JR Revelry Bourbon Whiskey
On this episode I featured friend of the show, Rick Tapia, the founder of JR Revelry Bourbon Whiskey. I met Rick last year around this time, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month when he appeared on Let’s Talk Small Business, sponsored by the GMSDC.
We talked about how he spent the early years of his career learning about the business side of the beverage industry with Seagram Company. As his career advanced, the possibility of having to relocate began to appear on the horizon Rick decided it was time to pursue an idea that had been on his mind for a while—he’d start his own brand.
So, Rick began working on developing a recipe that would provide the flavor profile and color he was looking for, found a contract distiller, selected the glass he would use, and JR Revelry was born. When I met him last year he was in the process of contacting distributors through which his bourbon would make it to package store and restaurant/bar shelves.
Tapia shared how challenging it is to forge a relationship with distributors, describing how many new beverage makers are trying to do the same time. He ultimately found a receptive distributor in New York and was able to begin marketing his spirit.
Today, JR Revelry Bourbon Whiskey is available in four states, including Georgia, and he’s continuing to work to expand the footprint of his brand.
I had the opportunity to try his bourbon and I can tell you, it is excellent, particularly for its price point. To find out where you can purchase your own bottle, visit the JR Revelry website to see merchants who carry his product.
Special Guest:
Jesus Ricardo (Rick) Tapia, Founder of La Bodega International, LLC and Creator of J.R. Revelry
- 17 years of experience in alcohol beverage industry
- Successful entrepreneur
- Actively involved in the community, supporting Hispanic and Latin American Chambers of Commerce
- BA, Boston University
- Speaks Fluent Spanish
