The Whisky Warrior Podcast

From Bartender to Brand Owner: Benyea D Hurst’s Vodka Journey.

In this episode of the Whiskey Wealth Warrior podcast, host Glen Palmer sits down with Benyea D Hurst, founder and CEO of Benny Red Vodka — a premium brand built from the ground up through persistence, vision, and real-world customer insight.
From working behind the bar at Applebee’s to launching his own spirits brand, Benyea shares the journey, mindset, and challenges that shaped Benny Red into what it is today.
The conversation dives into:
The moment Benyea decided to build his own vodka brand
Why distribution is the biggest early challenge in spirits
How being “too early” can hold a brand back
The power of customer experience over product alone
What makes a premium spirits brand stand out in a crowded market
Why consistency and persistence are the real keys to success
Benyea also shares his perspective on where the spirits industry is heading, including the rise of RTDs (ready-to-drink) and the long-term opportunity within premium brands. 
This episode is a must-listen for aspiring brand builders, entrepreneurs, and investors looking to understand the realities behind launching and scaling a spirits brand.
 
Connect with Benyea:
Benny Red Vodka: https://www.benniereddvodka.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennyredofficial
 
Connect with Glen:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
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 to Build & Scale a Premium Spirits Brand with Eric Schinske

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior podcast, host Glen Palmer speaks with Eric Schinske, Co-Owner and CEO of EP Winters and a key force behind the growth of American Made beverages in the highly competitive Tampa Bay market.
Eric shares his journey from fast-paced medical startups into the beverage industry, revealing the realities of launching and scaling a premium spirits brand from the ground up.
The conversation dives into:
What actually gets a beverage brand onto shelves
Why local relationships and storytelling outperform big budgets
The importance of distribution partnerships and “caring” in business
How small bars and independent retailers can outperform large chains
The balance between brand integrity, cost, and scaling decisions
Common mistakes new spirits brands make in their early years
This episode is especially valuable for whisky investors, independent bottlers, and entrepreneurs looking to build their own brand — offering a behind-the-scenes look at what truly drives success in the beverage industry. 
Connect With Eric:
Eric Schinske (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-schinske-msw-97039366/
American Made Beverages: https://americanmadebeverages.com
Connect With Glen: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
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 AI Flavor Matching Is Changing Whisky Discovery

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior podcast, host Glen Palmer speaks with Michael Waskewich Jr, retired US Army Sergeant Major turned tech founder and co-creator of The Bar Book — a flavour-first discovery platform designed to help consumers find their next favourite whisky without costly trial and error.
Michael shares how his military leadership background shaped his entrepreneurial journey, why traditional spirit discovery is broken, and how flavour-driven algorithms are helping both consumers and craft producers level the playing field.
The conversation explores:
Why most whisky discovery methods overlook hidden gems
How flavour-first algorithms improve bottle selection
The role of data in whisky discovery and investing
How craft brands can scale without huge marketing budgets
The C.R.A.F.T initiative supporting veterans in the beverage industry
How technology may reshape whisky collecting and investing
Michael also discusses how consumer preference data could influence future production and why collaboration between data platforms and distilleries will be a major industry shift. 
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Bar Book App: https://thebarbook.app
Support C.R.A.F.T: https://supportcraft.org
Free Whisky Wealth Guide: https://whiskywealthmastery.com/free
Glen Palmer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
 

Building a Premium Mead Brand with Vikas Thakker

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, host Glen Palmer speaks with Vikas Thakker, founder of Vintage Brewery UK Limited, about building a premium drinks brand from the ground up. Vikas shares the journey behind creating Barhi Mead, the world’s first sparkling date based mead designed to complement spice rich cuisines and elevate the dining experience. The conversation explores patience in entrepreneurship, the craftsmanship behind innovative beverages, and the parallels between building a mead brand and investing in premium whisky.
And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to:Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

Preserving Ancestral Mezcal While Scaling Globally with Octavio and Miguel

In this episode of the Whisky Wealth Warrior Podcast, host Glen Palmer is joined by Octavio Arzate, CEO & Founder of Luhulaa Tradiciones de Mexico, CEO of Luhulaa Mezcal and Marlin Fish and Beer, alongside Miguel Cruz, Director of Operations at Luhulaa Tradiciones de México. They explore the deep cultural roots of mezcal, the differences between mezcal and tequila, and how Luhulaa Mezcal preserves ancestral production methods while building a sustainable, globally recognized premium spirits brand. The conversation highlights sustainability, storytelling, rare aged batches, and why mezcal may follow a similar path to premium whiskey as both a heritage product and a long-term collectible asset.
And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to:Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

Building a Clean Beer Brand with Conor Begley

Glen Palmer sits down with Conor Begley, co-founder and president of Fathers Beer, to break down how he built an award-winning “clean beer” brand and scaled it at speed. Conor shares the playbook behind landing major retail distribution fast, raising over $1M from high-profile investors, and why transparency and taste are the real trust-builders in a crowded category. The conversation also draws parallels for whiskey cask investors looking to build their own brands the right way.
And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to:Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

Building Beverage Brands That Win with Craig Potter

Host Glen Palmer sits down with Craig Potter, co-founder and CEO of Soda Jerk LLC, to break down what it really takes to launch and scale a spirits brand, from raising early capital to securing reliable distribution across 20+ states. Craig shares how an influencer-driven strategy created retail pull during COVID and how earning Walmart’s “Golden Ticket” in California reshaped the brand’s growth playbook. Along the way, he connects spirits, real estate, and entrepreneurship with a clear theme: build a strong foundation, deliver consistent value, and let trust turn selling into confirmation.
And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to:Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

Independent Bottling and Cask Strategy with Alistair MacDonald

In this episode of Whisky Wealth Warrior, host Glen Palmer is joined by Alistair MacDonald, Founder of Barley Nectar and independent bottler behind Castle Bay, whose family has been in the whisky industry since the 1820s. Alistair shares candid insights into today’s cask market, the realities of independent bottling, and why clarity of purpose is essential before buying a whisky cask. The conversation also explores market corrections, regauging risks, long-term thinking, and how passion, not hype, should drive both collecting and investing in whisky.
And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to:Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

Building Billion Dollar Spirits Brands with Harry McKaig

In this episode of Whisky Wealth Warriors, host Glen Palmer sits down with Harry McKaig, CEO of Double Cross Vodka, to explore the evolving global spirits landscape and the commercial levers that drive billion dollar beverage brands. Harry shares insights from scaling CPG companies to over 1 billion in revenue, discussing premiumisation, pricing power, supply chain pressures, and how strategy shapes long term brand value. The conversation also dives into spirits as an alternative asset class, unpacking scarcity, aged stock, and why well positioned brands can offer compelling opportunities for both individual and institutional investors.
And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to:Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/

Curiosity, Craft, and Collecting with Nicholas Cain

In this episode, Glen Palmer sits down with Nicholas Cain, a Houston based food service designer with deep roots in hospitality and the wine trade, to explore what draws people to whisky beyond the glass. They discuss storytelling, provenance, and how whisky culture compares to wine when it comes to collecting, enjoyment, and long term value. The conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on whisky as both a passion and a potential alternative asset for curious enthusiasts.
And to learn more about Whisky Wealth Mastery, where whisky lovers go to learn the investment side of the spirit properly and responsibly, go to:Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/Whisky Wealth Mastery LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisky-wealth-mastery/