Senior level expertise - Fractional Flexibility - proven results

what we do

Cost effective expertise - proven experience

Formulation & product development

 Spirits, RTDs, non-alc, and functional beverages; food science, stability, and sensory testing; packaging and co-packing access

Fractional management, operations, technical, financial, and compliance

Distillery optimization, equipment sourcing, project management, and federal/state regulatory navigation (TTB, COLA, audits).

Brand & growth strategy

 Brand identity, packaging, and trade marketing; fractional leadership (COO, Head Distiller, Production Manager); distribution and scaling strategy

B2B & industry networking

 Strategic supplier–distillery connections, trade partnerships, and advisory roles supporting innovation and industry growth

who we are

Brian Christensen

  • Publisher of Artisan Spirit Magazine, The Journal of Distilling Science, Still Talking Podcast, and co-founder of The Society of Spirit.

  • Brian brings deep expertise in branding, communication, and industry advocacy, supported by a broad network of distillers, suppliers, and professionals.

  • A seasoned spirits and innovation panel judge, he helps producers clarify their identity and strengthen market presence through strategic storytelling.

Strategy & Brand lead

Johnny D.E. Jeffery

operations and food science lead

  • Food chemist, distiller, and consultant with hands-on experience building, launching, and managing distilleries including Death’s Door, Santa Fe, and Bently Heritage.

  • Johnny integrates food science and operational expertise to optimize processes, interpret data, and enhance product quality.

  • His extensive industry network spans cooperages, engineering, packaging, and compliance—enabling holistic project teams that turn vision into execution.

Nicole M. Austin

Technical & innovation lead

  • Chemical engineer (Manhattan College, 2006) with experience spanning Kings County Distillery, Tullamore D.E.W., and George Dickel / Cascade Hollow.

  • A co-founder of trade organizations and advocate for spirits tax reform, Nicole has led award-winning whiskey programs—most notably the Bottled-in-Bond series at Dickel.

  • At Diageo she oversees luxury whiskey development and innovation, blending scientific precision with creative, forward-looking production leadership.

what we’ve done

Cut point Consulting

Solutions

We do all of the things…or we’ve done them at some point…

Chemical engineering, water treatment, funeral planning, marketing, networking, sound engineering, real-estate investment, publishing, glass and packaging, blending, sensory programming, perfuming, hydrosol distillation, essential oil production, value added producer grants for ag operations, agronomics, malting, grain production and storage, grant writing, networking, business planning, future forecasting, supply chain management, staff training, education, customer outreach, market assessment, facility design, finance and valuation, client advocacy, government outreach, regulatory change, international relations, product design, R&D…