Send us a Text Message.Welcome to Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST! 👏My name is Jessie Ott, the Host of this Podcast which is all about Beverage Innovation. I talk with Innovation Pioneers from Agriculture to Glass.🥂 📢I talk🎙️with  Claire Warner, Tales of the Cocktails Foundation, Member Board of Directors, and co-founder of Seedlip’s sister company, Æcorn, non-alcoholic aperitifs based on Sussex wine grapes and bitter botanicals. Yes, you guessed it. The ingredients do include bitterness from acorns. Both brands have since been sold to Diageo. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁Claire is now Head of Advocacy and Head of Luxury Advocacy for Diageo, in London, Great Britain.Claire has always been a bartender at heart but was able to use her skills in the corporate world during her tenure at LVMH, mostly working on the Belvedere Vodka brand. She started out as a brand ambassador. She then became the Head of Spirit Creation and Mixology where she introduced 13 new expressions including the Single Estate Rye series which landed the “Vodka Producer of the Year” three years in a row by the International Spirit Challenge. She’s a tireless advocate of better health for the bartending community as well as championing the low and no movement.  Claire is one of a kind in our industry and what she has done for our hardest workers is second to none. I have a lot of admiration for her and all that she has accomplished by promoting a healthy-centric approach to the bartender's life. She’s also a very insightful and giving person. I know you will all agree once you hear her story.NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST! 👏My name is Jessie Ott, the Host of this Podcast which is all about Beverage Innovation. I talk with Innovation Pioneers from Agriculture to Glass.🥂  📢I talk🎙️with Caitlyn Lubell Founder and Chief Connection Officer & Jennifer Meacham, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer of Booze Biz LLC.  They are celebrating their 1 year anniversary! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁Booze Biz is a recruiting agency that specializes in the beverage alcohol industry. They provide staffing solutions for wine, spirits, beer, and sake companies, as well as non-alcoholic and CBD beverage brands.Caitlyn & Jennifer discuss their journey in the business and how companies should embrace their services and the work they put in behind the scenes to get them their ideal candidate. They stress the importance of their clients making time to interview candidates and stay on track to eliminate losing their best potential employees.Caitlyn started out bartending and worked her way up in the industry, while Jennifer began in nonprofits before transitioning to the wine industry. They both found their way to recruiting and decided to start Booze Biz in July 2023. Caitlin had the idea and reached out to Jennifer, and they quickly realized how much they complemented each other, with Caitlin focusing on clients and Jennifer on recruiting.They also discuss the difficulties of inconsistent job titles and the need for recruiters to understand the nuances of different roles. They touch on the issue of being pigeonholed in a specific role and the challenges of transitioning between different roles and industries in particular the impact of reorganizations on stagnant career growth. They also talk about the importance of building relationships with clients and candidates and the benefits of long-term partnerships. Having clients long-term is a win win for both sides in that both understand the culture and needs almost before their client does. Both also hope to follow candidates throughout their careers and help place them as they grow their skillset. They emphasize the need for companies to focus on the candidates themselves rather than short-term results. Most companies agree that employees are the #1 importance but then they must take the time to schedule interviews in a timely manner to not lose the right candidate.They set out to get a new hire placed in 3 to 6 weeks, vs the 6 month norm I've been hearing about.They also introduced their Brand Cultivator Program, which aims to match startup companies with independent contractors who can help them enter the market. They highlight the need for more affordable options for startups to access sales support and the benefits of cross-exposure in a portfolio of complementary products. Caitlyn and Jennifer, have extensive experience in the industry and are passionate about helping companies find the right talent. They offer services such as executive search, job board postings, and a brand cultivator program. Booze Biz is focused on building long-term partnerships with tNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST!My name is Jessie Ott, the Host of this Podcast which is all about Beverage Innovation. I talk with Innovation Pioneers from Agriculture to Glass.📢I talk🎙️with Lisa Leventhal, former Chief Fire Stoker at The House of Somrus.  