by Ronnell Richards
Meet trailblazers in the world of craft distilling. Host, Ronnell Richards, the founder of Business & Bourbon, introduces you to interesting and diverse voices in craft distilling. These American Distilling Institute members have the pulse of the industry and are willing to share their stories, insights, and advice with our community. Learn their story, learn about the industry. Presented by The American Distilling Institute "the heart of craft distilling"
Language
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Publishing Since
1/13/2020
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May 20, 2025
<p><strong>Episode Overview</strong></p><p>At ADI’s 21st Craft Spirits Conference in Baltimore, host <strong>Ronnell Richards</strong> sits down with <strong>Crystal Rivera</strong> — co‑founder of <strong>Puerto Rico Distillery</strong> (PRD) — to explore how a father‑daughter team turned cultural tradition into Maryland’s first dedicated <strong>pitorro</strong> distillery. From launching in March 2020 (the week COVID shut the world down) to expanding into a 12,000‑sq‑ft facility this year, Crystal explains why preserving island heritage, supporting local growers, and bootstrapping with family grit created a grassroots success story.</p><ol><li><p><strong>What Exactly Is Pitorro?</strong></p><ul><li><p>Puerto Rico’s centuries‑old “moonshine” rum: high‑proof, cane‑based, and traditionally infused with fruits, spices, or coffee.</p></li><li><p>How PRD balances legality, authenticity, and modern craft‑distilling standards.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Bootstrapping Through a Pandemic</strong></p><ul><li><p>Selling their own homes to self‑fund the distillery, then pivoting to hand‑sanitizer production and doorstep deliveries during 2020 lockdowns.</p></li><li><p>Slow‑and‑steady growth: year 1 flavor R&D, year 2 restaurant/bar placements, year 3 statewide self‑distribution.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Family, Culture & Responsibility</strong></p><ul><li><p>Learning blending techniques from her father Ángel and the island’s underground maestros.</p></li><li><p>Representing Puerto Rican diaspora pride in every bottle and ensuring first‑sip “legitimacy” for seasoned pitorro drinkers.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>New 12,000‑Sq‑Ft Facility in 2025</strong></p><ul><li><p>Moving from a 2,000‑sq‑ft Frederick space to a six‑times‑larger building in Brunswick, MD—expanding production, events, and barrel programs.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Advice for Aspiring Distillers</strong></p><ul><li><p>“Build the ladder while you climb.” Do the research, but don’t over‑analyze—some lessons only surface once you’re in motion.</p></li><li><p>Surround yourself with mentors and suppliers (ADI is a prime network).</p></li></ul></li></ol><ul><li><p><strong>On Cultural Authenticity:</strong><br>“One taste and you know if it’s real pitorro. Hitting that mark is non‑negotiable.” – Crystal Rivera</p></li><li><p><strong>On Pandemic Perseverance:</strong><br>“We launched the week COVID hit. Hand sanitizer kept the lights on while we perfected flavors for year two.” – Crystal Rivera</p></li><li><p><strong>On Taking the Leap:</strong><br>“Some things you only learn after you start. Don’t wait until the plan is perfect—start climbing and add rungs as you go.” – Crystal Rivera</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Puerto Rico Distillery:</strong> <a href="https://PuertoRicoDistillery.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://PuertoRicoDistillery.com</a></p><ul><li><p>Tasting‑room hours, flavor lineup, and newsletter (join for DTC shipping launch).</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Online Retail Partner (ships to 38 states):</strong> Linked under “Buy Online” at PRD website.</p></li><li><p><strong>American Distilling Institute:</strong> <a href="https://Distilling.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://Distilling.com</a> – membership, forums, and competition info.</p></li></ul><ol><li><p><strong>Taste Authentic Pitorro:</strong> Order PRD’s classic or infused bottles online and compare to island memories (or start new ones).