by Business of Drinks
Welcome to the Business of Drinks, where we go behind the bottle, interviewing beverage innovators and icons about how they built their businesses. We take a data-driven approach, analyzing the brands, products, and categories that get consumers excited. And we cover many drinks categories — from wine, beer, and spirits to non-alcohol drinks — as well as THC, adaptogen, and functional beverages. So whether you’re working in drinks — or just interested in the stories behind your favorite brands — join us each week as we explore how companies are unlocking growth at every stage in the game.
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Publishing Since
3/1/2023
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April 30, 2025
<p>In just five years, The Finnish Long Drink has grown from a quirky imported concept to one of the fastest-scaling RTD brands in the U.S.—crossing 2.7 million 9L cases in 2024, up from just 33,000 cases in 2019.</p><p>In this episode, Evan Burns, co-founder and CEO, shares the story of how he and three Finnish co-founders turned a legacy Finnish beverage — originally invented for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics — into a U.S. juggernaut. </p><p>With 52,000 retail doors across 46 states, investors like Jay-Z’s Marcy Ventures, and a growing fanbase that spans demographics, Long Drink has become one of the biggest breakout hits in spirits-based RTDs.</p><p>In this episode, Evan shares:</p><ul><li><p>How The Finnish Long Drink grew 50%+ year-over-year through focused execution and simple, consistent branding</p></li><li><p>Why “availability and awareness” are the two metrics that drive every business decision — and how the team measures cold box placement, displays, and social tags daily</p></li><li><p>Why Long Drink keeps it SKU set small — and why Evan believes "flavor isn’t innovation"</p></li><li><p>The origin and impact of viral marketing moments — like the #PantsDrunk campaign during COVID and $5 Venmo bar activations</p></li><li><p>How organic celebrity interest from actor Miles Teller, DJ Kygo, and golfer Ricky Fowler led to authentic, long-term brand ambassadorship</p></li><li><p>Why Long Drink turned down multiple VC offers and focused on velocity-driven growth with strategic capital partners</p></li><li><p>How the team grew to 110 employees, prioritizing on-the-ground brand ambassadors and salespeople over corporate hires</p></li><li><p>The real reason Evan says they’ll never make a pumpkin spice Long Drink</p></li></ul><p>Last Call: </p><p>This week, we explore the overlooked (and often underestimated) world of fruit wines — and why smart wineries should be paying close attention. States like Michigan, New York, Virginia, and North Carolina are growing incredible fruit beyond grapes, and making some pretty compelling fruit wines. Should they lean into it? We discuss.</p><p>Don’t miss our next episode, dropping on May 7.</p><p><strong>For the latest updates, follow us:</strong></p><p><strong>Business of Drinks:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @bizofdrinks</a></p><p><strong>Erica Duecy, co-host: </strong>Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry’s most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @ericaduecy</a></p><p><strong>Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: </strong>Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><strong>Caroline Lamb, contributor: </strong>Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/borkaline/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @borkaline</a></p><p><strong>SPONSOR</strong>: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link:<a href="https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks</a></p><p>If you enjoyed today’s conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you’re listening, and don’t forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!</p>
April 23, 2025
<p>While much of the wine industry is flat or declining, Archer Roose is bucking the trend in a big way. The canned wine brand, founded by Marian Leitner-Waldman, has more than tripled production since 2021, surpassed 100,000 9-liter case equivalents, and is on track to double again in 2025. </p><p>With its distinct format, irreverent branding, and placement in non-traditional channels like JetBlue, Dave & Buster’s, Vail Resorts, and Regal Cinemas, Archer Roose is proving that smart strategy and sharp storytelling can rewrite the wine sales playbook.</p><p>In this episode, Marian shares how she built Archer Roose into one of the most innovative and fast-growing wine brands in the U.S. — a company that’s not only thriving but helping reshape how, where, and why consumers enjoy wine today.</p><p>Listen for these insights:</p><ul><li><p>How Marian built a premium wine brand that’s grown every year since launch and now sells 70,000 cases annually on JetBlue alone<br /></p></li><li><p>Why partnering with beer distributors was the key to breaking into non-traditional channels like ski resorts, arcades, and movie theaters<br /></p></li><li><p>The technical innovations that enabled Archer Roose to achieve a 2-year shelf life in cans, thanks to R&D with Cornell University<br /></p></li><li><p>Why Archer Roose focuses on 7 tightly curated SKUs and builds winemaker partnerships for each varietal and region<br /></p></li><li><p>How celebrity co-owner Elizabeth Banks became Chief Creative Officer and helped the brand go viral — while also keeping the focus on the end consumer<br /></p></li><li><p>How controlled pours, waste reduction, and high-margin glass sales have made Archer Roose a profit-driving partner for on-premise operators<br /></p></li><li><p>Why Marian structured her sales team like a tech company, with dedicated roles for business development, key accounts, and regional wholesale management<br /></p></li><li><p>How the brand uses humor and performance marketing to build mindshare across DTC, retail, and on-premise accounts</p></li></ul><p><strong>Last Call: </strong>This week, we talk about seasonal selling. Are limited time offers or holiday promotions — like margaritas for Cinco de Mayo or Negroni Week in summer — good, bad, or indifferent? Caroline, Scott, and Erica share their perspectives.