While there are many metrics used to determining the health of a local economy, perhaps none are more telling than the success or failure of a new, low production distiller of Eastern Shore rum and rye.
With no market research or similar successes success stories to go by, Jaime Windon and Ben Lyon, co-founders and owners of Lyon Distilling in St. Michaels, nonetheless threw caution to the wind, and followed their passion to develop Maryland-based artisan spirits rather than rely on the perfect business model.
Jaime and Ben are not alone. Thousands of small business owners each year discard conventional wisdom and bet serious amounts of money on their conviction rather than spreadsheets. But do they succeed as a business.
In the case of Lyon, that unorthodox approach is not only working, and working well for Windon and Lyon. As their interview with the Spy documents, after almost two years in operation, the Lyon production of rum and rye has quickly created a unique market for itself, while their St. Michaels tasting room has turned into a “must visit” destination for tourists and locals alike. Better still, both Jaime and Ben feel they found this success on own their terms.
This video is approximately six minutes in length
Pamela Hastings says
Is this the same business that’s opening on High Street? On First Friday in September, we met the lovely owners of the distillery, who were offering some very tasty sampling. Perhaps a follow-up piece on this new business will be published in the “Spy” soon? Thank you so much! Love reading this great website full of daily news about our beloved Chestertown area. You do an excellent job. Pamela Hastings
James Dissette says
They are separate businesses. The Distillery on High St. is Casinelli’s, who is also the owner of a local vineyard.