Barr Hill Distiller, Ryan Christiansen, on Honey, Bees, Gin, & More

Barr Hill Distiller, Ryan Christiansen, on Honey, Bees, Gin, & More

Author: BLISTER October 26, 2022 Duration: 1:43:46

Barr Hill Gin is one of the best products being made in America today. And when paired with the mission of Barr Hill, you’ll understand why the company has such a fanatical following. Last week Jonathan Ellsworth was in Montpelier, Vermont, to spend the day at Barr Hill with Barr Hill president and distiller, Ryan Christiansen, to talk about bees and pollinators; the process of producing exceptional gin; what makes their Barr Hill vodka unique; the impact of their ‘Bees Knees Week’ initiative; their foray into the world of rye whiskey; and more.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • What is Barr Hill? (5:28)
  • Bees & Honey (7:08)
  • Cocktail Culture Meets Agriculture (10:57)
  • History of Gin, Gin Production, & Vodka (13:26)
  • Gin & the Art of Extraction of Botanicals (26:11)
  • Honey, Bees, & More to Learn (36:21)
  • Exceptional vs Average Gin? (37:35)
  • Current State of the Gin World (48:57)
  • Tom Cat Gin (51:55)
  • Bees Knees Cocktail (1:01:51)
  • The Barr Hill Facility & Sustainability (1:09:00)
  • Bees Knees Week (1:17:53)
  • Bar Hill Accolades (1:24:40)
  • Whiskey?? (1:29:14)
  • Growth and Scale (1:35:38)

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There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when someone has dedicated their life to making something tangible, driven by obsession over details most of us overlook. CRAFTED, from BLISTER, is built on those conversations. Each episode moves beyond a simple product review to explore the entire ecosystem of creation, whether the subject is a meticulously roasted coffee, a complex whiskey, a precision timepiece, or a bold new wine. You'll hear directly from the individuals who define these fields-brewers, distillers, founders, and artisans who started their ventures not because it was easy, but because they couldn't imagine doing anything else. This podcast digs into the raw materials, the failed experiments, the business risks taken on a principle, and the quiet triumphs that happen long before a product reaches a shelf. It’s about the philosophy embedded in the process as much as the technical skill. Tuning in feels less like listening to an interview and more like pulling up a stool in a workshop or a tasting room, offering an intimate look at the patience, setbacks, and unwavering standards that transform a simple idea into a crafted object. The stories are specific, but the themes of creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit are universal, connecting anyone who appreciates the depth behind a well-made thing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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