Meet our crew: Ben Samuelson

Meet our crew: get to know the awesome humans that make Cardinal Spirits possible!

Ben Samuelson

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distillery production assistant at Cardinal Spirits

Ben on Facebook

pronouns: he/him/his

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Tell us about your role at Cardinal Spirits.

Currently I am a production assistant, helping to ferment, distill, blend, and package all the various spirits and canned cocktails we produce. However, I have worn a lot of hats in my time here at Cardinal and have also been the tour guide as well as working in front of house and events.

Where are you from? Where have you lived?

I grew up here in Monroe County, over in Ellettsville. However, I was born in South Carolina and by the time I was two I had lived in three other states; Massachusetts, California, and finally Indiana.

What would surprise people about the work you do at Cardinal?

Probably just how much of my time is spent scrubbing and cleaning things. Holding tanks (inside and outside), fermenters, hoses, clamps, lab equipment, stills, bottling equipment, as well as floors and general surfaces all need to be kept clean. Making all these tasty beverages is a dirty job, but someone has to do it.

What's your favorite Cardinal Spirits product/cocktail/dish?

My favorite cocktail unique to Cardinal is the Terra Old Fashioned. I'm not sure off the top of my head which one of the lovely folks we have had tending bar here through the years decided to make an Old Fashioned using our Terra Gin, but it was an inspired decision.

What's Cardinal's best kept secret?

It's not exactly a secret as it has won more than a few awards, but I can't say enough about how much I love our Tiki Rum. Our head distiller, Justin Hughey, does some impressive things with molasses. It makes the best daiquiri or mojito, hands down.

What's your coffee order?

Light/Blonde roast with some cream and a little cinnamon. It's boring but it keeps me going.

Any favorite places on the Internet?

I can easily get lost for hours digitally wandering through Wikipedia.

How do you end your day?

I like to end my day with a nice bike ride on the B-line followed by a campy movie or maybe a good book.

What's your favorite midnight snack?

Wasabi peas. I like going to bed with a clear sinus.

Tell us about a podcast, movie, book, TV show, album, subscription, etc. that you consumed and liked! We're all looking for good recs right now!

My go-to tv shows have been and always will be Star Trek. Those series are decent at their worst and amazing at their best and there has just been so much of it produced through the years. In these trying times, some upbeat and optimistic Sci-fi does me wonders. I enjoy listening to history podcasts a lot, and would highly recommend Mike Duncan's Revolutions and History of Rome podcasts.

Favorite condiment?

Hot sauce, the hotter the better. Ideally, I like my food to taste like the heat of the sun.

Thanks, Ben! We are lucky to have you on our team!

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Meet our crew: Maria Konermann

Meet our crew: get to know the awesome humans that make Cardinal Spirits possible!

Maria Konermann. Photos by Anna Powell Denton

Maria Konermann

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bar manager at Cardinal Spirits bar/restaurant/tasting room

Maria on Instagram: @bigbabycakes / Maria on Facebook

pronouns: she/her

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Tell us about your role at Cardinal Spirits.

I'm the bar manager, which usually means I oversee our bartenders, cocktail menus, bar chores & inventory. In normal, non-pandemic times I would also be creating the most complicated, prep-heavy cocktails on the menu because I am just the worst. However, right now I mostly just help out the general management team with day-to-day tasks & managing our staff, while daydreaming about making fancy cocktails.

Where are you from? Where have you lived?

I'm from Bloomfield, IN. I now live in Bloomington, IN. I'm very adventurous. 

Any pets or family members that you'd like to introduce?

My baby niece Eleanor is like my favorite person. She's the cutest ever. I'll attach a picture for proof.

Tell us about a skill that you have outside of work!

I've gotten almost pro at binge-watching 90's sitcoms. That's a skill, right? Oh, and gardening. Been growing mad squash, peppers & flowers all summer!

Do you have a side hustle?

I sell pre-loved mostly vintage clothing online on a site called Depop. Follow my store Dishwater Vintage on Depop! I love all things 70's, but end up mostly selling a lot of nostalgic 90's clothes. I've sold all over--mostly to people in New York & California, but also internationally to people in the Netherlands, Belgium, & Singapore. Aka I'm kind of a big deal. 😉

What's your favorite Cardinal Spirits product?

My all-time favorite is the Tiki Rum. If you've ever had my Mr. Pitiful cocktail, you know what I'm talking about. (Editor’s note: Mr Pitiful was on our fall 2018 menu, a smoky, warming cocktail made with Tiki Rum, Valencia Triple Sec, chipotle, lemon, maple syrup, smoke bitters.)

