Author: Kenny Coleman

A lot of distributors tell us that brands are built behind the bar. To a degree that is true. These folks are on the front lines making drinks and have to be knowledgeable about what they are creating. Yet, a bartenders job is high stress and they don’t get a chance to get immersed in a brand so that’s where Camp Runamok comes in. We’re joined by Lindsey Johnson who manages this fantasy camp for bartenders. Bartenders from around the country write essays like they are filing a college application to be accepted into a week of events with Camp Runamok. We talk about what benefits there are for both sides when it comes to the campers and the brands who support it.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-Introduction to Camp Runamuck
• 06:00-The Evolution of Bartending and Industry Relationships
• 12:02-The Concept and Growth of Camp Runamuck
• 18:08-Experiential Learning and Community Building
• 24:10-Mentorship and the Future of Bartending
• 28:09-Creating Safe Spaces for Sober Campers
• 32:07-The Evolution of Drinking Culture Among Gen Z
• 35:21-Navigating a Career in Bartending
• 40:40-Supporting Small Craft Brands in the Industry
• 43:47-The Impact of Camp Run Amok on Bartenders
• 49:34-Building Community and Connections in Bartending
• Support this podcast on Patreon

The post 487 – Making Bartenders Fans of Your Brand with Lindsey Johnson of Camp Runamok appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

If you have followed the progress of this show since the beginning, you can see the evolution of what we talk about. In the beginning it was about brands and Master Distillers, then when we started Pursuit Spirits we were introduced into the world of brokers and the middle layer of people who own barrels without brands. That information has made its way to you and now you know more about the market. But that brokered market is heavily guarded. It’s a series of handshakes, phone calls, and emails with excel spreadsheets with prices to see what’s available. However, Rob Arnold with Barrel Hub is trying to make access easier for everyone. Rob isn’t new to this game. He spent his undergraduate in Texas and is the person responsible for the pecan yeast strain used by TX Whiskey to this day. We talk about his background and how that led to the idea of creating a portal where industry folks can buy and sell barrels on the wholesale market.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-Introduction to Bourbon Pursuit and Market Evolution
• 03:10-The Brokered Whiskey Market and Its Challenges
• 05:56-Rob Arnold’s Background and Innovative Ideas
• 09:07-The Role of Yeast in Whiskey Production
• 11:53-The Journey of TX Whiskey and Its Unique Identity
• 15:08-Navigating the Craft Whiskey Landscape
• 17:53-The Science Behind TX Whiskey’s Yeast
• 21:09-The Impact of Pernod Ricard’s Acquisition
• 30:07-Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
• 32:23-The Science of Whiskey: Writing and Education
• 36:00-Innovative Barrel Financing Solutions
• 40:40-Introducing Barrel Hub: A Marketplace for Whiskey
• 46:12-Transparency in the Whiskey Market
• 52:44-Empowering Entrepreneurs in the Whiskey Industry
• Support this podcast on Patreon

The post 486 – Turning the Wholesale Bourbon Marketplace Online with Rob Arnold of Barrel Hub appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

We talk about Penelope a lot on the show because they are a prime example of how to differentiate yourself in the marketplace from a crowded shelf of bottles. Our first episode with Mike Paladini and Danny Polise was back on epsidoe 382. And now this time we catch up with them again but after they were acquired by MGP for $215M. We talk about life after acquisition and what that means to access to whiskey, the life of the brand, and how their roles have changed from running it all to leaning on a large organiztion with a substantial salesforce.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-The Journey Begins: From Mattresses to Bourbon
• 04:54-The Rise of Penelope Bourbon: Challenges and Innovations
• 09:57-Acquisition Insights: Life After MGP
• 19:52-Product Development: The Art of Blending and Finishing
• 30:04-Future Aspirations: Growth and New Innovations
• Support this podcast on Patreon

The post 485 – What’s Life Like After A $215M Acquisition with Mike Paladini and Danny Polise of Penelope Bourbon appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.