At first I took it as a Lucy moment. The man is a genius. He comes up with great ideas that rarely get acted on because of practicality or lack of real passion. I should have known better.
Distilling whiskey was something that his partner had a great deal of knowledge about, trading secrets with my molecular biologist when commiserating about beer brewing and wine. I had heard about the amazing grappa and corn whiskey that found their way into the hands of my husband, been told about the details of attaining the ingredients and unique processes that had cultivated an envious admiration in my husband. My biologist and I both exhibit severe Martha Stewart tendencies (as mentioned in the previous blog, we make soaps and skin creams too). I should have known that the post doc was handing the junkie a fresh new needle.
The wife of the post doc (herein shall be referred to as Post Doc) had a client who was a lawyer specializing in small business. He liked the idea so much that he invited Post Doc and my husband (My Doc) in for a free consultation. The lawyer sat them down told them how to set it up, what kind of paperwork needed to be done, what kind of business they should declare themselves to be, advised them how to set up the investors vs. owners, told them about federal and state laws regarding distilleries complete with paperwork references and told them how much it would cost to retain him. It was a lot of bang for a non-existent buck. He had faith in their concept and ability to execute it. He is now a first name in our daily references.
Post Doc also knew a Realtor. She gave them advice on where would be a best place to set this new business up, possibly with or without a tasting room and retail area.
The boys started on the business plan. Three potential investors popped up immediately. Then more. Very quickly I began to realize that this was real. That it made sense. That things were falling into place without drama. New investors are being sought out. They will be found. It is too good not to in an industry this hot right now with a good product.
They were experts at researching in minutiae, literally. Finding thumpers and mashtons and types of stills and all of the new nouns that have invaded our lives because of a passionate obsession. Tweaking what can be McGuyvered in their scientist hands at lesser cost, what forms of alcohol they wanted to fashion at first and then down the road. Ideas were tossed out day and night, at home and together in the lab. My husband now had a new other husband. I understood.
We went to visit a distillery close to where we used to live in NY State called Tuthill Town. We moved just when Ralph, the owner, had announced that he was closing the gristmill on his property and would be starting the first distillery in New York since the prohibition. I thought, "I think Ralph is doomed." I had a picture of a closed kettle thing, like in Hawkeye's tent in "Mash." I was stunned upon revisiting his property to witness an enormous success. His company just picked up world wide distribution. He has created a bourbon that is selling for 80 bucks a bottle. And it is worth it. He is that good at all things distillery. It doesn't take a genius to see that this man has got to be rolling in it. He is beyond success.
The projected numbers if sales in this industry that others in similar situation claims to be having trouble meeting demand in are good enough to give me chills. The education of My Doc to give our family a better life has been going on almost as long as my daughter going into puberty has been alive. That's a helluva long time to be poor as an adult. These numbers are awesome and attainable. And it feels right, like love. It is interesting and profitable all at once.
So the fad never passed. Instead, it married us and moved in, taking up most of the space in the bed. I've yet to meet the Post Doc's wife. Our children don't know each other yet. But, when we do, I know we will be spending a large part of our lives together from that moment on. Out there, there is another family hearing the other side of this conversation, the plans and commiserating and excitement and worries. Another half to us.
Soon. Lots of things are going to happen soon.
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