Spirits & Distilling Podcast - 23: Morgan McLachlan of AMASS and De Soi Builds Thoughtful Botanical Bases for Both Gin and Nonalcoholic Spirited Beverages

23: Morgan McLachlan of AMASS and De Soi Builds Thoughtful Botanical Bases for Both Gin and Nonalcoholic Spirited Beverages

Explicit content warning

01/08/25 • 48 min

Morgan McLachlan, the Los Angeles–based cofounder of Amass Spirits and Katy Perry’s nonalcoholic De Soi brand, has a flair for theatrics that’s only fitting for someone who started her career as a camera operator for film and TV. Every nuanced performance is built on layers, some barely noticeable—but understanding the purpose of those creative choices is essential for McLachlan, as she constructs everything from gins and nonalcoholic spirits to fragrances and other botanical-based products.

In this episode, host Molly Troupe and McLachlan discuss:

McLachlan distilling background, which began in her own bathtub
distilling clementine oranges into a citrus spirit
using strategies from the fragrance and culinary worlds to produce compelling botanical blends in spirits
the varied impacts of house-made and sourced botanical extracts as well as different extraction techniques
challenges when working in the nonalcoholic space with water as a solvent
how certain terpenes behave through the distillation process for unexpected results
managing challenging botanicals such as cardamom
creating gin that’s both classically versatile and noteworthy
regulatory challenges with specific ingredients

And more.

G&D Chillers: G&D Chillers understands that each distillery’s chilling requirements are unique. On every distillery project, G&D offers the front-end design and engineering your team needs at no cost to you. Sid Dilawri from Filibuster Distillery says, “From the design and engineering to installation and start-up, G&D was easy to work with. We’ve had great customer service since commissioning our chiller, and I’d highly recommend them for any distillery system.” Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com.

In this episode, host Molly Troupe and McLachlan discuss:

McLachlan distilling background, which began in her own bathtub
distilling clementine oranges into a citrus spirit
using strategies from the fragrance and culinary worlds to produce compelling botanical blends in spirits
the varied impacts of house-made and sourced botanical extracts as well as different extraction techniques
challenges when working in the nonalcoholic space with water as a solvent
how certain terpenes behave through the distillation process for unexpected results
managing challenging botanicals such as cardamom
creating gin that’s both classically versatile and noteworthy
regulatory challenges with specific ingredients

And more.

Previous Episode

22: Spirits & Distilling Year in Review Special

Year one of the Spirits & Distilling podcast is in the books, and in this special year-end look back, hosts Sydney Jones and Molly Troupe recount some of their favorite conversations of 2024, discuss the dramatic changes in their own lives, muse on big issues of the past year like the TTB’s adoption of a definition for American Single Malt, and look at the big issues and conversations they’re focusing in on for the next year. Along the way, they discuss:

refereeing between the two wolves inside of you
developments in agave spirits
favorite spirits they’ve tasted over the past year
why meat is the last cool frontier in spirits
water and its impact on distilling
the benefits of higher proof bottled cocktails
impacts of AI on distilling
new year’s resolutions

And more.

Brought to you by:
G&D Chillers: G&D Chillers understands that each distillery’s chilling requirements are unique. On every distillery project, G&D offers the front-end design and engineering your team needs at no cost to you. Jim Kuhr, VP of Manufacturing at Red Boot Beverages says, “G&D has been with us since the early days. Their knowledgeable engineers and service techs are there when we need them. We’re in the midst of a large expansion, and they have been right there with us to select chiller solutions for today and the future.” Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com

Next Episode

Episode 24: Eli Breitburg-Smith Is Ushering in the Epoch of Rye in Baltimore

Founded in 2015, Baltimore Spirits is celebrating a decade of distilling in Charm City. Led by cofounder and head distiller Eli Breitburg-Smith, that run has played a notable role in the craft revival of American rye. Their Epoch Reserve has won multiple double golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, more recently landing on Fred Minnick’s Top 100 list of American whiskeys in 2024.

In this episode, hosted by Sydney Jones, Breitburg-Smith talks about how he got into distilling as a former craft brewer and how Baltimore Spirits was focused from the beginning on bringing pot-distilled rye whiskey back to Maryland. He also discusses:

the influence of single-malt on their rye whiskeys
making other spirits, including their Shot Tower Gin, unusual apple brandies, and New World amari
using Belgian and American ale yeasts to help drive tropical character in the Epoch Rye
Baltimore Spirits’ approach to single-malt, and preparing barrels for that spirit
what makes Maryland rye whiskey different, including its history
the Ja Rule whiskey collaboration, Amber & Opal, featuring honey, smoky tea, and other botanicals
making apple brandies aged and blended Solera-style, distilled from smoked apples—and pechuga-inspired, made with smoked ham and seasonal botanicals
working with the Maryland Distillers Guild to share technical know-how and push for legislative changes for craft distillers

And more.

G&D Chillers: G&D Chillers understands that each distillery’s chilling requirements are unique. On every distillery project, G&D offers the front-end design and engineering your team needs at no cost to you. Hank Pressley, head distiller at Moon Drop Distillery says, “Early on, we made a decision to partner with quality American-made companies. One of those companies was G&D Chillers, and we are proud of that choice. Our equipment from them has run long and strong. We put our first barrel in our rickhouse in September 2021, and in the next 3 years we have put back more than another 540 barrels. What a great decision to team up with a company like G&D Chillers.” Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com.