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Distiller Ryan Friesen
Ryan moved to California to become the head distiller of the Blinking Owl in October 2014 after working at Journeyman Distillery in Michigan. Well versed in distilling (and home brewing), Ryan took his education a step further to understand the nuances of barrel making at an internship at Black Swan Cooperage. Using this knowledge, he carefully picked the barrels we currently use at Blinking Owl including the wood seasoning time, pre-toast char, and char levels. After joining the Blinking Owl team, Ryan was able to do his dream internship under Ichiro Akuto, a world renowned whiskey maker, at Chichibu Distillery in Japan. Passionate about the grains he chooses to the meticulous recipes of each Blinking Owl Spirit, Ryan is truly Owl Spiritual Leader and just a rad guy!
