Season 3 | Episode 4 - In the Spirit of Bourbon: Cyndi Gatterdam and Chris Grecco
Featured Guest: Cyndi Gatterdam and Chris Grecco
When Kentucky Bourbon Inspires a Cocktail Confession Between Friends.
This episode, Jason and Yvonne invite us to a 19th-century colonial home, where they, along with Jason’s long-time college friend, Cyndi Gatterdam, and her husband, Chris Grecco, discuss how bourbon has become an integral part of culture, a symbol of identity, and a bridge between generations.
Cyndi Gatterdam, with over 20 years of experience in the bourbon industry, offers her unique perspective on how history, flavor, and tradition come together in every bottle. She shares her journey, which began in the wine industry but ultimately led her to bourbon through her life in Kentucky. Today, Cyndi works at Republic National Distributing Company, managing sales in central Kentucky. With intrigue from Jason and Yvonne, Cyndi reflects upon how trail-blazing mentors like Peggy Noe Stevens helped her find her place in an industry that was once predominantly male. She also highlights the importance of supporting Bourbon Women, an organization dedicated to making the world of bourbon more inclusive and accessible, particularly for women.
With vulnerability and humor, Chris Grecco, Cyndi’s husband and a market researcher, shares his insights into how bourbon brands craft their identities and connect with new audiences.
This episode goes beyond an intimate tasting session between friends. Like any good conversation, it seeks to answer deeper questions. It asks us to confess: How does bourbon connect us to the past? How do brands use unique and hopefully inclusive storytelling to create products that speak to all of us? And how can taste become a part of personal identity?
We come to understand that bourbon is more than just a spirit to be poured. We learn how bourbon can become a symbol of belonging and how the people you share a glass with shape the experience of bourbon.
For more spirited discussions, make sure to subscribe to the podcast.
And if you’ve enjoyed exploring bourbon and cocktailing along with us, we’d love for you to leave us a review.
Cheers … and Please Drink Responsibly!
Links:
Guests
Cyndi Gatterdam - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndi-gatterdam-80b04228b
Chris Grecco - https://elementmr.com/who-we-are/our-team/chris-grecco/
Republic National Distributing Company - https://www.rndc-usa.com/
Additional links + Special thanks to:
Bourbon Women - https://bourbonwomen.org
Which Fork Do I Use with My Bourbon?: Setting the Table for Tastings, Food Pairings, Dinners, and Cocktail Parties Hardcover – May 2, 2020 by Peggy Noe Stevens (Author), Susan Reigler (Author), Fred Minnick (Foreword) - https://a.co/d/3988Ut3
WEP - https://weeditpodcasts.com/
Liam E. Allen (original music) - @Liamea97
“But looking back now, I recognize that [Bourbon] really was part of our identity way before I even recognized it.”
-Cyndi (minute 27:40)
Cocktail Recipe: Lagralane’s Witt*
2 oz Woodford Rye
1 oz Giffard* Liquer (Pamplemousse or Pineapple)
Stirred over ice, served in a rocks glass
Lemon twist!
*Cyndi brought a sample package of Giffard liqueurs and Jason created this cocktail. The name is an homage to their alma mater, Wittenberg University and to Lagralane.
About our special guests
Cyndi Gatterdam & Chris Grecco
Cyndi Gatterdam, District Sales Manager at Republic National Distributing
With over 22 years in the wine and spirits industry, Cyndi is a seasoned professional. In addition to holding various roles across sales and marketing, she has earned several prestigious wine accreditations, including Certified Wine Specialist and Level 1 Master Sommelier. As an Executive Bourbon Steward and a former board member for Bourbon Women, Cyndi has made significant contributions to the bourbon community both within and outside of Kentucky, her home state.
Her passion for history and culture drives her extensive travels, both domestically and internationally, where she takes the opportunity to immerse herself and learn about local food and drink. When she’s not busy with her professional pursuits, Cyndi cherishes time spent with her family. A dedicated runner, she is on a mission to complete her third marathon before she turns 55.
Chris Grecco, Co-Founder of Element Market Research
A New Jersey native, Chris has called Kentucky home for nearly three decades. He is an avid soccer player, runner, and cyclist and has been a youth and high school coach of various sports for over two decades. By combining his interests in helping others and traveling, he volunteers both locally and internationally, including having made multiple trips to Uganda to assist Soccer Without Borders, where he has also been a national Board of Directors member since 2019.
Professionally, Chris has been employed in market research for his entire 35 year career, working on both the supplier and client sides. He co-founded Element Market Research, Inc. in 2008 where he helps manage day-to-day and strategic operations, and conducts qualitative and quantitative studies for clients. His research interests center on health-related businesses, new media and technology, and lodging. He holds BA degrees in both Sociology and Broadcasting and an MA in Sociology, with an emphasis on research methods and statistics.
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