Distillery Spotlight: Cardinal Spirits

There are so many distilleries across the country, and it’s hard to rank them above each other. However, Cardinal Spirits truly stands out for its commitment to quality and local sourcing of ingredients. Let’s take a look at what makes Cardinal Spirits so special – and why you should try their spirits and visit their distillery!

A Run-Down of Cardinal Spirits

Cardinal Spirits, a craft distillery located in Bloomington, Indiana, was established on January 31, 2015. The distillery is known for its commitment to quality and local sourcing, using real botanicals, fruits, and spices for their spirits and avoiding artificial flavorings. They produce a range of spirits, including whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs, which are distributed in 12 states and Washington, D.C.

Why Choose Cardinal Spirits?

This distillery stands out for its focus on crafting high-quality spirits with locally sourced ingredients.

Cardinal Spirits Distillation Process

As for the distillation process, Cardinal Spirits emphasizes the importance of using natural ingredients and locally sourced components. The bourbon, for example, is fermented, mashed, distilled, and bottled on-site, ensuring that each step is closely monitored for quality.

Where Can You Get Cardinal Spirits’ Products?

Regarding availability, Cardinal Spirits can be found in various locations across multiple states. Their website offers information on how to find their spirits, but you can also purchase some of them online in their store. They only deliver to a few states, though, so you may be unable to purchase directly through them.

Cardinal Spirits will ship to the following states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI.

Products Offered at Cardinal Spirits

There are many different products and spirits available through Cardinal Spirits, so we’ll only highlight a few of them; however, you can certainly visit their website to find out more information about any spirit or canned cocktail you’d like to try.

Straight Rye Whiskey

Cardinal Spirits’ Straight Rye Whiskey is a distinguished spirit aged over three years and crafted from a mashbill of 95% rye and 5% barley malt. Distilled from regional grain and sourced from the historic MGP distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, it embodies a rich Heartland character. 

At 90 proof, the whiskey unfolds a complex flavor profile, marked by notes of caramel and vanilla that impart a smooth sweetness. This is complemented by a refreshing hint of mint and a bold, lingering spice that defines its finish. The interplay of these flavors results in a layered and robust tasting experience, showcasing the distillery’s commitment to quality and regional authenticity.

Barrel Proof Single Barrel Bourbon – 5yr

Cardinal Spirits’ Barrel Proof Single Barrel Bourbon – 5yr, a cask-strength whiskey aged over five years, showcases a rich Heartland character, reflecting its Indiana origins. With mashbills of 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malt, and an alternative of 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malt, it offers a diverse flavor profile. 

Tasters have noted a complex array of aromas and tastes, including rich red apples, almonds, nuts, white chocolate, toffee, peanut brittle, and citrusy notes of orange blossom honey, crisp green apples, and lemon. 

The palate is enriched with spicy undertones of candied ginger, cinnamon, oak spice, and burnt honey, culminating in a bold, spice-laden finish. This variety of flavors presents a well-rounded and layered bourbon experience, characterized by its sweet, nutty, fruity, and spicy elements, making it a distinctive and enjoyable whiskey.

Other Spirits & Liqueurs

Bramble Black Raspberry Vodka: At $27.99, this vodka infuses the bold flavors of black raspberry, demonstrating Cardinal Spirits’ flair for flavored spirits that appeal to a modern palate.

Songbird Coffee Liqueur: At $27.99, this liqueur combines the robust flavors of coffee with the smoothness of a liqueur, ideal for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy a spirited twist.

Terra Botanical Gin: At $39.99, this gin is a testament to Cardinal Spirits’ skill in botanical infusion, delivering a gin that’s both aromatic and flavorful.

Valencia Triple Sec: Priced at $34.99, this is an essential cocktail ingredient, demonstrating Cardinal Spirits’ ability to craft versatile spirits that enhance any drink.

Canned Cocktails

Cardinal Spirits also offers a variety of canned, pre-made cocktails like their Bourbon Cream Soda, Songbird Spiked Cold Brew, Vodka Cocktail Variety Pack, and much more. If you’re looking for easy-to-enjoy beverages, these canned cocktails are certainly the way to go!

Check out their full line-up of canned cocktails at Cardinal Spirits!

Who’s on the Distillery Crew?

Cardinal Spirits, a renowned craft distillery in Bloomington, Indiana, owes its success to a dynamic team of professionals, each playing a vital role in the distillery’s operations and growth.

Adam Quirk, co-founder

Jeff Wuslich, co-founder

Rick Dietz, co-founder

Justin Hughey, the head distiller, is central to the production process. His expertise in crafting distinct spirits, from ingredient selection to refining techniques, guarantees the high quality of Cardinal Spirits’ products.

Maria Konermann, bar manager

Jason Hackett, production manager

Renne Payne, front of house manager

Chasity Butler, events manager

Together, these individuals form a cohesive team, driving Cardinal Spirits’ commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement. Their collective efforts really do make the distillery a standout in the craft spirits landscape.

Events, Classes, and Operating Hours

Cardinal Spirits also offers a variety of experiences at their distillery. They have a tasting room, cocktail bar, and restaurant. The distillery tours and the distillery’s beautiful patio overlooking the B-Line walking and biking path is definitely a highlight for visitors. 

They also offer cocktails and food from scratch, with operation hours as follows: 

Sunday – Tuesday: closed

Wednesday: 4-10pm

Thursday: 4-10pm 

Friday: 4-10pm

Saturday: 12-10pm

Cardinal Spirits: A Commitment to Locally-Sourced Quality

As you can see, Cardinal Spirits is a distillery that is committed to quality and locally-sourcing the ingredients it uses in its drinks and spirits. This is a welcome sight in any industry, but certainly for the distilling industry and the sustainability of it.

So, stop into Cardinal Spirits today or order online to experience their delicious spirits for yourself!