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Lean Whiskey Episode #9

by Jamie Flinchbaugh on 11-07-19

In Episode 9 of Lean Whiskey, Mark Graban and Jamie Flinchbaugh link up on Halloween night to share a drink and ideas about lean. We discuss air travel, which we both experience in volume, and taste affordable whiskeys under $35.  We both agree handing out whiskey for Halloween would be a bad idea.

In the news, we discuss an article exploring the rise and fall of Six Sigma, and its relationship to GE. This is a topic that could keep us going for a few episodes, but we focus on how too much focus on the superficial can be an equal detriment to lean and Six Sigma. We also explore the difference between a set of tools and a management system.

Our reader question is quite interesting, exploring the challenge of integrating lean into your “day job” instead of treating it like a side job. And we close out with a little more under “get to know us” as we discuss our first jobs.

  • Jamie’s selection, Legent. Expertly distilled by 7th Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe and then refined by world-renowned Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo (of Suntory). Suntory bought Jim Beam. Using Jim Beam bourbon, some is aged in sherry or red wine casks, and then blended with Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Jamie purchased it for $34.95.
  • Mark’s selection, coming in at a respectable $21, is Larceny Wheated Bourbon. This 92 proof product from Heaven Hill Distillery has a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. This is considered an ingredient in the “Poorer Man’s Pappy” from the book Hacking Whiskey, with 67% Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and 33% Larceny. For more on wheated bourbon, check out this article.
  • Jamie’s preferred airline program on Delta.
  • Mark’s required airline program, American Airlines, since he lives in Dallas.
  • The article we discuss, What happened to Six Sigma?, from Quartz.
  • ASQ’s stated connection between Six Sigma and cost savings.
  • Podcast feed at LeanWhiskey.com or at leanblog.org/leanwhiskey or at jflinch.com/leanwhiskey 
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