Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Jason Parker, and I'm the co-founder and president of Copperworks Distilling Co. I set the strategic vision for the company, cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships, and steer the company culture.

What led you to starting a distillery? What keeps you excited about it?

I had been a brewer in the early years of craft brewing (1989-2000) and knew what a fun ride the craft distilling segment would be. So my business partner, Micah Nutt (a programmer, avid home brewer, and friend of mine for many years) and I set out to make high quality beer--only without any hops--and distill it into whiskey, gin, and vodka. We discovered that this process makes delicious spirits that are quite different from the major brands, and have enjoyed refining our science and flavor philosophy ever since opening in 2013. The rise of craft distilling is similar to the rise in craft beer in many ways, and yet in other ways is very different. Combining the wisdom we gained from years of brewing with the opportunity to innovate like we could in the early days of brewing, keeps us deeply engaged and always amazed at what's next.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to start a distillery?

Specialize. Go deep in one thing so well that you own it like no one else can.

How do you continue to educate yourself as a distillery owner?

By constantly reading books, magazines, blogs, postings, textbooks, and you name it. By visiting other production facilities, attending conferences, workshops, and meetings. And by teaching. I always learn the most about a subject when I have to teach it.

What is one company or service (besides Distillery Products) that your business cannot live without?

Skagit Valley Malting and LINC Malt, our two local malt providers that allow us to work with local, small farms and create flavors that can't be produced anywhere else in the world.