From Fresh Fruit to Double Gold: The Chinola Story

In the debut episode of Proof of Concept, presented by The Tasting Alliance, hosts Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz sit down with Andrew Merinoff, founder and CEO of Chinola. Andrew shares the journey behind creating the world’s first shelf-stable fresh fruit liqueur — from thousands of test batches and early setbacks to building a brand rooted in sustainability, community impact, and uncompromising craft in the Dominican Republic. The conversation explores what it takes to earn credibility in the spirits world, win over bartenders and judges alike, and grow thoughtfully without losing authenticity.

With multiple Double Gold and Platinum awards from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Chinola stands as proof that when passion meets persistence, an idea can become something truly exceptional.