Molly Troupe - Freeland Spirits

Still Magic

Episode 28 – Guardianship and Legacy

Molly Troupe from Freeland Spirits takes the ‘pivoting’ notion to a whole new level. Molly was onto this idea long before it became part of the business lexicon gripping the world in 2020.

Molly’s story is a remarkable example of mastering ambiguity, managing the unknown, harnessing curiosity and finding a way to make things happen. Molly found herself at a cross-roads during her undergraduate studies in forensic chemistry, and did what every thoughtful student would do; think about the future and drink to that future. And it was an unassuming glass of whiskey that pique Molly’s curiosity no end.

Within a month, Molly emigrated to Scotland to complete an MSc in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University. Quite the leap of faith for someone whose longest journey to that point was to Reno, Nevada.

With an uncertain post-graduation future but with a clear objective, Molly returned to Oregon and the quest began, landing a quality assurance role in a distillery.

Interestingly, the idea of drinking to one’s future kicked in again, after a bourbon tasting, leading to a relocation to Bend, and a 3 year tenure at Oregon Spirit Distillers.

Molly now plays a pivotal role in the Freeland Spirits business; an opportunity of a lifetime and the key narrative in this podcast.

Founded by CEO Jill Kuehler, the Freeland name recognises the strong, loving relationship between Jill and her meemaw forged during formative years in Texas. After an initial meeting over lunch, it became clear that Molly and Jill shared the same vision and values, and a “let’s make it happen” approach.

This same energy and drive has led to great partnerships with local producers and suppliers. This is turn has helped Freeland turbo-charge the release of their delicious new products – distilled beverages and canned cocktails – against the difficult trading backdrop punctuating 2020.

And to top things off, Freeland launched their intern program in September of this year as well. A remarkable achievement by any measure.

Molly’s contributions include being one of the 9 Female Distillers You Should Know, recognition by Forbes 30 under 30, a board member for the American Craft Spirits Association, co-founder of Gin 2018, published author, speaker and educator.

Sit back, relax and enjoy my chat with one of America’s finest.

Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s creative a new gin narrative.

Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores

Podcast Reference Links

Heriot Watt MSc. Brewing & Distilling

Freeland Spirits

Join the Freeland Spirits fanclub

French 75 canned cocktail

The Digital Guide

Chehalem Wines

Zenger Farm

Cory Carman at Carman Ranch

The Alps of Oregon

Meemaw

Molly’s Favourite Reference Book

Pink Boots Society

Oregon Spirit Distillers

Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway [e-mail]

Guest contributor: Molly Troupe

Editor: @alexiepigot

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