards and powered by the American Distilling Institute (ADI), we sit down with Alex Moser (COO) and Alex “Trask” (Production Manager) from Wigle Whiskey. Broadcasting from ADI’s 21st Conference in Baltimore, the two “Alexes” share Wiggle’s story as the first distillery in Pittsburgh since Prohibition, discuss how they balance innovation with cash flow, and shed light on running multiple venues—including a tasting room, a restaurant, and event spaces. Tune in to learn how Wiggle Whiskey is putting Pittsburgh back on the distilling map!In This Episode, You’l...

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