One part business, one part hobby, and one part community brought Barrel Raised to the world.

Ben had been an engraver for years, working with clients across a number of industries, finding it difficult to say no to new projects. One regular source of projects came from customers that had a passion for craft beverages. Having no real knowledge in that area, it pushed him to learn what it was all about. After all, he believed if you are going to work closely with a group of people, you should probably be on the same page!

Craft Beverage 101 started with a dip into beer and cocktails, but it was whiskey that gave a real nudge down the rabbit hole. What started out as a way to help clients become a hobby, and that hobby morphed into obsession. For the next few years, Ben immersed himself in online forums, books, social media groups, tastings, and the building of a spirits library. In the process, he found himself in the ranks of craft spirit enthusiasts - a community from *ALL* walks of life that come together to share in the enjoyment of spirits and camaraderie.

He also learned that the community had a thing for engraved glassware. It was something he had been doing for years already, so, of course, he responded with his engrained motto of "glad to help". Not so fast... They wanted Glencairn glasses, and Glencairn didn't work with just anyone - at the time, it took months of digging, and when the digging ended, it took experimenting to get the finished product to turn out perfectly. Once dialed in, being a part of the spirits community, and being able to bring something to the table, the gates flew open!

Time passed, and it solidified that this wasn't just some fleeting thing, it was the start of a lifetime of learning and collaboration. Working together with enthusiasts, distilleries, bar owners, ambassadors and social media influencers, Ben found that he loved every moment of helping wherever he could, all while absorbing the knowledge imparted from that world.

The mission now is to help others enjoy craft spirits as much as he does. Whether it be delivering personalized products that help to elevate everyday rituals, or just chatting about all things craft and flavor, Barrel Raised is here to help!

Cheers!