It's happy hour. What are you drinking?

Either a Paloma or a spicy rum cocktail

Do you have any advice for people who want to make better drinks at home?

Invest in a small cocktail kit (hand held citrus squeezer, a couple pour spouts, a one ounce shot glass, a shaker tin & a strainer) and that's all you'll ever need. And don't forget to stock up on ice. Cocktails take more ice than you're ever prepared for when you're at home. It also always helps to mentally prepare yourself for the clean up that will ensue after the cocktail making. The mess is unfortunate yet inevitable. And lastly--get creative but don't go crazy. Save the hard work for the cocktail bartenders. Don't waste good product on a bad cocktail. 

What's Cardinal's best kept secret?

Honestly, some of the Spotify playlists made and left behind by Cardinal alum Chris Resnick. If you need anyone to compilate the soundtrack to your life, it is Chris. 

What's your coffee order?

I can't have caffeine anymore, so unfortunately I'd have to order a chamomile tea. However, when I did drink coffee, it was a half-caf soy latte because I am bougie.

How do you start your morning?

By hitting snooze repeatedly and going back to sleep until it's absolutely necessary to wake up. Then I stumble around like a toddler for a little while and curse at the daylight

Tell us about a podcast, movie, book, TV show, album, subscription, etc. that you consumed and liked!

If you haven't watched the docu-series Lorena, now is the time. On a lighter note, my partner & I also love the show We Bare Bears. (both on prime!)

What's your favorite midnight snack?

Mini Chewy Sweetarts and popsicles. ALL of the popsicles.

Most used-emoji?

😅 The anxious one--I've never thought about it before but it makes me anxious just thinking about how many times I use it.

Favorite condiment?

Nacho cheese is a condiment, right??

Want to give a shout-out to anyone?

Shout out to my weirdo partner, Kieran, who also happens to work at Cardinal Spirits right now. He's kept me (semi-)sane throughout the pandemic and I couldn't deal with all of the curveballs without him. 

Thanks, Maria! We are lucky to have you on our team!

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Meet our crew: Jordan Brown

Meet our crew: get to know the awesome humans that make Cardinal Spirits possible!

Jordan Brown. Photos by Anna Powell Denton

Jordan Brown

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chef de partie at Cardinal Spirits bar/restaurant/tasting room

Jordan on Instagram: @chefsavage_03

pronouns: he/him

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Tell us about your role at Cardinal Spirits.

I’m a chef de partie here at Cardinal. My role is to prep and cook all the delicious food we have here. We cook for customers at our carry-out window and all staff.

Where are you from? Where have you lived?

I’m from Detroit, Michigan, and I’ve lived in Bloomington for 20 years.

Favorite Cardinal Spirits product, cocktail or dish?

My favorite drink was the Queen Beryl that we had (Editor’s note: Remember that stunning cocktail from our Spring 2018 menu? With our Vodka plus coconut, cassis, orgeat, pineapple, lemon, vanilla.).
My favorite dish is the prime rib sandwich that we have now for carry out. Bramble Vodka is my favorite product that we carry.

It’s happy hour. What are you eating or drinking?

I’m eating steak and eggs with a mimosa. 

What's your coffee order?

Iced chai tea with a shot of caramel 

Do you have any advice for people who want to improve their cocktails or food at home?

Cookbooks are very helpful when you want to try something new and creative. Right now I’m reading The Hell’s Kitchen Cookbook. Also, Authentic Mexican by Rick Bayless is a good read.

What's your favorite midnight snack?

Hickory barbecue chips

Most used-emoji?

🔥

Favorite condiment?

Ranch all day.

Want to give a shout-out to anyone?

Shout out to my mom. She’s the best .

Thanks, Jordan! We love having you on our team!

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Meet our crew: Ally Oveson

Meet our crew: get to know the awesome humans that make Cardinal Spirits possible!

Ally Oveson. Photos by Anna Powell Denton

Ally Oveson

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manager at Cardinal Spirits bar/restaurant/tasting room

Ally on Instagram: @replicant.ally

pronouns: she/her

— — —

Tell us about your role at Cardinal Spirits.

I am a front-of-house manager. My role pre-coronavirus was to manage the tasting room, and work with private groups and organizations with planning on-site events. Now, we’ve made everything carry-out so my duties have morphed. A lot of email correspondence! (Editor’s note: Ally just recently stepped away from Cardinal Spirits to focus on her kids’ education. We wish Ally and her fam all the best!)

Share a skill that you have outside of work!

