John Angus & Spirit Chemistry Show Notes
Notes and Reviews for Whiskey Ring Podcast Episode 197: Spirit Chemistry with John Angus
Get In The Spirit!
In this episode of The Whiskey Ring Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Angus, a chemist, educator, and the creator of "The Distilled Edit" newsletter. Our conversation took a deep dive into the intersection of science, education, and storytelling within the spirits industry, and I was struck by how John makes technical knowledge both accessible and engaging for such a wide audience.
John shared his journey with me, from studying chemistry and working as a teacher to becoming a prominent voice in spirits education. I found his unique background fascinating—his experience in both science and teaching allows him to translate complex concepts into clear, digestible content. Through his infographics and weekly newsletter, John has built a following among distillers, students, and enthusiasts who appreciate his approachable take on whiskey chemistry and production.
A major part of our discussion focused on the importance of transparency and sustainability in the spirits industry. We explored how distilleries can better communicate their processes, from grain selection to maturation, and why more and more consumers are demanding information about what goes into their favorite spirits. John’s passion for sustainability really came through as he discussed circular economy practices and innovative ways to reduce waste in distilling.
We also talked about how John’s audience has evolved, growing from industry professionals to include students and aspiring whiskey makers. He reflected on the challenges and opportunities of reaching new audiences through different platforms, and I appreciated his insights on the value of teaching skills in making technical information accessible. It’s clear that there’s a growing appetite for deeper knowledge among both producers and consumers.
Looking ahead, John shared his aspirations to collaborate with educational organizations, expand his content series on popular topics like maturation and grain chemistry, and possibly author a book that delves even deeper into the science of spirits. We wrapped up the episode by talking about our personal drink preferences and our mutual appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the spirits world, leaving me inspired to keep learning—and sharing—what’s in my glass.
John Angus & The Distilled Edit