🍷  🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂  😁She has an incredible journey that started with her career at Disney right here in Orlando, FL. She shares her experience in the World of Mickey before branching out to Bloomin’ Brands and Darden Restaurants where she focused on operations and opened new restaurants all over the US.She then transitioned to a smaller family-run company that had 20-30 various concepts and was the GM and Beverage Director for Balboa Café in San Francisco. This is when she first tried The House of Somrus and put it on their cocktail menu. Little did she know she would one day work for them.Realizing she needed a change from San Francisco where real estate is overly expensive she looked into Chicago where she could get a two-bedroom, two bath for less than she was paying in rent per month.She worked for the Alinea Group where she met the owner of The House of Somrus in her office building. It was an instant connection and well, the rest is history! Lisa is now the Chief Fire Stoker at The Kurvball Whiskey Company.NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST! My name is Jessie Ott, the Host of this Podcast which is all about Beverage Innovation. I talk with Innovation Pioneers from Agriculture to Glass.This week, I’m speaking with Chris Scott, Co-Owner of ThirtyFifty with his wife Jane Scott.They started their wine 🍷venture in 2002 in London starting with wine tastings 😋 which grew into corporate events. By 2013, they became an Approved Program Provider for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. (WSET)The name ThirtyFifty represents the latitudes where wine is grown, between 30 and 50 degrees North and South of the equator. They recently were awarded the International Wine Challenge Consumer Educator of the Year in 2022 for the 3rd time. 🎇👏 🥂🍾Not only do they teach the wine WSET classes they also have loads of content available to use to study 📖for your exam, whether you are in their class or elsewhere.Their educational platform includes Study Packs, Flash Cards, 🎴and Sample Exam 📝 Questions which are very detailed and directed toward passing each level. Chris even has a podcast 🎙️ to learn even more.I am personally thankful 🙏they have these materials available as I used them tirelessly while studying for my WSET Level 3 in wine in 2021.  I passed both the tasting and written exam with merit. 👏🥂 I would not have passed this exam without these tools and I highly recommend them to anyone who's taking any level of WSET exams.#wine #winetastings #fnbinnovationNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST Now on YouTube!📽 Subscribe and Watch Here!😁💃https://youtu.be/0JdEjlBzeUY📢I talk🎙️with  Peter Iglesias, CEO,  and Scott Savage, COO of Bespoken Spirits, a portfolio of brands made from the latest technology in aging and creating new flavors.  🍷  🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂  😁These two are the perfect match for this venture and I cannot wait until you hear all the really amazing things they are doing at Bespoken Spirits. I wish them all the best and will continue to follow their journey over the coming years.I couldn't ask for nicer gentlemen who are on cusp of something different and are inspirational in their journey and beyond. I hope you enjoy their interview as much as I did recording it. YouTube Videohttps://youtu.be/7FvWKMU4BdoNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message. Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST Now on YouTube!📽 Subscribe and Watch Here!😁💃https://youtu.be/0JdEjlBzeUY 📢I talk🎙️with  Susan Coss, Founder of Mezcalistas and North of the Border Adventures. Mezcalistas started as a blog and has become their media arm and number one resource for info on the world of mezcal and the expanding world of Mexican spirits.  🍷  🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂  😁 North of the Border Adventures is a media, events, and consulting company dedicated to promoting and celebrating the world of Mexican craft spirits and all things Mexican at their “Mexico in a Bottle” events in 6 cities across the US. Her team also hosts private events including virtual gatherings. They also consult on brand launches, business development, and events.Susan has 30-plus years of marketing, communications, and event planning in the food, beverage retail, tech, financial and news sectors.She became enamored by mezcal on a trip to Oaxaca. After meeting those who produce it in a careful and crafty way with less production, she was hooked on educating the industry and consumers to try and love mezcal. I’m uncertain of her impact on the popularity of mezcal, but since she’s been educating us in America for nearly 13 years, it puts her up against anyone teaching from the ground up.Congratulations to you and your team Susan for a job well done! 🎇👏 NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST Now on YouTube!📽 Subscribe and Watch Here!😁💃https://youtu.be/0JdEjlBzeUY📢I talk🎙️with Frank Klein, CEO & Founder of Post Road Hospitality started in June 2023, which is a hospitality management firm and the parent company for a growing list of high-quality restaurant and beverage brands. These brands include FK Restaurants & Hospitality, Inc., Fairfields Rum of The Americas & Asian Box to name a few. 