Carin Luna-Ostaseski, Founder of SIA Scotch Whisky, joins the show to talk about
Carin Luna-Ostaseski is one of the first Hispanic founders of a scotch whisky. Her journey as a first generation Cuban American challenged conventions every step of the way, and has inspired others to achieve the unexpected, a mantra that SIA Scotch Whisky now lives by.
In her mid-20s, Carin would not have considered herself a scotch whisky lover. But a friend encouraged her to try something new, and hosted a tasting for her, which changed her life. She then began a grand tour of her local spirits purveyor, sampling over 300 bottles of whiskies and scotches, and falling in love with the category, all while becoming a dedicated student of the spirit.
Carin started hosting tasting events to share her favorite blends with her friends and loved ones, and through this process she realized what the world was missing: an ultra-premium yet affordable and approachable scotch whisky, perfect for the connoisseurs as well as the curious. She wanted to change the way people thought about the category and challenge those old, stodgy conventions. What began as a casual pastime quickly became a life-altering passion.
Carin got down to business, but it wasn’t easy. There was rejection. Lots of it, and it would be a lie to say it didn’t challenge her. But there were also moments of hope – and that’s what pushed her forward.
