Exploring Life & Business with Leslie McBride of Whiskey is My Yoga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie McBride. 

Hi Leslie, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Whiskey is My Yoga started with my love of whiskey. I fell in love with my first sip of scotch. I enjoyed experiencing the flavor so much that I tried to discover as many new whiskies as possible: it became a passion. I spent my spare time exploring whiskey attractions around the world. I adored everything about the whiskey industry, and I wanted everyone else to love it, too! 

My favorite hobby is convincing people that they like whiskey even if they do not know it. The first thought that pops into most people’s minds is shots or a drunk college experience. I used to make strangers a bet; if they liked the pour of whiskey I picked, I bought the pour; if not, they bought the pour. I ask a few questions and select a whiskey for them. It is rewarding to see the surprise and happiness as they discover joy in a new flavor experience. When I bet my friend’s mother-in-law, she insisted that I should write a blog about whiskey. The blog turned into my consulting company. That offers a variety of whiskey education and promotion services. 

I love everything about the whiskey industry, from the history to every sip of whiskey. I want to highlight the best parts, support local brands, and give back to the brands that believe in me. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
COVID has been a considerable struggle. Most of my services bring people together while safety concerns pushed people apart. The service industry suffered more than most during shutdowns and restrictions. Bars and restaurants are still fighting to recover from the constraints and hardships caused by the pandemic. Thankfully, I am an active-duty Army officer and could afford to stop charging for my services. I stopped hosting events and stopped charging for promotion services. I wanted to help keep my favorite places open rather than be part of the problem. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I discover and promote exceptional whiskey experiences. I go to businesses across the country to find experiences above the norm. My favorite spots have a true passion for their craft and customers. Their passion makes me want to share their story with others. I want others to enjoy the same experience. 

Whiskey is My Yoga is different from most businesses because I have the privilege of selecting my clients. I usually find distilleries, bars, restaurants, or whiskies that offer exceptional experiences. I love promoting businesses that are passionate about their craft and their customers. If a client reaches out to me online or by word of mouth, I always conduct a blind visit to ensure their vision aligns with my standards. 

After my visit, I will inform the client and offer recommendations for improvement. I never post negative reviews. I never want to hurt a business’s reputation because of a lousy night. If something is not up to a standard that I would recommend for my audience, I will not work for or with them. 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
How do you define success? Drinking whiskey can be an extraordinary experience! The name Whiskey is My Yoga came from the feeling of relaxation after a long day. When I take in a deep breath of whiskey after a long day, it relaxes me, and I exhale the stress and anxiety of a productive day. Anytime I can make someone else feel this way, I feel entirely fulfilled. 

One of my favorite stories is when I was at Michter’s bar in Louisville, KY, I was sitting at a bar with an older gentleman and his wife. He told me that he would come home every day and have a pour of whiskey to decompress. When I asked, “what kind of whiskey?” He replied, “whatever he grabbed off of the bottom shelf.” I told him, if he sipped it every day, it should be something he enjoyed. We talked about his flavor preferences and I bought him a pour of Shanks. He enjoyed it so much he went downstairs and bought five bottles. Later, his wife wrote to tell me he enjoyed the whiskey and he could not stop talking about the young lady that bought him a drink. Knowing that little pour could make his day better every day, makes me feel like a success. My work affords me the opportunity to help people and families build memories like this one every day. 

Cheers! I am off to do Yoga! 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.whiskeyismyyoga.com
• Instagram: @whiskeyismyoga
• Facebook: @whiskeyismyyoga
• Twitter: @whiskeyismyoga

Image Credits
Royal Delux