🍷  🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂  😁Most recently, they announced the launch of Fairfields Rum of the Americas. Classic Dry White, Sherry Cask Finished Reserve. Zero sugar, Zero additives. 100% Taste. This is the (R)Evolution of Rum!Frank has 35 years of experience advising start-up and growth-oriented restaurants, bars, nightclubs and hospitality venues. He specializes in creating a differentiated edge against competitors and making every effort count. He's very skilled at using creative solutions to propel businesses forward quicker than the industry standard.His company mission revolves around the intersection of culinary art and exceptional service. As they focus on innovation in the hospitality industry, they've developed a portfolio of high-quality restaurant and beverage brands that champion sustainable operations and purpose-driven experiences. Their team excels in creating memorable moments for our guests, thanks to a strong foundation in prioritizing customer relationships and new business development.Starting Fairfields Rum of The Americas, he's cultivated a unique approach to beverage offerings that respects the terroir and embraces the diversity of our clientele. Zero sugar, Zero additives. This ethos is reflected in their silver rums and ready-to-drink beverages, which caters to a broad audience without compromising on quality. By prioritizing quality and transparency we're establishing high standards where every drinker feels valued and every sip tells a story.He and his partners also founded Asian Box, a more healthful Vietnamese fast casual with brick-and-mortar locations, airports, museums, and food halls in California. Our food is sustainably sourced and we adhere to a never-ever policy on antibiotics and pesticides.Instagram#rum #restaurants #fnbinnovation #thirstythursdaysNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message. Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST Now on YouTube!📽 Subscribe and Watch Here!😁💃https://youtu.be/0JdEjlBzeUY📢I talk🎙️with  Nicolas Guillant,  a   Frenchman who spent his first 5 years in Cameroon, Africa, and grew up in Paris, France. I met Nicolas working together at Remy Cointreau, my first job in the beverage industry and his second. 🍷  🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂  😁After graduating with his MBA he was hired by Seagram’s to assess the value of their champagne brands, which included Mumm and Perrier Jouet. 🥂🍾 Once those brands were sold to Pernod Ricard, Nicolas found himself at Remy Cointreau in NYC and managed all the brands there except Remy Martin.He jumped out of the biz with an amazing opportunity in Las Vegas working with Ceasars Holdings, Inc. on the Harrah’s brand. Missing the Supplier Beverage world, he started at William Grant & Sons in marketing then ran their portfolio of business in both Canada and the Nordic countries totaling just over 7 years.He then took leadership roles as President of the Americas for Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits Group 🍷and EVP at Gerard Bertrand Wines before taking the Global Chief Commercial Officer at Alexandrion Group based in Romania. Nicolas has had a truly global leadership career working for some of the world's top brands and understands our US three-tiered system and the opportunities that remain.I’m excited for Nicolas's next steps as he navigates these gaps in the market to create his own business.NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST Now on YouTube!📽 Subscribe and Watch Here!😁💃📢I talk🎙️with Sarah Feeney, Partner and Brand Developer, Kevin Beyer, Partner and Director of Marketing, and Founder and CEO Larry McGearty who soft-launched Sweet Gwendoline French Gin🍸in NYC in November 2021.🍷  🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂  😁The Brand - $39.99 Sweet Gwendoline French Gin🍸 is sourced and distilled in the South of France and bottled in New Orleans. It is infused with botanicals 🌿🪴juniper, angelica seed, coriander, cardamom, sweet orange, 🍊lemon,🍋 lime, and finished with French white wine. With a plethora of experience on the beverage alcohol side, this team was destined to create a unique and special brand. When you combine all their creative talents into one brand, you have a formula that's written for success.They worked on brands from Suppliers such as Proximo, Casa Lumbre, Campari Group, and William Grant and Sons. They were part of the team that created and launched Sailor Jerry worldwide as well as worked on the global expansion of Hendrick's Gin. The Intersection of Fashion and Fetish!The brand design is influenced by John Willey, a mid-century fetish illustrator known for creating the "Sweet Gwendoline" character, blending fetish and fashion. Willie founded Bizarre Magazine post-World War II, merging fashion and fetish, aligning with the gin's branding. His glamorous style depicted women in high heels, long gloves, sashes, and corsets.Why a French Gin?John Willey magazine showcases various erotic stories in which you can find various scenes within the bottle, so you have to find and buy them all! :)  The best part is you have to look through the peephole on the back label to discover them! Where to Purchase it?Online in 32 states on their website and distribution in 19 States. They be branching out from NYC, Chicago, Las Vegas, and LA to Austin, Atlanta, etc... even in the UK!Another partner on the brand is Dita Von Teese "Queen of Burlesque" Has A Las Vegas Show at the Horseshoe Bringing back Old School Vegas https://www.instagram.com/ditavonteese/I loved sitting down with these amazing innovators and hearing about each of their journeys but the most rewarding piece for me is when Larry comments at the end of the podcast about how he learned a lot about his Sweet Gwendoline cohorts and that means a lot. Congratulations on winning Gold in the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition!!  