The Current State of Alcohol, with Eli Brown & Jonathan Ellsworth

The Current State of Alcohol, with Eli Brown & Jonathan Ellsworth

Author: BLISTER January 15, 2025 Duration: 1:09:28

Jonathan Ellsworth talks about this very big topic with someone who is in quite a unique position to have this conversation with: Eli Brown, a 26-year-old sommelier who is also certified in mixology and distilled spirits, he has been named a Top 100 Bartender in the U.S., and he is currently working on a project involving N/A and low ABV beer and spirits and wine.

Jonathan Ellsworth and Eli Brown delve into the changing landscape of alcohol consumption among younger generations; the trends — and hurdles — of non-alcoholic (NA) and low ABV cocktails; the complexities of wine and the practices of the wine industry that may be acting as a deterrence; the implications of the US Surgeon General's recommendations on alcohol consumption; and predictions for future trends in the craft beverage industry.

RELATED LINKS:

Blister Craft Collective

TOPICS & TIMES:

Eli’s Background & Credentials (1:34)

The Current State of Alcohol (10:10)

US Surgeon General’s Warning (40:16)

Blister Craft collective (53:49)

White Wines (1:01:55)

Predictions: Which Spirits Will Rise & Fall? (1:04:48)


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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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