I am a ceramist. I studied ceramics and art history at IU, and have worked in the community as an educator.

Where are you from? Where have you lived?

I grew up here in Bloomington, and graduated from Indiana University in 2014. I spent school breaks in Massachusetts growing up, there was a short time in Denver, but for the most part I’ve stayed rooted.

Any pets or family members that you'd like to introduce? 

My family is my favorite part of my life! Terrance, Izzy, Rylan, and Nola.

Ally and Terrance.

Favorite Cardinal Spirits product?

Terra Gin, and the Vodka Soda cans. They’re light and refreshing, and I like to flavor them myself.

It's happy hour. What are you drinking?

It’s always weather/climate/mood dependent, but I really miss the Big in Japan. That cocktail was so juicy and a little umami and perfect IMO. (Editor’s note: Big In Japan was a cocktail on our winter 2019 menu, made with kaffir-lime-infused Terra Botanical Gin, red miso, guava, ginger, honey, lime, and club soda.)

Do you have any advice for people who want to make better drinks at home?

Get a shaker and strainer, and a shot glass for measuring. Most cocktails just come down to ratios. A general rule (with plenty of exceptions), is to shake a cocktail that contains fruit juice. Aged spirits are typically stirred. Just have fun and drink what you like and you think tastes good. Don’t focus on trends!

What's Cardinal's best kept secret?

I’m not sure if it’s a secret or not, but we have an extremely accepting culture here. I feel like restaurant/bar industry culture is very alpha, and maybe it’s because we’re a distillery and not strictly a bar, but it definitely is different from other places I’ve worked. Another best-kept secret: family meal! Because we get to be guinea pigs for new menu items or we just get some crazy-delicious stuff that no one else will get to try.

Have you ever thought of a good business idea?

Of course I have, but if I tell you and you use it, I will be sad.

What's your coffee order?

Just coffee with cream only, or a mocha if I’m being fancy. You have to ask that they put it in a larger cup, though, so the whipped cream doesn’t get smashed.

How do you start your morning? 

Tip-toeing into the kitchen for some coffee. I’m a really early riser - like 5 or 6. I might doze back off if there’s time. Otherwise, I check in with the news and wait for the whirlwind of kids to begin.

Any favorite places on the Internet?

I’m an avid online shopper. But other than that, I’m pretty glued to the news. NYT, CNN, Forbes. 

What's your favorite midnight snack?

Reese’s Pieces

Most used-emoji?

🤣 is probably my most frequently used, but my favorite is 🥟. Who doesn’t love dumplings?

Favorite condiment?

Dijon. And I just want to go on the record as saying that ketchup is disgusting!

Thanks, Ally! We love having you on our team!

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Meet our crew: Emily Hoagland

Meet our crew: get to know the awesome humans that make Cardinal Spirits possible!

Emily Hoagland. Photo by Anna Powell Denton

Emily Hoagland

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founder’s assistant

pronouns: she/her

— — —

What is your role like at Cardinal?
As the Founder's Assistant at Cardinal, I do everything from assist with the production of spirits, monitor billing issues, invoice our distributors, schedule our bottling line crews, and mostly try to help take the weight off of anyone who may need help. I really like how different my job can be from one day to another and how much I have been able to learn from everyone I work with. I was hired without having a background in accounting or distilling and I am grateful every day that Cardinal is led by individuals who place potential above previous experience. 

Where are you from? Where have you lived?

I am from Bloomington, IN. I lived in Killeen, TX, for three years and Brunssum, NL, for two.

Any pets or family members that you'd like to introduce? 

I have a two year old pup named Jasper who is the love of my life.

Jasper. Photo by Emily Hoagland

Favorite Cardinal Spirits product?

Terra is my fave CS product

It's happy hour. What are you drinking?

Terra Old Fashioned is my happy hour drink of choice

What is Cardinal Spirits best-kept secret?

The Dew Drop
(Editor’s note: A beloved ritual, Dew Drop is a shot of whatever spirit we’ve bottled that day, dropped into a cup of Mountain Dew. Not on the menu!)

What’s your coffee order?

"Swamp Thing" from Soma

How do you start your mornings?

I start my morning by loving on my dog until he gets fed up with me. Then I pour myself a cup of coffee and blare music while getting ready for work.

And how do you end your day?

I usually end my day the same way but with Bud Light instead of coffee.

Can you recommend a podcast, movie, book, TV show, album, subscription, etc. that you consumed and liked?

The self titled album by Boygenius is by far the most impactful album of my life in the last five years. I highly recommend it!

