Akropreneurs, Ep. 6: Three Bines Hopped Bourbon
Why would four home brewers start an Akron-based whiskey? Their love of craft brew, of course. At least, that's part of it, which is why Joe, Jerry, Jim and Patrick turned to their friend John Pastor when they needed help. This is part of the entrepreneurial layer cake that makes Three Bines work. John owns Akron's home brew HQ, Grape and Granary, as well as Renaissance Artisan Distillers, which makes gin, grappa and bourbon in North Hill. Without his help, Three Bines would likely have been founded in Columbus. While this is their side hustle and all the guys struggle making the time, both Joe and Jim put their experience as small business owners to good use. In Joe's case, he's been distributing his own wine for years, which has helped him navigate the many different laws each state has for alcohol sales. That's one reason you can find Three Bines on shelves in 10 states already. The main reason is that it's good. Their thrice-hopped process is unique in this burgeoning field, using Cascade, Amarillo and Simcoe hops for a flavor that IPA-lovin' hopheads will enjoy as much as bourbon drinkers. So what about that name? Well, you'll have to watch to figure that out.