Pia Carusone, with her co-founder Rachel Gardner, opened Republic Restoratives Distillery in May 2016 – the only crowd-funded distillery in the country and the first women-owned distillery in D.C.   So how did Pia get to be the owner of a distillery in our nation’s capital? Hold onto something, because this story is full of emotion, determination, calculation, cheer, and inspiration.   Are you ready for an adventure? Because I want to show you a side of the LA food scene that most people will never get to see! When you join me for a LA Food Adventure, we will visit 6 restaurants to fill your belly, taste some drinks, socialize with some incredibly cool people, and get behind-the-scenes access that others aren’t privy to.   You can learn more and reserve your spot at LAFoodAdventures.com.   We also discuss: The Carusone household Pia’s time on the Hill, including being Chief of Staff to former Rep. Gabby Giffords The challenges of opening a distillery in Washington, D.C. Crowd funding a distillery using Indiegogo Why they chose the name “Republic Restoratives Distillery” Changing laws in D.C. Aging whiskey in a puncheon cask Pia’s flagship vodka and its unique bottle Keeping price in mind when creating their products The history behind their newest product, Chapman’s Apple Brandy Resources: Learn more at republicrestoratives.com Connect with Republic Restoratives: Instagram | Facebook Want to increase sales & improve service in your restaurant? Get 20% off TouchBistro at touchbistro.com/justforkingaround Get 15% off your supplements by using discount code “JustForkingAround” at OraOrganic.com Just Forking Around is produced by Podcast Masters