The Whisky Warrior Podcast

🥃 The Man Behind the World’s Most Iconic Spirits Brands | James Espey OBE

What does it take to build some of the world’s most recognisable drinks brands?
In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, Glen Palmer has the absolute pleasure of interviewing an absolute legend in the sprits industry James Espey OBE—he is one of the most influential figures the global spirits industry has ever produced.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, James has helped shape iconic brands including Baileys, Malibu, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Chivas Regal 18, and The Classic Malts. He’s also the founder of the prestigious Keepers of the Quaich, recognising outstanding contributions to Scotch whisky worldwide.
This isn’t just a conversation about whisky.
It’s a masterclass in leadership, marketing, entrepreneurship and building brands that stand the test of time.
In this episode we discuss:
🥃 How some of the world’s biggest spirits brands were created
🚀 Why great brands are built over years, not months
🤝 James’ philosophy of leadership and teamwork
📈 The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when growing a business
🌍 How Scotch whisky became a truly global product
🏆 The story behind the Keepers of the Quaich
💡 The importance of patience, vision and long-term thinking
Whether you’re passionate about whisky, building a business or simply love hearing stories from industry legends, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Connect with James Espey
🌐 James Espey OBE: https://www.jamesespey.com
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-espey-obe-42309ba/
🏅 Keepers of the Quaich:https://www.keepersofthequaich.co.uk
Free Whisky Investing Guide
If you’d like to learn how whisky casks can become part of a long-term investment portfolio, download my free guide:
🥃 https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free
The Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast brings you conversations with distillers, founders, investors and industry pioneers from around the world, uncovering the people, stories and strategies behind some of the greatest spirits ever created.
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it with someone who loves great stories and great spirits. 🥃🍻

🥃 From Scientist to Award-Winning Distiller: Paul Shand’s Alchemy of Australian Whisky

What if the search for gold led you to discover something even more valuable?
In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, Glen Palmer is joined by Paul Shand, founder of Tria Prima Distillery, alongside returning guest Chris Greta from Still Life Stories, for a fascinating conversation about science, storytelling and the pursuit of exceptional whisky.
Paul’s journey is anything but ordinary. After a distinguished career as a geochemist, he left the world of scientific research to follow a lifelong passion for whisky. The result was Tria Prima Distillery—an award-winning Australian distillery inspired by the ancient principles of alchemy, where barley, water and oak become modern-day “liquid gold.”
Together we explore how science shapes great whisky, why branding matters just as much as what’s in the bottle, and why helping others may be the greatest legacy a distiller can leave.
In this episode:
🥃 Paul’s remarkable journey from geochemist to award-winning distiller
⚗️ The fascinating story behind the name Tria Prima
🏆 How science influences fermentation, distillation and maturation
🎨 Why Tria Prima’s branding has become as distinctive as its whisky
📖 Chris Greta’s passion for discovering hidden whisky stories
🌏 The rise of Australian single malt whisky
🥃 What it really takes to create “liquid gold”
Connect with Tria Prima Distillery
🌐 Website: https://triaprima.com.au
📧 Email: info@triaprima.com
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TriaPrimaWhisky/
📸 Instagram: @triaprimawhisky
Still Life Stories
🌐 https://stilllifestories.com
🎥 Youtube: Still Life Stories
 
Free Whisky Investing Guide
If you’d like to learn how whisky casks can become part of a long-term investment portfolio, download my free guide:
🥃 https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free 
Whisky Wealth Warrior brings you conversations with distillers, founders, investors and storytellers from across the world, uncovering the people, passion and purpose behind great spirits.
#Whisky #AustralianWhisky #SingleMalt #TriaPrima #PaulShand #ChrisGreta #StillLifeStories #CraftSpirits #Distillery #WhiskyPodcast #WhiskyWealthWarrior

🥃 Clyde Mill Distillery, the Platypus and the Revival

What happens when you bring new life to one of Australia’s oldest whisky sites?
In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, Glen Palmer is joined by Lucy O’Brien, John Ramsay, and whisky storyteller Chris Greta to explore the remarkable revival of Clyde Mill Distillery in Bothwell, Tasmania.
From the history of the old mill and the unique character of Tasmanian whisky to gin production, wildlife, and the now-famous resident platypus, this conversation is about far more than what’s inside the bottle. It’s about heritage, craftsmanship, community and preserving something special for future generations.
In this episode:
🥃 The story behind the revival of Clyde Mill Distillery
🏛️ Why history and place matter in whisky making
🌿 What makes Tasmanian whisky unique
🍸 The distillery’s approach to gin and flavour
🦆 The legendary Clyde Mill platypus
🌎 Tasmania’s growing reputation on the world whisky stage
📖 Why every great distillery has a story worth telling
Connect with Clyde Mill Distillery
📸 Instagram: @clydemilldistillery 
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clydemillbothwell 
📧 Email: distillery@clydemill.com.au or hello@clydemill.com.au 
🌐 Website: https://clydemill.com.au 
Still Life Stories
🌐 https://stilllifestories.com 
Free Whisky Investing Guide
Download your free guide at:
🌐 https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free 
Whisky Wealth Warrior brings you conversations with distillers, founders, investors and storytellers from around the world who understand that great spirits—and great businesses—are built for the long game. 🥃

