We recently connected with Mitchel Sawhney and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mitchel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Caution establishing a business amidst a Pandemic.

Establishing the business amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic was certainly uniquely challenging. It ultimately led to delays of 2 years, with no income stream for the business as my original location (space already finished) would have opened 3 months of lease signing —Spring 2020. Just as Covid-19 paused the world and impacted the lives and health of so many.
After obtaining appropriate licenses fall of 2019, the business signed it’s first lease December 2019. At the time we wanted to save our capital for the establishment of inventory and the business so choose to lease our first location. Of course, Covid-19 impacted the world in so many ways and so many lost their lives or loved ones. As I dealt with “red tape” challenges to design, create and construct a new space in downtown Monterey, I counted my blessings daily and ensured to have 1 day a week off to enjoy time with family and friends and enjoying nature to recharge.

The Whisky Club (TWC) ultimately transferred licenses September 2020 to a new building from the initially intended TWC locale and plans for the space build out and construction began May 2021. Amidst 9 months of planning and building approvals from the City of Monterey.
The February 2020 Covid eviction moratorium made the pending lease null which was a great impact to the business; It also was a point we almost let the vision for The Whisky Club fold.
There were many go-& no-go moments in the year of 2020. Upon reflection, it certainly impacted the business as we made decisions to create a larger space and invest more capital in the vision and space to create both a Tasting Room and Bottle Shop. The challenges to establish and create the space amidst the pandemic. Certainly were not for the faint of heart and I’m grateful to be open and sharing one of my passions with the community and so many visitors who frequent the Monterey Peninsula.

Mitchel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

While some things are uncertain in life, enjoying a great Scotch, Bourbon or Whisk(e)y has stood the test of time.

The Whisky Club and TWC 11 will grow in numerous ways, with the goal to always provide a sophisticated, relaxed and often educational whisk(e)y experience for novices and connoisseurs alike. The appreciation of our well balanced classic cocktails has been a surprise to our team-which we have embraced.

An unique aspect to our business is that clients and guests can order tastes and tours (similar to flights of beer or wine with 3 or4, .75 ounce pours. If patrons find a new expression they enjoy, it can be purchase in the Bottle Shop to gift, enjoy at home or with friends, or add to any collection. We continue to build our brand and many visit the Bottle Shop for unique releases and limited edition bottles for enjoyment as well as collections.

A bit about The Whisky Club Founder:

Mitchel Sawhney has been a connoisseur and collector of Scotch Whisky for decades. He is known to have one of the world’s largest collections of 40 year old expressions of one or his favorite Distilleries in Scotland (hint: it’s peaty). Mitchel’s unique palate and passion for Scotch and International Whiskies as well as popularity of Bourbon and Rye in the United States has led to the foundation of The Whisky Club. The Sawhney’s are hopeful Mitchel’s breath of knowledge, appreciation and enthusiasm for whiskies, unique tasting room concept and bottle shop on Alvarado Street in Downtown Monterey California lead to other fun endeavors and experiences for novices and aficionados of whiskies on the Monterey Peninsula and beyond!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Surviving no income for 2 years and changing locations during Covid shows resilency. Please see my answer to the first question for more perspective on this.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

We pivoted during Covid and the change in venue.

Every decision is made with the information and knowledge one has at the moment. I believe in the 80/20 rule with decisions. Most decisions will work out if analysis and grounded choices are made in my opinion.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TWC11.com
• Instagram: TheWhiskyClubUSA
• Facebook: TWC_Monterey & TheWhiskyClub.
• Youtube: The Whisky Club
• Yelp: The Whisky Club

Image Credits
N/A @TWC