For Noble Oak’s Tom Johnson, a serendipitous moment drove him to the hospitality industry and another to bike across the country to end up in Seattle. Each chapter of his life becoming clear eventually, but there is no master plan. A thoughtful, funny, and experience hospitality vet, Tom never thought that whiskey would end up bringing him the largest opportunities yet. We chat Baby Yoda, Twitter, Trees, and more.
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Ep 256 – Benny Hurwitz: Bringing DC to the World of Whiskey
Wild Turkey’s Benny Hurwitz has no problem working any gig on the totem pole. For him, mastering even the smallest of things, leads to a much better and well-rounded life. After realizing the suit and tie lifestyle wasn’t for this skateboarding Maryland native, he entered the freeing world of hospitality. This land of little structure, no lectures, and a lot of creative freedom set his career on a whole new path. With his great experience at the Columbia Room and Jack Rose Dining Saloon, he attending his first session of Behind the Barrel. This connection to the Wild Turkey family continued to grow and now he travels the states sharing…
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Ep 249 – Al Young: Been Around the Bourbon Block
The legendary Al Young has shared the beauty of Four Roses Bourbon for over 50 years. He’s traveled the world, seen consumer tastes change, and now still stands at the forefront of Bourbon discussion as it returns to favor. Starting as a man of the stage, Al fully intended on studying drama, but love and commitment drove him to find a 9-5 day job. Starting with Seagrams in 1964, the impressive journey took foot. We chat actors, dedication, a fulfilling marriage, and good Bourbon tales.
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Ep 244 – Johnnie Mundell: A Scotsman in Japan
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.
