Western Reserve Distillers
Overview of the Distillery
Western Reserve Distillers is a family-owned, organic craft distillery in Lakewood, Ohio. They produce a wide range of organic spirits—from vodka and gin to rum, agave spirits and a number of rye whiskeys—with small-batch production, a customer-tailored copper pot still, and an explicit focus on sustainability and raw material quality.
History
The story begins in 2014, when Kevin and Ann Thomas established Western Reserve Distillers after moving and working in several states. The couple chose Lakewood, Ohio as their base, and the name ties to the historic Western Reserve region. The logo — a compass with a bee, named IzzyB — symbolizes both the family's role and the wish to leave a better environment for future generations. From the outset, the goal was to make organic, small-scale spirits: grain is supplied from Twin Parks Organic Farm, the rum uses organic molasses from the Louisiana Delta, and the agave comes from Jalisco, Mexico. The distillery, in its setup, has prioritized artisanal equipment, including a custom-built 3000L copper pot still from KOTHE, and positions itself as an organic alternative in Ohio with a focus on quality over quantity.
Raw Materials and Production
The raw materials are at the center: organic grains from Twin Parks Organic Farm are delivered in reusable 2000 lb bags, the rum is distilled from organic dark molasses, and agave spirits are produced from 100% organic Blue Weber agave from Jalisco. The distillery uses a single, hand-built 3000L hybrid copper pot still with two columns and a final condenser. All products are distilled twice: first a stripping run where everything is removed, and then a final run where only the 'hearts' are bottled to ensure purity and the desired aromas. The whiskey side also describes a hands-on approach without additives ('100% additive free'). To reduce energy use, the heat generated during distillation is reused to heat the mash tun, and packaging components such as sacks and tote containers are reused, underscoring practical sustainability in the daily craft.
Maturation and Barrel Types
Many of the whiskies undergo complex barrel-finishing routes. They work with American oak in several treatments — char, heavy toast and newly charred — often followed by a finish in used casks such as Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks or Four Square rum casks. Barrel stave aging and stave storage are mentioned as aged 12–24 months as part of the production chain. The combination of multiple types of American oak and used ex-fade casks is a central lever in the distillery's approach to building complexity in the finished bottles.
Whiskeys
The range spans broadly: the distillery makes organic vodkas and gins as well as rum, agave spirits and a number of rye whiskeys and bourbons/whiskeys in small batches. The whiskey portfolio includes both long-aged variants (for example 18 and 20 years) and young single-barrel releases (e.g., 6 year single barrel), as well as variants finished in Caribbean rum or sherry finishes. Several of the bottles have also won awards, and the portfolio's expression draws on the combination of American oak fade-treatment and concluding use of ex-sherry and rum casks.
| Whiskey | Type / Series | Alcohol | Age | Cask and Finish | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Year Sherry Cask Finished Rye Whiskey | Rye Whiskey | 47 % | 20 Year | Charred American Oak; Toasted American Oak; Newly Charred American Oak; Used Spanish Oloroso Sherry Casks; finish: multi-stage finishing including charred, toasted, newly charred, and final finish in used Oloroso sherry casks | 20-year rye with multi-stage finishing, finished in used Oloroso sherry casks.; Nose: Cinnamon with a hint of cigar.; Palate: A sweet velvety texture, mild rye spice.; Finish: Peppery with a warm Sherry finish. |
| 18 Year Caribbean Cask Rye Whiskey | Rye Whiskey | 50 % | 18 Year | Charred American Oak; Toasted American Oak; Newly Charred American Oak; Used FOUR SQUARE Rum Casks; finish: multiple layers of American oak followed by finish in used Four Square rum casks | 18-year rye finished with Caribbean rum casks; Nose: Green peppercorn with sarsaparilla.; Palate: Sweet velvety texture, mild rye spice; Fresh grapefruit zest.; Finish: Medium body with a long warm finish. |
| Caribbean Cask Rye Whiskey | Rye Whiskey | 47 % | Newly Charred American Oak; Used FOUR SQUARE Rum Casks; finish: newly charred American Oak followed by finish in used Four Square rum casks | Rye whiskey with Caribbean rum cask finish; the product has won a gold medal from Beverage Testing Institute. | |
| 6 Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey | Rye Whiskey | 47 % | 6 Year | Newly Charred American Oak, Heavy Toast and #3 Char on Barrel and Heads; finish: newly charred American Oak with heavy toast and #3 char; barrel stave aging 12–24 months | 6-year single-barrel rye with a focus on a bold rye character and intensive barrel finish.; Nose: Cinnamon, grapefruit with a hint of cigar.; Palate: Peppery; Finish: Warm lasting finish. |
Whiskies’ Style and Flavor Profile
From the product texts, three overarching directions emerge: spice (cinnamon, green pepper, and typical rye pepper), fresh citrus notes (grapefruit and grape), and a sweet, velvety mouthfeel repeatedly described in the tasting notes. Additionally, sherry and rum casks are used as finishes, which lift the wood profile and structure in the finished whiskies. The description is based on repeated notes from several of the listed products.
Visit the Distillery
The distillery offers visitors several on-site experiences: a gift shop, curbside service, and a full restaurant called 'The Distillery', where the food is farm-to-table and the cocktails are made with the distillery's organic spirits. In addition to service, the company presents monthly cocktail recipes and Mixology couples' classes, so guests can combine dining, cocktails, and practical mixology in the same visit.
Philosophy and Craft
The company has chosen organic farming as a core principle: everything from grain to agave and molasses is organic in the products where indicated. The philosophy links flavor quality with environmental considerations — fewer chemicals, better soil, and clean water — and practical solutions such as reusing process heat and packaging. The family emphasizes that products are only bottled when the team is satisfied with the taste.
Sustainability
-
Use of organically grown raw materials to avoid synthetic fertilizers and chemicals.
-
Reuse of warm process water to heat the mash tun to reduce energy consumption.
-
Reuse of 2000 lb sacks and tote containers for storage.
-
Emphasis on improving soil quality, biodiversity, and water protection through organic farming methods.
Prices and Recognitions
-
Double Gold Medal (Double Gold, 20 Year Sherry Cask Finished Rye Whiskey)
-
Gold Medal (Gold, Caribbean Cask Rye Whiskey)
-
Gold Medal (Gold, 6 Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey)