#75 - Life is a Preez: Florida's Best Micro Distillery! | Ramon Perez

#75 - Life is a Preez: Florida's Best Micro Distillery! | Ramon Perez

Author: Allan Cogan March 20, 2026 Duration: 59:09

After 21 years in the U.S. Army, Ramon didn't take it easy in retirement — he opened a distillery. Preez Distillery in Largo, Florida started as a kitchen experiment in Alaska, grew through word of mouth during COVID, and is now one of the most unique craft spirits operations in the state.

In this episode we sit down with Ramon for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really means to make something by hand, why he thinks the word "craft" has been hijacked by the industry, and how he built a business around hospitality first and sales second. We also work through the full product lineup — a sugar-based vodka, a gin that converts gin haters, a strawberry vodka made from fresh Plant City strawberries, and more.

If you've ever thought about turning a passion into a business — or you just love a great spirits story — this one's for you.📍 Preez Distillery — Largo, Florida🌐 preezdistillery.com—#CraftDistillery #FloridaDistilling #craftwhiskey #DistilleryTour #CraftSpirits #EntrepreneurStory #floridalife #AmericanWhiskey #SmallBusinessJourneySupport Crafted ConversationsEverything you see and hear on this show — including travel — is funded out of pocket. If you believe in our mission of spotlighting the people and stories behind small businesses, you can support the show at:buymeacoffee.com/craftedconvosBuy Me a Coffee allows for simple one-time donations or a monthly contribution. Every dollar goes directly into creating more episodes and giving breweries, distilleries, and makers the spotlight they deserve.Stay ConnectedWebsite: www.craftedconvos.comFollow: @craftedconvospodSubscribe on YouTube: @craftedconvospodProduced by: Allan Cogan, Grant Brown, Nick Post, and Andrew SindallCrafted Conversations Media LLCFull video available on YouTube and SpotifyQuestions or inquiries: coganconvo@gmail.comMusic provided by Artlist.io (copyright information available upon request)Cheers!This episode features conversations about alcohol. Please drink responsibly.


There's a story in every bottle, a history in every glass, and a person behind every label. Crafted Conversations is a journey into the world of whiskey that goes far beyond tasting notes. Host Allan Cogan travels from historic Scottish distilleries to innovative urban bars, sitting down with the individuals whose lives are intertwined with this craft. You'll hear directly from Master Distillers about the alchemy of aging, from distillery owners about the risks and rewards of a family legacy, and from mixologists who treat whiskey as a living ingredient. This podcast digs into the personal journals of its guests, uncovering the passion, tradition, and sometimes sheer stubbornness that defines their work. It’s less about the technical specs and more about the human spirit-the late nights, the failed experiments, and the moments of triumph. Each episode feels like pulling up a stool for a deep, meandering talk with someone who has dedicated their life to their art. Through these genuine dialogues, the culture and society surrounding whiskey come into sharp focus, revealing how a simple spirit can connect people across continents. Tune in for a series of intimate portraits that just happen to be set against a backdrop of oak barrels and copper stills.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 77

Crafted Conversations
Podcast Episodes
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#61 - Barrio Brewing Co. w/ Jaime Dickman & Gary Fritze [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:39
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#60 - George Washington's Distillery w/ Steve Bashore [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:08
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#59 - Lyon Rum w/ Jaime Windon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:29
In this episode I traveled to the small town of St. Michaels, Maryland to visit one of the best people in the business! Jaime Windon jubilantly crafts American Rum at Windon Distilling with their flagship product: Lyon R…
#58 - Southern Grace Distilleries w/ Thomas Thacker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:25
In this episode I traveled to Mt. Pleasant, NC and visited one of the most unique distilleries I've ever been to! Southern Grace Distilleries resides in an old North Carolina State Prison and they sure do embrace every o…
#57 - Hugger Mugger Brewing Co. w/ Tim Emmert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:28
In this episode I traveled to Sanford, NC and visited one of my favorite spots: Hugger Mugger Brewing Company! Owner Tim Emmert joined me to share his story in craft brewing and the story of Hugger Mugger!I can't thank T…
#56 - re:Visit | Broadslab Distillery w/ Jeremy Norris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:55
In this episode I traveled back to Benson, NC and revisited our friends at Broadslab Distillery! Owner Jeremy Norris joined me to catch up on all things Flue Cured Whiskey and the Agricultural side of distillation!I can'…