069 | Felice Capasso | Bringing Clarity to Spirits Consumers | Sesto Senso Academy
S2:E69

069 | Felice Capasso | Bringing Clarity to Spirits Consumers | Sesto Senso Academy

Summary

In episode 69 of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, Chris continues his conversation with Felice Capasso, diving deep into consumer misconceptions in the alcohol industry and how brand advocacy should be approached. They examine consumers' misunderstandings about production processes, using the example of whisky from Scotland. They also discuss the importance of educating consumers and professionals, the difference between creating a trend and establishing a category, and how to stand out in a crowded market. Real-life analogies, like Italian food specialties, help illustrate the nuances of education and branding. Additionally, the episode touches on the importance of retention in the hospitality industry's workforce and how brands can use logical, fact-based approaches to educate and engage effectively. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:29 Consumer Misunderstandings in the Spirits Industry 03:59 The Importance of Open-Mindedness and Education 06:39 Creating and Defining Categories in the Spirits Industry 9:53 Pragmatic vs. Fluffy Storytelling 19:37 Building Category VS Cannibilizing Category 30:49 The Role of Education and Retention in the Industry 40:30 Closing Remarks and Contact Information About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Felice Capasso
Happy 2026. This Episode is hosted by Chris Maffeo and brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS. A Deep-Dive Analysis of This Episode is Available at maffeodrinks.com

Celebrate with us our 3rd anniversary with a special 30% off forever at
maffeodrinks.com/anniversary  

In episode 69 of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, Chris continues his conversation with Felice Capasso, diving deep into consumer misconceptions in the alcohol industry and how brand advocacy should be approached.

They examine consumers' misunderstandings about production processes, using the example of whisky from Scotland.

They also discuss the importance of educating consumers and professionals, the difference between creating a trend and establishing a category, and how to stand out in a crowded market.

Real-life analogies, like Italian food specialties, help illustrate the nuances of education and branding.

Additionally, the episode touches on the importance of retention in the hospitality industry's workforce and how brands can use logical, fact-based approaches to educate and engage effectively. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:29 Consumer Misunderstandings in the Spirits Industry 03:59 The Importance of Open-Mindedness and Education 06:39 Creating and Defining Categories in the Spirits Industry 9:53 Pragmatic vs. Fluffy Storytelling 19:37 Building Category VS Cannibilizing Category 30:49 The Role of Education and Retention in the Industry 40:30 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

About The Host: Chris Maffeo

About The Guest: Felice Capasso


This episode is brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS, an Advisory helping drinks leaders execute bottom-up growth while managing stakeholder expectations.

Celebrate with us our 3rd anniversary with a special 30% off forever at
maffeodrinks.com/anniversary  

Creators and Guests

Chris Maffeo
Host
Chris Maffeo
Building Bottom-Up Strategies WITH Drinks Leaders Managing Top-Down Expectations | MAFFEO DRINKS Founder & Podcast Host
Felice Capasso
Guest
Felice Capasso
Global Winner Diageo World Class 2025 | WSET Level 3 Spirits Educator