Joining me this week is Paul Hletko, founder and distiller of Few Spirits in Evanston, immediately north of Chicago. Hletko’s imaginative approach to bourbon, whiskey and gin have garnered many accolades since Few’s inception in 2011 including Whiskey Advocate Craft Whiskey of the Year and Icons of Gin World Distiller of the Year. We discuss his approach to ingredient selection and the construction of his brown spirits including mash bill, barrel sourcing, yeast strains, and adjuncts. The significance of the distillery's location in relation to the temperance movement receive attention, and we expound upon the correlations between songwriting and creating flavor.

While Paul is mission and vision driven he is an ally of small distillers in the industry, having served as president of the American Craft Spirits Association and on the advisory board of DISCUS (Distilled Spirits Council of the United States). I take the opportunity to ask about relevant topics in the industry including consolidation among larger distillers and distributors, and direct to consumer sales.

Find Paul Hletko:
Few Spirits

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Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason

Audio editing, mix and mastering: Esben Willems/Studio Berserk

Music by: Sam Cangelosi

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