The Chemistry of the Beverage Business with Director & Distiller Nicole Austin

Meditations with Ryan Zlomek

On Episode 29, Nicole Austin joins Ryan in conversation about her career in alcohol and spirits production. Nicole works as the Director of Luxury for Diageo but made a name for herself when she took over as the Director of the historic George Dickel whiskey brand in 2018. With a background in chemistry, Nicole started her career in water treatment but discovered the world of spirits by chance and has devoted her life to focus on sustainable production. She has been a game changer in the distilling industry, having joined with Kings County Distillery in 2010 (the oldest distillery in New York City). She then helped found the New York State Distillers Guild in 2013, worked internationally for William Grant & Sons, and was brought in to work with Cascade Hollows Distilling Co. (makers of George Dickel Whiskey) after proving herself as a mainstay. Her hard work has been internationally recognized as well. Nicole was named “Distiller Of The Year” in March 2020 by Artisan Spirit Magazine, she won “Distillery Manager” as part of the Icons of Whiskey Awards in 2021, and helped usher in George Dickel as the “Spirit Brand of the Year” in 2023 through the Wine Star Awards.

In this conversation, Nicole discusses her almost accidental career move into chemistry, learning how to network and build a strong community with other distilling professionals, and ensuring that her ethical beliefs tie into the global visioning of the companies she works for. She also discusses her love of horses, the differences in working conditions in spirits around the world, and why the IRS has become an important historic tool for distillers.

For more information on Nicole Austin, you can find her on Instagram at @nicolemarieaustin and follow her products at on Instagram @georgedickel and @cascadehollowdistillingco as well on the web at www.georgedickel.com.

For more information on the Meditations with Ryan Zlomek podcast, you can find The World of Ryan Zlomek on Facebook, @ryanzlomek on Instagram, @ryanzlomek on TikTok, or email [e-mail].