Small craft whiskey distilleries are on the rise in the United States. According to Market Watch, in 2003 there were 60 craft distillers compared to 2016 where there are a total of 760 with a further 200 currently in construction.
Wigle Whiskey opened its doors in March 2012. Every product Wigle sells is created from scratch from local, organic grain. Wigle ensures freshness by milling the grains onsite the same day they start a batch, and distills small batches in a traditional copper pot in Pittsburgh, the birthplace of American Whiskey. Since opening, Wigle has produced over 60 unique products. As the largest craft whiskey distillery in Pennsylvania, Wigle believes its role to be an innovator in the industry. In this seminar and product line tasting, Wigle Whiskey’s Director of Sales, Allison Burns and Lead Innovator, Michael Foglia will lead attendees through how Wigle approaches product innovation and consumer engagement to become an industry leader.
Michael Foglia
Allison Burns, Director of Sales, Wigle Whiskey
Allison hails from Washington, DC, but is proud to call Pittsburgh home. She began her journey with Wigle as one of the original volunteer distillery tour guides, and was instrumental in creating the customer experience in the opening of Wigle’s Barrelhouse. In 2015, Allison made the spirited shift from an established career in nonprofit fundraising and organizational management to whiskey full-time. As Sales Director, she leads Wigle’s national distribution, regional wholesale and distributed markets institutional program partners. Some of her favorite things include traveling, dining with friends, old fashioned cocktails and any excuse to be festive! Allison’s cheery disposition and enthusiasm ensures each market connects with Wigle and Pittsburgh’s historic whiskey past.
Michael Foglia, Lead Product Development & Innovation, Wigle Whiskey
Michael has been working with Wigle Whiskey since 2015. As a self-proclaimed foodie, he brings his spirit of relentless curiosity and sense of inquiry to his role as Lead for Product Development and Innovation at Wigle Whiskey and Threadbare Cider. Michael’s current projects? He is deep in development working on Threadbare’s cider program, spirit innovation for Wigle Whiskey, and building new relationships with our suppliers. Michael often acts as a liaison between the production and marketing teams.