</p></li><li><p><strong>Visit the New Facility:</strong> Plan a Brunswick, MD trip in 2025 for expanded tours, cultural events, and barrel‑room tastings.</p></li><li><p><strong>Join ADI:</strong> Tap into supplier networks and peer mentorship that helped Crystal find agave, molasses, and packaging solutions.</p></li></ol><ul><li><p><strong>Powered By:</strong> American Distilling Institute</p></li><li><p><strong>Host:</strong> Ronnell Richards</p></li><li><p><strong>Guest:</strong> Crystal Rivera, Puerto Rico Distillery</p></li><li><p><strong>Location:</strong> Recorded live at ADI’s 21st Craft Spirits Conference, Baltimore</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Rate & Review</strong> on your favorite podcast app.</p></li><li><p><strong>Subscribe</strong> for more global craft‑distilling stories.</p></li><li><p><strong>Join ADI</strong> to connect with innovators like Crystal: <a href="" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://Distilling.com/membership</a></p></li></ul><p>¡Salud! Every drop has a story—and every voice keeps the spirit alive.</p><p><strong>In This Episode, You’ll LearnKey QuotesAbout Puerto Rico DistilleryFounded</strong>March 2020 (Frederick, MD)<strong>Founders</strong>Crystal Rivera & her father, Ángel Rivera<strong>Signature SpiritsPitorro Clasico</strong> (uninfused), Coconut, Passion Fruit, Coffee, Limited Holiday Coquito<strong>Expansion</strong>New 12,000‑sq‑ft Brunswick, MD facility opening late 2024<strong>Community</strong>Diaspora cultural events, nonprofit hurricane‑relief partnerships<strong>Resources & LinksAction ItemsEpisode CreditsEnjoyed the Show?</strong></p>
May 8, 2025
<p><strong>Episode Overview</strong></p><p>Fresh from claiming <strong>Best‑in‑Class Dark Rum</strong> at the 2025 ADI competition, <strong>Steve Julliar</strong>—founder of <strong>Evolved Distilling</strong> in Los Angeles County—joins host <strong>Ronnell Richards</strong> for a colorful chat about turning beer‑maker know‑how into medal‑winning spirits. From coffee liqueur to orange cello, Steve’s tiki‑worthy lineup channels Caribbean technique through Southern California terroir—proving rum (and flamboyant linen shirts) belong far beyond the tropics.</p><ol><li><p><strong>From Brewhouse to Stillhouse</strong></p><ul><li><p>How distilling a Belgian Noël beer into schnapps convinced Steve to buy a dormant distillery and “evolve” it into a rum‑focused playground.</p></li><li><p>Translating award‑winning beer recipes into complex grain and cane spirits.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Crafting a California‑Caribbean Dark Rum</strong></p><ul><li><p>Molasses sourced via Louisiana, fermented for “funk,” then aged in ex‑bourbon barrels that previously held maple syrup.</p></li><li><p>Why patience (and 24‑hour-plus rests) coax out grassy, toffee, and candied‑fruit notes judges love.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Orange Cello & High‑Octane Mimosas</strong></p><ul><li><p>Hand‑peeled SoCal citrus macerated in neutral spirit, proofed with clarified orange juice for a crystal‑clear, juice‑forward liqueur.</p></li><li><p>Serving tip: skip the OJ—champagne + orange cello = instant brunch bliss.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Coffee Liqueur Crowd‑Pleaser</strong></p><ul><li><p>Why Evolved’s café‑rich bottle is the tasting‑room best‑seller and a bartender favorite.</p></li><li><p>Plans for direct‑to‑consumer shipping this year (sign up on the site for release alerts).</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>What’s Next: A Rum‑Meets‑Agave Experiment</strong></p><ul><li><p>Steve’s ADI‑floor connection to an agave supplier sparks an upcoming hybrid spirit fermented in 30‑gallon barrels.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Lessons for Aspiring Distillers</strong></p><ul><li><p>Visualize success, know your strengths, invite staff feedback, learn from mistakes, and celebrate local ingredients.</p></li><li><p>How ADI’s supplier network (and competition medals) accelerate product development and market reach.