Steven Grasse (born September 19, 1964) is an American advertising executive, author, distillery owner and the founder of Quaker City Mercantile.
Grasse was inspired by the work of English music promoter Malcolm McLaren, and decided to study marketing and advertising at Syracuse University.
[5] Grasse has said that his approach to advertising was inspired by the way bands promote themselves, which draw in a loyal following by building a sense of community around their brand.
Grasse cited Walter Benjamin's 1935 essay "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" with inspiring the idea behind the company.
[18] Inspired by his interest in transcendentalism and a desire to create a lasting legacy,[19] Grasse developed the concept of a "farm-to-table, grain-to-glass" distillery with Jamie Oakes and Matt Powers.
[25] Part-memoir, part business and marketing guide, Grasse details how he created such booze brands as Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, and many others.
[26] Grasse co-wrote Backcountry Cocktails: Civilized Drinks for Wild Places with journalist Adam Erace, published May 9, 2023 by Running Press.