Topic: A Sip of Knowledge with Rick Wasmund, Founder of Copper Fox Distillery

Hosts: Liz Rhoades, Lew Bryson, & Martin Duffy

What You’ll Learn: Join a trio of drink industry veterans in weekly conversation on whiskey, spirits, distilling, marketing and the current state of the drink industry. This week, Rick Wasmund, founder of Copper Fox Distillery, joins the group.

About Rick Wasmund: Rick Wasmund is the founder and Managing Member of Copper Fox Distillery (CFDE). Inspired by the idea of making whisky differently, Rick transitioned from a career as a Northwestern Mutual Agent and a Certified Financial Planner and launched a start-up distillery–the first North American distillery to build a traditional malt floor and kiln since the repeal of Prohibition–now producing award winning craft whiskies and gin. Located in Sperryville, Virginia since 2005, and Williamsburg, Virginia since 2015. Their award winning whiskies start from scratch-floor malting locally grown barley and drying and flavoring the grain with a variety of fruitwood smoke. Custom built copper pot stills produce one barrel at a time and the spirit is aged and finished with a progressive series of hand toasted wood chips in used bourbon barrels. Rick and his wife Chelsea, daughter Camille and son Mason, are at home in both Williamsburg, VA and Sperryville, VA.

About the Hosts: 

• Liz Rhoades, founder of Spirit Safe Consulting, former research scientist for DIAGEO, distilling consultant, spirits writer for The Whiskey Wash & presenter.

• Lew Bryson, former managing editor for Whisky Advocate Magazine for 20 years, whiskey author, beer/whiskey writer and presenter.

• Martin Duffy, former DIAGEO Master of Whisky for the Midwest, DIAGEO Reserve Brand Ambassador for The Republic of Ireland, North American Brand Representative for Glencairn Crystal.