</p></li></ul></li></ol><ul><li><p><strong>On Creativity & Joy</strong><br>“This industry lets you bottle a piece of yourself—seeing customers smile in the tasting room is the real win.” – Steve Julliar</p></li><li><p><strong>On Rum’s SoCal Potential</strong><br>“Caribbean‑style rum is under‑served in Southern California; we’re here to elevate and evangelize it.” – Steve Julliar</p></li><li><p><strong>On ADI’s Value</strong><br>“We met our molasses supplier at last year’s conference—and this year I found my agave hookup. ADI is where ideas turn into bottles.” – Steve Julliar</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Shop & Newsletter:</strong> Sign up at EvolvedDistilling.com for launch alerts on nationwide DTC shipping (coffee liqueur & orange cello drop first!).</p></li><li><p><strong>Visit the Tasting Room:</strong> Check the online calendar for live‑music evenings and new‑release parties.</p></li><li><p><strong>American Distilling Institute:</strong> <a href="https://distilling.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">Distilling.com</a> – competitions, supplier network, and membership info.</p></li></ul><ol><li><p><strong>Taste the Champ:</strong> Try Evolved Dark Rum neat—or floated on a Mai Tai, Steve’s desert‑island choice.</p></li><li><p><strong>Brunch Upgrade:</strong> Swap your Sunday OJ for Orange Cello + bubbles and post that “high‑octane mimosa.”</p></li><li><p><strong>Get Connected:</strong> Distillers—meet suppliers and buyers at the next ADI conference; enthusiasts—join ADI forums for insider spirits talk.</p></li></ol><ul><li><p><strong>Powered By:</strong> American Distilling Institute</p></li><li><p><strong>Host:</strong> Ronnell Richards</p></li><li><p><strong>Guest:</strong> Steve Julliar, Evolved Distilling</p></li><li><p><strong>Location:</strong> Recorded live at ADI National Conference, Baltimore</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Rate & Review:</strong> Help fellow spirits lovers discover Voices of Distilling.</p></li><li><p><strong>Subscribe:</strong> Never miss a new episode.</p></li><li><p><strong>Join ADI:</strong> Become part of the world’s largest craft‑distilling community → <a href="" target="_new" rel="noopener">Distilling.com/membership</a>.</p></li></ul><p>Raise your glass—because every drop has a story, and every voice evolves the craft.</p><p><strong>In This Episode, You’ll LearnKey QuotesAbout Evolved DistillingFounded</strong>2022 (reimagined from an older facility)<strong>Location</strong>Gardena, California (Greater LA)<strong>Flagship Spirits</strong>Dark Rum (Best‑in‑Class), White Rum, Coffee Liqueur, Orange Cello, “Persephone’s” Rye aged in Belgian‑quad barrels<strong>Experiences</strong>Jazz & blues nights, cocktail workshops, on‑site tastings<strong>Website</strong><a href="https://evolveddistilling.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">EvolvedDistilling.com</a><strong>Resources & LinksAction ItemsEpisode CreditsEnjoyed the Show?</strong></p>
April 24, 2025
<p>Fresh off the ADI awards stage, <strong>Jon Hillgren</strong>—founder of <strong>Hernö Gin Distillery</strong> in Härnösand, Sweden—joins host <strong>Ronnell Richards</strong> to celebrate an unprecedented third-straight <strong>Best-in-Class</strong> win. From crafting organic botanicals 500 km north of Stockholm to breaking into U.S. markets via ADI’s International Spirits Competition, Jon explains how patience, precision, and purposeful marketing turned a small Nordic gin house into a global sensation.</p><ol><li><p><strong>Winning Three Years Running</strong></p><ul><li><p>Why Hernö’s London Dry, Navy Strength, and Old Tom gins each captured ADI’s top honor in consecutive years.</p></li><li><p>How consistent medal wins translate directly into distribution deals—most recently in California.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Crafting Gin Above the 62nd Parallel</strong></p><ul><li><p>The flavor impact of sourcing 100 % certified-organic botanicals in Sweden’s cool climate.</p></li><li><p>Why Hernö lets each batch rest a full 24 hours (instead of the industry-standard five) to maximize aroma extraction.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Choosing the Right Competitions</strong></p><ul><li><p>Jon’s criteria for entering only six global competitions—focusing on jury expertise, professional organization, and marketing reach.