Middle West Spirits
History of Middle West Spirits
Founder and Legacy
Founding in 2008: Middle West Spirits, a distinguished distillery located in Columbus, Ohio, traces its origins to the year 2008 when it was founded.
Four Generations of Distilling Tradition: Co-founded by Ryan Lang and Brady Konya, the distillery is built upon four generations of distilling traditions.
Rich Family History: Ryan Lang, a fourth-generation distiller, brings a deep family history in distilling to the enterprise. His grandmother’s involvement as a rum runner during the Prohibition era adds a unique layer of heritage to the distillery’s story.
Early Beginnings
Short North Arts District: The distillery had its humble beginnings in the Short North arts district of Columbus, Ohio. It started in a converted transmission repair shop.
Innovative Whiskey Production
Ohio Ingredients: Middle West Spirits is particularly renowned for its innovative approach to whiskey production, with a strong emphasis on using local Ohio ingredients.
Signature Product: The Michelone Reserve Wheated Bourbon, named after Ryan Lang’s bootlegging grandfather, stands out among their products.
Craftsmanship: It is meticulously crafted using Ohio yellow sweet corn, soft red winter wheat, dark pumpernickel rye, two-row barley, and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of five years before undergoing secondary aging in French tawny port casks.
Significant Growth and Expansion:
2010 Commercial Operations: The distillery commenced its commercial operations in 2010.
Expanding Production Capacity: Middle West Spirits completed a substantial expansion project that increased its production capacity by tenfold. This expansion has positioned it as one of the largest independent distilleries in North America.
State-of-the-Art Facility: The new facility on Alum Creek Drive in Columbus boasts advanced milling equipment, large fermentation tanks, a massive distillation tower, and more.
Ohio’s Largest Distillery: This expansion not only makes Middle West Spirits the largest distillery in Ohio but also solidifies its reputation as a top grain-to-glass whiskey and spirits producer in the United States.
Awards Won by Middle West Spirits
ASCOT Awards: Middle West Spirits has received multiple accolades from the ASCOT Awards, which are renowned in the industry for recognizing excellence in spirits.
PR%F Awards: At the PR%F Awards, Middle West Spirits’ Sherry-Finished Bourbon was distinguished with the Century Award in both the Masked and Unmasked Categories. Additionally, their Michelone Reserve Bourbon was awarded Gold in the Masked category and Double Gold in the Unmasked category.
Beverage Tasting Institute: This institute has also honored Middle West Spirits, further cementing their reputation for high-quality spirits.
Heartland Whiskey Competition: This competition is known for showcasing some of the finest whiskeys, and Middle West Spirits has been a recipient of top honors here as well.
In total, Middle West Spirits has earned more than 200 awards, reflecting their dedication to crafting high-quality spirits using unique Ohio grains and their mastery of the entire production process, from grain selection to bottling.
Middle West Spirits Tour Information and Experience
Rich Distilling Heritage
Middle West Spirits, located in Columbus, Ohio’s Short North arts district, boasts a four-generation history in distilling. Founder Ryan Lang’s family background adds a personal touch to the distillery’s story.
Unique Distillery Setup
The distillery began in a converted transmission repair shop and has since expanded to include a five-story addition. This growth showcases Middle West Spirits’ innovation and success in the industry.
Comprehensive Tours
Visitors praise the tour experience, which provides in-depth insights into the distilling process, from grain to bottle. Knowledgeable staff guide you through the intricacies of distillation.
Tasting Variety: During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a range of spirits, including the acclaimed OYO Whiskey and OYO Oloroso Wheat Whiskey.
Educational Journey: The tour at Middle West Spirits goes beyond just tasting spirits; it’s an educational journey into the art of distilling. You’ll learn about the sourcing of Ohio red wheat and the finer details of the distillation process.
Service Bar and Dining: The distillery’s facility also houses a Service Bar, where you can enjoy dishes paired with signature cocktails, enhancing your overall experience.
