Naomi Michial Ayala has achieved profound things in the hospitality industry and somehow has never been thrown into the spotlight. With almost 20 years in the business, Naomi has bartended, educated, led the Dallas USBG, and continues to be a consummate professional and role model to others. Her latest chapter with CVH Spirits, brings her back to the world of Scotch whisky and with more horsepower than ever. We chat health, gardening, performative questions, and more.
-
-
Ep 370 – Katie Black: Spirits in the Material World
Katie Black has distilled, fermented, bartended, event coordinated, traveled Europe, and so much more. It’s hard to guess where she’ll turn up next, but one thing is clear: her love of people and hospitality will keep guiding her. Her curiosity drives her, and with every move she practices the art of “intention”. And as we post this chat today, she announces the next big chapter of her career and a move to Houston. We chat dating, produce, sharing, and more.
-
Ep 364 – Anthony Wills: The Story of Kilchoman Scotch Whisky
Anthony Wills is the founder and creator of Kilchoman Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the first new distillery to be built on Islay since 1908. His previous career in wine sales led him to delve into independent whisky bottling ventures. And with deep roots to Islay through his wife’s family, the grand idea to open a new distillery actualized in 2005. The unique profile of Kilchoman is textured, rich, and elegant. And even more unique is their Islay Barley bottling, in which all of the barley is grown on their farm at the distillery. We chat fear of failing, tinkering, Sherry, and more.
-
Ep 359 – Blair Ault: Full of Teachable Moments
Teacher, educator, whiskey ambassador, podcaster, and more… It makes one wonder what Milam and Greene’s Blair Ault does NOT do. Houston’s Blair Ault is a renaissance woman. She writes, teaches, hosts, and travels the United States extolling the virtues of Texas’ Milam and Greene whiskey. Blair is an erudite Star Trek fan that encourages creativity in others. With a massive lust for life, and passion for whiskey, what motivates Blair to keep expanding her knowledge? The answer is: a whole lot. We chat loud noises, audio challenges, writing from the heart, and more.
