We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicholas Corleto and Dan Swanson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Nicholas and Dan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
At Heritage Road Spirits, our mission is to craft exceptional bourbon that not only delivers in taste but also tells a story. Our journey began with a deep respect for the heritage of American bourbon-making and a passion for connecting people to moments of adventure, tradition, and togetherness.
As a veteran-owned company, we take pride in carrying forward the values of dedication and resilience that define both service and our bourbon. These principles are reflected in every bottle we create, honoring the spirit of hard work and tradition that built this nation.
The name Heritage Road Spirits was born from this very mission. “Heritage” reflects our admiration for the history and craftsmanship behind bourbon—a product that’s as much about the legacy of American agriculture and ingenuity as it is about flavor. “Road” symbolizes the spirit of adventure and forging one’s path, a sentiment deeply tied to the American experience. Together, the name represents our belief in honoring the past while paving the way for new, meaningful connections.
What sets our mission apart is its deeply personal nature. Starting Heritage Road Spirits was more than a business endeavor—it was a leap of faith, fueled by the desire to create something that stood out in an industry dominated by mass production. Every bottle we produce is a testament to slowing down, savoring life’s simple pleasures, and bringing people together. Whether it’s a glass shared around a fire with friends or enjoyed quietly after a long day’s work, our bourbon is crafted to enrich those moments.
We arranged a photoshoot using my 1951 Chevy farm truck, which also inspired our label design. The truck, loaded with a bourbon barrel, hay bales, and corn, was parked in front of a sunlit cornfield. This scene symbolized how the past—represented by the enduring strength and character of the truck and the traditions of American agriculture—paves the way for the future of Heritage Road Spirits. It speaks to what America is truly about: a nation built on hard work, resilience, and the backbone of agriculture, always inviting a journey toward new adventures.
Our mission is meaningful because it’s not just about bourbon—it’s about inspiring people to take the road less traveled, cherish shared experiences, and celebrate the values that make life worth living.
Nicholas, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Nicholas Corleto, the co-founder of Heritage Road Spirits, a veteran-owned bourbon company that I proudly started with my business partner, Dan Swanson. Together, we share a passion for crafting exceptional bourbon that honors tradition, celebrates connection, and inspires a sense of adventure.
Our journey into this industry was driven by more than just a love for bourbon—it was about creating something meaningful that brings people together. Dan and I both admired the craftsmanship and heritage behind bourbon-making, from the growing of the grain to the meticulous distillation process. We were captivated by the science and artistry involved in every step, and we wanted to create a product that reflected not only the hard work and tradition behind bourbon but also the history and values that define America.
At Heritage Road Spirits, we focus on producing bourbon that embodies quality and storytelling. Our flagship product is a straight bourbon whiskey with a 96.4 proof, symbolizing pivotal moments in American history, like bourbon being declared a unique product of the United States in 1964 and Tennessee becoming the 16th state in 1796. Each bottle tells a story—one of resilience, heritage, and adventure.
What sets Heritage Road Spirits apart is our dedication to creating a bourbon that embodies both tradition and innovation. Dan and I are passionate about crafting a product that tells a story—one that reflects the hard work, heritage, and adventure behind every bottle. From the design of our label, inspired by my 1951 Chevy farm truck, to the thoughtful choices in our branding, we strive to create a meaningful connection with our customers that goes beyond just the glass.
Our bourbon isn’t just a product; it’s an experience. Whether it’s enjoyed on a back porch after a long day or shared with friends around a fire, our bourbon is designed to enhance life’s moments. Dan and I believe in slowing down, savoring the journey, and celebrating the values that matter most.
I’m incredibly proud of the partnership Dan and I have built and the vision we bring to Heritage Road Spirits. Starting this company together was a leap of faith, but seeing how people connect with our story and our bourbon makes it all worthwhile.
The main thing we want readers to know is that Heritage Road Spirits isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the values it represents: hard work, tradition, and a spirit of adventure. For us, this brand is about creating meaningful connections and inviting others to join us on this journey.
As partners, Dan and I are excited about what lies ahead for Heritage Road Spirits. Together, we’re building something that honors the past while paving the way for the future, one bottle at a time.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Starting Heritage Road Spirits was no small feat. As a new bourbon brand in a highly competitive industry, we faced challenges from the very beginning, including navigating state regulations, production logistics, and finding distribution partners willing to take a chance on a young company.
One of the biggest hurdles, though, came at the very start—pitching this idea to our wives. Convincing them to let us take a chance on building something we were passionate about required persistence, thoughtful planning, and a lot of honest conversations. We had to show them not only that we believed in the vision for Heritage Road Spirits but also that we were willing to put in the hard work to make it a reality. Their support was—and continues to be—a cornerstone of our journey.
As we moved forward, one particular challenge stands out: getting our first bottles to market. Navigating state regulations and ensuring the product met our high standards and vision without taking shortcuts led to some production delays. For us, this wasn’t just about meeting deadlines; it was about upholding the quality and craftsmanship we promised ourselves and our future customers. There were moments when the setbacks made the goal seem out of reach, but Dan and I were determined to push forward. We worked late nights, tackled problems one step at a time, and relied on the strength of our partnership to keep us focused on our vision.
Finally, we celebrated our first bottle run—a milestone that represented years of resilience, teamwork, and belief in what we were building. For us, resilience isn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about staying true to your vision, making the hard choices, and building something you can be proud of every step of the way.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Dan and I met in a twist of fate during a family summer vacation when our kids were little. My family and I, along with other families from our town, were glamping at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in upstate New York. It was a great escape, filled with outdoor fun and community spirit.
One evening, someone in a camping group forum posted asking if there were other families at the park from our town. Sure enough, it was Dan’s family! We reached out, and our kids got to meet and hang out for the first time on that trip.
From that moment, our families became fast friends, and Dan and I discovered a shared mindset that would later define the values of Heritage Road Spirits. We both appreciated the importance of slowing down, enjoying life’s simple moments, and creating meaningful connections with family and friends. Over the years, that connection grew stronger, and we realized we wanted to build something that reflected those values—a brand that celebrated tradition, hard work, and the adventure of life.
It’s amazing how a chance encounter can lead to a lifelong partnership and an incredible journey like this. Heritage Road Spirits is not just a business for us; it’s a way to share the mindset that brought us together in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heritageroadspirits.com
- Instagram: @heritageroadspirits
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRoadSpirits
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeritageRoadSpirits
Image Credits
Not Applicable