Alan Laws: Redefining Great American Whiskey With Heirloom Grain, Terroir-Driven Flavor Experience And Obsession With Details
What if the spirit you savored had a tale of meticulous craft, a narrative woven into its essence that transcended mere taste? Imagine a whiskey that captures the heart of its maker's passion and the soul of the land it springs from, offering not just a drink but an authentic experience. What does it take to create such a legendary brew?
Whiskey enthusiast Alan Laws dives into high-craft whiskey production, where compromise is not an option and every detail matters. He discusses his transition from a career on Wall Street to pursuing his whiskey-making dream, the importance of local heirloom grains, and the unique aging process influenced by Colorado's climate. Alan shares where traditional methods meet modern excellence, and every bottle promises a spiritual journey from grain to glass.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Alan Laws, Founder and President of Laws Whiskey House, about his quest to create the finest whiskey. Alan talks about the dedication and sustainability practices behind Laws Whiskey House that contribute to a superior product while supporting local agriculture, insights on running a business with integrity, nurturing a community-driven ethos among his team, and his aspirations to expand while maintaining the core values of success.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[1:28] Alan Laws shares his journey as a whiskey enthusiast, founding Laws Whiskey House
[3:04] Laws Whiskey House mantras and their impact on product quality
[4:40] The brand new tasting room at Laws Whiskey House
[5:58] What are the roles of the "Whiskey Church" and "Whiskey Bible"?
[8:32] How Laws Whiskey House embraces the concept of terroir to craft unique and expressive whiskey profiles
[14:59] Alan explains how Laws Whiskey House meets and respects high whiskey standards
[20:53] How Alan fosters a team culture committed to quality and growth
[22:55] The future of Laws Whiskey House and potential growth strategies
About Alan Laws:
Alan Laws is the Founder and President of Laws Whiskey House, a distillery renowned for its uncompromising approach to whiskey production. Laws Whiskey House is known for using heirloom grains and a meticulous distillation process, earning world-class recognition for their bourbons and ryes. Formerly a Wall Street worker, Alan transitioned to pursue his passion and obsession with whiskey, establishing his brand over 13 years ago. His commitment to quality is evident in every bottle, prioritizing heirloom grains, traditional pot stills, and the unique terroir of Colorado.
Resources Mentioned in this episode
Quotable Moments:
"It's not just making whiskey; it's making whiskey with soul."
"There are no shortcuts. We don't do that."
"Whiskey has terroir. It's defined by where it comes from and the people that make it."
"Every day's a tryout. Every day, you're raising the bar again."
"We don’t just make whiskey; we invite it into the environment and all its elements."
"Craft over commodity—because scale doesn't necessarily get you quality."
Action Steps:
Embrace obsession: Fuel your passion with relentless focus and dedication. Embracing a deep-seated passion for your work ensures the delivery of exceptional results.
Uphold integrity: Always aim for authenticity and reject shortcuts. Integrity in the process ensures the highest quality of outcomes, which is vital in creating a trustworthy brand image.
Aim high and stay grounded: Strive for excellence without compromising core values. Balancing ambition with grounded ethical priorities shapes sustainable success.
Honor tradition: Recognize and preserve the value of historical and cultural practices. Respecting the history and tradition behind practices enriches contemporary work.
Cultivate community: Invest in relationships that align with your brand ethos. Building partnerships based on shared values contributes to a strong community and brand loyalty.