John Emerald Distilling is a small batch craft distillery located in beautiful downtown Opelika, Alabama.
We are proud of our heritage. From the original three Sharp brothers who ventured to America from Scotland to the name sake of our company, John Emerald Sharp, the Sharp’s have lived lives of integrity, honoring God, their fellow man and their family. So when it came time to name our distillery the idea to honor our forefathers in name and spirit rang true. We spoke to John Sharp the co-owner of the John Emerald Distilling.
John, tell us about yourself.
JS: Everybody starts somewhere.
What was your vision for John Emerald Distilling?
JS: Our vision for John Emerald is to make an Alabama whiskey that our customers enjoy. If we get that right, success will follow.
Can you share a little about what has led you along the path of your whiskey career?
JS: A little girl named Lily. You see Jimmy and I ran an interior decorative finishing company, Croydon Finishing. That company provided decorative plaster for Louis Vuitton stores throughout the world. Croydon did all Louis Vuitton stores in South America for ten years, we were on the road a lot. When Lily was born we didn’t want to miss her growing up so a change of career was needed. That’s when we made the decision to get rid of Croydon and start John Emerald.
What whiskey expressions do you currently produce?
JS: An American Single Malt Whiskey – John’s Alabama Single Malt Whiskey.
Does the location and weather affect the maturation process? and if so, how?
JS: Alabama is hot in the summer and humid all the time. Whiskey loves hot and humid.
John tell us, what is your role with the distillery? What does your day look like?
JS: I am a managing member. Responsible for all phases of distillery operations. Every day is different. The day might be taken up with filling out paperwork, running the still, mashing, overseeing fermentation, fixing equipment, participating in marketing activities, giving tours of the distillery, overseeing tasting room operations, etc.
For some of our readers getting into the whiskey business, can you share some of your greatest challenges, and how you overcame them?
JS: Cash flow. First you have to have the cash to build the distillery, then you have to have enough capital to allow you to build your brand out in the market. Everything we make goes right back into distillery operations. The time lag between when whiskey is distilled and when it is ready for market poses additional cash flow challenges. One has to work extra hard, and manage heir money with a keen eye.
What skills and attributes would you say are most important for a master distiller to possess ?
JS: Attention to detail. Careless actions can cost a lot of money in material, equipment and wasted man-hours.
What is in the pipeline for 2017?
JS: We will continue to expand. Looking to add 4 new fermenters. Additional markets are also in the planning phase.
Do you see yourself doing sherry or port finishes in the future?
JS: No, I don’t see us using port or sherry barrels for finishing. However, we currently add oak chips soaked in a local Cynthiana wine during the barreling process.
Are you using any special casks, quarter casks ?
JS: We use 15 gallon barrels that we get from McGinnis Woodworks of Cuba, Missouri. They are great barrels and we love Ozark white oak.
Tell us a little about your warehouse, the stills, and manufacturing equipment.
JS: Our facility is 8,000 sq ft. Our still is a 350 gallon hybrid pot still with a 4 plate column and a gin basket.
What has been the proudest moment for you in this industry, that you can remember.
JS: Honestly, overhearing someone say how much they love our products. A lot of folks tell us to our face that they like our spirits, and that’s great, but overhearing someone talking to another in a positive manner about our spirits does it for me.
For more information on the distillery, please visit the links below:
website: JohnEmeraldDistilling
facebook: JEDistillingFacebook
