Meet Our Master Distiller, J.J.
JJ's journey into the craft distilling world hasn’t been conventional, to say the least. He kick started his career in a way that many might find surprising – he started off making moonshine on his own, and eventually became a participant on the popular television show "Moonshiners: Master Distiller."
What began as a humble exploration of the art of making moonshine transformed into a life-changing experience as he competed with other contestants in the spotlight. For JJ, his interest in distilling was piqued by good old curiosity, but quickly became a professional venture.
How did you get started in the craft distilling industry?
I started out as a “moonshiner” and was lucky enough to get on the popular television show “Moonshiners: Master Distiller”, to compete with other contestants making moonshine. So, my roots are humble in that regard, and I was able to transfer it over into a job rather than a hobby.
What inspired you to become a distiller?
Just looking at what was on the shelf and wondering how it was made was enough for me. The thing that they don’t tell you is when that first drip comes out of the end of the condenser you are going to be hooked for life- and I definitely am.
What do you believe sets your craft spirits apart from others in the market?
I believe it is a mix of things because I have an old school attitude and I like to play with new school methods and ingredients. Whether it’s using a Scandinavian farmhouse yeast for whiskey or using multiple different types of heirloom corn and grains, I believe I am able to capture the terroir of where I live and give people a true farm-to-grain-to-glass experience.How do you infuse your personal touch or artistic flair into your spirits?
Well, my moniker “High and Angry” says a lot about me and describes the flair I put into the spirits that I create. The name goes back to my army days when I had the highest “high and tight” haircut around. The higher your “high and tight” the “angrier” you were. It is really more of a symbol of fortitude and resilience and I bring that to my spirits.
Can you tell me about the ingredients you use in your spirits?
I like to play with heirloom grains and unlock the different flavor profiles they have. Most of the grain we use comes from Western PA and I believe that it makes a difference in the flavor of the whiskey.
What type of still do you use, and how does it influence the final product?
I am a firm believer in double pot still whiskey because it brings the full flavor of the grain across into the final product versus using a rectifying column still. It is important to me that the flavors created in the growing of the grain, the fermentation of the grain and the final distillation be as close to the flavors and sensory experiences you would have had having been there through all those processes.
What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding?
Having a sip of something you worked so hard to create is the most fulfilling part of the job.How do you engage with and support the local community?
I am on the popular Discovery Channel show “Moonshiners” and we have filmed in Pittsburgh several times, highlighting the whiskey past of the region which is rich and goes back a long way. In that way I am trying to highlight the distilling past, present, and future in the region and encourage more people to get into it.Where do you see the future of craft distilling heading, and how do you plan to stay innovative?
The new wave of craft distillers is going to come from the hobbyist world, just like the craft brewing boom. So, to stay relevant, you are going to have to be using different and uniquer ingredients than the big distilleries. I believe that overall, flavor is going to be king as even the big guys are doing unique barrel finishes and looking for heirloom grains- so you have to stay ahead of the curve.What is your lucky sign?
My lucky sign is my airborne wings from when I was in the Army.