Season 3 | Episode 6 - In the Spirit of Bourbon: Bespoken Spirits
Featured Guests: Jordan Spitzer and Colin Mulligan
Blending Innovation Into Every Bottle
A new episode, a new story. This time, it’s all about innovations that are transforming the industry and changing the planet. Instead of waiting years for whiskey to age in barrels, the main character of our 6th episode — Bespoken Spirits, has developed a method that replicates the aging process in just a few days. Using tools like gas chromatographs and mass spectrometers, they analyze spirits at the molecular level, fine-tuning flavor profiles to create unique, high-quality bourbons. Is it possible to recreate a 140-year-old whiskey? You will find the answer in this episode!
Our guides Jordan Spitzer (Head of Flavor) and Colin Mulligan (Director of Development) provide an in-depth look at their patented process, which combines heat, agitation, and micro-staves to achieve the same flavors and aromas traditionally developed over decades of barrel aging. This approach isn’t just fast — it’s sustainable. By using micro-staves instead of full barrels, Bespoken Spirits reduces wood consumption and cuts carbon emissions, making the process 30 times more efficient than traditional methods.
The episode also explores how Bespoken blends innovation with respect for bourbon’s rich history. The distillery collaborates with cultural icons and artists, such as Harrold Perrineau, Malcolm D. Lee, Taye Diggs and Morris Chestnut, to craft unique spirits like the gentlemen’s branded “Sable” whiskey, inspired by their friendship and the legendary film, The Best Man. Each project isn’t just about a new bottle of bourbon — it’s about creating art and telling a story.
Beyond the science, Jason and Yvonne reflect on how this modern approach aligns with broader themes of sustainability, innovation, and identity.
From the environmental impact of traditional distilling to the cultural significance of bourbon, this episode dives deep into what it means to innovate responsibly while honoring the craft.
This episode is for everyone—whether you’re a science enthusiast, a bourbon lover, or simply curious. It offers a detailed look at how Bespoken Spirits is transforming the bourbon industry, one molecule at a time.
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
Guest:
Bepsoken Spirits: https://www.instagram.com/bespokenspirits/
Sable Bourbon Whiskey: https://sablebourbon.com/
Hell House Whiskey: https://hellhousewhiskey.com/
Additional links + Special thanks to:
WEP - https://weeditpodcasts.com/
Liam E. Allen (original music) - @Liamea97
“Our technology allows us to do everything so much faster that we can come up with variations that probably have never been seen before. Because it doesn't take us 4 years in a barrel or 8 years or 12 years or 20 years.”
-Colin (minute 18:29)
Cocktail Recipe: Carré Nouveau
1.5 oz Rye
.75 oz Cognac
.5 oz Sweet Vermouth (Dolin Red)
.5 oz Benedictine liqueur
Dashes of Peychauds and Angostura aromatic bitters
Lemon peel garnish
About our special guests
Jordan Spitzer & Colin Mulligan
Jordan Spitzer (Head of Flavor) has been with Bespoken since the company’s inception, originally working as a Process & Maturation Engineer before being promoted to his current role in August 2022. Prior to working at Bespoken Spirits, Jordan worked several jobs in the wine and snacks industries, supporting with production and development of products for Pepperidge Farm and Delicato Family Vineyards.
Colin Mulligan (Director of Development) has several years experience across marketing and business development. Before joining the Bespoken Spirits team, Colin served as an Associate for WHY&HOW, an artist management company working across music, entertainment, digital, branding and spirits. He was the Co-Founder of CM Innovations, an online media consulting firm, and served as the Marketing Manager for HelloPayments and HelloPatients.
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