🎇 🎉🍾Sweet Gwendoline GinNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST Now on YouTube!📽 Subscribe and Watch Here!😁💃📢I talk🎙️with Pável Martínez, Sommelier 🍷 at Hotel La Casa de la Playa by Grupo Xcaret in Playa del Carmen.🍷 . 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂Pável has been in the restaurant 🍽️ business his whole career starting out as a Restaurant Supervisor at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in Riveria Maya. Here, he met his mentor and got the wine bug which he carried through the rest of his career. He then managed restaurants and continued his sommelier work along the way.He also became a professor 🍎 teaching other wine 🍷enthusiasts 😃 for 10 years and passed Level 2 Wine & Spirits from WSET.I received some great insight into the Mexican beverage market and where they stand on Low & No Alc. I’m excited to follow the new types of agave spirits as they become more accessible in the US and to follow the progress of their wines as more and more investment is put behind these endeavors.I enjoyed talking to Pavel and learning about his journey throughout the beverage industry. I also really enjoyed learning about the Mexican beverage market and I know you will too!#wine #sommelier #fnbinnovation Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe to be notified of all new episodes!NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST Now on YouTube!📽 Subscribe and Watch Here!😁💃📢I talk🎙️with Yanick Arakelov Co-Owner of Silk Road Wines  🍷 and Keaton Maddox, Director of Communications! They stop by and discuss Silk Road WInes and Yanick's journey from being born in the country of Georgia to opening Silk Road Wines in Orlando, FL. 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂"Part 2" focuses on the History of the "Silk Road" and why it was important to name their winery after this important part of history. We also taste through 4 wines:Yanick and his team created all their own brands and labels. They source from family wineries that are experts in the varietals they produce.The Silk Road Wine name represents the "Silk Road" which was part of a network of trade routes that connected the world with goods including wine and many other goods.   Wines Tasted   🍷  😋  🎉 Manavi $14.99 Dry White from Kakheti Khikhvi Qvevri $25.99 Amber 6 months in qvevri from KakhetiSaperavi Reserve  $45 Dry Red from Kakheti  Alazani   $13.99  Semi-sweet red wine from Kakhetihttps://silkroadwines.com/Check out this amazing Wine Pairing Wheel that shows tasting notes of each wine and what varietal they most taste like that you know.Georgia WinemakingWinemaking tradition dating to 6000 BCE (8,000+ Years)500+ Indigenous Grape Varietals100,000 family wineries (2,400 produce commercially)Kakheti Region is responsible for 95% of Georgia's output, eastern, mountainousFerment grapes on their skins in qvevri for years resulting in amber colored wine - 60 Minutes's Segment on Georgian Winemakers  🍷 - New York Times feature on Silk Road Wines- Wine-Searcher article on modern winemaking styles in Georgia featuring Yanick- Blog on pairing Georgian wines with traditional holiday foods- Blog on Modern Georgian winemaking- Free Education Resource all about Wines of Georgia- Konstantin Baum - Master of Wine Explains Georgian Wine#wine #GeorgiNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.This week is all about agave spirits from Mexico in honor of Cinco de Mayo! 📢I talk🎙️with Shad Kvetko Co-Owner of Las Almas Rotas, which in the beginning, started with mezcal enthusiasts in the friend circle.  🎇 🎉 🍸✨ 👏This conversation is about the love for agave spirits and how their amazing margarita (and cocktails because they truly are amazing)  helped put their landmark spot in the record books.  Shad has an unbelievable amount of knowledge on agave spirits made in Mexico. He's traveled there several times over several years and has this unwavering love for it. The most memorable feeling you leave after having a conversation with Shad is his love, appreciation, and loyalty to brands that have family production and the purity of a blanco tequila, the puritan of all tequilas.  