In this episode of EmbellishPod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan, one of the founders of Rolling Fork Spirits. We delved into the fascinating world of spirits, discussing everything from the origins of Rolling Fork to the intricacies of blending and bottling various types of alcohol. If you haven't already, please take a moment to hit the subscribe button on your preferred podcast platform. You can also find video versions of this podcast on YouTube and all my links on Instagram and TikTok at @embellishpod. For more details, visit my website at www.embellishpod.com.

Jordan is a co-founder and blender at Rolling Fork Spirits, a company known for its diverse range of high-quality spirits. The company started with Rolling Fork Rum and has since expanded to include Wayward Cask, which features Calvados and Armagnacs from France, and Bourbon Deluxe, a Prohibition-era label they recently revived.

The Origins of Rolling Fork Spirits

Rolling Fork Spirits: Jordan explained that Rolling Fork Spirits is the parent company, with Rolling Fork Rum being their most well-known product.

Expansion: The company has expanded to include Wayward Cask and Bourbon Deluxe, each offering unique and high-quality spirits.

Historical Ties: Jordan's business partner, Turner, comes from the Wathen family, a name deeply rooted in the history of Kentucky bourbon.

Bourbon Deluxe Revival

Historical Significance: Bourbon Deluxe was a Prohibition-era label that Jordan and Turner revived after Jim Beam abandoned the trademark.

Marketing and Branding: They aimed to maintain the vintage feel of the original label, including quirky taglines like "Glorious Sunshine of a Thousand Ages" and "The Zenith of Possibility in Whiskey Quality."

The Journey into Rum and Other Spirits

Initial Focus on Rum: Jordan discussed why they chose to start with rum, a spirit often underappreciated in the U.S. market but highly valued in Europe.

Armagnac and Calvados: They later ventured into these spirits, which are beloved by industry insiders but not widely known among the general public.

Blending and Bottling

Blending Process: Jordan shared insights into their meticulous blending process, which involves selecting barrels based on specific criteria and balancing flavors to achieve the desired profile.

Challenges and Strategies: He also talked about the challenges of blending, such as dealing with "bad barrels" and how to incorporate them into a blend without compromising quality.

Market Dynamics and Pricing

Value Proposition: Rolling Fork Spirits aims to offer high-quality spirits at reasonable prices. For example, their 25-year-old Calvados is priced at $149, a rarity in the market.

Market Trends: Jordan touched on market trends, including the impact of COVID-19 on the spirits industry and the rising popularity of agave spirits.

Personal Anecdotes and Stories

Historical Anecdotes: Jordan shared a captivating story about an 1898 vintage Armagnac that was hidden in the walls of a house during the Nazi invasion, illustrating the rich history and craftsmanship behind these spirits.

Industry Insights: He also provided insights into the independent bottling scene, comparing it to the more familiar concept of non-distilling producers in the U.S.

This episode offers a deep dive into the world of spirits, from the historical roots of Rolling Fork Spirits to the complexities of blending and bottling. Whether you're a spirits enthusiast or just curious about the industry, this conversation with Jordan provides valuable insights and fascinating stories. Don't forget to subscribe, and check out the video versions on YouTube and all my links on Instagram and TikTok at @embellishpod. For more details, visit www.embellishpod.com.