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WhistlePig Distillery
Respect tradition. Embrace progress. There’s a lot to learn from the past. But Whistlepig believes the best era for Rye Whiskey is in front of us. They are constantly pushing to try new things and to unlock the potential of Rye, protecting what makes it great, tossing out the rest, and then innovating to make it better.
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Ranga Perera
Chef, Outdoorsman, Fly Fisherman, and owner of Laurian’s Table
Born in Sri Lanka, Ranga Perera spent his tiny-tot years following his Grandma Eva around her kitchen, watching and absorbing her culinary gifts. His family relocated to Oman, then to England, and eventually settled in Southern California. Ranga's love for outdoor cooking, worldly flavors, locally foraged and sourced foods accomplishes an unrequited alchemy. And when collaborating, Ranga and Eduardo love nothing more than a day of fishing, foraging, and laughing, while sipping a tasty cocktail—or two—and cooking up a delicious stream-side feast.
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Eduardo Garcia
Chef, Outdoorsman, Athlete, and owner of Montana Mex
“A meal is more than just what we eat but an integral part of what builds culture and brings people together,” said Eduardo, who is known for amazing flavors cooked over an open flame. The film Charged, an award-winning documentary about a tragic incident that left him fighting for his life in the Montana wilderness, speaks to his tenacity. “This event wasn’t a setback, it was a kick in the ass,” said Eduardo, who now works with the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
Charley Perkins
Fly Fisherman, Hunter, Skier, Brand Marketing Manager and co-owner of Orvis
Charley Perkins grew up in the family that’s steered Orvis since the early 60’s. So, it’s no surprise that hunting, fishing, and conservation are a major part of his life. As much as Charley likes to spend time on the water and in the field, his favorite part of it all is when he is cooking game and sharing it with friends and family. And take it from us, his spit-roasted goose was worth the wait!
Kolton Niesen
Fly fisherman, Hunter, Skier, Chef and co-owner of Crooked Ram
Hailing from Michigan where he grew up fishing and hunting, Kolton Niesen is the chef at Crooked Ram in our hometown of Manchester, VT. In addition to some of the best eats in town, the shop has the widest curation of specialty beer and natural wines in the region. Since graduating from the New England Culinary School, Kolton has worked in notable restaurants from the mountains of Colorado to the South Island of New Zealand.
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