He only has 2 or 3 NOM's in his inventory. Yes, it's really that important and the certified additive free is a real thing and it means so much to so many. I love that they have dug their heals into frozen margaritas because we all know it's cheap tequilas with a lot, a lot, of sugar. Well, not here my friend. It's high-quality tequila in their amazing frozen margaritas. Just so you know, I'd never ever ask for a frozen margarita, mostly because of the sugar and the unknown ingredients. Also,  we discuss current events happening in the industry as well as the history and background of every agave spirit exported to the US.Shad's knowledge blew Sam and I away and we've been in the industry our entire careers. I'd put Shad up against anyone who claims they know everything when it comes to agave spirits because if he didn't win the fight he'd be very, very close.Please check out Shad's article on Arizona and it's agave spirits history.#mezcal #LasAlmasRotas #fnbinnovationNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on 📽 YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here! 😁💃https://www.youtube.com/ @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST 📢I talk🎙️with Brian Rosen, Chairman of  Growth Beverage which owns 4 entities helping innovative brands accelerate through funding, incubation, and points of distribution in 6 states.  🎇 🎉 🍸✨ 👏Brian’s father was tuned into the Chicago market before prohibition and was awarded the first alcohol retail license after prohibition ended. These Rosen gentlemen learned and understood how to perfect retail and did so for decades and developed Sam’s over time. They encapsulated innovation as part of their growth strategy. They knew if a customer stayed more than 17 minutes, they would add $100 to their cart. They also knew if they could get them to have a glass of wine or two with maybe a cheese plate, they would increase their margin and customers would stay for 38 minutes.Brian, a highly educated individual, grew up running the largest, most innovative retail store in Chicago, and the biggest in the country. If you were to put Specs, Total Wine, and a wine bar together you would get a closer picture of the concept he and his brother and father built together. Yes, they were the precursor to your shopping experience as you know it today.Brian then applied these skills to his passion for helping smaller innovative brands. The business has given him so much he wants to give back the 2nd half of his career.His skilled team helps brands develop faster with capital, sales, and marketing at all the right times for optimum growth.What Brian and his team are doing fits right in my wheelhouse and I look forward to watching their continued success.1) BevStrat multimillion company and sold to MHW2) InvestBev ($300 Million AUM private equity in bev alc) (5th fund)3) Sprout Beverage - win $100k for your brand4) Algoma Capital ($100 Mill separate fund distilleries and brand owners that need credit but do not give up equity)Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe to be notified of all new episodes!NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST Now on YouTube!📽 Subscribe and Watch Here!😁💃📢I talk🎙️with Yanick Arakelov Co-Owner of Silk Road Wines and Keaton Maddox, Director of Communications! They stop by and discuss Silk Road WInes and Yanick's journey from being born in the country of Georgia to opening Silk Road Wines in Orlando, FL. 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂60 Minutes's Segment on Georgian WinemakersBorn in Tbilisi the capital of Georgia, Yanick migrated to the United States and has served in our military and continues to serve today. In 2009, he joined the  82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army and has continued to serve via Florida Army National Guard, US Army Reserves and currently working part-time at the Defense Logistics Agency.Yanick and his team created all their own brands and labels. They source the various varietals from family wineries that are experts in the varietals they produce.The Silk Road Wine name represents the "Silk Road" that was part of a network of trade routes that connected the world with goods including wine and many other goods.   Georgia WinemakingWinemaking tradition dating to 6000 BCE (8,000+ Years)500+ Indigenous Grape Varietals100,000 family wineries (2,400 produce commercially)Kakheti Region is responsible for 95% of Georgia's output, eastern, mountainous Ferment grapes on their skins in qvevri for years resulting in amber colored wine- Georgian Wine Pairing Wheel- New York Times feature on Silk Road Wines- Wine-Searcher article on modern winemaking styles in Georgia featuring Yanick - Blog on pairing Georgian wines with traditional holiday foods- Blog on Modern Georgian winemaking- Free Education Resource all about Wines of Georgia- Konstantin Baum - Master of Wine Explains Georgian Wine#wine #GeorgianWines #fnbinnovation #thirstythursdaysNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here!📽  Now on YouTube!  😁💃https://youtu.be/H0VYRwUPItE📢I talk🎙️with Rick Hewitt  Founder & CEO at Unicorn Distillery! They make a vodka and a tequila with butterfly pea flowers, which when poured is a deep beautiful purple color. When mixed in cocktails with various ingredients the colors can change to purple and pink! We made three cocktails showcasing this effect, as well as, layering with ginger ale to show the layering effect of these fun spirits. 