Favorite emoji?

I use the thumbs up emoji a lot. It's just so succinct!

Want to give a shout-out to anyone?

A HUGE shout-out to the whole bottling crew. They keep this thing going, and they work very hard! Love them! 

Thanks, Emily! We’re grateful that you’re part of our team!

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Meet our crew: Alex Doane

Meet our crew: get to know the awesome humans that make Cardinal Spirits possible!

Alex Doane. Photos by Anna Powell Denton

Alex Doane

— — —
server and clerk at Cardinal Spirits

Alex on Instagram: @rosetinteddream

pronouns: he/him/they
— — —

Tell us about your role at Cardinal Spirits.

Server - helping people feel welcome and at ease during their time visiting Cardinal Spirits. Clerk - Helping the community stay safe with our hand sanitizer and handing off delicious spirits via our walk-up window.

Where are you from? Where have you lived?

Bloomfield, Indiana. The only other place I've had the chance to live yet is where I call home, Bloomington. 

Cici. Photo by Alex Doane

Any pets or family members that you'd like to introduce? 

Oh yes! My very sweet and very frisky tuxedo cat named CiCi.

Share a skill that you have outside of work.

I'm really good at making all-natural body butters!

Do you have a side hustle? What is it?

Photography! I love doing more creative portraits of people.

What's your favorite Cardinal Spirits product?

Probably the Creekbend Brandy. I make a lot of Terra Gin cocktails, but the brandy is best on its own.

Self-portrait (left) and Alex’s Watermelon Gin & Tonic (right). Photos by Alex Doane

It's happy hour. What are you drinking?

Cucumber or Watermelon Gin & Tonic with extra lime. (Shake the cucumber/watermelon, gin, and lime juice before topping with tonic water).

What advice can you give to people who want to make better drinks at home?

Use fresh citrus! Other than that, don't be afraid to test things and make your own simple syrups.

What's Cardinal's best kept secret?

I think either Perry and their babies (our resident groundhogs), or the service industry discount that many people still don't know about! (Editor’s note: we offer 15% off cocktails, spirits, and food to service industry folks!)

What would surprise people about the work you do at Cardinal?

That it has led me to make some really good friends and has helped me let go of preconceived notions I’ve had of people.

Have you ever thought of a good business idea? What is it?

Oh too many, and if I tell you people will do them before me! 

What's your coffee order?

Double shot oat milk latte. But I prefer making coffee at home.

How do you start your morning? 

Being woken up by my cat. Then some espresso, stretches, hula hooping to Crystal Waters, and meditation surrounded by my house plants.

How do you end your day?

Some stretches, skincare regimen, and belly rubs for my cat. Sometimes an X-Files episode.

Any favorite places on the Internet?

 kissanime.ru, where I watch a lot of anime both popular and obscure!

Recommend a podcast, movie, book, TV show, album, subscription, etc. that you consumed and liked.

The French-Belgian thriller series "Black Spot" on Netflix.

What's your favorite midnight snack?

Jalapeño kettle chips or cucumbers and hummus

Most used-emoji?

- 🥀

Favorite condiment?

Barbecue sauce or this gochujang dipping sauce I make.

Want to give a shout-out to anyone?

All oppressed communities, I am here to fight along you and for you. Now and forever.

Thanks, Alex! We’re lucky to have you on our team!

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Positive coronavirus case at Cardinal Spirits

Update, 7/29/20: We have re-opened for carry-out of cocktails and spirits, plus food on the weekend! Order online here for pick-up in as soon as 30 minutes, or schedule a pick-up for later.

From earlier…

Important announcement, 7/23/2020: One of our production employees has tested positive for coronavirus, and we will temporarily close the distillery, starting tonight. In the spirit of honesty and transparency, we'd like to share what we know and how we will move forward.
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Thank you for allowing us to hit pause entirely for as long as we need to keep our crew and our guests safe. Our employee who tested positive is part of our production team and is not in contact with our guests; our employees are masked at all times, and we are deeply devoted to cleaning and sanitation.
You have our word that we will continue to go above and beyond in every way possible to keep everyone safe.
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We are:
🔺 pausing all carry-out ordering and spirit production; we'll keep you posted on re-opening dates. We have not been open for dine-in since the shut-down orders in mid-March.
🔺 deep-cleaning our entire facility
🔺 requiring employees who were in contact to get tested; employees must receive negative results before returning to work.
🔺 following and exceeding guidelines from the health department and CDC; we have reported the positive case to the health department
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Thank you for your support, always: in good times, and in covid times. ❤️