Olde Raleigh Distillery:  Brandon McCraney, Owner/Master Blender; Ep. 60

Olde Raleigh Distillery: Brandon McCraney, Owner/Master Blender; Ep. 60

Author: Bourbon, Brass & Beyond June 14, 2026 Duration: 35:02

In this episode, Brandon McCraney from Olde Raleigh Distillery shares his journey into whiskey blending, the art and science behind creating unique bourbon profiles, and the innovative projects that keep his craft exciting. Discover how small batch blending, cask finishes, and creative experiments are shaping the future of craft spirits.

Keywords

#Whiskeyblending #bourbon #craftdistillery #smallbatch #caskfinishing #whiskeyinnovation #OldeRaleighDistillery #spiritcreation #whiskeytasting #craftspirits #podcast #bourbonbrassandbeyond

Key topics

Whiskey blending techniques and philosophy

The story behind Old Raleigh Distillery and its products

Innovative cask finishing methods, including Armagnac and coffee

The importance of quality ingredients and palate development

The role of experimentation and learning from mistakes in craft spirits

Market trends and the future of small-batch bourbon

The impact of laws and regulations on distillery operations

Creative projects like limited releases and unique blends

Guest name

Brandon McCraney

Sound bites

"A good whiskey should tell a story"

"Every batch is a little different"

"Mistakes can lead to the best creations"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Old Raleigh Distillery

04:58 The Art and Science of Blending Bourbon

11:13 Navigating Challenges in the Bourbon Industry

15:36 Innovative Blending Projects and Consumer Engagement

18:17 From Corporate Ladder to Bourbon Dreams

19:13 The Journey of Learning and Blending

20:35 Innovative Blending Techniques and Surprising Results

23:41 Embracing Mistakes: The Coffee Bomb Story

25:51 The Importance of Support and Community

28:40 Crafting Unique Experiences for Bourbon Lovers

31:59 Navigating Shipping Laws and Building a Brand

Resources

Bourbon, Brass & Beyond - https://www.bourbonbrassandbeyond.com

Olde Raleigh Distillery - https://olderaleighdistillery.com

CF Napa (Bottle and Label Design) - https://cfnapa.com

guest links

Instagram - https://instagram.com/brandonmcraney

Website - https://olderaleighdistillery.com


There’s a particular warmth that comes from good company, a shared pour, and a great story. That’s the feeling at the heart of Bourbon, Brass & Beyond, a podcast hosted by neighbors Bob and Dan. Their friendship frames each conversation, blending two distinct worlds into something uniquely engaging. Bob brings his relentless passion for tracking down remarkable bourbons, a pursuit he balances with being a dad and his role in operations management. Dan offers a different rhythm, drawn from a life spent mastering the trumpet and navigating the skies as an airline pilot, all while raising his own family. This isn’t a formal review show or a technical flight log. Instead, it’s where the hunt for a perfect bottle meets the soulful notes of a brass section and tales from travels high above the clouds. They often open their personal collections, sharing tastes and thoughts with each other and with guests, making every episode feel like an invitation to pull up a chair. The result is a natural exploration of life’s richer flavors and soundtracks. You’ll hear conversations that meander from the nuances of a specific distiller’s craft to the unexpected lessons learned between cities, all underscored by a deep appreciation for the hobbies and moments that define us. Tune in for a podcast that genuinely connects the spirit of bourbon with the music of everyday adventures.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Bourbon, Brass & Beyond
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