The Long Game: How a Mom & Pop Operation Built Legend Cider Into a Brand People Love

What does it take to build a drinks brand that lasts?
In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, Glen Palmer sits down with Adrianne Baumann, co-founder of Legend Cider, to explore the journey from a small family operation to securing distribution with Budweiser in Oregon.
Together they discuss the realities of building a business from scratch, the importance of patience, why chasing trends can be dangerous, and how focusing on quality and consistency has helped Legend Cider carve out its own niche in a crowded market.
Adrianne also explains how Legend Cider became known as the “Beer Drinker Cider”, why they use beer yeast instead of traditional cider yeast, and why sometimes the best strategy is simply sticking with what works.
In this episode:
• How Legend Cider started as a family venture• The challenges of self-funding a drinks brand• Why more knowledge beats more money• Building a loyal customer base over a decade• Securing distribution with Budweiser• Experimenting with flavour and barrel ageing• Why consistency beats chasing every trend• Playing the long game in business
Learn More About Legend Cider
🌐 Website: https://www.legendcider.com
📧 Email Adrianne: adrienne@legendcider.com
📍 Visit their taprooms in La Pine and Talent, Oregon
 
Connect With Glen: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiskywealthmastery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskywealthmastery/
X: https://x.com/GlenPInvest
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskywealthmastery?lang=en
 
If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.
 

From Battlefields to Agave Fields: Sean Keane’s Extraordinary Reinvention

What happens when a man spends 31 years serving in the United States Special Forces and then decides to dedicate himself to one of Mexico’s oldest and most respected traditions?
In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, Glen Palmer sits down with Sean Keane, founder of O’Kahan Agave, to explore an incredible journey of reinvention, craftsmanship and purpose.
Sean shares how a lifetime of discipline, resilience and leadership eventually led him to rural Mexico, where he immersed himself in the world of authentic mezcal production. Living and learning alongside a sixth-generation mezcalero, Sean set out to create a brand that honours tradition while building a bridge between Irish heritage and Mexican culture.
In this episode we discuss:
🥃 Sean’s 31-year Special Forces career🌵 Why he fell in love with mezcal🇲🇽 Living and learning in rural Mexico🔥 Traditional mezcal production methods🍀 The story behind O’Kahan Agave💡 Building a premium spirits brand from scratch🎯 Lessons on discipline, leadership and reinvention
This isn’t simply a conversation about mezcal.
It’s a story about finding a new mission in life and having the courage to pursue it.
Connect With Sean:
Website: https://okahanagave.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okahanagave
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okahanagave
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkv-34rsTVFwLQElyhFyhig
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanokahanagave/
Connect With Glen: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiskywealthmastery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskywealthmastery/
X: https://x.com/GlenPInvest
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskywealthmastery?lang=en
If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.
 

The Distiller Who Smokes Whisky with Sheep Manure | The Belgrove Story

n this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, Glen Palmer sits down with Peter Bignell of Belgrove Distillery and Chris Greta from Still Life Stories for a fascinating conversation about innovation, sustainability and the art of doing things differently.
Belgrove Distillery has earned a reputation as one of the most unique distilleries in the world, producing award-winning whisky using methods that challenge convention and celebrate true farm-to-bottle craftsmanship.
The discussion covers:
• The origins of Belgrove Distillery• Sustainable whisky production• The famous sheep manure smoked whisky• Growing grain and producing whisky on-site• Distilling innovation and experimentation• The challenges facing independent distilleries• Authenticity, terroir and storytelling
Peter’s unconventional approach has made Belgrove one of the most talked-about distilleries in Tasmania and a favourite subject for whisky enthusiasts around the world.
Whether you’re interested in whisky, entrepreneurship, sustainability or simply hearing the story of someone who refused to follow the crowd, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
 
Connect With Peter at Belgrove Distillery:
Website: https://belgrovedistillery.com.au/pages/contact
 
Connect With Chris at Still Life Stories:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@chrisgreta?si=3PAS25oC85yNBfAi
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgreta/
 
Connect With Glen: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiskywealthmastery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskywealthmastery/
X: https://x.com/GlenPInvest
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskywealthmastery?lang=en
If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.
 

