First Cut Barrel Co. started as an idea kicked around over pours of whiskey among friends and family.
As we talked about the world and our lives, while we sipped on fine Kentucky straight bourbon, we realized the importance of commemorating all of the good times and important milestones that we have reached. What better way to mark an occasion than with a private barrel of whiskey? Unfortunately, it is incredibly difficult and expensive for a regular person, even a whiskey connoisseur, to invest in a single barrel of whiskey. We decided to change that and take it to the next level.
First Cut Barrel Co. offers our clients the opportunity to design and customize a barrel of whiskey to their specifications; from grains, to staves, to bottles and labels. We also invite our clients to visit us and taste their very own barrels of whiskey as they age and mature for as long as they like. Once you visit our elegant tasting room, with a fully stocked cocktail bar, extensive whiskey selection and comfortable lounge seating, we promise that you wont want to leave!
LIKE MOST GREAT ADVENTURES,
It all began with a drink.
——
Meet the team
-
![Daniel Mann]()
Daniel Mann
Founder & CEO
Dan is responsible for the overall strategic direction of FCBC. With on-site responsibilities, Dan oversees the corporate finance, business operations, procurement, and corporate strategy. Prior to founding FCBC, Dan was the founder of Rockwest Real Estate, a privately held real estate investment and management company with a portfolio of over 300,000 square feet. Dan has a BS in Hotel Administration with a minor in Real Estate from Cornell University.
-
![Josh Mann]()
Josh Mann
Founder & COO
Josh is responsible for the vision, marketing, and client engagement components of FCBC. Prior to founding FCBC, Josh was the founder of Balagan Spirits, a boutique liquor marketing company focused on procuring custom private barrels of whiskey for social groups. Josh served as a judge at the 2023 and 2024 World Whiskies Awards and has appeared in Whiskey Advocate. He has a BS in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University, an MPH in Healthcare Policy & Management from New York Medical College, and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Cornell University.
-
![Adriana Livanos]()
Adriana Livanos
Advisor
Adriana is a seasoned beverage industry businesswoman with 14 years of experience in marketing and sales management for some of the most respected companies in the industry including Infinium, Partida Tequila, Miguel Torres USA, and Aveniu Brands. Most recently, she has led the regional marketing initiatives for Skrewball Whiskey (fastest growing whiskey from 0 to 500,000 cases in four years), Corralejo Tequila (top 6 premium tequila brand in the US), Templeton Whiskey (top 10 super-premium American whiskey) and Torres Brandy (NI top trending and selling brandy at the world’s 50 best bars)
-
![John Livanos]()
John Livanos
Advisor
John is a level 2 sommelier and has opened numerous restaurants in his career grossing over $35M in revenue. Previously, he has managed a $5M+ beverage program for Think Food Group and a $3M+ beverage program for Union Square Hospitality. Additionally, John has worked for major wine and liqueur importers and distributors and understands all aspects of major alcohol distribution. John has a BS in Hotel Administration from Cornell University and a master’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America.