Flask & Barrel Review of Middle West Spirits
As someone who’s visited several distilleries and grown a decent whiskey collection, I know about good spirits. So, let me tell you about my experience with Middle West Spirits – a place that’s earned a solid 4.7 out of 5 in my book.
First off, the ambiance of Middle West Spirits is spot on. It’s got this cool, laid-back vibe that’s a breath of fresh air. You walk in and feel the passion these folks have for their craft. It’s not just about the whiskey; it’s about the story behind it. And let me tell you, their story, with roots going back four generations, is as rich as the whiskey they distil.
Now, onto the main event – the whiskey. I’ve got to say, their range is impressive. Each whiskey has its character, a unique profile that stands out. The Michelone Reserve Wheated Bourbon, for instance, is a real gem. It’s smooth, with a complexity that unfolds on your palate. You can tell there’s a lot of thought and care put into each bottle.
The tour itself was top-notch. I’ve been on many, but the way Middle West Spirits does it is special. It’s educational and engaging, and you get to see their love for every step of the process. From milling the grain to that final pour, it’s an art form for them, and it shows.
The staff? Brilliant. Knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They’re not just there to do a job; they’re part of the story, part of what makes Middle West Spirits what it is.
And let’s not forget the distillery’s commitment to using local ingredients. It’s not just about making great whiskey; it’s about supporting the community, about being a part of something bigger. That resonates with me, and it’s a big reason they score so high in my book.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say maybe the pricing is a bit on the higher side, but honestly, it’s more than justified for the quality you’re getting.
In summary, Middle West Spirits isn’t just a distillery; it’s an experience. It’s about passion, quality, and a deep respect for the art of whiskey making. Whether you’re a collector, a connoisseur, or just someone who enjoys a good drink, this place is worth the visit. Cheers to Middle West Spirits for keeping the spirit of traditional distilling alive and kicking!
What To Do Nearby Middle West Spirits
Columbus Distillery Trail: Middle West Spirits is a proud part of the Columbus Distillery Trail, a curated experience showcasing the city’s finest spirits makers. This trail offers a unique opportunity to explore various distilleries, each offering tours and tastings, some with full bar service. It’s an excellent way for spirit enthusiasts to explore the local scene.
Dining Options: Several restaurants within a 0.1-mile radius of Middle West Spirits offer a diverse range of cuisines. Options include Happy Little Treats for treats and desserts, D.P.
Dough for calzones, Midnight Lounge Mediterranean Cuisine for Middle Eastern dishes, Skully Music-Diner, Michael’s Goody Boy for American diner classics, Zaftig Brew Pub, and The 1126 Restaurant, offering Japanese, Sushi, Fusion, and Asian cuisine. Just a bit further away, at 0.4 miles, is Fox in the Snow Cafe, known for its American-style coffee and sandwiches.
Service Bar: Attached to Middle West Spirits is the Service Bar, which enhances the distillery experience. This establishment offers an impressive range of cocktails and a diverse food menu, including unique dishes like roasted potato gnocchi and the Cheesy Brisket Crunch. The Service Bar is an excellent spot to enjoy a meal and drinks after a distillery tour.
Exploring Columbus: Columbus offers many activities and sights beyond these immediate attractions. You can visit Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the National Veterans Memorial Museum, or COSI for different experiences.
The city also has numerous parks, gardens, trails, and a vibrant nightlife with bars, nightclubs, and live music venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Middle West Spirits?
First Watch: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them on their phone at +16147540019. Their address is 1567 N High St, Columbus, OH.
Waffle House: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them on their phone at +16142978879. Their address is 1712 N High St, Columbus, OH.
Condado Tacos: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them on their phone at +16149283909. Their address is 1227 N High St, Columbus, OH.
What hotels are near Middle West Spirits?
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Downtown: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them on their phone at +16145592000. Their address is 501 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215.
Hyatt House Columbus Osu / Short – North: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them on their phone at +16142801234. Their address is 795 Yard St, Columbus, OH 43212.
Hilton Columbus Downtown: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them on their phone at +16143848600. Their address is 402 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States.