#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: 50

Crafted Conversations
Podcast Episodes
#51 - Ledgerock Distillery w/ Bryce Retzer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:42
In this episode I traveled to Fon du Lac, Wisconsin and had the pleasure of sitting down with Bryce Retzer, the head distiller of Ledgerock Distillery! The Retzer Family has been distilling since 2018 and farming for eve…
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Duration: 52:09
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Duration: 1:00:36
In this episode, I traveled to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to learn the store of the only distillery in town: Sturgeon Spirits. Owner and distillery Karl Loewenstein graciously sat down with me to discuss all the things he's infu…
#48 - J. Henry & Sons w/ Joe Z. Henry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:39
In this episode, I traveled to Dane, Wisconsin - just north of Madison - to learn all about J. Henry & Sons and their incredible family story. Master Blender Joe Z. Henry - the oldest of the Henry sons - sat down with me…
#47 - Ope! Brewing Co. w/ Kyle Ciske & Cameron Patterson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:44
In this episode, I traveled to my hometown of West Allis, Wisconsin to learn all about the brewery that opened after I moved away! Co-owner Kyle Ciske and Brewer Cameron Patterson welcomed me to Ope! and shared their sto…
#45 - Cotton & Reed Distillery w/ Jordan Cotton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:18
In this episode I traveled to Washington DC and had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan Cotton, co-founder and distiller at the Cotton & Reed Rum Distillery! I'm so thankful for Jordan's hospitality and look forward to…
#44 - Baltimore Spirit Co. w/ Max Lents & Eli Breitburg-Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:56
In this episode I traveled to Baltimore, MD and had the honor of speaking with the great Max Lents and Eli Brietburg-Smith. Both are Co-founders and distillers at Baltimore Spirits Co!I'm so thankful for Max and Eli's ho…
#43 - Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery w/ Peter Ahlf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:07
In this episode I traveled to Middleburg, VA - a small rural town just about an hour west of Washington D.C. - and had the honor of speaking with the head distiller at Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery: Peter Ahlf! I'm so…
#42 - Devil's Due Distillery w/ Wylie McDade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:20
In this episode I traveled to Kearneysville, WV - a small town just 20 min NW of Harpers Ferry - and had the pleasure of speaking with owner and operator of Devil's Due Distillery: Wylie McDade. I'm so thankful for Wylie…