Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Johnson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I discovered the world of craft spirits right after high school when I traveled to Cuba after graduation and visited the original Havana Club Distillery. That’s really where my interest in spirits started. I then traveled to San Francisco during college and after spending time at several distilleries and learning the process, I realized it could be something worth pursuing. Once I graduated college, I had trouble finding an open position in production, and even more trouble finding a distillery willing to hire me for a production position. I decided to open my own distillery when I realized the job & experience I was after wasn’t available to me. While developing my business plan, I spent about 10 months traveling the country and taking distilling courses and tours to immerse myself in the industry. I found that for an artisanal product, there was a disconnect between distilling and hospitality. Within distilling, the aesthetic, comfort and hospitality weren’t represented in the tasting rooms or even within the packaging, and that was a hole I wanted to fill with You & Yours.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As with developing any liquor business, the permitting process is a long and frustrating road but we made it. There were several roadblocks but you just can’t let them deter you. There’s always another way if you want there to be.
We’d love to hear more about You & Yours Distilling Co.
We’re a full production distillery specializing in different styles of gin. We also distill vodkas and have plans for other spirits later on down the road as well. What sets us apart is the fact that we put equal thought and effort into not only the quality of our spirits but the experience as a whole as well – we’re a hospitality brand with a passion for distilling.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I’m not a huge podcast listener, but I do enjoy Tim Ferris’ podcast from time to time. I usually read more as a way to relax and escape but often turn to resources like the flavor bible or cookbooks when developing new spirit formulas and cocktail recipes. I also love PUNCH (punchdrink.com) for cocktail culture and beverage trend pieces.
Pricing:
- Cocktails – $12 – $13
- Bottled Spirits – $35 – $42
- Tasting Flights – $10 – $15
Contact Info:
- Address: 1495 G ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101
- Website: www.youandyours.com
- Phone: (619) 955-8755
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/youandyourssd
- Facebook: www.instagram.com/youandyourssd
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/youandyourssd
Image Credit:
Lindsey Marie Photography
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