🎇 🎉 🍸✨ 👏Rick discusses his journey of creating their unique vodka and tequila brands using butterfly pea flowers. The conversation covers the discovery of the flower, FDA approval, and the decision to focus on tequila and vodka. Rick shares his background in the craft beer and tech industries and the lessons he learned. The discussion also touches on the experience trend in the beverage industry and the distribution plans for Unicorn Distilling. The conversation concludes with a transition to the tasting portion of the episode. 😋 🥂 🍻   Rick then shares his journey in the beverage industry and the challenges of building a brand. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on quality and pricing, as well as, building a minimum viable audience.  Rick Hewitt from Unicorn Distilling discusses the journey of creating their unique vodka and tequila brands using butterfly pea flower. The conversation covers the discovery of the flower, FDA approval, and the decision to focus on tequila and vodka. Rick shares his background in the craft beer and tech industries and the lessons he learned. The discussion also touches on the experience trend in the beverage industry and the distribution plans for Unicorn Distilling. The conversation concludes with a transition to the tasting portion of the episode. Rick discusses the trends in the industry, such as the rise of RTDs and low/no alcohol options. He also highlights the value of mentors and resources in the industry. Outside of work, Rick enjoys hockey and boating. He shares his outlook for 2024, including plans to expand into new markets and attend industry events. Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe to be notified of all new episodes! Unicorn Distillery started the year with an article in Forbes :https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeanettehurt/2024/02/23/unicorn-distillery-delightfully-disrupts-the-vodka-tequila-categories/?sh=6e744fdb4530Ending with a press release about our WSWA Gold Medal, San Diego & Scottsdale launches, and fleetwide expansion with Princess Cruises :https://finance.yahoo.com/news/unicorn-distillery-sets-sail-partnerships-133800824.html?guccounter=1NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here!Kelley Jones 📽  Now on YouTube!  😁💃https://youtu.be/H0VYRwUPItE📢I talk🎙️with  Kelley Jones Principal of Kelley Jones Hospitality, which focuses on F&B operations for on-premise venues, and President and CEO of Hospitality Alliance, a hospitality management, development, and consulting firm for the on-premise world from start to finish. 🎇 🎉 🍸✨ 👏He started out at Pussers Rum 😋 and helped grow and open several locations which was the precursor to his career in the restaurant business. He had just opened his 106th restaurant at our recording in September 2023! He then jumped over to China Grill Management for nearly 5 years as Director of Development and Operations. He has many experiences in the on-premise world, including being President of Light Group, where he dipped his toe into nightlife establishments.🥂 🍻  Kelley is so engrained in the business and operations side that if I were to open a new concept, he’d be my first phone call. He’s buttoned up on every level from conception, to funding, and understanding the brick and motor development to operations. When it comes to cocktails on their menu, he lets the bartender create one for each spirit, but they must be made within 30 seconds. Wow! 😲For those of you looking for advice on restaurant 🍽 management, you don’t want to miss this episode!Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe to be notified of all new episodes!NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message. Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here!📢I talk🎙️with  Laura Becraft and Lauren Ward 🎇 Co-Founders of Brazen Imports & Consulting! 🎉 🍸✨ 👏 I feel honored they chose the Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST podcast to talk about their new venture for the first time from a media-based perspective. We are a bit less formal with the opening so we are discussing what we are drinking as Laura has a delicious bloody mary made with  The Original Pickle 🥒 Shot and then we just flow right into the conversation. I would love your feedback on your thoughts. Laura and Lauren have a client called John King Co-Founder & Owner of The Original Pickle 🥒 Shot. They refer to him throughout the episode so I wanted to make sure you are familiar with whom they are referencing. I interviewed John on November 9th, 2023. Or catch it on YouTube!  📽 🎉 Also super exciting is their announcement of their Brazen Trails Foundation on the Thirsty Thursdays podcast just in time for Women's International Day on March 8th! Check out their website for additional details! You could be selected to be the next candidate for their foundation. https://www.brazenimports.com/trails We talk about how they started their new venture and why they named it Brazen Imports & Consulting, as well as, many industry insights. They both have such a well-rounded experience and advise others to try as many different positions in our industry to maximize your potential and be ready for whichever may come your way!These ladies have experience in every corner of our business and have so much to offer their clients. I'm very excited for these talented ladies and wish them both continued success.  