MICHAEL MORENO
President , Moreno ' s Liquors
First industry job : Family ’ s liquor store ( Moreno ’ s ) Favorite drink : Mezcal
Mike Moreno is president of Moreno ’ s Liquors in Chicago , his family ’ s business and the top tequila and mezcal retailer in the country . “ I was practically nurtured within the industry , immersed in its essence from the get-go ,” he recalls . “ Baptized under tequila , if you will . . . as if it were a rite of passage .”
“ My father , a guiding force , instilled in me the nuances of the alcohol industry , mentoring my ascent from a humble stock boy to my present role ,” he adds . “ His influence ignited a passion within me , nurturing and refining palate that helped me curate only the finest offerings for our shelves . The interplay of learning and my innate inclination led me down this path , revealing an inherent knack for sales .”
Now that Moreno is in a top leadership role himself , he hopes to have a similar impact as his father .
“ I aim to inspire by fostering a culture of appreciation and education ,” he explains . “ Striving to elevate not only the products on my shelves but also the experiences surrounding them . Sharing the stories behind each spirit , showcasing the craftsmanship , and emphasizing responsible consumption is crucial .”
“ Additionally , I hope to encourage innovation and inclusivity , welcoming diverse perspectives and pushing boundaries to shape a more dynamic and evolving industry ,” he adds . “ Leading by example in ethical practices and educating on sustainability is also a priority , aiming to create a positive impact on both the industry and the wider community that has helped build me .”
SARA AHLGRIM
Co-Founder & Host , It ' s Bourbon Night and Whiskey Ambitions
First industry job : Bluegrass Hospitality Group marketing assistant Favorite drink : Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini
During her first job at Bluegrass Hospitality , Sara Ahlgrim couldn ’ t even name 20 bourbons if she tried . This led her to let out and learn as much as she could about the spirit .
Now , Ahlgrim is a member of the Bourbon Women Association , the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society . “ I ’ m most proud of being awarded the Bourbon Women Spirits Influencer of the Year ,” she shares . “ I don ’ t think of myself as much of an ‘ influencer ,’ more of an enthusiast , but to know that the sharing of my experiences in the bourbon world helps others navigate their own bourbon journey really means a lot to me .”
When talking to others who are thinking of starting any type of business or platform , Ahlgrim says she always reminds them that she started with nothing seven years ago .
“ Both the beverage industry and the world of online personalities are becoming a bit crowded , but if I meet someone that has a good idea , I ' ll always encourage them to hone in on what makes their perspective unique and special and run with that ,” Ahlgrim says .
MIKAEL TAIPALE
Co-Founder , The Finnish Long Drink
First full-time job : Bain & Company management consultant Favorite drink : The Finnish Long Drink
Long drinks have “ long ” been part of Finland history and culture : The Finnish Long Drink , with gin and grapefruit soda , dates back to the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helinski . When Mikael Taipale went to America as an exchange student , “ I realized there was an opportunity to bring the beverage over to the U . S .”
Taipale , who started The Finnish
Long Drink Co . in 2018 with Ere Partanen , Sakari Manninen and Evan Burns , notes that breaking into the U . S . market was a challenge — especially with no relationships or history with distributors . This forced them to focus on the quality of the product and the history of the category , and sharing it with consumers firsthand via tasting events .
“ I try not to set goals too far out , and alternatively , I stay present and focus on what I ’ m doing right at the moment ,” Taipale says . “ Whether it ' s conducting a tasting at a liquor store or a pop-up , it ' s better to focus on that , rather than a 10-year goal and plan .”
Beverage alcohol is a fun industry in which you ’ re essentially selling an experience and a good time , he notes . “ There are a ton of opportunities for disruption and breaking the norm if you come up with a good and original idea .”
14 2023 BEVERAGE INFORMATION GROUP 40 UNDER 40