About this episode

The episode explores the journeys behind exceptional Double Gold-winning spirits and the founders who create them.

Welcome to Proof of Concept, the official podcast of The Tasting Alliance — the team behind the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York World Spirits Competition, Asia World Spirits Competition, and Latin America World Spirits Competition. Hosted by Toby Blue, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of The Tasting Alliance and longtime spirits industry executive and Jason Rabinowitz, Multiple Grammy Award Nominee and Entertainment Industry Veteran, this series explores the journeys behind the world’s most exceptional Double Gold–winning spirits — and the founders bold enough to build them. On Proof of Concept, you’ll discover: Behind-the-scenes origin stories from top spirits brands Conversations about bourbon, whiskey, tequila, mezcal, rum, vodka, gin and emerging craft categories Insights into distilling, barrel aging, grain selection, blending, sustainability, sourcing and scaling a premium spirits brand Lessons in entrepreneurship, branding, celebrity ventures, innovation and long-term business building The role of blind judging, Double Gold medals and Platinum awards in validating world-class quality Tasting…

People in this episode

Host: Toby Blue

Guest: Jason Rabinowitz

Topics covered

• spirits industry
• entrepreneurship
• craft spirits
• distilling
• premium lifestyle

Keywords

• spirits
• whiskey
• bourbon
• tequila
• craft spirits
• distilling
• entrepreneurship
• Double Gold
• premium brands

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Tasting Alliance, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York World Spirits Competition, Asia World Spirits Competition, Latin America World Spirits Competition

More episodes of Proof of Concept

• Ten to One Rum Tasting - Caribbean, Complex, Refined · June 11, 2026 · 10 min
• Ten to One Rum: Roots, Reinvention, and Raising the Bar · May 26, 2026 · 53 min
• Mezcal Vago Tasting - Rooted, Smoky, Complex · May 12, 2026 · 16 min
• Brother’s Bond Tasting - Inviting, Approachable, and Decadent · April 14, 2026 · 5 min
• Blending Bourbon with Purpose: Inside Brother’s Bond Bourbon · March 31, 2026 · 1h 0m
• Chinola Tasting - Rich, Fruity, and Vibrant · March 17, 2026 · 11 min

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