Toast, Roast & Lore: Erik “EZ” Brine on Founding Winglore Spirits and Raising on Netcapital

In this episode, Chicke Fitzgerald sits down with Erik “EZ” Brine, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer (Chief Toast Officer) of Winglore Spirits, for a candid conversation about the formation of a whiskey brand built by pilots, for the aviation community — and the journey to raise capital through Netcapital’s Regulation CF platform.

Winglore Spirits was founded by a group of military aviators united by a shared vision: to build a brand that celebrates squadron culture and connects it to the broader public through fine spirits and the thrill of fast jets. Anchored by the brand pillars of Toast, Roast & Lore, Winglore is pioneering an interactive, story-driven approach to whiskey — inviting aviators, veterans, families, and enthusiasts to share the stories that make every pour worth raising a glass to.

Erik brings 26 years of Air Force experience as an airlift pilot, plus a decade in the Pentagon, Senate, and White House, a decade leading a non-profit, and years in the private sector and academia. In this interview, he shares:

• The origin story behind Winglore Spirits and how the founding team came together
• What it means to build a brand around Toast, Roast & Lore
• Why the aviation community needed a whiskey brand of its own
• The decision to raise capital via Reg CF on Netcapital
• Lessons learned along the journey from concept to capital
• How investors become part of the squadron — not just shareholders

Whether you’re an aviator, a whiskey enthusiast, a founder considering a Reg CF raise, or simply someone who appreciates a great brand story, this conversation offers a rare look inside the building of a category-defining spirits company.

Learn more about Winglore Spirits: https://winglorespirits.com/ Invest or learn more about the raise: https://netcapital.com/companies/winglorespirits

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