Perfecting the sweetest science since 1992

History Photo “Someone comes to us with an idea, a dream. We have a responsibility to that dream, to put the energy and expertise into developing an exceptional beverage that will be the foundation of future success in this industry.”

The Flavorman Himself

Flavorman and Distilled Spirits Epicenter founder David Dafoe is one of the country’s foremost authorities on flavor. Recognizing the need for technical innovation in the beverage industry, Dave created a company that specializes in the technical side of beverage development. His insistence on setting the highest standards for research, quality, and client support has made Flavorman a trend-setting force. Flavorman’s unique, collaborative approach to client relationships sets it apart in a competitive industry.

Our Story
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Our Story

“Making a beverage is hard. We know; we do it every day.”

Ask Dave Dafoe about the strangest drink he’s ever made, and the answer will fall somewhere between sushi moonshine and green bean casserole soda. “We can get dead-on with these things, and we like the challenge. But they tasted horrible.” It is true. Most people do not like to drink their favorite meal. These novelty flavor requests come mostly from hosts of national television shows like Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods” and Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners”, and Flavorman is always up to the challenge.

A graduate of Miami University in Ohio, Dave launched his career in Louisville, Kentucky at Brown-Forman Corporation, developing some of the global spirits giant’s biggest brands. In the early 1990s he struck out on his own, starting a modest beverage development consulting company with the unique mission of helping clients from start through finish®. Dave’s first customer? Chiquita Brands.

As word spread about Flavorman’s innovative approach and collaborative methods, companies like Ocean Spray, Sunsweet Growers, and Kellogg started calling. Dave worked hard to assemble a specialized team of experts in beverage product development to keep up with orders and expand Flavorman’s services.

“We don’t see it as working for our clients; we work with them to develop their product and get it through production.”

Though developing drinks behind major brands for global companies is a gateway to notoriety, client confidentiality is integral to Flavorman’s excellent reputation in the industry. Flavorman makes custom beverages for clients. Many of those clients prefer not to disclose who does their beverage development work, and that is a decision Dave wholly respects and supports. “So even though I can’t tell you most of the drinks we’ve developed, I can guarantee you’ve enjoyed something we’ve made.”

Beverage entrepreneurs have always been the cornerstone of Flavorman’s success. No one understands the passion, vision, and risk involved in starting a company better than Dave, and he takes great pride in structuring Flavorman’s services to walk clients through the technical ins and outs of developing and manufacturing the product that will be the foundation of their business.

“We have established our business model so that our success is entirely tied up in our clients’ success.”

With a passion for making great beverages, the Flavorman team brings the best of both science and art to every project. Their total teamwork and collaborative approach has been key in differentiating Flavorman as a pioneer in beverage innovation, speed-to-market, and exemplary service.

Some of the world’s leading food and beverage companies, along with hundreds of entrepreneurs, have turned to Flavorman for beverage development. What began as a one-man consulting firm in the early 1990s has grown into an international full-service beverage development company providing both large and small clients with all the expertise they need to bring a beverage to market – from concept development to manufacturing planning and quality control.

The Beverage Campus

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Leadership + Team : Your Team

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David Dafoe

Owner + CEO

Scott

Chief Operating Officer

Jon

Chief Business Officer

Kristen

Chief Technical Officer

Peter

Chief Strategy Officer

Holly

Chief Financial Officer

Brad

Director, Business Development

Tom

Director, Flavor Architect

Matt

Director, Relationship Architect

Colin

Director of Spirits Education

Katie

Director, Research & Development

Chris

Director, Production

Cory

Key Projects Manager

Kadeja

Lab Manager

Matt

Internal Quality Manager

Walter

Flavor Development - Flavor Quality

Scott

Inventory Specialist

Chris

Production Supervisor

Chris

Production Specialist

Evel

Shipping & Receiving Coordinator

Michael

Regulatory Manager

Dorian

Flavor Compounder

Steven

Special Projects Manager

Jordan

Marketing Manager

Daniel

Videographer

Kevin

Corporate Development

Clay

Distillery Operations Manager

Lindsey

Registrar

Anthony

Blending Specialist

Lauren

Business Development Specialist

Spencer

Business Development Specialist

Stephen

Associate Beverage Architect - Key Projects

Tyler

Beverage Architect

Gary

Quality Technician

Stacey

Associate Relationship Architect

Evan

Associate Relationship Architect

Cindy

Manager, Business Services

Jicorey

Purchasing Manager

Shelley

Executive Assistant

Cristene

Associate Beverage Architect - Key Projects

Jason

Class Coordinator

Stephanie

Salesforce Architect

Mark

Manager of Analytical Services

Monica

Beverage Architect

Patrick

External Quality Technician

Tolman

Associate Beverage Architect - Special Projects

Chase

Blending Technician

Michael

Blending Specialist

Adam

Associate Beverage Architect

James

Human Resources

Rowan

Graphic Designer

Zach

Blending Specialist

Cole

Blending Technician

Roxanne

Administrative Assistant

Matt

Production Support Specialist

Hanna

Shelf Life Coordinator

Jose

Facilities Conservator

Cindy

Full Charge Bookkeeper

Jimmy

Internal Quality Technician

Camden

Senior Distillery Dog