S12 - Episode 9 - A Steady Pour New Dawn ft. Dr. Dawn O'Neal

What happens when a scientist, conservationist, and whiskey enthusiast decides to launch her own whiskey brand? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dawn O'Neal, founder of New Dawn Distilling, to talk about her unconventional path into the whiskey world and the lessons she's learned building a brand from the ground up. From graduate school whiskey tastings and surprising first impressions of legendary bottles to creating a whiskey company rooted in sustainability and community, Dawn shares a perspective you don't hear often in the industry. We dive into what "craft whiskey" really means, why cask strength is her preferred way to drink whiskey, and how her scientific background influences every decision she makes.v The conversation also explores the challenges of launching a new brand, navigating the whiskey business as a Black woman entrepreneur, and balancing innovation with long-term vision. Along the way, we sip through New Dawn's unique releases, discuss bold flavor profiles, and get a sneak peek at what's potentially coming next. If you enjoy stories about whiskey, entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and building something with purpose, this is an episode you won't want to miss.