</p></li><li><p>How ADI uniquely connects medal-winners with U.S. buyers across multiple states.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Building a Single-Category Brand</strong></p><ul><li><p>The strategy behind being “hard-core gin only” and offering London Dry, Navy Strength, Old Tom, terroir-driven editions, and limited collectibles for aficionados.</p></li><li><p>Balancing core SKUs with small-batch releases to keep both bartenders and collectors engaged.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Advice for International Distillers</strong></p><ul><li><p>Why European producers should view ADI as a gateway to America’s 50 distinct spirits markets.</p></li><li><p>The importance of face-to-face networking at conferences where distillers, glass suppliers, and importers converge.</p></li></ul></li></ol><ul><li><p><strong>On Craft Over Speed:</strong><br />“We could finish a batch in five hours, but we wouldn’t be up here collecting awards every year.” – Jon Hillgren</p></li><li><p><strong>On Choosing Competitions Wisely:</strong><br />“We focus on contests that are professionally run and reach real buyers. One medal is nice; three in a row is marketing gold.” – Jon Hillgren</p></li><li><p><strong>On ADI’s Unique Value:</strong><br />“Winning here doesn’t just get you a trophy—it gets your bottles in front of state-by-state buyers. That’s how we landed in California.” – Jon Hillgren</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Hernö Gin Distillery:</strong> <a href="https://www.hernogin.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.hernogin.com</a></p><ul><li><p>Explore core expressions and limited releases.</p></li><li><p>Find U.S. availability and international stockists.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>American Distilling Institute (ADI):</strong> <a href="https://distilling.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://distilling.com</a></p><ul><li><p>Learn about membership, judging criteria, and next year’s International Spirits Competition.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Follow Hernö on Instagram (@hernogin):</strong> Track new cask finishes, seasonal foraged gins, and distillery news.</p></li></ul><ol><li><p><strong>Taste the Triple Winner:</strong> Order Hernö London Dry or Old Tom and experience why judges keep handing it gold.</p></li><li><p><strong>Enter Your Spirits:</strong> Distillers outside the U.S.—submit to ADI and leverage its buyer introductions.</p></li><li><p><strong>Join ADI:</strong> Tap into a global network, attend the next conference, and elevate your craft.</p></li></ol><ul><li><p><strong>Powered By:</strong> American Distilling Institute</p></li><li><p><strong>Host:</strong> Ronnell Richards</p></li><li><p><strong>Guest:</strong> Jon Hillgren, Hernö Gin Distillery</p></li><li><p><strong>Location:</strong> Recorded onsite immediately after the 2025 ADI Awards Ceremony</p></li></ul><p><strong>Enjoyed this episode?</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Rate & Review</strong> the show on your favorite podcast app.</p></li><li><p><strong>Subscribe</strong> for more conversations with the world’s most innovative distillers.</p></li><li><p><strong>Join ADI</strong> and be part of the craft-spirits movement: <a target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://distilling.com/membership</a></p></li></ul><p>Raise a glass—because every drop has a story and every voice advances the heart of distilling.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Thank You for Listening!</strong></p>
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Meet trailblazers in the world of craft distilling. Host, Ronnell Richards, the founder of Business & Bourbon, introduces you to interesting and diverse voices in craft distilling. These American Distilling Institute members have the pulse of the industry and are willing to share their stories, insights, and advice with our community.
Learn their story, learn about the industry.
Presented by The American Distilling Institute "the heart of craft distilling"
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