Central Standard Craft Distillery

Overview of the Distillery

Central Standard Craft Distillery is an integrated craft distillery on the west side of downtown Milwaukee, established in 2014. Here we produce bourbon, rye and other spirit types with a focus on local ingredients and internal control from distillation to bottling. The distillery functions both as a producer of its own brands and as a bottler for other spirits companies. From 2026, a new distillery and tasting room location will be established as part of Harley-Davidson's historic campus.

History

Central Standard opened in 2014 with an idea to make better spirits by combining local ingredients and local craftsmanship. The founders Pat and Evan are presented as the driving forces behind the brand, which early on focused on both production and development of ready-to-drink cocktail products as well as classic spirit types such as bourbon and rye. In the years after the establishment, the company expanded its distribution and product portfolio, and in 2025 announcements were made about the purchase and consolidation of facilities at Harley-Davidson's historic campus. Concurrently, Central Standard has launched collaborations, RTD products and special campaigns in the local press. In 2026, the new distillery and tasting room location on Harley-Davidson's campus was announced as the company's next major step.

Raw Materials and Production

The distillery's production unit is located on Milwaukee's west side of downtown and is described as the heart of the business. All spirits are produced, aged and bottled under one roof, allowing full control across the entire value chain. Access to locally produced ingredients is highlighted as central to ensuring freshness and quality. The facility has the capacity to produce, age and bottle thousands of liters per year, and Central Standard also offers co-packing and bottling services for other spirits brands. The focus is primarily on practically integrated production and the use of local suppliers rather than technical details of the processes.

Aging and Barrel Types

The distillery ages spirits in its own on-site storage facilities and emphasizes the ability to control aging conditions internally. The internal storage capacity is used as part of the company's work on its own releases, limited runs and collaboration projects, where aging and storage take place in the distillery's own spaces.

Whisky Portfolio

The portfolio includes a range of spirits with bourbon and rye as clear whisky components, exemplified by Dockside Bourbon Whiskey and Riverbend Rye. In addition to whisky, Central Standard also produces vodka, brandy and a wide range of ready-to-serve cocktails and RTD products. The company continuously works with collaborations and seasonal releases and distributes products both through retail channels and through its own sales channels and partnerships.

General Flavor Profile

Visit the Distillery

The distillery's production facilities at the current address are not open to the public. The company has announced a new distillery and tasting room location as part of Harley-Davidson's Historic Campus, starting in 2026, and this location is indicated as the setting for future guest experiences. Until the new location opens, products can be found via the producer's product locator and in retail channels.

Philosophy and Craft

Central Standard builds its approach on the idea of making better spirits by combining local ingredients with local craftsmanship. The company emphasizes the importance of locally sourced ingredients, a team of local professionals, and an end-to-end production process from distillation to bottling to ensure consistency and quality in its spirit releases.

Latest News

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Event description of a summer event in Davidson Park that combines motorcycle culture, pitmaster barbecue, and bourbon experiences in Milwaukee. Guests can participate in a barbecue competition and meet local participants.