Meet bartender-turned-distiller Joshua Goins whose interest in whisky steered him in the direction of a career in distilling. Now, as the Head Distiller at the Dread River Distilling Company, he is on the path to establishing the Dread River brand through exceptional offerings and developing a streamlined and eco-friendly production system. In an interview with the London Spirits Competition, he gave us a peek into the profession and shared his advice for aspiring distillers dreaming of succeeding in the field. 

Also read: Exclusive Interview with Alessandro Vella, Senior Bartender at The Donovan Bar

Image Title and Credits: Dread River Distilling Company designed by WILLIAMS BLACKSTOCK ARCHITECTS

Tell us a little about your background and journey into distilling

Well, my journey began as a bartender at a whiskey bar. Around that time I took a certification class and achieved the title of Whisky Ambassador. I learned all there was to know about whiskey and a tad bit about the processes behind it. It was actually this class that made me realise my passion for the distilling industry. I then went on to be an assistant distiller for approximately 4 years and I did my best to learn everything I could, from the practical functions of distillery operations—about 40-50 hours a week—to learning the science behind it. After years of hard work, now I am the Head Distiller at Dread River Distilling Company in Birmingham, Alabama. But I am still committed to learning and growing every day. 

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What does your day look like?

The distilling industry has a very fluid schedule. I base daily and weekly projects based on the spirits needed. The only constant in a distillery is the cleaning work. I always say that working in a distillery you can expect your job to consist of 90% cleaning and 10% distillation!

What inspired you to become a distiller?

Many aspects of the industry are highly inspiring to me, especially its legacy. I have two young girls at home and I hope that one day when I pass on they can enjoy some of "Dad's" whiskey. 

What are some of the most important skills for a distiller?

The most important skill of being a distiller is absolutely the ability to solve problems on the fly. You can have every certification, every science degree and years of experience, but if you don't know how to act quickly and solve an unforeseen issue the consequences can be exponential. 

Image Title and Credits: Joshua Goins at Dread River Distilling Company

How do you think a distiller can help in driving marketing and sales personally?

A distiller can help drive marketing because nobody is capable of describing the product better and as passionate as the guy/gal who makes it.

Define a good distiller

A leader with the skills to produce quality spirits and the ability to cultivate a positive work environment.

What is the hardest part of a distiller's job?

It can be very physically demanding at times. A positive outlook on the job will help a lot with this. I love the workout!

What are the current challenges the spirits industry is facing according to you?

The challenge especially if you are a new small distillery in the craft spirits market is getting the brand's name out and making it recognisable.

Image Title and Credits: Distillers Joshua Goins and Trey Bruner at Dread River Distilling Company

What skill or topic are you learning currently and why?

Currently, I am working on the IBD master distillers class. 

What is your idea of a good life?

A strong work-life balance is key in my eyes to a great life. 

Which is your go-to drink and what is the perfect setting you enjoy it in?

My go-to drink is whiskey old fashioned at a lounge with live music. 

Also Read: Bruno Gattino, London-Based Bartender On Experimental Cocktails and Mixology

Your favourite distilling or spirits books?

I LOVE The Alcohol Textbook from Lallemand. 

How do you take care of production waste?

We have created a positive relationship with a local farmer who takes 10,000 litres of spent grain weekly. 

What trends do you anticipate in the beverage industry in the coming months? Where do you see the domestic craft distilling scene going? What's next for the industry?

There is no way to tell what direction the industry is going in. As a spitball guess, I would say rum is the next to blow up!

Header image sourced from Dread River Distilling Company

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