Berkshire Mountain Distillers

Short Overview of the Distillery

Berkshire Mountain Distillers is a craft distillery in Sheffield, Massachusetts, founded in 2007 on a former apple orchard. The distillery produces a range of award-winning small-batch spirits, including gin, vodka, rum, as well as bourbon and corn whiskey. The site's connection to local agricultural traditions and a historic granite-based water source are central elements of the production, and the products are distributed in 19 U.S. states.

History

Chris Weld founded Berkshire Mountain Distillers in 2007 after moving from the San Francisco Bay Area back to western Massachusetts with his family. The couple bought a neglected apple orchard and spent three years reviving the trees, which provided the ingredients for the early product lines. The property also housed a historic granite-based source, which Weld regarded as well-suited for distillation. Weld combined his background in biochemistry and experience in emergency medicine with practical farm work and learning distillation techniques, and in the distillery's early phase he sold bottles from his truck. Since then, BMD has grown to offer more products and is available in 19 states as well as having received awards and media recognition.

Raw Materials and Production

Production at BMD centers on small-batch processes and regionally sourced ingredients. The distillery started with a focus on the apples grown on the farm, and the water supply comes from a historic granite-based spring on the property. Chris Weld's education in biochemistry has contributed to the development of recipes and product formulations. The products are handcrafted in small batches, and the company emphasizes support for local agriculture and suppliers as part of its approach. BMD is cited as one of the early players in the American craft distilling movement.

Whiskeys

BMD's range covers several types of spirits: Greylock Gin and Ethereal Gin, Ice Glen Vodka, Ragged Mountain Rum, as well as whiskey products such as Berkshire Bourbon and New England Corn Whiskey. The products are produced in small batches and are distributed in 19 states. Several of the bottles have earned medals and coverage in trade and national press.

Philosophy and Craft

The distillery's values rest on the use of regional ingredients, support for local agriculture, and a small-scale, artisanal approach to production. The founder's role as active owner and chief formulator combines farming, chemistry, and craft in product development.

Awards and Recognitions

• Gold Medal

• Gold Medal