</p><p>Don’t miss our next episode, dropping on 4/30.</p><p><strong>For the latest updates, follow us:</strong></p><p><strong>Business of Drinks:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @bizofdrinks</a></p><p><strong>Erica Duecy, co-host: </strong>Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry’s most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @ericaduecy</a></p><p><strong>Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: </strong>Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><strong>Caroline Lamb, contributor: </strong>Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/borkaline/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @borkaline</a></p><p><strong>SPONSOR</strong>: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link:<a href="https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks</a></p><p>If you enjoyed today’s conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you’re listening, and don’t forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!</p>
April 16, 2025
<p>In this episode of Business of Drinks, we sit down with Harmon Skurnik, co-founder and president of Skurnik Wines & Spirits, one of the most influential importers and distributors in the U.S. With more than $200 million in annual revenue, a wholesale presence in nine states, and import reach across the nation, Skurnik has grown into a powerhouse while holding tight to its roots as a family-run, quality-first business.</p><p>Unlike many peers, the Skurnik team has never chased scale for scale’s sake. Instead, their approach has been defined by thoughtful, organic growth — expanding only when the opportunity was right. From rescuing a struggling Ohio distributor to launching what would become their top-selling brand, The Pinot Project, Harmon shares how Skurnik’s strategy has delivered both scale and staying power. In fact, Skurnik’s sales were up in 2024, while much of the wine industry contracted — a testament to their effective operations and strategic growth path.</p><p>In this episode, Harmon shares:</p><ul><li><p>How Skurnik Wines & Spirits grew from a two-man operation in NYC to a national player with 270+ employees</p></li><li><p>Why they still personally taste every wine and interview every employee — even with operations in nine states</p></li><li><p>The story behind The Pinot Project, now their #1 SKU, selling 65,000 cases and $6 million annually</p></li><li><p>How the team turned around a failing Ohio distributor into a thriving business in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana</p></li><li><p>Why the company avoids expansion for expansion’s sake, and only grows where it can add true value</p></li><li><p>How Skurnik positions itself as a marketing partner, not just a logistics provider, for its suppliers</p></li><li><p>What makes a good distributor in today’s market — and why asking "how many reps do you have?" misses the point</p></li></ul><p><strong>Last Call: </strong>We dig into a provocative piece by cocktail historian and author David Wondrich: “Why Is My Drink So Damn Weird?” (<a href="https://punchdrink.com/articles/cocktails-high-concept-history-david-wondrich/"><u>via Punch</u></a>). Erica, Scott, and Caroline debate:</p><p>🔸 Has the cocktail world gone too far with obscure ingredients and 7-step prep techniques?</p><p>🔸 Are we losing sight of flavor in the pursuit of Michelin-style cheffy flair?</p><p>🔸 Where’s the line between innovation and accessibility on modern cocktail menus?</p><p>Listen in to hear our thoughts!</p><p>Don’t miss our next episode, dropping on April 23.</p><p><strong>For the latest updates, follow us:</strong></p><p><strong>For the latest updates, follow us:</strong></p><p><strong>Business of Drinks:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/"><u>LinkedIn</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/"><u>Instagram @bizofdrinks</u></a></p><p><strong>Erica Duecy, co-host: </strong>Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry’s most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/"><u>LinkedIn</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/"><u>Instagram @ericaduecy</u></a></p><p><strong>Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: </strong>Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/"><u>LinkedIn</u></a></p><p><strong>Caroline Lamb, contributor: </strong>Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/"><u>LinkedIn</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/borkaline/"><u>Instagram @borkaline</u></a></p><p><strong>SPONSOR</strong>: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link:<a href="https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks"> <u>https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks</u></a></p><p>If you enjoyed today’s conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you’re listening, and don’t forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!</p><p><br></p>
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