Inside the Whisky Cask Investment Market with Richard Wells.

In the last episode of series 2 of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, Glen Palmer sits down with Richard Wells from World of Whisky for a grounded and honest conversation about the whisky cask investment market.
 
Together, they explore:🥃 how professional cask selection actually works🥃 what separates quality casks from hype🥃 the importance of documentation, warehousing & ownership🥃 blue-chip vs emerging distilleries🥃 scarcity, maturation & long-term value🥃 the role independent bottlers play in the market🥃 common mistakes new investors make🥃 how serious investors should think about exit strategy
 
The conversation also addresses the recent scrutiny surrounding whisky investment scams and discusses what responsible due diligence should look like before transferring a single penny.
This is not a “get rich quick” conversation.
It’s a realistic discussion about patience, scarcity, strategy, and understanding whisky as a long-term alternative asset.
Whether you’re completely new to whisky cask investing or already building a portfolio, this episode offers valuable insight into how experienced professionals assess opportunities within the market.
 
Connect With Richard at World Of Whisky:
Website: https://worldofwhisky.co.uk
Connect With Glen: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiskywealthmastery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskywealthmastery/
X: https://x.com/GlenPInvest
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskywealthmastery?lang=en
If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.
 

How Aryn Pepper Turned a Bar Problem Into a Fast-Growing Drinks Brand

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, Glen Palmer speaks with Aryn Pepper, founder of The Good Shrub Club, about what really makes drinks brands succeed in today’s market.
From cocktail culture and shrubs to storytelling, branding, hospitality, and consumer psychology, this conversation dives deep into the realities of building a modern premium drinks business.
Aryn shares how a simple problem behind the bar became the foundation for a fast-growing brand — and why authenticity, flavour, and emotional connection matter more than ever in the drinks industry.
Topics include:• Building a drinks brand from scratch• Consumer behaviour & modern buying psychology• The rise of non-alcoholic alternatives• Entrepreneurship & hospitality culture• Storytelling as a competitive advantage• How independent brands stand out
Connect With Aryn:
Website: https://splittree.ca
                https://thegoodshrubclub.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arynpepper/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodshrubclub/
 
Connect With Glen: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiskywealthmastery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskywealthmastery/
X: https://x.com/GlenPInvest
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskywealthmastery?lang=en
 
If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.
 

The Psychology of Selling Spirits: How Ryan Guevara Builds Brands That Actually Stand Out

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, host Glen Palmer sits down with spirits consultant Ryan Guevara to explore the psychology behind premium spirits brands, customer behavior, and what actually drives long-term success in the drinks industry.
With a background in psychology and experience working across wine and spirits at a national level, Ryan shares insights into:
Why most brands struggle to stand out
The hidden psychology behind premium perception
What bar owners and consumers really care about
How storytelling influences buying decisions
Why modern consumers are changing the future of alcohol
The conversation also dives into branding, social media, distribution strategy, customer relationships, and the importance of solving problems rather than simply selling products.
From whiskey and mezcal to functional beverages and emerging trends, this is a fascinating look into where the spirits industry is heading next.
Connect with Ryan Guevara:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-guevara12301993/📧 Email: rguevara1230@gmail.com
Connect With Glen: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiskywealthmastery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskywealthmastery/
X: https://x.com/GlenPInvest
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskywealthmastery?lang=en
If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.
 

Why ‘Being Yourself’ Beats Everything in Bourbon, Business & Life | Levin Woodall

This episode goes beyond bourbon.
Levin Woodall from Weldon Mills Distillery joins me for a conversation that dives into identity, authenticity, and what it really takes to build a brand in today’s spirits market.
From navigating the complexities of the North Carolina ABC system to building relationships that actually drive sales, Levin shares a grounded, real-world perspective on the industry.
Key themes include:
Authenticity vs “playing the role” in business
The power of story in selling premium spirits
Why local-first thinking is reshaping distillery growth
The future of bourbon and craft spirits
This is less about whisky… and more about how you build something that actually lasts.
Connect with Levin
Website: https://weldonmills.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weldon.mills/
e-mail: levin.woodall@weldonmills.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levin-w-a64b442b3/
Connect With Glen: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlenLKPalmer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskywealthmastery/
X: https://x.com/GlenPInvest
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskywealthmastery?lang=en
If you’ve ever wondered whether whisky could be something you own, grow, and monetise — not just drink — you can download a free guide here: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free to get started on your whisky investment journey.