The road to Scotch was a much larger one than you might think for Beam-Suntory’s Johnnie Mundell. As a traveler, and semi-aspiring film maker, his creative roots were moving in many directions. But as life and love ultimately shaped the journey, Johnnie connected with his homeland and perspective on teaching as he became a whisky brand ambassador. Through a few other brands, Johnnie ultimately found one of the largest challenges yet, representing Japanese culture and history through the lens of Whisky with Beam-Suntory. We chat Ken Loach, school days, Cognac, Jordan Felix and more.
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Ep 241 – Dr. Ivan Saldaña: Innovation on the Horizon of Mezcal
Download Dr. Ivan Saldana is a thinker, a scientist, an influencer, and a crazy inventor. As a safe keeper of mezcal, and plant lover, his early career may have taken him in a different direction. However, the studies abroad at Sussex full enveloped Ivan into his romantic relationship with agave. Years later, the entrepreneurial spirit took over and he helped developed the beautiful Ancho Reyes and Montelobos products. A vast personality with a vast wealth of knowledge, Dr Ivan has written the Anatomy of Mezcal which still serves as a pillar of agave education. We chat academia, children, turning 40, and more.
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Ep 240 – James Wallace Brown: Falling in Love With Mezcal
Download James Wallace Brown is a business savvy gent that swore by his rum and coke until a greater love came along. The Scottish-Mexican citizen appreciates people, honesty, and nature. So when the beautiful collection of Mezcal Amores met him on a fateful day, all of his passions were rolled into one reality. Coming from a deeply entrepreneurial upbringing, his family traversed many parts of the world encouraging James to become deeply adaptable. His career became just this, from one small role to another larger role, James never thought this path would lead him to world of mezcal. Now years later, James travels the world talking about the #2 selling…
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EP 239 – Kerrin Egalka: London Calling to the Faraway Dram
Download Both creative and highly analytical, Compass Box’s Kerrin Egalka made the enviable shift into the hospitality world. As a computer science and art history “nerd”, Kerrin tired of the day to day humdrum corporate life. With an articulate ambition and unrivaled ability to understand highly complex things, she entered the cocktail industry. She has represented some exceptional spirits, but none as bold as Compass Box Whiskey. We chat Jake Tapper, London, art, being aquarians, and more.
