In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with John Mleziva, founder and head distiller of State Line Distillery in Madison, Wisconsin.
John isn’t your typical distiller. A fermentation scientist trained at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, a former EMT turned entrepreneur, and a lifelong learner with a passion for craftsmanship, John shares what it truly means to build a grain-to-glass distillery from the ground up.
We explore:
• What “grain-to-glass” really means in today’s craft spirits industry
• The art and science behind fermentation and distillation
• How State Line’s award-winning Coffee Liqueur earned multiple “Best in the World” honors
• Why sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and local sourcing create better spirits
• Emerging cocktail trends and the future of craft-first purchasing
Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or someone curious about the craft beverage industry, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at thoughtful distilling, community collaboration, and building a brand with purpose.
Learn more: www.statelinedistillery.com
