Stanton Webster
Charles Stanton Webster III made his way to Knoxville and has found his passions there in everything he does. From his family and nature to cooking and spirits, passion is a word that can used to describe him well.
Stanton, as he prefers to be called, was born in Smith County, Tennessee near the city of Carthage. He found his way to Knoxville not for the spirits industry, but by way of science and the University of Tennessee.
While at UT, Stanton earned a degree in animal sciences, which was an interest from back home growing up on a rural beef cattle/tobacco farm. UT’s program in animal sciences was what may have brought him here, but Stanton found another passion while in college. He got a job as a bartender, which led to the kitchen. The lessons he found there while falling love with serving cocktails and dinners, eventually led him back to science.
The science of flavors, taste and experimenting with profiles that most might not dare to do. The science always involved in the Stanton’s search of the discovery of the new.
He got his start in distilling and the business of distilleries in 2014 when Knox Whiskey Works offered the opportunity be a part of something from the ground up. They began with the research and science of grains, which is, of course, where all good whiskey begins. And he really got into the science of fermentation and distilling, educating himself from many different sources.
He learned a lot while at KWW, but eventually desired to do some things a bit differently than what KWW wanted to. He and his friend and associate at KWW, Ron Grazioso, decided it was time to do their own thing.
That passion for discovery and pursuit of the new, love of the city of Knoxville and desire to be different has made Post Modern what it has become today. Stanton, and master distiller Ron (the “brains of the operation” according to Stanton) tried many different combinations. They wanted to create flavors and spirits that represented Knoxville and not source, but truly be an original, much like Knoxville itself.
They continue trying new things and the passion for science has brought them some amazing whiskies, gins and other spirits which make some very interesting cocktails. Cocktails with whimsical names such as Corpse Reviver no 2, the fritter, Edna Mode, Aviatrix and Unrequited Love has made Post Modern a must visit (and taste) of the downtown Knoxville scene.
As the business continues to grow, one thing is certain at Post Modern Spirits. Ron and Stanton will continue learning the science, continue the pursuit of flavors and be following their passions in the spirits industry. And as for consumers, we look forward to what’s next.
Contributed by: M. J. Jacobs, Knoxville, Tennessee
Post Modern+ Spirits Whiskey Line
Post Modern+ Spirits Straight Malt Whiskey, American Single Malt Single Barrel Whiskey, and hi(rye) Whiskey
Contributed by: M. J. Jacobs, Knoxville, Tennessee
Cited Sources
Interview with Stanton, Feb 3rd, 2023 conducted by Michael Jacobs
Post Modern Website, Postmodernspirits.com