Be sure to catch our Live Happy Hour celebrating women in our industry around the world on March 21st! Join our event posted on LinkedIn! You can call in and speak with us and celebrate  🍻 together with your favorite cocktail!  🥂 🍻 You also need to check out the way we ended the podcast. I've been wanting a fun catchy way to finish the episode and Laura suggested Rapid Fire Questions,❓so we did with great success. Please do not miss out on this part! It's super fun.#womenownedbusiness #beverageindustry #killingit #fnbinnovationNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here! 📢I talk🎙️with Simon Ford 🎇 CoFounder of Ford's Gin   😋🍸✨ 👏Happy 12th Birthday today, February, 29th, 2024!! Ford's Gin and I both turn 12! :)Simon shares the story of how the gin was created, from the initial idea on a napkin to the final recipe. The journey took two and a half years of product development, testing different botanicals and refining the flavors. 😋🎉 The gin is a London  Dry Gin 🍸that is designed to work well in mixed drinks and cocktails. The recipe includes nine botanicals, with juniper as the backbone and other ingredients like coriander, angelica, cassia, grapefruit, lemon,🍋 orange, 🍊jasmine flower, and oris. 😋 😀 😁🎇👏 🌿The goal was to create a gin that could be a versatile and reliable choice for bartenders and consumers alike. In this part of the conversation, Simon discusses the process of creating the perfect gin recipe and the importance of taste and flavor. He also shares his favorite cocktails to make with ginger gin and the impact of adding water to gin. Simon talks about the complexity of gin flavors and the rise of gin in the UK.🎇👏 Simon shares his journey from working in wine shops to discovering cocktail culture and transitioning to a marketing role in the spirits industry. He highlights the importance of mentors and inspirations in his career and the impact they have had on his professional growth. Simon also discusses the pain points in the industry, such as the lack of support for hospitality workers, and the positive outlook for the future, including the evolution of hospitality and the increasing open-mindedness in the industry. He shares his passion for travel and experiencing different cultures, as well as his love for live music and living in Nashville, TN.Brown Forman 🥃  Acquired Ford's Gin in June 2019 through their purchase of The 86 Company.NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.📢  Now Available on YouTube! 📽 Please see Jonathan Neff's recording 🎙 Podcast. If you haven't had a chance to listen yet, do it now! NanoTech turned gluten-free brewer! 📽 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdays3PMEST 📻 Audio or any podcast app or platform. https://thirstythursdaysat3pmest.buzzsprout.com/2105344/13747355-jonathan-neff-co-founder-managing-owner-of-neff-brewing-tulsa-okPreviously Posted on November 2nd, 2023📢  I’m speaking with Jonathan Neff Co-Founder, Managing Owner, and Master Brewer of NEFF Brewing located in Tulsa, OK. Jonathan is a NANO – Technologist and research scientist turned Fermentation expert,  due to his diagnosis of Celiac Disease*. If you have heard of it or know anyone with it, it’s an excruciating way of life if undiagnosed. But given that was back in 2012, not too many gluten-free brews existed then so he turned to home brewing.  Jonathan has a big brain for science at a micro level but his calling was brewing beer from the start. His first beer brewing contest wins were from regular beer he couldn’t even taste. How nano times a billion awesome is that?In 2017, Jonathan founded Oklahoma’s first and only dedicated gluten-free brewery and pub and they opened a year later. I was in Tulsa last Fall for a few weeks and enjoyed every bit of eating fried chicken sandwiches and fried pickles with delicious pain-free beers.  I do not have Celiac disease but I cannot eat gluten.Jonathan is a very impressive and brilliant guy and I’m excited about his future expansion, selfishly because he may be making his way to Dallas soon. Yes, his beers are gluten-free but were brewed for the craft beer enthusiast as each bear is “Brewed for Everyone.”Tune in next Thursday and have a great week!NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn

Send us a Text Message.Hello 📢  Thirsty Thursdays Community!🎙Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST with Co-Hosts Jessie Ott & Samuel Anderson's Live Happy Hour! 😁 😍 🎇 🍻 🥂 "CBD" vs "THC" and the use of Adaptogens in the Beverage Industry! 🚀We have Guests Thomas Angel and Leigh Gall on to talk about both of their CBD & THC brands: Altitude Beverages & Happi 😋 🤗 👏 We talk about the landscape of this segment, how to navigate it, and why it's so important to the beverage industry.#CBD #THC #BeverageIndustry #innovation #fnbinnovationAltitude BeveragesInstagram      Facebook     LinkedIn      Twitter-X  HappiInstagram      Facebook     LinkedIn NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn