web02.fireside.fm Fri, 08 May 2026 09:32:23 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Spirits & Distilling Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “American Single Malt” https://spiritsanddistilling.fireside.fm/tags/american%20single%20malt Tue, 02 Sep 2025 22:15:00 -0600 Enjoy and learn from conversations with leading distillers as co-hosts Sydney Jones, head distiller for FEW Spirits in Chicago, and Molly Troupe, master distiller for Freeland Spirits in Portland, Oregon, explore the technical and creative processes behind award-winning and storied spirits. It’s a podcast by distillers, for distillers, that covers the broad world of finely crafted spirits—botanical and herbal spirits, fruit distillations, agave spirits, grain spirits, and more. Listen as the hosts discuss every aspect of the process, from ideation and ingredient selection through conversion and fermentation, distilling, aging, finishing, proofing, and packaging. Subscribe to this bi-weekly podcast for tips and techniques that will help you make better spirits. en-us episodic Make and drink great spirits. Spirits & Distilling Enjoy and learn from conversations with leading distillers as co-hosts Sydney Jones, head distiller for FEW Spirits in Chicago, and Molly Troupe, master distiller for Freeland Spirits in Portland, Oregon, explore the technical and creative processes behind award-winning and storied spirits. It’s a podcast by distillers, for distillers, that covers the broad world of finely crafted spirits—botanical and herbal spirits, fruit distillations, agave spirits, grain spirits, and more. Listen as the hosts discuss every aspect of the process, from ideation and ingredient selection through conversion and fermentation, distilling, aging, finishing, proofing, and packaging. Subscribe to this bi-weekly podcast for tips and techniques that will help you make better spirits. no spirits, distilling, distilled spirits, bourbon, vodka, rum, gin, craft, craft spirits. Spirits & Distilling support@spiritsanddistilling.com 40: Joe O’Sullivan of Minden Mill Controls the Variables in Dry-Climate Whiskey Maturation https://spiritsanddistilling.fireside.fm/40 a40e8042-742c-4aec-94dc-69cb5b1fd115 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 22:15:00 -0600 Spirits & Distilling full Spirits & Distilling With estate grain and a climate-controlled rickhouse, Minden Mill’s team is exploring the impact of terroir on their spirits while taking a slow, measured approach to predicting how the environment impacts their maturation and flavor-focused blends. 1:03:02 yes <p>The romance of whiskey maturation meets environmental reality in many parts of the world these days—increasingly hot, dry climates can produce markedly different results than the humid environments of Scotland or Kentucky. That can leave distillers wrestling with the question of whether to lean into process- and environment-driven results, or to manipulate that environment to achieve intentional flavor goals.</p> <p>For Joe O’Sullivan—master distiller at <a href="https://www.mindenmill.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Minden Mill</a> in Nevada’s high desert, just east of Lake Tahoe—the choice is clear: to prioritize consistency through distillation and maturation processes, so that they can let their estate-grown grain shine.</p> <p>In this episode, O’Sullivan and host Sydney Jones discuss: </p> <ul> <li>the impact of terroir on grain, and on distilled spirits made from that grain<br> </li> <li>losing 3 to 4 percent angel’s share <em>per month</em> in a very dry climate<br> </li> <li>building a distillery to optimize intended flavors in finished spirits<br> </li> <li>identifying signature flavor characteristics and optimizing whiskey blends to highlight them<br> </li> <li>controlling the rickhouse climate to mimic weather patterns in popular distilling centers such as Kentucky and Scotland<br> </li> </ul> <p>And more. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://gdchillers.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">G&amp;D Chillers:</a></strong> G&amp;D Chillers understands that each distillery’s chilling requirements are unique. On every distillery project, G&amp;D offers the front-end design and engineering your team needs at no cost to you. Hank Pressley, head distiller at Moon Drop Distillery says, “Early on, we made a decision to partner with quality American-made companies. One of those companies was G&amp;D Chillers, and we are proud of that choice. Our equipment from them has run long and strong. We put our first barrel in our rickhouse in September 2021, and in the next 3 years we have put back more than another 540 barrels. What a great decision to team up with a company like G&amp;D Chillers.” Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com. </p> whiskey, blending, estate grain, Nevada, distilling, American single malt, bourbon, rye The romance of whiskey maturation meets environmental reality in many parts of the world these days—increasingly hot, dry climates can produce markedly different results than the humid environments of Scotland or Kentucky. That can leave distillers wrestling with the question of whether to lean into process- and environment-driven results, or to manipulate that environment to achieve intentional flavor goals.

For Joe O’Sullivan—master distiller at Minden Mill in Nevada’s high desert, just east of Lake Tahoe—the choice is clear: to prioritize consistency through distillation and maturation processes, so that they can let their estate-grown grain shine.

In this episode, O’Sullivan and host Sydney Jones discuss:

  • the impact of terroir on grain, and on distilled spirits made from that grain
  • losing 3 to 4 percent angel’s share per month in a very dry climate
  • building a distillery to optimize intended flavors in finished spirits
  • identifying signature flavor characteristics and optimizing whiskey blends to highlight them
  • controlling the rickhouse climate to mimic weather patterns in popular distilling centers such as Kentucky and Scotland

And more.

G&D Chillers: G&D Chillers understands that each distillery’s chilling requirements are unique. On every distillery project, G&D offers the front-end design and engineering your team needs at no cost to you. Hank Pressley, head distiller at Moon Drop Distillery says, “Early on, we made a decision to partner with quality American-made companies. One of those companies was G&D Chillers, and we are proud of that choice. Our equipment from them has run long and strong. We put our first barrel in our rickhouse in September 2021, and in the next 3 years we have put back more than another 540 barrels. What a great decision to team up with a company like G&D Chillers.” Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com.

]]> The romance of whiskey maturation meets environmental reality in many parts of the world these days—increasingly hot, dry climates can produce markedly different results than the humid environments of Scotland or Kentucky. That can leave distillers wrestling with the question of whether to lean into process- and environment-driven results, or to manipulate that environment to achieve intentional flavor goals.

For Joe O’Sullivan—master distiller at Minden Mill in Nevada’s high desert, just east of Lake Tahoe—the choice is clear: to prioritize consistency through distillation and maturation processes, so that they can let their estate-grown grain shine.

In this episode, O’Sullivan and host Sydney Jones discuss:

  • the impact of terroir on grain, and on distilled spirits made from that grain
  • losing 3 to 4 percent angel’s share per month in a very dry climate
  • building a distillery to optimize intended flavors in finished spirits
  • identifying signature flavor characteristics and optimizing whiskey blends to highlight them
  • controlling the rickhouse climate to mimic weather patterns in popular distilling centers such as Kentucky and Scotland

And more.

G&D Chillers: G&D Chillers understands that each distillery’s chilling requirements are unique. On every distillery project, G&D offers the front-end design and engineering your team needs at no cost to you. Hank Pressley, head distiller at Moon Drop Distillery says, “Early on, we made a decision to partner with quality American-made companies. One of those companies was G&D Chillers, and we are proud of that choice. Our equipment from them has run long and strong. We put our first barrel in our rickhouse in September 2021, and in the next 3 years we have put back more than another 540 barrels. What a great decision to team up with a company like G&D Chillers.” Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com.

]]> 8: Clear Creek Master Distiller Caitlin Bartlemay Thrives on the Challenges of Fruit Brandy and American Single Malt https://spiritsanddistilling.fireside.fm/8 1e9dd1cd-e935-4edc-961c-580c5f5ad42b Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Spirits & Distilling full Spirits & Distilling Distilling fruit brandies from whole fruit is a technical and logistical challenge, but for Caitlin Bartlemay, it’s nowhere near as difficult as educating consumers about the process, ingredients, and history of this storied spirit. 1:02:38 yes <p>Fourteen years into her career at <a href="https://www.hrdspirits.com/clear-creek-distillery" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Clear Creek</a> in Hood River, Oregon, Caitlin Bartlemay recently become master distiller at the respected craft producer. There, she continues to lead a small, hands-on team through seasons of distilling an array of whole-fruit brandies as well as McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt—the first American craft single-malt whiskey.</p> <p>In this week’s episode, Bartlemay joins host Molly Troupe for a wide-ranging discussion that includes: </p> <ul> <li> managing public expectations around the master distiller role</li> <li> the impact of Prohibition on smaller family-run distilleries</li> <li> the significant challenge in making great fruit brandies</li> <li> managing the logistics of whole-fruit fermentations</li> <li> the impact of tank time and cask residence on various brandies</li> <li> mash consistency’s effects on fermentation and distillation</li> <li> distilling American single-malt on a single-pass hybrid brandy still</li> <li> aging spirits in Oregon oak casks</li> </ul> <p>And more. </p> <p><strong>Brought to you by:</strong><br> <strong><a href="https://gdchillers.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">G&amp;D Chillers:</a></strong> G&amp;D Chillers understands that each distillery’s chilling requirements are unique. On every distillery project, G&amp;D offers the front-end design and engineering your team needs at no cost to you. Rebecca Harris, president and head distiller of Catoctin Creek recently shared, “Service after the sale is what really separates the quality of a supplier relationship. G&amp;D Chillers has always been a phone call away when we needed them. For a small business like mine, that partnership makes all the difference.” Whether you distill batch by batch or in a continuous operation, for more than 30 years, G&amp;D has had the proven solution. Visit them today at gdchillers.com.</p> <p><strong>[ABS Commercial:](hhttps://abs-commercial.com)</strong> For over 11 years, ABS Commercial has been your full-service equipment manufacturer, designing quality distillation equipment ranging from 50L – 5,000L. Whether establishing a new distillery or expanding into a brewstillery, their team of experienced engineers and designers work with you to develop customized distilling solutions. With their consultative approach, they tailor to your production capacity, space constraints, and budgetary considerations to help you create quality, crafted spirits. Contact them today at <a href="mailto:sales@abs-commercial.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">sales@abs-commercial.com</a> to discuss your customized distilling needs.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.breweryworkshop.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Brewery &amp; Distillery Workshop:</a></strong> IIf you’re planning a distillery or brewery launch, adding a distillery to your brewery, or considering purchasing an existing brewing or distilling business, then visit breweryworkshop.com for more information about the Brewery and Distillery workshop brought to you by Craft Spirits &amp; Distilling and Craft Beer &amp; Brewing. Over four days, you’ll learn what it takes to get a successful craft beverage business off the ground, through panel discussions, working group sessions, technical tours, and more. Get your ticket now at breweryworkshop.com. </p> distilling, fruit brandy, brandies, fruit fermentation, whole fruit, American single malt Fourteen years into her career at Clear Creek in Hood River, Oregon, Caitlin Bartlemay recently become master distiller at the respected craft producer. There, she continues to lead a small, hands-on team through seasons of distilling an array of whole-fruit brandies as well as McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt—the first American craft single-malt whiskey.

In this week’s episode, Bartlemay joins host Molly Troupe for a wide-ranging discussion that includes:

  • managing public expectations around the master distiller role
  • the impact of Prohibition on smaller family-run distilleries
  • the significant challenge in making great fruit brandies
  • managing the logistics of whole-fruit fermentations
  • the impact of tank time and cask residence on various brandies
  • mash consistency’s effects on fermentation and distillation
  • distilling American single-malt on a single-pass hybrid brandy still
  • aging spirits in Oregon oak casks

And more.

Brought to you by:
G&D Chillers: G&D Chillers understands that each distillery’s chilling requirements are unique. On every distillery project, G&D offers the front-end design and engineering your team needs at no cost to you. Rebecca Harris, president and head distiller of Catoctin Creek recently shared, “Service after the sale is what really separates the quality of a supplier relationship. G&D Chillers has always been a phone call away when we needed them. For a small business like mine, that partnership makes all the difference.” Whether you distill batch by batch or in a continuous operation, for more than 30 years, G&D has had the proven solution. Visit them today at gdchillers.com.

[ABS Commercial:](hhttps://abs-commercial.com) For over 11 years, ABS Commercial has been your full-service equipment manufacturer, designing quality distillation equipment ranging from 50L – 5,000L. Whether establishing a new distillery or expanding into a brewstillery, their team of experienced engineers and designers work with you to develop customized distilling solutions. With their consultative approach, they tailor to your production capacity, space constraints, and budgetary considerations to help you create quality, crafted spirits. Contact them today at sales@abs-commercial.com to discuss your customized distilling needs.

Brewery & Distillery Workshop: IIf you’re planning a distillery or brewery launch, adding a distillery to your brewery, or considering purchasing an existing brewing or distilling business, then visit breweryworkshop.com for more information about the Brewery and Distillery workshop brought to you by Craft Spirits & Distilling and Craft Beer & Brewing. Over four days, you’ll learn what it takes to get a successful craft beverage business off the ground, through panel discussions, working group sessions, technical tours, and more. Get your ticket now at breweryworkshop.com.

]]> Fourteen years into her career at Clear Creek in Hood River, Oregon, Caitlin Bartlemay recently become master distiller at the respected craft producer. There, she continues to lead a small, hands-on team through seasons of distilling an array of whole-fruit brandies as well as McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt—the first American craft single-malt whiskey.

In this week’s episode, Bartlemay joins host Molly Troupe for a wide-ranging discussion that includes:

  • managing public expectations around the master distiller role
  • the impact of Prohibition on smaller family-run distilleries
  • the significant challenge in making great fruit brandies
  • managing the logistics of whole-fruit fermentations
  • the impact of tank time and cask residence on various brandies
  • mash consistency’s effects on fermentation and distillation
  • distilling American single-malt on a single-pass hybrid brandy still
  • aging spirits in Oregon oak casks

And more.

Brought to you by:
G&D Chillers: G&D Chillers understands that each distillery’s chilling requirements are unique. On every distillery project, G&D offers the front-end design and engineering your team needs at no cost to you. Rebecca Harris, president and head distiller of Catoctin Creek recently shared, “Service after the sale is what really separates the quality of a supplier relationship. G&D Chillers has always been a phone call away when we needed them. For a small business like mine, that partnership makes all the difference.” Whether you distill batch by batch or in a continuous operation, for more than 30 years, G&D has had the proven solution. Visit them today at gdchillers.com.

[ABS Commercial:](hhttps://abs-commercial.com) For over 11 years, ABS Commercial has been your full-service equipment manufacturer, designing quality distillation equipment ranging from 50L – 5,000L. Whether establishing a new distillery or expanding into a brewstillery, their team of experienced engineers and designers work with you to develop customized distilling solutions. With their consultative approach, they tailor to your production capacity, space constraints, and budgetary considerations to help you create quality, crafted spirits. Contact them today at sales@abs-commercial.com to discuss your customized distilling needs.

Brewery & Distillery Workshop: IIf you’re planning a distillery or brewery launch, adding a distillery to your brewery, or considering purchasing an existing brewing or distilling business, then visit breweryworkshop.com for more information about the Brewery and Distillery workshop brought to you by Craft Spirits & Distilling and Craft Beer & Brewing. Over four days, you’ll learn what it takes to get a successful craft beverage business off the ground, through panel discussions, working group sessions, technical tours, and more. Get your ticket now at breweryworkshop.com.

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