The Real Smoke Podcast with Charles and Mick latest episode!
This week on The Real Smoke Podcast, Alex Castle, master distiller at Augusta Distillery, joined as a featured guest during Female Domination Month. She shared her inspiring journey—from aspiring biologist to trailblazing distiller—proving that passion can lead to unexpected yet fulfilling paths.
Growing up, Alex envisioned a future in biology with a strong sense of purpose. However, after taking a few classes, she realized it wasn’t the right fit. A new path was suggested to her—one that led her into the world of distilling. Being from Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country, it seemed like a natural direction. Yet, it was a surprising suggestion from her parents, given that they weren’t big drinkers and that she hadn’t particularly enjoyed a Wild Turkey distillery tour they took when she was younger.
Despite the unexpected career turn, Alex embraced the challenges of breaking into the industry. On the podcast, she discussed the obstacles she faced and the perseverance that helped her overcome them. During the Hot Box Questions segment, she recalled a pivotal piece of advice she received: “Own the room. People won’t just give it to you—walk in with confidence and authority.” This philosophy guided her journey from an intern at a distillery to a role at Wild Turkey and then to Memphis, Tennessee, where she became the master distiller at Old Dominick Distillery. There, she played a crucial role in not only growing the business but also revitalizing the surrounding community.
As a Kentucky native making Tennessee whiskey, her work spoke louder than words. However, the time eventually came for her to return home. Just as she was considering the next step, a message on LinkedIn asked if she knew someone who would be a good fit for Augusta Distillery in Kentucky. After discussing it with her husband, the decision was clear—she returned home and fell in love with both the community and the distillery.
Augusta Distillery earned the prestigious title of Best Bourbon in the World at an event in San Francisco. They continue to develop exceptional selections, including a single-barrel cask strength release that is still aging to perfection. In the meantime, they offer an outstanding lineup of bourbons ready to enjoy.
Alex Castle is making waves as a female master distiller, bringing passion and innovation to the industry. Tune into The Real Smoke Podcast to hear her full story and be inspired by her journey!
Take a listen to the episode and drop a comment with your thoughts. Let’s keep the conversation going.
I’m John Cardenas, also known as Johnny Havana in the cigar industry. What I love about being involved with Cigar Public is that I have the opportunity to learn and share the stories of those in the cigar industry. I’ve formed lifelong relationships over a cigar and conversations. I’m committed to providing honest reviews of cigars and sharing my experiences with you. @JohnnyHavana
