Proof of Concept - From Grain to Glass to Gold

Welcome to Proof of Concept, the official podcast of The Tasting Alliance — the team behind the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York World Spirits Competition, Asia World Spirits Competition, and Latin America World Spirits Competition.

Hosted by Toby Blue, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of The Tasting Alliance and longtime spirits industry executive and Jason Rabinowitz, Multiple Grammy Award Nominee and Entertainment Industry Veteran, this series explores the journeys behind the world’s most exceptional Double Gold–winning spirits — and the founders bold enough to build them.

On Proof of Concept, you’ll discover:

Behind-the-scenes origin stories from top spirits brands

Conversations about bourbon, whiskey, tequila, mezcal, rum, vodka, gin and emerging craft categories

Insights into distilling, barrel aging, grain selection, blending, sustainability, sourcing and scaling a premium spirits brand

Lessons in entrepreneurship, branding, celebrity ventures, innovation and long-term business building

The role of blind judging, Double Gold medals and Platinum awards in validating world-class quality

Tasting notes from some of the most discerning palates in the industry

This is a show for:

Whiskey lovers

Bourbon enthusiasts

Craft spirits collectors

Founders and entrepreneurs

Beverage industry professionals

Hospitality and bar professionals

Spirits competition followers

Fans of premium lifestyle storytelling

Produced by The Tasting Alliance

Co-Hosted by Toby Blue and Jason Rabinowitz

Edited by Ed RosenBerg

Music by Jason Rabinowitz

Follow The Tasting Alliance on Instagram and on their site for competition results, Double Gold winners, tasting insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the world’s most respected spirits competitions.