Distiller
Why did you want to work for Dry Land?
I have always had a passion for the spirits industry and when I tried the staple whiskeys of Dry Land I knew there was something special before working here. I saw a place that believed in all the same environmental ideals as I do that are also important to keeping Colorado memorable. These values are shared throughout the company and after one talk with Nels I knew I found the right place.
What are the activities/hobbies that you do for fun?
I love being outside. Camping, fishing, hunting, anything like that is up my alley. I’m also part of a small brewing club where I’m experimenting with more fermentation science outside of work. I love playing DND and magic the gathering with my twin sister and friends and when I have the occasional moment off, I love playing video games like the fallout series.
If you had "One Perfect Day", what would that be/what would it look like?
My perfect day would be waking up in the woods early in the morning and hunting. Then make a wonderful lunch with I got in the morning. Then in the afternoon, either going to a few distilleries, breweries or bars and be with friends and family.
What’s your all-time favorite dish/food?
It would either have to be my dad’s homemade green chili. Or my mom‘s homemade biscuits with a little bit of chokecherry jam.
What Dry Land spirit best matches your personality, and why?
I think that our Byrd Whiskey best matches my personality. We’re both made right here in Colorado. It’s gently sweet and silky smooth, with just a right amount of punch to keep you wanting to sip more.
What do you want people to know about you that is unique or surprising? I’m currently going to school for fermentation science. And my twin sister is my best friend.
If you could share a drink with anyone—living or historical—who would it be and what would you serve them?
I would wanna share a drink with Jimi Hendrix or Eddie Van Halen, in some New Orleans style Café drinking traditional Sazerac.
What’s your go-to song when setting up the bar and creating the vibe before shift?
To me, it depends on the type of day we’re gonna have. If I feel like it’s gonna be a pretty nice and chill day I’m probably going to throw on some ABBA, (everyone should love ABBA in my opinion) but if it’s gonna be a long, busy day, we’re definitely gonna put on some type of punk like the Descendants or Black Flag.
Which part of the distillation, spirits history, or cocktail culture do you nerd out about most?
The easy answer for me would be whiskey I love all types of whiskey and I drink a lot of different types. I want to know how they’re all made. If I had to choose one though it’ll probably be Japanese whiskey for me. I love how light and delicate some of them can be and still having very complex tasting notes to them. That’s why I love our Heirloom.
Describe Dry Land in three words.
Sustainability, local, quality
What’s your go-to Dry Land cocktail and why?
Would have to be a tie between a Manhattan and a Sazerac. Manhattan is just a classic cocktail that really puts the shine on whiskey. And with our house made vermouth I don’t think you can go wrong with any of or whiskeys for our Manhattan. And then a Sazerac is my favorite cocktail. I’m a big fan of the absinthe specifically ours as well and it just makes a wonderful and unique drinking experience.
