Ep. 120: Lodestar Whiskey with Anna Axster

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December 13, 2023 • 78 mins

Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder - cousins and veterans of the entertainment industry - have started a whiskey. Just a few weeks ago, that whiskey brand launched as Lodestar Whiskey, a blend of high-rye bourbon and American single malt whiskies aiming for a Southern California vibe.

This whiskey - and the women behind it - are worth a look. It's a whiskey aimed at multiple audiences with multiple purposes. It can stand up on its own, to a cube, and in a cocktail (and not in that "this is a great cocktail whiskey" kind of way). It's outright pro-women-leaders with an allusion to feminism on the label, but the whiskey is still the star.

I was a little skeptical at first - new people getting into the whiskey business with no background other than as consumers, a lower proof, and family connection? We've seen this go sideways many times. On this one, though, call me convinced.

Anna and I talk getting into the business, finding the right blend, connecting with all the audiences they want to, and owning your backyard in a trendy, millennial-centric way.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Anna for entering the Whiskey Ring!

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Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

Ad-free listening is now available to $5/month patrons and above! Sign up or raise your pledge at the link below.

The first three WRP barrel picks are in! The Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Ryes are SOLD OUT, and the Barrell Rye Finished in Armagnac Casks is now live!

Patreon members get an exclusive discount for the Jack Daniel's barrels and free shipping for the Barrell pick - now's the time to up that subscription or join the Patreon if you haven't already!

Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

$25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one was on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

There are now two more spots open in the Barrel Club and 10 spots open at the $15 level for those who want to experience more of the whiskies I get to try every month (or every other month).

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 2 Spots Remain in the Barrel Club.

The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks and shortly will have access to ad-free episodes.
The $15 tier takes second access to the $25 tier with 10 spots divided into two: 5 for people who want to receive samples every other month, and 5 for people who want to receive them every month but in smaller numbers.
The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 2 spots remain!

You can still support for as little as $1 a month if you’d like to stay up to date with these changes and news about what we’ve got coming up.

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Lodestar Whiskey

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