Western Reserve Distillers Spotlight

This family-owned Organic Craft Distillery, acclaimed for its award-winning range, offers a unique glimpse into the art of distilling with a sustainable twist. At Western Reserve Distillers, each bottle tells a story of meticulous attention to detail, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and a passion for quality that is difficult to match.

When Was the Distillery Opened?

Western Reserve Distillers is an organic craft distillery that is located in Lakewood, Ohio, near downtown Cleveland. Established in 2014, it’s Ohio’s first and only USDA-certified organic craft distillery, showcasing the family’s dedication to producing world-class spirits​​.

Why Choose Western Reserve Distillers?

In line with their sustainable practices, the distillery reuses the hot water generated during distillation to heat their mash tank, reducing utility costs. Their raw materials, 100% organic grains for vodkas, gins, bourbons, and whiskeys, come from Twin Parks Organic Farm, while their rum is made from organic dark molasses from the Louisiana Delta, and their agave spirits from organic blue weber agave from Jalisco, Mexico. 

Spirits Produced by Western Reserve Distillers

Handcrafted Organic Blanco Agave Spirit

The Handcrafted Organic Blanco Agave Spirit from Western Reserve Distillers is a testament to their dedication to producing high-quality organic spirits. Distilled from 100% Organic Blue Weber Agave sourced from Jalisco, Mexico, this spirit, though not labeled as Tequila due to its production outside Mexico, follows traditional fermentation and distillation methods. It boasts a light agave and floral nose, a sweet, bright palate, and a smooth, well-balanced, crisp finish.

Western Reserve also has two other agave spirits available.

Handcrafted Small Batch Blended Bourbon

The Handcrafted Small Batch Blended Bourbon from Western Reserve Distillers is a meticulously crafted blend, combining “young whiskey” aged 4 to 6 years with barrels that are 14 years old. This selective process, involving just 3-5 barrels per batch, results in a bourbon that meets the high standards of their Master Distiller. It features a nose of cherry and smoke, complemented by a palate of smooth vanilla with a hint of spice.

Western Reserve also has three other bourbons available.

Handcrafted Organic Gin

The Handcrafted Organic Gin from Western Reserve Distillers begins as their handcrafted vodka, infused with a proprietary blend of botanicals to create a soft, approachable gin. Ideal for cocktails and particularly excellent in a Martini, this gin features a floral nose, a palate of soft citrus, and finishes with lingering citrus notes complemented by a touch of anise.

Western Reserve also has another gin available.

Handcrafted Organic Silver Rum

The Handcrafted Organic Silver Rum from Western Reserve Distillers is crafted using 100% Organic Dark Molasses and a specially selected yeast strain known for its temperature tolerance, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and flavorful spirit. With a vanilla nose, a taste reminiscent of toasted marshmallow, and a finish that offers the depth of flavor akin to an aged rum, it’s an ideal choice for enhancing Caribbean cocktails.

Western Reserve also has five whiskeys and two vodkas available. See Western Reserve Distillers for more information.

Western Reserve Is More Than a Distillery

The distillery offers a variety of drinks, including seasonal cocktails like ‘Posh Squash’, ‘None of your Fizzness’, and ‘Witches Apple’, among others. They also provide classics such as the ‘Old Fashioned’, ‘Negroni’, and ‘Manhattan’ cocktails, which can be specially smoked upon request. Their menu extends to highballs, classic cocktails tailored by spirits like gin, vodka, and rum, featuring drinks like the’ Bees Knees’, ‘Moscow Mule’, and ‘Daiquiri’​​ cocktails.

However, that’s not all. They also offer a menu of delicious entrees, making this distillery a great location for an evening out with friends or your partner.

Western Reserve’s Distillation Process

Western Reserve Distillers’ distillation process reflects their commitment to quality and sustainability. Their distillery is equipped with a custom-built, handcrafted still from KOTHE Destillationstechnik in Germany. This 3000L hybrid pot still features an elongated whiskey helmet and two distillation columns with a final condenser. This advanced setup is central to their distillation process, where all products are twice distilled. 

Where to Find Western Reserve’ Spirits

Western Reserve Distillers’ exquisite range of spirits can be found at their distillery in Lakewood, Ohio, near downtown Cleveland. For those unable to visit the distillery, their products are also available through select retailers, bars, and restaurants that appreciate and carry high-quality, organic spirits. Additionally, Western Reserve Distillers’ spirits can be explored and purchased online, offering a convenient option for enthusiasts across regions where shipping of spirits is permitted. 

The Distillery Crew

At Western Reserve Distillers, the team is a blend of passionate artisans and skilled professionals, each bringing their unique expertise to the craft of distilling. Led by the founders, Kevin and Ann Thomas, the crew is composed of individuals dedicated to sustainability and the art of creating high-quality, organic spirits. 

Tours, Events, & Classes

One of their signature experiences is the Distillery Tour & Tasting, providing an insightful peek into the distillery’s operations and the chance to taste their premium spirits.The distillery also offers various master classes like the ‘Margarita Master Class’, where participants can sample different versions of this classic cocktail before learning to make their favorite version.

Operating Hours for Tours and Visits:

The distillery restaurant is open Tuesday to Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday from 2 pm to 12 am, and Saturday from 11 am to 12 am.

For distillery operations, including manufacturing and office hours, they are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm, while remaining closed on Sundays. 

The gift shop is accessible Tuesday to Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 2 pm to 9 pm, and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm.

Additionally, they offer Distillery Tour & Tasting events on selected dates. These tours provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the distillery’s operations and sample their award-winning spirits​.

Distillery Location & Directions

You can visit Western Reserve Distillers at 14221 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, where they offer a unique experience in organic craft distilling.

Visit Western Reserve Distillers Today!

So, what are you waiting for? Check out Western Reserve Distillers today – order their spirits online or visit their distillery/restaurant in person in Lakewood!