Historie

Karl Dornemann and Eric Stevens began establishing Reverend Spirits Distillery in 2011. They planned and learned about the industry through extensive research, and they visited nearly 30 distilleries around the world. In 2013, Karl earned two Craft Distilling certificates from the American Craft Distilling Institute in Seattle and the Siebel Institute in Chicago.

Rev. Dr. William Dornemann ("Wilhelm" is a reference to his Austrian heritage) is the central figure behind Reverend Spirits. The family name is tied to Karl Dornemann's father, who is also an important inspiration for the brand. Rev. Dornemann is a highly educated priest and a Fulbright scholar in Germanic studies, and his story contributes to the brand's identity.

The company received its federal TTB permit in 2019 and ABC approval in 2020 and is headquartered in the Chelsea neighborhood of Norfolk at 1120 West Olney Road, close to Smartmouth Brewing Company and Bench Top Brewing.

To get production underway, they began contract-distilling their first 30 barrels while iterating the mash bill and distillation techniques, while waiting for their own bourbon to be aged. They released their first bourbon, aged four years, in 2020.

During COVID-19 in 2020, the company changed its operating model and produced nearly 5,000 gallons of hand sanitizer for the local community, the Hampton Roads port areas and the Coast Guard. They were contacted by hospitals all the way to Baltimore, but could only help within the limits of their capacity.

The logo and name reflect a particular branding: it is believed to be a clerical collar logo, rather than demonic horns. The Wilhelm portion of the name refers to Karl Dornemann's Austrian heritage and family name.

Public House and other local restaurants and bars in Hampton Roads carry Reverend Spirits, and the brand's presence in the area is evident through a large whiskey selection — more than 275 different whiskeys from around the world.

Produktion/Fremstilling

Reverend Spirits produces small-batch bourbon, vodka and gin in the Chelsea neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia. Production takes place at 1120 West Olney Road in an area of mixed residential, commercial and industrial use.

In the startup phase, another distillery was hired to produce the first 30 barrels while the mash bill and distillation techniques were tested, and while their own bourbon aged. In 2020, the first bourbon aged four years was released. At the same time, there was significant production of hand sanitizer as a community service during the pandemic.

Produkter / Whisky-serien

The core product line consists of Small Batch Bourbon, as well as Vodka and Gin, all produced locally in Norfolk. The primary whiskey type mentioned is Bourbon, produced in small batches.

Besøg/Oplevelser

The company is part of a local network of restaurants and bars where Reverend Spirits is marketed and sold. The Public House is regarded as one of the places with one of the largest whiskey selections in Hampton Roads, with more than 275 whiskeys from around the world.

Filosofi

The brand emphasizes small-batch production and local roots in Norfolk. The logo's clerical robe symbolism reinforces the close link between the Reverend Spirits name and the family history through Rev. Dr. William Dornemann. During the COVID-19 crisis, the company demonstrated social responsibility by producing hand sanitizer for the local community and military units.