Welcome
My name is Anna Mantheakis. As a consultant to the fermented and distilled beverage industries, I specialize in product development, spirits blending, and process improvement. I work with established brands and start-ups alike. I am located in beautiful Portland, Oregon.
About Me
I am a distiller, a winemaker, and a scientist with more than ten years of experience producing great wines and spirits. I have worked with inspiring producers in locales across the globe, including New Zealand, Australia, France, Argentina, and India. I am passionate about taking new products from concept, to small scale prototyping, all the way to full scale production. I love to innovate, and I work with a sharp eye toward quality.
As someone with auditory/olfactory synesthesia, I have a unique approach to tasting and blending. I use headphones to play sounds while I taste, carefully manipulating the flavors and textures I experience. This complements my understanding of spirits, and it drives my creative decisions in product development. I have presented on Synesthesia at the Canada Whisky Symposium, and my synesthesia story has been featured in publications including VinePair.
Credentials and Experience
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Master's of Science in Viticulture & Enology (Winemaking), UC Davis
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Thesis on the microbiology of fermentation
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Diploma in Distilling, Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers
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Assembled and managed wine and spirits quality programs
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Specialized in whiskey quality and recipe development while Lead Distiller In Technical Development with Westward Whiskey
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Teamed up with Christian Krogstad to develop the award winning Four Corners Gin, made from botanicals that grow naturally in North America
- Presenter at the American Distilling Institute Conference, the American Craft Spirits Association Convention, and the Canada Whisky Symposium
For more information about my educational background and professional history, check out my LinkedIn page.
Photo by Summer Luu, @summer.luu
Services
Product Development
Got a great idea for a new product? I develop craft spirits from concept, to small scale trial run, to full scale production.
Process and Yield Improvement
Find out where you can improve yield, quality, and consistency. I bring a fresh pair of eyes and a scientific approach to identifying opportunities for improvement.
Blending & Sensory
Need a nose? I offer blending services as well as formal sensory assessment of spirits. I also run and interpret sensory tests for groups, supporting teams with objective data.
Education & Public Speaking
Provide your team with a fascinating deep dive into the science behind spirits. Make your next podcast episode about synesthesia. Show your students where a chemistry degree can take them. I love sharing what I know, and I am available for speaking engagements.