E57 Josh Cormier

This episode we are joined by Josh Cormier, Founder and Distiller at Pepprell Distilling Company which is located in Moorefield, Ontario. Pepprell Distillery currently produces a vodka from 100% molasses. They also produce a craft gin infused with essential botanicals such as juniper berries, lemon, cardamom, coriander, and a little black pepper.

Originally born and raised in London, Ontario, Josh started experimenting with alcohol production while attending Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Canada’s east coast. It was at this time that Josh worked at a brew your own shop where he learned about alcohol production and developed an appreciation for the process. After graduating university with a Philosophy degree, Josh enrolled in the Wine and Sprits Education Trust (WSET) in Vancouver and consequently moved to Canada west coast.

After several years of study in the WSET program, Josh moved back to Ontario as he was accepted in to the Viticulture and Oenology program at Brock University in Niagara. While attending Brock, Josh lived in a house with all wine making students. It was at this time that Josh and his roommates had a competition to decide who could make the best gin. Josh’s creation won. It was at this time that Josh started put the work in to developing a business plan to open a distillery.

Over the ensuing years, Josh continued to make small advances to opening this dream of opening a distillery a reality. Josh approached several people that he thought would be valuable in opening this business. In 2018, Josh and his partners started small scale contract distilling. By February 2020, Josh had a facility, the licensing and the pieces were in place. Then March 2020 and Covid hit. Josh did a quick pivot to making hand sanitizer for several months. By the fall of 2020, business had stabilized enough and all the energy and effort went back to making spirits.

Links

Josh Cormier @boxerandbooze

Pepprell Distilling Co.

@pepprelldistilling

Podcast Artwork by Zak Hannah @zak.hannah